Stylish rooms have certain things in common, and it’s not always the big ticket items; there are small things that personalize a space, tell a story, and complete a room without you even realizing it.
Whether it’s an oversized mirror that makes for a memorable design moment or elegant window treatments that provide the perfect finishing touch, designers say there is an intentional strategy to make a space chic and personal.
Keep reading for the six things every stylish room has according to the pros.
Meet the Expert
- Amanda Sinistaj is the founder of the award-winning interior design studio Ellwood Interiors.
- Lauren Saab is the founder of Saab Studios, a design studio that marries architecture and atmosphere.
- Monique Holland is the founder and principal designer of Holland Custom Designs.
A Statement Piece
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ninavartanava / Getty Images
According to interior designer Amanda Sinistaj, every room needs a statement piece. Whether it’s an oversized antique mirror in a small foyer or a beautiful area rug, a statement piece quietly commands attention and isn’t necessarily about flash, but about presence.
“A true statement piece sparks curiosity, invites conversation, and offers a glimpse into the personality behind the space—it’s the signature that makes the room memorable,” Sinistaj says.
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Something Personal
Interior designer Lauren Saab believes that every stylish room needs a piece with soul and story to emotionally anchor the space. While trendy decor can inject style, color, or pattern to a room, she says it cannot replicate the story and layer of depth that a personal object tells.
“Personal pieces create emotional connection and bring a sense of authenticity and meaning that elevates the entire room,” Saab says.
Think items with a patina, heirloom pieces passed down from generation to generation, or a unique piece of art you found on your travels.
Elegant Window Treatments
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Cavan Images / Getty Images
Elegant window treatments are the finishing touch that makes a room feel pulled-together.
“Draperies are the jewelry of a room—adding softness, texture, and a sense of completion,” says interior designer Monique Holland.
Whether you prefer the tailored look of ripple fold sheers or the sleek sophistication of motorized fabric shades, window treatments can match any room and style.
Textural Elements
For a room that merges style and comfort, try incorporating a variety of textures. Not only does this create a more intentional and stylish design, it makes a room feel comfy and cozy.
Take our designers’ advice and layer area rugs, balance the warmth of natural wood with cool marble or glass, and maximize comfort with chunky knits, smooth linen throws, and soft velvet throw pillows.
Architectural Details
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Gokcemim / Getty Images
Although furnishings are often the main focus of a room, Sinistaj says you shouldn’t overlook the envelope of the room itself, as architectural details influence the tone.
“They root the design providing context and create compelling contrast with the furniture and finishes within the space,” she says.
According to the designer, architectural details as small as a delicate plaster arch framing a console in a foyer or as big as floor to ceiling built-ins can bring both charm and function. To Sinistaj, they make a room feel intentional, elevated, and complete.
Pieces that Merge Style and Function
While we want our homes to look beautiful, we also need them to be functional. Saab says good design starts with how a space is lived in and considers how it supports daily life; effective design is when beauty and function align.
Saab shares the example of a custom bench that acts both as a visual anchor and a hidden storage solution.
“This kind of functional beauty proves that true style begins with usability, and that good design should support the way you live,” she says.
