Layering a Room Like a Designer: The Secret to a Collected, Lived-In Look
- 13thavenueinterior
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
There’s something instantly magnetic about a beautifully layered room. You feel it when you walk in—a sense of comfort, interest, warmth, and intention. But what creates that feeling? How do designers achieve a space that looks refined yet relaxed, curated but never overly styled?
At 13th Avenue Interiors, we believe the magic lies in the layers. Whether we’re working in a 1920s Tudor or a post-war bungalow, we always strive for that sweet spot between finished and livable. Here's how we bring that lived-in charm to life—and how you can, too.
Start with a Strong Foundation
Every layered room begins with the big pieces: your furniture, area rugs, and window treatments. These elements create the structure of your room and anchor the space.
When we select foundation pieces, we prioritize quality, scale, and comfort. A well-made sofa with beautiful lines, a handwoven wool rug that softens the room, drapery that brings in texture and color—these are the investments that make everything else fall into place.
Layer in Lighting for Ambience and Function
A common mistake we see in homes is relying on a single overhead light. To create that cozy, curated vibe, you need a mix of lighting sources: ceiling fixtures, table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces all play different roles.
Ambient, task, and accent lighting work together to add both depth and function to a space. We look for lighting that not only fits the room stylistically, but also helps create mood and rhythm from morning to night.
Add Life with Textiles
Textiles are what turn a house into a home. Think throw pillows, blankets, bedding, upholstery, poufs, and even curtains. The more varied the textures, the richer the room will feel.
We love mixing materials—like pairing linen with velvet or wool with leather—to add softness and interest. In older homes, these textures also play beautifully against original details like wood trim or plaster walls.
Bring in Art and Objects That Tell a Story
Art is often the difference between a room that feels generic and one that feels personal. We always encourage clients to include pieces that are meaningful, even if that means mixing vintage finds with original artwork or family photos.
But styling isn’t just about what’s on the walls. Coffee tables, bookshelves, and consoles are great places to add layers of books, ceramics, candles, framed photos, or natural elements like stones or branches. The goal is not perfection—it's personality.
Balance the Old and the New
One of our favorite design principles—especially in South Minneapolis homes—is blending vintage and new. Older homes have character, and our designs aim to honor that with thoughtfully chosen modern elements.
A room that’s entirely new can feel flat. A room that’s all vintage can feel dated. The magic happens in the contrast. A sleek modern coffee table might sit beautifully on a worn Persian rug. An antique dresser can be paired with a minimalist table lamp. These juxtapositions make a room feel layered, loved, and lived in.
Edit, Then Edit Again
Layering doesn’t mean clutter. We’re firm believers in the power of editing. Once your space is styled, take a step back. Remove one or two things and live with it. A layered space still needs breathing room.
A beautifully layered room isn’t created overnight. It evolves over time, just like the people who live in it. At 13th Avenue Interiors, our role is to guide that process—helping homeowners in old South Minneapolis homes create spaces that feel both timeless and personal.
Want your home to feel more finished, more lived-in, and more you? We’d love to help you get there.
Creating Something Beautiful Together
If you have an old home in, or around, South Minneapolis and are wondering how to update it with expertise and ease, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn how we can help guide you through the process with ease and expertise.
*Click photos to link to source. Images may contain affiliate links.
*This blog post was created with the assistance of AI in combination with 13th Avenue Interiors ideas, knowledge, expertise and experience.
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