5 Common Styling Mistakes We See — And How to Fix Them
Styling a home is about more than placing a cushion or fluffing a throw. It’s about evoking a feeling—something intentional, calm, and beautifully layered. But often, we walk into homes with so much potential hiding behind just a few simple missteps.
Here are five of the most common styling mistakes we see—and how to fix them.
1. Styling with trends, not with heart
It’s tempting to copy Pinterest boards or follow the latest interior trend, but homes styled with only trends can feel cold or disconnected.
Fix it: Focus on creating warmth through natural textures, thoughtful curation, and pieces that feel personal—even in a staging setting. Think soulful styling, not seasonal fast fashion.
2. Ignoring scale and proportion
A tiny rug under a large sofa. A bulky coffee table in a narrow room. When scale is off, it disrupts the whole visual balance.
Fix it: Measure your space and select items that create flow. Ground living spaces with rugs that extend under key furniture. Let each piece breathe.
3. Over-styling every surface
It’s easy to overfill bookshelves, coffee tables, and countertops—but clutter creates confusion.
Fix it: Curate, don’t clutter. Leave space for the eye to rest. Group objects in odd numbers, play with height, and always edit before stepping back.
4. Forgetting the emotional experience
Styling isn’t just visual—it’s emotional. A beautifully styled space should make someone feel something: calm, inspired, at home.
Fix it: Layer in softness with throws, use warm lighting, add fresh or dried foliage, and think about how the space feels as much as how it looks.
5. No clear focal point
A room without a clear anchor can feel disjointed and unsure.
Fix it: Choose a hero—whether it’s a fireplace, a bedhead, a sofa, or a piece of art—and build around it. Let your styling support, not compete.
The takeaway?
Styling is never just about “making pretty.” It’s about creating clarity, connection, and emotional resonance. With a few thoughtful changes, any space can go from disjointed to deeply intentional.