3 Tips On Layering, An Overlooked Element of Interior Styling
Your room is painted. The couch is there- in fact, all of the main furniture pieces are perfectly placed. But why does the room feel so empty? Despite having the key fixtures of a functioning room situated, it still somehow feels impersonal. And while I've mentioned before how minimalism has become such a strong trend, it's evident that something is lacking- that's where layering comes into play. Layering, not exactly accessorizing, is about bringing in varying elements into a room to personalize it. Just like we do with fashion, particularly in colder months, but layering is always in-season within the walls of your home. Here are a few of our quick tips on how to get started!
1. Mix Up Your Textures and Patterns
At this point, you've probably seen the Progressive commercial featuring the woman with too many throw pillows. While Dr. Rick is right that if you have so many throw pillows that you can't even sit on the couch (or bed, for that matter), there's a problem, it did highlight an element of layering. Throw pillows and blankets in particular are an excellent way to add little pops of color that will contrast larger furniture that might have a more neutral tone. With our leather couch in particular, since it's already an orange and warm hue, we opted for more black and white southwestern throw pillows for accentuation. We also tossed a sheep fur over the back of the chaise section for more comfort and contrast. Even if it isn't as exciting as a gallery wall, there are a lot of fun ways you can play with your furniture setup, and adding in different colors and textures and patterns is a great way to inject personality into an otherwise run-of-the-mill sofa or accent chair.
2. Curate, Curate, Curate
You know how everyone usually has a nice little coffee table setup that including books, coasters, maybe a vase, or even something sculptural? Well, that level of curation doesn't need to be limited to one area of the home. Window sills, bar carts, kitchen shelves, and benches can all become your miniature museum-like displays. Again, this is where you get to feature all of the things you like. Expressing yourself is always key. And if you're worried about things looking cluttered, there are plenty of ways to minimize while you accessorize. Your home is a just another space to let your personality show, and adding in these personal touches throughout the home will create cohesiveness. One of my favorite instagram accounts, @_____theo, is able to do this in the most chic and effortless way throughout her home. So when in doubt, check her out (pictured below).
I mean, just look at all of the elements at play here. A+
3. Bring Nature Inside
We love plants. And if you love plants, this is where they can help by filling the void between empty areas in your home- corners especially. Nevertheless, by nature, I don't solely mean greenery. Branches, foliage, dried flowers- these can all introduce nature in a way that furthers both points one and two of this blog. Even your fruits and vegetables can be organized in a visually-appealing way to help achieve this. Bringing natural elements indoors is key for designing a serene and peaceful home. You don't need to become a budding plantfluencer (yup, that's a word now), but adding in some of these touches can really "spruce" up your home.
Just a reminder: these are simple and introductory tips. You're fully able to experiment further with wallpaper, flooring, and rugs to develop more layers your space. Once you've gotten started, take a moment, pause, and "edit" what you've done. Again, this will help with avoiding a cluttered look. Add, subtract, and rearrange until you're at ease. It's a process, and nothing has to be permanent. You'll know when you've reached a point that satisfies your mind's eye (hint: you should ~hopefully~ feel a sense of calm).
As always, thank you for reading along and we hope you enjoyed this entry. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us here or on Instagram!
