We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Just like it’s smart to have certain wardrobe staples in your closet, it’s also helpful to keep certain home décor accessories on hand to ensure your space always has an updated look. “The key to a versatile home is investing in a ‘capsule collection’ of foundational pieces that prioritize texture and utility, allowing you to refresh any room through strategic redistribution rather than new purchases,” says Sarah Trop, an award-winning interior designer, lifestyle blogger, and founder of FunCycled in Wynantskill, New York. That way, you can easily “shop your home” every few months and swap out or rotate home décor staples from room to room, creating an entirely new look. Here are the top styling tools to keep stocked that can instantly make your home feel striking, finished, and cozy.
Throw Blankets
Laying a soft, chunky throw blanket over a sofa, bed, or chair, especially during the cooler months, is a terrific way to add warmth to a space, says Wendy Glaister, interior design and CEO and founder of Wendy Glaister Interiors in California. Throw blankets, whether made from wool, mohair, or chenille, create a pop of color and introduce additional texture. “I like a weighted blanket as well for an extra layer of cozy,” notes Glaister. A throw can update the look of furniture or bedding without spending for new pieces. If your budget’s tight and you don’t want to buy a new sofa or reupholster an existing one, try a new throw to liven it up.
Candles and Candlesticks
Brighten up a room and add soothing ambiance by placing some candles and candlesticks or candle holders around your home. “I love to have various candles and candlestick holders on hand since they are an easy way to layer and add in some fun textures throughout the space,” says Kelly Smethills, founder of Huron Interiors in Denver, Colorado. It’s also a great way to add some height where needed.
Plus, you can choose from a variety of colors, styles, and scents to match any design. Glaister recommends purchasing battery-operated taper candles. “They are great for a little romantic atmosphere without the worry of flame,” she says.
Artwork
Rotating what’s on your walls can also jazz up a room. “Switching around artwork or adding to a collection makes an instant, elevated change,” says Glaister. “I particularly like landscapes for how quiet and soothing they can be.” You can also update a room with a mirror, which can become a piece of artwork in itself if you find a unique size, shape, or color. “A large-scale mirror is a strategic tool for manipulating light and perceived square footage,” explains Trop. “It acts as a focal point in a dining room or brightens a cramped hallway, effectively doubling the visual space.”
Coffee Table Books
Books, especially large and oversize ones, are another essential home décor element, as they add warmth, color, dimension, personality, and height when you want to create a layered and collected feel, says Smethills. They look fabulous on coffee tables, consoles, or bedside tables, helping to make a room feel lived in and tell a story about your hobbies and interests. “Books can easily be moved from room to room to show personality as well,” adds Smethills. She also loves incorporating photo albums on coffee tables to serve as a fun conversation starter.
Vases
You can never have enough vases around, and with the right look, a well-placed vase can upgrade your home’s decor. Smethills recommends collecting a variety of vases of all different shapes; sizes; textures; colors; and materials including ceramic, glass, metal, and stone. “Vases are a great way to add a special moment to any space and can easily be dressed up and swapped out if looking to make things seasonal or refreshed,” says Smethills. “I love to mix it up where some vases have florals or stems, while others may just be architectural pieces.”
Greenery
Without natural elements, a home feels like it’s missing something. Include greenery like fresh flowers, houseplants, and small trees throughout your home to help it feel more attractive and welcoming, adding life, color, and fragrance. Plus, plants boost the health and well-being for those in the home, stimulating the senses in positive ways, reducing stress, and improving mood. “Good-looking ferns in pots breathe life into any space,” says Glaister. Believe it or not, even artificial plants can elevate a space. “You can barely tell the fake from the live plants,” notes Glaister.
