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Top 10 interior styling essentials

By Jen Bishop โ€ข

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While I’m no stylist, I’ve spent enough time around the country’s best, read enough books and magazines and rearranged my own furniture and accessories enough times to know a thing or two about the little things which can make a big difference to your home. Everyone needs a couch, a coffee table, a TV, some kind of storage unit and perhaps an armchair in their living room. It’s the little things you add to the mix that really create your look and say something about you. Without these little touches, rooms lack personality and a sense of the people who live in them.

(Above: Inexpensive art from Urban Road)

Here are my top 10 styling essentials. I’d love to hear what yours are.

1. Coffee table books. I have stacks of books everywhere. Some are colour coded, some are themed, some are just groups of favourites and those I reference regularly. Yes, books are designed to be read and their photographs looked at but don’t miss out on their wonderful secondary use as accessories! Your choice of books says a lot about your taste and your style and who doesn’t want to express themselves through their interiors (I hope I’m preaching to the converted if you read this blog!)? Hardback coffee table books are called coffee table books for a reason. They look great on coffee tables, add personality, colour and are great for arranging little vignettes on top of. (This reminds me of a hilarious post on the blog F*ck Your Noguchi Coffee Table). Yes, some of these styling ‘props’ so to speak, have become cliche, but there’s a reason: they just work. I’d bet at least 50 percent of interior designers’ photographed work features THAT Tom Ford book on a coffee table! The coffee table itself probably deserves its own post so I’ll save that for another day! (Any excuse to rave about my own vintage marble-topped eBay find again).

2. Cushions. My cushion addiction is a running joke among my friends but I just can’t help it. They’re such an inexpensive way to change your look, feel, colour scheme, and they’re low-commitment. Whatever the current interiors trend, should you wish to follow trends, you can probably incorporate it with cushions, whether they be neon, chevron, yellow or or dip-dyed (you’re nodding aren’t you?). They’re also a great way to add texture and layers, both really important in creating an interior that works. This is my latest cushion purchase. Some of my favourite places to buy cushions online are Ada & Darcy, Table Tonic, Pony Rider, Brown Paper Packages, Xavier & Me,ย and plenty of stores on Etsy.

3. A great rug. It doesn’t matter whether you have carpet, timber or tiles on your floors, you need a great rug or two. You can spend a fortune on a rug (and it can be absolutely worth it because it can really make your room) but there are affordable options too. That said, cheap rugs can look, well, cheap! The best affordable options in my book are cowhide (but it’s not everyone’s taste) and sisal (which does with pretty much everything and adds a welcome touch of nature to your room). I recently picked up a great black and white striped rug at Ikea and Armadillo & Co have some great mid-priced options which have appeared in just about every magazine going in the last 12 months. If you have cash to splash try Designer Rugs, Cadrys or Tsar.

4. Candles. They add ambient light, gorgeous smells and they can also look great as most of them come in lovely jars or tins these days. What’s not to like? I’m currently loving Gascoigne & King and Glasshouseย as well as some flameless options from Enjoy Lighting. For a treat though, it has to be Jo Malone (Pomegranate Noir).

5. Fresh flowers. If I don’t have these, my room isn’t finished. It’s lovely to have something living (technically) and from nature in your room. I also have some cacti and succulents (haven’t they become trendy lately?) but flowers are great for variety, colour and fragrance. A single stem or a bunch, you can play around with different vessels like chemistry flasks, test tubes, vintage jars and bottles.

6. Trays. Coming back to the good old coffee table, you need a tray or two. One is for your coffee table (it might house that stack of books or it might keep annoying things like remote controls and your pile of coasters tidy), the other might be on your bedside table for your watch and the jewellery you take off before you go to sleep. I have trays everywhere for my bits and bobs. Some are purely decorative and have little collections on them. Somehow everything looks ten times better on a tray rather than ‘loose’.

7. Ornaments/objects. They look pretty and they’re like art but in 3D. They can be expensive or they can be really cheap. And you can move them around. Glass cloches are really popular at the moment (I find almost anything looks better underneath one!). Other examples are things from nature (coral, barnacles, driftwood), vases, beautiful bowls and candle holders.

8. Art. Paintings, prints, canvases, framed pieces, juju feather hats, posters, maps, the options are endless. Bare walls are a sad thing. I’ve featured some great affordable options lately from Urban Road and Blacklist Studio.

