10 Things You'll Always Find in an Interior Designer's Home

The article shares ten key strategies that interior designers use to curate stylish and intentional living spaces, making their homes feel unique and cohesive. These strategies are actionable tips for anyone looking to elevate their home decor. One fundamental approach highlighted is the incorporation of statement lighting. Designers often replace standard fixtures with bold pendant lamps, vintage chandeliers, or artistic wall sconces to add purpose, opulence, and architectural interest. Layering different types of lighting—task, ambient, and decorative—is also crucial to create warmth and depth, avoiding sole reliance on recessed lighting. Another significant tip is to integrate vintage or one-of-a-kind pieces. These items, such as family heirlooms, thrift store finds, handmade pottery, vintage rugs, or antique furniture, imbue a space with history, personality, and authenticity that mass-produced decor often lacks. Mixing contemporary and vintage elements prevents a home from feeling overly formulaic. Functional yet stylish storage is also emphasized; even in maximalist homes, designers maintain an uncluttered environment through sophisticated storage solutions. This includes woven baskets, decorative storage ottomans, custom built-ins, glass jars for pantry staples, floating shelves, and concealed drawers, ensuring practicality without compromising aesthetics. Designers frequently use an abundance of pillows to enhance comfort and visual interest, mixing various fabrics, textures, and colors to create a curated feel that reflects personal style. Similarly, decorating with candles is a common practice, as they contribute to a soft, fragrant, and cozy atmosphere. For those sensitive to scents, unscented tea lights in unique vessels offer a similar aesthetic benefit. A varied collection of glassware is another characteristic found in designers' homes, allowing for an expression of mood and adding a distinctive touch to everyday items. This involves having different types of glassware from various origins, rather than a uniform set. Regularly switching up decorative items such as throws, home decor pieces, lighting, and pillows is also a practice of interior designers. These interchangeable items introduce ambiance, layered texture, and seasonality, keeping the home dynamic and fresh. Additionally, designers often display collectibles acquired from their travels and shopping excursions, adding personal touches and stories to their spaces. Incorporating art is essential, with designers always featuring at least one piece of artwork that tells a story or sparks conversation. This can range from expensive paintings to local art fair prints or thrifted oil paintings, demonstrating that impactful art doesn't require a large budget. Coffee table books are utilized not just for reading but as functional decor, adding a sophisticated and intellectual element to living areas. These can be vintage novels or chic coffee table books, easily sourced from thrift stores or library sales. Finally, designers stress the importance of using pieces that genuinely reflect one's personality. This could involve a statement furniture piece like a bold colored sofa or a unique sculpture. Authentic reflections of personal joy and taste are considered the foundation of great design, ensuring the home feels truly personal and inviting. By implementing these strategies, individuals can transform their living spaces to achieve a professionally designed, curated look that blends style with personal expression. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DecoratingTips #StatementLighting #VintageDecor #StylishStorage #PersonalizedHome #ArtInDecor #HomeStyling

Interior designer Devon Liedtke, founder of The DL, shares 11 essential items she always includes in her home, emphasizing a balance of functionality, timelessness, and personal expression. Her approach to home decor focuses on creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical, particularly for a family with children. Liedtke advocates for functional yet aesthetically pleasing tableware, suggesting that mixed and matched pieces in nuanced neutrals can add creativity and originality to a dining experience. She values durable, classic furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and dining tables, which are considered long-term investments rather than temporary trends. This preference for timeless pieces ensures longevity and adaptability to changing styles. Art collection is another crucial element for Liedtke, who enjoys acquiring pieces that resonate with her. She highlights the flexibility of art, noting that simply swapping out pieces can refresh a room's atmosphere. Beyond wall art, she incorporates visual interest through coffee-table books, specifically art books, which she collects from museum gift shops. These books serve as conversation starters and add an intellectual and aesthetic layer to living spaces. Sculptural elements are introduced through large ceramic vessels filled with branches or greenery, offering an organic yet refined touch to any room. Lighting is viewed as an opportunity for making a statement, with unique and stunning lamps contributing to the sculptural quality of a space. Liedtke also prioritizes comfort and an understated look in the bedroom, recommending linen bedding for its dreamy, perfectly