Guest Picks: Decorator Chic
20 designer essentials for creating that pulled-together, high-end look at home
We may not all be able to have a fancy decorator on call 24/7, but by learning from the pros you can cultivate that polished decorator look on your own. This month I have rounded up my top 20 favorite classic decorator touches. Add one or add them all, and your home will be feeling chicer by the minute. Enjoy! — Laura from Lolalina
1. A shapely little table. A small table, such as this one done in a fine wood with beautiful lines, can be tucked in just about anywhere and lends a bit of gravitas to a mostly modern room. A pair in front of the sofa would be lovely.
2. A dog (or two). Foo dogs may be the classic choice, but decorators seem to be fond of dog figures in general, and this little Boston Terrier has so much more character! I would tuck one near the fireplace or in an entryway.
3. A modern wire chair. Bertoia's side chair design from the 1950s has become such a classic, and you can find riffs on it everywhere. Decorators love the iconic shape and will tuck one in anywhere, from a full set at the dining table to a single chair at a desk or as a spare in the living room. The brilliant thing about the wire chair is how easily it works into any style — even a traditional home can handle one.
4. A sunburst mirror. Mirrors, mirrors, everywhere! If ever there were a decorator's maxim, that would be it. Mirrors enhance light, expand the sense of space, and make the most of views and artwork. Sunburst mirrors, in particular, are fabulous for adding a dash of drama. You can't go wrong with one hung above the mantle.
5. A round table. Round tables are much more versatile than rectangular ones. You can use one as a dining table, sure, but they are also brilliant in a breakfast nook, filled with books and sculptures in an empty corner or taking center stage in a large entryway.
This one, from famed decorator Bunny Williams, has been featured on Houzz before (with the oak top), but I couldn't help highlighting it again, this time in marble, because it is simply so stunning.
This one, from famed decorator Bunny Williams, has been featured on Houzz before (with the oak top), but I couldn't help highlighting it again, this time in marble, because it is simply so stunning.
6. Nailhead trim. Add subtle definition to a shapely chair or sofa with a row of nailhead trim. Ottomans, dressers and even desks can get the nailhead treatment as well. Or for an easy DIY project, hammer your own trim onto a linen-wrapped cork board.
7. White china. There is something incredibly chic about simple white china stacked neatly on open shelves in the kitchen. Add even more decorator cachet with a set of vintage hotel china, like this set from The Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
8. A bust. Room feeling a bit plain? Add major drama with a classical Greek or Roman bust. Historical reproductions are often reasonably priced and still gorgeous. This one of the Greek goddess Athena would look amazing on a console in the entryway. I would give her a jaunty hat to add a dash of good humor.
9. An urn. Objects that look pulled straight in from the garden are wonderful for adding a sense of history to the standard "white box" apartment. An urn with a bit of patina, such as this one from Terrain, is a great choice because it looks just as gorgeous with or without a plant inside.
10. Blue and white stripes. There is something so crisp and refreshing about blue and white stripes. Every house should have them somewhere. This Parisian tablecloth gets the shade just right.
11. A canister uplight. Good lighting is key to creating a room that feels welcoming and comfortable. Try tucking one of these little canister lights in a dark corner where a regular lamp won't fit. When the corners are lit, the room feels bigger — it's as simple as that.
12. Greek key trim. The crisp geometric lines of this ancient motif work beautifully as a trim on everything from sofas and curtains to towels and sheets, and in modern and traditional interiors alike. These plush Egyptian cotton towels would be a fun upgrade from standard white.
13. A fancy throw. Almost every room in the house can use a good throw, and this one gets bonus points for being decked out in a Greek key pattern. Fold one over the back of a sofa, lay one at the foot of the bed or take it outdoors to curl up with on a chilly night.
14. Petite stemless glasses. If you have to choose just one kind of glass to have in the house, make it small and stemless. Glassware like this is often used at home in Europe instead of wine glasses, and they can easily handle anything from water and juice to cocktails. I am particularly smitten with these hand-blown and delicately embellished tumblers from Juliska. They would look amazing lined up on open shelves.
15. Hotel sheets. Colorful, printed bedding is fun, but if it's chic you are after, you can't get much better than trimmed and monogrammed hotel sheets from Frette.
16. Cane print. Recalling outdoor furniture and fun '50s pool parties, cane print is a great addition to the happy chic home. This rug from Garnet Hill would be lovely in the entryway or on a three-season porch.
17. A decorative tray. Decorators love trays. Love them. In fact, I would be hard-pressed to think of a single room in the house that could not benefit from at least one or two little trays. This one from John Derian would be perfect by the front door, holding stacks of mail or keys.
18. An exotic touch. Animal motifs, Indian prints and Moroccan textiles have staying power in the design world. Scoop up an accent piece like this pillow from John Robshaw to add exotic flair to your pad.
19. A pouf. Poufs may be trendy, but they are so cute and useful. There is no doubt they are here to stay. The classic version is large and leather in natural brown or white. But these days you can get any color under the sun, from hot pink to metallic silver and gold, so go with what you love.
20. An animal print and an X-bench! This piece from Jonathan Adler has it all: a classic, versatile design and a fun animal print. Many decorators like to sneak in at least one item featuring an animal print — it wakes up a room like nothing else. Navy blue zebra might not sound versatile, but you would be amazed at how easily this little bench can fit in!
Next: Get a Million Dollar Decorator's Look for Less
Next: Get a Million Dollar Decorator's Look for Less
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