Curated Spaces: How to Design Your Home Like an Interior Stylist

Photo by Martin Péchy

Ever walked into a room that feels perfectly balanced, stylish, and intentional down to the smallest detail? You may be looking at the work of an interior stylist—a master of creating curated spaces that reflect elegance, creativity, and cohesion. Designing your home to reflect a curated, cohesive aesthetic isn’t about buying the trendiest pieces but rather about layering, thoughtful curation, and a bit of personal flair. Here’s a guide on how to achieve that interior stylist magic in your own space.

Define Your Style Vision

Before diving into decorating, take time to define your personal style vision. Are you drawn to Scandinavian minimalism, mid-century modern, or perhaps a more eclectic bohemian vibe? Take inspiration from magazines, Pinterest boards, and social media to help you identify themes, colors, and layouts you love. Having a clear vision of your style will serve as a blueprint, helping you stay focused and avoid a mishmash of looks that can detract from the overall feel.

Pro Tip: Create a mood board by saving photos of spaces that resonate with you. Pay attention to recurring themes, colors, and textures that keep catching your eye, as these can reveal a style direction you’ll enjoy over time.

Invest in Quality Basics

Interior stylists prioritize foundational pieces, so start by investing in quality basics like sofas, beds, dining tables, and shelving. These items serve as the backbone of your design and are typically in neutral colors or timeless designs, making them easy to refresh with seasonal décor and accessories.

You don’t need to overspend, but seek pieces that are durable and versatile enough to evolve with your style over the years. Opt for items with clean lines and classic silhouettes, which serve as a flexible canvas for more expressive, trendy accessories.

Play with Layers and Textures

A hallmark of professionally styled interiors is the artful layering of different textures. Layering brings dimension and depth, which makes a room feel more visually appealing and complete. Imagine the tactile experience of a room with soft velvet pillows, woven throws, rustic wood tables, and cool ceramic accents. Each material adds to the story of the space.

To achieve this, mix materials like metal, wood, glass, and fabric, and consider various finishes, from matte to glossy. These subtle contrasts build a balanced aesthetic that’s pleasing to both the eye and touch.

Pro Tip: Layer your textiles! Add a rug under your coffee table, toss a chunky knit throw over your sofa, and mix fabrics with different textures in your cushions for a multi-dimensional look.

Curate Art and Accessories Mindfully

Artwork, décor pieces, and accessories are the perfect tools to showcase personality in a curated space. Choose art pieces that resonate with you personally, whether it’s an abstract painting, a handmade vase, or a collection of black-and-white photographs. Display them thoughtfully, avoiding overcrowding or placing too many items on one surface.

Interior stylists often mix sizes and styles for visual interest. A statement art piece above a sofa, for example, can be complemented by smaller, layered frames on a nearby wall or console table. Don’t be afraid to combine high and low pieces, and let your personal taste shine through in the accessories you choose.

Pro Tip: Group smaller items in odd numbers (three or five) for a more balanced, eye-catching display. This works well for items like candles, decorative boxes, or small planters.

Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette

Stylists work with color palettes that create flow and harmony between rooms, so they feel connected rather than disjointed. Pick a palette of two to three primary colors, with one or two accent colors. This helps unify your home’s look and allows you to play with different shades without overwhelming the senses.

For a curated space, start with a neutral base (like whites, greys, or beiges) and add pops of color with accessories, wall art, or accent furniture. Colors don’t have to match exactly but should complement each other to create a cohesive feel. Try using different shades of your chosen colors to maintain harmony while adding depth and variety.

Pro Tip: When choosing a color palette, consider the mood you want to create. Soft, muted tones bring a sense of calm, while jewel tones or vibrant hues create energy and drama.

Consider Balance and Scale

Balance and scale are key to creating a polished look. Stylists are careful to ensure that each piece in a room feels proportionate to the others. For example, a large sofa paired with a small coffee table might feel imbalanced. Similarly, a small piece of artwork might feel out of place on a large wall.

Consider scale when selecting furniture, rugs, and décor. Larger pieces make an impact but can be grounded by smaller, complementary items like throw pillows or a clustered gallery wall. Each room should feel balanced, with objects spread out thoughtfully to avoid over-clustering one area while leaving others empty.

Pro Tip: Step back every so often to view the room as a whole. This helps you spot areas that might feel too “heavy” or too “light” and make adjustments.

Edit, Edit, Edit

Curated spaces aren’t filled with items but edited with care. Embrace a ‘less is more’ mindset to avoid clutter, ensuring every piece has a purpose or brings joy. Stylists often remove items rather than add them, ensuring that each room has enough negative space to allow the décor to breathe.

As you style your home, assess each piece critically. If it doesn’t align with your vision or has no personal significance, consider storing it or giving it away. Less clutter means that each remaining piece gets a chance to shine.

Pro Tip: Rotate your accessories seasonally or every few months to keep things fresh. This lets you introduce new looks without overwhelming the space with too much décor at once.

Personalize with Life and Greenery

Plants are one of the simplest ways to bring life and freshness into a space. Stylists use greenery to add color and texture, creating an inviting, organic feel. Whether you prefer large statement plants like fiddle leaf figs or smaller succulents, plants bring a sense of vitality and a touch of nature indoors.

Greenery also works as an affordable accessory that adapts to any style, from minimalist to eclectic. If you lack a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance plants like snake plants or pothos, which thrive indoors with minimal care.

Pro Tip: Try a mix of plant types and sizes. A tall plant in one corner and smaller pots on shelves create visual interest and enhance the layered look.

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Creating a curated space is an art of layering textures, balancing proportions, and reflecting your unique style. By following these stylist-inspired tips, you’ll craft a home that feels thoughtfully designed, effortlessly chic, and distinctly yours. Remember, the key to a curated space isn’t rushing to fill it up—it’s about intentional selection, mindful placement, and a willingness to let your home evolve naturally over time. So take a deep breath, embrace your vision, and let your inner stylist lead the way!