Differentiating between styling a room and selecting a design style is crucial. 

Styling focuses on achieving a finished, cosy, and accessorised look, while design style refers to the overall aesthetic you want to establish in your room.

Nadine Richardson is founder and designer of Interior Motifs,
an interior design studio in Market Harborough, UK.

While there are numerous interior styles to explore, I personally love to use an eclectic approach, which involves skillfully blending various styles together. 

When executed well, an eclectic mix doesn’t appear messy, instead, it exudes a sense of accomplishment. I love incorporating second hand furniture pieces and giving them a modern twist through fresh paint colours. Older items add character, ensuring your space remains unique and personalised.

Once your design style is established, the final step is to style your room. Styling a house encompasses the finishing touches that make the space appear accomplished, cohesive, and thoughtfully curated. When styling a room, I consider several factors to achieve exceptional results including:

Consideration of focal points, ambience, and texture enhances impact and the overall atmosphere.

Follow the ‘rules’ of the particular interior style you are working with. For example, if you’re going minimalistic, place only a few accessories. If you love mid-century, make sure you look at the specific shapes that fits within that particular style.

Consistency in your colour scheme creates visual harmony and should be carried through in your accessories

The strategic arrangement and accessories creates a balanced composition.

Home Styling

For home styling inspiration, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel as there is a vast array of resources available. Pinterest serves as an excellent platform for gathering home styling ideas. 

I love picking up interior magazines from different countries, to see diverse trends and styles. Additionally, browsing online through exceptional hotel rooms or holiday homes can spark creativity. Just keep it personal and stay true to your love for certain colours, art and style. And dare to be different, nobody wants a boring all grey home.

When it comes to home styling, consider the following interior design tips:

Introduce patterns, colours, and textures through accessories to add depth to the room.

2. Embrace the “less is more” principle… unless you’re a maximalist. Invest in a couple of pieces that are well-designed and really stand out. For example, a beautiful table lamp paired with a captivating piece of art. 

3. Personalise your space by incorporating items that are “you” and reflect your interests and passions, such as displaying an old camera if you love photography or showcasing vases with dried flowers if you appreciate floral arrangements.

4. Opt for ambient lighting and reduce the reliance on overhead lights. Strategically placed floor, wall and table lamps create a more inviting atmosphere.

5. Incorporate plants as they always enhance a room’s aesthetics, and choose plant pots that complement your interior colour scheme.

6. Select home styling items you genuinely love, as anything else may lose its appeal over time.

7. Maintain consistency by utilising the same hardware material throughout your home, fostering a sense of coherence.

8. When in need of additional colour, consider using cushions, rugs, vases, and art to inject vibrancy into your space.

9. Create visual interest by layering accessories, such as placing a plant slightly in front of a frame or positioning a candle in front of a mirror on the mantelpiece.

Keep the “magic number” of three in mind when arranging items, such as pairing a vase, picture frame, and candle together. Stack 2 books with an ornament on top.