Thousands of people have built a following on Instagram for their curated spaces that look like they were ripped from the pages of a home magazine. With eclectic-yet-cohesive accessories, statement pieces of furniture, and ideal lighting conditions, it’s hard to believe these rooms weren’t styled and shot by a professional, but the truth is, many of these #homestagramers aren’t interior designers or photographers—and you don’t have to be either. Here, Kari Michael of Kariel Staging & Decor reveals that getting the perfect picture for the ’gram comes down to a couple of simple tips.
“So often, how we live is not how it’s going to be presented online,” says Michael. Don’t hesitate to rearrange furniture and décor—like hiding the TV, bringing in a chair or accessory from another room—to get the perfect shot.
It feels natural to angle your furniture toward a central object, like a TV or fireplace, but this can make a space feel closed off and small. “You need the room to greet you,” says Michael. “If you’re all blocked off and everything is facing a wall, it doesn’t feel open or fresh—it doesn’t work.”
Not only is a dark room uninviting—it also makes for a poor-quality picture. Bring in as much natural light as possible by opening curtains and blinds, and try to shoot on sunny days. Supplement with artificial light as needed.
What’s one element all the #homestagrams have in common? Every piece of décor looks intentional, creating a tidy aesthetic. Remove any miscellaneous papers, remote controls, and cords from the shot, and “have a purpose for your accessories,” says Michael.
Hang a statement-making piece of artwork to draw the eye and tie the whole photo together. If you’re working with a particularly small space, a mirror can also be an effective focal point to make the room appear larger.
Layering with throw pillow and blankets will transform your couch into a piece of furniture that looks professionally styled. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures and patterns—leather with faux fur, or solids with animal prints, for example—to add depth.
You rarely see people in home photos on Instagram, but you can still add liveliness to your spaces by incorporating a plant for a fresh breath of color, texture, and movement.
Don’t be influenced solely by your own taste, says Michael. Use outside sources of inspiration to discover new, unique styles. “You want to think, ‘What do I see in magazines? What do I see on TV? What do I see on Pinterest?’ You want to know what people are looking at and liking.”
Images courtesy of Kariel Staging & Decor
By Taylor Hugo
Taylor Hugo (taylorhugo.com) is a freelance writer and editor who has experience creating content for regional and national magazines, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between. After spending most of her life in Minnesota, she recently relocated to Colorado, where you’ll find her hiking the Rocky Mountains and decorating her first home that she shares with her husband and dog.
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