Lived-in look, minus clutter, comes home
Embracing comfort and chic provides happy medium in latest decor trend
While we're told time and time again to keep our homes clean and free of clutter, our busy lives often get in the way. But there is a happy medium: a home that embraces both comfort and chic. Think of this new trend as the lived-in look. It's the interior equivalent of French-girl style: cool and completely carefree. It's impeccably styled yet appears like you never lifted a finger.
A lived-in home should have a minimal foundation of classic decor with a pared-down color palette, unusual silhouettes and plenty of statement accessories. The trick is not to fuss over it too much. After all, a home is meant to be lived in. Here are some of the key elements necessary to recreate a cozy-yet-chic aesthetic at home.
If you really want to achieve that perfectly imperfect vibe, you have to master the high-low mix. It's similar to the high-street designer fusion we love in fashion, except this time you're dressing up a room with a combination of luxe and low-cost furniture and decor.
If there's one trend that will inspire you to sleep in, it's the messy bed trend. Don't be fooled by a boudoir's undone, nonchalant appearance. Just like perfectly tousled bed head, it actually takes a lot of work to achieve this carefree vibe. Despite science backing the bed-makers, waking up on the creative side of the bed can feel so good. The key to perfecting this effortless look is investing in quality linen sheets. The stone-washing process leaves them with a soft wrinkled appearance that's totally luxe and lovely.
Achieving that lived-in aesthetic means ditching fussed-over for informal. Think about contrasting styles and eras. One way to do this is by mismatching your chairs. Love an Eames lounge? Have a thing for Hans Wegner? Just can't walk past a Cassina? Then this is the look for you. Be sure to introduce some unique vintage pieces for added texture and visual interest. Layer various chair styles together, from wooden versions to metal bar stools. The secret's in the material mix.
Personal pieces are the salt and pepper of a space; just ask interior designer Kishani Perera. The Los Angeles-based expert (who has Molly Sims and Rachel Bilson on speed dial) has perfected the lived-in look. Her secret? Embrace personal mementos. “Oftentimes, people are fearful of cluttering their spaces with knickknacks and shy away from including personal trinkets in their designs, but these are the very things that truly make a space your own,” she said. “Pepper them liberally throughout your home for instant character and fun.”
The key to transforming any space from stark to cozy is all in the layering. This curation of materials, surfaces and fabrics creates a charming and warm atmosphere, even if it's devoid of color. Just take fashion designer Erin Fetherston's all-white LA abode. Despite the tonal palette, the layering of patterned cushions with the hand-knotted rug creates a soft, homely vibe. Play around, fuse different pieces and weave modern with classic decor for a look that's uniquely yours and ultimately relaxing.
There's something about the age-old appeal of retro appliances that brings a distinctly lived-in flavor. They become the star of the show without even trying. If you want to make a smaller statement, sprinkle accents of timeworn heroes like a KitchenAid mixer or a retro wall clock.
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
