Easy Designer Touches to Elevate Any Space
You don’t need a full renovation to make your home feel high-end. Sometimes, it’s the smallest details, the ones designers never skip, that make a space feel finished, polished, and elevated.
Here are seven easy upgrades you can make today to give any room that designer edge.
1. Hang Curtains High and Wide
One of the oldest (and best) tricks in the book:
Mount curtain rods closer to the ceiling, not just above the window
Extend rods 8–12" beyond the window frame on each side based on how much space is on either side of the window. If there is not much space to allow for the extension, as mentioned earlier, hang them as far out as possible.
Choose floor-length panels for a tailored, luxurious look. If you have 9-foot ceilings, you will need 108” panels as a starting point. Hanging them from ceiling to floor creates the illusion of taller ceilings, and when the ceilings are already tall, they accentuate the height, making the space feel larger.
This instantly makes your windows look larger and your ceilings taller.
2. Use Large-Scale Art
Ditch the tiny frames. Opt for one oversized piece or a bold gallery wall.
Abstracts, landscapes, or photography all work
Use art to fill awkward blank walls or anchor your furniture
Choose pieces that reflect your personality or style
Large art adds drama and intention, no matter your budget.
3. Layer Your Lighting
Designers always use at least three types of lighting:
Ambient (overhead or ceiling fixtures)
Task (table or floor lamps)
Accent (sconces, candles, LED strips)
Mixing light sources adds depth and ambiance, and makes any room feel thoughtfully designed.
4. Style with Books and Objects
Your shelves, consoles, or coffee tables aren’t just for function.
Stack design books with a decorative object on top
Use bowls, trays, or vases to add shape and texture
Mix heights and materials (glass, stone, wood)
It’s these small vignettes that bring the whole room together.
5. Swap Generic Hardware
It’s a quick and affordable way to upgrade furniture or cabinetry.
Try brass, matte black, or ceramic knobs and pulls
Look for unique shapes or finishes
Perfect for IKEA hacks or builder-grade cabinets can be painted and updated with new hardware for a fresh look.
It gives even the simplest pieces a custom look.
6. Use Trays to Contain and Elevate
Whether it’s on a coffee table, kitchen island, or nightstand:
Trays create order and elevate everyday items.
Style them with candles, greenery, books, or a catch-all bowl
Bonus: They make cleaning or rearranging easier, too
7. Add Greenery (Real or Faux)
Plants breathe life into a space, literally and visually.
Try a tall plant in an empty corner with a chair to create a cozy nook.
Add a small potted herb to the kitchen counter, which adds freshness as well as fragrance.
Use faux stems in a large vase for a low-maintenance style.
Greenery adds texture, softness, and that lived-in designer feel.
Want a Shortcut to Designer-Looking Spaces?
Every concept board from The Decor Edit includes these subtle touches, styled and selected by a professional. Use one as your guide or shop it directly to elevate your home without second-guessing.
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