'These pieces add personality and prevent spaces from looking generic' – 10 things stylists never show up to a shoot without

The article explores the essential items interior designers and stylists use to elevate a home's appearance for photoshoots, and how these techniques can be applied to everyday living. It highlights that the secret to a polished yet effortless look isn't about minimalism but about selecting the right elements that add character and depth. The insights are gathered from various interior design professionals, offering practical advice for enhancing home aesthetics. One crucial item mentioned is a curated collection of trays. Interior designer Olga Naiman emphasizes that trays are unsung heroes of styling, capable of creating vignettes and bringing order to a collection of objects. They provide a grounding element for items on coffee tables and ottomans, transforming scattered elements into cohesive displays. Trays also introduce texture and materiality, suggesting a thoughtful approach to living spaces. Books with character are another key accessory. Philip Thomas Vanderford, founder of Studio Thomas James, suggests bringing books that tell a story about the homeowner, such as monographs or vintage novels. Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios, adds that books should support the architecture and overall design, recommending neutral spines, textured bindings, and oversized art volumes to anchor a composition and guide the eye. The selection should prioritize tone, scale, and how they integrate into the frame. Hand towels are identified by stylist Kathleen Varner as an often-overlooked item that can significantly soften and tie a color story together in spaces like kitchens and powder bathrooms. She advises using a mix of sizes and materials like linen, which are easy to pack and can also serve as protective wrapping for delicate items. Gutsy, in-season flowers and greenery are highly recommended. Carola Pimentel of Assure Interiors and stylist Emilio Pimentel-Reid advocate for overscaled floral arrangements, noting that stingy arrangements detract from a photograph's impact. Lisa Erdmann of Lisa Erdmann Interiors stresses that flowers add warmth, with choices guided by the room's setting. Philip Thomas Vanderford suggests loose garden roses, jasmine vine, or branches from the yard to introduce organic elements, life, and movement. Sculptural objects are crucial for adding personality and preventing generic spaces. Olga Naiman explains that unique vessels, candlesticks, and small sculptures create focal points, spark conversation, and convey an artistic sensibility. These items, whether a ceramic bowl or a vintage brass object, transform good styling into memorable spatial alchemy. Storytelling textiles, such as throws and cushions with varied weaves like linen or raw silk, inject depth and softness. Olga Naiman notes that these textiles contribute to a layered, lived-in quality that photographs well. Lisa Erdmann adds that throw blankets draped over furniture add warmth and break up visual planes. Table linens and accessories are also highlighted as subtle ways to create intentional styling, turning everyday tables into editorial moments. Burning candles contribute to realism in photographs. Interior designer Lauren Saab advises burning candle wicks slightly before a shoot, as new white wicks can appear overly staged. This simple act of pre-burning darkens the wick, adding authenticity to the scene. Interesting food props are suggested for kitchens and dining areas. Denver-based interior designer Peggy Haddad recommends purple artichokes, plums, or heirloom citrus to add rich texture and unexpected color. Molly Miller, principal of Molly Miller Interiors, supports using seasonal produce in bowls to introduce color and life, especially in kitchens, which often need extra warmth on camera. A stylist's toolkit is essential for making minor adjustments during a shoot. Lisa Erdmann's toolkit includes tape, scissors, a steamer, an iron, and museum putty. The steamer is particularly emphasized for refreshing natural textiles like linen drapes or cotton bedding, ensuring they look refined and natural on camera. These tools are used for quick fixes that perfect the visual frame. Finally, small-framed art or photographs are vital for adding visual weight, creating mood, and giving a space depth and character. Carola Pimentel emphasizes that art adds joy, while Philip Thomas Vanderford suggests that casually propped frames can inject intimacy and ease, breaking formality and inviting viewers into the space. The overall aim is to make a room feel relatable, finished, and thoughtful, rather than untouched or sterile, often by incorporating soft elements like blankets, florals, plants, or even pets. #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #PhotoshootEssentials #DecorTips #TextileDecor #FloralArrangements #SculpturalObjects #AestheticEnhancement #HomeDecor #StylistSecrets #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #PhotoshootEssentials #DecorTips #TextileDecor #FloralArrangements #SculpturalObjects #AestheticEnhancement #HomeDecor #StylistSecrets