imperfect aesthetic. Chic ceramics, varying in shape, texture, color, and size, are collected from diverse sources, including mid-century finds, international markets, and local ceramists. These pieces are strategically placed to create interesting vignettes and add character. For a home with children, creative and effective storage solutions are paramount. Liedtke integrates storage that complements her design aesthetic, such as large baskets for toys that slide into console tables and dedicated drawers for play kitchen utensils, keeping clutter out of sight but accessible. In the kitchen, she insists on functional yet aesthetically pleasing accessories, reflecting her love for cooking and family time. Finally, a mood board is an ongoing source of inspiration, filled with magazine clippings, notes, and memorabilia, helping to continuously evolve her home's design and personal style. These principles underscore a philosophy of intentional design that combines practicality with artistic expression. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DevonLiedtke #HomeEssentials #Furniture #ArtCollection #Ceramics #StorageSolutions #LinenBedding

Making design choices for a home, whether for a full renovation or a single room refresh, can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of options and the financial commitment involved. To mitigate potential regret, selecting a timeless aesthetic is crucial. This approach focuses on design elements that transcend fleeting trends, ensuring longevity and continued appeal. According to professional interior designers, several key choices contribute to creating a space that feels collected and sophisticated over time, rather than one that quickly dates. One fundamental principle is the incorporation of antique and vintage pieces. Designer Jennifer Hunter advocates for these items as they prevent a space from feeling too new or sterile, adding layers and character that contribute to a timeless look. This doesn't necessitate expensive auction finds; even a cherished family heirloom or a unique thrift store discovery can serve this purpose. Complementing this, Hunter also emphasizes the importance of mixing patterns and textures. Avoiding a 'matchy-matchy' aesthetic by playing with different materials and patterns creates a more curated and organic feel, suggesting a space that has evolved over time rather than being designed all at once. The key to successful pattern mixing lies in maintaining a cohesive color scheme across all elements. Specific design elements also stand out for their enduring appeal. Cabana stripes, as noted by Audrey Frances Doty, offer a versatile and elegant pattern reminiscent of seaside retreats. Their adaptability to various room types, from beach homes to urban apartments, makes them a classic choice that adds visual interest without overwhelming a space. For kitchens, stainless steel appliances are a perennial favorite due to their sleek appearance, durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to integrate seamlessly with both contemporary and traditional interior styles. White paint is another highly recommended choice for its versatility; it reflects light, makes rooms appear larger and brighter, and provides a neutral backdrop that complements virtually any color, material, or design style, making it ideal for showcasing art or antique collections. Furniture selections also play a significant role. Wooden tables are highlighted by designer Susan Petrie for their versatility, sturdiness, and graceful aging process. Their unique grain and ability to develop character over time make them a valuable, long-term investment, even acquiring charm from accidental scratches. Adding plants is another recommended choice for enhancing any space. Nicole Cole suggests using medium to large sculptural plants in interesting pots to add drama and importance to a room. For those with less natural light or a less-than-green thumb, high-quality faux plants offer a convincing alternative. Furthermore, designer Taryn Bickley praises mohair fabric for its timeless comfort and durability, making it an excellent choice for upholstery in family-friendly environments due to its softness, resilience, and ease of cleaning. Regan Billingsley champions the use of natural materials such as honed marble, rich walnut wood, and handwoven linen, emphasizing their lasting beauty and inherent ability to bring warmth and authenticity to a home. Ultimately, a key principle for creating a regret-free interior design is to personalize the space. Billingsley states that if a decor choice genuinely resonates with one's personality and values, it will always feel timeless. This could involve using a favorite color on the walls to create a sense of familiarity or incorporating a vintage rug that adds warmth and history. By focusing on personal connection and classic, versatile elements, homeowners can create spaces that remain stylish and cherished for years to come. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TimelessDesign #DecoratingTips #VintageFurniture #NaturalMaterials #StainlessSteel #WhitePaint #Mohair

