In the world of interior design, achieving a stylish home doesn’t mean cramming every corner with fancy decor. In fact, a well-styled home often revolves around simplicity, elegance, and a thoughtful curation of items that truly resonate with you. If you’re looking to elevate your living space without overwhelming it, here are some of my favourite tips for styling your home without adding clutter…
Purge What You Don’t Love First
Before diving into the fun part of styling, it’s crucial to declutter. Take a cue from Marie Kondo and assess each item in your home. If it doesn’t spark joy or align with your current aesthetic, consider letting it go. This process not only clears physical space but also creates mental clarity, allowing you to approach styling with a fresh perspective.
Gather Inspiration
Styling your home is an art form, and like any creative endeavour, it benefits from inspiration. Before hitting the stores, spend time gathering ideas. Browse through magazines, create a Pinterest board, or explore your favourite interior design websites to pinpoint styles and pieces that resonate with you. This step will guide your shopping decisions and ensure your new additions work well with your desired look.
Make a List of What You Need
Shopping with a purpose is key to avoiding impulse buys and maintaining focus. After gathering inspiration, create a list of items you need to complete your vision. This could range from larger pieces like wall art to smaller decorative accents. Having a list keeps you on track and prevents you from purchasing items that don’t contribute meaningfully to your styling project.
Go Shopping (Strategically)
Now you’re armed with your list and inspiration, so it’s time to shop. When in doubt, buying slightly more than you think you need is often better. This approach provides flexibility during the styling process and allows you to experiment with different arrangements. Styling is an art, not a science, so it takes some zhuzhing as you go. Remember, you can always return items that don’t fit or feel right once you see them in your space. I do it all the time for my own home and when styling for clients.
Style Your Home One Area at a Time
To avoid overwhelming yourself (and your space), tackle styling one area at a time. Start with a focal point like the living room shelves or entryway console. Select pieces deliberately, ensuring each item serves a purpose and enhances the overall aesthetic. As Coco Chanel famously advised about personal style, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” Similarly, consider editing down your items when styling your home to maintain a clean, sophisticated look. I much prefer the look of having fewer better things, don’t you?
Keep Only What You Love
Ultimately, your home should reflect your personality and taste, so as you style each room, be very selective about what you keep. Each piece should evoke joy or meaning and align with the vibe you want to create. A curated collection of items you love will add style and make your home feel (and look) uniquely yours.
Conclusion
Styling your home is a process that requires intention and patience. By purging what you don’t love, gathering inspiration, making a shopping list, and being selective in your purchases, you can transform your home into a stylish place. Remember, a well-styled home isn’t just about what you add but also about what you choose to keep. Let your personal style shine through, and your home will become a beautiful reflection of you.
Whether you’re looking for a complete home makeover or a few key pieces to enhance your current decor, we’re here to help. And yes, we do offer styling services, too, in case you’re wondering. Feel free to book a call to discuss!
xo,
Staci
