Styling with Color: How to Tell a Visual Story Without Going Overboard
As a stylist, color is one of the most powerful ways I tell a visual story. It sets the mood, draws the eye, and brings the whole scene to life. For color to work, it has to feel intentional—not overwhelming or in your face.
Here’s how I approach color to create polished, cohesive visuals:
1. Begin with the Story
Every project starts with a clear direction. Is the look soft and serene? Bold and collected? Color choices should support the mood, not compete with it. I often build the palette from what already exists—wall colors, textiles, textures or natural materials.
2. Work Within a Focused Color Range
I typically use 2–3 core colors with a few accents. The key is variation—colors don’t need to match exactly. In fact, repeating the same strength of one color can feel flat and dated. Instead, I layer tonal differences (like sage, olive, and forest) to create depth.
3. Let Neutrals and Texture Ground the Scene
Neutrals give color space to shine. Natural textures like linen, clay, and wood add dimension and warmth without introducing too much visual noise.
4. Style for the Camera
Color placement matters. I repeat tones across the frame—maybe a rust-toned pillow on one side and a matching vase on the other. These connections help guide the eye and make the image feel cohesive, even when pieces are spread apart.
5. Use Pops With Purpose
One strong color moment—like a floral, art piece, or accent chair—can elevate a scene. I echo that tone subtly throughout the images so it feels balanced, not loud.
6. Edit with a Critical Eye
Once the scene is styled, I step back and remove anything that distracts from the story. A little breathing room goes a long way. REMEMBER: The eye needs space to relax. Styling is as much about what you leave out as what you include.
Color is a connector—it shapes emotion and ties a scene together. When you layer tones thoughtfully, place pieces with intention, and edit with restraint, the result feels effortless and elevated.