Interior Designers Reveal the One Thing They Include in Every Client’s Home

“I’m a huge fan of upholstering sofas, dining chairs, ottomans and even mudroom cushions in indoor-outdoor fabric. There are so many incredible options to choose from — you almost don’t even know it’s the same fabric that can be used outside!” — Darci Hether, Darci Hether New York

Photo by: Jean Allsopp

“Given that my design mantra is ‘every room needs at least one antique,’ I like to include antiques in every project. This can be something as small as a stack of antique books used as an accessory to a beautiful antique chandelier or walnut commode. By incorporating antique and vintage pieces into a room, with their aged patina, imperfections and storied pasts, you are creating a space with history and character that is difficult to achieve otherwise. These pieces add a depth and richness that can provide an excellent backdrop for newer pieces to contrast with.” — Debbie Mathews LeRoy, Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs

Photo by: Caroline Sharpnack

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“We put dimmers on the lights in every project. Dimmable lighting gives you the flexibility to shift a room’s mood throughout the day—from bright and functional to soft and intimate. It’s one of the easiest ways to add ambience and livability to a space.” — Zoë Feldman, Zoë Feldman Design

“One thing I always include in my interior design projects are books. They’re functional, personal and double as home accessories. Whether stacked on a coffee table, or styled on bookshelves, they make any space feel more lived-in.” — Naïka André of NJA Interiors

“We always use wood stump side tables in our projects. The more aged looking, the better! We find that even in our designs that lean more modern, there’s something about the look and versatility of these pieces that give our designs so much character. They can be placed almost anywhere in the home, too—from next to the tub to a side table in a living room!” — Steph Schlegelmilch, Studio Seva

Photo by: Kirsten Francis

“I never complete a room without at least one sculptural or vintage lamp. It brings in personality, and offers another opportunity for layering height, color and texture. Whether it’s a ceramic gourd, a glass lamp with a playful shade or a vintage object—like a wallpaper print roller—repurposed into a lamp, it always adds character and depth to the space. There are so many ready-made shades in fun patterns and colors now that can turn an otherwise boring lamp into something special—it’s an easy way to bring in a little surprise.” — Liz Williams, Liz Williams Interiors

Photo by: Emily Followill

“We like custom poufs in nearly every project because of their incredible versatility and timeless appeal. They adapt seamlessly to any interior style, and we often customize them with different bases and curated fabrics to suit the space. Whether used as a footrest, extra seating in a family room or a stylish perch in a closet for putting on shoes, they serve both form and function. We also scale them thoughtfully to complement the room’s proportions and needs.” — Jessica Nicastro, Jessica Nicastro Design

Photo by: Sam Frost

“In every project, I always include custom throw pillows. It’s a detail that really finishes the space and ties all the textures and materials together, resulting in an elevated, layered look.” — Sarah Tract, Sarah Tract Interiors

Photo by: Reid Rolls

“Custom bedding instantly takes a space from basic bedroom to true sanctuary. We use all-white sheeting and duvet covers, often times with single- or double-stitching applied in the same main accent color found in the bedroom (for instance, slate blue stitching on all-white bedding). We always include at least one pair of regular shams with the same stitching detail and at least one decorative pillow — usually something patterned and complementary to the surrounding colors.” — Darci Hether, Darci Hether New York

Photo by: Emily Gilbert

“One element I include in nearly every project is a piece of antique furniture with turned legs, whether it’s a side table, a kitchen island, a chair or a console. These pieces bring a sense of history and craftsmanship that instantly grounds a space. The turned leg detail adds visual interest and character, helping a room feel layered, eclectic and soulful. It’s the kind of object that suggests a well-collected home, where every piece has a story.” — Autumn Oser, Haldon House

Photo by: Jason Varney

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