Elevated, timeless style is all in the details—here’s how to get that curated look, without the guesswork
You know that moment when you walk into a beautifully styled home and everything just feels right? It’s not always the furniture or the finishes—it’s the way everything is put together. Great design isn’t about having the trendiest pieces or the biggest budget—it’s about the way you style what you already have.
The best part? Interior designers all rely on a few tried-and-true tricks that anyone can use. These are the little things—the details, the layering, the placement—that make a home feel polished, pulled together, and personal.
Today I’m sharing 8 styling secrets that I use in my own home and that designers swear by. They’re simple, effective, and instantly upgrade any space.
*This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we can earn a small (very small) commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to me and my family. Thank you!!
1. Use the Rule of Three (and Odd Numbers in General)
Designers often group decorative items in odd numbers, especially threes, because it naturally feels more balanced and dynamic to the eye.
- On a coffee table: stack of books + candle + small dish
- On a nightstand: lamp + framed photo + bud vase
- On open shelves: artwork + vase + sculptural object
This trick works just about anywhere and helps your decor feel curated, not cluttered.
2. Mix Textures, Not Just Colors
You can have the most cohesive color palette in the world, but if everything is the same texture, the room can fall flat. Mixing materials adds depth and richness.
Try layering:
- Linen drapes with a velvet pillow
- A jute rug under a wooden table
- A smooth ceramic lamp next to a woven basket
Texture tells a story—and your space should have layers of it.
3. Add Height Variation in Vignettes
When styling a console, shelf, or side table, play with height. This keeps your eye moving and makes a vignette feel dynamic rather than stiff.
Include:
- Something tall (like a lamp or vase)
- Something mid-height (like stacked books or a frame)
- Something low (like a bowl or candle)
Pro tip: Use books as risers to add height where needed.
4. Leave Some Breathing Room
You don’t have to fill every surface. In fact, designers intentionally leave negative space—areas with nothing at all—to let the eye rest and to make focal points shine.
This goes for coffee tables, bookshelves, and even gallery walls. Don’t be afraid of a little blank space—it’s what gives your decor room to breathe.
Shop My Favorites!
5. Style with Items That Tell a Story
What makes a space feel high-end isn’t always how expensive it is—it’s how personal and thoughtful it feels. Designers often include:
- Vintage or heirloom items
- Travel finds
- Old books
- Handmade pottery
- Family photos (but styled simply)
Even a well-worn wooden bowl from a flea market can add depth and character that no mass-produced piece ever could.
6. Use Books as a Design Element
Design books are the unsung heroes of home styling. Stack them on coffee tables, bookshelves, nightstands—even in the kitchen!
Look for books with:
- Neutral or linen covers
- Topics you love (design, travel, cooking)
- Horizontal stacks for height or vertical stacks for filler
Bonus: You can find beautiful coffee table books at thrift stores or HomeGoods for a steal.
7. Add Greenery (Always)
A designer room without some kind of greenery is like a cake without frosting—it’s just not complete. Whether it’s a leafy tree, a small vase of clippings, or even a realistic faux olive branch, plants bring life to a room.
Try:
- A large indoor tree in a woven basket
- Fresh eucalyptus in a ceramic pitcher
- Faux stems tucked into an antique vase
It softens a space and adds a fresh, organic touch.
8. Edit Ruthlessly
The most polished rooms aren’t the ones with the most decor—they’re the ones that have been carefully edited. Designers are constantly stepping back, removing one or two things, and shifting the layout until it feels balanced.
If something feels “off” in a room, try removing a piece instead of adding more. Trust your eye—and remember, less is often more.
Final Thoughts: Style Is in the Details
You don’t need a design degree or a giant budget to make your home feel elevated and intentional. With just a few of these styling secrets, you can completely transform a room using what you already have—just a little smarter.
So next time you’re rearranging your shelves or styling your coffee table, remember: think in threes, mix your textures, and don’t forget the greenery.
And if you’re ever stuck? Step back, edit, and trust your gut. You’ve got great taste—now you’ve got the tools to back it up.
Want more designer-style tips without the designer price tag?
Join the newsletter and follow along on Pinterest for cozy classics, budget-friendly home updates, and behind-the-scenes projects from Mulberry Hill Home.
Check out my post about Kitchen Trends!!
Leave a Reply