12 Dos and Don'ts: Styling Edition

a list of our favorite tips to create a layered and interesting space

Aug 16, 2024

The styling phase of interior design is so much fun. Good styling can take a home from average/boring to layered/interesting. However, it’s definitely the most “loose” in terms of rules which makes it one of the harder aspects to really nail and get right. While there aren’t a set of rules, we tend to follow our own set of do’s and don’ts when sourcing for clients. For today’s post we are sharing that list for anyone who’s looking for some guidance while styling their home.

*With that being said, these are just our own opinion and of course there is always a time and place to break even our own rules from time to time ;)

#1 Don’t be afraid to put holes in your wall. If you are feeling nervous to actually nail up your stack of artwork sitting on the floor, this is your sign to just go for it (but maybe finish reading the list below beforehand). Art is the best way to add life to a room and no room is complete without something on the wall, IMO.

#2 Do restyle with what you already have every now and then to give things new life. Sometimes we feel like once we put something in its place it needs to stay put (myself included) but this is your reminder to mix things up every now and then. If you feel like you’re wanting something fresh and new, maybe all you need to do is move things around.

#3 Don’t hang your art too high. This seems to be a common mistake but have no fear, it’s an easy fix! We prefer 58”- 60” from the floor to center of the artwork (or eye level). The exact height does depend on a few things like ceiling heights, if the art is being hung above something, finish work, etc. Use your best judgement but when in doubt, go with our range listed above.

#4 Do collect accessories on your travels. There is nothing quite like seeing something that reminds you of a fun trip abroad sitting on a shelf. When possible, we always prefer styling with things that have meaning rather than things that just fill a hole.

#5 Don’t hang art that is wider than the console or table below it. We love playing with scale but when it comes to artwork above a table, it needs to be at least 3-5 inches shorter than the table itself. In the same vein you don’t want anything too small above a wide table (unless it’s intentional). When in doubt, stick to artwork that is roughly 2/3 the size of the table.

#6 Do mix vintage accessories with new accessories. Having just one of either will make a space feel less dynamic and can fall flat. The juxtaposition of an old vintage vase with a new lacquered tray (for example) is a sure way to create an interesting space.

#7 Don’t be too matchy-matchy with scale or material. This might be the most common “mistake” I see in homes with accessories. Be sure as you’re curating your collection of vases, objects, etc. that they differ in height. Variety is key when it comes to styling a surface.

#8 Do use indoor plants to add height in corners (live or faux). Corners or rooms feel can feel empty and forgotten. A pretty pot with a tall, branchy tree always feels so refreshing in a room that often times is full of hard linear lines. Consult your local nursery to find live trees/plants that will last given your lighting situation and climate or stick to the fake guys if you don’t have a green thumb. This is one of our favorites.

#9 Don’t style with anything you wouldn’t actually use - keep it pretty but practical.

#10 Do mix the direction of books on a shelf to break up lines - lay some vertical and some horizontal. This is an easy way to take up more space on a shelf while still being functional.

#11 Don’t stack coffee table books that are the same size on top of each other. This one kind of goes along with the variety in scale tip mentioned earlier but it’s important to pay attention to the size (and colors) of your books. Here are a bunch of our favorite books for the scale, colors, and topics.

#12 Do use woven baskets for extra hidden storage. When styling open shelves, we almost always use a few baskets to take up space both vertically and horizontally. These ones from Zara Home are some of our go-tos.