A Stylist’s Tips to Transform Your Home into a Haven

True to its enticing brand name, @eclectic.style specialises in interior decorating and styling with an eclectic elegance that truly inspires. Working within luminous living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and alfresco patios, Brisbane-based stylist Debbie Walker sets a scene with beautifully selected furniture, soft accessories, unique homewares and plenty of plants to bring interiors to life. The result is a laidback coastal aesthetic infused with tropical chic (often showcased by her 6-year-old dog Harvey!). Debbie shares her interior decorating tips to transform your home into a haven.

When styling a new space, how do you begin?

Make lists! Check what you need for each room and, most importantly, take measurements, so you know how much space you’re working with. Also check the size of that sofa you’re about to purchase! Will it fit through your door?! I love visiting Early Settler when I’m coming up with ideas, as I know I will find exactly what I’m looking for, whether coastal, urban, Hamptons or just that quirky piece that will start a conversation.

How do you anchor the space?

Start with the sofa and larger pieces of furniture and then move on to smaller items like textiles and accessories. Then decide where each item will be placed but keep an open mind and consider alternative arrangements from your last living situation.

How do you come up with your concepts?

I get inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram! I spend a fair bit of time sourcing products via the internet and on the occasional shopping trip to check the quality of the items we wish to purchase. Focus your efforts on areas that get the most use, then prioritise furnishing these areas first. My favourite Early Settler purchase, for an alfresco space, was the Kanto Castor Dining Table. I just love the simple style and versatility of it. I always receive lots of compliments on how easy it is move around and still look stylish.

How to you know which colours will work?

Create a colour inspiration board as it will save a lot of time and effort and you can keep all your ideas in one place. Then use test pots and natural light to design on your wall colour. Start with the shades you love – that way you’re not bound by traditional colour schemes for a particular decorating style. At eclectic.style we love to add a splash of colour to the rooms we style. Starting with neutrals, we like to add splashes of mustards, teals and other on-trend colours for cushions and throws.

What’s your secret weapon?

Indoor plants! They can soften a space or even create a certain mood. Greenery and tall plants play a huge part in our styling and can make a dark space more appealing and alive.

(Images courtesy of @eclectic.style)