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!
PinThe 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.
PinThe 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.
PinThe antique chair provides lots of texture below the clean, modern lines of the framed art above.PinThis 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.
PinA 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.PinLive plants bring life to your settings and offer height.PinNote the power of three items: one large, one much smaller and one flat.PinAgain, three items!PinThree candlesticks and three peonies make for a stunning display. They also frame the artwork in the background nicely.PinThe dramatic color combination of rich brown, deep red and brass really wows.PinA collection of crystal candlesticks makes for a simple and elegant centerpiece.PinConsider 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!PinDon’t forget that art isn’t only for walls! Bookshelves are a great place to display smaller pieces of art.PinThis side table is simply styled with a collection of antique books and a vase of fresh flowers.PinThe 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
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