• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
    • Tv-Removal-2_a-1Before and after: how to make the most of compact living
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
    • AFTER kitchenKitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Greg Natale accessoriesGreg Natale debuts new lifestyle collection at Maison&Objet Paris
    • Joan BlondNew Aussie original art collection inspired by our endless summer
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Screen Shot 2023-01-23 at 4.05.25 pmTerrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • 0Q7A5539Foodie Friday: Confit salmon with preserved lemon & pomegranate
    • Burrawang HouseNew Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Top 10 interior styling essentials

June 17, 2012

FacebookPinEmailTweet

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?

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home
  • AFTER kitchen Kitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes
  • IKEA hacks Australia: DIY built-in HEMNES cabinetry how-to
  • The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

Follow us on Instagram

Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

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 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

More Recent Posts

AFTER lounge

80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home

Terrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer

The Old Vicarage project

Designer profile: From expat childhood to high end interiors

AFTER kitchen

Kitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes

Greg Natale accessories

Greg Natale debuts new lifestyle collection at Maison&Objet Paris

Foodie Friday: Teriyaki miso chicken fried rice

Average cost to fix a botched DIY job is $1500

Outer team up with Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk on outdoor dining sets

Hardie exterior cladding

New exterior cladding product perfect for the Scandi-barn look

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!

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!