Layering is not a concept many associate with interior design and decor, and yet it has steadily become one of the go-to strategies of designers and stylists alike when it comes to bringing depth and persona to a home.
So what is layering in interior design speak?
Think of each element in a space as a layer. Walls, lighting, furniture, art pieces, home accessories - everything in a space is considered a design layer. The idea behind layering is ensuring that all elements flow and contribute to a cohesive aeshetic with depth and interest.
Here are 6 tips to help you create successful layered schemes in your personal spaces:
Start with a base color.
Most designers and decorators start with color when thinking up designs, this being the first layer to consider. Even a blank canvas has a color (it's just a light neutral like white or light beige) - and it's this layer that serves as the base for any design that goes into the home.
Choosing the right base layer is crucial because it dictates the rest of your color palette. The right combinations of hues and shades can easily transform the aesthetics of a space. And if you don't know where to start, read up on color theory and color harmony.
A good tip to abide by is to focus on the most popular formulas for color harmony when picking out your interior design color scheme. Stick to analogous colors if you want a layered-yet-monochrome design, contrasting and complementary colors if you want more dimension, and nature-based schemes if you're inspired by your environment. A blue base, for example, looks great not only with other blue shades or white to reflect the skies but also with oranges which sit opposite in the color wheel.
Layer pattern over your main color.
If you find colors to be too flat - even with color theory in full swing - look to patterns that can layer atop your palettes. Most spaces will have plain floors and walls (this is especially true if you're a tenant with no say on these things) so patterns and prints through furniture and home decor are the next best way to bring excitement to a space.
Using your color palette as a reference, pick out patterns and prints in very similar hues to bring depth and balance to a space while staying vibrant and visually interesting. Plaids work well in a nature-themed color scheme while rosy florals are great in pink spaces.
Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to just one pattern per design. Layering patterns atop prints especially works if you want to employ a maximalist design in your space. Similar to the pattern-color layering technique, a pro tip is to mix and match small and larger prints in complementary shades so they add the needed visual interest without clashing.
Dress your windows and doors.
Windows and doors are often overlooked when it comes to interior design, and yet they take up so much visual space that it would be a waste not to optimize design in these features. Windows are easily dressed up or down depending on the treatments you choose to layer with, while doors have a more limited array to work with. Contrasting colors and patterns for the window curtains or drapes will evoke a strong character, while shades and blinds allow for varied entry of natural light into a space (which I'll bring up in a few.)
For doors, hanging beads on doorways are a dated design element that works if you're working on a themed space, but tassels and other door decor can be just as effective without being too fad.
Don't forget the floors.
Floors are another space with significant surface area to play with for designers and decorators. For tenants and commitment-phobic homeowners, layering the floor with easy-to-replace accessories is an easy way to make a certain area pop. Utilize textiles like rugs and floor mats to finish a room off with flair and character. You can even layer rugs on top of one another - this styling hack is especially great in a large square area.
If you have the chance, don't shy away from patterned flooring. A patterned floor like chevron wood planks or Machuca tiles can be the focal point in a particular room, instead of the walls always taking center stage with wallpaper. The trick to using patterned floors is keeping the rest of the space plain and simple - so as not to overwhelm the eye.
Go for multi-dimensional lighting.
Lighting is not something you can miss when it comes to designing your spaces, as certain types of lighting affect the visual impact of particular areas. Layer a space using lighting by going comfortable and multi-dimensional in your approach. This means ensuring that there's adequate lighting in every nook and cranny of your home - and to do that, you'll need to make use of the different types of lighting principles and implements like pendant lights, accent lighting, task and spot lighting, and even natural light from windows and doors.
Use shapes and texture to create visual interest.
Designers often look for ways to bring depth and intrigue to their designs, and an easy way to bring spaces is to look to interesting shapes and unique textures from architecture to decor. If you're a lucky owner or tenant to a heritage or themed home (browse through some of our best heritage listings here) then chances are the architecture of the space is already visually interesting - think brick walls, stone paths, wooden planks on ceilings. The idea is to pair these architectural details with unique forms of home accessories and decor in a harmonious way for a cohesive look.
Place angular furniture in a home with arched doorways, layer textures by draping fur shawls by leather couches, and play around with the frame shapes and artwork that are hung in a gallery wall - these are just some of the ways to utilize shape and texture to layer a space.