The 5 Simple Tricks To Style Your Home Like a Pro!
Updated: Nov 16, 2022
When designing any space, it’s important to consider these 5 key principles of interior styling.
Use Rugs! And use them correctly! I feel like this should be tip number 1 and 2. Rugs are soooo important in designing a space. They ground the furniture and bring everything together. Without a rug furniture can easily look like it was just plopped down in the middle of a room, the rug defines the room and layout. I often find that the rug selection is the starting point of my designs. It will either be an eye catching focal point or the subtle, yet super important, base of all the furniture adding texture and functionality. Also, make sure you are using the right size rug and placing the rug in the right orientation. Check out this article from West Elm with some awesome guidelines on how to find the best size rug for your rooms: Choose the Right Rug
2. Group decor in 3's! When displaying items on shelves or on a table we have found the magic trick is to group items in sets of 3. When choosing those items you also want to look for diversity in shapes and sizes. For example, if you have a stack of books you wouldn't want to put something that is square or rectangular on top of them. Or, if you’re using a lot of square shapes and harsh angles add something round or non-symmetrical to create balance. As far as size, we swear by the rule- small, medium, and large. Also, make sure the objects you choose vary in height and material.
3. Add Greenery! The best and easiest way to breathe life into any space is with plants and flowers. Not only do they add an instant splash of color, a large tree or interesting plant can really be the focal point and wow factor in a room. A large tree can also add height to a room when all the furniture is low and art work is at eye level, a plant can bring the eye up to make the room seem larger. You can also add groups of smaller plants to style up a table top or fill a corner space.
4. Incorporate Mirrors! Everyone wants their space to be light and bright and welcoming. Light colored walls and ample use of mirrors will not only reflect the natural light coming in from doors and windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colors will make a room feel smaller. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors or a great way to add light and dimension to your living space.
5. Add Texture! You always want to have different textures and materials in a space. I always say "I cant stand matchy matchy" when it comes to furniture and design. Of course you want to stay true to your style, theme or color scheme but going with a 3 piece set of furniture will be an instant giveaway that you are not an interior design pro. For example, if you have a wood coffee table, maybe try using a metal or ceramic side tables, or incorporate plastic or wicker chairs with your wood dining table. I also like adding different textures with your couch pillows like throwing in a faux fur or leather pillow with 2 similar pillows. Wicker baskets, trees, jute rugs, faux fur throws, metal accessories and different wood tones are all ways your can add texture to your space!
Originally posted on Jan 5 2020