STYLING YOUR LIVING ROOM: BTS OF OUR MODERN TRADITIONAL PROJECT

We recently revealed our Modern Traditional project on the PepTalk and on our IG.  This project was an absolute dream to work on.  We got to play with tons of color, pattern and texture, but needed to keep the overall style modern and somewhat traditional.  One of the most frequently made comments we hear from friends and future clients is, “I don’t even know where to start!”  Styling an entire room within your space can feel a bit daunting, especially if you have various design elements that you want to incorporate (ie: various colors, patterns, textures, etc).

Today, we are taking you behind the scenes of our Modern Traditional project and giving you a few design tips on how to style your living space and where to start.

RUGS

There are SO many ways to design a room, but here at PD we like to start everything off with the rug.  Depending on the size, color and pattern, this will really dictate the rest of the room.  As you will see in the photo above, we decided to go very colorful with the rug and then take it down a bit when we selected the furniture and pillows.  

If a lot of pattern and color is too much for you when it comes to a rug, no problem!  Start with a solid color or more neutral rug and then incorporate some pattern and color when selecting pillows and throws.

LIGHTING

Next up is lighting.  Lighting is EVERYTHING!   Not only does it need to be functional within the space, but it is a great way to make a bold statement.  When we found these lamps (top left) we knew they were absolutely perfect for the space.  They were just the right amount of eclectic with an unexpected modern twist.

ARTWORK

Artwork can be another tricky factor when it comes to designing your space.  We believe it all comes down to 2 factors - it is either really personal and means a lot to you or it’s not and you just want it to look cohesive within your space.  Once you have answered this question, the next step is to measure the size of your space and go from there.  It is also important to make sure that when selecting artwork, the piece fits within the overall style of the room and it’s colors complement the space rather than compete with the space.

ACCESSORIES

For this project, our client wanted us to incorporate some decorative pieces that they already had.  Luckily for us, our client had some amazing family heirlooms that had been passed down and worked great with the style of the space.  Our biggest piece of advice when incorporating current pieces you have with new pieces is to really take inventory of what you have and make sure it can fit within the overall style and direction you have chosen to go.  Don’t try to force something into your design if it is dated or too out of place.  Sometimes what you have is NOT what you need.

Lastly, don’t be afraid of mixing and matching items.  There are so many different kinds of styling accessories so play around and have fun with it!  If you have any design questions or are looking for more help with your space, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@peppearddesign.com

PILLOW TALK

With the launch of the Pep Line, I couldn’t think of a better Pep Talk than pillows!  As a designer, I love throw pillows.  They can instantly change a room and not only serve as décor, but also functionality.  

However, with the abundant number of options on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed shopping for the perfect pillows.  Here are a couple rules of thumb I tend to shop by:

First, and with good reason, let’s talk inserts.  Often times big box department stores carry foam or poly-fill throw pillows.  While it is easy to get distracted with the pretty patterns and textures, pillows with poly-fill inserts simply don’t have the same look as down or synthetic down.  We can’t apply our beloved karate chop (creating an indent in the top of the pillow for a finished look) to poly-fill inserts. Not to mention, they’re not comfortable…and we’re talking about pillows here, so comfort is of the necessity.  Eliminating poly-fill inserts from our shopping cart will immediately reduce more than half the pillow options on the market.

Second, shop for a variety of pillow shapes and sizes.  Just like texture adds layers to a room, various pillow sizes keep the eye moving.  The Pep Line pillows come in five sizes making it easy to style your sofa: 12x20, 14x20, 16x22, 20x20, 18x18.  Furthermore, our pillows have generous inserts that allow them to maintain their shape and fullness. If you happen to purchase cases and inserts from other retailers, we always recommend sizing up 2” on the insert (choose a 20x20 insert for an 18x18 case).

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about patterns!  The Pep Line pillows are created from a variety of one of a kind African textiles.  They are made to work together, but each has the capability of standing out on its own.  I find that mixing patterns is where most of my clients find frustration, so let’s stop for a Pep Talk: choose one bold pattern, one simple pattern, and one solid pillow in coordinating colors.  A great example of this would be to choose the Kelli pillow (bold pattern), the Coco pillow (simple pattern), and incorporate a solid white or navy pillow of your choosing.

I love some good pillow talk, so post a comment or question below with your throw pillow design dilemmas.