it all comes down to books and flowers

While doing some prep work for a photo shoot recently I went thru my stacks of magazines, books, binders, and Pinterest for some inspiration. And y'all know what I realized? All you really need for styling is some flowers and a few books.

Miles Redd

Jeffrey Bilhuber

The really good photos, are where the rooms speak for themselves. A little bit of life (aka flowers) is added and a simple stack of books to say, "hell yeah this room gets used" and you've got yourself the makings of a great photo.

Deborah French

Of course this is with the understanding that the room itself is 'great'. But really that's what you are wanting to see - the details of the room. The more accessories that are added, that more they take away from the design. Just some flowers/plants and a few books and you are good.

Domaine: Angie Hranowsky

Peppermint Bliss

Everyone is in danger of overdosing on accessories (I've totally been guilty of this). I mean come on, how many times have you come home from HomeGoods with a whole bag of things you didn't even realize you needed? Maybe sometimes we should let those things pass. 

Now understand, I'm not into absolutes, so I won't say get rid of your knick knacks all together, but let's try to use a bit less fluff and instead really show off the furniture, lamps, pillows, curtains and rugs that you've spent quality time reinventing and refinishing or quality $$ purchasing. Let the big details shine.

Am I alone here? Do you ever get the less is more itch? Are you happy dusting all of those bits and bobbles? Let's discuss.