In a world where lifestyles and brand names are of utmost importance, many people have the desire to categorize. Prospective clients and acquaintances often ask what my decorating style is. A quick answer might be some sort of funny and bewildering sniglet or wordoid akin to the branding of Hollywood supercouples ala Brangelina: Contempodition, Tradiporary or Eclectdern.

Here is the truth: Most interior designs are a marriage of two or more styles. But I am getting ahead of myself. I think it is important to point out the difference between design, decorating and style. While these terms are tied together, they are distinctly different.

Interior design involves formal education that encompasses the study of interior spaces, a knowledge of the history and evolution of interiors, and a grasp of the relationship between the users or occupiers of the space and the space itself. It also requires the detailed study of materials, the colors to be used in a project and the frequency of use of the space. This also involves the knowledge of certain accessibility and safety codes. Interior design tackles and resolves the problems created by, or the lack of, interior architecture.

Decorating is like painting or sculpting. It touches on all aspects of color, composition and arrangement but in actual three-dimensional space. The game plan in decorating is solving real-life design issues, such as a small space, the lack of light or the proper arrangement of furniture within a particular place. While decorating can be studied, it is not a requirement. Some people have a knack for placing items around a house and are said to be "born decorators."

Unlike the two preceding terms, style is personal. It is a completely different term and entirely subjective. Either you have it or you don't. It is used to give a project a personal point of view. Style is a distinct attitude that over time develops into your vocabulary or a designer's signature. A great design allows personal preferences and quirkiness to shine through.

Great design encompasses all three components: design, decorating and style. Research is the best way to build your design knowledge and style. Tearing pages out of magazines is the easiest way to create a visual library. Photographing things you like is yet another way to file designs that you love. Another great way to build your style is to visit and frequent spaces with great interior design, such as hotels, restaurants and boutiques. Your city or town may also have a charity design show house, which is a way to sample the work of designers near your home. Visiting open houses is yet another way to get exposure to how people live and current decorating trends.

With exposure and practice, you will develop an eye and will be able to execute a personal design. The accumulation of design experience is what will determine your style. Have fun discovering it!

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash