From Wardrobe to Room: How Personal Styling Made Me a Better Interior Designer
- Lyn Cowie
- May 15
- 4 min read
Because helping people feel at home—in clothes or in rooms—takes more than product.
Before I trained as an interior designer, I worked as a personal stylist—an experience that shaped the way I approach design today.
While living in South Africa and the Middle East, I saw time and again how many clients felt they ought to know how to choose the right wardrobe for themselves—as if needing guidance meant they were failing at something they were simply supposed to know. But style isn’t something we’re born with; it’s something we uncover, refine, and evolve—with support. And honestly? The same is true for home design. Just because a home reflects who you are doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out on your own.
Having ‘an eye for design’ is not the same as a professional’s expertise
Your home is one of the most intimate reflections of who you are. But just like that wardrobe full of clothes and “nothing to wear,” many people live in spaces that technically have all the right pieces—furnishings, colours, décor—but somehow it still doesn’t feel quite right. That’s where a trained designer’s perspective makes all the difference. We don’t just see what’s there—we see how it can come together in a way that feels like you.
I’ve had clients break down in tears—in a good way! Back when I co-ran SoulStyle, a personal styling business in South Africa we witnessed transformations in tiny change rooms. Tears of joy, relief, and the powerful release that comes when someone finally feels seen and understood.
You don’t have to do it all yourself
Just because you live in your body every day doesn’t mean you know exactly what silhouettes work best for you. And just because you live in your home doesn’t mean you’re automatically equipped to make it sing with harmony, flow and beauty.
When it comes to home design, I help you understand the “shape” of your space—how to optimise it, how to enhance its strengths, and how to choose furniture and layouts that truly support how you live. Not how a Pinterest board says you should.
Yes, even homes have ‘orphan’ pieces
In styling, I often came across those infamous ‘orphans’—a skirt or jacket that just never quite worked with anything else. Sometimes it simply wasn’t meant to be part of the wardrobe. Other times, it needed just the right pairing to shine.
Homes are like that too. You might be holding onto a piece of decor or a family heirloom that feels out of step with everything else. Do we let it go? Or do we hero it with pride? That’s a case-by-case design decision, and it’s one I love helping clients navigate with care and creativity.
The power of the finishing touch
The right lighting fixture or cabinet handle can be as transformative as a pair of earrings or a great handbag. It’s that final flourish that elevates a look—or a room—from good to unforgettable.
But the key? Knowing when to stop. As Coco Chanel famously said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” I take the same approach with interiors—refined restraint always wins over clutter.
Ignoring how it makes you feel
We all have those go-to outfits—the top that’s always readily available, the jeans that just work. But comfort doesn’t always mean joy. The same goes for our homes. A space can be liveable and functional, but still fall flat emotionally. I believe your surroundings should do more than meet the basics. They should uplift you, spark optimism, and support your sense of wellbeing—every single day.
If your space isn’t doing that for you, let’s talk.
Lost in choice? You’re not alone
Between fast fashion and never-ending product drops, it’s no wonder we’re overwhelmed. Homewares stores in the U.S. alone refresh their main lines 4–6 times a year, with new micro-updates nearly every week.
I help you cut through the noise—focusing not just on what’s “on trend” but on what has staying power, feels like you, and will stand the test of time in both quality and meaning.
Sometimes you just need a second pair of eyes
Some of my favourite styling moments were when clients looked at themselves in the mirror and said, “I would have never picked this out myself—but I love it.” That’s the magic of working with someone who sees you clearly and offers something fresh.
It was never just about choosing flattering clothes. Styling taught me to listen closely, to understand the nuances of someone’s lifestyle, and to find creative ways to honour who they are. Today, that same empathy and adaptability guide my approach to interiors—shaping spaces that feel not only beautiful, but genuinely personal and purposeful.
And it’s exactly what I aim to bring into every home design I touch. Fresh perspective. Deep listening. And a focus on designing a space that looks and feels like you—only elevated.
Ready to style your space like it really means something?
If you’ve ever felt a little unsure about pulling it all together—whether it’s your wardrobe or your home—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own either. I’d love to help you create a space that feels unmistakably you.
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Let’s keep the conversation going.
I also was a personal shopper and stylist. But now into a different career. I hadn't thought of the similarities, now they make such sense. Love what you create!