Quick and easy designer styling tips

Today, I want to share some of the styling hacks that we use in our home and with our design clients and the best part is that they are FREE! 

Styling Tip #1- Use the “Rule of 3’s” 

If you guys have been following us for a while, you know that I LOVE to break the rules, but there are certain ones that just seem to work! The rule of 3’s is something that just works! In our office/studio, I incorporated a collection of three pieces of artwork and three vases that created a zig-zag effect. Doing this creates interest and guides the eye!

Styling Tip #2- Play with Shapes

In the same area of our office, I played with shapes to create a softer look! I played with shapes by displaying rectangular artwork, a rectangular box, an iron knot, and a fun matchstick striker in the shape of a bust. I never want it to look too contrived! That’s why I feel so compelled to mix and match! 

Styling Tip #3- Use a Rug to Define the Space

In our office/studio, I’ve broken up my rug story by putting down an amorphous hide rug that I love! The mind’s eye is able to read the entire room now instead of only seeing a rectangular shape that was there before. It just makes the entire space flow! 

Styling Tip #4- “Untuck” the Chairs (or at least 1 or 2!)

My husband’s natural inclination is to tuck in the chairs, but my natural inclination is to actually “untuck” the chairs! I think it helps the entire space flow! I don’t like my spaces to feel too perfect. You think, “Oh, this is a place I’m supposed to sit down.” It just breaks up the whole configuration and makes it such an inviting space to your loved ones and guests!

Styling Tip #5- Use Blankets to Create Coziness

You can drape your blankets over your statement chairs in a way that still allows the chair to shine! I like to have a blanket that is structured that goes over the back of a sofa or the arm of the sofa 

Bonus tip: blankets are also a great way to hide spots on furniture that you don’t want guests to see! 

Styling Tip #6- Fluff Your Pillows

Fluffing your pillows can instantly transform your room! Everyone always wonders if you should karate chop your pillows, but you don’t want it to look like your pillows have been victimized! Just give them a little TLC and they’ll be looking amazing in no time!

Styling Tip #7- Display an Open Book

I love having open books in a space! This comes back to my styling ethos because I always want my design to feel approachable and inviting. An open book invites you into the space and gives you a reason to sit down and stay for a while! Just the other day my mom came over and when she walked into the room the first thing she did was walk up to the open book. It’s also a bit of an art installation in and of itself!

Styling Tip #8- Mix Textures and Materials

I’ve mixed a lot of textures in our office from the pages of the book, iron and ceramic, a boucle blanket, velvet pillows, and brass. I think that a room is far more interesting when it’s a beautiful mix of textures and materials!

Styling Tip #9- Bring in the Greens

I love to mix in greenery! In my space, I have clippings from my yard, a bouquet (on its last leg) that my husband got me from Whole Foods, and even some faux greenery. If you’re wondering, I think there’s nothing wrong with faux greenery and it looks even more real when you also have real greenery. It makes it less noticeable when it’s mixed in! 

Styling Tip #10- Light the Room

I really love to light my space! When it starts to get dark, I turn on the sconces that I’ve also put on a dimmer. I like putting dimmers on most lights in my house because it helps create ambiance. You can also light a candle! Candlelight is an easy way to add sophistication and coziness to a space. 

Styling Tip #11- Fragrance the Room

Since I’ve gotten into unscented candlesticks, I’ve found other ways to add fragrance to a room. One way I do that is by using the potpourri lava rocks that I’ve talked about countless times. The fragrance they put out is unreal! 

I hope these tips inspired you to style your home using things you already have. Which tip was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!