Home Interior Styling Tips
The final stage of any interiors project is styling. By that, I mean the finishing touches that bring the design together. It’s the time for hanging artwork, or adding soft furnishings, houseplants and personal belongings.
What to Avoid with Home Styling
Firstly, styling isn’t about getting rid of everything and having a big spending spree. Equally, it isn’t filling a room with a complete set of matching items. Instead, it is making good use of what you have and possibly buying one or two items to complete the look. Having said that, a declutter of unused and unloved items will add to the sense of space and make the process easier.
Secondly, avoid making any decisions without a plan. Good interior design is considered, and scale plays an essential role in creating a harmonious interior.
Now we’ve got the don’ts out of the way, let’s move on to my 6 home interior styling tips.
1. Defining the Purpose of the Room
Each room in your home has a primary purpose. It’s a space for sleeping, dining, working, playing, relaxing or entertaining. It may well be the case that one room has multiple functions; however, when styling, you want to give it a clear purpose.
Every finishing item placed in the room should fit the brief. For example, the bookshelf in a home office can be finished with files and business books. Meanwhile, display children’s bedtime stories in the nursery and recipe books in the kitchen.
2. Decide on the Focal Point
The eye will naturally be drawn to a point in each room, so consider what you want that to be. Artwork on the wall, the bed, an heirloom piece of furniture or a striking lampshade; what is the showstopper? The position of this focal point needs thought, along with creating space around it to ensure it stands out.
In terms of hanging pictures, don’t forget the spirit level or laser! If you are hanging several pictures, I’d recommend accurately lining up the upper and/or lower edge of the frame and checking the spacing from the edge of the wall. There is a little more freedom with a gallery wall, but it works when edges are on the same horizontal or vertical plane.
Fortunately, strong adhesive strips and picture hooks mean you can hang artwork without creating screw holes.
3. Consider the Light
Light has an impact on how the room feels and works, and this can change throughout the day. For this reason, note the impact of light and shadow on the space to inform the placement of lighting features, furniture, and items with a reflective surface, such as mirrors.
With regards to window dressing, I’d recommend blackout or lined curtains for the bedroom to minimise light disturbance, with light sheer fabrics in rooms where you wish to maximise the infiltration of light. While I’m on the subject of curtains, I’d recommend near-ceiling to floor length to emphasise the window and view. Never opt for sill length curtains. If you are tempted opt for a roman blind instead.
4. Create Cohesion
A mixed bag of belongings collected over the years is a far better reflection of your personality than all newly bought, matching items. However, you need to build a connection. It might be a strong colour in an artwork which is picked up with cushions, painted chair legs and a lampshade. It could be a shape, such as an oval table, repeated in the shape of a vase and a mirror.
Alternatively, a large rug can be an effective way to form a connection between different pieces. For example, a generously sized rug under the dining table defines the eating area and can make a mismatch of chairs work together. My tip on picking a rug is to go big. This adds a cosy and inviting feel to the space, which draws people in. Also, be practical with materials that are easy to keep clean.
5. Leave Space on Surfaces
Tables, sideboards, mantle pieces and bookshelves are great places to display personal belongings and prized possessions. Yet, if you fill them with stuff, it looks cluttered rather than styled. I’d recommend selecting the must-have items for each surface and see how they look when you group them. When this works, it creates points of interest and allows the eyes to rest. You’ll also have space to put your mug of coffee or a vase of flowers.
6. Embrace the Texture & Colour of Soft Furnishings
I love blankets and cushions that add warmth and cosiness to a room and bring points of visual interest. It’s common to select colours and patterns that work with the interior design, but I encourage you to also think about the texture.
Introducing tactile qualities creates added layers of interest. Can you enhance your woven sofa fabric with a chunky knit blanket or a velvet throw? Does a sheer drape at the window allow light to shimmer on silk or satin cushions?
A Final Thought
Ultimately, I think the trick with styling is for it not to feel too contrived. All of these tips are about creating a room that feels considered and cohesive, without making it feel like everything has been perfectly placed and can’t be moved.
Think about what the room is for, what you want to draw attention to and how light, colour and texture work together. Choose the things you love, but don’t feel you need to fill every available surface. There’s a fine line between having some of your favourite objects on show, so that you’re reminded of happy memories, and having every surface full to the brim. Negative space is essential!
And remember, every home is different. You are styling your home, so there are no hard and fast rules. If you love how it feels and it works for you, then it works. Good luck!
Need a little help with your own home? Get in touch and let’s chat about your project and how I can help bring it all together.
Comments