A Layered Approach to Styling Your Home
Styling your home is a lot like making your bed. Sure, it sounds simple — and it is, but there’s a quiet art to it. It’s about layering with intention, choosing elements that work together in both function and feeling, and creating a space that feels finished but still you.
Whether you’re fluffing pillows or selecting the perfect wallpaper, styling your home or space is about building from the ground up — just like you do each morning when you make your bed.
Here’s how to think about styling your home through the lens of layers — from architecture to accessories — and how you can use that approach to create a home that feels both thoughtful and deeply personal.
01. The Architecture
THE BED FRAME LAYER
Think of your bed frame — it defines the shape and structure of your bed. In the same way, the architectural features of our home create our foundation.
Beams, moldings, windows, ceiling height, and even awkward nooks are part of the character when it comes to styling your home or space.
You can look at your home as a whole or take it one room at a time.
These architectural features are the starting point for your design — they set the tone.
What does your bed frame give you:
- Is it upholstered and soft?
- Is it made from wood?
- Does it give off a feminine or masculine energy?
Whether your home has clean, modern lines or vintage bones, use what’s already there to your advantage. This is the bed frame of your styling process — everything else builds from it.
Further Readings
→ How Wallpaper Can Transform a Room
→ Colorful Home Ideas: Making Bold Statements with Trim, Walls, Wallpaper, and More
2. The Base Layer — Wallcoverings
THE SHEETS LAYER
Just like sheets are the first layer that meets the skin, your walls and floors are the first visual layer in any room.
This is where wallpaper styling truly shines. A beautiful wallpaper pattern or perfectly chosen paint color sets the tone — subtle or bold, grounding or airy.
Think of this as your styling starting point:
Neutral paint? Think soft linen sheets.
Bold wallpaper? Like patterned percale — adds instant personality.
Whether you're layering over hardwood floors or patterned tile, this base layer creates the mood and defines what comes next.
3. The Coverlet — Furniture & Major Decor Pieces
THE QUILT & COVERLET LAYER
Once your base is set, in comes the quilt. In your home, that’s your sofa, dining table, rug, or bed frame.
These are the large, functional pieces that anchor the space and work in harmony with your walls and floors.
This is the place to build on your wallpaper covering choices — did we go neutral or add some pattern? Maybe you echo a tone from the wallpaper in your sofa fabric or choose a pattern rug that adds contrast to a solid color wall (or mix pattern with both).
These bigger pieces should enhance the base layer, just like a quilt adds warmth and structure to your bed.
Think of this as your styling starting point:
Neutral paint? Think soft linen sheets.
Bold wallpaper? Like patterned percale — adds instant personality.
Whether you're layering over hardwood floors or patterned tile, this base layer creates the mood and defines what comes next.
4. The Throw Pillows — Artwork and Smaller Decor Pieces
THE THROW PILLOW LAYER.
Now come the pillows, the throws, the last little details — the home decor styling elements that bring soul and softness into the room.
Think accessories that can easily be seasonal decor items:
Artwork
Throw pillows
Candles
Vases
Books and trays
Fresh or dried florals
These items are easy to update and rotate. Just like swapping throw pillows gives your bed a fresh look, updating small accessories lets your home evolve with the seasons or your mood.
Styling your home at this layer is typically done as the last layer. It's my favorite layer and where I add in personal curated collections of things, from travel momentos to artwork from my little ones.
These finishing touches bring in your voice and tie the whole "bed" together. This layers are something you can practice room by room or through your overall home. It's as easy as making a bed.
Speaking of Bedding
Some of my favorite things are linked through affiliate links .
This just means that if you end up purchasing anything through me, I might receive a little kick-back. I share my Favorite Things to share my actual favorite things (affiliate or not) and are all products or brands I either own or stand by.
Want to Go Deeper? Download the Full Home Styling Guide
Are you ready to take your styling your home to the next level? I’ve created a free, downloadable guide that walks you through:
✔️ How to layer wallpaper, furniture, and accessories with confidence
✔️ Choosing personalized color palettes and playing with pattern
✔️ Optimizing natural and layered lighting
✔️ Styling shelves, placing rugs, and curating decor intentionally
✔️ Blending styles while staying true to your own
This styling guide is designed to help you trust your instincts, bend the so-called rules, and create a space that reflects your personality — one thoughtful layer at a time.
Learn how to bend the rules, trust your instincts, and add your unique touches to create a home that’s both stylish and deeply personal. Your home awaits to hear your voice!
