Design Mistake #10 Not Finishing

Have you heard the saying “Design is in the details“?

I think that it’s 100% correct, and it applies to all stages of design.

It applies in the planning phase to ensure that the space will function how you would like it to.

It applies in the concept phase, so you have just the right feel in the space.

It applies in the furnishing phase, so the sofa is so comfortable it feels like it was made for you.

And it applies to the last phase, so the room feels complete: warm, welcoming, and inviting.

Finishing a space is the addition of accent pieces of furniture, art, and accessories. It’s in the finishing touches that we can express ourselves: who we are, what we like, where we travel, what is important to us, and what brings us joy. It allows us to add our personality to our home.

I think people yearn to have their space reflect them but become overwhelmed at how to do this and paralyzed by the idea of making a mistake. The great thing about accessories is that they are readily available, oftentimes reasonably priced, and sometimes something we already have.

It’s great when a piece that is styled in your home means something—I have a small pair of brass binoculars that sit on top of a stack of books. They were my favorite aunt’s and every time I see them, I think of her, and they remind me to see the good, exactly how she lived her life.

I’ve styled spaces with all kinds of things: stones, shells, and driftwood from the beach, kids’ art sculptures, book collections, golf items, special bar tools, antique glasses, ironman medals, army plaques, and the list goes on. The key is to look at the piece as an object or piece of art and use it in a way that is somewhat unexpected. The driftwood piece lying on top of a shelf. The kid’s art sculptures on top of a stack of books. Book collection styled together to create a focal point. Ironman medals framed and hung on a gallery wall.

Not every piece has to have meaning—It could just be something that you pick up at a store that you find interesting.

Where to start? Start with what you love.

If you love books, start there. Books make the best accessories for coffee tables, consoles, and bookcases. If it is plants, find some amazing plants, place them in beautiful pots and style them on your coffee table and bookcases.

The point is to just start. It’s the finishing touches that make the room feel complete.

We made a coffee table guide to help show you how to style your table. It shows the same table styled with 5 different looks—a perfect example to show you how you can change the look of your room with your accessories. You can get that here.

For more inspiration follow along with us on Pinterest.

You’ve just read Design Mistake #10, don’t miss the rest of the Design Mistake series:

#1 Keeping Things You Don’t Love

#2 Designing with Fear

#3 Not Designing for Real Life

#4 Not Knowing Your Budget

#5 Picking Paint First

#6 Not Having Art

#7 Incorrect Rug Size

#8 No Focal Point

#9 Hanging Draperies Incorrectly