CURATED: HIGH-STREET HEROES
EDITION 03
Styling a recent client project
AS AN INTERIOR designer I’m regularly asked to add the finishing touches to client projects, sourcing pieces of art, vases & ornaments and curiosities to make a space feel truly pulled-together and lived-in.
Most people share a similar styling challenge, which is that their shelves are laden with novels or DVDs that were bought many moons ago and are currently gathering dust.
The first thing I do in every project is ask the client why they’re holding on to that collection - a perceived value perhaps, a notion they may read or watch something again - or is simply just because they’ve never asked themselves the question before?
A book collection can tell visitors something about the person who lives in a house, so it’s important to review the book pile carefully, but typically client’s find that most of their paperbacks amassed over the years can be weeded out and donated to charity. There’s Fara Books in Teddington if you live in the area - or books can be sold to a second-hand reseller such as worldofbooks.com, a website which will also pay for old DVDs.
Client’s often confess that they’re holding onto their books just because they don’t know what to put on their shelves instead - so once those shelves are have been cleared it’s time for me to recommend some impactful alternatives.
Bold or interesting books that do make the cut can, of course, be used as display items in their own right - bringing personality and colour to shelves and coffee tables.
To celebrate Christmas I’m sharing my top ten go-to' styling accessories, the essentials I reach for on repeat to style shelves, which work in every home and can be self-gifted or would make a thoughtful gift for a host if you’re being entertained over the festive season.
The ten ‘go-to’ styling accessories I reach for on repeat
1. This is the perfect bud vase for a single bloom or a small posy. Bring the outdoors in and pop on shelves, consoles, nightstands and coffee tables to elevate every corner.
2. Invest in a decent pair of Japanese secateurs to help you fill those vases. Use seasonal floral guides to help you source flowers & foliage from the countryside throughout the year - remember, everything cut for personal use is free and it’s perfectly legal so long as you leave the actual plant.
3. If you have a penchant for luxe candles in fancy packaging (also guilty) you need this Neom Diffuser in your life. It’s a game-changer for year-round scent and as you’ll be burning essential oils instead of paraffin, it’s better for your health too. (Even 100% organic soy candles produce soot, so not great for asthmatics or anyone with a lung condition.)
4. These drinking glasses are from La Redoute and come in a set of six. They’re fab as individual votives and can even be gifted individually with a tea light, perfect to bring glow and glamour to your space.
5. A ceramic vase brings warmth and texture, and neutral colours such as off-white and black work in every space. Choose one with a narrow opening so blooms point upwards and at a slight angle, a very wide-neck vase offers little support and needs chicken wire or a flower frog to support stems.
6. These Nkuku candlesticks have been a favourite for years. They come in black or brass and I have them all over my house, paired in differing heights. Add a fresh colour pop in an accent hue with a set of dining candles from True Grace.
7. This marble pedestal bowl from H&M Home has it all - luxe, shape and height. It comes in two sizes and two colours, either off-white or a grey-brown, choose the one that contrasts with the colour of your shelving, so it stands out. It’s part of a wider collection of marble home accessories that are very reasonably priced, I am a huge fan.
8. These IKEA baskets are the perfect natural-grey wicker shade and handy for adding texture to shelves, they also provide useful storage for those pesky window keys, matches et al!
9. Greenery (plants) are essential to every interior scheme but often a challenge to keep alive, particularly if on a high shelf. This faux ivy is the answer, it looks realistic and drapes perfectly making it great ‘spiller’ plant for shelving to soften the rigid lines. You’ll need a 13-15cm plant pot as the plastic base isn’t wildly attractive :)
10. These hand-painted alphabet brush pots are delightful and add a pop of colour to desks and dressing tables alike. They’re available in every letter of the alphabet making a great personalised statement, and they also come in more generic designs.
If you have any other recommended home styling basics, do share them in the comments, I’d love to hear what you’ve bought and what you love!
That’s it from me, until the New Year, so have a very happy festive season and I look forward to sharing more interior design ideas and tips in 2026!