How to style your home like a professional

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s not rocket science that if you wake up in a home or room you love, which makes you feel happy and calm and brings a smile to your face, then you will start your day with a more positive mindset,” Lucy Gough writes in her new book, The Home Style Handbook. Here, she shares her insider tips on how to style your home like it is second nature, which is sure to put you in a positive frame of mind… Make a mood board “All wonderful interiors schemes are pulled together in the beginning stages using a mood board,” says Gough. “For example, style the sofa area first then the TV unit area second, and the corner with the armchair and mirror third.” And when it comes to the finishing touches, such as styling your succulents, she writes: “Notice how the objects and plants on the cabinet are higher in the top left and then go down at an angle to the bottom right.” Visualise a triangle formation “When I am styling bookshelves, I like to style using a visual triangle formation,” says Gough. “You should give things room to breathe!” The Home Style Handbook by Lucy Gough, published by Mitchell Beazley, priced £30.