How to Style Your House Like a Pro

Choosing the best designs for your interior space can be a tricky decision. From furniture and curtains to new hardware, and accessories, there are so many aspects to think about. That's why for many, hiring professional designers is the best way forward. But what if you could use their knowledge and expertise to do it yourself? 

So whether you're moving into a new place and using professionals, or just looking to give your current abode a facelift, keep reading for actionable insights into how to style your home so it looks like it belongs on the cover of Architectural Digest. 

Find your balance. If you're unsure of where to start when thinking about redesigning or freshening up your rooms, it may be helpful to consider which room is giving you the most trouble first, maybe you want to start with the smaller rooms, or perhaps it's time to just do the whole house.

Next, choose a style that speaks to you. This can be anything from mid-century modern to Hollywood glam. Choosing furniture, paint, fabric, and accessories are only the beginning. Once you've decided on the overall aesthetic, it will be easier to select furniture and décor that fits your vision. Good taste comes from having a knack for finding the perfect balance between too sterile and too cluttered. For me, a good room has the right balance between being clean-cut and streamlined and styling the right amount of accessories so it looks curated over busy. Before you start buying furniture or painting walls, it's important to spend time creating a plan that balances your unique 'house feel'. Make sure to have multiple copies of your floor plan on hand so you can understand exactly how much space you have to play around with.

Additionally, consider getting a large foam board and pins from your local art or stationery shop and collate samples of, images, fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, art, and flooring that you might want to use. Combining this with your floor plan will make it easier to create flow and visualize how your various fabric, texture, and colour, schemes may come together. If it looks right on paper, it will generally look decent in real life. So don't be afraid to explore what works best, this way you can see how they may all sit together within the room.

One of the biggest details people forget is to measure accurately, and so often the first mistake people make is buying the wrong size. It is imperative to have the proper measurements and dimensions of your space before you attempt to start filling it with furniture and décor. The last thing you want to do is waste your time and money. Make sure your floor plan is up to date and has accurate dimensions before you start placing any orders.

One of the most important things that you can do when decorating your home is to get rid of clutter. Clutter can make a room look smaller and less inviting, so getting rid of it is a must. When you are decorating your home, it is important to edit your furniture. As Marie Kondo would say, only keep the things that *spark joy*. This means keeping the pieces that you absolutely love and will work with the overall vibe you're seeking. Remember to stick to your plan, keeping something for keeping's sake will be counter-productive to your plan and the design ethos you've set.

We may be used to the logic of moving things around in the same room, so it may not naturally occur to us to move things from room to room. Doing so provides a fresh way of rearranging space and layouts. Many items might look better in a new space or might serve a better function. When there's no time or budget to go shopping, this is the fastest solution to updating a room that feels lived in. There might just be one object that jumps out at you for all the wrong reasons, so don't be afraid to take it away and put it somewhere else. 

When decorating your home, it is important to choose a colour scheme. This will help you create a cohesive look in your home. If you're not sure where to start, consider using a colour wheel. This will help you choose complementary colours that will work well together. Remember, just because you may be looking to achieve a certain look, does not mean you can't have pops of bright hues in different rooms, here and there.

Pro Tip: Natural light may affect the shade of your colour choice. Plain white, may not have the same hue in a naturally well-lit room at different times of the day. Make sure to factor this in before finalising your choices.

One of the best ways to personalize your home is to accessorize. This can be done by adding art, books, plants, and other things that reflect your style. This is also a great way to add pops of colour to your space through wall decor, art, vases, candle holders, frames, or lighting choices. 

When decorating your home, it is important to layer. This means incorporating different materials; look to add texture to your space. This will add interest and depth to your home decor. Rugs, blankets, and pillows in a variety of textures can help achieve this look. When decorating your home, one of the best things you can do is to use what you have. For example, if you have a collection of books, use them as decoration by arranging them in a new or interesting way on a shelf. Consider mixing horizontal stacks of books among the vertical rows and intersperse decorative objects, such as bowls or vases, among them.

Lighting is one of the most important things to consider when decorating your home. Consider layering your lighting to create a warm, inviting space. Whether you choose to invest in a floor lamp, wall lamp, candle, or hanging light, it can take time to source the right pieces and will depend on the space and scale of the room. An overhead light allows you to illuminate the whole room quickly but may not do much to set the right mood. A pair of lamps on bedside tables usually offers a more appealing glow. Many designers use table lamps as well as wall-mounted lamps (either hardwired or plugged into an outlet) on either side of the bed. Even if you love a particular light, make sure it fits the space before you buy it. While curtains or window coverings may seem unnecessary, especially if you are someone who prefers a lot of natural light, they actually make a huge difference regarding the maturity and elegance of your space.

One of the best ways to make your home feel more comfortable and inviting is to bring in natural elements. This can be done by adding fresh or dried flowers, or plants to your living room/living area, dining room, coffee table, or maybe even featuring a whole wall. Another interesting way to incorporate greenery can be by hanging pictures of nature scenes as art. 

To make your space feel like home, you'll need to put some thought into the smaller details too, beyond the colour patterns. Make sure the details of your home help set the tone for your unique flavour and add to the cohesive vibe throughout your whole home. The details are where your personality will fit in, and make your home stand out. Consider adding unique hardware to your cabinets or investing in quality bedding and towels. These small touches will help pull the room together and make it feel complete.

Other subtle details to consider, that are a little more budget-friendly, could be to include a tray with your favourite coffee table books or a candle collection along your mantel. Small decorative elements and details can make a big impact. Whether you choose to make bold, statement-making choices or stick to more understated and classic options, it is important to remember the details.

Decorating, and creating ideas to style your home should be fun. Your first mistake will be to take this all too seriously. While you may want to be seriously stylish, the process does not need to be. Don't be afraid to create a custom style that is all your own. After all, this is your home, and should reflect your unique taste and personality. Use these tips as guidelines to help you get started, but remember to always make choices that YOU love.

All in all, there are a few key things to keep in mind when styling your home like a pro, regardless of if you're using professional interior designers. Be sure to have a clear vision and plan for your space. This means taking accurate measurements and having a floor plan drawn out before making any big purchases. Secondly, pay attention to the details and don't forget the smaller elements and decorative objects that can make a big impact. At the end of the day, you should feel like you are in your own home from the moment you walk through the front door, so make sure to have fun with it and don't be afraid to experiment until you find a style that is reflective of you. 

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