9. Photographs. I’m a great believer in surrounding yourself with things that have real personal meaning and memories attached to them and what better than photographs? Whether you have one special picture in a gorgeous frame or a mix and match frame cluster wall (again, very in right now), or a family snap blown up onto a canvas, you can use photographs to decorate your home and make it feel like your personal space.

10. Throws. This last one’s especially for winter. Throws are fabulous because they’re not only decorative (hello again layering and texture!) you can also snuggle under them on chilly evenings.

(Above: Mega throws by Little Dandelion)

What about you? What are your styling essentials? What would you add to this list?

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June 17, 2012

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I don't regret the extra expense of my bathroom li I don't regret the extra expense of my bathroom lighting for a minute.

Although at the time I may have been a bit "HOW MUCH?" ๐Ÿ˜‚

Thrilled to have our bathroom shared in an article about lighting on @bhgaus where I talk about 2 things we chose in particular.

Firstly the LED light in the bath niche which is the PERFECT relaxing bathing light (and you know I have one every single night!).

Second, (swipe) a sensor light under the vanity which makes it easy for the kids and visitors who aren't familiar with the light switches, to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night with ease! 

Do you have either of these things in your bathroom or would you consider them?

Read the full Better Homes & Gardens article via link in bio now. 

Pix by @jacqui_turk

#bathroomlighting #bathroomlights #timbervanity #bathniche #bathroomniche #smartbathroom #bathroomlights #bathroomlight #bathlover #bathlove #interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #brassshower #brasstrim
Brothers Jack and Mark Fearon, of Australian desig Brothers Jack and Mark Fearon, of Australian design and fabrication company, @__fearon__ first started their business in 2019 as a creative outlet and antidote to their more commercial work.

Their pathway to design was somewhat unusual. Jack, a plumber by trade and Mark, a boilermaker, worked as industrial fabricators making large-scale water trucks.

Jack says heโ€™s conscious of making pieces that are sculptural, but also very usable. โ€œWe donโ€™t think our pieces are there just to look good,โ€ Jack says. โ€œWe love seeing our pieces in peopleโ€™s homes and in galleries, restaurants and hotels, with things all over them. Theyโ€™re for real life.โ€

FEARONโ€™s handmade pieces are aluminium and designed for longevity. Jack says the material choice means pieces are lightweight, easy to sculpt and entirely recyclable.

Read more on the blog now, via link in bio.

#aluminiumfurniture #australianfurniture #australianfurnituredesign #australianfurnituredesigners #sculpturalfurniture #furnitureasart #modernheirloom #modernheirlooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #fearon #aluminiumart #funfurniture #careerchange
Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform__ this year turned his hand to an apartment reno and created something really special!

Come and tour this beautiful one bed warehouse conversion in Sydney's Surry Hills on the blog today via link in bio.

Currently for sale though @bresicwhitney

#apartmentinterior #apartmentlove #apartmenttour #mezzaninefloor #mezzaninebedroom #warehouseconversion #factoryconversion #surryhillslife #surryhillssydney #surryhillslocal #shopfitout #barfitout #shopfitters #jform #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #coolapartment #funkyinteriors #customjoinery
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!) ๐Ÿ˜œ

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
๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo ๐Ÿ˜ 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
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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. AvatarRichelle says

    June 17, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    love the latest cushion purchase. good list here. i’m not much for the coffee table books at this stage but i’m liking the tray thinking.

  2. AvatarSomething Gorgeous says

    June 17, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Great list, I was able to tick each one. I also have a cushion addiction! xT

  3. AvatarTina kent says

    June 17, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    Great list Jen! I reckon add in occasional tables-beside your couch or special chair. Perfect for your cup of tea & a reading lamp.
    LovT

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      June 17, 2012 at 8:31 pm

      Great addition! Agree!

  4. AvatarEva says

    June 17, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    I totally agree with your 10, and would like that add that I love having something organic / natural like cow hide or fox pelt, deer antlers, shells, pebbles, twigs/twines, etc. (sparingly, not all of the above at once!).

