Mini Spaces: How to Style & Create a Finished Look
Styling is the quintessential step in making your home look finished and put together yet many people struggle with this step and find it to be the hardest part of home design. Although we view styling as a form of artistry, anyone can master it with a bit of time, effort, and a bit of trial and error. If you haven’t yet, check out our post on shelf styling which is chock-full of tips and tricks to help you get that perfectly styled look for your shelves.
Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing accessories and art for styling:
Purchase what you love and what brings you joy - This is a great philosophy to embrace when bringing anything into your home but especially when it comes to accessories.
Color theme - Consider the color theme of your space. Add more of the same and be sure to bring in lots of pops of your accent colors through your accessories.
Play with Textures - Glass, wood, plants (real or fake), and fabrics can all play together to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Bringing in different textures and colors can help to make a room feel more interesting and inviting. Soft fabrics and plants can add warmth and life to a room.
Add something whimsical - This might be a tchotchke with a bit of personality or a fun piece of art. Regardless of your style, there are lots of ways to bring in whimsical while still holding true to the overall aesthetic.
Let’s take a peek at how this plays out in real life. We turned to our Director of Operations, Chelsea, to see how she styles her entry table at home.
Joy - The art piece here was the first piece of art my husband purchased at a local art show in Chicago. This piece represents for him his transition to adulthood and actually incorporates a lot of the colors we have in our room - teal, blues and yellow. Another item for joy is the vintage wooden tulips I found at a consignment shop while shopping with my mom. Tulips are my favorite flower and how fun to have a representation of something I love that won’t die after two weeks.
Color theme - Creams, teal, white, blue, and black are all colors you find throughout my living room space. The yellow is the true accent color so adding a touch of yellow here in the artificial florals really helps to contribute to the overall cohesive look of the space. The yellow in the flowers also helps to pull a bit of the yellow out of the jellyfish picture.
Texture - I love how the wood, glass, and textured vases all contribute to the diversity of the materials of the collections of items on display here.
Whimsical - The birds are odd. The color, the shape the wirey feature elements of their bodies. When I found these at a vintage shop I knew they were coming home with me. They brought a smile to my face and they were so ugly they were perfect. Sometimes it's the whimsical item that becomes the star of the show!
Overall, this entry space feels balanced, there is a variety of heights, colors, and textures that all contribute to the overall finished look of this space. Finding the right items and balance took a bit of trial and error, there were months of me trying out a few items and trying to figure out what works. Originally, I only had two of the black and white vases and finally found the third vase which seemed to complete the look. Now, I reflect on this space and feel like it's finally complete. Or complete until I get sick of it and want to start again. Ha!
- Written by Chelsea Garcia
Here are a few formulas that might be able to help you get started on some of the most common mini areas - an entry table/console, a coffee table, and a bedroom dresser. Give yourself grace and patience as you find the right pieces that work for your space. Happy accessorizing!
Entry table/console
Consider adding a lamp and a bowl/tray to serve as a functional space to drop keys and sunglasses. Art can also be a centerpiece to this display whether its hanging on the wall or leaning against the wall. We also want to add height here so look for a wide vase with tall leaves or a floral arrangement to add in some extra texture.
2. Coffee Table
We love adding layers to coffee tables. A large coffee table book or two fills the space and add a pop of color. Function is also a consideration when it comes to styling. Make use of a tray or basket to offer space to hold (or hide) remote controls. Coasters also serve as a functional yet decorative item. Candles can also add ambiance to the overall look and atmosphere of the room. Finally, we love adding wood beads to a bowl to add texture and, potentially, another element to the space.
3. Dresser
With a dresser, sometimes less is more here. Art or a mirror can be a central grounding element to the styling of a dresser. Add some height with either a vase with tall leaves or a lamp. Framed photos are also a great addition to a dresser to add visual interest and sentimental value. We also find a ton of functional value in adding a basket or bowl to hold jewelry or a tray to hold personal items such as perfume or creams and lotions.
get the look
