TEN FAVORITE DECORATIVE ITEMS TO CREATE A LAYERED LOOK

Last week, I had the pleasure of guest blogging over at The Mayfair Hall, talking all about how to create a base for a layered look in your space (thank you so much, Melissa, for having me!!) and I thought it would be fun this week to take a look at some of the items I use over and over again in order to create that look!

For me, layering is all about creating a cozy feel through fabrics, textures, art and beautiful lighting. It’s certainly not something that you can achieve overnight, but, as I mentioned in the article, a surefire way to get you well on your way and to create a great base upon which to build is to focus your budget on window treatments and the largest size rug you can afford at first. From there, adding lighting, texture and one-of-a-kind antique and estate sale finds are where I focus my attention next. But once you’ve created a beautiful, neutral base, then what? This is honestly one of the most-asked questions I get but it also happens to be the most fun part! It’s like picking out what jewelry you’re going to wear for an evening out. Here are a few tried and true favorites that I’ve used time and time again:

Throw pillow / Topiary (faux version here) / Round mirror / Brass picture frames / Blue ombre books / Coral / Water hyacinth tray / Basket / Brass sconce / Henry Dean Hurricanes (Similar glass hurricane)

THROW PILLOWS are a great way to add color, pattern and texture to your space and an inexpensive way to completely change the feel of a room without having to do much else! 

FRESH GREENERY You just can’t beat the pop of color and LIFE that house plants bring to any space.  My favorites are maiden hair ferns, bird’s nest ferns and myrtle or rosemary topiary. And for those of us with black thumbs (or who just can’t seem to find myrtle topiary or keep them alive when I do!), this is a great faux option!

ROUND MIRRORS are perfect for bouncing light around a small space and adding a little softness to square rooms, mantles, etc. 

SIMPLE, SILVER OR BRASS PICTURE FRAMES Thin, modern silver picture frames are my favorite; they look beautiful in mass groupings and make such a dramatic impact!

COFFEE TABLE BOOKS Display them on bookshelves, end tables, on a tray, or an ottoman. Even in stacks on the floor next to your sofa or armchair! Your coffee table books tell a lot about you and add a personal touch to your space, but they also add yet another layer of interest and a pop of color!

CORAL adds so much texture and interest to bookshelves, a stack of books, a mantle, a coffee or end table and adds a chic finishing touch to tablescapes!

TRAYS are essential for coraling kitchen and bath essentials, creating a beautiful display on a coffee, side or dining table, even a makeshift bar setup.

BASKETS I never met an oversize water hyacinth or wicker basket I didn’t love; I have them strategically placed all over my house for quick and easy toy pickup, in the bathrooms for towels and toilet paper and also for house plants. They’re such a chic way to conceal clutter in a pinch!

ACCENT LIGHTING Table and floor lamps, wall sconces, even chandeliers and pendant lights create ambiance and a cozy atmosphere and are so much more flattering than overhead lighting. Installing a dimmer switch is an easy and super inexpensive fix for can lighting, and is one of the first things I do when a client is trying to soften their space. 

GLASS HURRICANES I love vases that can pull double duty as candleholders, but sometimes you just can’t beat the soft glow from plain old glass hurricanes. They are perfect for creating ambience and look just as pretty when not lit.

What are some of your favorite items to decorate with?