Good Questions: Decorating the Anthropologie Way

Hi AT:SF,

I recently purchased the Illyria duvet & shams in red from Anthropologie and would like advice on creating a bedroom that has Anthropologie style.

Thanks for your help!
Angie

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Dear Angie,

Building a room around one loved and substantial design element like your bedding is a great way to tackle a large design challenge, so we think you've made a good beginning. You'd be surprised how the colors, themes, mood, and texture of a single item can snowball into that elusive thing people call personal style.

If the red and white toile bedding is the only thing you have so far, we suggest you head off to the Alameda Flea Market this weekend to go shopping for basics. You'll need a bed or a frame and headboard, a side table, and some secondary lighting like a bedside lamp. We're suggesting the flea market route because Anthropologie sources so many of its fabulous reproductions by scouting flea markets, scavenging for unique vintage items which serve as the models for pricey reproductions, and you can achieve a similar look by going for the originals yourself. Look for interesting textures and shades that complement your bedding. We like the idea of cerulean blue or weathered turquoise to complement the red and white toile.

Also, check out this post for a primer on how to make the most of the Alameda Market. Bring some tear-outs from the Anthro catalogue -- either room settings or individual items -- and look for similar ideas as you explore the market. If you see something you like, pounce! Don't second-guess yourself. Guts are usually right.

Anyone else?

Comments (7)

Also, try Harrington's in the Mission, upstairs for vintage bed frames. They have old brass beds and wrought iron that scream Anthropologie. Without the price tag.

Ooh I wish I could do stuff with this style, good luck Angie! We don't have an Anthro in town, and most of our furniture stores lean towards overstuffed-country style so I spend an excessive amount of time on the Anthro website convincing myself I don't need anything. SO good luck, and post some before and afters, pretty please?

I know what you mean by "Anthropologie" look... the main elements being found objects, flea market finds, painted furniture, rustic... all very Southern French.
There are some magazines like Marie Claire Maison and Cote Sud, in French but, they have lots of cool photos that you can use for inspiration...
Anyhow, remember to infuse your place with YOUR personality and quirks. Taste is subjective and there isn't an absolute wrong or right. If, you derive pleasure from an object, then it's right for you no matter what anyone else says. Do be careful not to take the "Anthro look" too literal, it's a store after all not a HOME.
Take your time in creating your style, let it evolve with your moods; there's no need to buy everything at once and no need to match everything.
The process should be organic not artificial as in a store display.
Oh, and remember to have fun while you're at it. It shouldn't be traumatizing....

I agree with Chris, don't force a style or space to come together, let it evolve organically.
To me, Anthropologie has such an eclectic, bohemian feel, so I wouldn't limit myself to a certain regional style to match your toile print. For instance, if you're find some cool Moorish sconces or you're drawn to interesting Asian print, by all means, go with it.
Focus on colors, textures, proportion, and ultimately your gut, as you add new pieces.
Flea markets are a great source, but so are your own travels. Bigger pieces can be hard to haul home, but little details like posters, books, pictures and linens can be an easy, inexpensive way to personalize your space and give it a bit of story.

One of the things that I think Anthropologie does best is mixing and matching. Try incorporating some modern furniture into the mix of vintage/antiques. Pay attention to the details. Lamps and art go a long way towards making a beautiful bedroom. Check craigslist frequently for finds!
And we'd love to see the end result.

If you're Anywhere near an Anthropologie store, you might want to visit, because half the thrill of shopping through them is seeing how they've put seemingly disparate items together in their shops. Then, I'd make a list of what you need (a bed, nightstands, lamps, reading chair, dressing table, specific accessories, etc), and head out to the Alameda Market as you've already been advised. Some of my very favorite Bay Area boutiques source from that market, arriving at the earliest possible time for the best choice, so why not head there directly? I'd encourage you to look for interesting variations on what you need, because it fulfills that quirky collected-over-time look that Anthropologie seems to do so well. Look for shapes and textures, and consider repainting or refinishing items that you love but that don't quite fit whatever your color scheme becomes. Also, bring a pillowcase or fabric sample with you because it saves unnecessary buying. Above all, this kind of a project can be great fun, so happy hunting!

I spend a lot of time Anthopologie-coveting. But there's another way to incorporate their look. If you take a careful look at their catalogues, you'll find frame-worthy pages from time to time. Especially around the holidays when they photograph individual items or collections, like teacups. Slap them in a salvaged frame and you've got a major piece of their aesthetic.