The 20 items interior stylists cannot live without

What are the must-haves the truly stylish cannot exist without? From beautiful books to the perfect rug, here are 20 essentials guaranteed to give you instant style cred.

Megan Morton, The School
“Beautiful taps (I love the Perrin and Rose range from The English Tapware Company), and luxe floor rugs, especially ones made in wool and silk mix threads. Even when I was renting, I swapped my taps out and laid down rugs. They do nothing but give pleasure!” 

Hong Henwood, Affordable Style Files
“Cushions. What is a stylist without an array of cushions in different colours and textures!”

Ryan Hanrahan, Page Thirty Three
“Essential oil, which I use with The Synergy Oil Diffuser. This represents all of my loves – simplicity, minimal design … and wellbeing.”

Justine Brown, Chocolate Brown
“Personal treasures that have been acquired through careful consideration, like a Sonya Rothwell artwork I had commissioned, a vintage vegetable-dyed rug and my collection of pottery bowls and platters that my mother-in-law made me. I also love the modernist lights custom-made in the US that adorn my walls. Jo Malone‘s lime, basil and mandarin scent wafting throughout is also essential.”

Sarah Templeman
“Modern vintage is my addiction – think beautiful books, spherical pillows and Missoni throws. I follow One Kings Lane and Architectural Digest for ideas on how to incorporate old favourite pieces in a modern and relevant way. I also love surrounding myself with orchids – they are good Feng Shui too.”

Emma Blomfield
“Fresh flowers. When styling a home I always ensure they are scattered everywhere. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but their scent offers a beautiful subtle touch.” 

Lisa Koehler
“A beautifully styled bedside table. There is something very indulgent about having a few of my favourite things all in one place. I love my magazines mixed in with my books, a simple vessel holding a twig or leaf, and a marble dish for my jewellery.”  

Mel Spurling, Hello Little Birdie
“The Follow Me Lamp by Marset. It’s the perfect light – portable and rechargeable with three dimmer settings. It even comes with an inbuilt battery, which is rechargeable via USB, so you never have to think about buying more batteries.” 

Simone Haag
“Shelving – unlike an artwork which is static, using shelving as a styling device allows a space to evolve. I like to display greenery, ceramics, a grouping in a particular metal or colour, and precious keepsakes. Be mindful not to fill every inch of space – some air around things looks great. It’s a useful styling tool to remember.”
 

Eliza Ashe
“Linen bedding. Crisp or crushed, it breathes, feels light in summer and gets better with age.” 

Stephanie Stamatis, Stephanie Somebody 
“Handmade ceramics make it into most of my work. I have a large collection in my home and in my props collection. I use them for floral arrangements, food styling or display simply as beautiful objects.” 

Claire Wayman
“The ‘Triangle’ flat weave rug, from Armadillo & Co that I featured in a photo shoot and decided to buy for my living room. It anchors the space and is the room’s focal point. Its dramatic geometrical pattern makes it a real statement piece, and I have fun mixing plain colours and simple patterns with it.” 
 

Sarah-Jane Pyke, Arent & Pyke 
“Colour and pattern. I have a collection of fabulous hand-blocked Indian tablecloths that bring joy to every meal, and patterned cushions I like to scatter around the house.”

Daniel To and Emma Aiston, Daniel Emma
“Our kitchen! We spend many hours in it, cooking, laughing and dancing. It is the heart of our home, and our favourite place to be!”