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      June 17, 2012 at 8:30 pm

      Yes! So true! From my marble coffee table to my barnacles to my cowhide rug! Agree! And flowers. Always flowers! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. AvatarSuzie Atkin says

    June 17, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    Thanks for including me in your great post Jen, Love the list and I am in the market for trays…any tips on where to get them online??? Cheers Suzie

  6. AvatarJulz says

    June 18, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Thankyou for these great styling tips! I am in the middle of re-styling my whole home at the moment and would LOVE your opinion on something… I have bought a industrial style coffee table that has a soft white washed look (similar to this one – http://olioboard.com/items/198564-brick-layers-coffee-table-coffee-green) and really struggled to find a entertainment unit to match, so went for the contrast that is apparently okay to do – according to the interior design research I have done on the net!). I ended up with a real red/teak timber unit (similar colour to this – http://www.lizziesplace.com.au/shop/-quotgabah-quot-sliding-door-lowline-entertainment-unit-150cm–491). What is your opinion on mixing up different timbers? I am not sure whether or not to keep one of these pieces, or get rid of both and start again, eeeeek! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. AvatarAlice says

    June 20, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Agree with cushions, rug, flowers. An empty room with just these things can look great. I do have to add drapes to the mix. I change mine every 2 months or for special occasions to create a theme, along with cushions and ornaments to completely change the look of my living space.

  8. AvatarAdam says

    June 21, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    What a great & ‘esesential’ list. I think i relate with all of these ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      June 21, 2012 at 9:07 pm

      Glad you like it Adam ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. AvatarSarah says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:42 am

    I’m also a fan of natural bits and pieces now that I live in the country. My current favourite is a huge eagle’s feather but I also have some smaller rosella feathers in different colours. I’ve also got a pine cone in the mix. I love the idea of cushions but find them impractical – where do they go when you’re actually using the furniture? But the ginger cat has his special cushion on his own chair though!

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      June 23, 2012 at 6:49 pm

      It’s normally men that hate cushions and women can’t live without them! They’re definitely decorative but if you pick the right ones they can be really comfortable too and you can sit against them and not have to chuck them on the floor. cushions pom beds are definitely decoration only but I still wouldn’t be without them .You’ve come to the wrong person though, I’m a cushion ADDICT! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  10. AvatarMegan says

    June 23, 2012 at 8:05 am

    Yes please! I’d love a full piece on coffee tables. I’m just starting to re-do my living room and am agonising over whether to get rid of the central coffee table. I feel like a child who’s refusing to give up their dummy. I feel like I don’t need it any more but can’t figure out how I will cope without it. Help!

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      June 23, 2012 at 6:48 pm

      I just couldn’t live without one! such an important piece I think, but one of the hardest to get right or find the perfect one! Are you thinking no tables at all? You could have side tables instead? Or an upholstered ottoman for a softer look with a big tray on top for your cup of tea, vase of flowers etc? What makes you want tog et rid? Maybe you just haven’t found the right coffee table yet ๐Ÿ˜‰ I will keep pondering that coffee table post for you…

  11. AvatarEmilia says

    July 2, 2012 at 9:34 am

    Love your suggestions. I do need to invest in a nice rug. Been meaning to for a while. Will look into it.

  12. AvatarEmma says

    July 10, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    If only I could fit all these things into my tiny apartment!! ๐Ÿ™‚ we do have a great rug, cushions, throws, if you could call the A3 size picture my nephew gave me for Christmas several years ago art?

  13. AvatarJulie-Ann says

    August 4, 2012 at 12:12 am

    Love your list and I have most of those in my home. I just need to look at adding some trays – I loved that idea:)

  14. AvatarAngel says

    August 20, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    Hi Jen,
    I love the idea of trays, thanks for the tip. Any idea where I can find some nice ones at a reasonable price? I’m on a very tight decorating budget at the moment and it’s driving me bananas.

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      August 20, 2012 at 10:24 pm

      I love this mirrored one from Freedom http://www.freedom.com.au/homewares/decorator-accents/bowls-accessories/22738431/mirror-tray-49cm/

      • AvatarAngel says

        August 23, 2012 at 10:42 pm

        That’s a really nice one. What great timing with the 15% off sale :). I think I’ll go grab it this weekend. Thanks Jen.

        • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

          August 24, 2012 at 11:52 am

          I might too ๐Ÿ˜‰

  15. Avatardesignchic says

    October 23, 2012 at 11:15 am

    What a wonderful list, and accessories certainly add the personality to any room. I’m a fan of beautiful draperies too – like the jewelry for the room!

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