Arcadian Revival’s Finishing Touches for Designing a Space
What is the je ne sais quoi that gives a space soul? How do you break apart the feeling of being transported through time or place with concrete steps that can be replicated, and yet feel original? Regardless of the aesthetic of any room, there are a few design elements that are tried and true for Arcadian Revival.
Once the layout of a space has been confirmed, the materials selected, the electrical and lighting elements planned, the millwork thought through, and the continuous communication with the contractor team completed, there is still work that a designer must visit before a space feels complete. And here lies the opportunity to create something truly special.
Below I break out ten steps that I walk through when putting together what I call the finishing touches for a space:
Step 1: Start with a Strong Foundation
I often think in layers. When designing a space, the first thing that I consider as part of my approach with an Arcadian Revival design project is to maximize the potential of creating something special with each design phase. Once an area has been established, selecting special trim, wallcoverings, hardware, and lighting all lay a strong foundation. And millwork in particular is one of my favorite ways to begin approaching a space. For simplicity’s sake, an easy way to establish character is with a gorgeous wall covering.
Shown to the right is the Dolly Fabric, which also comes in a wallpaper of the same color way. A true classic by Sister Parish.
Step 2: Add Natural Textures
Adding natural textures to a space is a transformative way to enhance its depth and character. My approach highlights how incorporating elements like woven rattan, reclaimed wood, and stone accents can evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. These textures not only bring a tactile dimension to a room but also create a harmonious balance between modern and rustic elements. By weaving in these natural components, a space becomes more inviting and visually engaging, offering a grounded, timeless quality that resonates with both comfort and sophistication.
Step 3: Curate Unique Antiques and Art
Arcadian Revival often demonstrates how incorporating unique antiques and artwork can craft a truly special interior through our website, Instagram, and with each of our clients. By selecting one-of-a-kind antique pieces and eclectic artworks, I create spaces that tell a rich, personal story. These elements not only add historical depth and individuality but also serve as focal points that spark conversation and intrigue. Antiques bring a sense of character and timelessness, while carefully chosen artwork injects personality and emotional resonance. Together, they transform a room into a curated, living gallery that is both aesthetically captivating and deeply personal.
The pressed floral art shown to the left is created by Arcadian Revival from our peony garden. It is framed in an antique family heirloom frame and glass that we restored in 2020.
Step 4: Always Incorporate Wood
Most of my favorite pieces in my home and when designing for others are wood. For me, these are usually antique pieces of furniture that have been passed down through the generations or picked up or gifted commemorating a special milestone. Adding wood into a space, as is exemplified in nearly every project touched by Arcadian Revival, is essential for achieving a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wood introduces natural textures and earthy tones that create a sense of warmth and comfort. Whether through reclaimed wood accents, rustic beams, or clean finishes, wood adds depth and connects us to nature in a way that we might often overlook. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of design styles, from traditional to modern, while also providing durability. By integrating wood, a space gains an organic, enduring quality that fosters a welcoming environment.
Step 5: Include books
Books set the tone for how you want people to feel - in your home, your business, etc. …and the more unexpected they are, the better. Incorporating books into your space is an excellent design choice for several reasons - and quite possibly one of the most quintessential design elements of anything Arcadian Revival. Books add a personal touch, infusing a room with depth while sparking curiosity and conversation. Books provide an opportunity to showcase interests and values, offering a glimpse into your personality and intellectual pursuits.
Antique and vintage books, in particular, enhance this effect by adding unique style, historical charm, and a better chance that not everyone will have your same set of coffee table books (you know what I mean). Distinct covers and aged pages seamlessly blend several design aesthetics to create a space that's a wow.
Step 6: Add ambiance with Lighting
Like any excellent designer, Arcadian Revival always considers how low lighting, whether through thoughtfully placed fixtures and lamps or flickering candles, provides the essential ambiance needed to elevate every space. This design philosophy embraces the soft, warm glow of subdued lighting to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Low lighting adds layers of intimacy to a room, while highlighting architectural details or textures. If done correctly, a beautifully and thoughtfully lit space will always be the space that your family and friends gravitate toward in the evenings.
Step 7: Incorporate a Vessel with Character
Something that I do in almost every room that I style is to incorporate a vessel that might be used in a myriad of different ways. Kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, a study, a porch…it’s all the same, only the use changes. At a minimum, a vessel or vase can be used for live arrangements - and better yet, for dried florals and stems that do not need to be switched out as often. I also love using antique crocs in particular for napkins, cutlery, cotton swabs and toothbrushes, toiletries for guests, and just about anything a room might need. It elevates the spaces and creates a unique touch.
Step 8: Include a Touch of Glass
I love showcasing how mixing metals and finishes, such as pairing new shiny brass with a rough cast iron antique piece, can instantly create a space with a timeless quality. The blending of materials creates a dynamic contrast that can highlight both contemporary elegance and historic charm. The juxtaposition of a polished metal with the texture of antique hook or latch for example enriches the visual complexity of the room, making it feel both current and lived in. In addition to the recent attention to mixing metals, this approach to also mix finishes results in a space that resonates with a sophisticated, ageless appeal.
Step 9: Mix metals and finishes
I love to watch how adding glass objects, such as an antique bud vase or a classic hurricane lamp, can elegantly complete a space. These pieces introduce a touch of refined charm or simply a bit of twinkle and variation to enhance any curated space. Shown here are our favorite set of Windsor Candlelights from Farmhouse Pottery, a versatile staple in our home.
Step 10: Make is Seasonal
This step may be the most signature element that I ensure is always included in my design work. Whether it is designing for ledges and shelves or surfaces, areas always need to be set aside to allow for styling through the seasons. Maybe you love going all out at the holidays with pine, or perhaps a space for a seasonal vase to showcase the season is a statement of its own is a manageable approach. I always bring nature indoors and make sure we leave room for her.
I hope you enjoyed this simple guide. The next time that you’re working to finish a space in your home, walk through this checklist and consider what might be missing that can pull a space together.
Happy Styling.
Bethany