Once the overall look and decor of a room is established and the anchor pieces in place, the fun of styling begins. I love this part. Over the years as an interior designer, I would occasionally be asked to simply update a home with fresh pillows and accessories. Creating new vignettes on tables, chests and shelves is an easy place to start and provides instant gratification. I like to start with the client’s existing items and fill in with new purchases, only if needed.
After taking stock of the pieces I’d like to work with, I’ve used a formula that’s easy and works every time, no matter what the style of the home. It can be adjusted to a variety of looks – from minimal and clean to eclectic with collected treasures. By focusing on two elements, color palette and a variety of heights, a sense of order falls into place. The color story sets the mood and is reflective of the room, while the balance of high and low objects add visual interest.
The neutral room above, designed by the talented team at M. Elle Design, is filled with abundant natural light calling for a pale palette to complement the relaxed aesthetic. Texture in a woven tray or a carved stone votive holder adds dimension and warmth while matte finishes contrast with reflective surfaces keeping it interesting. Nothing should dominate or be the center of attention, so a set of washed linen coasters and books with a subtle cover are as much pattern as I’d want. When gathering items for a story, I make sure there are enough tall pieces to balance the low objects, otherwise, it can look boring. Books are the perfect low element to use and are a mainstay in every project adding dimension and personality.
Many of the items above are no longer available so links to similar items are shown below:
tall bronze vase, bud vase, leather tray, SALT book, AD at 100 book, linen napkins, cachepot
The remainder of the rooms in this post share the same exact approach by establishing a theme with color, then pairing the vertical with horizontal. Stacks of books in varying numbers are used every time. Collected objects, reflecting the homeowner’s interests, are consistently part of the curating process. The photo above, in a room designed by L.A. based DISC Interiors, tells a contemporary story centered around the juxtaposition of sculptural shapes in black and brass with organic earthenware, suggesting an appreciation for art, abstract form and pieces with handmade character.
Many of the items above are no longer available so links to similar items are shown below:
brass bowl, low white bowl, bronze sculpted vase, blackened brass incense holder, brass coasters, Olivier Theyskens, Vogue, Tom Ford and Versace book
The L.A. home of Jenni Kayne has raw, natural elements throughout with tons of texture, so the coffee table story is a bit more polished. The inviting decor is modern but far from spare and cold. Bringing in items with shine or reflective qualities balance the rough finish of a poured cement fireplace and reclaimed wood trim. Keeping with the organic vibe of the home, carefully selected pieces, such as an alabaster box, shell inlaid trays, and a blown glass hurricane seamlessly create a distinct and cohesive story. Additionally, thoughtfully collected books reflect the overall aesthetic of the home. By introducing just one unexpected element, such as the gold-accented glass bowl, the room gains a dose of polish.
Many of the items above are no longer available so links to similar items are shown below:
White tray, alabaster box, gold/glass bowl, Vogue Living, Beautiful, Sunday Suppers, In Full Flower books, glass hurricane
A home in Brazil from Galeria de Arquitetura tells another story by sticking to a simple formula of predominantly two items used for the tabletop – large filled planters surrounded by stacks of books. There’s an occasional found-looking object on a couple of stacks, but that’s it. The presentation is predominantly horizontal and flat, therefore not distracting from the vertical interest of the tall windows and view from the room. For clients with a large collection of books, this is a fantastic way to enjoy them, with easy access to browse the pages. This type of arrangement can be quickly refreshed and adjusted to accommodate new books or to clear space for drinks or trays when entertaining.
Many of the items above are no longer available so links to similar items are shown below:
The Golden Age of Dutch Painting books, Beyond Chic book, bronze tray, ceramic black box, vintage shoe forms, black oval planter, black candle holder
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Source: photos from top: (1) M. Elle Design/Roger Davies // Disc Interiors // Lisa Romerein // Galeria da Arquitetura
Lisa
One post and I learned about 65 new things, thank you, Karima. I read your blog weekly and appreciate your style in-home as well as travel and fashion. Your examples and curated items are beautiful.