Your Home is Your Best Outfit — Dress It Like One
If your home had a closet, what would be its go-to outfit? Just like putting together an outfit, designing a space is all about layering, mixing textures, and choosing a color palette that works. When you think about it, rooms are just outfits you live in. Let’s break it down.
The Basics (Your Everyday Pieces) These are the timeless, essential pieces—your well-fitting jeans, that perfect white button-down, your favorite little black dress. In your home, this translates to investment furniture. The sofa, dining table, bed frame—anything that acts as a foundation for your space. Just like in fashion, basics should be well-made, versatile, and built to last.
The Layers (Because One and Done is Boring) A great outfit isn’t just one piece—it’s the layering of textures and materials that makes it interesting. The same goes for your home! Think cozy throw blankets, area rugs, pillows, curtains—the things that add depth and personality. If you love layering knits and scarves, lean into plush, inviting textures in your home. If you prefer sleek, structured pieces, keep things crisp and tailored.
The Accessories (Where the Magic Happens) Accessories are what make an outfit you—a statement necklace, a bold handbag, killer shoes. In your home, this is where the fun comes in. Artwork, lighting, unique decor pieces, that funky chair you found at a flea market—these are the details that bring personality into your space. Just like in fashion, they should make a statement without overwhelming the entire look.
The Wild Cards (Aka, Your Personality Pieces) Maybe you’re normally a neutrals-only person, but you have a pair of bright red heels you break out when you’re feeling bold. Your home should have these moments too! A pop of color in an otherwise calm space. A statement wallpaper in a powder room. A vintage piece that tells a story. These little unexpected touches keep a home (and an outfit) from feeling too predictable.
Color, Texture, and Pattern—Do They Match Your Vibe?
You know how some people just own a color? Maybe your best friend can wear mustard yellow like a fashion icon, but when you try it, you look like an actual condiment. The same applies to your home—not every color, texture, or pattern is for you, and that’s okay.
If your closet is full of warm neutrals, you’re probably drawn to soft, cozy interiors—think creamy whites, warm woods, and inviting textures like linen and boucle. If you live in bold prints and vibrant hues, don’t be afraid to bring that energy into your home with colorful accents, statement wallpaper, or eclectic decor choices. And if your entire wardrobe is black-on-black with the occasional gray, you’re a prime candidate for moody, dramatic interiors with deep tones, luxe materials, and maybe even a touch of industrial edge.
The key is consistency—if a color or pattern makes you happy when you wear it, chances are you’ll love being surrounded by it, too.
Comfort is Non-Negotiable
Listen, no matter how stylish something is, if it’s uncomfortable, you’re not going to want to wear it (looking at you, four-inch heels that are secretly torture devices). The same goes for your home. A stunning but unlivable space is just as useless as a closet full of clothes you never wear.
That sleek, ultra-modern sofa that looks like a piece of art? If it feels like sitting on a stone slab, it’s a no-go. That dining table that’s “so on-trend” but scratches if you look at it the wrong way? Hard pass. And that ultra-expensive, high-maintenance fabric that requires a user manual to clean? Absolutely not.
Style and comfort are not mutually exclusive. Your home should look amazing, but more importantly, it should feel amazing. Design with your real life in mind—if you love to curl up on the couch with a book, prioritize soft, deep seating. If you entertain often, invest in a dining setup that’s stylish and inviting. And if you have kids, pets, or a tendency to spill coffee, for the love of all things cozy, choose durable, washable fabrics.
Own Your Aesthetic
Here’s the thing: there’s no “right” way to decorate—just like there’s no “right” way to have personal style. The best homes (and outfits) are the ones that feel effortlessly you. If you love mixing patterns in your wardrobe, bring that same playful energy into your home. If your vibe is “cozy grandma chic,” then lean into vintage pieces and warm textures. If minimalism is your thing, own that clean, edited look.
Your home shouldn’t look like a Pinterest board of trends you think you should like—it should reflect you, your style, your personality. And honestly? That’s what makes a space truly beautiful.
Final Thought: Would You Wear It?
Next time you’re debating a decor choice, ask yourself: Would I wear this if it were clothing? If the answer is yes, go for it! If the answer is oh god, absolutely not, then maybe rethink that lime green accent wall.
At the end of the day, dressing your home should be just as fun (and personal) as dressing yourself. So go ahead—build a space that feels like your favorite outfit, but better. And if you need a little help pulling it all together? Well, that’s what designers are for.