My Secrets to Achieving Lived-in Luxury
We’ve just wrapped an amazing schedule of installations and photo shoots. It’s been a fun and inspirational fall!
Reflecting on the beautiful homes we’ve been working on, it strikes me that everyone wants their homes to feel cozy but look magazine ready—a tricky balance to achieve. Lived-in luxury takes time, layering, and some really great styling.
At the start of every project we tell clients to set aside money for accessories, but given that the average project can run 18 months or so, it can be easy for that part of the conversation to get lost. So we’ve created a cheat sheet. Consider this our top ten list of pieces that will fast-track your home toward that fully finished, photo-ready look. These are the thoughtful finishing touches every home needs, whether your style leans clean-lined or confidently Rococo.
Books, books, books
The more books, the better. Start with big, beautiful coffee table books; they are endlessly useful for adding color and interest to any surface, especially the coffee table. But don’t be afraid to show off your novels, too. I love seeing what someone is reading! It’s a small glimpse into their inner world. And if you have bookshelves, you’re going to need plenty of books to fill them.
Beaucoup Baskets
If you’ve got an empty corner…add a basket. Need to corral clutter? A basket is perfect for that. Want to add warmth to any space? Yup. You need a basket. With endless interesting shapes and artful weaves, they bring natural texture and character to any task.
Stylish Bedding
Even though the bed is major real estate in a room, what goes on top of it is so often an afterthought. But bedding is the perfect opportunity to add texture and layers to the room, and to have some fun with color and pattern. Besides, it’s easy to change as your mood or the seasons shift.
Throws + Decorative Pillows
If you’ve ever seen Along Came Polly, you know that you can have too many decorative pillows. But one (or three) in a room creates a welcome vibe in the space. And while a throw may also seem optional, we think they make a huge impact. Drape one over a chair or toss it at the end of a bed to make a space more inviting, and I guarantee that they will be put to good use.
Towels (of All Kinds)
Ever stayed at a friend’s home and the towels looked like they had seen better days? Blech. Fresh, high-quality towels are a smart investment. Think plush terry for the bathrooms, luxe linen for the powder room, and crisp cotton for the kitchen. And yes, please replace often.
Interesting Vases + Urns
Why buy a vase when you have a cabinet full of them from the florist, right? Wrong. Vases are actually little pieces of art that function. A thoughtful mix of glass and ceramic, simple and sculptural, clear and colorful designs will give you options for every occasion. Arrangements really pop when in the right vessel.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are so much more than just a culinary workhorse. Keep a few beautiful boards on hand for charcuterie service and repurpose them as decoration—they are the artist’s palette of kitchen decoration.
Bathroom Essentials
The truth is, we remove almost everything from bathroom countertops for photoshoots. But that doesn’t greenlight mismatched grocery store soaps and shampoo bottles when the camera isn’t looking. Instead, make the simple switch to pretty, coordinated products chosen to complement your bath, and the whole room will take on a more spa-worthy feel.
Small Objects With Big Impact
These small scale sculptural accents—something discovered on your travels, perhaps, or a carefully chosen vintage find—are what make a home feel tailored to you. They fill voids and bring personality to nightstands, coffee tables, and nearly any surface that needs a little something.
Art + Mirrors
What you put on your walls is probably the most important consideration for your home because art has the power to set a mood and to start conversation. When possible, we like to design spaces around the art, finding inspiration in the colors and vibe of the work. Mirrors are also a great addition, especially by the entry door, in bathrooms, or anywhere you want to bounce light around a room.
Ultimately, the finishing touches are where your individuality really shines. It takes some layering and a thoughtful edit, but these are the elements we find essential to achieving that lived-in luxury look.