A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
Curated Living: Designing a Home That Tells Your Story
Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s an extension of who you are. How you arrange your furniture, choose your décor, and select colors reflect your personal story, values, and sense of style. Curating your home is about more than simply filling it with objects; it’s about creating a space that evokes emotion, sparks inspiration, and fosters comfort. Let’s get into Curated Living: Designing a Home That Tells Your Story
Curating your home is all about creating a space that reflects your personality, aesthetic, and lifestyle. It involves careful selection, placement, and blending of furnishings, decor, and personal items. There are different ways to curate a home and I am including the steps I use to curate my home.
1. Define Your Style
- Start by identifying your personal style—minimalist, bohemian, mid-century modern, industrial, eclectic, etc. This will guide the overall look and feel of your space.
- With that said, know that you can choose and/or mix your style because style is a personal choice. For example, my decor style is modern cottage with a neutral flare. I determined that myself because it’s a combination of styles I enjoy.
- Create mood boards or collect images from magazines and websites to help visualize the elements you’re drawn to.
2. Declutter First
- Begin by decluttering your space. Remove items that no longer serve you or don’t fit the aesthetic you’re aiming for. I know, I know, I am always talking about decluttering, however, it does help in most situations.
- Consider donating, recycling, or selling items to create more room and clarity.
3. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
- A cohesive color palette ties a room together and creates harmony. You can start with neutral tones as a base and add pops of color through decor or art.
- Think about how colors flow between rooms, ensuring there’s a sense of continuity.
4. Curate Statement Pieces
- Invest in key furniture or decor items that make a statement, such as an elegant sofa, a unique art piece, or a bold rug. These pieces should reflect your style and set the tone for the rest of the room.
- Opt for quality over quantity; fewer, well-chosen items create a more polished look.
5. Mix Old and New
- A well-curated home often blends contemporary pieces with vintage or antique finds. This mix adds character and history to your space.
- Try not to be too matchy-matchy. A home tells your story or is unique when you buy pieces over time instead of a complete room from a furniture store.
- Visit flea markets or thrift stores to find unique items that tell a story.
6. Incorporate Personal Items
- Display meaningful personal items like photos, heirlooms, or travel souvenirs to add a personal touch.
- Group collections together (e.g., vases, sculptures, or books) to create curated vignettes on shelves or tables.
7. Layer Textures and Materials
- Incorporate a variety of textures and materials to add depth and interest. For example, pair soft textiles like wool and linen with hard surfaces like metal and wood.
- Use cushions, throws, and rugs to bring warmth and coziness to the room.
8. Mind the Lighting
- Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere. Layer lighting by using ambient, task, and accent lighting.
- Opt for natural light as much as possible during the day, and use stylish lamps, pendant lights, or candles to create a cozy vibe in the evenings.
9. Curate Wall Art
- Choose artwork that resonates with you. This could be anything from framed photographs to abstract paintings or handmade crafts.
- Arrange art thoughtfully—gallery walls, large statement pieces, or simple framed prints can all create a focal point.
10. Greenery & Natural Elements
- Plants and flowers bring life into your home and soften hard lines. Choose indoor plants that are easy to care for and suit your space.
- Natural elements like stone, wood, or wicker can also add an organic, earthy feel to your home.
11. Balance and Scale
- Pay attention to the balance of your furniture and decor in relation to the size of your space. Large rooms can handle bigger pieces, while smaller rooms may feel cramped with oversized furniture.
- Use mirrors to create the illusion of space and reflect light.
12. Be Thoughtful About Placement
- Arrange furniture in ways that encourage flow and conversation. Avoid pushing all the furniture against the walls.
- Group objects in odd numbers for visual interest, and vary heights to create dynamic displays.
13. Regularly Update
- A curated home evolves over time. As your tastes change, don’t be afraid to swap out items, rearrange, or add new pieces.
- Keep it fresh with seasonal decor changes or by incorporating new trends in subtle ways.
By curating thoughtfully, you can create a home that’s not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, personal, and welcoming. You can create a home that tells your story and is personal to you and your family if you take your time and choose pieces that speak to you.
Hugs & Blessings,
Personal style reflects who you are. Great post!
Thank you Friend.