15 Things Your Home Needs ASAP, According To Interior Designers
Ever walked into someone’s house and felt instantly at home? That’s no accident!
As an interior designer, I’ve seen how the right pieces transform a house into a sanctuary. Your space should reflect who you are while functioning beautifully for everyday life.
Looking to elevate your home without emptying your wallet? These designer-approved essentials will revolutionize your space.
1. Statement Lighting That Makes Rooms Sing
Forget boring ceiling fixtures! A jaw-dropping chandelier or sculptural pendant light creates instant drama while casting gorgeous shadows across your walls.
Think of lighting as jewelry for your home, it shouldn’t be an afterthought. I’ve transformed countless dull rooms with just one spectacular light fixture.
Look for unexpected materials like rattan, hand-blown glass, or brushed brass to add character. Bonus points if it creates interesting patterns when illuminated!
2. Layered Textiles For Cozy Comfort
Bare rooms scream ‘unloved’. Layer throws, pillows, and rugs in complementary textures to create depth and warmth instantly.
Mix materials boldly, think chunky knits against smooth velvet or rough linen with silky cotton. The contrast creates visual interest while making spaces feel thoughtfully designed.
Rotate your textiles seasonally for practical luxury. Lightweight cotton throws in summer, woolen blankets in winter. This simple switch refreshes rooms without major renovations.
3. Large-Scale Art That Commands Attention
Is your wall art more gallery clutter than gallery chic? Tiny frames scattered everywhere create visual chaos. And, let’s face it, that postcard-sized painting above your sofa isn’t exactly making a big impression.
One oversized piece makes a wall-to-wall statement and instantly elevates your space. Scale matters in design. Size really does matter!
Aim for artwork that covers at least two-thirds of the wall for serious impact. Abstract pieces are a great starter brushstroke, they play nicely with most styles and color palettes.
But no matter what you choose, make sure it truly speaks to you. Because when it comes to decorating, heart over hype wins every time.
4. Indoor Plants That Breathe Life
Rooms without greenery feel sterile and incomplete. Plants add organic texture, improve air quality, and create visual height in forgotten corners.
Start with low-maintenance varieties if you lack a green thumb. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos thrive despite neglect and still look fabulous.
Group plants in odd numbers for natural-looking arrangements. Three different heights clustered together creates more impact than several specimens scattered randomly throughout a room.
5. A Statement Mirror That Doubles Space
Mirrors work magic in smaller spaces! Strategic placement opposite windows multiplies light while visually expanding cramped rooms.
Forget basic rectangular frames. Opt for unusual shapes or ornate vintage finds that function as art pieces themselves. Consider unexpected locations beyond bathrooms and hallways.
A statement floor mirror or an antiqued kitchen backsplash doesn’t just reflect light, it reflects style. Instantly adds depth and drama!
6. Quality Rugs That Ground Your Space
Undersized rugs make rooms feel disjointed and awkward. Invest in properly scaled pieces where furniture legs rest comfortably on the surface.
Natural fibers like wool and jute offer timeless appeal while withstanding heavy traffic. Though synthetic options tempt with lower prices, they typically flatten quickly and lack the rich patina that develops in natural materials.
Layer rugs fearlessly for dimension and personality. A vintage Persian atop a larger sisal creates a sophisticated contrast while defining conversation areas within open floor plans.
7. Conversation-Worthy Coffee Table Books
Those plastic coasters and remote controls cluttering your coffee table? Banish them! Curated art books reveal your interests while providing endless conversation starters.
Stack books by size with the largest at the bottom. The visual pyramid creates order while showcasing gorgeous covers that reflect your personality and passions.
Choose topics that genuinely fascinate you, architecture, fashion, travel destinations you love. Authentic selections invite guests to connect with your interests rather than just admiring pretty pictures.
8. Multifunctional Furniture For Modern Living
Single-purpose furniture wastes precious square footage. Storage ottomans, expandable dining tables, and sleeper sofas maximize functionality without sacrificing style.
Seek pieces with hidden compartments or convertible features. My clients consistently praise nesting tables that separate for parties and storage beds that conceal seasonal items.
Quality construction matters tremendously with hardworking pieces. Examine joinery, test moving parts, and investigate warranties before purchasing items expected to perform multiple functions throughout your home.
9. Dimmable Lighting For Atmosphere Control
Harsh overhead lighting flattens rooms and ages occupants unfavorably. Dimmers instantly create ambiance while providing practical task lighting when needed. Install dimmer switches on every light fixture possible.
The ability to adjust brightness transforms dining rooms from homework stations to romantic dinner venues with a simple slide. Layer multiple light sources at different heights throughout rooms.
Table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and ceiling fixtures working together on dimmers create depth impossible to achieve with single light sources.
10. Vintage Pieces That Tell Stories
Tired of your home looking like a furniture showroom on autopilot? Rooms packed with catalog-only pieces can feel more meh than memorable.
The fix? Mix in at least one vintage gem with real soul, because nothing says character development like a flea market find with a little patina and a lot of story.
Antique chests, mid-century chairs, or even a funky brass lamp can turn a space from basic to brilliant.
Don’t be afraid to mix eras, a Victorian side table next to a modern sofa creates the kind of style tension that sparks major visual interest. It’s not about matching… It’s about making history come alive in the coolest way.
11. Thoughtful Wall Treatments Beyond Paint
Solid-colored walls throughout your home create monotony. Wallpaper, textured plaster, or wooden paneling adds dimension impossible to achieve with paint alone.
Start small with accent walls in powder rooms or dining areas. These contained spaces allow experimentation without overwhelming commitment.
Consider removable wallpaper for renters or the design-commitment-phobic. Modern options feature sophisticated patterns that transform spaces without damaging surfaces when it’s time for a change.
12. Personal Collections Displayed Thoughtfully
Random knickknacks scattered everywhere look cluttered rather than curated! Put similar objects together for a visual impact that showcases your passions.
Consider unexpected display methods beyond traditional shelving. Vintage trays, glass cloches, or floating shadow boxes elevate ordinary collections into artistic arrangements.
Rotate collections seasonally to prevent visual fatigue. This refreshes your space while protecting delicate items from extended light exposure and dust accumulation.
13. Natural Materials That Add Warmth
Rooms lacking natural elements feel sterile and unwelcoming. Incorporate wood, stone, rattan, and other organic materials to create visual warmth and textural interest.
Mix several natural elements within each space for balance. Wooden furniture, stone accessories, and woven baskets together create harmony that a single natural element cannot achieve alone. Seek sustainable options whenever possible.
Reclaimed wood, responsibly harvested rattan, and locally sourced stone reduce environmental impact while adding authentic character to your home.
14. Properly Sized Window Treatments
Skimpy curtains that barely reach windowsills scream amateur design. Hang drapery rods close to the ceiling with panels that kiss the floor for instant elegance.
Width matters tremendously with window treatments. Panels should appear full even when closed, requiring fabric approximately 2.5 times your window’s width.
Consider lining options carefully based on function. Blackout lining for bedrooms improves sleep quality, while sheer panels filter harsh sunlight beautifully in living areas.
15. Unexpected Accent Colors That Energize
Completely neutral rooms feel flat and forgettable. Introduce unexpected color through accessories that can evolve as your taste changes.
Choose accent colors from artwork you love rather than following trends blindly. This creates cohesion while ensuring you genuinely connect with the palette.
Apply the 60-30-10 rule for balanced color distribution. Sixty percent neutral base, thirty percent secondary color, and ten percent vibrant accent create sophisticated harmony without overwhelming spaces.
