How to Style Artisan Homewares Without Overwhelming Your Space

How many times have you found a unique piece of home décor that you immediately connect and fall in love with - only to ask yourself [or be asked by someone else] - Where will you put it. Will it go with what you already have? 

We can say that this has and still does happen to us, often. Especially when we come across unique handcrafted pieces, or artisans and their wares during our travels.

Styling unique homewares doesn't need to feel intimidating. When done with intention, artisan pieces can blend seamlessly into your home and current style, offering contrast, warmth and meaning - not clutter. 

Below are some ways we answer those questions. 

Start with One Intentional Piece

Begin with a piece that truly speaks to you, your style or intentions for a particular space in your home. Something that feels like you. This could be something as unassuming as a handmade ceramic pot, a detailed set of brass hooks, or even an organic-shaped candle holder. Focus on this to start with, putting aside anything else you thought could be added next to it or styled with it.  

Let it live on its own for a while. Great design often begins with breathing room.

If you are looking for what that single intentional piece could be - explore our unique wall hooks, statement vessels, or brass accents. 

When you're ready, you can then bring in other pieces to sit around your statement item. When you do this, you want to consider different heights and sizes to continue with that breathing room. This helps to achieve that luxury feeling, and allows you to bring in more pieces and layers without feeling cluttered. Look at different ways to position or face pieces - like books; they don't have to be stacked on top of each other, they can be standing up with the spines facing in or our, bordered by two heavy décor items rather than bookends.

Group by Tone, Not Match 

Unless it is your intended and desired personal style, forget about trying to "match" everything. Instead, think about mood: earthy, serene, bold, textural. 

Combine pieces that share a visual tone, even if they're different in material. For example, a linen throw, a brass object and cues of rattan on statement vessels can all live together if they feel cohesive. 

Think of the more modern take on the art-deco styling. There are always different textures, complimenting tones of woods and often mixed metals. These bring in different textures, finishings and materials - but all work to create the same overall mood. 

Styles like coastal mixed in with minimalism can also work - as long as you bring it back to matching the tone. 

Need some more inspiration? Explore our collection of artisan homewares with textures that inspire.

Anchor Small Objects with Everyday Rituals 

Not every unique artisan piece needs to be a centrepiece. Some of the most meaningful are those that become a part of your every day routines - like a teaspoon that stirs your morning coffee, or your go-to mug for an evening cuppa. 

These "quiet" pieces are what bring a home to life and create those really important micro-moments.  

Shop our artisan-made homewares that were made to compliment those moments.

Keep It Light - Literally 

It's already been said but it's something that can make or break a space - let your pieces breath. Negative space in itself is a decorative item. Even if your personal style is maximalism - there is a very big different between an intentional and curated maximalist-styled room v's one that looks like a teenagers bedroom. 

Natural light, if available, is also an immediate easy winner to help your pieces breath some more. This helps add that light and space between your pieces, naturally. 

If you feel like you have too many pieces for one space, but want them all on display, consider a mini-restyle. Look at other rooms and how you can move pieces around to make each surface and area work a little better. Get creative - take photos if you need a different visual cue to see if it works. Let one option sit for a while before trying another in order to find what feels right. 

Artisan pieces often tell a story - but they need space to speak.

Let Your Style Be Yours 

We are big believers in letting your home evolve with you. With intention. With texture. With soul. 

Your home, we believe, is a reflection of the story of your life. It shouldn't just be left as "set and forget". That's the beauty behind decorating your home with artisan homewares - they will encourage movement, inspire a new way to design, and bring your homes story to life that little bit more.