Benedict Foley is a well-known interior designer renowned for his elegant yet practical approach to creating beautiful, livable spaces. His decorating philosophy blends timeless sophistication with modern sensibilities, resulting in spaces that are both stylish and functional. If you're looking for advice on how to decorate your home in a way that’s both beautiful and harmonious, Benedict Foley’s dos and don’ts are an excellent guide. Here’s a breakdown of his decorating wisdom.
The Dos of Decorating According to Benedict Foley
1. Do Focus on Functionality
One of Benedict Foley's key principles is that form should follow function. While aesthetics are essential, it’s equally important that the space serves your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re designing a living room, kitchen, or bedroom, make sure each piece you choose is practical and functional for your everyday life.
- Tip: Choose furniture that works with the layout and flow of the room. For example, in a family room, a sofa should be comfortable for lounging, but also durable enough to withstand kids or pets.
2. Do Invest in Quality Basics
Benedict always emphasizes the importance of investing in quality foundational pieces that will last. Think of neutral sofas, quality rugs, classic lighting fixtures, and timeless cabinetry. These pieces don’t need to be trendy—they should simply be well-made and durable, forming the backbone of your space.
- Tip: You can always refresh the room with affordable accessories like throw pillows, vases, and artwork. Quality basics are a long-term investment that will elevate your home for years.
3. Do Layer Textures and Fabrics
Foley loves to add depth and warmth to his interiors by layering different textures. Think plush velvet cushions against linen sofas, smooth marble countertops next to rich wood accents, and soft wool throws over leather chairs. This layering technique creates a tactile experience, making the space feel more inviting and rich.
- Tip: Mix up textures such as silk, leather, linen, wool, and bamboo to add visual interest. Just be sure the textures complement each other rather than compete.
4. Do Incorporate Natural Elements
Whether it’s through the use of wood, stone, or plants, Benedict always suggests bringing nature indoors. Natural materials create warmth and a sense of grounding in any space. Plants, in particular, add life and energy to a room.
- Tip: Incorporate indoor plants or wooden furniture to bring organic beauty into your home. A large statement plant or a set of natural stone accessories can add elegance and a calm vibe.
5. Do Be Mindful of Scale and Proportion
One of Benedict Foley’s golden rules is to always consider the scale and proportion of the furniture in relation to the room. Nothing feels more awkward than oversized furniture in a small room or tiny pieces in a large, open space. It’s all about balance.
- Tip: Measure your space carefully before buying any furniture. In larger rooms, you can go bigger with furniture, but don’t over-crowd. In smaller rooms, look for more compact, scaled-down pieces that leave room for movement.
6. Do Personalize Your Space
Foley believes your home should reflect who you are—your personal tastes, interests, and memories. Whether it’s through a curated collection of artwork, family photos, or meaningful keepsakes, don’t shy away from adding personal touches. They make your space uniquely yours and provide a sense of comfort and belonging.
- Tip: Choose artwork, sculptures, and accessories that resonate with you personally. Mix family heirlooms with modern designs to create a space that's a blend of the past and present.
7. Do Use Color Thoughtfully
Benedict believes in using color to express mood and style, but it’s important to do so with intention. He often advises working within a cohesive color palette, ensuring that colors complement each other and evoke the right atmosphere.
- Tip: Use neutral tones as your base and then introduce bolder colors in accent pieces, like cushions, rugs, or artwork. If you’re unsure, start with a monochromatic scheme, and layer in subtle pops of color.
The Don’ts of Decorating According to Benedict Foley
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Space
One of the biggest decorating mistakes Benedict sees is overcrowding rooms with furniture or decor. A common impulse is to fill every inch of a room with furniture, accessories, and knick-knacks, but this leads to clutter and a lack of flow.
- Tip: Allow some empty space around each piece of furniture. Negative space is just as important as the pieces you choose, allowing your space to breathe and feel balanced.
2. Don’t Choose Trends Over Timelessness
Benedict is a fan of classic, timeless designs over fleeting trends. While it's fine to incorporate trendy pieces, make sure they don't dominate your entire space. Avoid buying heavily trendy items that will feel dated in a few years.
- Tip: Opt for timeless pieces for the core elements of your home, such as sofas, chairs, and large art pieces. Incorporate trends in smaller, more interchangeable elements, like throw pillows, light fixtures, or tableware.
3. Don’t Skimp on Lighting
Lighting can make or break a space, and Benedict is adamant about using it correctly. Poor lighting can make even the most beautiful room feel cold and uninviting. It’s essential to use a layered approach to lighting—incorporating ambient, task, and accent lighting.
- Tip: Invest in stylish floor lamps, pendant lights, and table lamps. Consider dimmable switches to create a range of moods depending on the time of day or the occasion.
4. Don’t Neglect Your Walls
Benedict believes that empty walls are like unfinished canvases. While it’s important to avoid over-decorating, leaving walls bare can make a room feel incomplete or unwelcoming. A carefully curated wall of artwork, mirrors, or even a statement piece can completely transform a space.
- Tip: Add artwork that fits the room’s aesthetic. If you’re not sure where to start, create a gallery wall or add one large, impactful piece above a sofa or mantel.
5. Don’t Mix Too Many Styles
While it’s fun to mix different design influences, Foley advises against overwhelming a space with clashing styles. Too many design genres—modern, traditional, industrial, bohemian—can make a room feel disjointed and chaotic.
- Tip: Stick to one dominant style and then mix in complementary elements. For example, a traditional sofa can be paired with a more modern coffee table, but be sure the overall vibe remains cohesive.
6. Don’t Overlook Scale in Art
Benedict stresses that the size of artwork should be in proportion to the wall and surrounding furniture. Small, framed prints can get lost in large rooms, while oversized art can overwhelm a smaller space.
- Tip: Scale your artwork according to the size of the room. A large piece of art can be striking above a sofa or fireplace, but a small gallery wall works best in smaller areas like hallways.
7. Don’t Follow the Rules Too Rigidly
While Benedict gives a lot of practical advice, he’s also a firm believer that design should have room for creativity and personal expression. Don’t follow design rules too strictly—sometimes breaking them can yield beautiful results.
- Tip: Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and try something unconventional. If you love a piece of furniture or artwork that doesn’t fit the "rules," trust your instincts and make it work in your space