When it comes to creating captivating and thoughtfully styled spaces, there’s a simple “5 styling secrets” formula that designers swear by. These five essential steps not only make your rooms look polished and cohesive but also infuse them with soul and character.
While your larger furniture pieces—like sofas, tables, and chairs—set the tone for your design aesthetic, the way you style your spaces tells a personal story, reflecting your unique history, experiences, and personality. Let’s dive into the five steps of a well-styled space and learn how to bring them to life in your home.
The first step is all about setting the stage. Begin by clearing everything off the surface you’re styling. This fresh perspective allows you to reset your eyes and notice opportunities you might have overlooked. Next, gather all your styling accessories in one place. Seeing your options together sparks creativity and makes it easier to recognize pieces that naturally complement each other.
This process also helps you appreciate the materials, textures, and scale of your foundational furniture. By focusing on the area’s subtleties and creating an energy of abundance with your accessories, you set the tone for inspired styling.
Every great vignette starts with a hero piece—a statement item that anchors the display. This could be a vintage box, a bold sculpture, or a striking vase. The hero piece sets the tone and personality of the vignette, so choose something you love that has substantial scale in relation to the area you’re styling.
For example, a beautiful glazed vase and brass lamp might serve as your hero on a large credenza. Not only does it add warmth and interest, but it can also be styled to showcase other elements.
Supporting pieces are where the storytelling happens. These can include books, candles, ceramics, artwork, plants, or trays. The key is to choose items that contrast with your hero piece in texture, color, and material while complementing the overall theme of your space.
Think about the story you want your vignette to tell. For a formal living room, you might opt for luxurious and artful pieces like sculptural objects and beautiful books. In a family room, the vibe might be more relaxed and casual, with humble materials and cozy elements.
Composition is where the magic happens. Aim for a triangular arrangement, tapering from large to small in an irregular, rhythmic way. Overlap and intersect objects to visually weave them together. This creates depth and a sense of cohesion.
For example, on a cocktail table, you might place a tall plant on one side, a stack of books toward the front, and a candle on top of your hero piece. The interplay of materials, shapes, and sizes adds interest and ensures the display feels dynamic and balanced.
The final step is editing. Just like a skilled editor refines a manuscript, you need to refine your vignette. Remove anything that feels unnecessary or detracts from the overall story. Editing creates visual lightness and ensures your display feels artful and sophisticated.
For instance, if your styled table feels cluttered, try removing a few smaller items. Often, less is more when it comes to achieving a polished look.
Styling isn’t just about making a space look pretty; it’s about adding soul and character to your home. By following these five steps, you can create vignettes that feel personal, intentional, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re styling a cocktail table, a credenza, or a bookshelf, this formula will help you elevate your space and tell your story through design.
So, gather your favorite pieces, get creative, and start styling! The more you practice, the better you’ll become at creating spaces that truly reflect who you are.
get the paint guide
Take the guess work out of picking paint colors with our pro paint guide! We're sharing all our favorite colors and our very best designer tips to help you choose the right color every time.
watch our channel
Looking for design inspiration, pro tips and some of
our favorite resources? Join us on YouTube to get weekly style recommendations, expert design advice, and entertaining ideas.