Simple Tips for Bringing More Style into Your Home

Let’s be real—making your home feel more stylish can feel totally overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at blank walls or hand-me-down furniture. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be perfect, expensive, or straight out of a magazine to look amazing. Your home should feel like you—comfortable, collected, and full of personality. In this post, I’m sharing some simple, doable ways to bring more style into your space (no interior design degree required). If you would like a few tips, read on!

Do you love the look of a particular bar or restaurant? It can be great inspiration for anywhere you want to display things.

If you have a collection of postcards, stickers and other small art pieces, consider a wall collage! There’s no need to frame it all - just tack or tape pieces up and change around whenever you feel like it.

1. Discover Your Personal Style
   
   Before you start decorating, take some time to discover your personal style. I know that this can sound daunting, but I will teach you something that I learned that has helped me create my own style. How does a piece of art or furniture make you feel? Does it light a spark in you? Start paying attention to how you feel when you are in stores, other people’s homes or even a museum. It isn’t about shopping quite yet (or not necessarily), but just about finding out what you like. Ignore prices and practicality and fall in love with an unattainable piece on a tv show and try and remember what it is that you loved about it. Keeping a list is a great idea here!
   
   I also have this funny little saying when I am somewhere particularly inspiring, like a museum, an interesting building or even in nature, that I am “filling my eyeholes”. I might not be looking for anything specific or to solve any problem in my design life so I am just taking it all in and then letting time find ways for things to play out in real life. This practice has helped me find so many new perspectives of style.
   
   Need some help? There are some really approachable and inspiring home design books out there for regular people—especially if you’re not an interior designer but just want your home to look and feel better. Here’s a mix of beautifully designed books with down-to-earth advice:
   
   “The New Design Rules” by Emily Henderson

   Emily is my girl - I have been subscribed to her blog for many years and I have learned so much from her. This is as fantastic book for beginners since she isn’t a trained interior designer. She got her start as a stylist and approaches design from a more intuitive rather than technical perspective. It covers layout, scale, and how to make your home functional and beautiful—even on a budget. The tone is warm, funny, and very real-life.

   “Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave” by Joanna Gaines

   This might be unpopular but I am actually not a fan of HGTV shows (although I am human and cannot stop watching if one happens to be on when I am around!) The reason is that I find many of them to be too utilitarian and lack a real point of view which makes sense since they typically are cranking out design in little time. Joanna Gaines is a notable exception. While she is obviously an expert on her trademark farmhouse style, I find that this book is a gem even if that isn’t your esthetic. This one breaks down room-by-room design tips and helps you figure out what you’re drawn to.

   “Styled” by Emily Henderson

   Also by Henderson (I told you I love her!) Focuses more on styling and accessories than full-on renovations. It’s full of visual inspiration and helps you build vignettes, choose colors, and create cohesion.

   “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking

   Not a design book exactly, but it’s all about the feeling of home—warm, cozy, inviting. It’ll make you want to light candles and wear wool socks in the best way possible. When I felt a little sad and depleted from the darkness of winter, I read this book and hygged up my house with candles, fluffy pillows and cozy blankets and I swear it made a difference!
   

2. Declutter and Simplify:
   
   I am sure that you didn’t need a pro organizer to tell you that a cluttered space can detract from your home's style. To have a more stylish home, begin by decluttering and simplifying. Donate or sell items you no longer need, and find creative storage solutions to keep everyday items out of sight. When in doubt, send it out. If something in your home is bumming you out, be it a chair, a sweater or mixing bowl, why do you have it? Set it free and see if you are creating a block to reaching your style potential and I will bet you will feel more calm and present there too.
   

3. Invest in Fewer, Better Piece and Embrace “Slow Design”:
   
   Quality over quantity is the mantra that I try and live by when adding style to my home. But I know firsthand that furniture can be expensive, and when you're trying to furnish a home—especially all at once—it’s tempting to go for quick, inexpensive options just to fill the space. But here’s the thing: a stylish home isn’t about having a lot of furniture. It’s about having the right pieces.

   Prioritizing quality over quantity means your home will feel more intentional and timeless. A well-made sofa or a solid wood dining table might cost more upfront, but it will last longer, look better, and age with character. Plus, investing in fewer, better items gives your space room to breathe—and that openness can feel just as luxurious as the furniture itself.

   When each piece has a purpose and a presence, your home starts to reflect your personal style in a way that mass-produced pieces just can’t match. So take your time and curate slowly. Save up for that chair you really love - the patience pays off. And don’t underestimate what you can find secondhand. I have found many fantastic, well made pieces on FB Marketplace that weren’t exactly dirt cheap but were a fraction of what a new one would cost.
   

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Hang Art:
   
   Something I see a lot in homes is loads of art stashed waiting to be hung. Let’s be honest: hanging art can feel weirdly intimidating. You’re standing there with a hammer in one hand and a picture in the other, paralyzed by questions like, “Is this the right height?” or “What if I mess it up and have to patch the wall?” Even deciding what to hang can feel overwhelming—especially if you think it has to be expensive or “real art.”

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be perfect to look great. And it definitely doesn’t have to be fancy.

I tried hanging the art in an unconventional way in my apartment but it still felt just a little bit off so I returned them. Now I am wondering if I made the wrong choice!

Start with what you love. That might be a vintage print, a photo from a favorite trip, a page torn from a magazine, or even fabric or wallpaper in a cool pattern. If it speaks to you, it’s art. Frame it (even an inexpensive frame can elevate something ordinary), and it instantly adds personality and style to your space.

When it comes to placement:

• A good rule of thumb is to hang art so the center is about 57–60 inches from the floor which is considered “gallery height”. I notice that art is often hung too high and can immediately feel like something is not quite right. Even an inch or two off can make a difference in how it feels.

• If you’re hanging it above furniture, aim for about 6–8 inches above the top of a sofa or console.

• Don’t be afraid to go big! Art that’s too small can get lost, especially on a large wall. If the piece is small, consider a larger frame with thick matting.

Still nervous? Try this hack:

• Cut out paper templates in the size of your frames and tape them to the wall to play with layout before making any holes.

• Use Command strips or picture-hanging hooks if you’re worried about committing.

And remember: art doesn’t have to be symmetrical, matchy-matchy, or overly thought out. A little quirk can actually make it feel more personal and lived-in.

And finally, a tip from the interior decorating world:

If you ask most interior designers they will tell you that a big part of their job isn't just picking paint colors or rearranging furniture—it's helping people trust their own instincts. So many people are convinced they don’t have a style or that they’re “just not good” at decorating, but the truth is, everyone has a sense of what feels good to them and what they love. It’s not about following trends—it’s about creating a space that feels like them. So I urge you dear reader - trust your instincts and try a new wall color, a funky lamp or a big piece of art in less obvious place, or whatever “style” means to you. Style isn’t about perfection, it’s about experimenting, learning and growing into your space.

Want to chat more about making your space a better place? Please get in touch! xo