The Art of Curation - Styling your home with Intention

A step-by-step guide to curating your unique space

Styling is a service I offer as part of my full interior design offering and it truly brings a design to life. I work with a blend of my client’s own cherished items and supplement them with additional pieces to achieve a unique, cohesive and personalised look.

In its simplest form styling your home is the gathering in of your most treasured possessions, foraged, found and sourced and displaying them in a way that supports the feeling that you are looking to create.

For me it is not about trends or the monetary value of pieces, it is about mixing old with new and creating a timeless space that evokes a physical feeling and real meaning to my client.  

• Part 1 I share advice on how to view your space with a fresh perspective and lay the ground work for curation.

• Part 2 covers what and how to use it to craft your own unique, stylish sanctuary.

If at the end of this you are inspired and would like help to transform your own home, check out my range of services here or drop me a line!

1.     START WITH A BLANK SLATE

• Begin by clearing away any styling items from sight. This will allow you to truly see the structure of the room—its volume, geometry, and the architecture that defines it. Understanding the balance and symmetry of the space is essential.

• Take note of key architectural elements, is there a central symmetrical fireplace or is it offset to one side. Are there tall ceilings which need drawing down to create a cosy space. Is the room traditional or modern? These architectural details will influence your stylistic decisions.

For example, modern abstract art can look stunning in a period room such as this one in the Cotswolds, but be prepared for the visual tension it creates—it can be a powerful, conscious choice.

Image: Gunter & Co

Image: Neptune

2.     CONSIDER THE FEELING

• Next, think about the mood you want to create and the function of the space. This will influence the pieces you choose to incorporate.

• For example, if you’re aiming for a cozy, spa-like atmosphere in a bathroom, consider gathering candles, natural materials, and organic forms to help set the tone.

I live in a 400-year-old Cotswold stone farmhouse, and for me, the goal is always to create calm, inviting spaces that feel unique to the home. I use tactile, artisanal pieces—things with history and texture, like ceramics and handmade art from travels. Natural textiles, layered cushions, and elements that feel personal are key to the space's warmth and soul.

Gather your most treasured items—those that speak to the feeling you want to evoke. Remove anything that doesn’t align with that vision.

3.    IDENTIFY YOUR FOCAL POINTS

Once you’ve pared down your space and identified what’s worth highlighting, it’s time to create focal points. Focal points can naturally emerge from the space’s geometry, or you may need to create them intentionally to add visual interest.

When you enter a room, your eye should naturally wander up, down, and around. If the space is too “readable” in one glance, it may feel unremarkable.

• Consider creating 2-3 distinct focal points to engage the eye and keep it moving

• Focal points can be mantelpieces, side tables, dressers, end of hallways or art walls

• In dining rooms, aim to move the eye up from the table and onto the walls

4.     BALANCE AND SYMMETRY

If a restful, serene space is your goal, balance—both visual and structural—is key. In a recent project, I worked with a fireplace that was off-centre. To create balance, I placed a statement piece of art, spot-lit, on the larger side (rhs) and grounded it with a vintage bench.

• To balance a sideboard, mantlepiece or console, think of the layout as an imaginary "A" shape—something large at the back, then layer smaller ones in front to either side of it, all with similar visual weight. They don’t need to be the same (in fact ideally, they shouldn’t be) but they do need to be same visual weight.

• Try not to have gaps, overlap them and have odd numbers. If the console table is long, do two A’s with a gap in the middle and consider a mirror above. Make it stand out

5.     COLOUR PALETTE

Choose a colour palette that resonates with you and the feeling you are looking to create.

• 3-4 colours ideally and looks to select items within that. I try not to get too hung up on this one but take it as a rough guide for a cohesive look.

• If you are stuck for ideas look to nature for colours that work harmoniously together or if you have a favourite piece of art look closely at it for inspiration. See the art I used here for a soft and elegant moodboard for bathroom project

IN SUMMARY…

So my key tips at the start of your styling project are……..

1. Take a step back to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the space

2. Clear it of any accessories and view its scale and proportion

3. Identify your focal points, think about balance

4. Think about the feeling that you want to create and the colour palette you are going to use. Phew!

 If this all sounds a lot and you would like my help to transform your space then check out my services or drop me a line to talk about your project, I can’t wait to help!  

In Part 2 we’ll explore what exactly to use and how to bring the vision to life, stay tuned!