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Paige Gray, BA ID

The Secret to Balanced, Beautiful Spaces

3 Styling Steps | Bring Any Space From Drab to Fab!

Step 1:

Key Concept: Start with the basics—furniture placement. When arranging large pieces like sofas, chairs, and coffee tables, using odd numbers creates a visually dynamic, yet balanced arrangement. Odd numbers help the eye travel around the space, adding interest without overwhelming it.

Items to Consider:

  • Sofas

  • Sectionals

  • Coffee tables

  • Armchairs

  • Ottomans

  • Bookshelves or consoles

  • Rugs

Tip/Explanation:
When arranging large pieces, choose odd-number groupings (3 or 5 items) that have an organic flow. For example, three seating pieces might work best in a conversational setup, with one sofa and two chairs, or a sectional and a single chair across from it. Similarly, a coffee table or ottoman can be paired with two side tables, creating a group of three elements. This arrangement creates a sense of harmony while keeping the composition visually interesting. The key is that odd-number groupings feel less rigid and more dynamic, allowing the eye to move naturally.

Step 2:

Items to Consider:

  • Vases

  • Books (stacked or laid flat)

  • Decorative trays

  • Bowls

  • Candles

  • Sculptural objects or figurines

  • Picture frames

Key Concept: Accessories on shelves, consoles, and coffee tables are the perfect place to play with odd-number groupings. Odd numbers help create a rhythm and focal points on horizontal surfaces.

Tip/Explanation:
When it comes to smaller accessories, aim for odd-numbered groups like 3 or 5. For example, a grouping of three vases of varying heights on a console or coffee table creates balance and draws the eye in. A tray can be styled with a stack of books, a candle, and a small sculptural piece—again, in an odd number grouping. Odd numbers don’t mean you have to get rid of pairs (like two vases), but adding a third item creates harmony and visual interest.

Step 3:

Key Concept: This is where odd numbers can really shine—think about the effect of hanging art, drapes, and accessories on walls. A pair of drapes works perfectly with the rule of odd numbers because the two panels flank the window, which also acts as a “third” in the composition. This creates a sense of symmetry without being overly symmetrical.

Items to Consider:

  • Art pieces (single or in a collection)

  • Mirrors

  • Drapes and curtains

  • Wall sconces or lighting

  • Shelving units

  • Plant arrangements

Tip/Explanation:
The Big hero in this step is to recognize that quite often 1 large piece is enough. Art should be intentional and quite often does not feel the need to have anything else paired with it. Also consider how the art visually plays with the items placed in front of it. Consider a sideboard for example, with a piece of art above it you should take the art itself into play while arranging items on the flat surface. One exclusion from this rule is grids - and I do love a grid for large scale framed photographs neatly organized in even numbers! Especially frames with a large white matte.