Do you every login to Instagram, start scrolling through your feed, to only feel the #designenvy creep up? Why do some interior design Instagram Stories look so effortless? Why doesn’t my kitchen look that clean, or my bookshelves look that curated? Trust us, we’ve been there, too. And we’re happy to report that it’s not a genetic inheritance or a skill that requires extensive schooling. Being able to successfully style a space to make it seem effortless and easily designed is actually just a set of tricks of the trade, from getting the right light to piling on the texture. Here, one of our design mavens chimes in on how she styles a space to create a design mecca.
Light So Bright
Director of Commercial Design, Lori Brazier, makes sure to emphasize varied lighting heights. “Table lamps mixed with floor lamps, sconces, and chandeliers provide the most light, but also give the best aesthetic overall.” Work three types of lighting into your room scene: natural, ambient, and task. Natural light, the beautiful kind that streams through your window early in the morning, provides a, well, natural feel, shedding light into the nooks and crannies that are otherwise covered and kept dark.
Ambient lighting is also sometimes referred to as general lighting. As you may have guessed, ambient lighting adds ambiance, filling the space and making it more inviting by eliminating harsh shadows. The third type of lighting is task, the bright light that illuminates a particular area in which an activity takes place like reading, working, or watching TV. The combination of these different lights create a layered effect, especially when hit with the bonus lighting: accent lighting—think flickering candles or art lights.
“Not only does different kind of light add to the style of the space, but it adds to the safety, too.”
Tons of Texture
“We typically avoid matchy-matchy aesthetic and love mixing sleek with textured, modern with vintage,” adds Lori. To add depth and dimension to your space to make it Instagram ready, play with texture and varied tones of the same color. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit and pull from different aesthetics: “A contemporary sofa may feel a bit sparse, but throw a knubby blanket over the corner to warm it up and add interest.”
A Green Thumb
“I love a good plant,” says Lori. “Whether a fiddle leaf fig or a centerpiece of succulents, greenery adds life to every environment and completes a space.” Not keen on caring for plants? Lori suggests fauxing it. “Luckily there are plenty of good looking fake plants that work just as well if you have a brown thumb. And if you’re scared of commitment, might I suggest a palm or banana leaf wallpaper?!”
Focal Fun
Something that makes its way into every KKDL design is a fabulous focal point. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping statement light, a vintage area rug, or a family heirloom, we love using one piece as the star of the show, and layering on the ‘supporting actors’ like a pair of chairs or an entertainment center that seamlessly blends into the background.
“Statement lighting is one of my favorite things to specify because it creates an incredible focal point as well as a talking point— it’s a piece of art,” Lori adds. “It’s also one of my top items to splurge on— keep the backdrop more simple and let it shine, literally. My next go-to is large artwork. I love a good abstract in colors that speak to the client, instantly turning a blank wall into a focal point.”
Organized Excellence
If you turn your nose up at any of the previous points, heed this advice: Keep your space clean and organized. One of the reasons we ooh and aah over interior design accounts on Instagram is because they are organized to a T. “Baskets are great concealers and having a home for things means you can easily find it while still looking good,” Lori recommends. One of her tricks of the trade? “Repetition,” she says, “whether that means a row of the same baskets on a console bottom shelf or rows of clear containers for storing food, more of the same thing in the same size is definitely a good thing.”
Now that you have all of the tools you need for your home, you’re ready to start crushing your Instagram game! Use #KKsays to show us how you use our tips for effortless design, and we’ll show off your work on our Instagram! What are some of your favorite tricks to making your home look Insta-ready? Leave your comments below!