An Interior Stylist Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
Discover the three tenets an interior stylist wants homeowners to know
Interior stylist Caroline Chin-Geyler from Arete Culture shares three things she wishes you knew and dispenses tips on maintaining beautifully-styled rooms.
1. Decluttering is almost always necessary
“It is often difficult to see a space for what it is if you don’t clean, sort, and declutter before the styling work,” says Chin-Geyler.
“A lot of client briefs include words like ‘tranquil’ or ‘calm’ or ‘serene’ and it is almost impossible to turn your home into a restful sanctuary without first getting rid of clutter.
“You don’t necessarily need to take the Marie Kondo approach, but take a good hard look at the things you have in your home (often we hide these things behind closed doors or on bookshelves) and you’ll realise that you can remove a lot of visual noise from your home without missing anything,” explains Chin-Geyler.
“It is often difficult to see a space for what it is if you don’t clean, sort, and declutter before the styling work,” says Chin-Geyler.
“A lot of client briefs include words like ‘tranquil’ or ‘calm’ or ‘serene’ and it is almost impossible to turn your home into a restful sanctuary without first getting rid of clutter.
“You don’t necessarily need to take the Marie Kondo approach, but take a good hard look at the things you have in your home (often we hide these things behind closed doors or on bookshelves) and you’ll realise that you can remove a lot of visual noise from your home without missing anything,” explains Chin-Geyler.
2. You need ambient light in every room
“Don’t just rely on overhead lighting because these are often harsh and cast unflattering shadows. A room must make you look and feel good too!” says Chin-Geyler.
“My rule of thumb is to use ambient light in every space – table lamps, task lamps, hurricane lanterns, and even candles. Try using table lamps in the bedroom, dining room, and living room.
“Use wall sconces in the bathroom if you can; otherwise, light some candles when you have guests. The flickering glow of candles at night really helps to set an inviting mood at home. If you have young children at home, you can use electric candles to replicate the same mood.
“Don’t forget corridors, especially the entryway. A single ambient light source can help set the mood from the moment you walk through the door,” she suggests.
“Don’t just rely on overhead lighting because these are often harsh and cast unflattering shadows. A room must make you look and feel good too!” says Chin-Geyler.
“My rule of thumb is to use ambient light in every space – table lamps, task lamps, hurricane lanterns, and even candles. Try using table lamps in the bedroom, dining room, and living room.
“Use wall sconces in the bathroom if you can; otherwise, light some candles when you have guests. The flickering glow of candles at night really helps to set an inviting mood at home. If you have young children at home, you can use electric candles to replicate the same mood.
“Don’t forget corridors, especially the entryway. A single ambient light source can help set the mood from the moment you walk through the door,” she suggests.
3. You don’t need to break the bank to refresh your home
“A lot of my clients think that moving into a new space or wanting to refresh their current home means buying new furniture, but I firmly believe in the magic of refurbishment,” she says.
“Rework dark, outdated furniture with a fresh coat of paint and it immediately becomes a statement piece. Give existing lamps a new lampshade to quickly and affordably update your home.
“A lot of my clients think that moving into a new space or wanting to refresh their current home means buying new furniture, but I firmly believe in the magic of refurbishment,” she says.
“Rework dark, outdated furniture with a fresh coat of paint and it immediately becomes a statement piece. Give existing lamps a new lampshade to quickly and affordably update your home.
“Before you splurge on a marble table, consider marble-look veneers: they’re inexpensive, way more functional, and look just as good as the real deal.
“Instead of brass or gold-casted table legs, consider powder-coating your furniture. It’s such an easy, inexpensive way of creating luxuriousness without the hefty price tag,” suggests Chin-Geyler.
“Instead of brass or gold-casted table legs, consider powder-coating your furniture. It’s such an easy, inexpensive way of creating luxuriousness without the hefty price tag,” suggests Chin-Geyler.
The one thing I always get asked is…
Chin-Geyler also says she is always asked: “How do you achieve that cosy, lived-in look without cluttering the space?”
“I always recommend decorating in vignettes. Instead of having random pieces strewn around the space, create pleasing mini collections of items around your home.
“I like to use a tray to ground the entire collection: there isn’t anything wrong with a shell, candle, and book on a coffee table, but add a tray to tie the disparate elements together and you immediately have an intentional-looking collection that’s chic without creating clutter.
Chin-Geyler also says she is always asked: “How do you achieve that cosy, lived-in look without cluttering the space?”
“I always recommend decorating in vignettes. Instead of having random pieces strewn around the space, create pleasing mini collections of items around your home.
“I like to use a tray to ground the entire collection: there isn’t anything wrong with a shell, candle, and book on a coffee table, but add a tray to tie the disparate elements together and you immediately have an intentional-looking collection that’s chic without creating clutter.
“A good vignette takes into account a number of things: there should be varying heights to keep the eye moving; there should be different textures and shapes for contrast, and as far as possible, there should be an odd number of decorative accessories.
“I also love using textiles to add warmth to a space. I add throws and cushions to living rooms all the time. I like to use runners and napkins in the dining area, and I always use a combination of a fluffy throw, oversized cushions, and quality linens in the bedroom,” says Chin-Geyler.
“I also love using textiles to add warmth to a space. I add throws and cushions to living rooms all the time. I like to use runners and napkins in the dining area, and I always use a combination of a fluffy throw, oversized cushions, and quality linens in the bedroom,” says Chin-Geyler.
One last tip…
“People often forget that interior styling is a complete sensory experience,” she explains. “It doesn’t just have to look good; it should also make you feel good.
“Use scented candles or reed diffusers to impart a subtle fragrance to the room – this small addition creates a large impact as people walk through the front door. It immediately elevates the mood and allows you and your guests to leave the stresses of the city outside your front door.”
TELL US
Were these tips about working with an interior stylist useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
“People often forget that interior styling is a complete sensory experience,” she explains. “It doesn’t just have to look good; it should also make you feel good.
“Use scented candles or reed diffusers to impart a subtle fragrance to the room – this small addition creates a large impact as people walk through the front door. It immediately elevates the mood and allows you and your guests to leave the stresses of the city outside your front door.”
TELL US
Were these tips about working with an interior stylist useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.