Insider Design Tips for Nailing Anthropologie's Style

Many brands interpret or mimic trends, but a select few have the authority to go a step beyond and create them, like Anthropologie. Every season, the brand anticipates the pieces we'll covet for our homes—and always gets it right. Anthropologie's Customer Styling Director Christina Frederick and Lead Home Stylist Anne White lead the brand's décor styling service and offered us insider advice and practical tips to re-create Anthropologie's style and enviable aesthetic at home.

How to Nail Anthropologie's Décor Style at Home

MD: What are the best pieces to splurge and save on to master a high/low mix?

Anne White: Furniture and artwork serve as the foundation to any room. Take the time to do your research and invest in quality, timeless pieces that will last for decades. Splurge on a sofa you love and be sure to balance style and comfort (it will be your daily resting place, after all!). Save on smaller items such as throw pillows, plants, and décor pieces, swapping them out seasonally for a room refresh. 

MD: How important is texture in creating an inviting space? What are your tips for layering different textures in a bedroom?

AW: Texture is key to transforming a space from cool to cozy in the winter months. Tonal fringe, chunky yarns, and a touch of fur add both dimension and warmth to the space. This time of year, I can’t wait to pull out my sheepskin hides and fur throw pillows to carry me through the cold months ahead!

MD: Anthropologie always seems to perfect print-on-print accents. As a stylist, how do you pair and layer patterned items so it doesn't look chaotic?

AW: Start by choosing a cohesive color palette. Next, select prints and patterns with varied scales, such as a small-scale graphic print with a large-scale bold floral. You’ll want to be sure to create balance and give your eye a place to rest by incorporating solids into the mix. Finally, layer in dimensional texture to tie it all together.

MD: French décor is timelessly charming, but many of the stunning images we see feature homes with traditional moldings. How do you adopt French style without renovating?

AW: There are a handful of tricks to achieving French style without living in a chateau. I recommend starting with an exaggerated scale. An ornate, oversize mirror immediately brings in an element of French elegance. Create a bit of drama through rich draperies—hang them high and wide around your window to create the illusion of tall ceilings. Shop at flea markets, antique malls, and thrift stores for unique décor items with an old-world feel. 

MD: What are the major decorating mistakes you always notice?

Christina Frederick: I always encourage a willingness to try new things and experiment with one’s space; mistakes can be a healthy part of the process! It's a great way to achieve an inspiring style and develop your own eye.

A goal to work toward is being able to decipher the right trends to adopt for your home, the best way to incorporate them into your space, and the ability to edit out any existing pieces that could compete with the “new” emerging vibe. 

MD: How do you think travel to Cuba will influence home décor?

CF: I love this question! Anthropologie and Cuban aesthetic share in common some key ingredients at the root (use of vivid colors, vintage details, aged surfaces, juxtaposition), so the influence has shown up naturally in our styling. I certainly think trending materials and the use of color, like saturated tropical hues for interiors will likely be popular for years to come.

MD: Your campaign images always look lived in, rather than overly styled. What's your top tip to make a home look authentic?

CF: There are a couple of elements that can make a newly designed space feel instantly lived in. Personal touches, like a favorite collection or a single piece with special meaning, go a long way in making a room uniquely yours. 

Plants and greenery can be powerful in making a space feel more inviting and lived in, too. For those with a brown thumb or fear of plant care, clipping greenery from outside to put in a vase can achieve a similar vibe without the full-care commitment.