Martha Stewart is a name synonymous with elegant home decor, style, and a timeless sense of beauty. With her expert tips and distinctive style, Martha has taught countless homeowners how to transform their living spaces into cozy, chic havens. If you’re looking to add a touch of Martha Stewart’s signature flair to your home, here’s how you can achieve it. From creating warm, inviting spaces to choosing the right color schemes and accessories, this guide will show you how to decorate your home like Martha Stewart.
1. Embrace Timeless and Classic Styles
Martha Stewart’s home decor philosophy revolves around the idea of creating spaces that are both elegant and functional. She is a firm believer in the concept of timelessness—decor that never goes out of style and can last through the years. To emulate her style, focus on classic pieces with a modern twist.
Furniture Choices
Martha often blends traditional furniture styles with contemporary accents. For example, wooden dining tables paired with upholstered chairs or a traditional wingback chair with sleek throw pillows create a space that is both inviting and sophisticated. When choosing furniture, aim for pieces that have a strong design but also offer comfort and practicality.
- Opt for natural materials: Wood, linen, and cotton fabrics are staples in Martha Stewart’s designs. Look for quality wood furniture with a distressed finish for a rustic look or elegant, clean-lined wood pieces for a more refined aesthetic.
- Invest in statement furniture: Incorporate furniture that feels both high-end and practical, like a classic Chesterfield sofa or an elegant French-style armchair.
Mixing Old and New
Martha Stewart is known for blending antique pieces with more contemporary items to create a visually interesting environment. Try combining heirloom furniture, like vintage dressers or antique mirrors, with modern touches like sleek lamps or geometric tables. This fusion of old and new creates an atmosphere that feels both fresh and rooted in tradition.
2. Color Palette: Neutral with Pops of Color
Martha’s home interiors often feature neutral color palettes with subtle hints of rich, deep tones. Neutral hues—such as whites, creams, beiges, and grays—provide a calming backdrop for any room and allow you to play with textures and accessories. To get Martha Stewart’s look, start with a neutral base and then add pops of color.
Walls and Base Colors
- Soft neutrals for walls: Choose soft neutrals like warm whites or light grays for walls. These colors provide a clean and welcoming foundation while making a space feel open and airy.
- Bold accents: To bring in Martha’s distinctive charm, add accent walls in rich tones like sage green, deep navy, or a muted coral. These colors give rooms depth and personality.
Layering Textiles and Accessories
Once your walls are set, add layers of color and texture through fabrics and accessories. Think of silk throw pillows, wool rugs, and linen curtains in both neutral shades and vibrant tones. Martha Stewart is a master of mixing textures and colors to bring warmth and character to a room.
3. Attention to Detail: Accessories and Decor
What sets Martha Stewart’s spaces apart is her ability to curate accessories that complement her designs without overwhelming them. Accessories are what truly bring a room together and create a cohesive, welcoming vibe.
Use of Flowers and Greenery
One of Martha’s signature touches is her love for fresh flowers and greenery. She often places vases of flowers—whether classic roses, seasonal blooms, or fresh herbs—in every room. Not only do flowers add color and fragrance, but they also create an inviting atmosphere. Here’s how to incorporate this into your home:
- Vase placement: Place fresh flowers in vintage-style vases or simple glass containers on coffee tables, dining tables, or kitchen countertops.
- Potted plants: Consider potted plants like herbs in the kitchen or succulents in the living room for a more relaxed feel.
Artwork and Wall Decor
Martha Stewart’s homes often feature artwork that is both personal and timeless. To replicate this style, choose pieces that reflect your taste but don’t overwhelm the space.
- Gallery walls: Create a gallery wall with framed family photos or artwork in varying frames. Mix vintage, antique, and modern pieces for a curated look.
- Mirrors and Clocks: Incorporating classic mirrors or vintage clocks into your home decor brings an element of timeless elegance.
4. The Power of Lighting
Martha Stewart understands the importance of lighting in creating ambiance. To create a space that feels like it’s straight out of her magazine, lighting should be warm, layered, and versatile.
Layered Lighting
Martha’s spaces often feature multiple layers of light. This means having a combination of:
- Ambient lighting: Overhead lights or recessed lighting to create a soft, even glow.
- Task lighting: Desk lamps, pendant lights, or under-cabinet lighting for functionality.
- Accent lighting: Table lamps or candles to bring warmth and intimacy.
Chandeliers and Table Lamps
For a touch of luxury, consider installing chandeliers in the dining or living rooms. Martha Stewart often opts for elegant but understated light fixtures that add both light and charm. Pair chandeliers with classic table lamps to offer softer lighting for reading or relaxing.
5. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere with Texture and Comfort
A hallmark of Martha Stewart’s home decor is the cozy, inviting feel she creates in every room. She is known for combining luxury with comfort, ensuring that each space feels like a sanctuary.
Textures
- Velvet cushions and throws: Add plush velvet throw pillows or soft cashmere throws to your furniture for added texture.
- Woven baskets and rugs: Martha loves to use woven baskets to keep things organized while adding texture to the space. You can also layer woven rugs for an eclectic and warm atmosphere.
Fabrics and Upholstery
Upholstered furniture is often seen in Martha Stewart’s designs, whether in the form of linen-covered chairs or velvet couches. These fabrics lend an air of luxury while still feeling comfortable and functional.
6. Incorporate Seasonal Elements
Martha Stewart is well-known for her ability to seasonally adapt her home decor. Whether it’s creating cozy spaces in the fall or introducing vibrant flowers and light fabrics in the spring, seasonal decor keeps your home fresh and welcoming year-round.
- Fall and Winter: During cooler months, Martha’s style is characterized by warm throws, plush rugs, layered textures, and decorative candles.
- Spring and Summer: As the weather warms, Martha switches to brighter, lighter fabrics, floral arrangements, and outdoor living spaces.
7. The Personal Touch: Infuse Your Personality
While Martha Stewart’s home decor style is elegant and refined, it also feels incredibly personal. Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality through your decor. Incorporate your own personal collections, favorite art pieces, or family heirlooms into your space.
Whether it’s a collection of vintage plates, travel mementos, or a set of unique tableware, personal touches make your home feel like your own, reflecting both style and history.
Conclusion
Decorating your home like Martha Stewart is about more than just purchasing stylish furniture or following the latest trends. It’s about creating spaces that are timeless, personal, and welcoming. By embracing classic furniture pieces, layering textures, playing with color, and incorporating thoughtful details, you can bring a Martha Stewart-inspired ambiance into your home. Whether you’re styling a cozy living room, designing a welcoming dining area, or simply updating small accessories, the key is to infuse warmth and elegance into every corner. With these tips, your home will not only look chic but also feel like a comforting sanctuary—a place you’ll never want to leave.
