Key Points
- Add high, tailored window treatments and stylish lampshades for a polished look.
- Keep decor minimal but meaningful, rotating items seasonally to avoid clutter.
- Layer textures, vintage pieces, and soft lighting to create warmth and depth.
When it comes to knowing how to make any home look well-styled and finished, interior designers have plenty of tips and tricks up their sleeves.
Here, three experts share five practices that you will want to be sure to implement in your own space to ensure that it looks elevated and complete. They’re simpler than you might think but will truly go a long way.
Dress Your Windows
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Bare windows are no good, according to Audra Samnotra, the founder of Social Swan Decor. Samnotra recommends dressing your windows since bare windows can often come across as unfinished, plus window coverings bring a slew of benefits.
“Drapery adds softness, height, and polish,” Samnotra says.
That said, the exact style of window covering you choose is entirely up to you—maybe you like the look of simple Roman shades, or perhaps velvet blackout drapes better suit your needs. No matter which route you take, the result will read as much more tailored and complete.
Gemma Parker, the founder of Gemma Parker Design, also preaches the benefits of drapery and will generally install custom window treatments in the homes she designs. The key to going the extra mile here is to install your curtains a bit higher above the windows than may be obvious. This wall plays up a room’s height, in turn, creating both a sense of space and drama, Parker says.
“If you have the option, stack them at the side versus overlapping too far over the window, in order to allow more light into the space and make the windows feel larger,” Parker explains.
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Cut the Clutter
A cluttered, chaotic home is never going to look complete.
“When it comes to decorative pieces: less filler, more feeling,” Samnotra says. “One meaningful piece with soul will always outshine a cluster of trendy accents.”
The key here, she explains, really is to abide by the philosophy that less is more.
If you can’t bear the thought of parting with your beloved pieces, make an effort to rotate your collection out seasonally to prevent your space from appearing too busy.
Mix and Match Textures
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Your home shouldn’t be just one-note; it’s integral to weave a wide variety of textures throughout the space, Parker notes. Not only does this mean experimenting with a mixture of fabrics, but it also involves combining old and new items to tell a story within your home, the designer adds.
“I love styling a space with a curated mix of items, from vintage pieces and personal items layered with books to create a lived-in atmosphere,” she says.
Perfect Your Lighting Scheme
A well-lit home will instantly appear more sophisticated. Parker recommends making sure to prioritize accent lighting, which she says is an easy way to add ambiance to a space and create warmth.
Note that the big light often isn’t needed, and you may feel much more relaxed within your space by turning it off in the evenings, as Parker does.
“I prefer soft ambient lighting mixed with candlelight,” she says. “I find that it sets a mood that is both elevated and welcoming.”
Upgrade Your Lampshades
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If your lampshades aren’t adding much to your space, consider swapping them out in lieu of styles that add personality to the home. These might be hand-painted, fabric-covered, scalloped, you name it; the choice is yours. No matter what, introducing a pretty shade is sure to make your home appear more finished, Grace Frederick, the founder of Grace Frederick Design, says.
“Whether it’s custom or a ready-made option in a fun pattern or color, swapping out the standard white shade adds personality and pulls the whole space together,” Frederick says. “It’s a small change that makes everything feel a little more inviting.”