I Tried the FAST Method, and It Transformed My Living Room
Decorating your first apartment — or any space, really — is a deeply personal endeavor. What works for one person might not work for someone else. That’s why I don’t usually turn to TikTok or Instagram for decorating advice. But every now and then, I stumble on a gem of a tip that actually delivers.
My most recent discovery? The “F.A.S.T.” formula, a clever design method coined by Tyka Pryde that promises to transform any space using four elements: focal point, anchor, scale, and texture. Intrigued (who doesn’t want their design dilemma solved by an easy to remember acronym?), I put it to the test in my living room.
Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point (it sets the tone for your space and keeps things interesting!). Think of it as the pièce de résistance that immediately grabs your attention. Your focal point can be artwork, a bold piece of furniture, or even a statement light fixture.
My living room’s focal point is a large, colorful piece of art hanging above my sectional. It’s a striped design with an orange painted at its center that I fell in love with at an antique shop. It’s been in my space long before this experiment, but reflecting on the F.A.S.T. method made me realize just how much it anchors the room’s vibe. It’s the first thing anyone ever comments on when they walk into the living room (that’s when you know you’re doing a focal point right!). With my focal point going strong, I moved onto the next part of the formula.
Anchor
A well-chosen rug is one of the easiest ways to anchor a room, so this step is typically about finding the right rug or type of floor covering. When it comes to rug shopping, it’s all about picking the right size. According to Pryde, a space can feel off if it’s missing a rug entirely or if the rug is too small. The general rule of thumb in my book? Bigger is better.
Part of my sectional is pushed up against a wall, so I opted for a rug that was large enough to tie my furniture pieces together but not too large that it takes over the space. The sectional sits atop part of the rug, and I still have enough coverage to ground the coffee table and surrounding furniture in the space. Without a rug, my furniture would feel as if it were randomly floating in the room. On to the next part of F.A.S.T.
Scale
Scale is all about balancing proportions and making sure the furniture and decor in your space don’t feel misaligned. Or, as Pryde puts it, “If your scale is on point, your room is on point!”
When looking at my space, scale comes into play with my artwork. Hanging a tiny piece above my sectional would have looked out of place. So I made sure my artwork was at least two-thirds the width of the sofa below it.
Another game-changer? I moved my bird of paradise plant from the kitchen to a corner of the living room. Its height instantly brings balance and drama to the room. The space also benefits from the hit of color and touch of life that comes with it.
Texture
Texture is the finishing touch that makes a room feel complete. Think pillows, throws, curtains, and tactile surfaces like wood or stone. It’s the layer that turns a space into a home.
Thanks to a stone coffee table, a cozy rug, and some wooden accents, my living room already had a good mix of textures. Throughout this process, though, I realized it was missing something crucial: a blanket for the sectional. Adding a wool throw instantly made the space feel warmer and more inviting (and it gives me an excuse to stay curled up on the sofa).
I have to admit, I’m impressed with the F.A.S.T. method! Even though I already had a few of these elements in place, it was a great reminder of what makes a room feel balanced. If you’re stuck decorating your space, give the F.A.S.T. method a try and see what it can do for you.
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
