What are the best styling tips?
In other words: which changes in your home make the biggest impact? A home that feels right doesn’t always need a full makeover. Sometimes small adjustments already bring calm, unity or a fresh look. But not every interior problem can be solved with styling alone. If the foundation isn’t right, loose changes often work against you rather than for you. In this blog: a few quick styling tips that really work – and the moment when professional design advice is the better next step.
Ten tips that make an immediate difference
When a space feels restless, it’s tempting to change everything. But often the solution lies in details. A few targeted adjustments can already bring more balance, calm and atmosphere. These ten tips are easy to apply and make a visible difference.
- Remove excess decoration
Fewer accessories create more calm. Conscious choices prevent clutter and highlight what matters. - Rearrange or clear up
Look from doorway to window: what blocks the view? Moving or removing items improves spatial flow and literally adds breathing room. - Work with lighting
Combine light sources at different heights: ceiling lamps, floor lamps, table lamps. Dimmable light adds atmosphere and depth. - Add colour accents
Switch cushions or vases with the seasons. A new colour instantly refreshes without major changes. - Regroup accessories
Cluster items in groups of three or five, in varying heights. The result feels calmer and more intentional. - Bring in texture
Mix smooth materials with warm ones like wool, linen or wood. It makes a space feel richer. - Add nature indoors
Plants, wood or natural stone bring balance and a grounding effect to any room. - Refresh wall decoration
Rearrange or replace art and photos. A gallery wall or a strong solo piece adds impact. - Rethink the floor
A large rug can transform a space. It ties furniture together, softens sound and adds warmth — without major renovation. - Use furniture as a style element
A sofa in the right fabric or a bold accent chair makes impact. Even repositioning existing furniture can make a big difference.
Case study: from mismatched pieces to harmony
A family in Heemstede had furnished their living room with separate purchases: a sofa that was too large, a dining table that didn’t fit the space, and lighting that failed to create atmosphere. Despite adding accessories and colour accents, the interior still felt restless. We created a new design where some furniture was replaced with pieces better suited to the layout and daily use. Combined with a new lighting plan and materials that complemented each other, the space finally gained balance and calm.
When styling isn’t enough
Sometimes the result remains unsatisfying, despite new colours, accessories or furniture arrangements. That says nothing about taste or effort. The problem often runs deeper: proportions that don’t work, a layout that conflicts, or materials that lack coherence. In such cases, styling is not the solution but a band-aid. Styling can do a lot, but it can’t fix fundamental design mistakes.
What an interior designer adds
A professional design starts with the essentials: layout, spatial flow, light and daily use. When those elements are right, atmosphere follows naturally. At Choc Studio we first look at the potential of a space. Then come colour, furniture and finishes. The result is an interior that not only looks good but also feels good to live in.
Try first, then go deeper
Quick adjustments can improve an interior. But if it still feels “off,” it’s often a sign that the foundation needs attention. Instead of endlessly shifting things around, a clear design process brings more peace and better results. Choc Studio is here to help.
Even small changes can make a difference
Not sure if styling is enough, or if the foundation needs more attention? We’ll help you find clarity and translate it into a concrete plan. Feel free to get in touch for an initial conversation.
About Choc Studio
Since 2007, Choc Studio has guided interior projects from concept to completion. We combine craftsmanship with personal attention, think ahead, and ensure our clients end up with a home that truly suits them.
Since 2007, Choc Studio has guided interior projects from concept to completion. We combine craftsmanship with personal attention, think ahead, and ensure our clients end up with a home that truly suits them.