Less, But Better
Restyling My Primary Ensuite
Practical styling notes from my own home.
We restyled my primary ensuite again this week for a shoot, and it reminded me how much of the design is just editing what you already have. It doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need to buy six new things. Most of the time, a space looks better when you take things away rather than add to it.
Here’s exactly what we did, and the advice I give clients all the time.
Start by removing things, not adding more
Before we touched florals, bedding, or lighting, we literally cleared out the room: countertops, trays, candles, everything. And instantly, the room made more sense.
You see the marble. You see the wall color. You see the lines of the space again. We were able to start from scratch and reimagine the space again. If a room feels busy or “off,” don’t shop first. Start by removing three things. It changes everything.
Branches over florals (for statement)
Instead of bringing in a big floral arrangement, we used the simple branches we foraged. We sometimes forget that the things we need are just out there, and nature has so much to offer. They’re easier, more sculptural, and honestly… they photograph better. They add height and shape without looking fussy. And you won’t have to spend a lot of money to make a statement.
Sometimes, one stem is enough, and don’t be scared of colors. How dreamy are these peonies!
Bring in one or two antiques to break up the “newness”
I always talk about blending antiques into a space. The ensuite is pretty calm and neutral, so the antiques really make a difference. The vintage French sconce, the brass objects, and even the reupholstered ottoman give the room personality.
Antiques bring warmth and texture in a way that newer pieces can’t. Add one antique to any room you feel is “too modern.” It instantly feels more lived-in.
Re-layer the bed — but keep it simple
I. Pillow Fabric II. Reupholstered Ottoman (Aberfoyle Market + custom fabric) III. Flower Wall Sconce (Etsy) IV. Nightstands V. Hanging Pendant Light VI. Table Bedside Armchair
We changed the bedding by keeping the palette soft and sticking to texture. The vintage crewel bedding adds so much character, and the oversized lumbar grounds everything without adding clutter.
Nothing perfect. Nothing over-styled. Stick to a couple of layers. Use texture, not ten pillows.
Choose one statement moment, not five
During the shoot, we realized the room looked best when we let one thing lead. Some days it was the marble. Other days, it was the mirror or the headboard. Trying to highlight everything makes a space feel busy. Every vignette needs one focal point. Pick the hero and let everything else support it.
Editing is the real design trick
This whole shoot made me laugh because it proved (again) that the best design advice is the simplest: You don’t need more things. You need better things, and fewer of them.
The ensuite looked fresh and new without buying anything. We just rearranged, simplified, and used the pieces we already owned more thoughtfully. Don’t underestimate editing. It’s honestly the most transformative part of design.
Stay warm and cozy.
xx,
Jaclyn