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My Modsy Story: Creating a Home That Reflects Our Love of Traveling

When Faith and her husband moved into their first house they wanted the decor to reflect their shared love of travel and respective heritages—but they didn’t know where to start.

Homeowner: Faith J.

Spaces: Office and Bedroom

My Style: Rustic Traveler

The Backstory

When Faith and her husband moved to their first home, they were excited for the opportunity to create a space that brought together their respective heritages and their love of traveling.

“My husband and I recently moved into our first home and we were so excited to decorate. We both love to travel and have international backgrounds. I am from Guyana and he has Polish and Hungarian ancestry. We wanted our home to reflect our passion for travel and illustrate our roots.”

“We wanted our home to reflect our passion for travel.”

The Design Dilemma

Faith knew she wanted her home to reflect her and her husband’s love of travel but she was unsure of how to get started or if she’d ever find the time to decorate with her busy schedule.

“We knew the general look and feel we wanted for our home, but we have zero design experience. We were also so busy with work and had little time to find decor on our own—leaving our house feeling empty and impersonal. I knew we needed outside help, so I decided to try online interior design.”

The Modsy Moment

Working with her designer, Faith was able to collaborate on designs for multiple rooms in her house—creating curated spaces filled with decor that reflected the eclectic, well-traveled, and global vibe she and her husband were looking for in their home.

“We so enjoyed working with our designer. She really listened to what we had to say and paid attention to the things that were important to us—taking our thoughts and transforming them into designs that we can feel truly happy with.”

“Our designer really listened to what we had to say and paid attention to the things that were important to us.”

The Real Results

Now that Faith and her husband have designs that reflect their unique style, they feel a new sense of ease in their home.

“Since working with our Modsy designer, our lives feel more organized and everything in our space just flows together better. The experience made us feel special because there was so much thought and care put into the design process. Our designer helped us make sense of our empty house—transforming it from a blank canvas into a work of art that we can call our home.”

“Our designer helped us make sense of our empty house—transforming it from a blank canvas into a work of art that we can call our home.”

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What Is Boho Style: 8 Ways To Ace The Boho-Chic Look

July 16, 2020/0 Comments/in Eclectic Design, Style Ideas, Style Inspiration /by Modsy

What is boho style? Believe it or not, it’s a question we get asked more often than you think. It’s not surprising since this look is made up of a mix of many different style furnishings and decor.

In short, bohemian style is the colorful global look that brings to mind the home of the world traveler and the flea market lover. There’s a lively mix of colors, patterns, furniture styles, asymmetrical layouts, and unexpected decorative touches. In many ways, it’s a blend of eclectic interior design elements, organic note, and bright doses of glamour. Case in point: This plant-filled and pattern-packed boho-chic living room.

For some inspiration and guidance, we’ve rounded up a range of living spaces, from vibrant to subdued, that play up the boho look. Come along as we break down each space and show you how to blend different decor elements to master the boho look at home.

Minimalist Boho

Contrary to what you might think, boho interior design can be subtle. Here, minimalism meets boho in its mix of clean lines, calming neutral hues, natural textures, and warm woods.

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How To Get The Look:

Soft color scheme of mostly shades of white and cream. Warmed-up honey tones and natural wood accents. Lots of layers and textures that give a boho nod, like a fringed rug over a jute rug, a woven basket with a pouf, and linen pillows.

Perfect for… those who are all for the casual look and feel of boho without the bright colors.

Rustic Boho

With its combination of furniture pieces that have vintage flair, global accents, and light rustic elements, this is bohemian style with an elevated twist.

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How To Get The Look:

Rustic color palette of tans, rusty reds, browns, and creamy whites. Boho decor finds, such as a Moroccan side table, a salvaged bench, and a colorful hanging tapestry along with bright patterned pillows. Tall leafy plants and graphic desert art.

Perfect for… you if your favorite places to shop are flea markets and antique stores, and you have that special gift for turning a street find into an amazing one-of-a-kind piece.

Contemporary Boho

This relaxed and modern boho look is the least formal and all about breaking the rules of traditional interior design. It’s also the easiest look to mix, match, and make work in your home.

