How to Elevate Your Home with Expert Interior Styling Tips

by Lucy Gough - Professional Interior Stylist, London and Sydney

Let’s Talk Home Styling—Without the Overwhelm

I get it—turning your home into a stylish sanctuary can feel like one giant Pinterest board exploded and you’re left holding a scatter cushion, wondering where to start. But don’t worry! With the right interior styling know-how, you can totally transform your space into something that feels gorgeous, functional, and so you.

Whether you’re just zhuzhing up a corner or planning a full-blown makeover, I can help with practical, feel-good home styling tips that actually work.

So... What Is Interior Styling Anyway?

Think of interior styling as the fun part of home design. You’re not knocking down walls or doing any major renos here. This is all about playing with furniture, homewares, textures, and colour to make your space feel amazing.

As a professional stylist, I’m all about creating rooms that feel like a true reflection of you. That means styling with heart—whether it’s a gallery wall of your favourite memories, a family heirloom on the mantle, or that vintage vase you scored at a flea market. It’s those personal details that take a house and turn it into a home.

Layer your home for lots of personality! (image styled by Lucy Gough for Home Beautiful mag)

My Fave Top Home Styling Tips

Here are my go-to moves when I’m styling a space—whether it’s for a magazine shoot or my own living room:

1. Pick Your Palette Like a Pro

Choose 2–3 colours you love and run with them! Think of it as your home's wardrobe—everything should mix and match beautifully. I swear by the 60-30-10 rule to keep things balanced and visually delicious.

2. Don’t Skimp on the Furniture

Invest in a few quality pieces that anchor the room. I’m talking about that timeless timber dining table or the dreamy armchair that hugs you after a long day. Think classic over trendy—your future self will thank you.

3. Light It Up

Lighting can totally change the mood of a room. I always mix ambient, task, and accent lighting for a layered glow that feels inviting and looks incredible. A cozy lamp in the right corner? Chef’s kiss.

4. Texture and more texture

Mixing materials adds instant depth. Pair a chunky knit with smooth leather, rough timber with shiny ceramics. It’s like adding seasoning to a dish—texture gives your room that ‘mmm, this feels good’ vibe.

5. Make It Personal

Your home should tell your story. Curate special objects, hang meaningful art, and bring in those little pieces that make you smile every time you walk past them. Home styling is about soul, not perfection.

A beautiful home styled with the right amount of subtle colour, pattern and timelessness. (Image Styled by Lucy Gough in the home of Alexandra Nea, for Home Beautiful mag)

Bringing It All Together

There’s no rulebook for perfect home interiors—just your own sense of style and a few tried-and-true techniques. Start with your colour scheme, invest in a few beautiful staples, layer in texture and light, then add your personal flair. Voila!—you’ve just styled like a pro.

Psst... Want to Learn More?

If you're loving these tips and thinking, "Wait—this is totally my thing," then come hang out with me at www.InteriorStylingSchool.com! I’ve created an entire home styling course packed with juicy lessons to help you style with confidence—whether you're refreshing your home or dreaming of launching your own career as a professional interior stylist.

Let’s make those styling dreams a reality. ✨ See you in class!

Lucy x

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Lucy Gough - Professional Interior Stylist, London and Sydney