We all know that Instagram and Pinterest have a way of making designer homes look absolutely perfect, no matter the angle or hour of the day. But even IRL, interior designers’ spaces tend to have that certain je nais se quois about them — an almost ephemeral quality that makes them feel frustratingly unique, creative, and perfectly lived in (we’re looking at you, Leanne Ford).

But design magic aside, we’d argue that this enviable warmth and flair comes down to something surprisingly attainable: good styling and a few tried-and-true fundamentals. From proper lighting and window treatments to bold, standout features like wallpaper and funky furniture, designer homes tend to share several key elements.

Ahead, find the styling tricks and thoughtful touches that make designer homes stand out, personally vouched for by our Havenly designers.

1. Ambient Lighting

This comes straight from the design 101 handbook: ambient lighting is key to creating a warm, inviting space. Designers always aim to have at least two to four additional sources of light per room beyond overhead, be it chandeliers, sconces, or floor and table lamps. Lighting helps set the mood, while also adding texture, shape, and style to a space.

2. Meaningful Artwork

Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive; it just needs to say something. Select pieces that are unique or somehow imbued with your signature design style. By all means, embrace that $10 vintage oil painting you found at the thrift store, and proudly display the hand-me-down portrait from your grandparents. Whatever you do, consider skipping the ubiquitous wine bottle print or word art in favor of something more personal. 

3. Fresh Flowers

What’s the one thing featured in every Pinterest-worthy designer home across the internet? Fresh-cut flowers (or sculptural branches) in a gorgeous vase. We love a unique dried floral arrangement, but there’s something unmistakably elevated about fresh blooms (preferably in every room). 

4. Potted Plants & Trees

In that same vein, statuesque plants and statement trees have become a fixture in stylish designer homes. From real to life-like faux, popular houseplants like the Bird of Paradise, Majesty Palm, Sansevieria, olive trees, and more add height, color, and life to any space. 

5. Coffee Table Books

What’s better than functional decor? From literal coffee table decor to shelving, nightstand, and console table accents, coffee table books are a mainstay in designer homes. Pro tip: face the spines inward to create a tonal, neutral installation, and top your coffee table book stacks with candles, vases, florals, or decorative objects.  

6. Sculptural Furniture

Inspired by the contemporary interiors of the 1970s and ’80s, curved, sculptural furniture is back in style, and our designers are fully on board. From a soft, curvy daybed to a swivel accent chair, these curvaceous pieces balance out clean lines and more modern, angular accents. 

7. Something Vintage

Interior designers are pros at mixing furniture styles and understand the power of a well-placed vintage gem (even in a sea of brand-new furniture). From a hand-me-down dresser to an authentic mid-century modern light fixture sourced on Etsy, designer spaces are often brimming with rare antique finds.

8. Elaborate Window Treatments

Whether curtains, roman shades, or shutters, designers often think beyond blinds. Proper, more elaborate window treatments add texture, warmth, and drama to any space, in addition to drawing the eye upward. 

9. Large Rugs

We know that the temptation to buy a smaller rug to save money is all too real. But this is one area where interior designers don’t skimp — a properly-sized area rug makes a space feel finished, put together, and warm. Plus, the right piece will set the foundation for serious style.

10. Varied Wood Tones

Expertly mixing wood tones is no easy feat, but interior designers know how to pair white-washed oak with classic maple without skipping a beat. Rather than sticking to a single wood tone in a space (or even investing in a matching wood furniture set), the pros lean into the magic of varied finishes.  

11. Eye-Catching Lighting

In addition to moody, ambient lighting, statement pendants and chandeliers are like jewelry for the home. In our book, eye-catching lighting makes a space feel complete, whether you’re adding visual interest to a bedroom or illuminating a proper dining table.

12. Statement Seating

There’s a sofa, and then there’s a curved green velvet sofa that sets the tone for the entire space. Designers aren’t afraid to embrace statement seating, from unique materials like velvet or bouclé to funky patterns, prints, and silhouettes. 

13. Luxe & Layered Bedding

When it comes to crafting a bedroom budget, bedding will always be in the “splurge” column for us. For an enviable bedscape ready for its close up, you can’t beat high-end sheets topped with a sumptuous duvet, quilt or throw blanket, and at least four to six pillows. Swoon.

14. Bold Wallpaper

The pros don’t shy away from bold, creative design decisions, like landscape wallpaper, vibrant paint, or a DIY velvet crib canopy (more on that here). When done right, these more maximalist elements can lend the perfect touch of color, texture, and personality to any space.

15. An Artful WFH Setup

Home offices were (understandably) a makeshift afterthought during the pandemic. But with WFH becoming the norm, design lovers are investing in proper home office setups that complement their overarching aesthetic. Zoom calls have never looked better.

16. A Photogenic Bar Cart

Honestly, it doesn’t even have to be stocked with spirits (though ours typically are). Bar carts are a fun, vintage-inspired way to showcase decor, books, Pellegrino, and pretty, heirloom cocktail glasses (here are more ideas to get you started). 

17. Pretty Glassware

To that end, interior designers have a knack for elevating even the most mundane design moments, including glassware. When in doubt, buy the intricate, fluted cocktail glasses and smoked wine tumblers to upgrade every happy hour. We’ll drink to that. 

18. A Well-Styled Bookcase

Whether it’s stacked with books (a decorative ode to our favorite past-time) or brimming with family heirlooms, found artifacts, and unique art prints (or all four), designer homes appreciate a well-styled shelving vignette.

19. Tapered Candles

We know this is highly specific, but tapered candles and ornate, old-school candle holders have made a design comeback. Whether on top of an original fireplace mantel or clustered on a dining room table, tapered candles feel a touch more fancy than the vessel variety.

20. Layered Textures

Like mixing wood tones, designers understand the importance of layered textures and finishes, be it bouclé set against rich wood flooring or jute paired with linen and sheepskin. Warm minimalists particularly understand the cozy, inviting power of varied texture play.

21. A Surprise Element

From patterned sofas and statement wallpaper to eye-catching artwork and sculptural lighting, designers live for unexpected “wow” moments that make their homes feel special. When in doubt, select one bold element, and design your entire space around it.

Looking for a way to overcome your unique home dilemmas? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with our style quiz.