Immaculate conception

FLICKING THROUGH the pages of glossy homes magazines, you'd be forgiven for wondering how real people could live, cook, entertain, do laundry and generally relax in dwellings that are so picture perfect. No doubt, some do manage it. But the pictures on those pages are the result of a lot more work and preparation than a quick tidy-up before the photographer arrives.

During a shoot, the design of an interior is shown to best effect, thanks to the skills of a team that aims to maximise the visual impact and atmosphere of the space. The photographer is the key figure, but the stylist plays a critical role. They function as an extra pair of eyes ensuring that the elements are in harmony. Do the objects appear balanced? Are the colours working together? Should anything be moved, added or omitted?

Hong Kong-based stylist Esther van Wijck, of Three Dogs Studio, says the vital elements she brings to presenting a home in its best light are 'a good sense of colour and mood, an understanding of how an object or an interior can be portrayed and ideas for props that can emphasise the space or object'. Stylists work to enhance interiors, boosting good points and hiding bad ones yet retaining the spirit of the space and the decorative vision of the homeowner.

'Stylists can enhance a home by changing around furniture and objects to give an interior better qualities such as more light, more space and more comfort, and to make it more pleasing to the eye,' says van Wijck, whose work includes styling in retail spaces and for magazines.

A pared-down, minimal apartment with neutral tones and textures needs a different treatment from one big on patterns, texture and colour. The former may need props or florals to make it look less severe. The latter may need items cleared away so it doesn't look too cluttered.

'A good stylist needs a willingness to look beyond the obvious,' says Ruth du Cann, whose styling experience includes decor and fashion.

Home styling is a personal skill - after all, you are walking into someone else's life - and because of this the stylist often functions as the conduit between the homeowner and the photographer. Making both parties feel comfortable, explaining how a shoot will progress and what it entails, soothing any fears and worries and even mediating between conflicting creative visions.

Magazines often like to include portrait shots of homeowners to give the space - and the story - personality. But sometimes things can go too far. Homeowners who hover over the camera, employ hair and makeup artists, or change their look to suit different rooms in the house are often left to the stylist to deal with. And when small children and animals become involved, the results can be unpredictable.

'I remember persuading a homeowner to let the family dog swim in their beautiful pool for a picture. Unfortunately, the dog loved it so much it was almost impossible to get him out again,' says van Wijck.

Du Cann says when it comes to your own home, the only rule is that there are no rules. 'You should curate your house like a personal museum. A true home is one you create for yourself and your family. It should be a sanctuary for the mind, body and soul. Comfort should be a priority, whatever your colour scheme.'

When styling your own home, the best strategy is to rethink what you already have. The emphasis should be on clean lines, uncluttered space and confident colour choices. Start with a corner of the room, a side table or a shelf unit. Take a digital picture and examine it dispassionately. Is it too cluttered? Is it interesting? Is there enough variation in height, shape and texture? Reposition objects, adding or subtracting as desired. Keep taking pictures and reviewing them until you're happy with the results. It's often the small things that make the difference - books, art, fabrics and a dash of nature can all help to bring an interior to life. Fresh flowers are a must - from single blossoms in tiny vases to large table vases filled with sculptural blooms. But beware of overdoing it. One or two larger objects will look cleaner and more dramatic than a clutter of small items.

'Keep it simple and create a focus to a room,' says van Wijck. 'A beautiful picture, a large plant and a soft throw in the right place can work wonders.'

Another tip is to group collections. A cluster of candles in different shapes and sizes but in the same colour scheme on a dining table, or a group of coloured glass vases on a cabinet, will draw the eye. For an Asian flavour, buy low-cost objects in multiples - unpainted gourds from the mainland, ebony bowls and large, polished nutshells from Indonesia. A flea market find can hold its own alongside a valuable antique. The key to successful styling at home is to add individuality and personality to a space.

'Home styling isn't like fashion. You can't just 'take it off',' says du Cann. 'Use your favourite things as inspiration and build a scheme around them. No matter how small your space or your budget, just make it your own.'