She’s proof that great style translates from your closet to your home
Blake Lively’s eye for posh style has always been part of her presence both on- and off-screen. She’s long been admired for portraying stylish characters from the beginning of her career on “Gossip Girl” to more recent roles like in the thriller “A Simple Favor.” Oh, and can we also mention her IRL spotlight-stealing fashion at the Met Gala?
What’s more, she’s also got a knack for interior design. Luckily for us, she’s shared some interior design tips over the years, and we’re all ears.
In a 2018 Instagram post from her account @Blakelively, Blake shouts out her daughters for “unknowingly loaning clothes for ‘fabric’ inspo” while also citing “broken bath tiles” as another source for pattern inspiration. The idea is so simple that it’s actually genius, especially when you’re stuck in a creative rut: Think outside the fabric swatch and draw inspiration elsewhere.
Find your most-loved colors and patterns throughout your home and build your home style around that. Look for fabrics and pieces that may remind you of a favorite top or childhood curtains because, hey, there’s a reason why you love them.
One more thing: Don’t be afraid to bust out that giant art print you love while you’re out shopping (or at least a photo of it) because the real thing is always more inspiring than memory alone.
When asked, “Carpet or wood floors?” in her Vogue Interview, 73 Questions With Blake Lively, Blake replies: “Wood floors, but [if it’s a pre-war building] you should check to see if the existing floors are still there…because they’re always more awesome.”
We couldn’t agree more—in many older homes, carpeting and wall plaster cover beautiful original floorings and wall treatments. If you’re demo-ing for a renovation in one of these homes, do so carefully and keep an eye out. You might find hardwood floors, authentic shiplap, vintage wallpaper, or other hidden treasures, which is why working with a great local home renovation contractor is so important.
Blake also details in her 2018 Instagram post: “I design my friends’ homes. For free. Of all the bad decisions I’ve made, this may be the most fun.”
While we’re not saying you should want to redo the homes of all your BFFs, try to channel that energy into your own interior design project. Think of it as a creative outlet and see where your imagination takes you. If it helps, grab some colored pencils and a sketchpad for brainstorming. Who knows, you might end up loving it so much that you'll be inspired to give everyone interior design advice.
In her live talk with Martha Stewart at a past American Made Summit, Blake says that while she often says she “hates” constantly redoing her house, she’s convinced that she actually secretly enjoys it. “We’re always changing a room, but I think I just love it; I’m just a glutton for punishment. Because it’s so much fun to take a space and personalize it.”
This sentiment rings true for jaded decorators everywhere—it’s so easy to accept what’s there, especially if you changed it recently. Still, if you’re unhappy or just bored with it, don’t hesitate to go back to the drawing board. Rediscover the joy of personalizing the space and use that to fuel yet another redo or at least move things around until you’re happy with them.
If you’re lacking design inspiration, expand your horizons and hit the road. Another wise tidbit from Blake’s sit-down with Martha Stewart: “When you travel…discover something new and reinterpret it.” Whether it’s across the country or somewhere local, discovering new spaces can help shape your future design visions. Take plenty of photos and create a vision board when you return home.
While Blake definitely meant to show off her outfit in these self-timer snaps on Instagram, we couldn’t help but notice the home decor hiding in the background and foreground of the images. It’s clear from the rounded couch, pointed light fixture, and circle-in-a-square-style window treatment that Blake is all about creating intrigue in her home with different bold shapes.
And you can easily take a cue from this star’s home design: Although you may be a fan of rigid lines, throw in a statement piece that’s a little on the rounder side, like a piece of art or cozy chair you can really sink into. The same can go for your home itself—maybe you have lots of exposed beams like the one seen in Blake’s photo. Great! Talk to your contractor about rounded windows or door frames to balance out the space.
One last bit of wisdom from Blake’s chat with Martha Stewart: “That’s what I love in a home. When everything has a story.” If you’re finding your space a little unexciting, take Blake’s advice and use memories and experiences to shape your interior design. It also helps to declutter regularly and eliminate items that don’t make you happy. When you’re surrounded by meaningful memorabilia and decor, you’ll feel more at home than ever.
