Styling is often the final step in the design process, but it is by no means the least important. In fact, it is during the styling phase that a house truly becomes a home. This is where personality enters the space—where the textures, colors, lighting, and layers create a feeling that is both intentional and deeply personal. At Mary Theunissen Design, styling is not an afterthought; it is a cornerstone of our philosophy.
More Than Decoration
Styling is not simply about making a space look beautiful (though it certainly does that). It is about creating a rhythm, a balance, and a story. It’s about knowing where to place a vintage ceramic vase so that it catches the late afternoon light just right. It’s about layering textiles that invite you to linger, sit, and relax. And it’s about making everyday objects—books, art, collected treasures—feel integral to the space, not like add-ons.
This layer of design requires a thoughtful, curated approach. It is equal parts intuition and intention, drawing from both the architectural bones of the home and the life being lived within it.
Creating a Sense of Place
The best-styled spaces are not ones that follow trends or replicate Pinterest boards. They are spaces that reflect the people who live there. A well-styled room feels effortless but not accidental. It has a quiet confidence to it—a lived-in quality that feels neither too precious nor too haphazard.
At Mary Theunissen Design, we approach styling with fresh eyes and open minds. Each project is an opportunity to explore a new narrative: What matters to this family? What do they collect? What are the colors that resonate? The answers to these questions inform every piece we place, from the artwork on the walls to the throw draped over the side of a reading chair.
The Power of Objects
Objects tell stories. A handwoven basket picked up on travels. A sculptural lamp passed down from a grandparent. A stack of well-loved books with folded pages and worn spines. These are the elements that breathe life into a space.
We love to mix old and new, high and low. Styling is where these juxtapositions come to life—a sleek brass tray beside a weathered wood bowl, a moody photograph above a floral linen settee. The beauty lies in the balance, and in the surprise.
The Layering Process
Styling is never done in one pass. It’s a process of editing, stepping back, and trying again. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most lasting impressions. A styled home should never feel static. It should invite change, adaptation, and growth.
We often tell clients that styling is the most fun part of the process—and it’s true. It’s the part where the puzzle comes together, where the vision becomes tangible. It’s where you start to see not just how a space looks, but how it lives.
Styling as a Signature
For us, styling is our signature. It’s what makes a Mary Theunissen Design project feel complete. It’s in the artful asymmetry of a shelf, the perfectly imperfect mix of fabrics, the bold use of negative space. It’s about restraint as much as it is about detail.
Our clients trust us to bring the finishing touch—not to overwhelm, but to complete. We pride ourselves on sourcing unique pieces, playing with scale, and creating moments that invite conversation and comfort alike.
A Lasting Impression
In the end, styling is about feeling. It’s about walking into a room and knowing it’s just right, even if you can’t quite explain why. It’s about creating spaces that aren’t just beautiful for photos, but beautiful for real life.
Whether we’re refreshing a bookshelf, layering a bed, or pulling together the final pieces of a full-home project, styling is where we shine. And it’s where homes truly come to life.