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How To Get The Look:

Think earth tones with global flair, like coral, burnished orange, and indigo. Comfort first means a livable sofa or sectional and a colorful soft rug. Decorative accents, such as embroidered pillows, wall baskets, and carved tables, define the atmosphere.

Perfect for… those of you who are drawn to lived-in spaces that are big on comfort. This is a look that can be easily translated into other spaces in the home, whether it’s a boho chic dining space or an eclectic bedroom.

Boho Glam

Boldly layered with a mix of luxe furnishings, eccentric art and accents, and bright island colors and patterns, this boho glam look is all about making a bright, daring statement in a space.

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How To Get The Look:

Jewel tones against white walls is the backbone of this look. Luxe furnishings, like green velvet chairs, a brass leaf side table, and a sputnik-style pendant light, lend a retro vibe that defines any bohemian living room. Play up rattan, plants, and quirky prints.

Perfect for… those of you who want your room to reflect your spirited personality, great eye for style, and collection of treasures from around the world. You’re wild for drama and excitement!

Mid-Century Boho

With this modern boho look, it comes down to a space that showcases your personality and individual taste. Mix pieces from different periods and cultures in a unique way that reflects you.

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How To Get The Look:

Mid-Century Modern forms, such as clean-lined sofas, slender cane chairs, and a rattan pouf. Layered patterns that include boho dots, kilim designs, and traditional rug motifs. Nature-inspired art, from desert landscapes to ephemera.

Perfect for… anyone who appreciates Mid-Century Modern elements and a mix of cool curated art and accents. The result is an eclectic living room that’s boho chic and tailored for comfort.

Coastal Boho

Known as California casual, this laid-back take on boho style captures the breezy and eclectic aesthetic of West Coast coastal homes. Talk about a great mix of color, pattern and texture.

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How To Get The Look:

Blue and white reigns supreme as a color palette that’s easy to dress up or down as needed. Decorating with natural materials is key to nailing this look, be it a woven ottoman table, driftwood tables, or wood-and-leather sling chairs. Consider pairs of everything.

Perfect for… fans of the coastal California boho chic look. You know what we’re talking about.

Industrial Boho

Contemporary and sophisticated, this sleek approach to boho brings to mind a living space in a city loft or a fancy high-rise condo. Unique furnishings and strong lines are key to this look.

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How To Get The Look:

Elegant furnishings combined with vintage and repurposed furnishings. Bold leather pieces, like a cozy streamlined sofa, and wood nesting tables that lend polished boho flair. Industrial lighting, accents, and art in high-contrast black-and-white tones.

Perfect for… city dwellers and contemporary design lovers who want to balance bohemian style with a refined touch.

Classic Formal Boho

Simply put, this captures our idea of elegant bohemian style. There’s an Old World vibe that’s punched up with modern upholstered furnishings and eclectic accents. What’s not to love?

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How To Get The Look:

Mix found objects and stately antiques with whimsical textiles and accent pieces. A vintage rug with trad colors that adds tons of warmth. Eye-catching foundation pieces, be it crisp white sofas, plush leather armchairs, or a carved coffee table.

Perfect for… those who are enthralled by antiques and found pieces that have a great backstory but also love the color and ease that boho finishing touches bring to a space.

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A Beginners’ Guide to Eclectic Style: 8 Tips for Designing an Eclectic Living Room

April 9, 2020/1 Comment/in Eclectic Design, Style Ideas, Style Inspiration /by Modsy

Eclectic style is a trendy look that’s all about mixing different elements together. But what does eclectic mean really? In home design, it often looks like mixing different time periods, decor styles, textures, colors, and patterns together. But, at its best, eclectic styles shouldn’t feel chaotic. Rather, eclectic style is about finding harmony in diverse and contrasting styles to create a cohesive space.

We love that eclectic spaces show the personality of the person who lives there and leaves so much room for individual creativity. If you’re a lover of all things boho, we’re here to help you tackle designing an eclectic space—and today, we’re focusing on eclectic living rooms! As one of the main spaces in your home, it can feel intimidating to try a design style that’s a bit out-of-the-box. But you don’t have to stress. Keep reading for eight tips for designing eclectic living rooms!

