5 Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned as an Interior Stylist

When I first began styling spaces, I thought my job was about choosing the “right” pieces—matching cushions to curtains, getting the lighting just right, and creating that perfect Pinterest-worthy frame. And while aesthetics matter, over time I’ve learned that true interior styling goes far beyond the surface.

It’s about storytelling, emotional resonance, restraint, and intuition. It’s about creating spaces that make people feel something. Every home I’ve styled has taught me something—not just about design, but about the way we live, connect, and grow.

Here are the five biggest lessons that have shaped me, not just as a stylist, but as a person.

1. Storytelling Is Everything

The most beautiful rooms don’t follow trends—they tell truths.

Every object holds a story. Whether it’s a faded photo on a bookshelf, a piece of pottery from a local artisan, or the worn-out armchair someone refuses to part with—these are the things that give a home its voice.

I've learned to listen more than I speak. Clients often reveal what matters to them without realising it: a childhood memory, a scent they miss, a colour that comforts. My job is to capture that and translate it into space.

A well-styled room doesn’t just impress—it whispers who lives there.

2. Edit Thoughtfully

Curation is an act of care. It's easy to keep adding things—a beautiful tray here, a new vase there—but the real magic often happens in the restraint.

I used to be afraid of empty corners or blank walls. Now I see them as breathing space. Every room needs its pauses, just like a good piece of music.

Thoughtful editing creates clarity. It allows the objects that do matter to shine.

3. Embrace Imperfection

I’ve had to unlearn the idea that a “perfect home” is one where everything is flawless. The truth is, the most soulful homes always have a little grit.

A chipped ceramic bowl can feel more precious than a showroom piece. A creased linen curtain that moves with the breeze has more charm than a crisp, overly stiff panel.

Perfection is sterile. Imperfection? That’s where the story lives.

Let your space age. Let it breathe. Let it carry a bit of life’s beautiful messiness.

4. Stuck? Look to Nature

Nature has an effortless way of guiding design. It’s where I turn when I feel overwhelmed or uninspired.

Notice how the bark of a tree contrasts with green leaves, or how river stones sit beside soft moss. Nature doesn’t force harmony—it just is.

There’s something deeply grounding about bringing those elements indoors. Not in a “theme” kind of way, but in texture, palette, rhythm. Nature teaches us that contrast isn’t conflict—it’s balance.

5. Confidence Changes Everything

There’s a turning point in every stylist’s journey where you stop second-guessing and start trusting your eye.

At first, I relied heavily on references—what was trendy, what other stylists were doing. But over time, I realised that no one sees space the way you do. That’s your superpower.

Once I began styling from instinct, rather than instruction, my spaces felt more alive. I dared to mix bold patterns with antiques. I layered textures that shouldn’t work—but did.

Confidence doesn’t mean certainty. It means you’re willing to risk a little to find something beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Interior styling isn’t just a job—it’s a way of seeing the world.

It’s understanding that homes are emotional landscapes. That a room can hold grief, celebration, stillness, and growth. That the smallest choices—a lamp's glow, a book left open, a scent in the air—can shift the way someone feels in a space.

And that’s the real magic.

These lessons haven’t just made me a better stylist—they’ve made me more human. More observant. More open. And if I could leave you with just one thought, it’s this: Style isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.