The 3 Item Solution To Instantly Tie A Room Together

Home decorating is all fun and games — until you get stuck. Sometimes, whether you're trying to attempt a full-blown makeover or simply refresh your living room without a drop of paint, you need a quick trick to tie everything together.

That's exactly the kind of hack that Kristen McGowan presented in a recent interior design styling video on YouTube. Her three-item solution is simple but effective: With a table lamp, a vase, and a bowl or catchall tray, you can instantly elevate an ordinary corner of your home. Arranged artfully together on a side table, the trio is both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

It can be the difference between a room that feels lackluster and one that feels ready for its own magazine spread. Another huge bonus? You might already have everything (or almost everything) you need for the three-item solution, making it an easy hack to help you decorate your home on a budget that you could try out today.

This three-item solution is especially helpful when there's an area of a room in your home that could use a little love. Maybe it's the top of a dresser in your bedroom, a cluttered side table in your entryway, or the credenza in your living room. Clear it of any junk that's gathered on top of it, and get to work finding the three items— a lamp, a tray or bowl, and a vase — that would fit well there together.

Start by trying to repurpose something you already have, like a giant shallow bowl that doesn't get much use in your kitchen or a lamp that's collecting dust in another room. Even if you don't have any of the three items on hand, remember that you don't necessarily need to spend big to get some sophisticated pieces. You could transform a Dollar Tree tray into a vintage statement piece or check out your local thrift store for items that could turn into a DIY lamp that's designer-worthy.

When you have the items (or even a few options for each one), play around with the way you arrange them on the table or shelf. Part of the reason that these three items work well together is their varying heights — the taller vase and lamp can provide some balance and depth when paired with the shorter bowl or tray.

Each element will individually add punch and practicality. The lamp can bring some warm lighting to make the space feel cozy, the catchall tray is a great place to keep bits and bobs like keys or remotes, making the area feel more organized, and the vase can be home to some greenery or fresh flowers that brighten the room or give it a seasonal flair.

There can certainly be other items on the table to help balance the appearance or add character, such as stacked books, picture frames, or candles, but the three-item solution is a great starting point when you need design inspiration to tie a room together.