4 Simple Steps to Style Any Space
It is easy to delay making change to our spaces, thinking that we don’t have enough money or time to make them what we want to be. But with a handful of key ingredients and a deadline, it’s possible to transform what you’ve got, and create a space that brings you daily joy.
Recently I was faced with a decision. Do I go out and find a venue for the launch of my new book STYLE in Byron Bay? Or do I try to transform an existing industrial space that we plan to turn into a concept store for Imprint House?
I decided to put the ideas in my book STYLE into practice, and transform the space using what I already have and love.
Step 1 – Create a Blank Canvas
The first step is not what you might think. Ideally, you need to strip your space bare so you can ‘see’ what you’re working with. This is your opportunity to assess the bones of your room. What’s good, what needs to be edited or camouflaged in some way?
Example: In the warehouse I tried to work with the timber balustrades but they were too distracting so I decided to hide them with cotton canvas painters drop sheets.
Step 2 – Establish a Focal Point
Where do you want your eye to go when you step into the room? This is your focal point. You want to build all the other elements around this point.
Example: For the book launch I wanted to create a ‘stage’ where I could interview my guests Courtney Adamo and Emma Lane. As I didn’t have a defined area, I tricked the eye by using two large area rugs side-by-side to create this effect.
Step 3 – Add Layers
Once you have established your focal point, you want to build the layers to create visual interest. This will help your space feel warm and welcoming. Work within a constrained palette of tones to establish a cohesive look.
Example: Textural seagrass rugs, shearling chairs, linen pendants, rustic timber stools all added the necessary visual interest to transform the space from a concrete cube to an intimate space to gather.
Step 4 – Introduce the Unexpected
One of the key elements that takes a space from good to great is an unexpected element. This can be a potted tree indoors, an oversized pendant or anything else that’s not quite what you would expect in the scene.
Example: On the ‘stage’ I hung an oversized linen pendant, which helped to bring the ceiling down, and make the event more intimate. I also added a potted olive tree, helping to add verticality and visual interest. On the drinks table I used an oversized Turkish pot and filled it with a cutting from the orange tree at home (foraging is your friend).
Creating a memorable space doesn’t have to be about spending a lot of money. Instead, it’s about getting creative and having fun!
