ver find a spacious venue for an upcoming event that seems a little bare? Patina, a prop and furniture rental company in Brooklyn, can easily fix this problem. Offering an enormous collection of vintage pieces for anyone to borrow, the company’s goal is to help clients tell a story through thoughtful design. From an airstream trailer (available to book on Splacer) and macrame hammocks to cabana tents and Peruvian rugs, customers can find virtually anything they can imagine. We caught up with our friends at Patina to hear their tips on successfully styling an event or photoshoot.
1. Flexible seating options
Flexible seating options like floor pillows, poufs, stools + ottomans are perfect additions that won’t take up much room and will become life savers as crowds grow at your event. Plus, these bits also add so much more to the environment, look great in photos and will take your styling up a few notches.
2. Anchor your space with rugs.
Be sure your rugs cover the space designated for your lounge or seating area. Ideally, you’ll want all or most of your furniture on an area rug. When covering a larger area than a typical 8×10 rug, a favorite styling tip of ours is to layer several rugs to create the look you want. Start with a neutral rug base like a few sisals, and layer some of your faves on top diagonally across the base. Is your furniture more on the colorful side? Stick with some neutral rugs like Beni Ourains. Have more neutral furnishings? A colorful rug can bring something special to the vibe.
3. Layer up.
Layers take your lounge from basic to Instagram worthy in seconds. Add color and texture by adding pillows, throws, floor pillows + smaller rugs into the mix.
4. Accent with lighting.
While your event, or overhead lighting will help light the space, create warmth and intimacy with floor lamps, table lamps or even a low-hanging pendant. It will really give your space a finishing touch and that perfect event glow.
5. Sometimes more is more.
Having an extra sofa, chair, or ottoman at the ready could be a lifesaver for any unforeseen holes that you need to fill in. The best in the biz always have a few extras handy and never regret it.
6. Clarify your vision before you begin.
Set up an inspo board and then check back on it throughout the process. This way, you can stay on track throughout the creative design phase. If you veer off and change your direction a bit, document it in another inspo board so you maintain focus and clarity and get the end result you desire.
7. Know your measurements.
Consider usable space you’re working with so you order correct quantities + select the correct sizing of furnishings. Get good measurements at your site visit, if you can’t visit- get a floor plan from the venue. Consider column and window placement, they’ve been known to throw off a whole plan.
8. Have a layout (or two) in mind.
You might want to stick with a classic lounge setup, or try a U-shaped, v-shaped corner, back to back set ups or something completely different depending on our event flow. Back up plans are essential. You never know, plan B might be the best option once you get everything into the space and see it all together, so be sure to have a few extra hands to help you re-arrange.
9. Create a focal point.
If your lounge is against a wall, use the wall to accent your design through art, or messaging. If your lounge is floating, use a row or two of shelving to anchor the space and display decor, collections, or merchandise. Or place a temp wall to define the space and give height and a create a focal feature.
10. Get Plants.
Plants help your look come to life and really help define a space, throw a large plant (or three) in there and call it a wrap!!
