There’s a new yardstick for style – and it’s Instagram. We show you how to present your well-designed and thoughtfully curated home on the photo-sharing site in five trendy settings.
See also: Going retro? 8 home decor ideas that prove old is gold
This article originally appeared on Home & Decor.
Popular with Scandinavian-type interiors, a monochromatic scheme lends a chic aesthetic to your photo. “If you have a conservative black-and-white colour palette at home, make the photo more interesting by including various eye-catching objects,” says Nonie Chen, senior art director of Home & Decor. These will imbue some character in the otherwise plain scene.
What we did: Chose accessories in various materials such as steel and knitted fabric, while sticking to the black and white scheme. Added bits of green to liven up the look.
A vibrant photo is sure to catch the eyes of your followers, and colourblocking is one way to do that. “Start with your concept, a colour scheme and the complimentary objects that will motivate its narrative,” share Dionna Lee and Sean Ashley of creative firm Oooze. They suggest using colours like pastel pink, mustard yellow and bright turquoise.
What we did: Let the colours take centre stage by minimising the number of props. We also used a colour wheel to figure out analogous and complimentary hues.
See how our stylists put together these instagram-worthy scenes here.
A dark background not only draws attention to the objects featured, but it also helps to evoke a different mood from the colours and products used in the photo. Allison Goh, a product stylist who favours a darker colour scheme, says: “Red against a white backdrop is vibrant and happy, whereas the same hue against a black background will feel passionate and dramatic.”
What we did: Created a Timothy Oulton-esque atmosphere, by pairing vintage-look furniture with shiny brass and copper accessories; this brightened the dark tones and luxed up the arrangement.
See also: Stylish & Functional! 10 kitchen decor ideas for HDB
When it comes to the perfect backdrop, nothing beats Mother Nature; natural sunlight and greenery instantly brighten a photo. Take the opportunity to show off your home’s architectural facade and the natural elements that surround it.
Watch our awesome stop-motion video for this feature here.
What we did: Chose brightly coloured props that would pop against a sea of greens and blues. We also included an element of water – whether it’s a pool, or a drink.
Contemporary interiors often feature lots of smooth and sleek surfaces, but if you’d like a rustic and slow-living look instead, photograph home accessories with embroidery, carvings, and even rust. These textured surfaces add depth and character, drawing your attention to the individual pieces in the photo.
What we did: Chose a pared-down colour scheme, so even the smallest details can stand out. We also paired vintage silverware that is showing its age with clean, modern designs.
See also: Avoid these 10 common mistakes when decorating your dream home