Think of your room as an outfit. You can wear a classic tee and jeans to blend in or you can make the look your own by adding unique accessories. Elevate a T-shirt and jeans with layered necklaces and jewel tone flats to turn a lackluster outfit into once that truly shines. You will certainly be noticed with these modifications. After going through a design update, I would think you would want your interior to be noticed as well. With that said, your space may be beautifully designed and well thought out spatially but without the finishing touches there is no personality. Without the perfect geometric vase and a pop of color from a tangerine hued tray, your coffee table is an afterthought. Styling should enhance your dwelling by coordinating décor objects with all the elements of the design. Interior styling is not exactly interior design but it is an aspect that cannot be forgotten. I touched on ways to enhance your space with plants, artwork etc. in a past blog post but let’s go a little more in depth with the styling process.
What is Interior Styling?
The reason I used the clothing analogy earlier is that interior styling is essentially “dressing” a room. You are dressing the sectional with coordinating pattern, color, and texture when choosing a cozy throw and pillows to compliment the room. Interior design is more about spatial planning, materials, and flow. They are able to visualize what something in 2D will look like in 3D. Designers make sure your space is functional, accessible, and safe. An interior designer would be able to make plans to remodel a kitchen while an interior stylist would be more concerned with refinishing and choosing pieces to enhance an existing space. Interior stylists aren’t as concerned about the overall functionality of the space as they are with the little details. When you are decorating for the holidays you are essentially getting a taste of what it’s like to be an interior stylist. Stylists are about creating a mood or vignette and they come in after an interior designers work is done. Interior designers and interior stylists do share some similarities. They both have an eye for style and this is why a great interior designer is able to understand the importance of styling in the end result and will choose objects to enhance his/her design.
Styling a Coffee Table
Wherever you gather, there is sure to be a coffee table. The coffee table is the focal point of any seating space, and often one of the first pieces of furniture we look at when entering a seating area, so it must be decorated accordingly. Why exactly is this so important? Imagine you are looking at your favorite interior magazine and you see an advertisement for a coffee table or maybe you are looking at a great interior shot you on Pinterest. Now that you are visualizing this, ask yourself if the coffee tables in these types of photos are styled with beautiful thoughtful objects. Nine times out of ten I would bet they are. I would even assume the objects placed on the coffee table were what initially drew you to the photo in the first place. There is a reason coffee tables in magazines are not just blank slates. These carefully placed objects which may include, trays, candles, vases, books, sculptures, or fresh flowers are what will gives a “magazine worthy” look to your home. A vase of fresh flowers and a stylish book will work wonders for your space. Your interior designer will know just what objects to use and how many for the style and size of your coffee table.
Styling Open Shelving & Bookcases
Open Shelving mixed with closed shelving is a nice compromise and a great way to show off only what you love while hiding the rest. Open shelving can present some storage challenges but it also allows you to appreciate and enjoy your most loved objects. With open shelving you may be tempted to read your favorite books more because they are in plain sight. You might fondly remember a family vacation from a souvenir that is lovingly displayed. Styled shelving can create a focal point in a room as well. A dark accent wall with open shelving can be contrasted with white vases of varying heights to add depth and dimension to your space. Blending the things you love with your designers plan are what makes a house a home. A special photo in a new sleek frame or your favorite books mixed with a modern sculptural object and a trio of vases will add a personal touch to your vignette.
I hope that this answers some of your interior styling questions and helps you as you start your projects. Good luck! Happy styling!!
*Featured image credit: Design & Photo by Yoko Oda Interior Design LLC.
