Decorating on a Budget
A wonderful aspect of owning a home is that you have the freedom to make it look however you want. You can change the flooring, replace counters, knock out a wall, put in a claw foot tub- anything your budget and the building department allow. But when budget is a limiting factor or you rent your home, these big changes aren’t possible. That’s when your decorating has to pull double duty, and the décor has to make up for structural deficits or downright ugly elements.
Decorating with Layers
Enter decorative layering. Layering works with various styles of decorating, including farmhouse, shabby chic, country, and cottage styles, and all their derivatives and combinations. Layering can hide unsightly pipes, cumbersome heaters, ugly stains, holes in the wall, and even ugly carpet.
Tips for Layering
A general rule for layering is to work high to low, back to front, large to small. There are exceptions, like putting rugs down before placing furniture on them, but you get the general idea. Start with the tallest elements in the back and get lower as you move forward.
I usually begin with a focal piece, as well. What item do I want people to see first? All the other items will then be arranged to draw attention to the focus piece or group.
Another tip is to try having an odd number of elements or groups of items (Example: a stack of books, a pitcher, and a vase with flowers count as three elements, thus being odd, even though there technically may be an even number of items if you were to count them individually).
When decorating with layers, you generally don’t want things to be too symmetrical. Items should be balanced, but too much symmetry can make it look forced instead of cozy.
A word of warning about layering: Although layering can feel cozy and inviting, if you don’t leave enough negative space, people can feel claustrophobic in your home. I assume that’s not what you’re going for, so intentionally choose to keep some clear space on the walls, floor, counters, etc. Don’t overfill every inch of your home! Layered decorating works nicely to emphasize specific areas; it is not meant to clutter your home.
With that quick intro to decorating with layers, go and experiment! This is grownup playtime, and your home is your canvas. Have fun!
I would love to hear from you! How have you decorated with layers in your home?
For more decorating ideas and tips, check out How to Make a Gallery Wall and How to Decorate When You Don’t Know Where to Start
