Wow deep question. This is the best I can do today doped on antivert:).

I want good design to reflect those that use the space as well as nature and I love natural slightly imperfect symmetry.

I searched images on Google with key words and like roarah was drawn to natural reflecting images portraying symmetry. But kept looking and this picture hits a few more of my key words. I don't think I really have a design philosophy, I'm just in search of beauty, so very subjective. I like it natural, simple, clean, warm with some structure or composition. Not busy, random, stressful or complex.

Sochi, the thing that strikes me most about the perfectness of your photo and how it should translate into design is actually representative of how interior design can often fail. I love how the lowest branch is not symmetrical to the rest of the tree but in nature it does not mess with the whole of the tree's beauty. In good design it would be left like that. In bad design, and in most cases, it would be loped off. Left as is and natural is like a perfect naturally falling pillow on a sofa. Loped off would be the karate chopped 10 precisely placed meaningless sofa pillows.

This photo, because, for a room to be beautiful to me, it has to incorporate a little leather, a little wood and a little steel (the cow bell, if you can't make it out in the photo).

I recognized your reference immediately, Sochi! I pulled a Will Ferrell picture off youtube in reply, but figured it would only muck up the discussion here. But thanks for the laugh. :-)

This is an Agave parryi truncata in my yard. The overall complex pattern is accomplished by repeating a
simple geometric form. Something astonishing, made by using something simple; I love that.

I think good design often has layers of
discovery. This is nice from a distance, but up close you can see the purple red color of the small spines, and the subtle waviness of the dark
terminal spine at each leaf tip.

I seem most comfortable with things that are designed to be low
maintenance and long-lasting. This is a tough and durable plant, and it's honestly straightforward.
It knows what it is, for its whole life; a quiet round ball of leaves. No pretentious
grand goals. Just a lovely low round thing; that’s enough.

Until it blooms, and sends up a single tall bloom stalk, and
then it dies. That seems a thoughtful way to celebrate the end of a quietly well-lived
life, to make way for something new.

Sochi, my first thought was "oh no, I don't have a design philosophy." The very first image that popped into my mind was actually this:

...because I think it's a good visualization of my lack of any coherent design philosophy. I have a tendency to gather totally disparate elements as
they strike my fancy, like a crazed magpie. II’ll veer off in any new direction
dictated by my latest find. (I know this isn't good; who wants a room that looks like the above?)

Interesting enough on its own, but good lighting makes it sublime. Toni Frissell, photographer.

This is the same photo I used for my avatar. This is a photo taken from under our hay barn, which is close to 100 years old and still going strong. I love old barns- the traditional shapes and structures, the worn patina of the wood, and how they are both functional and beautiful. I love focus on the sky, clouds, and distant fields, the colors, and the serene feeling.

My design philosophy is to use beautiful things that are simple, functional, casual, comfortable, well-constructed, and traditional with a bit of eclecticism. Natural materials, mostly quiet colors, antiques, letting a few special pieces shine.

This Fantin-Latour still life because everything in it is an oval, yet the impression one gets is of many different shapes.

Interesting question. I had to dig through my photos to find the one that came to mind. My style is casual and calm, but with subtle elements of interest. Timeless over trendy, but not closed to new ideas. Things may be located or used in a manner that is unexpected or other than their usual intended purpose. The plants and animals, and light, of outdoor areas are a major component of interior living (We spend a great deal of indoor time looking out the windows!).

That is a beautiful agave specimen, mudhouse!

Holy C***, I did it! I posted a pic!

Anyway. I love strong geometric lines (I life in a post and beam house) layered with smaller patterns and splashes of colour.

You all are WAY too cerebral for me on a Saturday afternoon!

My philosophy, for my living spaces..... Soothing, classic but not stodgy. Established, tidy but relaxed. Crisp, contrast, comfort.

hmm.... not sure why the photo didn't attach before

I know this is an interior image and maybe more literal than desired but it is the only image I found that seemed to hit all the elements I find important. I like classic lines, color, texture, comfort and natural elements that are often arranged in unexpected and casual ways. The beauty seems to come from contrasts and the interplay of light and shadow is part of this. Nothing pretentious. Perfectly imperfect!

Color, creativity, simplicity, and idea that things can be transformed and repurposed- and will be, are all part of my decorating style. I like the idea of fluidity. I like things that are dynamic and imperfect. I'm happy to gather what appeals to me, put it all together, and hope for the best. I'm a big fan of the resulting surprises.

I didn't have time to go searching for an Internet image, so am using one of my favorite photos from our vacation last fall. This seems to capture the serene, calm, warmth of nature we enjoy and hope to convey in our home. Our furnishings are generally classic and simple, with colorful accents, a few antiques and family pieces sprinkled around.

Nonconformist elegant ease.

Classic, but a little unique and a little quirky and definitely not like everything else. A little European. A little green, as in eco-friendly. Some little luxury touches but overall, affordable and economical. A little dab of character and is definitely not drab. Little, as in small.

I just want to say that I love these type of posts. I have not yet determined what photo best represents our style (we only choose what we will both be equally happy with). It is a very interesting exercise :)

Comfortable and cozy

Classic, comfortable, can be a bit trendy...

Gathered, layered, artistic, utilitarian. Even though our home is traditional, we live in it. No, we don't have a wood burning fireplace, but I find this stack of firewood beautiful.

