A Look Into My Design Approach: The Elements That Shape My Style
- sarah swanson
- 38 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Designing a home is more than choosing beautiful pieces — it’s about creating an environment that feels grounded, comfortable, and effortlessly pulled together. Over the years, I’ve noticed that I return to the same guiding elements again and again. They’re the quiet details that make a room feel considered, calm, and lived in without ever feeling cluttered.
This mood board pulls together those elements. It’s a small snapshot of the choices I tend to reach for when creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed.
Layered
A layered home feels collected over time. Soft throws, textured rugs, and tonal upholstery build depth without overwhelming the eye. Layering is what makes a room feel lived-in.
Grounded
Every room needs something that anchors it — often a rug, sometimes a heavier material, or even just a moodier color. This grounding element helps the space feel settled and instantly more comfortable.
Soft Curves
Rounded arms, gentle silhouettes, and curved lines bring approachability to a space. They break up the rigidity of straight edges and add a touch of ease that makes a room feel relaxed and inviting.
Structure
While soft shapes matter, every space also needs definition. Well-made furniture with tailored profiles, clean proportions, and simple detailing adds structure without feeling strict. It’s a subtle balance of softness and refinement.
Organic
Natural stone, subtle movement, imperfect textures — the organic details bring life to a room. They keep a space from feeling too polished and introduce a sense of warmth that you can’t achieve with flat, manufactured materials.
Linear
Clean, simple lines offer clarity and calm. Whether it’s a streamlined table or understated lighting, linear pieces help balance the fuller, curated parts of a room.
Comfort
Above all, a space should feel comfortable. Plush pillows, sink-in seating, and tactile fabrics are at the heart of the rooms I design. Beauty matters, but comfort makes it livable.
Charm
Every room deserves a moment of charm — a piece that feels special, unexpected, or personal. It might be a mirror with a gentle curve, a vintage find, or a texture that subtly catches the eye. These details are what make a room feel uniquely yours.
Why These Elements Matter
When combined, these pieces tell a quiet story : a home grounded in soft neutrals, natural materials, approachable silhouettes, and thoughtful details. A home that feels calm, collected, and lived-in — never rushed or overly done.
This is the foundation of my design style, and the approach that guides every room I put together.
If This Style Speaks to You…
I’d love to help you bring these elements into your own home. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining a room you already love, my design services are centered around creating spaces that feel warm, intentional, and deeply comfortable.
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