Wood styles homes with heart

Sal Wood has had a love affair with houses for as long as she can remember.

From repainting her room as a child to thrift shopping and refurbishing old pieces of furniture as a teen, Sal has turned her passion into a decorative career working alongside realtors and builders as an interior stylist.

“I’ve always loved houses, they’re my old friends. It’s always been a part of me and I’ve always taken notice of what’s around me,” she said.

“I love styling and what you can do with a house, every house has its own personality and people know what they like, often they just need a vote of confidence.”

Sal said the most common styling mistake people make is attempting to copy something they’ve seen in someone else’s home or in a magazine.

“I always say to people that page 15 of your favourite magazine isn’t always going to suit your house, bring your personality into your home but respect your surroundings at the same time.

“Sometimes people will see a kitchen they love or a couch, but their house might be 50 years older so it’s not going to look the same and they’re going to be disappointed.”

She said that when it comes to styling, she advises people to buy one or two pieces at a time and build from there.

“It’s not about racing out and buying everything at once, get the key pieces you need and the rest will evolve, you create this love of your own house as you go along the journey.”

Describing her own style as a blend of modern and rustic, Sal said she loves mixing old with the new.

“I have a few pieces that come with me from house to house so my friends recognise it’s my home but I also love having some on-trend stuff as well and mixing the two together.

“I don’t believe you a have to have an endless amount of money to achieve a desired look. One of my favourite things about my job is looking in people’s cupboards and discovering old pottery vases (which are popular right now) and little bits and pieces that people have forgotten they have.

“Sometimes when you look at something every day you don’t appreciate it.”

In terms of the latest trends, Sal believes colour is making a comeback.

“The monochrome look will always be around but colour is trending, and for those unsure about paint you can layer a room using textures, leather, cushions or beautiful fabrics,” she said.

“Textures bring the room to life and create an inviting space that’s less clinical, you don’t want your lounge to feel like a waiting room.

“You have to bring your personality while respecting the architecture of your home and when you find the balance between the two you can’t go wrong.”

For styling information, and to get in contact, email [email protected].