3 Ways to Style an Empty Space

By Mehnaz Khan

Every home has a few odd, unused nooks that feel like wasted space. But whenever I see one of these nooks, I see an opportunity to add personality to a home. With a little thought and creativity, you can elevate every empty corner in your home. Here are three simple yet impactful ways to bring life to those awkward spaces:

1. Add Art 

Adding art doesn’t always mean hanging a painting on the wall. Think outside the box—consider sculptures and objects you’ve collected. These look far more appealing and impactful when displayed solo on a pedestal. To add more interest to this vignette, opt for a vintage pedestal with patina; it lends character to the nook. Then, top it with a sculptural object, like the Jonathan Adler hand-blown glass hand shown here. Paired with a traditional chinoiserie pedestal, this creates a moment of art—a focal point that draws the eye and makes the corner feel intentional rather than forgotten.

2. Style with Sculptural Pieces 

Here, I’m referring to indoor plants or trees. Their organic shapes and textures categorize them as sculptures. Indoor trees instantly breathe life into an empty corner, making the space feel fresh and inviting. Pair the tree with a piece of artwork layered behind it to create dimension and visual interest. The contrast between the natural shape of the tree and the structure of the artwork adds a dynamic touch. This setup not only fills the corner but also draws attention upward, making the room feel more expansive. Consider trees like a fiddle-leaf fig or a rubber plant for their sculptural qualities.

3. Tell a Story 

Every corner of your home has the potential to narrate a tale, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is by pairing a chair with a piece of artwork. This is my favorite technique because it’s so simple yet so effective in transforming a nook. The key is to place an antique or vintage chair with plenty of personality—the unique shape or intricate details of the chair are what really add interest. You can further enhance its charm by upholstering it in a fun, eye-catching fabric. The best part of styling this vignette is that you don’t need a large piece of artwork.

These techniques prove that even the smallest corner in your home has the potential to become an impactful design moment. Next time you see an empty space, don’t stress out. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to create a moment of art and personality in your home. 

*All photographs credit: Mehnaz Khan

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