How to Make Your Decor Photos Feel Like a Sunday Afternoon

That feeling. You know the one. It’s the gentle light streaming through the window, the soft throw blanket, the scent of fresh coffee, and absolutely nowhere to be. It’s the Sunday Afternoon Aesthetic, and it's the gold standard for cozy, aspirational home decor content.

The good news? You don’t need a perfect house or a professional camera to capture it.

Thanks to modern AI editing tools, specifically the Lifestyle Shots by Blend feature, you can take a simple photo of your decor item and instantly transport it into a beautifully curated, "Sunday" vibe.

Here’s your ultimate guide to using this powerful tool and mastering the cozy aesthetic.

Understand the Sunday Afternoon Vibe

Before you tap "Lifestyle Shots" it helps to understand the key elements that capture that relaxing Sunday Afternoon vibe. It's all about serenity and warmth, which are built on a few core visual principles. The light should be soft, gentle, and diffused—think golden hour, sheer curtains, or indirect sunlight. For color, stick to a warm, inviting, and neutral palette, utilizing shades like cream, beige, muted greens, terracotta, and pale woods. Incorporate plenty of texture that feels comfortable and touchable, such as knits, linen, soft wool, and natural wood grain. Finally, the props should hint at slow, intentional living—things like coffee mugs, books, a half-finished puzzle, or a casual plant instantly tell a story of a day spent truly relaxing.

The Game-Changer - Lifestyle Shots by Blend

This is where you skip the hours of tidying, styling, and waiting for the perfect light. Lifestyle Shots by Blend takes your basic product shot (even one taken on a plain surface) and generates a gorgeous, relevant, and consistent background.

Here’s your three-step workflow:

Step 1: Get a Clean Product Shot

• Your Item is the Star: Take a clear, well-lit photo of your decor piece. It doesn't need a fancy background—a white wall or simple table is ideal, as Blend's AI is designed to separate it perfectly.
• Focus on Detail: Make sure your item is sharp, as the AI will be building the world around it.

Step 2: Choose Your "Sunday" Aesthetic in Lifestyle Shots

When you upload your photo to Blend and select the Lifestyle Shots feature , you will be prompted to choose a setting or describe your scene.

• Use Cozy Keywords: Instead of just choosing "living room," use descriptions that invoke the feeling. Try prompts like:
• "Sun-drenched, Scandinavian living room shelf"
• "Cozy, chunky knit blanket on an armchair by a window"
• "Minimalist bedroom with warm morning light"
• "A coffee table with a stack of books and a steaming mug"

Step 3: Refine and Reposition

Blend’s AI will instantly generate several options. A key feature is often the ability to reposition and resize your decor item within the new, AI-generated scene.

• Check the Shadow: The best AI staging tools will generate realistic shadows and reflections. Make sure the light source on the AI background matches the shadow and light on your original item.
• Move It for Impact: Does your vase look better on the wooden floor or sitting atop the knitted pouf? Adjust its placement until the composition is perfectly balanced.

Simple Styling Tips (Even for Virtual Staging)

Even in the virtual world of AI staging, a few classic decor composition rules will ensure your photo sings:

1. The Rule of Three (or Odd Numbers): When staging, always try to arrange items in odd numbers (3, 5, 7). This is visually more dynamic and pleasing. Lifestyle Shots is great at generating little clusters of items to achieve this.
2. Add a "Human" Element: The Sunday Afternoon aesthetic is all about use. A creased page in a book, a barely-sipped mug, or a carelessly draped throw instantly tells a story of a person enjoying the space—it makes the scene feel lived-in and real.
3. Prioritize Soft Lighting: If the generated backgrounds offer different light settings, always choose the one with the softest, most diffused light. Direct, harsh midday sun kills the cozy vibe.

Your Next Steps

1. Open Blend and select the Lifestyle Shots feature.
2. Upload a photo of your favorite decor item (e.g., a candle, a piece of artwork, a unique planter).
3. Experiment with "Sunday" prompts and watch the AI transform your simple shot into a dreamy, aspirational photo.
4. Share your beautifully staged photo and enjoy the engagement!

With tools like Lifestyle Shots by Blend, creating professional-level, feel-good decor photography is no longer about expensive furniture - it’s about smart, intentional editing. Go capture that quiet Sunday magic!