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10 of the best styling tips I’ve stolen from the professionals

By Jen Bishop • 4 Comments

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Add a circle

I know I got this one from a Megan Morton workshop some years ago, and it’s simple and obvious when you think about it (but also, it’s only easy when you know how, right?). So, this tip is basically, to try and add a round shape to a room to break up all the right angles. Think about it: sofas, beds and most tables are squares and rectangles. Sometimes a circle is all you need to get a room just right. Think round rugs, round art, a round coffee or dining table. A few years ago, the ‘in’ way to do this was with a juju feather hat. Remember when they were everywhere?! They’re still lovely but not as common now.

Image source: Shannon Fricke

Hang art at eye height

Another one which seems obvious but I see people getting it wrong all the time. I’ve been told this by a multitude of stylists and interior designers and of course, it’s right. Try and ensure the middle of your artwork is at the average eye height. Simple. Of course there are always exceptions with gallery walls and the like.

Image source: Hunting for George

VIDEO: How to hang a gallery wall

Use books

We all have these lying around and super stylist Steve Cordony says: “When styling accessories, I always love to layer with books to give height to decorative items. Balance, whether it be asymmetrical or symmetrical, is key. Always stand back and look at what it is you’re creating – you will know if it feels right using your ‘design eye’!”

Steve Cordony displays colour-coded books in his former office, shot by Jacqui Turk for Interiors Addict

Rugs: bigger is always better

I can’t attribute this to anyone in particular because EVERY interior designer and stylist worth their salt will tell you to buy the biggest rug you can afford! It’s always better to have your furniture ON the rug, not AROUND the rug!

Styling by Julia Green & photography by Cricket Saleh for Prudence Caroline

Shop without buying anything and from within your own home

Melissa Penfold says: “Keep your eye in shape by window shopping. It’s free, keeps you up to date and inspired, and you’ll pick up stacks of great ideas that you will be able to imitate at home.” Don’t have time to window shop? Hit up Pinterest and your favourite design blogs.

Our favourite international design blogs.

The bed linen formula

Of course, every stylist and designer has their own favourite way to make a bed, but Block judge Darren Palmer says: “Transform your bed simply by styling the linen with some complementary or contrasting coloured sheets, an appropriately sized bed cover, two decorative cushions and two Euro cushions added to your everyday sleeping pillows.”

Image: Darren Palmer styles for King Living

Leave the colour scheme until last

This one I learned from the master, interior designer Greg Natale, when helping him write his book, The Tailored Interior. So often we start with the idea “I’m going to do X room blue and white” or “that bedroom’s going to be neutral” but this is actually one of the last decisions Greg makes when bringing a room together. Try and think about the other elements of the room first, before the colour scheme, and you may find it works better for you.

Greg Natale for Designer Rugs

Greg Natale on how to arrange cushions

Pull furniture away from the wall

I already knew this but had forgotten until recently when Briar Stanley from Sunday Collector was at our place styling a shoot for Pottery Barn. Try and give furniture room to breathe rather than automatically shoving it right up against the walls around the edge of a room. We have a huge living room so it was silly to have our sectional sofa right up against the back wall. Once Briar suggested moving it into the room a few feet, it looked so much better (thanks Briar!)! If you have space to do this, you could also have a sofa/console table behind yours, which is another great styling opportunity. Even if you don’t have a big living room, you may find that if you consider that the sofa doesn’t have to be against a wall, there are other surprising options for your furniture layout. Sofas in the middle of a space can also break up open plan areas really well.

Image Source: Kate La Vie

Look to your wardrobe for inspiration

This one’s from Shaynna Blaze of Selling Houses Australia and The Block, who warns not to get too caught up in trends when it comes to colour. “Look at your wardrobe and your accessories for inspiration, and determine what colours you’re most drawn to. This will help you settle on a colour scheme that suits you, and this is the hardest part! The fun bit is finding ways to bring this scheme into your home, whether it’s a bold feature wall or smaller accents of your favourite colour in furniture and accessories, complemented by a wall colour in a lighter shade of that colour.” (As some who has a 75% navy wardrobe, I find this works for my home too! Jen).

When you have kids, sometimes you have to just let it go!

One of our favourite stylists, Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors, says: “I would love to tell you I live in a pristinely well styled home but I would be lying! There is crap everywhere! I just let it go these days. Life is too short and I would rather hang out with my kids in my mess than clean it all up and waste the chance to see them. They are precious, precious people. Just messy ones.”

Well, that last one sure makes me feel better. Phew!

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July 5, 2017

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When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteri When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteriors decided to reduce her outgoings by moving to a tiny house. And we're not sure we've ever seen a more stylish one!

Although the move to a container home was motivated by financial pressures, Justine Wilson is loving her new simpler way of life.

Read her refreshingly honest, positive interview on the blog now, via link in bio.

It'll make you want to downsize too!

#tinyhomes #tinyhouse #tinyhome #tinyhouses #tinyliving #livingbiginatinyhouse #tinyhousemovement #tinyhouseonwheels #tinyhouseliving #tinyhousenation #tinyhouseattractive #tinyhomedesign #containerhouse #containerhome #containerhomes #containerhouses #containerhomedesigns #interiorstylist #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #smallspaceliving #smallspacedesign #downsizeliving #downsize #downsizingandminimizing #escapetothecountry #hawkesburyriver #hawkesburyriverlife
Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) 😜

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo 😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: what’s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!👌🏻 This is just one room fr Play room goals!👌🏻

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that😁

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍 Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarMaria Cerne says

    July 9, 2017 at 7:31 pm

    Fantastic styling tips Jen! Practical and achievable. It’s great to learn and pick up tips from the pros. Thanks for the great article.

    Reply
  2. AvatarNarnie says

    July 10, 2017 at 8:33 am

    I love the secretary bureau desk you are sitting at, where is it from?

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      July 10, 2017 at 9:05 am

      It’s a one of a kind, painted by Fiona from Liylfield Life. She can source you one if you’d like something similar 🙂 http://www.lilyfieldlife.com/

      Reply
  3. AvatarKatrina says

    July 15, 2019 at 9:25 pm

    Great blog. Thank you!

    Also, love the grey couch in image sourced from Kate La Vie – do you know where it’s from?

    Reply

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