8 Fab Decorating Tips From Stylist Jason Grant

Hello everyone! I'm so happy to be here today to introduce you to one of my favorite design gurus all the way from Australia, Mr. Jason Grant. Not only is he a fabulous stylist, but he's a book author and works with major Australian brands to develop products for the home. His brand new book, Modern Retro Home published by Hardie Grant is available worldwide and is just gorgeous.

I must confess, in person this book is most impressive with its large format and gorgeous glossy photos - a true decor lovers design guide to display on the coffee table.

Photo: Holly Becker for decor8

The color scheme of the jacket overall works perfectly for my Autumn decor, too. I've paired my copy with some fresh Heather from the nearby heath, a Marie-Stella-Maris candle, and other favorite interiors reads. Tea, cozy socks and a chunky knit throw are certainly optional, but a necessity for me as northern Europe is currently under a blanket of gray and rain. As the seasons change, all I can think about are these precious, cozy moments at home with a stack of my favorite books, like Modern Retro Home, to draw inspiration and ideas from.

Jason has so nicely agreed to stop by today to spend some time with us sharing tips on decorating with all of us straight from his book. I selected my favorite photos from Modern Retro Home and asked him to tell us more about the room we see and then, add some decorating tips. He's here to give us 8 great ideas that you can apply in your home this weekend to make your space even more lovely than it already is. :)

“Mr Jason Grant is a Sydney-based interior stylist who has worked with many Australian and international magazines including Inside Out, Belle, House and Garden, Real Living, Vogue Living, Australian Country Style, Elle Decoration and Livingetc. He has collaborated with numerous major brands, has produced a signature paint collection for Murobond Paints and a signature tile collection with Di Lorenzo Tiles along with his very own homewares.”

The woven string chair is modern but references ’50s/’60s style. The fabulous aqua glass jar – a flea-market find – makes a color-perfect vignette with the portrait. The trestle table with its cork top and the natural timber stools are well-priced pieces.

TIP 1: HUNT IT DOWN. Hunt down quirky or individual items that will add fl air to basic flat-pack or budget furnishings.

Framed vintage posters are a strong focus in this house. ‘The multiple Le Corbusier drawings and posters hanging throughout reference the modernist roots and bones of the house’, explains the owner.

TIP 2: FRAMED. Most of the artworks are framed in a timber similar in color to the Scandinavian-design hide chairs and the robust shelving, creating unity.

The squishy Arfle Marenco sofa, which is new but a reissue of a ’60s design, is piled with sheepskin, folk-art rugs and kilim cushions.

TIP 3: SOFA SO GOOD. A sofa is an investment and sets the mood, the look and the tone of a space so it’s an important starting point. Some of the key elements to consider are size (will it fit in the room); proportion (is the scale right for the room); and shape (tailored mid-century or laid back and casual). Comfort, color and material are other critical considerations. Oh, and price.

A quirky chandelier-style beaded pendant or a minimal Chinese paper shade might suit your scheme perfectly, you don't always need designer pieces to make an impression.

TIP 4: LIGHTEN UP. Pendant lights can create a focus in a room by day as well as by night. Take the time to choose a light fitting that adds to a room’s personality and isn’t an afterthought.

This is a very masculine – and maximalist – space. Thrift-shop chic meets vintage finds, classic pieces join favorite treasures and things have a patina of age. The room is shot through with blues and greys and interesting textures. It looks comfortable and lived in and the owners say it is ‘continually evolving’.

TIP 5: OWN IT. Have the confidence to mix genres and styles in their own, unique way. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Search out pieces you love over time and that work for your lifestyle.

The angled lamp, shag carpet and kilim-covered cushions say modernist, but in a casual way. Special pieces include a vintage tribal mirror from Etsy France and two linen swing chairs. The showstopper is the stained black timber wall (using stain instead of paint lets some of the grain show through).

TIP 6: REBEL. A beach house doesn’t have to be blue and white, as this shack proves. This chic beach shack blurs the lines between old and new.

The unframed artwork is just pinned on the wall, and the rustic table and textured grey planter are easy-going accessories. White walls and white floors in this art deco apartment create a cocoon for the stylist-owner’s signature collection of casual sofas, old-world artworks, vases and collectables.

TIP 7: RELAX A LITTLE. Introduce a casual look, such as the unstructured sofa in crushed linen with mismatched cushions.

Fabulous tangerine-colored Italian designer chairs contrast with a cork-top table from a collection that English designer Ilse Crawford did in collaboration with IKEA.

TIP 8: HIGH MEETS LOW. Genuine designer pieces can be an expensive investment, but if paired with budget buys you can introduce an individual look without breaking the bank.

I know that you will love this book as much as I do and I'd like to thank Jason for stopping by today to share his tips with decor8 readers. Jason is a rock star and I hope that everyone will buy his book and support this lovely, talented man. x

(Photography: Top: Holly Becker. All others with permission: ©Lauren Bamford)