WTF is “prop styling”
This is such a niche term, and I didn't learn it in architecture school. I picked it up from watching a lot of interior design content. But the idea of “prop styling” your apartment can make such a huge difference! This really makes my home feel more lived-in and helps me display my favorite things so I can see and use them.
Prop styling can be defined as the act of selecting and arranging objects in order to create a mood or tell a story for visual display or photography.
Example one: the entryway
We all have a space where we put our keys, coats, shoes, etc. when we enter the home. It is a space you interact with daily and it is the first and last place you see in your home. Naturally, you “prop style” this daily. Where you place your keys, your dog leash, your shoes… it can look messy! If you decide to place these daily objects down with little intention, you’re setting your entry and exit in an unintended manner. I know that those reading this do not have a grand entry way, for me personally, I a small little table. BUT, I styled mine with things I grab daily! I place my favorite purse, all of my film cameras, and my favorite boots within the entry. Showing off my favorite items brings me joy and also reminds me to maybe grab my film camera that day.
Both of these images do a great job at layering the space. Lower level for shoes on your feet. Middle level for keys on your hand. Top level for eyes aka a picture frame or mirror. This creates a visual symmetry that compliments the levels of the human body and what we need when leaving the home.
Example two: the coffee table
I think the coffee table is a great example of where most people naturally prop style their homes. But, I still walk into homes where the table just has a remote out… Both of these images show how you can naturally add color, dimension, and texture to your space. I love the use of bright colors from the books on both images. The image showcases sage burning, the tv remote, and colored glasses. All of these products are things they use daily! But it is placed with intention. Now for the image on the right, they have out candles, eye glasses, and hand creme. Again, objects I’m assuming they use daily, but on display for ease and to show the character of who they are!
Example three: the nightstand
I love these two examples of night stands because one is more of a minimal approach and one is a more cluttered take and both show the taste and style of the home.
The image on the left again uses layers! A mini lamp on the top with added character from the candle, a framed photo to bring them joy, and finally the current book they are reading. The image on the right shows again framed images of joy and the books they are reading, but has remotes out with fragrance spray and lotions.
Both these images showcase a night stand, but styling how you display your daily objects can transform the space.
Example four: the kitchen
The kitchen, another space we use daily. Easy ways to prop style your kitchen is to add lamps, display fruit, have handmade thrifted ceramics, add art!
The image on the left showcases a lot of thrifted items with wood, but adds color through food! The image on the right showcases more stainless steel but adds the color through appliances. Both again have daily products on display put they are styled in varying heights of use in order to create a more dynamic interaction for the user.
Example five: the bookshelf
Now, I know we are all familiar with the target home good section where you can purchase a random wicker ball to fill your shelves with… DO NOT. Its bad, tacky, lacks personality. Both of these styled shelving are for different use, but still showcase good styling.
The image on the left of the bar includes a mix of materials, lighting, and color. The image on the right showcases a book shelf but includes personalized touches of collected sculptures and things they use while by their desk like pens. Both of these shelving are avoiding repetition and instead embracing interaction.
Big takeaways
Your home is meant to be lived in and reflect how you interact with the space. Taking pride in your daily use objects can create a more interactive and harmonious space. I also image when styling homes (well, mainly, could this be a pinterest photo) how will they interact with this space? Does it makes sense for the user? Is it dynamic? And when in doubt, go thrift a cool candle.
