Inspirations blog
By perla lichi, ASID
“I don’t believe in trends. I believe in people. And I know that most people have definite preferences based on the many layers that make up their personal life experiences. They do not rely on what the fashionistas are telling them. In my new book, “You Can’t Make This Up. Oh Yes I Can,” (Click here to view)
I explain it this way: “Some like it hot. Others prefer calm.” And many others will select a style somewhere in between. I call this style: “Uniquely their own,” which is the style I create for all my clients.
When I started my career in the ‘80s, the bold use of color was popular. I became known as “Purple Perla” when I introduced my favorite color into my designs. Also, during the ‘80s, patterns ranging from abstract and bold graphics to animal prints were also “hot.” Layered patterns were used to create dynamic energy and visual stimulation.
The ‘90s came along with major technological changes. The new century also ushered in a new millennium and with it, a shift to the opposite of ‘80s extravagance to create luxurious modern interiors. Known as minimalism, this style quickly gained popularity. It also became acceptable to fuse different styles into a unique, individual interior design.
– Perla Lichi
In recent years I have been getting requests from homeowners for a more-is-more approach that layers bold color, pattern, and texture. I was not surprised to see that Terri Williams, a journalist covering housing trends, reporting on 2025 Houzz Home Design Trends in Forbes Real Estate (Oct 31, 2024), included “ Layers of Color, Pattern, And Texture” as one of these 2025 trends.
Since I have always loved bold use of color and multi-layered design, many of the photos in my portfolio (www.perlalichi.com/portfolio) demonstrate appropriate use of layering.
Once you begin to think about layers, it becomes evident that everything has layers. Onions have layers. Oil paintings have layers. Each individual life has many-faceted layers that accumulate with each passing year. Fashion certainly has layers. The fashion press frequently reports the latest way to layer accessories, such as “the latest way to wear a scarf this season.”
– Perla Lichi
In researching this article, I came across this suggestion. A Winter 2024 trend is a way to get more use out of little-worn evening tops by adopting them for daytime. How should one do this? Simple. Layer the evening top, be it beaded, sparkly, or plain black, over a short or long-sleeved tee shirt. Who knew?
A few years back, Homes & Gardens published an article by Sophie Warren-Smith that detailed steps “that interior designers follow for successfully layering.” (Layering in interior design: 10 steps designers always take | Homes & Gardens) These include layering the main color, using different hues. Layering flooring with rugs or large accessories placed on the floor. Different rooms offer different opportunities for layering. Think pillows over bedspread in the bedrooms. Backsplash adjacent to sidewalls and countertops in the kitchen.
Walls are layered with artwork or another type of wall décor. Today we frequently layer walls with back-lit panels with images of gemstones or other images found in nature. Many high end materials are available for this purpose. Windows can be layered with window treatments.
Adding texture is another level of layering. Textured wall panels come in many patterns and can be colored to match or coordinate with adjacent elements in the room. Accessories, the icing on the cake, are the final layer.
When you come to think of it, layering is the real skill that adds a professional touch to interior designer luxury.
