Take a Cue from Coco: How to Channel Chanel at Home

When Gabrielle Bonheur burst on the scene as Coco Chanel, whale-bone corsets and heavy gowns were de rigueur. The loose trousers and Breton tops she offered in response were revolutionary, and immediately took off with a new generation of women. But the craze was no five-minute fad. Instead, her virtually trend-proof style has stayed current – and defined good taste – for nearly a century.

So for home design that stands the test of time, we obviously turned to Chanel’s perennial faves. See how her iconic pieces set a style standard that goes way beyond your closet.

The clean sheath was a breath of fresh air for women wrestling with gussets, garters, and stiff silk, and its ease has only grown more appealing to today’s girl-on-the-go. The takeaway? Simplicity. A pared-down palette of grey and white provides a blank canvas for elegant décor (like an all-brass bookshelf).  

Layers of large pearls have become as recognizable as the double-C logo – the woman who preached practicality was also no stranger to glamour. Go for an eclectic tablescape of gilded frames, vintage trinkets, and crystal vases. It’s just the right amount of extravagance.  

Chanel took a traditionally male silhouette and added feminine details, giving rise to the original power dressers. Let the contrasting aesthetics inspire your own perfect mix: Abstract art against floral patterns, soft pink on black lacquer, or mirrored accents with dark wood.

By Grady Ross, Staff Writer

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