I love visiting Anthropologie. Why? It’s the atmosphere. Not every item fits my taste, and that’s fine. When I step inside, I feel content and curious. I slow down, look closely and linger—sometimes until closing time—absorbing the details and inspiration around me.
Isn’t that what we want from our homes? A place that welcomes us, calms us and invites us to savor the little things?
I promised last week that I would share ideas from my Anthropologie visit. After talking about finding your decorating style recently, I thought it would be useful to pick apart what makes Anthropologie so appealing and what decorating lessons we can borrow for our own homes.
I spent some time thinking about why I’m drawn to Anthropologie—what elements create that pulled-together, soulful look—so you can take a few practical ideas to apply at home.
Grab a cup of coffee and let’s look at four decorating lessons inspired by Anthropologie.
4 Decorating Lessons from Anthropologie
1. Create ambience.
I’m a fan of rooms with atmosphere. Ambience draws people in, makes them linger and affects mood, even when they can’t name why. Anthropologie masters ambience by engaging the senses: layered displays in weathered cabinets, tactile textiles, distressed wood surfaces and the glow and scent of candles. The store feels like a personal, creative home you’d enjoy spending time in.
The more senses you involve in your home—favorite natural scents, comforting textures, meaningful colors and patterns, and items with emotional or spiritual ties—the more welcoming and personal your space becomes.
2. Be fearless.
Anthropologie isn’t timid. The store experiments with unexpected combinations and repurposed objects—animal heads, reclaimed wood, oversized props and playful installations. While a full store display might feel dramatic in a home, the idea to push boundaries is useful: rethink conventional uses, repurpose hardware-store finds, or display everyday items in new ways.
Ask yourself what you could do differently. Stretch your vision to see objects with fresh possibilities—art needn’t only come from galleries, and storage solutions can double as decor.
3. Express your personality
“Express your personality” is a familiar phrase, but what does it really mean in practice? If your goal is to mimic a favorite catalog or store exactly, you end up with a curated look that says more about the store than about you. A truly personal home reflects a life lived—unique finds collected over time, souvenirs from trips, heartfelt gifts and quirky pieces picked up here and there.
Focus on creating a collection that tells your story. Classic foundational pieces are fine, but add objects that reveal your experiences, humor and interests. Over time, those personal touches make a home unmistakably yours.
If finding your voice feels hard, look inward: what have you loved through different seasons of life? Your memories and experiences are the raw material for a genuinely personal space.
4. Details matter.
Anthropologie celebrates little details—ruffles, pom-poms, playful trim, patterned lampshades, and unique hardware. Small thoughtful touches elevate an ordinary item into something memorable. You don’t need ruffles on everything, but consider where a distinctive detail could set your style apart and show you care about the finished look.
Details take time and creativity, but they make a home feel curated and intentional. Whether your taste leans feminine, rustic, modern or vintage, choose signature details that express your aesthetic.
In summary
Ambience, fearlessness, personal expression and attention to detail are four takeaways from Anthropologie that you can adapt to your home. You don’t need to copy the store; borrow the principles that resonate with you and use them to shape a more authentic, inviting space.
Photos taken at Anthropologie in Seattle.
Check out my book Love the Home You Have for more ideas on making your space feel like you.