1. Combine Furniture in Different Styles

Unlike other interior design styles, eclectic design is all about mixing furniture from different aesthetics or time periods, together in one space. So, you wouldn’t want all of your furniture to have modern lines if you’re going for an eclectic look. Rather, consider curating a mix of foundational pieces that represent different styles.

For example—using the above eclectic living room as inspiration—you could go for a traditional coffee table, minimal or modern accent chairs, a transitional sofa, and a vintage boho-style rug. This interesting mix of styles gives a sense that the space came together over time and is a unique representation of your distinct tastes. (And creates a space that is dynamic and unexpected!)

One big tip when picking out foundational, eclectic furniture: While some symmetry is nice (as seen above) you definitely want to keep it from feeling too matchy-matchy—which is the exact opposite of eclectic design.

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2. Go High-Contrast in Your Color Palette

Creating a high-contrast space emphasizes your eclectic style, adding a cohesive and harmonious quality to your eclectic style. This might look like mixing rustic patterns, traditional furniture, and modern pieces together in one space. But what makes this unexpected mix of styles work is a strong and simple color scheme. It’s clean and high impact—a perfect way to keep an eclectic space from feeling chaotic.

In the eclectic living room above, the black and white palette balances the more delicate traditional chairs with the bold silhouette of the leather sofa, giving them equal weight. And how about that floor lamp for an unexpected pop??

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3. Embrace Antiques and Vintage-Style Finds

Using vintage or antique pieces in your space will make your living room feel more unique and will really play up the eclectic nature of the style—like the mirror, coffee table, and vintage-inspired floor lamp, pictured above! You can make your space feel historied by collecting items with worn textures and finishes.

But, if you aren’t in an area with access to good vintage and antique finds, you can also fake it! Worn-wood finishes, vintage-treated rugs, and metals or leather pieces with a patina are great ways to give off that vintage vibe.

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4. Take an Eclectic Approach to Styling

Don’t want to go full-out eclectic? Consider infusing your space with eclectic styling instead. One way we love to do this is by creating a gallery wall full of funky art and decor. Or even propping art on consoles and credenzas, rather than hanging them up. Both of these are less formal design elements that infuse eclectic vibes into any space. It’s a perfect way to play with some eclectic styling in even the most formal of spaces.

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5. Play With Patterns

A classic eclectic move is to play with patterns. Consider mixing patterns across furniture and accessories, mixing both organic and geometric shapes. You can also play with scale, using a variety of both small and large patterns.

Here, strong geometric patterns are given an eclectic treatment through a playful mix of textiles—from throw pillows to wall art, and even a lampshade! But a soft black and neutral palette keeps the look cohesive, for a delightfully eclectic living room.

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6. Invite Lots of Layers

Layering items in different shapes and textures adds dimension to a space and makes it feel warm and inviting. Think: rugs on rugs, woven wall hangings instead of prints, and layers of colors and patterns in throw pillows.

A great way to create a layered, eclectic look without it feeling cluttered is to focus on a few items that each have the right mix of color, texture, and pattern. A bold wall color sets the tone for this space, but keeping furniture in more neutral tones and opting for a mix of earth tones in the rest of the colors keeps the space clean.

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7. Master the Material Mix

Bringing in lots of texture is another foundational element of this style. So, when creating an eclectic space, go all out with mixed materials. A mix of carved pieces, sheepskin, leather, natural textures, and pom-poms give an eclectic warmth to this space! And it adds visual intrigue for a living room that’s both dynamic and layered.

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8. Keep Your Layout Casual

Ultimately, this style is all about making a space feel comfortable and relaxed. So, skip the symmetry and go for an unexpected, casual layout. Think about nontraditional layouts or unexpected furniture choices—like using a pouf where you would normally have a chair. Elements like this will give your living room that signature eclectic vibe.

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Design your eclectic living room today.

