A Designer’s 8 Go-to Decor Pieces

As a designer, there are certain pieces that I return to time and time again in my life and work that I know will instantly enhance any space, no matter what the style is. If I’m ever stumped — or a client is stumped — I always know I can count on one of these eight essentials to give the room the shot of style it needs.

1. Porter floor lamp. To me this classic lamp is the epitome of good transitional design — a little bit of contemporary and a little bit of traditional.

By combining the elegant forms of a traditional lamp with the crispness of a minimalist metallic finish, the Porter creates a statement that can mix well with any style and add a sense of brightness even before you turn it on.

Use it: Behind your bedside tables, next to a sofa (paired or alone) or in an office.

So Your Style Is: Transitional


2. Brno chair. Another modern classic that can suit any space, this cantilevered chair (seen here in the foreground) is great for bringing any space into the 21st century.

Use it: As a dining chair, an office chair, you name it. Consider using a pair as dining end chairs. They’ll serve double duty as extra guest seats.

Browse Brno chairs


3. Chinese garden stool. Speaking of seating extra guests, the Chinese garden stool is another designer go-to solution for all sorts of dilemmas. It’s a stool, footrest and side table, and using one is an excellent way to add a pop of color and pattern or a touch of ceramic to round out a texture palette.

Plus, it moves outdoors with you as soon as the weather warms up — truly a smart long-term style investment.

Use it: In the bathroom as a wet-friendly side table, or tucked under a console until it’s needed elsewhere.

The Most Helpful Piece of Furniture You May Ever Own


4. Mongolian pillow. Real or faux, a sheepskin pillow adds a touch of luxury to any space. It softens a crisp modern sofa or dresses up a relaxed family lounger. The lovely feel will draw you in as soon as you run your fingers through it.

Use it: As a layer on your bedding or behind the main pillows.


5. Plug-in sconce. Plug-in sconces have been a lifesaver in many of my projects for two reasons: They add an important extra layer of light with no electrical work, and they do it while looking amazing.

Use it: As a directional desk lamp, a bedside reading light or a space-saving light anywhere to soften shadows from an overhead fixture.

Browse plug-in sconces


6. Saarinen-style table. The marble-topped Saarinen table, a modern-period staple that has inspired many similar silhouettes, brings an accessible touch of stone (a much smaller investment than, say, a full kitchen counter or bathroom tile) and has a very practical, livable style. The clean look is easy to dress up or down, and the table comes in sizes from a compact 24 inches (or even smaller) to a full eights seats or beyond.

Use it: For a casual breakfast nook or formal dining room.


7. Statement mirror. A beautiful mirror virtually doubles the size of your space and creates an important visual focal point at eye level.

This style has burnished metal, for an aged quality with endless subtle detail. A touch of worn metal helps any space feel texturally rich and contrasts clean glass beautifully.

Use it: Choosing one with an extensive frame helps the mirror become a work of art, anchoring a seating grouping or foyer table.


8. Bar cart. I use a bar cart like the one shown here in my bathroom for all my everyday needs: soaps, shampoos, towels — it’s like a little spa on wheels. Even if you don’t have a vast en suite (I don’t myself), a compact bar cart makes an excellent place for storing your morning essentials in easy reach while giving the bathroom a stylish twist.

Use it: A bar cart is also great as a side table for your sofa, as a nightstand or as a guest-room addition.

Browse bar carts in the Shop Houzz section

More: Decorating 101: How to Start a Decorating Project

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