Cohesiveness is Key
As I stand in the middle of my new living room, surrounded by partially unpacked boxes, I can’t help but feel a sense of overwhelm. Where do I even begin to create a cohesive space out of this jumble of furniture and decor? Sure, I have plenty of lovely items, but how can I pull it all together into a harmonious whole?
Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a similar situation – whether moving into a new home, revamping an existing space, or simply adding a few new pieces. It’s so easy to get caught up in the thrill of individual purchases, only to find that tying everything together seamlessly is… well, a challenge.
But fear not, my home-designing friend! I’m about to let you in on a little secret that has completely transformed the way I approach decorating. The key? Curating coordinating sets throughout your home.
Finding Your Signature Style
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “But I don’t have a defined style! How can I possibly coordinate anything?” Well, let me tell you, even if you don’t consider yourself a design maven, you absolutely have a style, whether you realize it or not.
Think about the items you’re most drawn to when you’re out shopping or browsing online. What colors, textures, and patterns catch your eye? Do you gravitate towards sleek, modern pieces or cozy, rustic accents? Take a moment to really observe the things you surround yourself with – chances are, there’s a common thread.
For me, I’ve always been a sucker for warm metallics, like brass and gold, as well as soft, nature-inspired palettes. I love the contrast of smooth marble and weathered wood, and I can’t resist a good leopard print or stripe. These elements have become the building blocks of my signature style, and they’re the foundation for the cohesive look I’m able to create throughout my home.
Coordinating with Confidence
Once you’ve honed in on your personal aesthetic, the next step is to start building out coordinating sets. This doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly matched – in fact, I find that a little mix-and-match can add visual interest. But there should be a clear thread tying the pieces together.
For example, in my living room, I’ve opted for a trio of brass table lamps – one on the side table, one on the console, and one on the bookshelf. The warm metallic tone unifies the space, even though the lamp styles themselves vary. I’ve complemented this with a plush velvet sofa in a rich, earthy tone, as well as a cowhide rug and a few throw pillows in complementary patterns.
Sofas are a great place to start when building your coordinating sets, as they’re often the focal point of a living room. Once you’ve selected your sofa, you can pull colors and textures from it to inform the rest of your decor choices.
But don’t limit yourself to the living room – this coordinating approach can (and should!) be applied throughout your entire home. In my dining room, I’ve continued the brass theme with a statement chandelier and a set of matching sconces flanking the sideboard. And in the bedroom, I’ve tied everything together with a neutral duvet cover, some plush velvet pillows, and a pair of sleek nightstands.
As one interior designer put it, “It’s nice to have a cohesive general scheme throughout your home… Setting a few boundary conditions will help guide you as you go about finding new fixtures and narrow your search so you don’t get overwhelmed by the options.”
Coordinating with Personality
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t that make my home look too matchy-matchy?” And you know what? That’s a valid concern. No one wants their space to feel like a cookie-cutter showroom.
The key is to infuse your coordinating sets with personality. Mix high and low pieces, pair vintage finds with modern accents, and don’t be afraid to layer in unexpected elements. In my home, I’ve done this by adding pops of color through artwork and accessories, as well as incorporating natural textures like woven baskets and live plants.
As another designer shared, “If you can echo design elements from one fixture to another, that’s going to help a ton with a cohesive look. For example, if your dining room chandelier is minimalist with a curvy shape, you might choose island pendants that are also minimalist and have a bit of a curve to them.”
It’s all about finding that sweet spot between coordinated and curated. And let me tell you, when you nail it, the results are nothing short of magic. Your home will feel effortlessly pulled together, with each room flowing seamlessly into the next.
The Art of Accessorizing
Of course, no discussion of curating a cohesive home would be complete without touching on the power of accessories. These little finishing touches can make or break the overall aesthetic.
As one blogger put it, “If you look at all my various accessories, one reason for this is that they pretty much fall into the same colour scheme – white, black, gold, neutral, or pink/peach. I tend to find myself drawn to a few different patterns as well – leopard print has been a favorite forever, but also marble or dalmatian print, all of which fall into that neutral territory.”
By sticking to a cohesive color palette and a few signature patterns or textures, you can create a sense of harmony that ties your entire home together. Don’t be afraid to rotate these accessories seasonally, either – swap out cozy, textured throws and pillows for lighter, airier pieces as the weather changes.
And remember, when it comes to accessorizing, size matters. Mix up your items, from towering floor vases to delicate trinket dishes. This variety will add visual interest and depth to your styling.
A Home that Evolves with You
The beauty of this coordinating approach is that it’s not static. Your home should evolve alongside you, reflecting your changing tastes and experiences. Don’t be afraid to edit your collection, letting go of items that no longer serve you to make room for new pieces that spark joy.
Sofas Spectacular understands this better than anyone. As a custom sofa company, they know that your living space is a reflection of your unique style and personality. That’s why they offer a wide range of fabric and finish options, empowering you to create a sofa that’s truly your own.
So, whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing space, I encourage you to embrace the power of coordinating sets. It may take a bit of time and effort, but trust me, the end result will be a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and – most importantly – completely you.