So many people struggle with putting the icing on the cake of their interiors; the sort of vignettes we all see in magazines but have no idea how to create ourselves. Maybe you have lots of treasured pieces but don’t know how to display them in a way that looks intentional. Imagine having a stylist or decorator come in and do all this for you after your reno? Well, you can! And Melbourne interior designer Jessica Viscarde of Eclectic Creative, explains how she did just that recently for a client.
When it comes to creating a home that looks stunning and feels incredible to live in, styling is the secret ingredient that ties it all together. It’s more than just choosing furniture or arranging a few cushions—it’s about layering the home (and client’s) personality, improving the function, and creating a space that feels truly yours.
While it’s tempting to go the DIY route, there’s a real art to styling and furniture curation that a professional interior designer can bring to the table. Anyone can go to a big box store, buy furniture and put it in the space. The difference when working with a professional, is you achieve an elevated outcome, that is uniquely yours, balancing form and function.
Elwood House had undergone an interior renovation which left our clients feeling some of the material finishes felt too harsh and a little bold with red brick and black joinery. With careful planning of a furniture concept and curated art, rugs, decorative lighting and objects, we managed to transform the space into one that feels warm, layered and hits the Mediterranean vibe they were searching for.
Interior decoration and finished styling can be truly transformative to the aesthetic as well as the overall vibe and feeling of a home and we wholeheartedly enjoy confirming furniture placement, weaving soft and considered layers, styling shelves, adding greenery and importantly fun, collected objects that add personality and reflect the homeowners.
Why professional styling matters
Every home tells a story, and as interior designers, it’s our job to ensure yours is beautifully told. While you might find pieces you love, it can be tricky to tie them all together into a cohesive look, where to place them, and importantly how to place them. That’s where we step in.
Styling is all about balance: mixing textures, adding depth with layers, and creating a flow and effortless cohesion between rooms. It comes naturally to us, understanding how to combine colours, shapes, and finishes in a way that feels natural and unforced—ensuring no detail is left to chance.
The result? A space that doesn’t just look good but also functions seamlessly for your day-to-day life. Interior designers create homes that invite you to linger, relax, and enjoy the beauty around you.
The art of furniture curation
When it comes to furniture, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice. Whether you’re furnishing an entire home or updating one room, it’s not just about finding pieces that fit, it’s about finding pieces that work. We can often come in after a renovation has been completed, and presented with a rather, albeit brand new, lifeless white space screaming for soft layers and attention to detail.
Interior designers take a curated approach to furniture selection. Every piece is carefully chosen with proportion, comfort, and longevity in mind and using the existing conditions as cues of how to make the decoration and furniture scheme work and elevate the space, improving the mood and overall vibe.
It’s not just about getting a room full of new pieces either; our secret weapon at Eclectic Creative is intuitively understanding and knowing how to blend the old with the new, balancing treasured vintage finds with contemporary elements to create a home that’s layered and rich in personality.
How a professional can help
Interior designers are passionate about creating homes that are warm, inviting, and full of life. A good designer will never impose a one-size-fits-all solution. Every project is tailored to reflect the people who live in the space.
Through the design process, professionals take the time to understand how you live, what you love, and how your home can function better. From custom joinery and bespoke furniture to handpicked accessories, designers ensure your home feels effortlessly complete.
For those with heritage homes, designers bring the unique ability to honour architectural charm while layering in modern touches for contemporary living. They respect your home’s story while elevating its style and functionality.
The positive experience
The difference between styling your home yourself and working with a professional is the experience. Collaborating with an interior designer is not just about achieving a beautiful result, it’s about making the journey enjoyable, inspiring, and stress free. Its also about allowing a fresh pair of eyes to see your space in a new way, and introducing you to an array of new suppliers, makers and artisans especially for your home.
Imagine having an expert guide you through the process, helping you avoid costly mistakes and decisions that might not work in the long run. Designers take care of the details so you can focus on the excitement of seeing your space come to life.
Styling assist: Studio Georg | Photography: Elise Scott
