Creating a "Gathered Look"
Pulling a look together that is structured, refined, and yet cool and effortless, is one of the top things my clients ask. How do you do it? What’s the secret? The trick is to keep things casual, but polished, and always go for a more gathered vibe overall. You want your home’s style to feel like a perfectly worn-in pair of leather boots - high in quality, oh-so-comfortable, and of course, ultra stylish. So without further ado, let’s add a little of that warmth and visual wow factor to your space - read on for my top ways to do just that.
Xo,
Laura
LAYERS
I can never get enough of layers, and there’s a solid reason for that. The less you stick to bed-in-a-bag looks and right-off-the-display arrangements, the more curated and unique your spaces will feel. In the bedroom, for instance, layering together a wide variety of textures, patterns, and materials within a small but complementary color palette definitely gives the room a curated look without getting too “matchy.” If doing this seems overwhelming, just remember to stick to simple and subtle patterns and textures - like a classic stripe and linen window treatments - the timeless vibes of these elements will always be a winning combo.
COLLECTIONS
One of the best ways to get that gathered look is to display a personal collection because it so unapologetically represents you, and that gives off an instantly inviting aesthetic. Maybe you have a love for vintage brass tchotchkes or are a total sucker for the unique shape and color of driftwood - whatever your preference, don’t hide your treasures in a box in the closet! Let them shine! By layering together a variety of items that call to attention the qualities of your most-cherished items (like color-complementary books, plants, and vases), you’re sure to have built-in conversation starters the next time you have guests in town (post-quarantine, of course).
TEXTURE
When in doubt, add texture! I just adore the use of it in this kitchen - everything from the counter to the ceiling stone provides so much warmth and a sense of age that just can’t be beat. As tempting as it can be to always opt for the streamlined and minimalist look of so many designs out there these days, if your end goal is to have a space that feels fresh, yet timeless, you’ll definitely want to take a few cues from historical finishes that are still going strong centuries later. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should transform your kitchen into a full-on 17th century space complete with a wood-burning stove and no electricity, but it does mean it’s perfectly okay to mix and match more current styles with those cozy vibes of years gone by.
PATTERNS
Can you even handle the pattern gorgeousness of this window seat? Everything is just perfection - from the area rug to the seat, pillows, and wallpaper, it all feels so stunning individually, yet works together as a whole like nothing else. It might seem contradictory, but when it comes to adding patterns to your space, more is more! As long as you stick to a simple color palette (in this case, neutrals with a pop of blue and gold), you can choose whatever pattern your heart desires. Especially if you have a stunning nook like this one to work with, there’s no limit to how you can incorporate pattern play, and I’m totally and completely here for it.