There is a wonderful French proverb saying: 'Il vaut mieux un petit chez soi, qu'un grand chez les autres.' It means basically: There's no place like (our own small) home. Particularly true in my case when I think of my shoebox sized apartment. But creating a personal, warm and comfy home is not a matter of size - with a few tricks and tweaks every home can have that personal touch.
As I mentioned yesterday, I am currently enrolled in an interior styling online class taught by the impeccable Queen of the Jungalow, Justina Blakeney. Styling the own place (or any other home) can sometimes be really tricky. So I've decided to take the course and learn something from the experienced pro. And it proved to be very helpful. After a short theoretical introduction embracing the '8 principles of styling' we were quickly asked to embark on our very own interior styling adventure. The first task was to take before pics of five key areas of our homes. And then we kicked off. First stop: coffee table and sofa styling.
Since my place is tiny and I have no extra storage room I tend to keep it rather sorted and uncluttered at home. Moreover, I've decided to work with what I've got at home. So no extra expenses. Rather some reshuffling and rearranging of accessories. So no too drastic changes.
My living room has a rather muted colour scheme, grey, black, white with some pops of colours. My vintage kilim cushions set the tone and so I've interpreted the coffee table in a similar manner: I added a bunch of fresh white ranunculus in a textured, handmade stone vase, a small pile of similarly coloured books balanced the table setting topped by a bit of 'bling' - an old Moroccan silver box. The Marimekko plate ties the mixed 'ethnic meets Scandi' style together and reflects the rug's rich pattern. Plus it comes in handy to drop little things and keep them in one spot.
The sofa was slightly restyled. I swapped the grey cushion with a white one plus I added my vintage Handira cushion from Morocco which added a hint of bling. All this was finalized by adding a touch of liveliness - an open book on the sofa and a pair of Converse. Voilà!
I must say I was rather happy with the outcome of my first round of restyling. I would really love to hear your opinion so make sure to share your view points in the comments.
Next week I will continue with the second part - the styling of my console and bookshelf.
Happy Thursday!
Photography by Igor Josifovic
The after looks are so much more lively! (but I love the business cards on the Marimekko plate before as well ;) ). I've read so many enthusiastic tweets about Justina's class! So nice: she's so talented!
ReplyDeletewow...what a great class...i wish i had enough time to be a part, too, but at the moment no way. So i will scroll through your wonderful new styling and feel quite charmed by your photos...really really beautiful, Mr. Happy...;)...a big smile and much love into the night...hugs and kisses...i...
ReplyDeleteLooks great, Igor! x
ReplyDeleteWhat impresses me most is your tenacity as a student. No wonder you're so great at languages, blogging etc. You sponge up information and give it the famous 'Happy Igor' twist. This here is no exception.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff!!
Great work, I really like it! It looks styled but not overstyled, really well balanced. "Ethnic meets scandi" is right up my alley, too. And where is that coffee table from? It'so nice, and I've been looking for a table like that for a while already.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lena!!! The coffee table is called 'Copine' and I got it from 'Fashion for Home'.
DeleteThank you, Igor! I just had a look at it and might really get it, too. Or maybe another version it. My never ending coffeetable hunt seems to come to an end, finally!
DeleteIt looks good Igor, though I like the before coffee table just as much. I know you love your cushions, so am glad you're pleased with the results.
ReplyDeleteOK... I'll say it... did you really need to take a class to do what you've just done? Maybe you did feel you needed the extra input, but I would hazard a guess that you could have arrived at that look with your own know how and interiors eye?
Who knows, maybe not, but I've learned some useful principles of styling that I'm applying more consciously now. So yes, the course was quite useful after all!
DeleteI'm liking it Igor - a lot. Very stylish and very you. Your home looks cozy and welcoming. Look forward to hearing and seeing more - I'm intrigued, will have a look at Justinas class myself :)
ReplyDeletehappy Thursday,
Axx
Looks like spring!
ReplyDeleteWow, I would love to take that class, too. Your alterations are simple but really make a change.
ReplyDeleteJule {inside9B}
I am back now to thank your for the link. I have just enrolled for the class and it is really interesting. Have to go do my homework... ;)
DeleteJule
Excellent Jule!!! So exciting!!!
DeleteCongratulations Igor! I don't think you needed to take the class from what you've done, but it must be interesting to see the principles at work.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to live an uncluttered, in-the-present, happy lifestyle so could take the course on board easily.
Thank you so much, this is wonderful description of my style!
DeleteLittle changes go a long way! Beautiful space =)
ReplyDeleteMerci mon amie!! On se reverra ce mois-là?
DeleteGold stars from me all around Igor--it was so, so lovely to have you in this class and I LOVE your space, your eye, and your sweet sensibility!! Big hugs and thanks for your kind words!
ReplyDeleteOh thank YOU my teacher:-) You are the best!!! I LOVED the course!
DeleteΑυτο που μου αρεσει (φυσικά) στο after τραπεζάκι ειναι τα λουλούδια!
ReplyDeleteThe sofa definitely feels more lighter and I love the look on the coffee table. That vase... And yes, all this is very you.
ReplyDeleteIt has nothing to do with styling but I'm curious to know what you think of that London book. I have heard about it so I added it to my wish list but I have never browsed through it.
It's a beautifully photographed book full with great London tips, Lisa. Plus I love the haptic of the raw paper pages.
Deletegot it!
Deleteand keeping it on my wish list ;-)
I like the books with the little silver pot on it ;) especially on the 7th picture I wouldn't have put the poster behind on the floor or maybe I would have added the poster more to the right.. Nice to find out if it makes a difference maybe or not .... after all it is the feeling you get from it I guess it is different for everyone ;)
ReplyDeleteSay hello to Ricarda when you meet her ;)
Excellent point, Desiree! I haven't paid attention at all to the poster because it's always been there. Good to have an outsider's eye on it! Oh and I will say hello to Ricarda tomorrow. We will dine together.
DeleteThanks for your nice words on my blog. And i liked the before and the after as well:D The marimekko plate i love.
ReplyDeleteBratte bakka
looks really great right now ... I think is always better to have just a small apartment, there isn't enough space to make a mess :-)
ReplyDeleteute.
I really like your restyling. It´s incredible what you can do with the things you already have, right? Moving things around can certainly do wonders... Looking forward to your next styling, Igor.
ReplyDeleteHave a HAPPY weekend! :)
Love!! It looks gorgeous and I love your rug! Looking forward to part two too, enjoy your weekend! /maria x
ReplyDeleteI have to say that i really love your coffee table and its much better now!!
ReplyDeleteWelldone.
It looks really worth it to do this course! You have talent, and you are exploring it :D
ReplyDeleteNice job!
Well done! I love your coffee table and rug - what a great combination :)
ReplyDelete