The beautiful rooms we see in magazines often make interior design look effortless, but as any pro will tell you, it’s not! A well-appointed room is the reward for the work of visualizing, planning, gathering, installing — and something you can do yourself: styling.
Styling is the art of arranging things in pleasing ways to create attention-getting vignettes throughout your home. We all know a well-styled home when we see one. It helps to have a designer’s eye, of course, but anyone can do it with a few tricks of the trade. Styling is also a nice way to show off your favorite things — and a bit of your personality. Some styling tips can be applied to any space: Select a common theme; work with odd numbers and asymmetrical designs; vary scale and proportion for balance; and use color to create unity or contrast.
The ideas here, courtesy of our designers, can help you style bookshelves, mantels, or gallery walls like a pro.
PICK UP THE MANTEL
• Choose a focal point — and remember it can be above the mantel. Think oversized painting, wreath, or bold clock.
• Edit elements carefully, keeping in mind that surface space on most mantels is limited, and too much of anything looks like clutter.
• Place tall items first — candlesticks, vases, or paintings.
• Give the space dimension by overlapping some items.
• The mirror-over-the-mantel idea has been a go-to idea forever because it works!
SHELF LIFE
• Decide what you want to arrange on your shelves — books, treasured collectibles, family photos — and then edit, edit, edit!
• If there are books on your shelf, think of them as the foundation, stacking them both vertically and horizontally.
• Add art on mid-height or lower shelves where seated guests can see it.
• Fill your shelves if you like, or don’t! Seeing the back wall here and there is refreshing, especially in a busy room.
AN ARTFUL ARRANGEMENT
• Choose a prominent wall that will provide the best backdrop for your gallery — away from direct light, if possible.
• Use Kraft paper to trace and cut out templates of your artwork; arrange them on the wall with masking tape before you start nailing in picture hooks.
• Consider placement carefully — don’t be afraid to switch things up if you don’t love it!
• Establish a sense of unity by coordinating colors and/or frame types/materials.
Come by and meet our design team. It’s their job to help you design the home of your dreams — doing as much or as little as you like. And remember: Their services are always free! Call 704-341-7512 for an appointment. For inspiration and ideas, visit www.ethanallen.com or one of our two local Design Centers: 5717 Dillard Drive in Cary, 919-233-9190 and 4380 Lassiter at North Hills Avenue in Raleigh, 919-781-9431.