{Tips & Tricks} 4 Easy Styling Tips

Looking to bring a little more color, personality, and style into your space? Sometimes it only takes a few thoughtful updates to make a room feel fresh and inviting. The key is to look for opportunities to layer in color, texture, pattern, and personality rather than trying to change everything at once. These small updates can make a room feel more finished while still allowing your existing furniture and finishes to work beautifully. Here are a few simple ways to add character without a full redesign. And if you’re working through a specific challenge, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help.

1. Refresh your entryway

Your entryway is one of the most overlooked spaces in a home, but it has an important job: it sets the tone for everything that comes next.

Whether you have a dedicated foyer or simply a small wall near the front door, this is a great place to introduce a little personality. Because entryways are often smaller than other rooms, you can also be a bit more adventurous with your choices.

Start with a statement piece. An oversized mirror or piece of artwork above a console table instantly adds scale and creates a focal point. A mirror can also reflect natural light and make a smaller entry feel more open, while artwork gives you an opportunity to introduce a color or pattern that can be carried throughout the rest of your home.

From there, layer in a few functional and decorative details. A beautiful lamp, a small bowl for keys, a vase filled with branches, or a stack of coffee-table books can make the space feel intentional without feeling overly styled.

If you have the room, consider adding a small bench or stool. Not only does it provide a convenient place to sit while putting on shoes, but it can also bring in another layer of texture.

Designer tip: Don’t be afraid to use a larger piece of art or mirror than you initially think you need. One substantial piece often feels more sophisticated than several small pieces competing for attention.

2. Layer in new pillows

If you’re looking for one of the easiest—and most impactful—ways to give a room a fresh look, start with your pillows.

Pillows are essentially the jewelry of a room. They can introduce color, pattern, texture, and personality without requiring you to replace a major piece of furniture.

Instead of choosing several pillows that all look exactly alike, think about creating a layered combination. Start with a larger solid or subtle pattern, then add a smaller-scale print and finish with something textured or more decorative.

The trick is to keep the overall palette cohesive.

For example, if your room is primarily neutral, you might introduce a combination of soft blue, green, and cream. One pillow could feature a floral pattern, another a stripe, and another a simple woven texture. The patterns don't need to match—in fact, they shouldn't—but they should share at least one or two colors.

Texture is equally important. Linen, velvet, woven fabrics, embroidery, and bouclé can all add dimension and keep a pillow arrangement from feeling flat.

And don’t underestimate the impact of changing your pillows seasonally. You don't need an entirely new collection every few months. Simply swapping a few covers can make a room feel refreshed for summer, fall, or the holidays.

Designer tip: When mixing patterns, vary the scale. Pair a larger floral or botanical print with a smaller stripe or geometric pattern and a solid or textured fabric. This creates visual interest without making the room feel chaotic.

3. Style the foot of the bed

The foot of the bed is another area that is often left completely empty—and it’s a missed opportunity.

A bench, upholstered stool, or pair of smaller stools can add both function and visual interest to a bedroom. It helps anchor the bed within the room and creates another opportunity to introduce a beautiful fabric, color, or texture.

In a guest bedroom, this can be particularly impactful. A bench gives guests a convenient place to set a suitcase, put on shoes, or fold clothing. It can also become a simple styling moment with a neatly folded throw or a decorative pillow.

For a more collected look, try a pair of stools instead of one large bench. This can feel lighter visually and gives you a little more flexibility when arranging the room.

You can also use the foot of the bed as an opportunity to bring in a material that isn't already represented elsewhere. If your nightstands and bed are primarily wood, consider an upholstered bench. If the room is filled with soft fabrics, a woven bench or rattan stool can add contrast.

And remember: function and beauty don't have to compete. Some of the best design decisions are the ones that make your home both prettier and easier to live in.

4. Don’t forget your outdoor spaces

As soon as the weather warms up, our outdoor spaces become an extension of our homes. So why should they be treated as an afterthought?

Your patio, porch, deck, or outdoor seating area deserves the same thoughtful layering as your interior spaces.

Start with comfortable seating. Outdoor furniture has come a long way, and there are now plenty of options that are both durable and beautiful. Look for pieces that feel like they could comfortably live inside your home rather than overly utilitarian outdoor furniture.

Then layer in textiles.

Outdoor pillows and cushions are an easy way to bring in color and pattern, while an outdoor rug can help define a seating area and make the space feel more finished. Look for colors that complement the surrounding landscape and connect visually to the rooms inside your home.

Lighting is another simple way to completely transform an outdoor space. Lanterns, sconces, string lights, or candles can create a warm glow in the evening and make your outdoor areas feel much more inviting.

Finally, don't forget the accessories. Planters, decorative trays, garden stools, and even a beautiful outdoor coffee table can make a patio feel like a true living space rather than simply a collection of furniture.

Designer tip: Think about your outdoor spaces as you would an interior room. Create zones for lounging, dining, and entertaining, and use rugs, lighting, and accessories to visually define each area.

One of my favorite things about interior design is that creating a beautiful home doesn't always require starting from scratch.

Sometimes your home already has the bones you love. It just needs a little more color, texture, pattern, and personality to bring everything together.

Before you start shopping for an entirely new room, look around at what you already have. Could the entryway use a larger piece of art? Would new pillows bring your sofa to life? Could a bench make your bedroom feel more finished? Is your patio ready for summer entertaining?

Start with one area and make a few intentional changes. You may be surprised by how dramatically those small updates can transform the way your home feels.

And if you're looking at your space and aren't quite sure what it's missing, that's where a designer can help. Sometimes you don't need more things—you simply need the right things, in the right places.

I can't wait to hear from you about your specific design challenges! Warmly,