How to Style Decorative Objects to Bring Sentiment and Soul Home

Like a work of art, good design is always in the details. The smallest choices can transform a space into something magical and joyful if they signify their emotional value. Filling your home with decorative objects that make you and your space come alive is an opportunity to play with form and creativity—to take the rules, then break them, and eventually create your own. From your coffee tables to your mantels, and even your kitchen counters, every surface in your home can add movement and vitality while expressing your individuality.

Decorative objects aren’t just meaningless pretty things. They are the crux of creativity in the home, and they are crucial to tie together the narrative a space tells at first glance. This object d’art, vintage vessels, and artisanal rarities help create a sense of flow in a room, guiding your eye from one vignette to the next, and adding a spark of intrigue with each new hint of color, texture, and shape. Choosing which items you bring into each is a small declaration of yourself. But how to style decorative objects is the question. How do you choose which objects to display? And how can you tell the difference between creativity and clutter? Discernment is a key virtue of this process.

By taking your time to curate a selection of decorative objects that are both stylish and sentimental, you breathe new life into even the most unexpected corners. A carefully placed sculpture can spark creativity whenever you pass it, while an intentionally designed coffee table can dictate the central feeling of the whole room. Finding a natural flow does not come easy, but with time, consideration, and practice listening to your gut, every piece in your home will conjure emotion and tell a story.

Keep reading for our tips on how to choose and style decorative objects to elevate your home!

Find a Balance Between Purpose and Personality

When choosing decorative objects, practice patience. The play between practicality and personality is a delicate dance that every item contributes to. Rushing to fill up empty spaces might tempt you to buy pieces that have no emotional weight. First, consider function. Is there a way you can add a design element to the core pieces you need and use? A dark corner can become home for a whimsical candle arrangement, or the right soap dish on a kitchen sink can elevate the most mundane tasks. Don’t be afraid to bring unconventional accessories into the space—these are the moments that will stand out the most. Your enigmatic choices tell the story of your taste and make your home feel unique.

Consider the Rule of Three

While we don’t subscribe to most rules, the rule of three is a good one to be mindful of. In general, grouping items in three creates dynamism, making for a more visually interesting composition. Letting this guide your vignettes, you can create different rhythms by selecting pieces with contrasting heights, depths, and colors to engage the eye. Play is essential here. Don’t be afraid of asymmetry or taking risks—the rule of three allows you to bring balance to your bolder choices without falling into monotonous symmetry. This technique also works across a room. Repeating similar motifs three times in a space connects each separate surface into one cohesive story.

Design for Your Life

There’s no use designing for a life you don’t live. Consider how you want to live in a space, then work from there. Which places do you gravitate to? What functional pieces do you need? Being intentional about how you want the space to feel should guide how it looks. Start with function, then bring in elements of whimsy and romance, unashamedly. Juxtapose your cozy corners with harder, natural decorative objects, or play with light and form in your less trafficked areas. Choose accessories candlesticks, catchalls, and bowls to anchor a tablescape then play with the surrounding composition for an elegant dance between purpose and style. It’s your home, not a magazine spread, and good design is that which fits in with your life.

Embrace Change

Embrace the enigmatic! Part of the magic of styling is its malleability—nothing is ever stuck in one place. You get to switch up the vibe of the space whenever you want, and often just by moving around your decorative objects. No dramatic overhaul necessary! Let yourself refresh your space as your lifestyle changes, as you add new pieces, or as you get tired of the old layout. The golden rule of styling is not to get too attached. Embrace the inevitability of change and allow yourself to be as dynamic as your design. Don’t be afraid to improvise and try, try, try again!