A touch of the unexpected is the key to creating striking interiors. No matter how small or plain a particular corner of the home may appear, the eclectic addition of furnishings and accessories from a range of periods, in various textures and colors, can instantly turn the space delightful. Leave it to Alexa Chung to show us how it's done.
The model and television host has gained international notoriety for her effortless blend of preppy and rock and roll style, and the same can be said of her home. We caught a glimpse into a cozy corner of her London flat in a recent Instagram picture. Rather than resigning to a white wall, Alexa filled the space with an antique mahogany dresser, which she styled with a green lamp and chrome bookends. Colorful books (including one of my favorites, Jennifer Egan's A Visit From The Goon Squad) define the space and bring in a splash of texture.
Her space reflects the value of decorating with vintage furnishings and how eclectic styling can elevate them. Luckily, Alexa's design is easier to recreate than you might think.
Recreate Alexa's Look at Home
Alexa Chung defines her corner with an antique dresser, and this gorgeous Georgian one has an especially elegant feel. I love the idea of styling it in an unexpected way.
A modern bookend instantly brightens any corner. These chrome and crystal geometric ones give a similar feel to those on Alexa Chung's shelf with an incredible price tag.
A beautiful green lamp shade can transform any base and is the ideal addition to a bedroom or living room. The textured shape adds a touch of visual interest.
Vintage decorating, especially with storied wood, has been a huge interior design trend over the last several years, making it an increasingly accessible option for designing your home.
Sam Deeble, Home Interiors Expert at Woods Furniture, states: 'Now more than ever, people are being more intentional with their home’s design and creating a space that resonates with their interior taste. Interior enthusiasts seek inspiration from the past to create a home filled with character and personality. Vintage interiors are favoured for their nostalgic aesthetic and timeless appeal as many look for a design that withstands trends.'
As Alexa Chung's transformed corner shows, antique wood makes the perfect anchor for tapping into this trend. It is timeless, durable, and perpetually beautiful.
Sam explains: 'Add wooden features into your home for a vintage feel. The natural material evokes a sense of history and character and is associated with period pieces, contributing to an aesthetic that feels nostalgic. Wood was widely used as a traditional material for furniture, and its design resembles styles from past eras, adding to the vintage feel. Ageing wood also develops unique characteristics, elevating the period aesthetic.'
Furthermore, the accessories make the look. Alexa Chung chooses a brightly colored fabric lampshade and pretty books, but it can be personalized to your individual tastes. Sam tells Homes & Gardens, 'Adding textures is a great way to create a warm and inviting dining room. Achieve a period aesthetic with distressed wood, lace tablecloth, velvet seat cushions, woven placements, and textured wallpaper. Introducing different textures enhances the vintage feel for a timeless look.'
Eclectic design works because it is full of character, and naturally intriguing. If you can use it to brighten a space that would otherwise go unused, it's all the better.
