Styling Mistakes You’re Probably Making – And How to Fix Them

Styling is often misunderstood as the decorative afterthought — the cushions thrown on at the end, the art hung just before guests arrive. However, in reality, styling is a quiet yet powerful discipline that shapes the overall feel of a space. When done with care, it adds rhythm, depth and personality. And when misjudged, even the most expensive rooms can feel disconnected.

Matching Everything Too Closely

It’s a common instinct to play it safe by matching everything—furniture sets, wood finishes, even cushion fabrics. But too much uniformity can rob a space of its depth and character. Styling thrives on contrast and tension. A mix of materials, tones and textures makes a space feel lived-in rather than showroom-perfect. For instance, placing a vintage wood console against a contemporary sofa, or pairing an ornate mirror with modern lighting, adds personality. The goal is not perfection but harmony. Imperfection, when curated intentionally, is what creates warmth.

Overfilling Every Surface

There is a difference between a curated vignette and a cluttered corner. Styling often goes astray when every shelf, table or wall is filled just for the sake of it. A surface should have room to breathe. Leave space between objects so that each one can be appreciated on its own terms. Even negative space holds value—it can draw attention to an object or allow the room to rest visually. Editing is just as important as accessorising. Rather than layering every travel souvenir at once, try rotating them seasonally to let the space evolve gently over time.

Ignoring How a Space is Actually Used

Styling without understanding function often leads to rooms that look polished but feel uncomfortable. A delicate vase on a family coffee table, or an oversized sculpture on a busy kitchen counter, can disrupt the way a space is lived in. Observing the natural rhythm of a home is essential. Consider how people move, pause, and interact with their surroundings. Then style in a way that supports that flow. A tray that organises everyday clutter, or a woven bench that offers both seating and storage, blends beauty with utility. True styling listens before it layers.

Chasing Trends Too Rigidly

Inspiration is everywhere—Pinterest boards, Instagram reels, magazine spreads—but styling becomes soulless when it only follows what is popular. The danger of trend-chasing is that it often erases individuality. Instead, anchor your space in your own story. Let your home reflect what you love, not what algorithms suggest. Mix in heirlooms, found objects, or textiles with history. Use trends as accents, not foundations. That way, your space remains timeless and rooted in meaning, even as the world around it changes.

Relying on One Source of Light

Lighting is not just functional—it is atmospheric. One of the most overlooked aspects of styling is relying entirely on overhead lighting, which can flatten a room and strip it of mood. Layering light sources—table lamps, wall sconces, candlelight—adds dimension and warmth. Think of light as another styling element, just like fabric or colour. A single warm bulb beside a textured wall or a soft lamp near a reading nook can transform how a space feels. Styling is not just about objects, but the way those objects are revealed.

Forgetting to Edit

The most powerful styling often comes from restraint. Holding on to too much or displaying everything all at once creates visual noise. Editing is an act of care. It allows space for things to matter. Try removing rather than adding. Look at your surfaces with fresh eyes—what can be taken away so the rest can shine? Treat your home like a living gallery. Rotate artwork, shift books between rooms, and let objects move with the seasons. When every item has room to speak, the space begins to breathe.

Styling is not the last step in design—it is the thread that ties everything together. It gives voice to memory, mood to function, and presence to the everyday. By becoming more aware of these common styling mistakes, and gently shifting the way we curate our spaces, we can begin to build homes that feel not only beautiful but truly alive.

 by Mita Mehta