Embracing 'Bad Taste' Is the Secret to Layered, Cozy Interiors

Author Benjamin Reynaert shares advice for creating personal, lived-in spaces full of character.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:28pm

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In his new book 'The Layered Home,' author and ELLE Decor market director Benjamin Reynaert celebrates the eclectic, overstuffed, and deeply personal interiors of dedicated collectors. Reynaert advocates for embracing 'questionable taste' and not striving for perfection, arguing that the most beautiful rooms often include something unexpected or a bit 'off.' He shares tips for building a layered aesthetic over time, being ruthless about editing collections, and not giving in to every temptation when shopping.

Why it matters

In an era of highly curated, picture-perfect interiors, Reynaert's approach champions individuality, authenticity, and the joy of surrounding oneself with meaningful objects. His advice offers a refreshing counterpoint to the minimalist trends that have dominated design in recent years, empowering readers to create homes that truly reflect their unique personalities and lived experiences.

The details

Reynaert, who has worked at top design magazines like Domino, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, was inspired to write 'The Layered Home' after noticing the kinds of dense, eclectic interiors that caught his eye on Instagram. He wanted to showcase the personal spaces of creative individuals, not perfectly styled for a magazine shoot, but exactly as they live in them - 'with holes in the wall and things hung randomly.' The 17 featured homes belong to dedicated collectors who have found ways to live harmoniously with a multiplicity of objects, celebrating the 'exuberance and whimsy' of their 'lairs.'

  • Reynaert's book 'The Layered Home: Inspiration for Crafting Cozy, Collected Rooms' was published on March 17, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Reynaert

The author of 'The Layered Home' and the market director at ELLE Decor, Reynaert has a degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design and has worked at top design magazines including Domino, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful.

Jessica Stambaugh

An interior designer in Nashville whose living room is featured in 'The Layered Home.'

Sean McNanney and Sinan Tuncay

The owners of a Brooklyn apartment featured in 'The Layered Home.'

Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes

The owners of a kitchen in Ojai, California that is featured in 'The Layered Home' and includes an homage to Julia Child.

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What they’re saying

“I really enjoy dense images. I like things to feel crowded and where there's a lot to look at.”

— Benjamin Reynaert, Author

“Often interior design can be so perfect, but I wanted spaces that didn't feel perfect or precious. There are holes in the wall and things hung randomly.”

— Benjamin Reynaert, Author

“People who really have layered homes have layered personalities and they are generally very gracious. They celebrate their homes and they enjoy having people over to use the space. They don't mind things getting knocked around.”

— Benjamin Reynaert, Author

What’s next

Reynaert's book 'The Layered Home' is available for purchase on Amazon and in bookstores.

The takeaway

Reynaert's approach to interior design celebrates individuality, authenticity, and the joy of surrounding oneself with meaningful objects, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the minimalist trends that have dominated in recent years. His advice empowers readers to create homes that truly reflect their unique personalities and lived experiences, embracing 'questionable taste' and not striving for perfection.