Tips + Tricks: Designing an Intimate + Industrial Wedding

I think the key to a good wedding is an inviting and intimate atmosphere, followed closely by ensuring there's a plethora of great food, drinks, and music.

Whether I'm designing a living space or office, it’s about catering to how those who'll live in and enjoy it function and making sure that the space reflects that in the end.

So when HomeSense asked me to design a weddingscape using products from their new celebration line, my first instinct was to create a lounge space that could double as a dessert table or cocktail bar area. Because who wouldn’t want to sidle on a sofa, chair, ottoman or pouf while enjoying their drink or a snack!? I just love how an inviting lounge space encourages conversation and camaraderie.https://youtu.be/icNxVwppFtgSo in just a few days and with a limited budget, I pulled together this laid-back, layered and livable wedding lounge in an otherwise cold, industrial space by simply considering a few key factors (read more for all the tips and more photos!)

1. Lighting + Illusions

Lighting is so important in the creation of an intimate and inviting atmosphere in any room, and it often goes overlooked. By hanging a few inexpensive string lights, I took control of the otherwise sterile ambiance, and steered it right into cozy-ville.If you are dealing with a space that boasts some unpretty things, for lack of a better term, consider hanging window coverings in front of them. It’ll not only hide the ugly and add some texture and visual interest, but it makes for a great backdrop for photos (and yes, selfies). Plunk down a side table, a polaroid camera, and some decor and you have yourself a Photo Booth— make lemonade from lemons, people![lgc_column grid="50" tablet_grid="50" mobile_grid="100" last="false"][/lgc_column][lgc_column grid="50" tablet_grid="50" mobile_grid="100" last="true"][/lgc_column]

2. Exhaust your options

No matter the room or vignette I’m styling, I always browse multiple stores — and go down every aisle in each store, not just the ones that obviously apply on paper. In this project, I ended up using bath storage trays as serving stations, and a dining room credenza as a buffet table (with extra candles or napkins within for convenience if you run out).

3. Layer on the texture

The stools I found were not only super affordable and cute, but they completed the space and offered functional seating as well. The assortment of stools paired with ample pillows gave the space a more casual feeling, inviting a group to sit or sidle. Plus, they’re flexible in function: add a wood or lucite tray atop a stool and you have yourself a great side table.

4. Think outside of the box

Think outside the box and potentially commit to larger furniture pieces or items that wouldn't otherwise scream "wedding", but rather pieces you can use for the long haul. In the end, a thousand tchotchkes can add up, and a credenza, or a chair/sofa can not only ground a space and create an intimate nook at your big celebration, but you can take it home and get use out of it for decades—plus, it’ll always serve as a sweet reminder of the day.

What design tips or DIY ideas did you use (or plan to use) on your big day? Comment below!

x, SPS: I've relaunched my Facebook page, so please consider liking it and subscribing to my YouTube as well :)