If you look closely at the homes and work of the most stylish people, you'll start to notice some common themes. There is a palette that starts to emerge, some tones that often appear and some that never do. There is a charm and relaxed nature to these spaces where everything can be touched and nothing is too precious. And there are a few classical design rules that are always stuck to.
So in order to emulate their approach, these six designers – some of the most stylish tastemakers on the planet, in fact – have shared the things they always do in every scheme they touch. No matter what your interior design style, you are sure to find plenty of inspiration here.
1. Hang oversized art
When it comes to decorating with art, the style crowd now favors large, eye catching work that dominates wall space, rather than gallery walls which can look a touch busy, a bit too cluttered, a bit...overdone.
'Oversized art is more than just an accent,' says the Chicago-based architect and designer Eric Rothfeder, founder of ERA. 'Dramatic artwork assembles the space around it, drawing all the elements of a room to a common focal point.'
2. Include some symmetry
The New York-based designers behind the studio Redd Kaihoi take a layered but ultimately contemporary approach to interior design. They use modern fabrics, unexpected twists, and bold colors with such flair that they create schemes that could only have been created in this decade.
However, they often find themselves returning to the classical design rule of using symmetry in schemes. Perhaps identical lamps on either side of a couch or mirror, or matching accent chairs.
'We like to hang on to some traditional elements like floor plans and symmetry,' says one of the studio's co-founders David Kaihoi. 'That design lexicon is so strong, and it adds a note of nostalgia to even the most contemporary schemes, making them seem more familiar and ultimately more homely.'
3. Decorate with jewel tones
Stylish people tend to be the most color confident, and feel happy mixing jewel tones into their decor.
'It’s a very happy-making way to design, to use such bold colors,' says the designer Lonika Chande. 'I’m just not a pastels girl, I love strong tones. But our backdrops always tend to be softer, earthier. Jewel shades sit so well against terracotta or light whites, clay finishes that have a bit of depth to them. Those bright hues are so much fresher when there is a neutral for them to sing out against.'
4. Steer clear of gray
If you want to follow the lead of the super-stylish then you're going to have to stay away from gray. Neatly backing up Lonika's point earlier about jewel tones, there is a whole world of richer color options available, if you have the confidence to play around.
'I’ll tell you what comfort isn’t,' says the LA-based designer Jake Arnold. 'Gray. People love it but I think it's cold, even the ones with richer pigments. Use a palette of jewel tones instead. So much more elegant, and yes, comfortable too.'
5. Consider how a piece feels from all angles
The most stylish people have homes that are chic, but in a relaxed way. There is a sense that you can sink into them and unwind no matter how beautiful they are. That's because designers consider not just how a room looks, but how each piece will feel, no matter how you use it.
'How a piece feels is an underrated aspect of design - online shopping has taken that element away,' says the Washington, D.C.-based designer Zoe Feldman. 'I’m very conscious – as we should all be – that a rug not just feels good underfoot, but when you lie on it too (I have dogs and am always lying down on the floor on with them!). So I wouldn’t choose sisal, but something softer. I’ve just bought a mohair rug by Jennifer Manners for my own home and I’m totally obsessed!'
6. Use visual links between rooms
Designers know that a house is like a narrative, and that really stylish ones lead you from one space to another. Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter and Co, spends a lot of time making sure she does just that in all her projects.
'A home is somewhere that is meant to ground you and give you a sense of calm and belonging,' Irene says. 'The more connections we can feel to our surroundings, the better. Because we’re moving away from open-plan spaces on the whole, we need to find other ways to connect to people who aren’t necessarily in the same space as us. This could be through visual connection – having a piece of art that you can see through a doorway that attracts you into adjoining rooms, or having a consistency of material in each room, or good acoustics.'
The main takeaway from what designers (and hence the most stylish of people) always do in their interiors is be considered, but not overly curated. You want your rooms to have character, not be too trend-led, and feel purposeful but still filled with personality.
