How to Style Spaces That Feel Lived-in

However, styling is about more than just fluffing pillows and stacking books, it’s about creating a space that feels lived-in and functional, and today, we’re talking about how our team does just that!

We sat down with our styling experts on team McGee and asked them what their go-to tricks are to make a home come to life.

Here’s what they said:

Adding personal touches

No matter what type of home we’re working on, we always try to tell the story of the people who live there. Layering in photos in pretty frames, adding items you’ve collected on trips, and even styling coffee table books that express your interests, are all great ways to add personality.

“I think it’s important to think about people being able to look around your home and learn about who lives there by the things you choose to display.”

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Merging form with function

When we style our homes, we’re always considering how our clients will use the space, and bringing beauty to functional details is where the magic really happens.

Whether it’s a catch-all on your console table to store keys or a pedestal next to the stove-top with a pretty pepper mill, adding layers of function to your home can also bring dimension with the right pieces.

“I love styling produce in the kitchen because it’s very realistic. Something you pick up at the grocery store can also freshen up your kitchen island when you store it in an interesting bowl or basket that makes it feel special.” – Kristine Metcalf, Director of Visual Merchandising

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Layering textiles

“We like to style our textiles in a way that feels approachable enough that people don’t feel like they don’t know where to sit on your sofa, and a lot of that comes with the right combination. There’s something about mixed and matched pillows combinations that feel thoughtful and curated that really complete the look.” – Kristine Metcalf, Director of Visual Merchandising

Pro (throw) tip: Draping your throw over your sofa or over the arm of a chair arm instead of folding it perfectly is a simple way to make a space feel more lived-in and functional. Once you feel like you can use it without “messing it up,” you’ve nailed it.

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Bringing in time-worn character

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, but no space is complete without vintage! Adding pieces with character to your house creates the feeling of warmth like nothing else, and we love the way they tell a story of history and detail.

“In a recent new-build project, we added a vintage rug to the master bedroom, and it instantly made the room feel lived-in and textural. There’s something about adding layers of vintage that really bring a space to life.” – Daniel Munz, Visual Merchandising Manager & Stylist

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