Jennifer Walter, a principal designer and owner of Folding Chair Design Co. with over 13 years of experience, identifies ten specific decor items and design styles she would avoid in her own home. Her recommendations aim to help individuals navigate the overwhelming number of home decor trends and make informed investment decisions. Walter advises against printed canvases featuring low-quality photos or pop art, suggesting that many of these pieces resemble stock images or mass reprints, which have declined in popularity. Instead, she recommends sourcing reasonably priced, framed artwork from online platforms such as Etsy, Minted, and Society6, as these pieces offer a more elevated aesthetic. Regarding structural elements, Walter expresses a dislike for barn doors, despite their prevalence in modern-farmhouse aesthetics. She notes that while they are often used to cover large walls or close off spaces, they do not universally suit all types of rooms and can appear out of place in non-farmhouse settings. The designer also considers Tuscan-style kitchens to be dated, characterized by elements like pink terra-cotta floor tiles, distinctive tile patterns behind range hoods, and intricate iron accents. As an alternative, Walter suggests using artisan tiles, such as Zellige tile, which are handmade, come in various colors, and offer an age-old look while aligning with modern design sensibilities. When it comes to personal photographs, Walter suggests avoiding displaying large, prominent arrays of standard school or family photos as a room's focal point. She recommends more artistic presentations, such as abstract or less obvious photos blown up and framed together in a hallway, or a black-and-white image of a pet used as focal art in a bedroom. Halogen floor lamps, particularly torchiere-style ones, are another item Walter would exclude due to their potential fire hazard, as their 500-watt bulbs can reach high temperatures. She advocates for modern floor lamps that incorporate current trends, such as rattan or velvet shades, or sculptural designs that function as both lighting and artistic statements. Walter also cautions against mixing disparate flooring materials and synthetic wood finishes throughout a home, as this can create a disjointed appearance. She advises maintaining a consistent flooring material and finish, or, if replacing all flooring is not feasible, choosing complementary materials like large-format tiles or carpet. Matching furniture sets, particularly for bedrooms and kitchens, are identified as a missed opportunity to inject personality into a space. Walter prefers selecting individual pieces to create a more unique and varied aesthetic, noting the availability of stain-resistant fabrics for kitchen and dining chairs that allow for upholstered options. Furthermore, metal window treatments are deemed undesirable due to their sterile appearance. Walter suggests using soft woven shades or other textured options available from online blinds companies or through designers, as these alternatives can enhance a window's appearance without the high cost of custom treatments. Lastly, wooden signs with generic slogans such as "home sweet home" or "live, laugh, love" are outdated. Instead, Walter recommends sourcing vintage signs from platforms like eBay or Etsy, or opting for diverse artwork to fill wall spaces creatively. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #JenniferWalter #DecoratingTips #Furniture #Flooring #WindowTreatments #ArtSelection #TuscanKitchen

This article explores the favorite home items of various interior designers, offering insights into products they would repeatedly purchase and tips on how to incorporate them into personal living spaces. Kimberly Bevan from Bevan Interiors highlights the Design Within Reach Rice Paper Shade, praising its ambient glow, large-scale buoyancy despite its size, and versatility across modern and traditional settings, all at an accessible price point. She advises light feather dusting for maintenance. Emily Vaughan of Emily Vaughan Interiors recommends the BlueStar Range, a professional-grade appliance acquired during a 1952 home renovation. She values its open burners for even high-temperature cooking, easy-to-clean cast iron cooktop, and capacity for two full-size sheet pans, noting that colorful appliance options could enhance cohesion in a kitchen. Shelagh Conway from Triple Heart Design values the Maison Distressed Black Oak 4-Door Buffet Sideboard as a substantial dresser that provides a grounding element in her large bedroom, adapting to various design changes. She suggests embracing black in bedrooms for a calming effect, often mixing it with other wood tones for textural depth. Byron Risdon of Byron Risdon Interior Design Studio endorses West Elm Luxe Chenille Throws for their softness, luxury, and durability, making them suitable for both guests and daily use. He looks for comfort, softness, and durability in throws, suggesting a size that covers the body without being overly large. Ariel Richardson, lead designer at ASR Design Studio, praises the Miele Washer and Dryer for its compact, stackable design, efficient cleaning cartridges, and ventless drying technology, which allows for flexible placement. She emphasizes the environmental and clothing benefits of front-load washers. Tamara Honey of House of Honey finds the Disco Ball to be an instant mood transformer, recommending its placement near a window to enhance the magical effect of glimmering lights. Aimee Meisgeier from AM Interior Design favors the Beta Modular Sofa for its deep comfort, modular customization, and corduroy fabric, which is both cozy and practical