Lifestyle Mirror

For Geraldine James, home accessories buying manager at UK-based Selfridges, the thrill of the hunt takes shape whether she’s rummaging through Paris flea markets or antique shops in London’s Kempton Park. “Whenever I travel anywhere, the first thing I do is find the closest antique store or market,” says James, who is the author of Creative Display, a new book which offers tips on how to make everyday spaces a reflection of one’s passions.

Throughout the book James features different spaces inhabited by creative types, one of the most striking is a light-colored space shown here. And while the idea of a pale-colored space is daunting, James insists that the more worn in things get, the better they look. “They become more precious as they reflect your life,” she adds. The trick is layering the space with natural texture—mixing stone with raw wood, linen, and unglazed pottery.  Distressed furnishings add an element of informality too, James advises. As for the paint, she suggests a brilliant white, noting that it “behaves as a canvas for your decorating choices and objects.” —Nandita Khanna