I was with a client the other day and we were shopping for wood flooring for his new place. Since I know my client and have worked for him before, I knew that he was a “Light Wood” person and not a “Dark Wood” or “Exotic Wood“ person…especially when it comes to surfaces that are pretty permanent in the home…flooring, cabinets, etc.

As we picked several cherry samples ranging from pretty light to a medium light finish, I was realizing that if more people were true to themselves and not slaves to trends, I think that we’d see much more personality in personal spaces and less ”Model Home” mentality. The best interior design jobs that I have ever seen or done myself, are the ones that have classic finishes and certain colors, tones, woods and fabrics that are appealing to the client for their intrinsic beauty rather than the latest must have trend.

Not to say that trendy items are not needed in a space…just in moderation and just to add a finishing touch on your own personal likes and treasures…and…especially to keep an interior current.

Remember one thing, you can always change the crazy pillow that you bought at that really swank home store very quickly when it drops like a brick out of fashion…but the floors are kinda here to stay for a while as are the kitchen cabinets and tile floors.

It’s always good to add something to your space that stretches your comfort zone and makes you feel that your hard work paid off in a conversation piece but you also don’t want your interiors to look like everything else you see at every home store or in every magazine. As my Commandment #1 states, design for how you live…not how you wished you lived. I absolutely guarantee, without any shadow of a doubt, that you will be so much happier when you don’t feel like you have to walk on eggshells in your own home!

Pick the wood and stain color that you love…not the wood or stain color that you’ve been told you must love!

The Truth is in the wood…that being said, I’m crazy for Distressed Walnut with a worn patina…always have been, always will…

-Mark