Rome was not built in a day!

The key to creating a successful interior, one that has depth, personality, character and warmth, is layering. Layering should be used in all interior styles from minimalist to maximist. A layered interior is filled with collected items; items that are treasured and unique. A layered interior gives a feeling the space has evolved over time, a sense of history.

An interior is made up of a number of elements; paint, wallpaper, lighting, flooring, soft furnishings, furniture, artwork and accessories – each one is a layer. Drilling down even further, pattern, texture, materials and patina also contribute to a beautifully layered interior. The art of successful layering is to learn how to use each of these elements individually and make them work together cohesively – essentially curating a warm and inviting space from the ground up.

Layering takes time and patience. Rome was not built in a day, and so the same goes for a successfully layered interior. The best way to successfully layer is to do it incrementally. Do not be in a rush, consider the choices you make - how they will impact and realte to each other and how they will contribute to making your home feel lived in - and not cluttered!

Once you have made a decision on the design tone of your interior and your foundation layers are in place; colour scheme, lighting plan, furniture layout and flooring, you can really start to have some fun! Please read more on our blog - understanding your design tone

Read on for our ideas on how to successfully layer your space using different elements.

Common denominator

Try to find a common denominator in your layering. Choose an element which unifies your layers and brings them together into a cohesive plan. We are not talking about matchy - matchy (ugh!) as this would provide a one dimensional, flat space. But it is important to have a common thread running through your layers.

Texture

Texture is fundamental when layering your interior. Texture will give your interior life! When we refer to texture, we are referring to the layering of various textiles, materials and finishes in a space, to provide an elevated, interesting look.

Quick and easy ways to add texture are with soft furnishings. Layer throw pillows, blankets, and rugs to add depth and interest to a space. A gorgeous velvet cushion on a linen couch, or how about a jute rug on a hardwood floor? Boucle is another wonderful texture to incorporate.

“I think forgetting to layer in texture can lead to a space feeling flat, or soulless,” says Nashville designer Lori Paranjape. At SV Home, we agree! We love texture and how it enhances a space to make it feel warm and inviting - so this is a really enjoyable layer to curate. Please do not overlook it!

Materials

Choosing the right mix of materials for your interior can completely transform its look. Take your time layering natural materials, metals and glass in the right proportion, to achieve balance. Using just one material will make the space look bland, therefore it is important to introduce various materials. Try a brass lamp on a worn oak table, or a glass coffee table with a leather sofa. The more you can mix in opposing materials and create juxtaposition the better!

Pattern

Pattern is a significant component in the layering process and getting the mix right is very important. Using fabric is a good way to easily introduce a pattern to your space. Geometric fabrics pair well with organics, such as damasks and florals, creating a pleasing friction between the two styles.

While we personally prefer using patterns for smaller items such as cushions and throws, an accent chair or contrast piping detail - patterns can also be used for larger volume items such as curtains. Please just be careful not to choose a bold pattern you may tire of in a year. We lean towards slow being good when introducing a pattern!

Art

Art is key to a layered interior, and a fabulous way to curate a personalised, individual space. Art is anything that means something to you and helps tell your story. Original artwork (whether an investment piece, your own abstract or watercolour art, or your children's creations) photos, wall hangings or antique relics all make a room feel complete. Whatever you decide on, hang it on your walls and let it bring you pleasure!

Vintage

We recommend using vintage items in your layering, whether it be a large piece of furniture or smaller art or accessories. Vintage is a great way to bring in patina, and we love how it immediately adds interest and history to a space.

Nature

At SV Home, we are huge fans of greenery and branches. We highly recommend embracing organic shapes from nature as a layer in your interior. A large branch in a glass vase, a Kentia palm in the rattan basket, or a bunch of fresh flowers in a low ceramic vase are all great ways to introduce greenery into your interior. This layer always packs a beautifully visual punch!

Accessories

Along with art, accessories are a super easy way to personalise your space. Layer your accessories with a sense of purpose, remembering your overall interior style and design tone to help you stay focussed. When purchasing an accessory, take time to consider carefully it's shape, colour and size, and asked yourself - do you love it?

We believe it is the layering of small accessories that really bring a space together, filling the empty spaces in your interior and defining the room. An accessory can be anything from a small trinket, a candle, a vase, or books.

When grouping accessories, a good rule of thumb is the rule of three. Group accessories of different size, shape and scale (in the same colour tone for cohesion) in a collection of three.

Keep accessories original, don’t be in a hurry to fill the empty spaces with just anything - this is your chance to layer your space with items that really talk to you.

Final thoughts...

With layering, take your time, allow your layering to evolve. If you are new to layering, we recommend layering one element in at a time, or in other words one layer at a time.

Consider your choices and how individual layers will work together to form a cohesive picture. Resist the urge to buy something just because it ticks a box or is on sale. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it - every decision matters. Have fun with the research and planning and choose items that really talk to you. There is no rush to layer, it is an evolving process that can take months - or even years. Enjoy the journey!