5 Creatives on the Home Styling Rule They Live By (And the One They Love to Break)
From 'more is more' to 'prioritise symmetry' – a few of our favourite tastemakers share what principles they follow at home, and which they forget.
Do you ever look at someone’s home and wish they would just write a how-to guide or checklist you could follow? Same. But nailing that ‘effortless’ look is rarely that simple – nor should it be! While we can learn some valuable lessons from the aesthetically-inclined out there, a healthy dose of rule breaking and unapologetic personal expression makes a house a home.
We recently visited the homes of some of our favourite creatives for inspiration on how they style their spaces (and their cotton bedding). From apartments in New York City and London to family homes in Byron Bay, here is how five undeniably chic women approach home-making their own way.
Mariko Kuo, Lawyer and Content Creator
Lives by: Balance is key.
Loves to break: Choose between minimalist or maximalist – don't mix both.
Mariko plays with contrast, allowing standout pieces to shine by surrounding them with simplicity, defying the idea that you need to commit entirely to one style camp. “I definitely have a few styling rules I live by, but I also believe style should be fun and expressive – breaking the 'rules' is part of the joy!” she says, which is obvious in her blending of Japanese, Scandinavian and British style philosophies. “My main principle is that balance is key: if I add something bold, like a statement print cushion or an intricately designed object, I keep the rest of the room simple and pared-back to let it shine.”
Courtney Adamo, author and content creator
Lives by: Fill your home with what brings you joy.
Loves to break: Commit to a curated palette and ‘look’.
Courtney’s home is a reflection of sentiment, not strict style rules. She embraces colour, character, and mismatched treasures over uniformity, believing the most meaningful spaces are those that feel personal, not perfect. “I tend to ignore decorating trends… That would be too limiting for me. I always feel like if you really love something, then display that in your home. If you have a favourite colour that brings you joy, then use that colour in your decorating. If an open shelf of mismatched mugs from various places reminds you of good times and good people, then embrace that. If you like orderly shelves and neutral colour tones because that makes you feel more serene, then embrace that. We’re all so different, so there really shouldn’t be any one-size-fits-all rules for how our own home should look.”
Lana Wilman, Managing Director at Aphrodite Agency
Lives by: More is more.
Loves to break: Keep it cohesive and colour-matched.
Lana isn’t afraid to turn up the volume. For her, contrasting colours and bold shapes are essential to creating a space that feels vibrant and full of life. She puts it simply: “Clash colours, prints – there's no such thing as 'too much'”. She rejects the idea that a home has to be quiet or coordinated to be stylish, instead, she leans into maximalism with confidence and joy. It’s all about energy, expression, and the unexpected.
Mélanie Masarin, founder of Ghia
Lives by: Let your space breathe.
Loves to break: Prioritise symmetry and meticulous styling.
Mélanie is all about ease over exactness. For her, a home should feel lived-in, not photo-ready – and definitely not pressured into perfection. She steers clear of symmetry, opting instead for a soft, unforced aesthetic where objects can shift, settle, and simply be. She says, “I think spaces should feel relaxed and the slightest bit undone... Perfectly aligned objects might look good in photos, but the best homes feel like someone actually lives there.”
Olive Cooke, Founder and Creative Director of Cooke Swim
Lives by: Start with warmth and build from there.
Loves to break: Pick an era and stick to it.
Olive’s approach to interiors is grounded in comfort, warmth, and flexibility. She steers clear of trend-driven styling or locking into one aesthetic, favouring natural materials, laid-back foundations, and pieces that can move with her from home to home. But that doesn’t mean she plays it safe, explaining, “I stay clear of making really strong ‘this is this era’ statements... I love to have quite a laid-back style, then add elements of fun.”
Enjoyed This?
Discover more interior styling tips.