Good design should be functional, balanced, incorporate some history but largely be a reflection of the occupants.

When I think about what I like and how I make my choices, I think that form follows function. Not that it can't be beautiful too, but that it should first work, do the job. I like it to be classic, not trendy, and yet work well with other styles...very eclectic in my tastes. I like it to be something that will be appreciated for many years to come.

So the closest I've come, is the Brooklyn Bridge. Functions well and has for a long long time, yet its design is very traditional and very beautiful and has been appreciated by many for a long time, and will be for many years to come. It's style still plays well against the backdrop of the much more modern city, adding a touch of eclecticism to the view, which is definitely up my alley.

The only thing missing from it is my love of color, which is also an important element. I suppose the neutral colors of the bridge work well for me too...more so than say the Golden Gate. So yes, the Brooklyn Bridge would be it.

Annie - the bridge itself may not have colour but its setting in this picture certainly does and it's spectacular. (I've never seen the Brooklyn bridge in real life but some day I would like to run across it). The sky with its many shades of blue, the trees and their many shades of green, the red brick building to the left of the left tree balanced by the redness of the building under construction on the far right of the picture.

Sometimes I think that muted colour as a backdrop can highlight a focal point.

I want a warm, cozy, earthy, nest, surrounded by greenery ... and I'm a little squirrelly.

Colorful, fun (I hope), modest, not too serious, in slightly poor taste, nostalgic and with a nod to retrofuturism. I wish I were a little more fearless, however.

I’m all over the place. A room has to have some cool well
made, some ugly unexpected, some practical, some comfort and some impractical. Got
to love the ole well-made Mercedes- Benz 250 SL convertible! Preferably, within
the 1967 -1971 range and in white and with camel color interior. On the flip
side I get a lot of hauling use with my practical Honda mini van. These two
pretty much sum me up in a nut shell.

As you see there are some open bits…these areas are either
open to interpretation or show areas where I get stuck in mixing.

Vintage quality, form, function, classic style. A mix of textures. All that's missing is tartan and maybe a bit of stone.

Pal, you always come up with such fun and inspirational topics. Love this one, each photo says so much about the poster. Thanks

This says it: Flowers, books, casual, just needs a dog on the floor, or 2 or 3.

I don't have a photo but it would probably look similar to peged's. My personal philosophy is akin to mudhouse's plant.

pipdog, even without the hills and victorians to give it away, SF is instantly recognizable in your photo.

Oh how I miss my city and all the strange and interesting characters there. I really miss seeing my favorite SF eccentric, Frank Chu, on a daily basis.

I don't think I've ever articulated a design philosophy, and I struggled with this a bit. But here it goes:

I have these shoes. I love these shoes. They are not really good-looking shoes. They are sensible, and comfortable, and conform to the shape of my feet rather than forcing my feet to conform to some idealized vision of what feet are supposed to look like.

That's what I want interior design to do: make my life easier and more comfortable by conforming to my needs, rather me having to conform to some idealized vision of how the "beautiful people" live.

Off-topic anecdote: When my mom saw those shoes for the first time, she said, "Those are good-looking shoes!", a statement I still find baffling and amusing. But then, the reason I think they are not good-looking is because they are actually shaped like my (admittedly wide) feet. And we've been conditioned by the shoe industry that the shape of our feet is just not pretty--they should be narrower, and pointier, and shaped like Barbie feet.

Traditional technique used for modern form, makes me smile, love color and the nature.

Diane

I love art and this is a piece from one of my favorite local artists, Sean Wimberly. I do own one of his paintings that I cherish, although not this particular one. But, in many ways this does represent my design philosophy.

Southwestern, leaning towards Spanish. Relaxed. Welcoming to family and guests alike. Comfortable. Sheltering. Bringing the outdoors in as much as possible.

I love the color and use of light in the painting you posted, Lynn. I had to go check out the artist's website. Lots of warm colors and high contrast. I really like his work.

And then I scrolled up and saw Diane's post. Is that a reddish egret? It is beautiful! And those colors...

I must be in a unusually colorful mood today. I am really enjoying all of the thoughtful and varied ports in this thread.

The first thing that came to mind is a pendant a longtime friend and local jeweler created for me. My DH & I were high school sweethearts and we became engaged during college. To buy me a ring, he worked a side job while attending classes and doing an internship. It was a gold band with a 1/4 ct. diamond in a simple raised setting. I was thrilled with it, but he regretted the stone was small. On our 25th anniversary he surprised me with a new ring. I was touched, but had such a sentimental attachment to the one I'd worn for decades that he had this pendant made - the circle is my original ring.

It represents my design philosophy because it's a simple, practical piece made of fine materials that has a personal attachment or connection. I photographed it on an unembellished black cashmere sweater (which also reflects what I'm drawn to - style/color). The ring is yellow gold but the bail and diamond setting was done in white gold, so it works whether I'm wearing gold or silver jewelry. It's casual enough to wear with a t-shirt, but can look elegant with a velvet dress.

This piece isn't showy and wouldn't elicit "Wows" but it is unique and special to me. Same can be said about my homes and how I've chosen to furnish and decorate them.

This was challenging, and I still don’t know that I nailed it. I’m drawn to a mix of fancy
and simple. I like comfy, contrast,
texture, and light. Some things I prefer
symmetrical (rim light) and other things asymmetrical (notice wing & leg). I also love animals.