How Clare Vivier Styles Her Schoolhouse x Clare V. Collection In Her Own Home

We recently launched one of our most colorful collaborations to date: an all-new line of lighting, textiles, and decor for the home, dreamed up together with fashion brand Clare V. Cool yet polished, the collection draws inspo from the closet of the company’s founder, Clare Vivier.

When it came time to photograph the Portland-meets-Paris collection, Clare’s L.A. home was, unsurprisingly, the ultimate backdrop. Our shoot captures lamps, catch-alls, rugs, pillows, and more from the collection throughout every room, with many of the pieces styled by Clare herself.

Because the collection’s pieces are begging to be mixed and matched, we asked Clare to weigh in on how she styles them in her own space. 

Rethink your bedroom lighting.

You might think that a task lamp belongs on a desk or in a living room, but Clare gave us a whole new idea: hugging your bed with two Hans Task Lamps on nightstands. “I like the ability to direct the light where I need it for reading—it actually makes more sense to me there than a standard lamp!” Clare says. And in such a bright color, each is a warm welcome to wake up to.

Consider the catch-all.

Rings. Matchbooks. Loose change. Paper clips. If you’re like us, you’re always in need of a dish or bowl for everyday essentials. That’s when Clare turns to catch-alls, which she admits to using, well, everywhere. “Especially on the bookshelves by the fireplace,” she adds, ”where I drop my keys and glasses and wallet and coins—you know, the usual.” She also keeps one by the front door and on her coffee table for playing cards. 

Utilize trays (especially in the kitchen).

On a similar note, don’t underestimate the power of a good tray. Clare loves using several throughout her home—and in one room in particular. “I feel like trays are required in the kitchen, especially for bringing out drinks or snacks.” She also uses them as organizers to bring order to her kitchen counter or to act as a bar cart and corral bottles and glassware.

Your bathroom needs a rug.

Many people furnish their bathrooms with utility in mind, prioritizing functionality over fun. But we’re here to say: You can have both. Clare added the Jacques Rug and Hans Sconces to her space for visual interest, comfort, and an extra touch of usefulness.

“The Jacques Rug is so cozy—it feels like the most luxurious way to step out of the bath and ease back into life,” Clare says. “I wanted the Hans Sconces by the bathroom mirror because the light can be directed where I need it, and I loved the ivory color with a poppy accent.”

Go beyond overhead lighting.

The bedroom isn’t the only area that benefits from a fresh glow-up. In spaces that often see overhead lighting, such as the living room, look for ways to bring in more ambience through lamps and sconces.

In Clare’s words, “I don’t love relying on overhead lighting. I feel like it brings down the mood—and gives people dark circles they don’t even have!” She uses the Piet Table Lamp in her living area because “it fills the room with glow-y soft light, just like a good lamp should.”

Play with scale.

Here at Schoolhouse, we often say that a mix beats the match. We love to bring a few different patterns together in one space, or even a few of the same pattern. The key to successful pattern layering—especially if it’s the same pattern, like a checkerboard—is playing with scale, Clare says, as she proves with the Pablo Circle Pillow and Andre Lumbar Pillow.

This isn’t to say you can’t mix patterns of similar scales. Clare adds, “I think that rule can be broken, of course, and I think it’s easier to use similar scales with very different patterns, like with the living room rug and striped sofa.”

Go for a statement rug.

If there’s one thing that can transform the room—and tie everything together—it’s adding a statement rug. This technique works especially well in an otherwise neutral space. Case in point: Clare’s dining room, where the Felix Shag Wool Rug graces the floor.

“The checkered rug just works in that room,” she says. ”It goes with our paint and adds color without being overwhelming. When I set the table or entertain, I use patterned or interesting textiles, and I love the way they work with this rug!”