My Very Best Tips & Tricks to Styling a Beautiful Room

Photo: Laine & Layne

While there are many aspects of my role as an interior designer that I adore to my core, styling a room has quickly become one of my favourite tasks. Whether it’s setting everything up just so for a final client reveal, shooting a space for my portfolio, or getting a shot that’s just right for Instagram, I truly enjoy every last moment. After 11 years in the design industry, and almost 8 in the blog world, I’ve definitely picked up a few secrets along the way. Following is how to style a room so it really and truly shines.

Photo: Alyssa Rosenheck

SOMETHING SOFT & TEXTURED IN EVERY SHOT

Whether it’s a bathroom with a turkish towel casually draped across the tub, or a woven basket overflowing with blankets, adding a little fabric in one way or another is a must. It instantly adds a warm and cozy factor, not to mention makes a room feel lived in, which really helps draw the viewer in.

Design: Lisa Spagnolo | Photo: Jasmine Pulley

UNEVEN GROUPINGS

When styling bookshelves, coffee tables, or kitchen and bathroom counters I always try to arrange things in groups of three or five. There’s just something about the odd-numbered groupings that is far more pleasing to the eye than those of the even-numbered variety.

 Photo: Ryan Garvin

GREENERY, ALWAYS

A hint of greenery, whether it’s in the form of a 6′ potted plant or a single blade of glass in a clear glass vase, is the quickest way to add life to both a room and photo. The difference with and without plant life is astounding. 

Photo: Grey & Scout

OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS

This is a newer trick I realized during one of my shoots with Style at Home, and now that I’ve picked it up I’m noticing it done far and wide. It, of course, pertains more to getting that picture perfect shot than anything else. But not only does opening a door or a window let natural light flood in, but it also makes that final shot feel significantly more welcoming.

Design & Photo: Kaemingk Design

BOOKS, BOOKS, & MORE BOOKS

When in doubt, just add books. Stack them under a vase for additional height, layer them on a coffee table for a welcoming feel, and load up on them on bookshelves (because, duh) to fill in the gaps. Books are your very best friend, and I always travel with an Ikea bag full of them at every shoot I attend. 

I’d love to know – is this sort of post something you find helpful? Something you’d like to see more of? Also, if you have any styling tips and tricks of your own please let me know. I’m always looking to add to my arsenal!