How do we capture timeless elegance in a bottle?
Somehow, the immortal Audrey Hepburn did it in fashion.
But what if we could bring her ageless style to home decor?
Sounds like a stretch gone too far?
Well, today, we’ll explore how you can infuse your living space with Audrey Hepburn's fashion secrets.
The result?
You’ll design a home that boasts not only everlasting appeal, but also chic comfort.
1
Timeless Elegance in Interior Design
Audrey Hepburn favored clean lines, simple silhouettes, and classic pieces that gracefully dominated trends.
Case in point: that black Givenchy dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A dress so iconic. It elegantly froze time.
How you can do the same for your home
When designing your space, emphasize clean lines, refined furnishings, and classic pieces. That’s how you can create a home that escapes the shackles of time.
Consider these timeless centerpieces. Chesterfield sofa. Mid-century modern coffee table. Parsons dining table. They never go out of style, helping your space defy the wrath of age.
Bear in mind, however. We’re just getting started.
2
Major in Minimalism
Hepburn embraced minimalism in her presentation, favoring simplicity over extravagance.
For instance: her hair and makeup.
She sported chic updos or sleek pixie cuts. Her makeup, subtle yet captivating.
She praised the power of understatement, famously declaring, "Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
How you can borrow this secret for your home
Become a fine student of minimalism. Minimalism brings serenity to your space, making the atmosphere more inviting.
It does this by evicting clutter. However, it is far more welcoming to items that have a specific purpose.
In fact, minimalism honors purpose. Because it feels purpose helps free you from the sneaky grips of clutter.
Let's say you wanted a minimalist bedroom. You could get pieces like a simple platform bed, sleek nightstands, and a sleek dresser. While keeping all surfaces uncluttered to help your room breathe.
The effect? You’ll evoke a freeing sense of calm and peace.
3
A Taste for Monochrome Palettes
Audrey Hepburn frequently donned monochrome outfits, especially black. There was just something about the monochrome look that appealed to her. She enjoyed its versatility, its elegance.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
In your space, you can dabble with monochromatic color schemes.
Using varying shades of a single color can add depth and elegance.
Think of a living room filled with different shades of gray.
The walls are light, the furniture is dark, and the rug and pillows match. Brushed nickel lamps rest on side tables, while curtains with simple gray patterns rest on rods.
The result? A cohesive monochrome aesthetic. Timeless and elegant.
4
Sharpen Your Attention to Detail
With the trained eyes of an expert jeweler, Audrey Hepburn examined her outfits in search of ugly flaws.
All details mattered to Hepburn. From the fit of her clothing to the careful selection of her accessories.
She felt that even the tiniest details could lift an outfit to new heights. Whether it was a well-chosen belt, a refined brooch, or a pair of chic sunglasses.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
Pay close attention to the details. Even the subtle ones hiding in plain sight.
No detail is too minor. Details combine to craft the look and feel of your home.
Details such as drawer pulls, curtain rods, door handles, door locks, and even your door hinges. Keep a razor-sharp eye on all of them.
Attention to detail enhances the elegance of your space.
5
Befriend Versatile Staples
Within her arsenal, Audrey Hepburn always held versatile pieces. Pieces she could mix and match to craft new, exciting looks.
Tailored trousers, crisp white shirts, little black dresses, and trench coats formed the foundation of her iconic style.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
Versatile furniture pieces serve as the foundation of interior design.
Investing in quality pieces gives you flexibility in styling. And longevity in design appeal.
Consider investing in multifunctional furniture pieces.
One example is a storage ottoman. It’ll help you maximize space while adapting to your changing needs.
Versatile furniture can be both practical and stylish.
6
Fearlessly Bold with Accessories
While Audrey Hepburn often rocked minimalist clothing, she wasn’t shy about making bold statements with her accessories.
Sure, she’d drape pearls on her neck on occasion. But no mortal could stop her from grabbing bold accessories from her closet.
Whether it was oversized sunglasses, statement hats, bold scarves, or chunky jewelry, Hepburn had a sixth sense for the power of bold accessories. She knew they could add a little spice and personality to an outfit.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
Bold accessories can add a pinch of spice and personality to your home.
Consider hanging a bold statement artwork above your sofa. Perhaps a loud painting featuring geometric patterns.
Or, consider installing a unique pendant light fixture in your dining room.
For sure, bold accessories can inject character and individuality into your space.
7
Embrace the Aura of Ballet Flats
Audrey Hepburn revolutionized the ballet flat. Thanks to her, it became a chic and comfortable alternative to heels.
She frequently wore her flats in both casual and formal surroundings, displaying their versatility and timeless nature.
With grace, Hepburn defied fashionistas who said you must sacrifice comfort for style.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
Like Hepburn, marry comfort with style. The two can go beautifully well when selecting furnishings.
For instance, plush area rugs and cozy throws can invite beautiful relaxation.
Or, let’s say you have a reading nook. You can decorate it with a cozy yet stylish armchair, a soft throw blanket, and a chic floor lamp.
Comfortable, yet stylish.
8
Capture the Vibe of Chic Headscarves
Hepburn mastered the art of the headscarf, styling it in various ways. From wrapping it around her hair to tying it around her neck.
This accessory added another touch of elegance to her ensemble.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
You could add another touch of elegance to your home’s ensemble.
Let’s say you dressed up your windows with floor-to-ceiling silk curtains. Such curtains can elevate a space’s sophistication.
9
Unleash the Delicate Beauty of Proportion
Hepburn was skilled at extracting beauty from proportion. She knew just how to play with sizes in her outfits.
Gracefully, she'd mix tight clothes (pants) with loose ones (sweater), making her look uniquely balanced and confidently classy.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
Sharpen your eye for proportion and scale.
Proportion is about how pieces interact in a room. Consider the relative size, shape, and placement of each piece. Aim for balance. The better your pieces fit together, the more beauty you create.
Scale is about how big or small these pieces are compared to each other and the room they occupy.
Consider both proportion and scale to maximize the beauty of each space.
Picture a huge living room.
A small sofa and tiny chairs would look totally lost and out of place.
But the right-sized furniture (bigger sofa and chairs) would work like a dream. The living room would look and feel just right.
10
A Champion of High-Quality Fabrics
Hepburn kept close tabs on the best fabrics—silk, wool, cashmere, and so forth.
She knew that quality materials made her outfits look and feel fabulous, and battled wear and tear.
How you can borrow this secret for your home
High-quality fabrics make your home furniture more comfortable and durable.
A perfect example is a top-grain leather sofa. Regular use makes it even more soft and supple, elevating its comfort while fighting wear and tear.
11
Project Confidence and Grace with Every Step
In Audrey Hepburn's repertoire, confidence and grace reigned supreme. Her elegant aura spoke louder than her wardrobe.
In fact, I’d have to say that confidence and grace are perhaps the two most essential elements of Hepburn’s style.
How you can apply this secret to your home
Confidence is the “it” factor of design.
When confident, you design with purpose.
With purpose, you’re more confident. As a result, your space reflects your confidence and grace.
You insert your personality, your individuality.
For example, display your favorite deep red accent chair. A confident statement expressed with grace in your living room.
Audrey’s Fashion Elegance Captured in Your Space
Each time you follow one of these secrets, you grace your space with a touch of Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style.
If I had to capture Hepburn’s style using two words, I’d say “elegant simplicity.”
If you forced me to do it with one word, I’d say, “poise.”
Poise is subtle yet powerful. Not only can you harness its power for fashion, but also for your home.
Thank you, Mrs. Hepburn.
And thank you for our time together.
If you’d like free virtual design services from one of our talented designers, kindly click here.
