Before I started designing, I saw it as a wholly creative pursuit—rooted in imagination and emotion. But as my career progressed, I realized, like most things in life, it isn’t so black and white.
There is a science behind the scenes—experiments conducted over time that have led to established principles, creating a conduit through which feelings flow. Together, these concepts form a philosophy that connects a piece to a room, a room to a home, and a home to a body of work.
Today, I’m beginning a series called Patina Principles, where I’ll share some of the fundamentals we use to build rooms in our signature Patina Style.
In this first installment, I want to focus on seating areas—one of my favorite spaces to design and one of the most frequently used areas in a home.
Throughout this post, you'll notice a common thread that ties many of these rooms together - our utilization of antiques to imbue a space with timeless character. If you would like to add antiques to your home, our selection is a wonderful place to start, especially now that we have made it easier than ever. Instead of having to email our shop, you can now check out as you would for any other items! Head over to our shop to explore now.
CONSIDER THE PURPOSE
The first step in our design process is always the same, no matter what room we’re creating: How will this space actually be used?
Is this where your family will gather every evening, serving as a backdrop to endless memories? Will it be where you curl up with your coffee in the morning before stepping into the day? Or perhaps it’s a more formal space for entertaining?
Defining the purpose of the space helps you determine the feeling it should exude. If it’s your family room, it should feel open, comfortable, and inviting. If it’s a cozy coffee nook, warmth and intimacy should take precedence. A more formal space might call for structure and classic refinement.
These feelings will guide the rest of your design decisions.
SEATING
Once you’ve determined the purpose, consider how your seating choices contribute to the response you hope to evoke. A comfy leather sofa will invite people to settle in and stay awhile more than a Gustavian sofa.
If you have space for more than one seating option, I love mixing styles. The key is ensuring that, while distinct, the pieces complement each other in color and proportion. A delicate Rococo chair paired with rustic leather armchairs can strike a balance between feminine and masculine energy while maintaining a cohesive feel. You can explore our selection of antique seating to find your perfect pairings.
As the collection comes together, you’ll notice the room starts to feel like a gathering of different personalities—even before it’s filled with loved ones.
TABLES
Once seating is selected, I turn my attention to tables. Again, purpose is paramount. But one principle holds true across all rooms: tables should be proportionate to the seating. A large sectional that accommodates four people won’t be well-served by a single, small cocktail table in the corner.
Material is another key factor. A glass coffee table might suit a formal space, while a linen or leather ottoman could be a better fit for a relaxed family room.
I also like to think beyond traditional coffee tables. Leather trunks, vintage gym mats topped with old breadboards, or even old fishermen’s baskets can serve as unique, functional alternatives.
RUGS
A well-chosen rug grounds the space without overpowering it.
When browsing potential picks, consider the seating and tables you’ve chosen. Everything should fit comfortably on the rug. To ensure this, sketch the rug’s footprint on paper and arrange your furniture within those dimensions, leaving some breathing room between the pieces and the rug’s edges.
Material is another important element. Steve and I gravitate toward natural fibers like seagrass, sisal, and jute—not only for their affordability but also for their ability to brighten a space.
We prefer rugs that don’t feel too dark, as deep, intense shades tend to draw too much attention to the floor. That’s why we love sun-bleached vintage carpets or even flipping rugs upside down—the undersides often reveal more muted, time-worn hues.
LIGHTING
Steve and I have a simple motto when it comes to lighting: “Light the walls, not the floor.”
To achieve this, we avoid recessed lighting and instead opt for fixtures that provide ambient illumination, such as chandeliers, wall sconces, and floor or table lamps.
Dimming overhead lights and allowing softer, focused lighting—like a floor lamp highlighting a chair—creates a much warmer, more inviting atmosphere.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Throughout the entire design process, revisit the reality of the room. Life isn’t about the things that fill a space—it’s about the memories made within it. Focus on the feeling, and let it guide you.
If you would like to learn more about our design philosophy and explore more of our client's homes, you can purchase a signed copy of one of our books here.
I hope you can use these principles to help you design a life you love. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.
xx,
Brooke
