Pattern Players: Learning the Tricks of the Trade With Stylist Lita Lee

Working with professional stylists has given us so much respect for their skill in transforming a room or a set with just a few well considered tweaks and edits. So we’re very happy to be chatting with stylist Lita Lee of Crave Interiors today to learn more about the secrets of stylists. We love her eye, and, yes, we love how she chose Daydream (Indigo) for her son’s room!

Hygge & West: Tell us a bit about your background. How did you become an interior stylist? What drew you to this field?

Lita Lee: My passion for interiors and styling stemmed from when I was a little girl—fixing my friends' rooms when we had sleepovers and my mom was always the creative, artsy type. When I started my Instagram account, I was quickly inspired by the design community and brands started reaching out asking me to style different items in my home or collaborate for upcoming projects we had planned.

H&W: Your Instagram images seem connected by a cohesive, fairly neutral, and warm color palette. Nothing seems overly done, but looks well thought out. How do you describe your style?

LL: I would describe my style as eclectic with a bit of a bohemian aesthetic.

H&W: We’d love to hear about the design decisions that went into your son’s room. How did you decide on color palette? On Daydream (Indigo)? What are your favorite pieces in the room?

LL: The whole room was inspired by the Daydream wallpaper! As soon as I saw it, I instantly knew it was the one! The design feels sophisticated but not too childlike all at the same time. My favourite piece is a beautiful antique alarm clock I found on Etsy. Vintage items alway mix so well with modern. It adds some personality, and that pop of green adds a fun new colour to the space.

H&W: What is your top advice for someone putting together the final touches of room? What are the most important things to focus on?

LL: When it comes to styling a space, the most important finishing touch is plants. They bring life to the space and create warmth and personality. I like to use symmetry as it is easier on the eye and a bit more forgiving. Focus on your focal point—this can be a fireplace, piece of art, your television—and work from there.

H&W: What are the biggest styling mistakes you’ve seen made?

LL: Wrong sized rugs! When it comes to large retailers, I understand that most of the time the most popular size available and affordable is a 5x7. When choosing a rug, never buy one smaller than 6x9, and I would say 8x10 is your best bet. The rug should always extend at least a couple of inches beyond either side of your sofa. Spend a little extra and get the right size.

H&W: Hygge is all about creating cozy spaces and appreciating small joys. What do you love and appreciate most about your home? What are things you’ve done to make it feel cozy?

LL: Appreciating your home and being excited to be in it is the best feeling in the world. I like to note positive vibes in my home, from the beautiful colours in that antique rug, the cozy sofa, and how good it smells, to the welcoming warm wood feature wall in my living room. Adding baskets full of throws, lighting candles, and putting on a diffuser really helps to add a very welcoming feeling to a space!