Key Elements in Styling a Space

We see them in magazines, on Pinterest, and social media is riddled with them— beautiful spaces. What pieces produce a balanced space? What formula can give you a lovely, cozy, demure space every time? Luckily for you, I have just that information, and I’m excited to spill the tea. Read along to make sure YOU have the key pieces to creating a space you never want to leave and are excited to return to daily.

 Photo credit: Arlyn Molina

Rugs

I can’t stress how important rugs are for grounding a space. They are VITAL. Not only do they add a layer of texture, they tie the entire room together. If a room was a beautiful present, the rug is the ribbon. You can’t be without it. You need a rug that can sit under ALL seating or that can at least allow for the front legs to rest on it. Please don’t purchase something too small. This would be a catastrophe.

Coffee Table

Many of my clients refuse to purchase coffee tables because they have little ones at home. My response? It’s a non-negotiable! Our little ones can learn to respect key pieces. I myself have taught my boys this in the same way I taught them how to walk. It is completely doable. The coffee table is like the fire in the middle of a campsite surrounded by chairs. It is also necessary to help the space come together and to foster conversation. 

Console Table

If you don’t have a fireplace, then you NEED a console table. This would go under a television or focal point in the living room. Console tables must be wider than your television or art piece/mirror. They are a beautiful addition, plus helpful in hiding game consoles or wires. If you have little ones, opt for a table with drawers or cabinets to hide toys. 

Lamps

Layered lighting plays a big role in creating a space that screams, “Grab a blanket and snuggle up.” You can elect for floor lamps or lamps to go over end or side tables. Make sure the bulbs are a warm white and not a cool white. Cool whites are for hospitals, and warm whites are for homes. Remember that!

Curtains/Blinds

Many clients tend to leave windows empty— they are the forgotten element. Windows treatments add SO MUCH to a space! With the right curtains, you can create the illusion of bigger windows by widening them and installing them as high as possible. If you have shorter windows, I recommend bamboo shades that can be mounted ABOVE where the windows start to trick the eyes into thinking the window starts higher than it really does.

Greenery

Lastly, greenery. What is greenery, you might ask? It’s the faux florals that demand attention atop the coffee table. It’s the tall tree in the corner of the room that adds a little OOMPH to the entire room. It’s the flowers on the nightstand or the tall stems on your kitchen island. For greenery, real is always better, but realistic faux for us brown thumbs is okay! 

There are so many small details that go into creating beautiful spaces, but these are VITAL to ensuring your space is Pinterest-worthy. These pieces are also the most forgotten when I first visit the home of a client who needs a design done. Take a look around. What is lacking in your space?

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