Whether you’ve just moved in or you’re feeling uninspired by your current setup, refreshing your home doesn’t always require a complete overhaul. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional changes that can make the biggest difference. From the way you style your coffee table to how you hang your curtains, subtle design tweaks can elevate your interiors from good to truly considered.
Ready to take things up a notch? Below are nine expert-approved styling tips that will instantly transform your space, no matter your home’s size or layout.
1. Let Your Furniture Breathe
One of the simplest ways to improve any room is to give your furniture space. Instead of pushing every piece against the wall, pull items out slightly to create a sense of flow. It may seem counterintuitive, but even in a small space, this makes everything feel more curated and intentional.
2. Play with Levels
Good styling is all about variation. Mixing heights—think low-profile sofas paired with taller shelving or side tables—adds visual interest. When styling surfaces like consoles or bookshelves, group items of differing heights together to draw the eye and create balance.
3. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are more than just functional; they’re one of the most underrated styling tools in the book. They bounce light around, open up tight areas, and make spaces feel larger. Hang one opposite a window or behind a lamp to amplify brightness. A mirror placed at the end of a hallway can also help elongate the space.
4. Keep Surfaces Purposeful
While it’s tempting to use every flat surface for décor, clutter quickly becomes the enemy of style. Instead, opt for intentional groupings. A coffee table with a tray, a candle, a stack of books, and a small object works harder than an overfilled display. Stick to odd numbers when grouping items—three or five usually works best.
5. Layer Textures, Not Just Colours
If your space feels flat, it might be a texture issue, not a colour one. Combine soft linens with smooth ceramics, tactile wool throws, raw timber, and glazed surfaces. Layering textures brings depth to a neutral palette and makes a space feel more inviting.
6. Consider Vertical Space
We often focus so much on what’s at eye level that we forget the potential of vertical styling. Try hanging art slightly higher than usual, or mount a sconce above a sideboard for soft, ambient light. In compact areas, tall shelving draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of more room.
7. Style with Books
Books aren’t just for reading—they're one of the easiest tools for styling any room. Stack a few on a console, use them to give height to a candle or object, or fill a built-in shelf with horizontal and vertical arrangements. Coffee table books in particular offer colour, personality, and structure to your styling setup.
8. Don’t Ignore Corners
That awkward corner in your living room? It’s an opportunity waiting to be styled. Consider a tall plant, a slender floor lamp, or a petite armchair to fill the space and make it feel more cohesive. Empty corners tend to pull energy away from the rest of the room, so giving them some attention can really pay off.
9. Edit Ruthlessly
Perhaps the most transformative tip of all is knowing when to stop. Once you’ve styled a space, take a step back and remove one item. This simple practice helps you avoid over-styling and ensures each piece has a reason to be there. If something doesn’t add to the overall feel or function, it probably doesn’t need to stay.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your space doesn’t require a shopping spree or major renovation. With a few styling strategies and a thoughtful approach, you can completely shift the feel of your home. Start small, trust your instincts, and remember—sometimes, it’s the subtlest details that have the biggest impact.