Home Innovations Display Centre

Interior Styling Secrets

Discover 15 simple tricks that can make your home look like it came from the pages of a design magazine...

I. Natural colour

Oranges or lemons in a bowl add a little zest to a plain kitchen inexpensively, and who doesn't love their fresh scent? A jug of herbs or flowers picked or purchased, can also give a lift to countertops or simply line your windowsill.

II. White out

Nothing beats piles of soft white towels for their luxurious look, especially when you have open shelving in a bathroom. Candles, a blue vase with green and cream-coloured flowers can add a soft touch to an all-white backdrop.

III. Dishing it out

Don't hide your dishes from view! Instead, make them a great kitchen feature by displaying one colour or style together. Simple dishes in white or a solid colour can look fabulous.

IV. A group effort

Avoid the cluttered, chaotic look of jam-packed shelves by grouping books, photo frames and accessories of similar size and shape in mini vignettes.

V. Real lookers

Storing herbs and spices in uniform containers in drawers and cabinets is so easy on the eyes. The look is even cleaner when you use a label maker to denote the contents of tins or little glass jars. Go a step further and overhaul the pantry with matching containers.

VI. Sweet dreams

You can't go wrong with crisp white cotton or linen bedding, it always looks inviting and elegant and can be accessorised with accent colours if a change is desired.

VII. All lined up

Keep glass cabinets attractive with themed contents, for example, bright and bold for fun, or perhaps all white and stainless steel for an elegant, contemporary look.

VIII. A Case for Baskets

A row of same size cane storage baskets can make an attractive feature while providing handy storage space for messy toys or oddments in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms.

IX. Two is the number

Balance and symmetry create drama. Place two chairs so that they're framed by tall windows, two matching table lamps either side of a sofa, or two prints (or canvasses) on a far wall to enhance a room's wow factor.

X. Book buzz

Remove tattered dust jackets from coffee table books, but save them. When you change your display of current favourites, replace the jackets before re-shelving the books.

XI. A class act

Every savvy stylist's standby, white dishware and linens make food look more appetising and add timeless class to any tabletop. A pair of tall candlesticks add elegance & drama.

XII. Nifty nooks

It's easy to make even the smallest nook count. Flowers and a mirror make a space feel bigger and both are elegant touches. Add wall shelves to display interesting pieces without taking up precious floor space. Spotlighting a small corner can also be effective.

XIII. A big softie

A throw brings softness to a masculine leather club chair and lends a light, inviting touch to any reading corner. Various size comfy cushions also add colour & texture.

XIV. Window works

A windowed nook is perfect for a built-in daybed (with storage underneath). Try cosying things up with a demi-lune table and a mirror that brings even more light into the room.

XV. Table runners

Central table runners are a sophisticated way to showcase a well-laid table -- they're more elegant than place mats but much less formal than a tablecloth.  Use exotic sheers or satins with a tinge of silver or gold for evening drama.