We can all acknowledge that certain decor ideas are overdone. But for every expert that holds contempt for sliding barn doors or shag carpet, there’s another who sees them as undersung heroes of interiors. Divisive? Maybe. But we had to know: What techniques and elements would pros like to witness a little more often? And what, in their eyes, makes them pack a punch? We asked 11 interior designers to share the decor ideas that could use a little extra love because they’re just that good. Here’s what they had to say.
Upholstery and curtain trim
“It doesn’t have to be anything fussy—trim gets a bad rap for being old-fashioned, but I think even a tiny micro welt gives a really finished look to seating and curtains in a really modern and clean way.” —Alyssa Kapito, Alyssa Kapito Interiors
“Decorative trimmings and edgings may make you think of heavy traditional upholstery, but I think passamenterie can look fresh and chic. I love it when I see a silky row of fringe lining the bottom of a sofa.” —Christina Kim, Christina Kim Interior Design
“What happened to trimmings, leading edges, fringes, and contrast welts? Layers, people! Layers! I always say, ‘Nuance is the difference between good and great.’” —Drew McGukin, Drew McGukin Interiors
Grasscloth wallpaper
“Grasscloth wallpaper is a completely underrated wall covering and adds such a lovely texture to a space! It’s been around forever and has never really gone out of style, but I often think people overlook it in favor of something either bold and patterned or plain and painted. Grasscloth can make a statement or offer a tranquil foundation to a room, and instantly elevates any space with a custom feel.” —Shannon Claire Smith, Shannon Claire Interiors
Wall-to-wall carpeting
“Wall-to-wall carpet sometimes gets a bad rap for being a cop-out to hardwoods or a forgotten trend from the 1970s, but in a bedroom it can be incredible! Not only does it add a sound-dampening quality, it also creates softness underfoot in a room where you are often barefoot. The key to keeping it current is using a durable material like wool (or even wool blended with polypropylene) to make maintaining the rug’s look and life a breeze and then adding an interesting area rug on top. For a fraction of the cost of hardwood, you get a cozy, quiet room with chic practicality!” —Anne Hulcher Tollett, Hanover Avenue
Venetian plaster
“I actually have rediscovered Venetian plaster in a big way. I associated it with 1980s ‘Olive Garden’ Tuscan decor at its worst—gah! But, done well, it is a dewy, glowy, luminous, historically inspired antibacterial wonder. Who knew?” —Katie Rosenfeld, Katie Rosenfeld & Co.
Art from yesteryear
“My goal when designing a room is to create unique, artful, and inspiring living spaces. One of the most undersung decor elements is using past art movements to create individual rooms for clients. Using a single artist or movement as inspiration, one can create a unique, updated look to decorate an entire room that will cohesively function while also making a space more distinctive.” —Amy Lau, Amy Lau Design
Colored finishes
“After years of designers using stainless steel appliances, the use of colored finishes in kitchen design has made a huge comeback. From a high-end La Cornue or Aga range in an array of custom colors to manufacturers such as Smeg offering retro appliances in fun colors from yesteryear, the rage is on to utilize these pieces in today’s interiors.” —Layton Campbell, J. Layton Interiors
Mirrors
“I think my favorite unsung decor element is the strategic use of mirrors to help cheat one’s eye into thinking a space has more depth or breadth than it does. The perfect example of this is seen in my Carlyle apartment, where I used mirrors at the deep jambs of the windows and terrace French doors to make the windows feel more airy and more expansive. The large nine-piece sectioned built-in architectural mirror over the sofa in my living room also reflects the terrace doors opposite, and helps connect and open up the sofa niche wall with the terrace adjacent.” —Garrow Kedigian, Garrow Kedigian Interior Design
Laser-cut details
“One of my underrated decor techniques is laser-cut details, like decorative architectural grates or laser-cut cabinet door front inserts. I found a great resource for these elements recently at a design show, and I’m looking forward to using them in some projects!” —Arianne Bellizaire, Arianne Bellizaire Interiors
Faux finishes
“We are working on a project now that is getting some lovely faux finishes. And it’s funny, because even I thought, ‘Is this dated?!’ However, the end result is far from it! We have been incorporating faux finishes and using metallic colors with them. My favorite finish to do right now is gold leaf faux finish ceilings. Pair them with an amazing chandelier and other great interior elements and you’ve got a beautiful space that will be far from passé!” — Lisa Gilmore, Lisa Gilmore Design
