As February unfolds, the season of love and celebration brings with it the joy of gathering and creating something special—whether in the kitchen or styling your home. As you jot down ingredients for your favorite Valentine’s recipes, consider adding a few essentials for crafting a beautifully styled space. Here are six simple ways to bring harmony and intention to your interiors—happy styling!
1. Large Artwork
Just as every great recipe starts with a standout ingredient, every well-designed space begins with a defining element—artwork. Often a key investment, it anchors a room through color, scale, and proportion, working in harmony to create an unforgettable focal point. Beyond aesthetics, artwork tells a story, offering a glimpse into your personality and style. Don’t overlook this perfect opportunity to let your space speak for you.
2. Books
After telling a story through artwork, it’s time to dive into one—literally. Books bring structure and balance to a space while adding layers of color, texture, and personality. Whether neatly lined on shelves, stacked on a coffee table, or displayed on a stand in the kitchen, they create effortless visual interest. But here’s the key: only hardcover books make the cut. Flimsy covers lead to flimsy impact!
3. Intentional Contrast
Just as great cooking relies on the right mix of ingredients, impactful interiors thrive on a balance of styles. Blending contemporary and traditional elements creates depth, character, and a space that feels effortlessly curated. Take a cue from one of our vibrant projects—pair a bold, modern furniture piece with time-honored accents for a striking contrast. After all, who enjoys anything unseasoned?
4. Pillows and Bedding
This is the part of the recipe where you can experiment freely! Pillows and bedding offer endless possibilities in style, color, and pattern, giving you the perfect chance to personalize your space. The best part? They’re completely forgiving—if you don’t love the look, simply swap them out. Unlike remodeling, there’s no major cost or commitment. In that way, styling might just be kinder than cooking—no harm, no foul!
5. Gallery Walls
Now comes the fun part—plating. Visually, we’re naturally drawn to grouped elements, a concept rooted in Gestalt Psychology, which explains how our eyes perceive individual pieces as part of a cohesive whole. In simpler terms, gallery walls are a powerful tool for defining space, creating smaller vignettes that feel intentional and connected. These are some of our favorite frames to bring it all together.
6. Greenery
And last, but certainly not least—the garnish! That final touch can take a meal from ordinary to Instagram-worthy, and the same goes for design. Biophilic design embraces nature to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Fresh flowers and plants not only enhance aesthetics but also impact mood, air quality, and overall well-being. Mother Nature is waiting for an invite—don’t leave her at the door!
From purchasing your ingredients to garnishing your finished plate, we want you to know that Beth Haley Design is here to help! We have been creating beautifully styled and stimulating spaces for over two decades, and would love to be of service. Contact us here to make your design dreams come true!
