The Key Element I Use to Make Spaces Sing
Hello and happy Saturday to all you fine folks! Sometimes it feels like an echo chamber, so feel free to give me a shout back. Even it’s just a “Hey” — I appreciate it.
Today, I'm diving into a topic that's close to my heart — design. I know many of you, just like me, can hit a creative roadblock when it comes to styling our homes. But fear not! I've got a stylist secret up my sleeve that never fails to pull me out of that rut.
And what's the magic ingredient, you ask?
Music
By the way do you get what I did here? Key element… spaces SING???
One of my go-to tricks when working with clients is asking them to imagine a song that captures the vibe they want in their room. It's a simple question but trust me, it works like a charm every single time.
Why? Because music has this incredible ability to speak to us on a deeper level, even without using words (though lyrics certainly add another layer). It's a language that transcends barriers and resonates with our souls.
So, if you were to tell me you're aiming for a vibe that's "Bruce Springsteen meets Katy Perry," I'd already have a vivid picture in my mind of what that looks like.
A dash of neon pop princess sprinkled over weathered Americana. Could I have arrived at that vision without the clue? Perhaps, but having that musical reference allowed me to tap into a more imaginative interpretation of the client's request: "I want a garage with lots of blue and leather, with some colorful paintings and funky wallpaper."
In fact, I'd go as far as to say that I place as much importance on this answer as I do on any Pinterest board. While pictures can be quite literal, what does the soul truly crave? It yearns for meaning and connection. It longs to feel the way a favorite song does after a fantastic first date, or the heartbreak of being let go from a job. Like a friend who understands you with just a glance, designing should feel effortless and deeply resonant.
Moreover, referencing a song instead of a picture allows us to zero in on the why of the room rather than the what. Often, we all get too caught up in the colors we like and the trendy DIY projects we can tackle, forgetting to consider how a home is meant to make us feel. Do we want a vibe like this?
Or this:
Or this:
Or this???
The great news about picking out a song to represent the vibe you want is that you know what you like already. You don’t even need a moodboard or an Instagram inspiration folder to know exactly what your taste might be. It’s all about your interpretation of the song.
So, how exactly can we reference music to create a vibe in our interior design? Let's explore some key strategies:
Genre-Inspired Themes:
Much like your favorite music genre reflects your mood and personality, consider infusing your space with elements inspired by different musical styles. Love the soothing rhythms of jazz? Opt for cozy, dimly lit corners, plush seating, and vintage accents to evoke a speakeasy vibe. Prefer the energetic beats of electronic dance music? Embrace bold colors, sleek furniture, and dynamic lighting to transform your space into a vibrant party zone.
Color Harmonies
Just as musical compositions blend various notes to create harmonies, you can use color harmonies to evoke different emotions and atmospheres in your interior design. Take cues from the color palettes of your favorite albums or songs. For instance, cool blues and greens reminiscent of tranquil melodies can foster a sense of calmness and serenity, while warm, fiery hues inspired by passionate rhythms can infuse your space with energy and intensity.
Texture and Tempo
Texture plays a crucial role in interior design, much like tempo does in music. Soft, plush textures evoke a sense of relaxation and comfort, akin to a soothing ballad, while sleek, polished surfaces mirror the crispness and clarity of an upbeat melody. Experiment with a variety of textures, from smooth marble and glossy finishes to rough-hewn wood and tactile fabrics, to add depth and dimension to your space.
Symphonic Symmetry
Just as a well-orchestrated symphony seamlessly integrates diverse instruments and melodies, strive for balance and harmony in your interior design composition. Create visual rhythms by repeating patterns, shapes, and motifs throughout your space. Incorporate symmetrical arrangements and carefully curated focal points to establish a sense of cohesion and flow.
Personal Playlist
Ultimately, the most important aspect of referencing music in your interior design is staying true to your own unique tastes and preferences. Just as your personal playlist reflects your individuality and experiences, your home should be a reflection of who you are. Surround yourself with décor and furnishings that resonate with your soul and bring you joy, whether it's a vintage record player, a collection of concert posters, or a gallery wall showcasing album artwork.
So, the next time you embark on a design journey, don't forget to turn up the volume and let the music guide you to a space that sings with style and harmony.
As a gift from me to you (and a little piece of my heart), here is my all-time favorite playlist on Spotify:
Enjoy!
Harmoniously yours,
If you’re like me, you’ve had it up to here with those snooze-inducing showrooms that are more "museum" than "home". I'm flipping the script on home styling, and let me tell you, there won't be any rulebooks or tedious style history lessons involved. Just pure creativity.
Why do I rebel against the ordinary? For seven years, I meticulously crafted and refurbished homes solely for their resale value. I dwelled in a universe of beige, grey, black, and white. But in 2020, I reached my limit and gleefully abandoned all that for a fantastical realm of vibrant colors and delightful oddities. Dive deeper into my journey right here. 🌈🤹♂️🏡
My work and advice has been showcased in prestigious publications such as Architectural Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, The Zoe Report, Real Homes, and Homes & Gardens, among others.
I know that I'm not everyone's cup of tea, but then again, neither are you…
