It’s no secret that styling colors and patterns can be a challenge. Luckily, these are two areas we, (and our customers) absolutely thrive in. In 2021, we’re not shying away from bold pieces— and we’re going to show you exactly how to weave them into your interior for a standout statement that compliments – but doesn’t overwhelm, your home.

Fortunately, we have some of the most creative and talented minds in the business to help us walk you through styling some of our favorite vibrant textures and colors. These product picks and styling tips will help you transition from mundane and neutral to effortlessly glamorous:

Tip 1: Walk on the wild side with animal print. The trick to decorating with the stripes and spots inspired by the animal kingdom, is to be intentional with your placement. Tiffany Brown of @myeclecticnest used our Pantera Night fabric to take her tablescape to an entirely new level. The overall aesthetic of Tiffany’s dining room has a slightly moody feel – but it needed ties of color to bring it together and brighten the overall look.

“I used Pantera Night in my Dining Room makeover as a table runner and it really elevated the look of the table so much,” said Tiffany. “It gave it a rich but not overwhelming look and feel. I also used Pantera – Tundra a few days ago for a quick bench makeover. I wanted the “drama” of the print but the calmness of the lighter colorway. I love this particular line very much as we have some really great elements : animal prints are always on trend; it’s a classic pattern. Although it’s a classic pattern ( animal prints) they are still so much fun to decorate with as the print will add a bit of whimsy and a lot of sexy to any space. I see animal prints as a neutral and I’m sure they will continue to be heavily utilized in home decor in 2021 and beyond.”

Take a cue from Tiffany by using pops of color to brighten up a darker room. Tie everything together with accent pieces in the same color family for a cohesive color palette that feels inviting, not intimidating.

For animal print lovers, check out our gift guide just for you!

Tip 2: Texture, texture, texture. What is more luxurious than velvet? Run your fingers over the soft fabric and feel an instant sense of posh coziness wash over you.

Kathy Baugher, of @uptodateinteriors opted for a pair of plush velvet SmithHönig Lux pillows in Navy to complete her colorful bedroom makeover. Kathy explained that layering is not simply about colors, but textures as well – “I chose the pillows to layer tone-on-tone bedding and the velvet fabric added a soft-opulent texture to the cotton duvet. Navy is one of my go-to colors that can be read as neutral but also provides a beautiful hue to a room. I think we will continue to see saturated and vibrant colors along with velvet textiles and soft furnishings used in interiors in 2021 home decor trends simply because both the use of color and soft texture of velvet brings a cozy warmness that makes us want to stay and enjoy the room.”

One of the keys to adding a luxury statement piece is accentuating and perfecting what is already in your home. The richness of velvet paired perfectly with light and breathable cotton, is a match made in design heaven.

Tip 3: Go at your own pace. Start small. Not ready to splash vibrant colors and prints across your living room just yet? Take a cue from Jewel Marlowe (of @jewelmarlowe), and create a “secret” happy space. Like the patterned silk lining of an immaculate blazer, Jewel chose SmithHönig Ravenswood Peel and Stick Wallpaper to give the inside of her hall closet a makeover.

“I love the scale of the Ravenswood wallpaper,” Jewel told us. “It is large enough to make a statement, yet still workable in a small space. What I love about this closet makeover is the unexpected element,” said Marlowe. “I sometimes forget that I’ve wallpapered, and then am pleasantly surprised when I open the door.”

See more of Jewel’s project here.

Tip 4: Be Golden: Nothing says extravagance quite like gold. Folding metallic hues into your decor works as wonderfully with neutrals as it does with bright backdrops. Sarah Caligiuri of @sare_xo_home opted for the latter, with gold accents galore to dress up an already lively living space. One of her favorites? Her SmithHönig Ritz Gold pillow:

“The Ritz Gold lumbar pillow is a favorite in my sanctuary. I’m always drawn to soft cotton velvet fabrics and anything with a chunky tassel. The color is magical & it’s super comfy. I love the detail of the side orange tassel fringe & lumbar shape pillows are perfect to dress up a sofa, chair or bed. Pantone 2021 color is yellow so this rich & luxurious pillow is here to stay. It adds the pop of happiness to any space.”

If this is the year you leave beige behind, go at your own pace. Incorporate color, texture, and luxe fabrics to tie your space together. We hope these tips inspire you to run wild with animal print, go chic with plush velvet, and explore an entirely new world of design.

Happy decorating, we’re so excited to see what you create! Tag us in your spaces using @SmithHonig products on Instagram #shopsmithhonig.

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