Interior designers are increasingly embracing a layered approach to home styling that goes beyond simple decoration to create spaces with genuine character and depth. Studio Pulp, a design firm specializing in personalized interiors, advocates for a methodology that combines physical layering with historical storytelling, where each object's origin and era contribute to the overall narrative of a space.
The concept of layering extends far beyond the physical arrangement of furniture and accessories. According to Studio Pulp's design philosophy, true layering incorporates the history and provenance of objects, creating visual interest through the juxtaposition of different time periods and styles. This approach involves placing vintage pieces against contemporary finishes or modern architectural details, generating both visual intrigue and a sense of balance that prevents spaces from feeling overly curated or sterile.
When working with clients, designers emphasize the collaborative nature of creating lived-in, comfortable spaces. Many homeowners wish to preserve existing furniture pieces, which often becomes the starting point for meaningful design conversations. The process involves identifying which items can serve as statement pieces, determining what elements need to be toned down, and finding the right balance throughout the room. Sometimes this means allowing a single standout piece to take center stage, while other times it requires simplification to help the entire space feel more open and breathable.
Color selection plays a crucial role in creating character-filled homes, with designers favoring warm, inviting palettes over stark or overly neutral schemes. Popular color choices include warm terracotta tones, soft blush pinks, rich burgundy accents, and gentle sky blues that add warmth without overwhelming the space. For homeowners who find the idea of painting entire walls intimidating, incorporating color through furniture pieces and decorative objects offers a less permanent but equally effective approach to adding personality.
The tonal-on-tonal color approach provides another accessible option for those hesitant about bold color choices. This technique involves using subtle blocks of color or small splashes of pattern to bring life to a room without requiring major commitments to dramatic color schemes. Even small interventions can significantly transform the energy and atmosphere of a living space.
Sometimes a single cherished object can inspire an entire room's design direction. In Studio Pulp's Drummoyne House project, a vintage pair of Murano wall lights that the client had treasured for years became the catalyst for the entire material selection process. This approach demonstrates how meaningful objects can serve as the foundation for broader design decisions, ensuring that the final result feels personally connected to the homeowner's history and preferences.
Material selection offers endless possibilities for customization, with successful designers drawing inspiration from their clients' personalities and the specific context of each property. The ultimate goal is to create finishes and selections that feel authentically connected to the homeowner, resulting in spaces that serve as true reflections of the people who live in them rather than generic showroom displays.
Soft furnishings and styling elements provide accessible ways to add personality without major construction or significant budget investments. This approach particularly appeals to many homeowners who want to avoid permanent alterations while still achieving dramatic transformations. Effective soft styling techniques include layering rugs (sometimes even double-layering for added texture), mixing different dining chair styles for an eclectic look, creating art walls, or for those with limited wall space, casually stacking oversized frames on the floor for a more relaxed, gallery-inspired aesthetic.
The Bondi Junction Apartment project exemplifies how proper showcasing can elevate existing pieces. In this case, the client possessed incredible furniture and accessories from The DEA Store, and while some pieces weren't particularly large, providing them with appropriate space and context allowed them to become focal points that brought the entire home to life. This demonstrates that successful interior design often involves working with what clients already own rather than starting from scratch.
The design philosophy ultimately centers on embracing the creative process, allowing for experimentation and play, and finding freedom in letting go of overly rigid design rules. This approach encourages homeowners to trust their instincts while working with design professionals to achieve spaces that feel both sophisticated and genuinely personal.
