7 Styling Tips to Make Your Home Look Like It Belongs in a Magazine

Want a home that looks like it belongs on the pages of Architectural Digest? These 7 interior styling tips will help you create a designer-worthy space with ease.

Ever scroll through a glossy home decor magazine and wonder, “How do they make it look so effortlessly beautiful?” You’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a celebrity designer or unlimited budget to create a home that looks straight out of a magazine. With a few thoughtful styling choices, your space can feel curated, cohesive, and photo-ready.

Here are 7 simple yet powerful styling tips to elevate your home and give it that luxurious, editorial edge.

1. Start with a Clean, Neutral Base

One of the hallmarks of magazine-worthy homes is a clean and cohesive color palette. Neutral tones like soft whites, beiges, warm greys, and earthy taupes act as the perfect foundation. They make your space feel calm and inviting, while also allowing accent pieces and textures to shine.

Pro Tip: Paint your walls in a soft, matte finish and use natural materials—like linen, wool, or wood—to add subtle dimension.

2. Layer with Textures, Not Just Colors

Texture is key to creating visual interest. Designers love to mix materials like chunky knits, leather, marble, jute, and velvet to add richness and depth to a room.

Try This: Pair a boucle armchair with a velvet cushion or drape a woven throw blanket over a sleek leather sofa. Even a neutral palette can feel dynamic when layered thoughtfully.

3. Add Large-Scale Art or Statement Decor

One oversized art piece or sculptural object can instantly give your room that magazine spread wow-factor. Think: abstract canvas art above a console table, a tall ceramic vase in the corner, or a bold light fixture.

Tip: Search for “affordable oversized wall art” or “statement home decor” to find eye-catching pieces that won’t break the bank.

4. Style Your Surfaces Like a Pro

Whether it’s your coffee table, entry console, or bookshelf, surface styling can completely transform the room. Use the “rule of three” to group items with varying heights and textures—like a stack of books, a candle, and a small vase of greenery.

Bonus: Use trays to contain and elevate everyday items like remotes, perfumes, or kitchen oils—it creates a curated look without any clutter.

5. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors not only add light and the illusion of space, but they’re also a classic stylist’s trick for adding elegance. A large round mirror in the entryway, an arched mirror leaning against a wall, or mirrored accents can all add polish.

Design Tip: Position mirrors across from a window or source of natural light to maximize the brightness and create a more open feel.

6. Edit Ruthlessly for a Curated Feel

Magazine homes look clean and intentional because they are. Editing is essential. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or elevate the space. Keep décor minimal but impactful.

Think: Instead of 10 mismatched accessories, opt for 3-5 quality pieces that align with your overall style and color palette.

7. Bring in Life with Greenery and Florals

No home is complete without a touch of nature. Whether it’s a vase of fresh eucalyptus on the dining table, a fiddle leaf fig in the corner, or a grouping of small succulents on the windowsill—plants bring vitality, color, and organic shape into your home.

Insider Tip: Use real plants when possible, but don’t shy away from high-quality faux greenery if natural light is limited.

Final Thoughts

Creating a home that looks like it belongs in a magazine isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. With these 7 styling tips, you can transform your space into something elevated, elegant, and truly your own. Start small, trust your eye, and don’t be afraid to mix textures and personal touches.

Ready to transform your space? Pin this post for inspiration and start styling your home like a pro!