This has got to be one of my favorite AT posts ever -- it's such a simple set of small moves that really make a difference. I've art directed some photo shoots in the past, so I have some sense of what a difference little changes like this can make, but it's incredibly instructive [and inspiring] to see these examples, obviously well executed by a pro [or several]. Thank you, AT.

Call me crazy...
...but with the exception of the shoes on the floor, the magazines on the sofa and the dishes on the coffee table - the before looks better.

It's cool to see that you only need a few little thing that don't need to be expensive - like a plant or something - to make your house look awesome.

Which is the before and which is the after?!

I prefer the unstyled photos.

I think the ones on the left are the after?

Um, you failed to indicate which are the 'before' and which are the 'after' shots.

In any case, I think the photos on the left side are nicer.

It's worth noting that, aside from the differences in props, there are also differences in camera distance and angles, as well as color values, so we're really comparing apples and oranges.

If you click on the link for more photos at Living Etc., you'll see the pictures from the left there--so those are the "after."

Uh....ummm....since when is picking up your shoes an example of styling?

I suspect that the pictures on the left are the "After" and contain the styling.

My question would be "Since when do your shoes and books match your living room?"

agree again with BEPSF.

The element I do love is the jug full of branches and leaves. I prefer the decluttered "Before" pictures, but I like the jug of leaves and branches next to the couch and the tiny bud vase next to the bed.

Moral of the story: Flowers and plants make any room look even better. And pick your stuff up off the floor.

I hope he kept the rug because it definitely helps warm up the living room.

Really a nice post. I like this kind of before / after because it's helping me figure out how to layer just a little bit of texture on to my strictly pared down space.

I prefer all of the "styled" ones on the left better. The ones on the right seem cold and sterile while I think the ones on the left seem comfortable and lived in with only a few things added. I even like the shoes and books on the floor, it makes the room seem more "real" - many of my shoes _do_ actually match my living room, though my books do not, probably because I'm usually drawn to the same colors in clothes and furnishing.

Oddly, the 'before' pics seem more faithful to the AT aesthetic of "less is more."

I think the styled photos on the left reinforce the importance of scale, proportion, and warm touches in composing an interesting vignette.

i wouldn't have made all the specific choices that were selected, but I certainly agree with them in spirit. They make the spaces more interesting.

A good example of balancing hardness and softness / warm and cool.

I noticed too that the angles and color values were quite different, but I think the softening and personalizing touches of blankets, photos, flowers, magazines, and that great living room rug make a nice difference. One home I admire, the other I'd like to settle into and have a cup of tea.

I am loving the styled left photos. I think it is great that he keeps his place so minimal (right photos) which gives it that blank canvas feel that is so easy to work with and style for whatever. I can't say that either is "better" than the other. It just depends on what it is going to be used for and then styled as such. Neat-o.

Yes, the photos are in the order of "afters" on the left "befores" on the right. In the post it does say that the stylist added things, not took things away. I love the little styling tricks - and I want that throw! - but I absolutely HATE shoes on the floor. It's so dumb, and has been done to death.

The "warmly styled" rooms just look like someone actually lives in them. Note to self: To style rooms, just live in them. Done!

This is a really helpful article. And face it, the styled photos look better! Thanks for posting!

If you aren't sure of which is which, can't tell the difference between the styled and un -styled versions, or you appreciate the un-styled version more, it might explain A LOT all of your previous posts. lol Really.

It is less a case of not knowing and more a case of taking the poster to task for not writing a more cogent text.

Im surprised his dog isn't white :)

Yeah, this is a really poorly written post, and if the "afters" are on the left also a counter-intuitive way of presenting the contrasting shots.

I agree with mirandabee that there is more to the differences than just whether shoes are on the floor or the pillows are smushed. Camera angles and lighting aren't consistent, either. This really bugs me because it is something an art director whose job it is to present "before and after" images can totally control.

Hmmmm, this does not inspire me.

nice illustration of the importance and beauty of texture in a minimal space like this.

It's amazing how much a space can become more "cozy" with the addition of natural elements and accessories. I love all of the styled photographs and I think the home has so much more to offer now!

Come by and take a look at my blog...http://www.paigeofdesign.com/

Can anyone tell me where that sofa came from? Looks like the chair matches... did it come from the same place as the sofa?

My husband and CANNOT agree on a couch, but this might be the perfect compromise!

Never mind, found it on their site:

"The sofa is from Baileys. The Adam Richardson chair is re-covered in old linen from Eastern Europe; Laura Ashley sells similar. The rug is from Ikea."

To me, this is a great example not of how to style a home, but of how to style a home for photography. Personally, if I went to either a party or an open house that looked like the after shots, I would think, wow, this host or homeowner didn't care enough to pick up their shoes or make their bed? And who really keeps books on the floor? But as art, I think the after shots are much more visually interesting and well-composed. It's a valuable lesson, I think!

Green plants and a rug, as well as layering of accessories, sure contribute a lot to a space!

amazing what a rug can do to a room

this place is just gorgeous--wonderful use of white, neutrals, & natural light.

Interesting. There are some I like better before, and some with the "messy" (I wouldn't call it warm) styling. I don't leave shoes laying about though. Stinky sneakers by the sofa, ew. Shoes should either be worn, or neatly lined up at the door or put away. It is also a pet peeve of mine when the sofa (or floor) is used as a resting place for books, papers, or magazines. Books should be neatly stacked on shelf or coffee table when not in use so they don't get damaged. In my opinion, the styling that makes those places cozier is not the clutter, but rather the beautiful things such as plants/branches, the cozy throw on the bed, and the fluffy rug.