You’ve painted the walls, arranged the furniture, and unpacked the boxes, but something still feels … off. Sound familiar? That’s because finishing a room isn’t just about ticking off the big-ticket items. It’s about the little details – the styling tricks that tie everything together and make your space feel truly lived in, curated, and complete.
Whether you’re updating a corner or putting the final touches on a whole home, these simple styling moves will transform your space from ‘almost there’ to magazine-worthy – without requiring a full design overhaul.
Layer with Texture
Texture is what gives a room soul. It’s the contrast between a soft velvet cushion and a rugged wooden coffee table, or the balance of smooth ceramics next to a chunky knit throw. Without texture, a space can feel flat and uninspired, even if you’ve nailed the colour scheme.
How to use this trick:
- Mix materials: wood, metal, glass, linen, jute, clay, and leather.
- Include at least three different textures in each room.
- Look for contrast – soft against hard, shiny against matte.
The result? A space that feels thoughtful, dimensional, and much more inviting.
Use Rugs to Ground the Space
If your room feels like it’s floating or oddly disconnected, chances are you’re missing a good rug. Rugs help define zones, add warmth, and visually anchor your furniture. They’re especially essential in open-plan living or rooms with minimal architectural detail.
Hand woven rugs are a go-to favourite because they’re not only beautiful but full of character. Each piece adds a unique touch to your space, celebrating craftsmanship while bringing in subtle pattern, colour, and texture. Whether it’s under your dining table or at the foot of the bed, the right rug makes everything feel pulled together.
Create Visual Triangles
This is a classic stylist’s secret. Arranging items in a triangle – rather than a straight line – creates balance and visual interest. It works especially well for tabletop displays, bookshelves, and mantels.
Try it with:
- Vases, books, and candles on a coffee table
- Picture frames, a plant, and a decorative object on a shelf
- Varying heights for that effortless, curated look
It’s an easy technique that makes any grouping feel intentional, not cluttered.
Style with Plants (Real or Faux)
Nothing brings life to a room quite like greenery. Plants soften hard edges, fill awkward corners, and add a natural element that instantly makes a space feel more ‘done’.
Don’t worry if you’re not a plant whisperer; there are plenty of great faux options out there, especially for harder-to-reach spots or low-light rooms. The key is to choose the right size: tall plants for floor space, trailing ones for shelves, and structured varieties (like snake plants or succulents) for desks and counters.
Bonus tip: Choose natural pots like clay, stoneware, or woven baskets for added texture.
Add Layers of Light
A single ceiling light just won’t cut it. Great lighting is layered – ambient (overhead), task (reading or working), and accent (for mood). A well-lit room feels finished, while a dim or harsh one always feels off, no matter how stylish your furniture is.
Ways to layer lighting:
- Table lamps on side tables or consoles
- Floor lamps in reading nooks
- Wall sconces for vertical interest
- Candles or fairy lights for a soft, relaxing vibe
Lighting is also a great opportunity to bring in a statement piece or play with materials like rattan, brushed brass, or sculptural ceramics.
Don’t Forget the Walls
Bare walls can make a room feel incomplete. You don’t need a gallery wall (unless you want one!) – even a single oversized print, a wall mirror, or a well-placed floating shelf can add the finishing touch.
Think beyond framed art:
- Hang a textile or handwoven piece
- Create a minimalist wall sculpture with natural materials
- Use wall-mounted planters for dimension
Mirrors, in particular, do double duty – they open up the space and reflect light, making your room feel bigger and brighter.
Use Personal Touches Sparingly (But Intentionally)
A room only really feels finished when it reflects you. That said, styling every surface with personal mementos can feel cluttered rather than cohesive.
The trick: curate, don’t crowd.
- Display one or two framed photos in high-quality frames
- Add books that actually mean something to you
- Incorporate heirlooms or travel finds into your shelf décor
Personal items work best when they’re thoughtfully placed and balanced with more neutral or decorative pieces.
Curate a Signature Scent
This might seem unexpected, but scent plays a powerful role in how ‘finished’ your space feels. A room that looks great but smells like paint, dust, or nothing at all won’t feel quite right. Candles, essential oil diffusers, or incense create atmosphere and a sense of completion.
Choose a scent that suits the room’s purpose:
- Lavender or sandalwood for bedrooms
- Citrus or mint for kitchens
- Vanilla, cedar, or amber for living rooms
It’s the olfactory equivalent of fluffing the cushions and dimming the lights.
Play with Negative Space
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of what you don’t style. A little breathing room between objects, on walls, or in corners gives your favourite pieces room to shine and makes your space feel calm rather than chaotic.
Decluttering doesn’t mean going full minimalist – it simply means editing your space so that what’s there really counts.
The Takeaway
Styling a space isn’t about overfilling it, it’s about knowing how to finish it. With the right mix of texture, lighting, greenery, and curated décor, any room can go from ‘almost’ to ‘absolutely nailed it’.
Start small and watch your room transform. Because when every detail feels intentional, your space becomes more than just a room. It becomes a reflection of you.
