I think we all know when a room has been beautifully curated and styled. We admire rooms on our phones or when we’re watching t.v. Do you secretly wonder can we do this ourselves? The fact is, we can all do it. To curate and style your living room, and beyond can be achieved and sustained. It just takes practice. Here are 13 Styling tips below that will help you create your own insta-ready living room, and one that’s a reflection of your own style.
Incorporate Texture
More than ever, the numerous choices to incorporate texture are front and center in Home Decor. With the wide variety of textures on offer, is it any wonder that every year a different texture comes out to play! Textures bring life and depth and wonder into spaces. When you want to add interest and elevate your materials- you add texture. HINT: source vintage!
Photo: Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Natural Elements
One of the easiest, and sustainable ways to curate and style your living room is with natural elements. In terms of choices, it’s really up to you where you start. Let your own preferences guide your aesthetic. Do you love wood/driftwood, bark, seashells, dried flowers, branches, rocks etc. Sky’s the limit!
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Animal, Vegetable or Mineral
I’m not talking taxidermy here! But when it comes to unique, or bespoke styling items, just check out the amazing abundance of items like feathers, leather, antlers, horns, gourds, calabash (those bumpy, warty things…), geodes, coral, crystals, alabaster, onyx, and marble etc.
This particular category literally opens Pandora’s box of goodies and will give you tons of opportunities to show off collections or a simple look. Like this vignette I styled below, it has branches, wood, leather, glass, and onyx. Bring on the quirky!!
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Wood
I’m giving wood its own category- partly because it’s so diverse, but also because it is probably the one element I use consistently when styling living rooms, and most other spaces as well.
Wood is warm. Wood is rich, textural, organic, affordable, in nature and everywhere! Wood adds character and richness to all rooms. Wood is sustainable. Wood can be sourced in your own backyard, on the beach, in a park, or at any Home Decor Shop.
PRO TIP: When styling with wood, too many species, stains, grains or varieties will make your space feel disconnected. Tip, choose 3. One primary and two secondary that can be used all over.
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Vintage Art & Decor
If you’ve been into vintage for a while, you’ll know it’s getting harder to source good stuff, and because it’s so popular, it’s not going anywhere either!
Choose pieces that resonate with you- curate and style a beautiful gallery wall or tabletop or bookshelf. Make it meaningful, take your time.
You don’t have to be a collector or connoisseur here. This is all about creating spaces that will always bring you joy. So, if that means watercolours, pastels, embroidery, lithographs – enjoy the process!
***Check out my list at the bottom of Home Decor Pieces to Use for Styling. They will add a lot of ‘interest’ to your space, and in my opinion, add value, bring in focal points, and be amazing conversation starters!***
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Ceramics
Love, love, love ceramics! Don’t you?! Handmade, organic, wheel-thrown, sculpted, bespoke pieces. Ceramics in any and all forms definitely use them! Find a ‘look’ if you can.
I simply mean to stick to 1-2 styles. For example, if you like modern or sculptural pieces, then create vignettes with them or purchase stunning one-offs and large scale pieces. Source craft markets for artisans, online, galleries, estate sales, shops and when you TRAVEL! Literally endless choices.
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Books
Books are great for a number of reasons. Visually they add weight, interest and can be used as props. Coffee table books are always good.
Locations to style: on tables, shelves, in baskets, bowls, trays
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Florals & Foliage
Some of the unique flowers and greenery available in either fresh or dried format is just stunning. One thing thatI always have in my own home are fresh flowers. I have a weekly flower subscription from a local urban grower. I just love how flowers make a room feel, and I love this little treat for me!
Fresh flowers are invigorating, green and often scented, which is another treat on the senses. Dried flowers are soft, romantic and everlasting. They are excellent for more permanent displays. I dual purpose florals by buying interesting blooms that provide longevity afterwards when dried…
I love plants, and try to use real plants on styling projects. I know there are faux options out there, but this is just my preference.
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Textiles/Blankets/Cushions
Hands up if you have a major pillow addiction, collection hiding somewhere in your home? I do! Honestly, it’s pretty hard not to! When it comes to throw blankets, and cushions they have long been a staple in home decor and styling. What you see more of now, is variety in the textiles used. Often materials are mixed, and provide a real textural feast!
Use different shapes, sizes, colour, mix patterns – kind of like what I did on the sectional below!
Metallics
Bronze, silverware, brass, pewter, copper etc. look great in spaces as accent or statement pieces. Styling with metallics is a bit of a goldilocks effort. You don’t wan’t too much bling! This floor lamp is gorgeous, just the right pop of copper for this space that is all warm and earthy. Same with the brass band in the marble links- just the right hit!
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
Tapestries or Wall Art
Not long ago I had a beautiful crystal/geode piece of artwork custom crafted for a client. It is stunning and my client uses it as a backdrop for her home office.
Artwork and Tapestries can be quite an investment. I love organic tapestries! Here is an example of the art I’m hoping to source soon…
Statues
Statues are typically found in more formal living room spaces. However, busts and figurines, are historical and sometimes playful when styled in a more casual way. I like that they add a bit of substance, and also a bit of weird. Sometimes when I’m sourcing styling pieces, I am looking for really ‘out there’ stuff! It’s what can make a room!
Personal/Heirloom/Travel
Goes without saying that the best pieces for anchoring rooms are ones that have sentimental or personal value. Often these pieces or collections are treasures passed on, sometimes they are heirlooms. If you don’t have heirloom treasures, then likely you have pieces curated from travel. And honestly, IMO, some of the coolest ways to express your personality and reflect your design aesthetic.
I hope that you find this Ultimate Guid to Curate & Style your LivingRoom helpful. I’d love to hear from you!
Please reach out and let me know if there are things I’ve missed and that you like to use when styling your own living rooms. The sky is the limit!!
Kristen https://architecturalphotos.net/
***Here’s my List (not even exhaustive) of all the ‘tings’…***
This list is about curating and styling your own space. If any of these items are new to you and sound interesting, then check it out. If you think, ‘not a chance’, then you don’t have to do anything.
Crystals, Geodes, Gourds, Calabash, Coral, Cork, Fans, Lidded boxes, Bamboo, Vases, Antique books, Statues, Stone, Terra cotta, Ceramics, Wood bowls, Pitchers, Old silver, vintage crockery, Geometric shapes, Glass sculptures, Inlaid wood, Woven tapestry, Seashells, Trays, Watercolour art, Sketches, Oil paintings, Antique china, Leather pieces, Horns, Antlers, Baskets, Animal hide, Snakeskin, Shagreen, Alabaster, Onyx, Marble, Metallic pieces, Velvets, crushed, Dried flowers, Fresh flowers, Plants, Bead, Feathers, Coloured glass, Collections, Botanical prints, Champagne bucket, Cloches, Clocks, Carafes, Wine racks, Liquor bottles
