Anne Curtis’ tips for refreshing your space with style
Anne Curtis may be best known for her style, but it is not just her wardrobe that draws admiration. At a recent event, the actress, together with home and design expert Sarah Dummett, shared approachable ways to bring personality into everyday spaces.
Their philosophy is simple: You do not need a complete overhaul to make your home feel beautiful. With a few thoughtful touches, you can refresh a room, balance style with function, and create a space that reflects who you are.
Build around neutrals
Neutrals are more than just safe choices, as they form the foundation that lets every other element in your home shine. By grounding a room in shades of white, beige, or soft gray, you create a calm backdrop where bold accents can make a stronger statement.
Instead of repainting walls or investing in new furniture, you can layer in hues with a cushion for a pop of color, a patterned throw, or a vibrant piece of artwork. The contrast instantly refreshes a space, making it feel intentional yet effortless. For smaller rooms, adding a mirror can also work wonders in opening up the area while amplifying light.
Play with shapes
Color isn’t the only thing that adds character. Shape can also transform a space in subtle yet striking ways. Introducing unexpected forms through a curved lamp, a wavy-edged tray, or scalloped pillows softens the dominance of straight lines and adds a playful designer feel.
The key is moderation, as small accents are enough to shift the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the room. These details bring movement and flow into your interiors and give the space a more layered look.
Let cookware double as décor
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, so it is worth making it as inviting as your living room. Rather than keeping all your cookware tucked away, let your best pieces take center stage. Displaying cast iron pots on the stovetop or arranging colorful ceramics on open shelving instantly adds warmth and character.
Beyond aesthetics, this approach is practical, since everything you need stays within reach while still looking intentional. The result is a kitchen that feels lively and welcoming while balancing beauty with everyday function.
Create balance in the bathroom
Bathrooms may be utilitarian, but with the right touches, they can become mini sanctuaries. Start with soft and calming tones such as sage green, powder blue, or warm neutrals for your towels, rugs, or accessories.
Natural elements like wooden trays or woven baskets can soften the harder lines of tiles and fixtures. For those who want to build on this idea, layering leafy plants as a later technique can create a spa-like feel. Candles are another favorite of the actress, with scent adding that final touch to make the space feel welcoming and serene.
Ground the space with furniture
Furniture sets the tone of a room, so choosing foundational pieces in grounding shades is essential. Sofas, beds, and dining tables in colors like cream, tan, or sage create a versatile canvas that can be styled in countless ways.
Once the basics are in place, add side tables, textured rugs, or statement décor pieces to create depth and dimension. Even subtle updates, such as a new coffee table, a sculptural chair, or a textured ottoman can completely refresh the feel of a room. This flexible approach proves that you do not have to overhaul everything at once to make a meaningful change.
Home brands cheat sheet
For those who prefer a clean, pared-back palette: MUJI
The Japanese brand is known for its minimalist approach and calming neutral tones, offering everything from storage solutions to soft furnishings
For those looking to bring a playful twist into their home: Flying Tiger Copenhagen
The brand is known for its fun, affordable pieces from wavy trays to whimsical décor that add personality without overwhelming a space.
For stylish and functional cookware: Crate & Barrel
From sleek cast-iron pans to colorful enamel pots, their pieces are designed to look just as good on open shelves as they do on the stovetop, making them perfect for those who want kitchen essentials that double as décor.
To bring character into any room: H&M Home
Offering an ever-changing collection of vases, trays, and knickknacks, H&M Home’s pieces feature playful shapes and stylish details that allow you to refresh a space with small touches that feel thoughtful yet effortless.
For essential furniture and home textiles: Anko
From sofas and side tables to linens and throws, their versatile pieces make it easy to layer textures and refresh a room without the need for a full redesign. Plus they come in grounding shades such as sage, tan, and cream.
