How to Style Your Home Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not One)
- Eileen Jemmett
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Hi, I’m Eileen and I believe great style isn’t about following rigid rules, it’s about creating a home that feels like you.
Styling your home can feel overwhelming when you're staring at blank walls, empty corners, or endless Pinterest boards. But the good news is, you don’t need to be a professional to make confident styling decisions. You just need to know what to focus on.
Here’s how I approach styling spaces for my clients and how you can bring that same thoughtful, layered look to your own home.
Start with Function First
Before diving into colours and cushions, think about the main intention of the room. Ask yourself:
What’s the space going to be used for most?
Do I want it to feel relaxed, focused, warm, energising?
Who uses this space and how?
Once you’re clear on the purpose, then it’s about designing for comfort and practicality. That’s the foundation of good styling.
Plan the Layout Before You Shop
One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying furniture without measuring the space properly. I always recommend drawing up a floor plan (even roughly) using actual furniture dimensions.
For example, when planning a dining area, allow at least 800mm between the table and any walls or furniture – ideally 1000mm if space allows.
This ensures people can move comfortably around the room.
Knowing your minimum and maximum furniture sizes will save you from purchasing something that looks great in the showroom but overwhelms your room at home.
Mix, Don’t Match
Good styling is all about creating balance – not buying everything from the same set.
Don’t be afraid to mix styles. For example, if you lean towards a Scandinavian look, try adding a few mid-century pops of colour - like mustard, rust or olive – through cushions or decor. It keeps things interesting while still feeling cohesive.
In the bedroom, skip the matching bedroom suite. Instead, mix your bedhead with different bedside tables that suit your needs. Think about whether you need storage or if a simple side table will do the job.
And in the living room? Pair a fabric sofa with occasional chairs in leather, boucle, timber or rattan to add depth and texture.
Style With Intention – Not Just Stuff
When creating vignettes (those lovely styled moments on a sideboard or shelf), the golden rule is: odd numbers work best. Use contrast and texture – think smooth ceramics with woven baskets, timber with glass, soft fabrics next to harder finishes.
And always play with scale – combine taller items with lower pieces, chunky decor with finer details.
Want to Be Bold? Do It With a Thread of Connection
If you’re thinking about making a space feel intentionally different – like a dramatic powder room or bold media room – go for it!
The trick is to tie it back to the rest of the home with a unifying element. It might be a repeated colour, a shared material, or a familiar shape. That way the room can feel like a statement, but still part of the whole.
Textiles Make the Room
Soft furnishings are your best friend when it comes to adding warmth and personality.
Layer cushions in different textures – linen, velvet, boucle – and don’t forget your curtains, rugs, and throws. These details make a huge difference to the overall feel.
Speaking of rugs, one of the easiest ways to make a room feel larger and more anchored is to choose a rug big enough so that the front legs of your furniture sit on it.
If the perfect rug doesn’t come in the right size, consider having one made to order – it’s a small extra cost that delivers a big impact.
Let There Be (Good) Light
Lighting is a huge part of styling – and yet it’s often overlooked.
Don’t rely on downlights alone. Layer your lighting with lamps, wall sconces, and even decorative pendants. Use lighting to highlight features like artwork, textured walls, or sculptural decor.
Lighting doesn’t just make a space functional – it adds mood and ambience.
Tie It All Together with Art
Artwork has the power to transform a space. When selecting accessories, pull colours from your art to create balance and harmony. It’s a simple trick that makes a room feel intentionally styled rather than randomly decorated.
Styling doesn’t need to be stressful – and it certainly doesn’t need to be perfect. The most beautifully styled spaces are the ones that feel like home.
So trust your gut, have fun with it, and remember - you don’t need to be a pro to style like one!
Ready to Style Your Home With Confidence?
If your space doesn’t feel quite right, or if you want to make sure your investment in furniture and decor pays off, I’d love to help.
Contact me today and let’s make your home feel like you 🏡
