Interior Designers Reveal Key Elements to a Truly Finished Room

Achieving a polished and inviting interior space often comes down to more than just furniture and paint, with experts identifying specific finishing touches that elevate a room from styled to lived-in.

According to leading interior designers, window treatments consistently rank as a crucial element in completing a room’s design. Pamela O’Brien, president and lead designer at Pamela Hope Designs, recommends “to hang window treatments such as draperies that frame the windows and offer privacy and light filtering properties.” Controlling light is key, as Veronica Sanders of Design with Veronica Sanders explains a room with excessive light can strain the eyes and impact the space’s mood. Proper lighting design is increasingly important as people spend more time indoors. Sanders adds, “Even blinds feel like they’re floating on the walls when they’re not framed with window treatments.”

Beyond window treatments, designers emphasize the importance of art and personal touches. Art adds color, texture, and interest, preventing spaces from feeling sterile, according to Sanders. Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director at Kerrie Kelly Studio, notes that incorporating personal items like framed photographs or vintage finds “infuses authenticity, transforming a beautiful space into a meaningful one.” Rugs also play a significant role, anchoring furniture arrangements and adding comfort underfoot, as O’Brien points out. For further inspiration on creating a cohesive home aesthetic, explore resources from The Spruce.

Finally, designers highlight the impact of lighting and balanced texture. Sanders describes lighting as “the jewelry of any room,” emphasizing its ability to add contrast and style. Kelly stresses the importance of balancing texture, proportion, and personalization, suggesting layering materials like linen, wood, and metal for depth and elegance. Understanding these principles can help homeowners avoid costly design mistakes, as detailed in this HGTV guide to common design errors.

Design professionals anticipate continued emphasis on these finishing touches as homeowners prioritize creating comfortable and personalized living spaces.