Let’s face it. Professional designers and stylists use their artist’s eye to zhush and tweak to perfection. Is there hope for everyone else seeking magic in the cozy mix? Let’s revisit ideas for mixing texture and color with this collection of inspiring Cozy Interiors, Layers & Vignettes.
Country Cozy Interiors, Layers & Vignettes
How Do You Layer Textures & Materials Successfully?
The Belgian apartment above is a lovely example of how to mix texture, color, scale, contrast in layered glory. But which textures? Which colors? What shapes? Notice the mix of geometry: linear, triangles, curves, ovals, and diamond shapes…
The textures and design elements you favor is a subjective matter, but it truly makes for an interesting mix when they combine for a unique result.
When the mix is working, texture, pattern, print and finishes evoke tactile interest, energy, and life. When you’re unsure about layering, collected images online organized on Pinterest boards inform you and give you a place to start.
You’ll be able to return to those favored designs and look closer to notice commonalities.
Hints to Achieve a Calm Look
When your collection of belongings from France and Europe are this fine (above), can you even make a mistake layering them? Hahahaha. The placement above has a pleasingly calm look where similar things are kept together and arranged in a flowy, lyrical yet subtle manner.
While not always obvious when photographed, in person, subtle textures (such as the masterfully plastered walls above) elevate the layered mix.
Here are hints to create aesthetically pleasingly calm arrangements:
Combine smooth ceramic finishes with rough-textured baskets or wooden items. Incorporate a variety of materials with varying sheens, such as glass, metal, wood, and fabric for a more visually rich display.
Don’t overlook negative space where the eye can rest. Study beautifully layered shelves and begin to notice such open space.
Is Layering an All at Once Process?
Bear in mind how shelf styling and styling in general takes time. To arrive at a non-contrived look may require time, trial and error, and repeated attempts zhushing elements fractions of an inch.
Psst. Think you need a pricey antique sideboard from Europe to score a richly layered look? Look at what a single rich paint color for walls and shelves can do (above)!
Group Like Items Together
You already know this, but do you know why? Grouping similar items together creates a sense of cohesion and makes it easier for the eye to follow a theme or story.
Vary the heights and sizes of objects to add depth, personality and interest factor. Using books or boxes to create different levels may be effective, but this approach can go wrong and appear dreadfully contrived. (Sorry to break this to you…there’s a good reason hiring a professional interior designer is a smart solution for the subtle art of zhushing!)
How Are Balance and Symmetry Important?
While it may be easy to recognize when an interior is balanced in a photo, to achieve balance up close, in real life takes care.
Don’t forget you can always snap a photo of your own attempts to balance the design and then analyze it.
Symmetry creates a sense of order and formality too, but it isn’t the only possibility. Asymmetry can be visually interesting and dynamic.
Color Stories, Variation and Layering
Should you intersperse pops of color in the space for visual interest? Sometimes. But tone on tone can still be the right look and beautiful when texture becomes a “color.”
Neutral color stories often fall from favor in terms of what’s trending any given season (what marketers, brands, and magazines tell us is trending, that is), but most of us find “neutrals” easy to live with over time.
European designs beautifully reflect a sophisticated sense of color; both the mix of colors and even color clashing.
What colors play nice together? Sometimes formulas are not as helpful as answering “how can I playfully relate colors for a unique look that pleases me?”
Or even: “what color combination will reflect an evolved over time look that didn’t come together in a single month or year?”
Must you be a designer in Europe to understand interesting color stories that feel authentic and evolved?
It helps…but no, madame!
Layering With Authenticity & a Personal Touch
Incorporating personal items and mementos to add character and tell a story is often key to successful layering.
Art, decorative items, and treasured objects can be conversation starters and make a space feel grounded and personalized.
Favored colors, patterns, books, and art can be gathered playfully and dramatically. Depending on your lifestyle and personality, maybe the mix will whisper. Maybe it will be an expression of fantasy. Fantasy?
Home tours like the one above help us get a feel for the spirit undergirding design, intentions, and sensibilities. These are highly personal matters. While the cozy library below may not suit you personally, that’s the point! You can truly sense the customized comfort it brings to its owner.
When the layers of a mix feel natural, collected, established and authentic, there’s an ease and effortlessness that will feel like more like home than any styled assemblage.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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