5 Styling Tricks to Make Any Room Look Designer-Approved

By Georgia Barnes

The final touches in a room are often the decisions that can make or break the aesthetic. Those last little details can completely change how a room feels. Here are a few of my favorite tips I implement as a designer to really take a room to the next level. 

Layered Lighting

Layer, layer, layer is my motto when it comes to lighting in a space. If I can, I avoid adding in can lighting to a home, if the room and function allow for it. Mixing and layering lighting not only add to the overall mood in a space, but it brings interest to a room. Start with a center fixture, add in a few table lamps, a floor lamp and a candle. There is nothing cozier than turning off the overhead lights in the evening and still feeling like you have a soft and beautifully lit room. 

Designed with W Design Collective/ Photography by Lucy Call

Mixing Finishes and Furnishings 

Gone are the days of buying bedroom or living room sets. Matching furniture is something designers tend to avoid when furnishing and styling a room. Mixing in antique or vintage furnishings with more sleek and contemporary ones can be a great way to add visual interest to a space. I love the juxtaposition of a contemporary sofa with a beautiful antique oil-painting or an original mid-century modern chair with a traditional skirted sofa. Not only can you mix furniture, but art and accessories can be an easy way to strike this layered balance! Thoughtful spaces take time to curate, so don’t be afraid to take it slow and fill in the empty space little by little.

Designed with W Design Collective/ Photography by Jared Kuzia

Adding Greenery

Nothing makes a space feel more put together than a fresh floral arrangement or a beautiful potted plant. Adding a touch of greenery or some type of live plant helps bring a space to life with color, texture and visual interest! I know that not everyone has a green-thumb (myself included), but there are some great high-quality artificial greenery options as well that can compete just as well without the upkeep. 

 Designed with W Design Collective/ Photography by Lauren Wilcox

Playing with Scale

When it comes to styling, some of my favorite inspiration images from other designers always involve a fun and playful approach to scale. A small piece of art over a canopy bed or large branches on a petite entry table–such a great way to bring interest and dimension to a room! 

Texture and Pattern

Textiles are a great way to finish a room and make it feel put together. When adding in throws or accent pillows, don’t be afraid to mix textures and patterns! I always suggest starting with something more neutral with a fun and cozy texture and then adding in a subtle check or stripe, paired with a soft floral. 

Designed with W Design Collective/ Photography by Jared Kuzia

ABOUT WRITER