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Destination Style: Bring Home Eclectic Santa Fe Style

July 12, 2019/2 Comments/in Eclectic Design, Living Room Interior Design, Style Ideas, Style Inspiration /by Modsy

To celebrate summer, we’re taking inspiration from the all-American tradition of a cross-country road trip. We’ll be making our way across the USA and exploring some of our favorite cities and their signature design styles along the way. Buckle up and get ready for some major destination design inspo. Next up: The Southwestern style of Santa Fe, New Mexico!

Adobe homes. Rustic hues. Sumptuous natural materials. These elements combined are what we love about southwestern style. Santa Fe itself has long held irresistible allure for artists and design lovers looking to venture outside of the creative hubs of bigger metropolitan cities. Georgia O’Keeffe famously took up residence in Santa Fe many decades ago, and today her home and art studio are considered one of the country’s most beloved museums.

And when it comes to design, you’ll definitely recognize interiors that celebrate the region’s colorful rustic look that is popular across Instagram and Pinterest: rooms decorated in earthy desert hues, mid-century furnishings, pieces made with natural materials, and pops of tribal and navajo-inspired patterns.

Read on to see how you can bring the layered southwestern look to your own home.

Welcoming Foundations

Not to be confused with the modern farmhouse style of Sonoma, Santa Fe style is rooted in a sense of earthy comfort that is inspired by its history, desert surroundings, and Native American and Spanish design influences. We like to think of it as cozy, modern, and a little funky all at once. To conjure the look in your own home, here are the key foundational elements to keep in mind.

Work with a warm palette

Rather than crisp whites, light neutrals and blue tones, southwestern-style interiors are made up of a richly warm color palette that includes burnt oranges, rusty reds, deep browns, and shades of natural and earth tones. Collectively, the colors add up to a welcoming palette that recalls the arid desert landscape of the Southwest.

Lay out focus areas

Modern southwestern-style spaces are carefully laid out. Rooms often consist of smaller focused areas within a larger living space, such as cozy conversation spots and corners-turned-reading-nooks. To start, try strategically placing your rugs as a way to delineate different spaces and use greenery to create visual distinction between areas.

For instance, a cowhide layered on top of a traditional rug can have the effect of extending your seating area, while a tall cactus or fiddle-leaf ficus tree can inadvertently work as a room divider.

Eclectic Appeal

Southwestern-style interiors often incorporate a stylish mix of modern design, navajo patterns, and boho touches that result in their colorful and eclectic appeal. And the overall vibe is comfy and inviting but also packed with plenty luxurious textures. Here’s how to blend all these elements into your space

Pile on the patterns

Because these are the real pops of color, pattern, and texture in Santa Fe-style interiors, you’ll want to make sure you bring in pieces you absolutely love and can picture yourself living with. Where to begin? Navajo-inspired pillows, blankets in whimsical motifs, or a geometric kilim rug are all great foundations that you can pull colors from for accents throughout the room.

And you also can’t go wrong with a cowhide rug, which adds instant warmth. (If you can’t tell, we love the look of a hide layered on a bold patterned rug!) And when it comes to choosing art, opt for landscapes or even take an abstract route with graphic paintings and prints; just make sure they stay within the earthy desert color palette.

Think modern, not sleek

For your anchor pieces, opt for mid-century silhouettes and furniture with modern frameworks. Think chairs with tapered legs, streamlined woven leather armchairs, and even a metal bar cart. The clean-lined appeal of these pieces provides cool contrast to the bright colors and patterns of the accents. Just remember that you want to keep to rustic materials and even seek pieces that show a little patina. Weathered woods, aged leather, or a lightly faded rug are great places to start!

Keep it organic

Opt for natural materials as much as possible in your furnishings and accents. Then extend that ethos to your smaller furniture pieces. Designs with curvy silhouettes and organic shapes are nods to adobe architecture that can help emphasize the southwestern style.

Get your greenery on

Probably the most essential piece of the southwestern style puzzle, no room really says “Santa Fe” without plenty of cacti. So be sure to add plenty of plants that reference the region’s uniquely lush and arid landscape. A large potted cactus alongside mini cacti and other leafy plants add vibrant notes that are essential for rounding out the look.

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