Designing for print (and Instagram) looks great for a couple of hours. But I think spaces are supposed to be functional and liveble all the time. This is a goal for me with my clients. Spaces that are too stuffy are like Instagram- just not real! You can have your “real life” show and make it look intentional in your design. I think even following a few of these tips I use with my clients makes spaces look even more appealing and welcoming.
See if any of these work for you or your clients!
Display your books, knick knacks, and photos:
This example is from my own home. I love to be able to look at things that hold memories or inspiration for me. There’s no point in having them if they’re out of sight. Having them incorporated in a way that puts them on display changes the overall feeling and your connection to your space. Here I actually used a family heirloom book collection as my headboard and feature wall in my bedroom. It has such a great mix of vintage colors, I love the worn contrast to the clean, new modern lines. The juxtaposition makes it look intentional and adds personal character.
Show off your personal style:
Literally incorporate your personal clothing style into your decor style! Why not show your entire personality instead of worrying about a walk-in closet. I did this is my home as well. I really love my bags and shoes so I love being able to display them as design accessories as well. Highlighting pieces that match the color of my decor helps tie the room together and look less like a hotel. I also love when a big mix of colored clothes are displayed over a neutral colored room!
Design like a gourmet chef:
I love the very lived-in look some restaurants are able to create! Rather than have a sterile, uninviting kitchen, I think it’s much more fun to have a lively looking place to entertain guests. This cuts down on cleaning as well! Both of my kitchens in the last 10 years have been open pantry kitchens with everything (even my junk food stash) on full display. If you want to make it a little fancier, try exposed shelves with jars of preserves, wine, old vintage food boxes, olive oil tin cans, etc.
Keep your inspiration and plans visible:
I absolutely love this idea. There is no use in hiding important papers, reminders, or favorite inspirations in the name of a “picture perfect” space. Why not just create a whole feature wall out of it? This looks great in a really clean, modern space or an eclectic space. It’s so easy to do, you would easily do it yourself. This saves you cleaning time and makes your house look like a cozy, lived in home. It’s incredibly functional!
I hope you enjoyed these tips for making your home liveable and still photo ready! In my mind, design should always been functional and beautiful for real, everyday luxury.
-Kelli
