Driven by a passion for her work and her natural talent for styling, Imogen Naylor is one of Australia’s leading interior stylists. Forging her career in the world of magazine advertising, Imogen has gone on to garner a reputation as a skilled and highly sought after stylist. 

In contrast to her childhood dreams of wearing “beautiful dresses and clicky heels”, Imogen admits that working in the styling industry is hard and physically demanding work. 

“People think it’s a really glamorous job, especially in advertising, but it’s actually the opposite,” she explains. “It’s sneakers and activewear and it’s a lot of furniture moving, blood, sweat and tears.” 

It’s this grit and determination that has propelled Imogen to the place she is today, having worked as a stylist for more than a decade. Talking with KING, Imogen shares some of her styling secrets and advice. 

Imogen's style

While Imogen respects all styles, she is inspired by Dutch interiors that beautifully combine old and new into a cohesive form of calming minimalism.  

“I do have a soft spot for Dutch styling,” she says. “I love the exposed timber beams and layered linens with a mixture of terracotta and natural textures. But then all of a sudden, they might have a beautiful, sleek, contemporary sofa.” 

“When you’re working for clients, you’ve got to be able to adapt yourself. Good interior stylists can work to the client’s needs and wants and should have a solid ground knowledge for all different styles. 

It’s for this reason that Imogen rejects styling “rules”, delivering a beautiful, free-flowing design aesthetic for each client she works with.  

“I love what I do,” she says. “I find it a pleasure to go into somebody’s home, have a vision and work with them on a very personal level to create something that brings them honest joy.”

Imogen is pictured with Neale Whitaker behind the scenes of the KING Living 2023 Collection filming.

Creating timeless interiors

Imogen says that colour palettes come and go. So do trends. Instead, her approach to creating timeless interiors is about combinations of textures and colours that feel calm and bring joy. 

“If you’re going to invest all this energy and money into making a really beautiful home, don’t get caught up in what’s on trend. Timeless things are practical things,” she explains. “Neutral tones and textures, soft curves, things that don't wear and tear easily.” 

In today’s day and age when we live increasingly busy lives, Imogen says that the combination of practical fabrics on really comfortable furniture is gold. The Jasper Sofa holds a special place in Imogen’s heart as it was one of the first campaigns she worked on with KING. 

“You can achieve a low maintenance , aspirational home with a combination of KING fabrics,” she explains. “Pair beautiful velvet with a relaxed linen. It’s the combination of the style of the furniture and then softened with a beautiful, floppy linen cushion. Fabrics tell the story of a life in a home. They turn a house into a home.” 

Imogen often takes this a step further, repurposing or reusing heirloom or nostalgic furniture in styling.  

“If you can try and repurpose or recover, it’s good for sustainability and our environment, but you’re also delivering something with a new lease on life for the client,” she says. “They can hold on to that piece of furniture and pass it on from generation to generation.”

Imogen believes in creating timeless interiors over following trends. Featuring the Cassia Barstool.

Words of advice

For aspiring stylists wanting to break into the industry, Imogen says that it’s part positive attitude and part experience that will help them progress. 

“Do you research,” she says. “Get your black book together. Put your sneakers on and walk and source. Research, research, research. Be open to assisting and have a great attitude about it.” 

These are wise words of advice from someone so respected in her industry.  

For more interior design inspiration, you can follow Imogen on Instagram or discover how Imogen created a dream family home design.