Interior Styling 101

Styling your interior space will take it from 0 to 100 if done correctly. Chances are, if you're unhappy with your space you can likely perfect it with some styling and a solid Pinterest board. Today we'll talk what pieces are worth grabbing and what to skip, as well as tips for how to group pieces together and where.

Let's break it down into a few categories:

• Table styling

• Mantle / console styling

• Bed / sofa styling

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What's worth purchasing?

If you're overwhelmed by the options, you cannot go wrong with these pieces. Run to your local Homesense, Walmart or Bouclair if you're on a budget, no need to splurge!

Some of my favourite staple styling pieces are:

• Vases, look for something with some texture or visual interest. We like a large scale here.

• Coffee table books, we want some varying sizes and differing colours or shades. You can never have too many.

• Candles and candle holders, these are very different from each other. Candle holders should be grouped together with candlesticks in them. You can have both in the same space.

• Chain links or sculptural objects, stick to wood if you're worried about kids or pets.

• Plants, I always stick to faux plants so they'll never look sad and wilty. Stems are also needed for the vases that you buy.

• Trays and bowls, perfect for layering or as a space to drop everyday objects.

What we can skip on:

• Signs with cheesy sayings or words on them.

• Tiny knick knacks.

• Too many small picture frames.

• Stuff, EVERYWHERE.

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Coffee Table Styling

When in doubt, group in odd numbers, and always at varying heights. In this image we have a coffee table book as our base layer, underneath one of the candlesticks and the chain link. This book could also be swapped out for a tray if that's what you have. Although there are 5 pieces, our eyes see this as 3 groups, the candlesticks, the book with the chain, and the vase. Nothing sits at the same height, and is all at a significant scale with no tiny knick knacks or clutter.

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Mantle / Console Table Styling

Although they might seem different, the rules are generally the same. Above your surface, you should have a large piece of art or a mirror, either leaning or mounted as the focal point. Your styling pieces should comfortably wrap around this larger focal point, layered without obstructing the view. Remember to group in 1, 3s, or 5s, and have nothing sitting at the exact same height. Generally it's safe to have one larger styling piece, which in this example is the vase with stems, and balance it out with a group of smaller pieces on the opposite end.

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Sofa Styling

I like to follow the rule for throw pillows that you should always have one textured, one patterned, and one solid to keep it cohesive. Though you don't always have to follow it, you're almost guaranteed to have a good outcome with this formula. With a sofa or sectional, we're still going to remember to keep everything in groups. If I have 2 throws on one side, I'll offset it with 3 on the other. If it's a sectional, I do 2 throws on either end, and 3 in the corner.

When it comes to your throw blankets, you have 3 options. You can either layer it under a group of pillows as seen in this image, *toss* it for some movement, or fold it over the foot of the chaise if you have one.

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Bed Styling

There are a ton of variations on this, but my preference is to go off of this formula:

1. Your regular pillows for sleeping

2. Euro pillows (the big guys)

3. Throw pillows (grouped in 3s)

You should have 4 layers depending on how many pillows you sleep with. If you're worried about having them all sit on the floor while you sleep, purchase a large basket to store them in during the night. For throw pillows opt for 2 different scales, whether that's two standards and a lumbar, or a smaller rectangular throw in front. A throw blanket is necessary to finish it off.

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If you're panicking, I highly recommend going off of an image that you love. Replicating a space that inspires you with your own flair will almost always give you a result that you'll be satisfied with.

So, how are we doing?! Did this inspire you to attempt styling your home on your own, or inform you that you need professional help? Both answers are okay, and I'm here to help! In case of any styling emergencies feel free to reach out, I'll always be your honest interior design best friend when you need one.