The best layering in interior design happens naturally. Well, not totally naturally – but it has to look like it did. Surrounding yourself with textures, patterns, well-loved items and….well, layers, creates depth in a room that can’t be bought in a furniture showroom.
How do I even begin to layer, you ask? Here are a few ways to go about layering a room that easily transitions you into a master of your domain.
Layer By Function
Think about how this room will be used. What type of room is it and who will use it most? A guest room, for example, may only be used by your friends and family, but it needs to be welcoming, comforting and relaxing. The layers can be in linens, fluffy robes, towels and blankets or in scent with candles and potpourri. Perhaps a sitting chair with stacked books or a wicker basket with travel-sized necessities.
Layer With Texture
A quick and easy way to add depth is by mixing textures like linen and tweed with velvet – but it doesn’t have to be fabric. Line your walls with textured wallpaper or paint a raised pattered. Consider sea grass or shag carpet for the floors and add fringe or beading to pillows or throws.
Layer By Style
If you’re going for a specific feel in a room, layer using elements of the same style. For a rustic, lodgey feel, for example, try layering wooden picture frames atop a dark wood chest and mix in some accessories using natural textures like cotton, wood, flannel and stone.
Layer With Light
Functional lighting is great, but why not add some drama with an uplight or highlight a gorgeous piece with spotlighting. Add bling with a chandelier or sconce, or romance with firelight.
Layer With Pattern
Mixing and matching patterns might be the second quickest way to layer a room. Not everything has to be so matchy-matchy! Consider pairing plaids with stripes, or floral patterns with geometrics. Mix a scale of patterns, maybe one large and two small. Keeping within the same alternating color palette makes mixing patterns easier than it seems.
Images courtesy of Lucy & Company, Jim Schmid Photography, Teri Thomas Interiors and SCSD Design