Sign In / Subscribe
Ad
Interior Design

Expert Tips for Styling Those Hard Spaces in Your Home

Does your coffee table need some freshening up? Do you need to add some depth to your bookcases? Today's article was written just for you!

· By Liza Graves
0
Add StyleBlueprint on Google
How to Style Your HomePin

Today, interior designer Sara Ray, owner of Sara Ray Interior Design, joins us with tips on tackling those tough spots in your home: the coffee table, the side table, that empty corner, the blank spot on your kitchen counter that is just screaming “do something here!” Of course, if you are like many of us, you may be screaming back, “I don’t know how to make you look good!” That’s why we’ve enlisted expert help from a local interior designer whose style inspires us with each lovely photo.

Welcome Sara!

 

With the holidays, and all of that holiday décor, behind us, this is a great time of year to take a fresh look at our homes. After the tree’s down and the garlands and holiday décor are put away, sometimes things feel a little sparse, and you may feel that your home needs refreshing. We have a lot of clients thinking about redecorating and reviving their homes right now. It’s the perfect time to talk about styling!

The mix of modern and traditional makes this entry way welcoming and alluring: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
The mix of modern and traditional makes this entryway welcoming and alluring. Image: Reid Rolls

Details like accessories and pillows pull a room together and tell your story. Think of each area you’re styling as its own story, and then view the whole room as a book where all of the chapters come together.

The different heights, colors and textures here make this vignette come alive: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
The different heights, colors and textures here make this vignette come alive.

Using different textures and materials creates interest, and we love a mix of old and new accessories. By adding vintage accessories to the mix, a rich visual texture is created; this enriches the space, because those pieces have a history that provokes a particular, unique aesthetic that can be more interesting than what big box home goods stores can offer.

The antique chair provides lots of texture below the clean, modern lines of the framed art above: Sara Ray Interiors Pin
The antique chair provides lots of texture below the clean, modern lines of the framed art above.
This mid‐century modern chair was fully restored and reupholstered and has been placed by a new custom buffet with a more traditional vintage lamp. Framed pages from an old artist’s sketchbook and a pillow made from an antique kilim rug finish the look: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
This mid‐century modern chair was fully restored and reupholstered and has been placed by a new custom buffet with a more traditional vintage lamp. Framed pages from an old artist’s sketchbook and a pillow made from an antique kilim rug finish the look.

 

Create vignettes with collections of your family’s treasures, and add fresh flowers and plants to enliven your spaces.

A collection of old and new white dishes and tabletop accessories fills this modern black cabinet. Cherished china inherited from the client’s grandmother is mixed into the collection: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
A collection of old and new white dishes and tabletop accessories fills this modern black cabinet. Cherished china inherited from the client’s grandmother is mixed into the collection.
Live plants bring life to your settings and offer height: Sara Ray Interiors Pin
Live plants bring life to your settings and offer height.
Yes, there is enough room for a bedside table! Make it happen! This clear lamp and small vase of fresh flowers allows the space to breathe nicely and not feel overwhelmed. Sara Ray InteriorsPin
Note the power of three items: one large, one much smaller and one flat.
Just one lily can completely change the feel of the room: Sara Ray Interiors Pin
Again, three items!
Three candlesticks and three peonies make for a stunning display. They also from the artwork in the background nicely: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
Three candlesticks and three peonies make for a stunning display. They also frame the artwork in the background nicely.
The dramatic color combination of rich brown, deep red and brass really wows: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
The dramatic color combination of rich brown, deep red and brass really wows.
A collection of crystal candlesticks makes for a simple and elegant centerpiece: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
A collection of crystal candlesticks makes for a simple and elegant centerpiece.
Consider the family members using your space. In this nursery, the accessories serve a dual purpose–they both brighten up the space and are fun to play with! Sarah Ray Interiors, blue-gray nurseryPin
Consider the family members using your space. In this nursery, the accessories serve a dual purpose — they both brighten up the space and are fun to play with!
Don’t forget that art isn’t only for walls! Bookshelves are a great place to display smaller pieces of art: Sarah Ray InteriorsPin
Don’t forget that art isn’t only for walls! Bookshelves are a great place to display smaller pieces of art.
This side table is simply styled with a collection of antique books and a vase of fresh flowers: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
This side table is simply styled with a collection of antique books and a vase of fresh flowers.
The juxtaposition of this old paint‐chipped vase against the smooth marble countertop provides visual interest, because of the mix of textures, and utensils are kept within easy reach: Sara Ray InteriorsPin
The juxtaposition of this old paint‐chipped vase against the smooth marble countertop provides visual interest, because of the mix of textures, and utensils are kept within easy reach.

Don’t get stuck in a rut! While shopping for new accessories is certainly fun, sometimes the most beautiful pieces are ones you already own! Oftentimes, you’re so used to seeing them in one place that they become overlooked and aren’t appreciated for all the great features that they have. Try experimenting with moving accessories from one room to another, where they may bring something different to the space. And keep an eye out for those special pieces to bring into your home! Carefully considering and curating your collection will keep things fresh.

So clear off all those shelves and tables, get rid of what doesn’t inspire you and think about ways to redecorate your spaces to bring a renewed sense of joy to your home this year!

Thank you so much, Sara!

For more information on Sara Ray Interior Design, check out its page in our SB Guide: Sara Ray Interior Design and be sure to follow on Instagram, @sararay_interiordesign and on Pinterest for even more inspiration!

Sara Ray Interior Design, 438 Houston St., Ste. 272, Nashville, TN 37203 | (615) 254-6329

Liza Graves

Liza Graves

As CEO of StyleBlueprint, Liza also regularly writes for SB. Most of her writing is now found in the recipe archives as cooking is her stress relief!

See all articles by Liza Graves
Add StyleBlueprint on Google

Leave a Comment

Our unofficial motto at StyleBlueprint is "Be kind. Do good." We encourage this to be the basis for all comments on our articles. Provide feedback that adds to the story. Some controversy or disagreements are part of any good dialogue between friends, but anything that tears down or belittles others is subject to disapproval or removal. Thank you for being a member of the StyleBlueprint community! View our Community Guidelines.

StyleBlueprint Daily

Join over 200,000 others who have signed up for StyleBlueprint, a life of style & substance, delivered daily. Create an account