The Journal

Stories, Notations, Discoveries

HOME STYLE

Abi's Interior Styling Secrets 

When it comes to styling your own home, you don't need a big budget or need to follow any strict interior design rules, you just need an open mind and a large amount of self belief. 

When it comes to styling your own home,  you don't need a big budget or need to follow any strict interior design rules, you just need an open mind and a large amount of self belief. 

“The Interior Design world can be a little stuffy and hung up on the rules and principles of interior design”

 "I'm going to give you some of my own interior design secrets so that you can create a home that makes your heart beat a little faster as soon as you turn the key in the door"

Make it Personal

I am a firm believer that creating a stylish home is about surrounding yourself with things that you love and that resonate with the heart. Try not to follow trends or get caught up in what's hot and what's not. Whatever style your home is, it should feel like a place free from rules and authority where you can do whatever you like, and that you've escaped into your own universe.

“We all want to take our spaces to the next level, right? Well, you can’t do that with everything making sense, you have to add a dusting of magic.”

“Try not to follow trends or get caught up in what's hot and what's not.”

Add Oversized Pieces

I know, I say this a lot but the minute you add say an oversized painting or a super-large plant you provide instant dynamic and dramatic contrast. It is what makes your home decor feel unique and dramatic. 

By supersizing things it will take your home to the next level.

Add Cushions and 
Drape your Throws

"I add patterned cushions and drape textured throws and sheepskins over sofas and chairs – it instantly makes my pad feel cosy, making it a sweet little spot to hang-out."

Add Cushions and 
Drape your Throws

"I add patterned cushions and drape textured throws and sheepskins over sofas and chairs – it instantly makes my pad feel cosy, making it a sweet little spot to hang-out."

Shop Soft Furnishings

Create a sumptuous space that you can't wait to hunker down and get cosy in with our luxurious soft furnishings collection.

Add Cushions and 
Drape your Throws

"I add patterned cushions and drape textured throws and sheepskins over sofas and chairs – it instantly makes my pad feel cosy, making it a sweet little spot to hang-out."

The More Lamps the Merrier!

Lamps are a great way to create amazing ambience in any room. The more the better and in my opinion. I always recommend a minimum of 8 types of lighting for each room, which normally makes people gasp, but trust me, lighting has magical powers, adding depth and intrigue, drawing the eye and making a space look bigger, cosier and more inviting. You can also use them to highlight architectural features, artworks, bookshelves or cosy reading corners.

Want to know more?

Read my recent journal post about how to add some clever lighting ideas to your home.

Add Wooden Accents

Wood immediately makes a space feel cosy. It dials down pristine looking rooms and I'm obsessed with the texture and feel that it injects into any space. From a great slab of wood such as one of my coffee tables, to wooden platters on my kitchen island - I love them. Don't overdo it though, it just needs to be a subtle accent.

Durban Side Table

Roxwell Beaded Chandelier

Use Scents

I am scent-obsessed. Maybe it’s because my little family can at times be a tad smelly (mentioning no names, Monkey), so I burn incense, essential oils, have Santa Maria Novella potpourri everywhere and wash the floors with warm water and a drop of lavender oil. Nice.

Use Scents

I am scent-obsessed. Maybe it’s because my little family can at times be a tad smelly (mentioning no names, Monkey), so I burn incense, essential oils, have Santa Maria Novella potpourri everywhere and wash the floors with warm water and a drop of lavender oil. Nice.

Shop Scent

Create a sumptuous space that you can't wait to hunker down and get cosy in with our luxurious soft furnishings collection.

Use Scents

I am scent-obsessed. Maybe it’s because my little family can at times be a tad smelly (mentioning no names, Monkey), so I burn incense, essential oils, have Santa Maria Novella potpourri everywhere and wash the floors with warm water and a drop of lavender oil. Nice.

Hot Topic

Scentscaping

“Scentscaping - to use scent to differentiate and zone areas of your home to either stimulate and inspire or rest and relax. This is particularly helpful if you're working from home and you want to switch your space to make it feel more stimulating and productive”

“Scent can transform the feeling of your space and change the mood and vibe as well as having quite a dynamic effect on our emotional state.”


My Top Home Picks.

Some AA Classics that won't fail to add some fab to your pad!

Final Thoughts.

You don't need to have a big budget or follow strict interior design principles to create a stylish and beautiful home. Always decorate from the heart to make space that reflects your personality. By following my own interior design secrets you can create your own dream house interior that's unique to you. Add statement pieces, play with pattern, texture, scale and overdose on lamps and lighting. 
You will be amazed at how magical your home looks and feels. 

Need more Inspiration?

My Home Style 

Pinterest Board

 for more pics of Abi's home and other inspiring interiors. 

Read our Journal Post 

and follow Abi's advice on choosing timeless paint colours to create a stylish home.

Styling Masterclass Pinterest Board

Abigail’s can’t-fail tips for every aspect of home design.

Read our Journal Post 

for easy design ideas and discover how to transform any hallway into a stylish entrance.