How To: Create that Sweet Spot between Styled and Soulful

Want your home to look like it's been pulled from the pages of a magazine — but still feel relaxed and lived-in?

At Unfolded, we believe the most beautiful spaces are the ones that hold both polish and personality. It’s that sweet spot between styled and soulful - where intention meets ease, and every element feels considered, yet completely lived-in. This journal is a guide to finding your version of that balance. A place to reflect, explore, and bring more feeling into the form. Because at the end of the day, your home should be more than just well-designed, it should feel like a true extension of who you are.

Here’s how to create that sweet spot between styled and soulful.

COHESIVE COLOUR PALETTE

Why it works: A consistent colour story makes everything look intentional.

Choose 2–3 core colours and 1–2 accents to create a harmonious flow throughout the home. Starting with timeless neutrals as your base, layer in subtle pops of colour through art, soft furnishings, and accessories. This approach ties each room together without being too matchy, creating a calm and considered look that still feels personal.

invest in statement pieces

Why it works: A few high-impact items elevate everything else.

In a space like this, the sofa does more than anchor the room - it invites you in. Its relaxed form, soft curves, and earthy tone feels effortless, not overdone. Paired with a generous rug underfoot, the room is grounded in comfort and calm. These two pieces do the heavy lifting - creating warmth, scale, and presence without demanding attention. It’s a gentle reminder that your statement pieces don’t need to shout. They just need to hold space beautifully.

frame zones with purpose

Why it works: A well-functioning space is just as beautiful.

Sometimes, the most beautiful moments come from the simplest design choices. A servery style window like this doesn’t just blur the line between inside and out - it creates a space to pause, connect, and share. Morning coffees passed through, quiet chats at golden hour, or a drink with someone you love - it’s these small, intentional details that turn a house into a home. Thoughtful design invites us to slow down, and live a little more presently.

Photo Credits: Servery concept and building design by Suburban Projects / Build by Hitec Constructions

Styling by Unfolded / Laura Rees Stylist

make it personal

Why it works: Soulful layering in homes tell your story.

Think hand-formed ceramics, vintage glass, or timeworn stoneware - the kind of pieces that feel just as beautiful bare as they do holding wild stems, incense, or simply catching the light. It’s less about function, more about feeling and personality.

Pro Tip: Effortless is the new perfect.

There’s beauty in the lived-in and the well-loved. A slightly worn leather chair, a handmade bowl, a book left open mid-chapter, these quiet details bring character and comfort to a space. They tell a story. They make a home feel real.

Need help navigating your interior project? We invite you to GET IN TOUCH with us and we look forward to working with you on your next project, whatever it may be!



IN OTHER NEWS | UNFOLDED: BEHIND THE DESIGN, A PODCAST SERIES.

EPISODE TWENTY three IS NOW LIVE

BEHIND THE DESIGN.

WE SIT DOWN WITH DIMITRI VARGAS, THE VISIONARY BEHIND A FLOURISHING CUSTOM FURNITURE BUSINESS.

Dimitri shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting his career in the design world during the 2020 lockdown to now running a successful furniture company.

We invite you to tune in and listen to this episode on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Watch the episode here.