The ‘Sandwich Method’ Is the Foolproof Fashion Rule You Can Steal for an Elevated-Looking Space, Every Time

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I don’t know about you, but my appetite for interiors has been craving something new lately, and the ‘sandwich method’ might just be the thing to satiate it. Borrowed from our friends in the fashion industry, this styling trick teaches us that curating an outfit — or in our case, a room — doesn’t need to be rocket science. There is a method to it.

Visualize a sandwich: two slices of bread surrounding the fillings. In an appealing sandwich, it’s likely that the fillings will contrast with the slices of bread, adding visual differentiation. When it comes to making an outfit, you want to follow this same structure — contrasting your top and bottom half with a third, ‘middle’ element.

And because fashion and interior design are heavily connected, it’s safe to say that the ‘sandwich method’ can also be applied when styling a room as well. It’s all about balance in interior design, and our homes give us a lot to work with in terms of decoration — from rugs to sofas, coffee tables, and lighting — so there’s a lot of opportunity for, well, sandwiches.

Below, I’ve highlighted three ways you can apply the ‘sandwich method’ to interior design: through color, shape, and material, to make yummy spaces that look good enough to eat.

How to ‘Sandwich’ With Color

Often times, when fashion stylists utilize the ‘sandwich method’ in their work, they do so in terms of the use of color. “The easiest way to achieve the ‘sandwich method’ is to match colors: white top, white bottom, and a pop of color as the meat of the sandwich,” explains Julia Hamilton, the planning manager at fashion brand, Stüssy.

The same applies for interiors. One of the best ways to create contrast in interior design is to choose a main color for a space that can envelop another, creating a visual ‘sandwich’. In the space shown above, varying shades of beige and tan combine to ‘sandwich’ the darker blues and blacks. The room looks and feels compact through the layered color choices, but still cohesive and balanced.

Price: $799

Think of this chair as part of the bread of your ‘sandwich’. Its neutral color and lush fabric will make any space look luxurious and feel comfortable. With its fashionable design and plush seat, this swivel chair will serve as the perfect relaxation spot. Paired with similar décor, this chair will help balance your room through color.

View at West Elm

Price: $1,656

This gorgeous and textural dark blue rug functions as a stark contrast in a room styled with varying shades of tan. The tan elements may anchor the space, but the blue provides the right amount of variation to the room without making it feel busy. This option in handwoven Tibetan wool is both calming and comfortable — just what any living room needs.

View at The Rug Company

Price: $449, Was: $529

Similar to the chair, a tan end table also acts as part of the bread in a ‘color sandwich’. This rectangular style is made from marble and would be a great addition to any room in your house. The unique detailing in the marble provides a bit of diversity to a room that only has two prominent colors.

View at AllModern

How to ‘Sandwich’ With Shape

A less obvious way to consider the ‘sandwich method’ in your interior design is through your choice of forms and shapes. Rather than decorating a room with lots of straight lines — think coffee tables, couches, or even pillows — consider softening more linear aspects with curved, organic shapes, like seen in the interior above, by Esraa Al-Emam.

The combination of straight and soft shapes in this room gives the space dimension, from the round pillows and curved furniture, to the sharp lines in the accent wall and shelves. Even smaller décor items like candles or picture frames can help ‘sandwich’ a space through shape.

When it comes to determining the ‘bread’ from the ‘filling’, consider the larger elements in the space and how they correlate to one another, and then soften or strengthen them with your choice of décor to give the space a unified and balanced feel.

Price: $649, Was: $749

We’re taking the ‘sandwich method’ pretty literally with this side table. Made from polished marble, this end table is a sleek and sophisticated design that will elevate your room. The sturdy marble will ground your space and simultaneously introduce distinction through shape.

View at Neiman Marcus

Price: $23.89

Add some curvature to your room through small décor items, like these highly-rated twisted ceramic candle holders. Though small, the unique design certainly stands out. And while trying to create a visual ‘sandwich’ through shape, this set will surely enhance the flavor, if you will.

View at Amazon

Price: $34, Was: $49.95

Round pillows are a simple way to add some dimension to a space and break up the typical rectangular shape of a couch. This option is interesting not only in shape, but in color and texture as well, so it will definitely make a statement amongst your home décor.

View at CB2

How to ‘Sandwich’ With Materials and Finishes

Interior design presents so many opportunities for ‘visual sandwiches’ through color and shape, but one of my personal favorite elements of any room is your material palette, and your choice of finishes and how they layer is another way to incorporate the ‘sandwich method’ in your home. I’ve recently become obsessed with mixing chrome and wood in a space, like seen in the interior above by Atelier Leymarie.

While the colors of the wood and steel provide a visual contrast, the texture and feeling of these materials adds another dimension to the room. The smooth silver finish on the steel bar and the implied texture of the wood walls and chairs engulf each other, creating a visually and texturally appealing ‘sandwich’.

Price: $49.90

If you’re not keen on too much chrome in your space, try it out through small accessories like this table lamp. It operates by touch and has varying light intensities. No need to worry about an unattractive plug cord for this lamp — it comes with a removable USB cable for charging. Modern, sleek and stylish, this lamp will make your room shine.

View at Zara

Price: $249

To offset the chrome or steel elements in a room ‘sandwiched’ by material, opt for an earthy wood chair. This seat, which is sold alone or in a set of two, will ground and balance the silver-toned elements in your space in a stark yet visually appealing way.

View at Pottery Barn

Price: $476, Was: $571

This polished steel side table would be another great addition to room layered in mixed materials. This style is inspired by Japanese origami art and features a circular tabletop and a geometric base — adding a unique shape to your room. The polished steel exudes a beautiful silver color and makes this side table a worthy layer in a material ‘sandwich’.

View at Finnish Design Group

Color, shape, and material are easy ways to apply the ‘sandwich method’ to a room at large. However, you can adapt the method on a smaller scale by considering the styling of a coffee table, bookshelf, or any small corner of your home. Consider it a fun exercise to let your mind find visual ‘sandwiches’ in any interior design trends. Let the method guide you in arranging colors, textures, or shapes, and enjoy the visual harmony.