Colours and pattern refreshes a scheme and creates a backdrop for your own collections
Secrets
I’m often asked about how to create an effortlessly stylish and cohesive scheme without simply starting from scratch and for me this is the joy of interior design and the ethos behind my new brand.
Anyone can open a magazine or book, pause over an Instagram image, and if they have the budget, simply ditch their old scheme and ‘buy the new look’.
But life is not like that, at least not for most of us, and perhaps more importantly, home for me is a place where I’m surrounded by a hodgepodge of glorious (and some less glorious) things collected over the years - from a child’s pottery pig made in reception class, to an heirloom piece from granny to memories of things bought on our travels to wedding gifts, mementos and pieces bought on whims, in sale rooms and charity shops.
Let’s face it, we’ve all been drawn to different styles at different times - and will be in the future too - then reach a point where we wonder if a balanced and harmonious look can be achieved or whether it’s time to offload. Either that or we live with , or should I say, endure a scheme that just doesn’t bring us joy.
My husband jokingly calls me a hoarder but in an age where our sense of home has never been more important or precious and sustainability is key, then the skill of creating a beautiful home by carefully bringing together disparate eras, styles, treasures and objet d’art with specifically curated pieces is exactly what creates a stylish and sustainable 21st century home.
My husband jokingly calls me a hoarder but in an age where our sense of home has never been more important or precious and sustainability is key, then the skill of creating a beautiful home by carefully bringing together disparate eras, styles, treasures and objet d’art with specifically curated pieces is exactly what creates a stylish and sustainable 21st century home.
A Cohesive Look
Whether your taste is maximalist or minimalist or somewhere between the two like me, there are a few sure-fire ways to achieve a cohesive, restrained and intentional look.
The first is through colour.
Whether you use shades of a toning palette right throughout your home or consistent strands of accent colours to pull a look together, both approaches work well.
In many of my schemes, I use a core foundational colour story in calming, neutral hues which then allows me to have fun with colour pops to add modern accents whilst pulling in original period features such as stained glass windows, intricate patterns, cornicing and fireplaces.
In many of my schemes, I use a core foundational colour story in calming, neutral hues which then allows me to have fun with colour pops to add modern accents whilst pulling in original period features such as stained glass windows, intricate patterns, cornicing and fireplaces.
I love to create the feel of a contemporary space whilst sympathetically showcasing history too.
As well as creating cohesion, the other great benefit of using accent or common threads of colour throughout, is that it allows you to refresh a scheme, change a look and add playful vibes without huge expense or commitment to a new scheme.
Whilst sourcing collections for Stylish Home Secrets, I’ve spent a great deal of time looking for easy but stylish ways to do just that, particularly with abstract art, textiles, statement vases, faux plants, cushions, lamps and fabulous accent chairs.
Vibrant seating can inject energy and a new look into an existing scheme
A statement vase can easily add colour and texture through plants and stems
Grouping
Another way to achieve a refined and cohesive look, is to group objects together and always aim for a balanced look.
As humans we are drawn to symmetry in faces and therefore spaces, and whilst perfect symmetry is not always desirable or possible, balance most definitely is.
Whether it’s a sofa with end tables, chair with statement lamp, furniture placement either side of a fireplace or the arrangement of pieces on a console, the height, weight and colours must look balanced.
Whether it’s a sofa with end tables, chair with statement lamp, furniture placement either side of a fireplace or the arrangement of pieces on a console, the height, weight and colours must look balanced.
Creating a beautifully balanced room is something I advise on frequently and the re-arranging of existing furniture, lamps and accessories can make the biggest different to a space.
So at Stylish Home Secrets, we’ve curated our stock and shoot images to carefully show how this be achieved and will also be offering detailed advice throughout our blog pieces – from styling mantle shelves to dinner tables and everything in-between!
So at Stylish Home Secrets, we’ve curated our stock and shoot images to carefully show how this be achieved and will also be offering detailed advice throughout our blog pieces – from styling mantle shelves to dinner tables and everything in-between!
Texture
Balance applies not only to the arrangement of furniture itself but also to texture and tone.
If you have several pieces of natural wood or organic textures such as rattan or wicker for example, make sure they are placed evenly throughout the space.
I find this a useful way to incorporate my antique pieces into a modern scheme and at both my previous and current home, you’ll find wood of similar hues balanced evenly throughout a space. The same applies to patterns and metallic accents.
I find this a useful way to incorporate my antique pieces into a modern scheme and at both my previous and current home, you’ll find wood of similar hues balanced evenly throughout a space. The same applies to patterns and metallic accents.
Smaller Pieces
When it comes to smaller pieces and the styling of bookcases, shelves, consoles coffee and dining and tables, balance and grouping are again key to creating a stylish look but I’d also recommend trial and error, especially if you are incorporating refined, with ephemera and inherited pieces for example, as I have in my home.
The golden ratio of placement and colour will be there, so have faith! Perfectly styled bookshelves or mantelpieces have become the Go To Zoom backdrop for most people and as we went into lockdown I was endlessly asked about how to create a look that would present the right image to the outside world!
This, together with creating a stylish ‘work from home space’ was at the forefront of my mind as I sourced my favourite and also most versatile pieces of Objet d’Art for my website.
We’ve a carefully considered collection of candlesticks, lanterns, busts, statues, tasteful (and useful!) knickknacks, candles and plants to help you curate your own stylish collection.
We’ve a carefully considered collection of candlesticks, lanterns, busts, statues, tasteful (and useful!) knickknacks, candles and plants to help you curate your own stylish collection.