Designing a space begins with understanding The Art of Elements, the thoughtful use of finishes to bring your vision to life. Start the process with a well-chosen palette and design style. Creating a mood board can help you unveil your personal aesthetic. Draw inspiration from magazines, online resources, travel, and even nature to discover your unique style.
If starting from scratch, build your Palette with foundational finishes such as flooring, wall treatments, millwork, countertops, and tile. Ground your space with neutral tones and expand upon this base. Incorporating assorted Textures will add visual interest, while contrasting materials, like warm woodgrain paired with glossy white, create a rich, dramatic effect. To achieve a harmonious look, maintain consistency between colors, materials, and fixtures, providing connectivity and balance throughout your space.
Lighting sets the mood and brings character to a space, enhancing its overall design and functionality. It can elevate the look of a room while drawing attention to highlighted features or focal points. Choose lighting that complements the room’s purpose, and consider incorporating dimmers to easily adjust the ambiance. For a personalized touch, opt for fixtures that are sculptural or whimsical, adding both personality and style to your design.
Furniture selections should reflect your personal style and align with the room’s functionality. Start by measuring the space and being mindful of proportions to avoid overcrowding. Leave ample room for circulation, and arrange seating groupings that foster conversation or promote relaxation. Thoughtful furniture choices will enhance both the comfort and flow of your design.
Textiles are an essential element in any home, evoking feelings of comfort and luxury while transforming your space into a textural retreat. Incorporate a mix of textures, patterns, and colors to add depth while staying within your color palette to maintain a cohesive look. From furniture upholstery and throw pillows to drapery, rugs, table linens, bedding, and towels, each textile enriches your space and enhances its overall warmth and style. When creating a textural palette, layer fabrics with a mix of large-and small-scale patterns alongside a variety of textures. Smooth leather, cozy chunky boucle, and rich, luxurious velvet offer the perfect contrast for a dynamic and visually appealing design.
Accessories and Artwork should tell your story, reflecting your personality and experiences. Be authentic and thoughtful in your displays, choosing bold yet simple pieces that make a statement. Embrace eclectic combinations, uniformity can feel uninspired. Add a whimsical or quirky touch for charm, but avoid overcrowding displays to let individual items shine. Artwork is deeply personal, and art collections are cultivated over time as part of your journey. Be adventurous by exploring local estate sales, galleries, or art fairs to curate a collection that is uniquely yours.
Books are an essential staple in any space, bringing character, color, and a touch of intellectual curiosity. Stack them, lean them, or display a single book on a table for a minimalist statement. Enhance their impact by topping or flanking them with decorative objects, creating a dynamic and visually interesting display that reflects your personality and style.
Nature has a unique way of bringing peace and calm to any space, offering a grounding connection that enriches our lives. Take a walk and discover foraged finds, gather rocks along the Lake Michigan shore, search for unique driftwood, or collect in-season flowers or greenery to display in a beautiful vase. Whether real or faux, greenery injects life and energy into your home. If you don’t have a green thumb or have limited natural light, opt for hardy plants like snake plants or ZZ plants, which thrive with little light and infrequent watering. Bringing the outdoors in will not only enhance your space but also warm your soul.
Your home is more than just a physical space, it’s a canvas that reflects your story, your style, and the life you live. By embracing The Art of Elements, you can thoughtfully combine finishes, textures, and personal touches to create a space that is uniquely yours.
Your Home is a reflection of the life You live.
Be true to yourself and your needs.
Live Well.