Styling 101
Making your home feel like YOU is the thing, because why would it feel like your neighbours, or a even a show home for that matter..
I hope this comes as a shock to no one, but Partner isn’t here to gate keep. So, in making sure we disclose all of our tricks, here’s a whole blog about the hottest Designer Q&A request of them all: Styling.
The truth is, there’s a thousand articles, posts and TikToks about styling. So, there’s no real gatekeeping to be had, yet it’s still the most frequently asked question.
Let’s just call it what it is: a magic trick. The kind of magic we can share. This platform is all about sharing stories, skills and knowledge to learn from one another.
Why that sentence sounds cheesy to me IS the problem. Drawing back the curtain is what I’m here for. For you to be able to understand that styling is never a one-size-fits-all avenue is so understated, yet so crucial. You are the ship, and the information in this blog is your water. Float baby, & lets see where the winds lead us.
“Don’t let anyone decide what your style is. You make that sh*it on your own. We create our life as we go, don’t we? We grow. We change. And your home should too.”
How do Designers make it look so easy? How do you lay an area rug without a tape measure and a friend for moral support? Did you know there’s a “proper” way to hang curtins? These questions & more.. because after all, the word ‘shelfie’ is now in the Webster’s dictionary & Y’ALL NEED TO KNOW. Partner is all about having your back & sharing our knowledge so you can make the best decisions for your homes’ interiors as possible. Periodt.
Let’s start with Area Rugs. Yes I capitalized them because that’s how my brain works. If you feel me, can I get an amen.
Notes aren’t even needed. When the space needs help: add a rug. There’s just two rules: 2 furniture legs on the rug, or all 4 legs on the rug. If the space is large, go large. Feel it out. That’s it, that’s all.
Area Rugs make ALL the difference, especially in an open floor plan. Areas where you want to feel cozy, cuddly and comfortable = add a rug. There are so many great washable rugs available online too. If you find yourself needing help, call me. I’ve got all the tips & tricks. From tips on how to help a carpet lay flat, which underpads are the best and which companies offer the best bang for your buck. Did you know you there are binding companies who specifically make custom rugs for you out of any carpet out there? Did you know we offer discounts on all your favourite brands? Let’s Partner. I mean it.
Let’s Talk STYLING
If the word STYLING freaks you out, or you’ve ever missed out on a beautiful cabinet because it’s got open shelves or glass doors due to your fear of missing the STYLE.. this one’s for you. Styling doesn’t come easy for everyone. Heck, there are TALENTED designers who hire stylists because some people just do it better than others. That is to say: don’t feel bad if you feel like you don’t “have it”. Here are some tricks to help.
Tip 1. The Golden Rule of Odd Numbers. OK, so typically it’s the “Golden Rule of Thirds”, but hear me out. Odd numbers offers a middle item. If you only have 2 items in a cluster of decor, there’s no middle item, leaving it feel unfinished. If there’s just 4 items, there’s no middle so once again, it just ends of feeling unfinished. Stick to odd numbers, and you’ll go far. Use this rule for gallery walls, throw pillows, everything and anything.
Tip 2. Angles. The triangle effect is real, and it’s a doozie. This rule can be difficult to understand, because it’s difficult to explain. But it all goes back to the Golden Triangle Rule of Thirds. Triangles are much easier on the eyes. If you look at someone’s eye as they gaze around a room, our eyes naturally move in triangular shapes. Crazy, I know. Let’s put this into action, let’s say you’re styling two open shelves in your kitchen that are about 36” wide (or 3 feet wide). Start by taking your tallest piece of decor, and place it on the top right or left hand side, which ever side fits the space better. Then, take your darkest (or most contrasting colour) piece of decor, and place it on the opposite side, on the lower shelf. Then, add a softer-looking piece of decor just under the tallest piece. Something “soft” like a dangling plant. GIRL, you’ve just created a visibly soothing styled shelfie. Look at you go! Now, only fill in the blank spaces with items that aren’t as “grabby” for attention as those three key items & you’re set.
Tip 3. Give it SPACE. Let your cutie things breathe. Go for a 3-item cluster and then push things aside or declutter the next 6-8 inches (depending on the length of the shelf). Leaving open space allows for the viewers eye to take a break, and actually creates the illusion of organization. As if we all have our lives together because our shelves aren’t stocked to the t*ts. You know? Decluttering will also just save your day/week/month.. but that’s for another Blog.
Truthfully, I really dislike it when people gate keep, yet I equally don’t appreciate when people blast their techniques. To me, there’s a sweet spot where we can share to help, yet also demand respect in our profession.
In the same respect, announcing rules to style-by doesn’t make too much sense because your style is and always should be, unique to you. With that said, the “grain of salt” thing really does apply here. If we take the rug, as an example, if your space needs it for warmth or space acknowledgement then you’ve got to add one. And of course, if you aren’t learning anything from this blog, then simply reach out to me: I WOULD LOVE TO PARTNER WITH YOU, even if it’s just to answer a couple of your own personalized questions.
A one-stop-shop isn’t for Interior Design because this is an ART form. It’s all about the eye of the beholder. We can’t all follow a Pinterest format and get the exact same home when we need to it function for our own personal usage. There will always be exceptions to the rules. And there will always be PARTNER, here and ready to WORK FOR YOU. Let’s chat!