for pet owners. She advises measuring the space and defining needs before purchasing a modular sofa. Linette Dai of Linette Dai Design cherishes the CB2 Muse Smoked Coupe Glass for its chic design and modern aesthetic, using it for both cocktails and sparkling water. She suggests pairing coupe glasses with bite-sized snacks in sculptural dishes. She also appreciates the CB2 Suspend Walnut & Marble Media Console for its natural elements, beautiful walnut veneer, marble top, and practical storage. She advocates for minimalist styling of console tops with essential, functional decor. Azali Kassum of Azali Kassum Design collects Victoria Morris's ceramics, specifically the Large Gourd Vase in Ivory, for its unique handmade flair and sculptural elegance. She advises hand-washing ceramics with gentle soap and air-drying in the sun. Gina Gutierrez from Gina Rachelle Design recommends the Joss & Main Tellis Marble Picture Frame for its classic and timeless appeal, versatility in size and finish, and ability to fill empty spaces. She applies the “rule of three” for styling. Sarah Rinehart Fleischer of SRF Interiors finds joy in Dana Bell's painting, “Dancing on Yellow, 2001,” for its bold colors and perfect fit in an awkward wall space. She suggests keeping room measurements handy for online art purchases. Lorna Gross, CEO of LORNA GROSS Interior Design, finds the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Scented Candle to be a constant source of calm. She advises keeping candle lids on to prevent dust and burn marks, and lighting kitchen candles after meals. Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design highlights the Kartell Pilastro Stool for its unique lines, interesting shape, and multi-functional use as a side table, footstool, or extra seating. She prefers furniture that is both artistic and functional. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors loves the Serena & Lily Milo Alpaca Throw for its softness, luxury, and year-round coziness. She prefers displaying throws on chairs to visually unify a room. Shauna Glenn of Shauna Glenn Design trusts the Annie Selke Paint Chip Multi Hand Micro-Hooked Wool Rug for its durability in high-traffic areas and ease of cleaning. She emphasizes regular vacuuming and shaking of wool rugs. Joni Burden of J. Banks Design favors the Gabby Laura Swivel Chair for its timeless elegance, compact size, comfort, and versatility. She appreciates swivel chairs in family rooms for their adaptability. Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors consistently uses Palmer Green Paint by Benjamin Moore, describing it as a deep, rich green with yellow undertones that acts as a neutral in maximalist aesthetics. She recommends using tinted primer and considering the desired ambiance when choosing green paint. Ariel Richardson also champions Ruggable Rugs for their durability, washability, and stain-repelling properties, making them ideal for households with pets and children. She advises washing on a delicate cycle with cold water and low heat drying. Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs chose the Artistic Frame Studio Side Chair for its cane and wood contrast, modern flair, and traditional essence, valuing it for family gatherings. She notes the current trend of cane in unexpected furniture pieces. Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors transformed her family room with Phillip Jeffries 9190: Beat Wallpaper, creating a living mural that unifies the space and encourages creative endeavors. She suggests regular dusting and occasional wiping for wallpaper maintenance. Alex Yeske of Alex Yeske Interiors appreciates The Rush House Original Rug, a natural fiber seagrass rug, for its warmth, texture, softness, and customizable, replaceable squares. She recommends vacuuming on a lighter setting and blotting stains for natural fiber rugs. Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio values the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine for its combination of functionality and quality, including an integrated burr grinder and steam wand. She suggests creating a dedicated coffee station. Paige Blodgett Scher of Paige Blodgett Interiors painted her entryway with Bancha Paint by Farrow & Ball to define and warm the small space, praising its yellow undertones and dramatic effect. She advises choosing darker shades to add depth to small areas. Cynthia Lananh of Cynthia Lananh treasures the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle for its neutral, sophisticated scent and elevated packaging. She suggests pairing candles with design-savvy accessories. Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio considers the Zip Water HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Water Filter Faucet her most beloved appliance for its instant still, sparkling, hot, and cold water delivery in luxurious finishes. She recommends classic chrome or matte black for contemporary kitchens and living brass for traditional ones. Finally, Lina Galvão of Curated Nest loves the Scout Design Studio Promenade Sofa for its approachable style, sculptural arms, comfort, and forgiving fabric. She notes that for modern, sculptural sofas, one might forgo pillows to let the shape shine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerPicks #HomeFurnishings #DecoratingTips #ApplianceRecommendations #Textiles #ArtAndAccessories #PaintColors