Everyone has their signature something – chefs have their signature ingredient, professional athletes have their signature move, and musicians have their signature sound. As for interior designers, well, they have 'design signatures' – that is, the things they include in every project.
'Although every project is uniquely tailored to our client and the architecture, there are a few elements we find ourselves including time and time again; our 'quiet design signatures', if you will,' interior designer Amanda Sinistaj tells me. While these 'design signatures' can serve as identifying features that indicate which designer was responsible for a space, they're also details that designers know they can rely on to deliver a stylish interior – details that can benefit a space regardless of its interior design style.
So, what are these 'design signatures', the things designers include in every project, you ask? I asked the experts, and they gave me the inside scoop.
1. Vintage pieces
'I always bring in sourced vintage decor pieces for the final styling layer, like French confit pots, silver candlesticks, or horn bowls,' interior designer Cathryn Lindsey tells me. 'Skipping the big-box collections in favor of more storied, one-of-a-kind pieces makes a space feel layered and intentional.'
According to Cathryn, decorating with vintage is what gives a home a soul. And she's not the only one who thinks this way. Interior designer Lauren Saab always includes vintage pieces in her projects, too.
'Every space needs one piece with soul. A vintage lamp passed down through a family. A photograph pulled from a dusty box. These are not just accessories. They are anchors. They give the room its reason for being,' Lauren says. 'When there is an object with memory and meaning, the rest of the design starts to revolve around it. It is the difference between a room that photographs well and one that truly feels alive.'
You can always count on vintage pieces to add uniqueness to your home. With its two lights and adjustable design, this lamp is definitely unique, but nonetheless a stylish lighting choice that can bring some soul into your interiors.
Vintage candle holders are easy to find – whether that be at an in-person thrift store or at online retailers like Etsy. This set of two features decorative bases and they're finished with a shiny silver coat. They're bound to add a bit of drama to your table display.
One of the draws to vintage shopping is finding pieces full of character. This decorative bowl is the perfect example. Made from brass, this bowl features a charming scalloped rim and heart shaped cutouts underneath. It's a unique piece that could certainly help give your home some soul.
2. A dual-purpose mirror
Mirrors might be a functional piece of home decor, but that doesn't mean they can't be style moments, too. In fact, interior designer Ashley Macuga makes a point to include stylish mirrors in all of her projects – to demonstrate their dual nature.
'We love working into each of our projects a mirror that has a dual-purpose, and is as much art as it is functional reflection,' Ashley tells me. 'A mirror that meets everyday practical needs, but is also sculptural and artfully designed. A true centerpiece of a space.'
Whether you decorate with mirrors in your living room, dining room, or entryway, they have the potential to do more than serve as a reflective wall hanging – they'll enhance your space with style.
With its braided rope frame, this mirror is just as stylish as it is practical. It can add some natural texture to any room.
Invite the elegance of coastal decor into your home with this mirror – its unique and sculptural frame is reminiscent of deep-sea coral.
A mirror can act as a means to bring color into your home. This mirror can do just that, with its multi-toned jeweled frame.
3. Accents of black
Regardless of the color scheme you choose for your home, it's always a good idea to incorporate deeper shades to break up the design. According to interior designer Peggy Haddad, 'Even the softest, most serene rooms need a little edge.' That's why she frequently decorates with black in her projects, adding an accent to every space.
'Sometimes it’s a small accessory, sometimes it’s a bold fixture, but it’s always there to ground the space and give your eye a visual pause,' Peggy tells me. Not only that, but black is an effortlessly sophisticated color that can make a room feel elegant and give it a sense of depth – even if the color is only incorporated in a small way.
Ground your kitchen with elegance with this black pedestal bowl. It'll serve as the perfect place to hold fruit on your countertop.
For some whimsical charm, consider adding a zigzag candle holder to your dining table. This one's black finish makes for the perfect balance of playful and sophisticated.
This wool blend blanket is equal parts cozy and elegant. With its deep black color, it would look effortlessly chic left out on the couch.
4. Closed storage
Ask any designer, and I'm sure they'll tell you that storage is a must when designing homes. However, when it comes to maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a room, there's one storage idea that Cathryn Lindsey always includes in projects: closed storage.
'Beautiful storage is essential. Clients often ask how they can have a home that feels elevated, but still functions for life with a young family. My answer is always closed storage – pieces that hide the everyday mess without sacrificing style,' Cathryn says. 'I love adding sideboards, armoires, and cabinets that feel intentional while doing the heavy lifting. The surface remains beautifully styled, while inside is full of toys, blankets, and books.'
This storage cabinet offers the best of both worlds: glass doors so you can keep some items on display and large drawers for the closed storage that Cathryn recommends.
These cabinets feature a unique hexagonal exterior, as well as a spacious interior. And since they're sold in a set of two, they're perfect for a cohesive bedroom or living room design.
This cabinet tastefully blends modern and traditional style – a perfect example of transitional decor. Plus, it features an adjustable interior shelf for ease of storage.
5. Linen drapery
While there are plenty of window treatment ideas that not only benefit the look of a window but also the atmosphere of a room, there's one material that Cathryn always goes back to for all of her projects. That is, linen.
'Linen drapes frame a room like nothing else. I include them in every project, whether the window needs privacy or not, because they soften the walls, diffuse the light beautifully, and make the space feel framed and finished,' she tells me. 'It's a detail most clients don't realize they're missing until they see it in place.'
With their light and airy fabrication, linen curtains can invite a natural elegance into your home. This set has just the right level of opacity to let natural light into the home in a graceful and smooth manner.
This set of linen curtains is complete in a tasteful shade of green that can act as a pop of color in whatever room they are used. Plus, their linen fabrication filters light softly.
Available in several sizes and different colors, this set of curtains could benefit lots of differently styled rooms. Aside from that, they'll create a light and airy atmosphere with their linen fabrication.
6. Framed artwork
Decorating with art is important in any home – aside from making walls look less bare, framed art can reflect your personality and add character to a room. That's why it's a detail that Amanda Sinistaj always includes in every project she completes.
'We never skip framed artwork,' Amanda says. 'We see it as one of the most personal ways to reflect a client’s personality. While the actual art changes from project to project, the intention remains: to create moments that feel unique, warm, and meaningful. From small pieces tucked onto a countertop or styled on shelves, to larger framed works that anchor a room, art is the finishing touch that makes a house feel truly like home.'
This classic picture frame could tastefully hold any type of artwork. Crate and Barrel stocks plenty of beautifully simple frames in many sizes and finishes, and they are glass, not plastic, which I think is key to ensuring whatever you frame looks its best.
Looking to create a gallery wall with your photos? Get this set of seven frames to make it happen. The varying sizes of these frames will benefit the look of your display.
With its oval shape, gold finish, and vintage-inspired look, this picture frame is a timelessly elegant decoration. Style it with a family photo and place it on your mantel.
7. Woven decor
Textural details can add depth and layers to a home's overall design. In the homes she designs, Amanda always incorporates texture through some form of woven decor.
'Whether it's a tray on the coffee table, a small lidded basket styled on shelves, or a textured wall hanging, woven elements ground the space and bring in the warmth and texture that’s essential to our modern organic aesthetic,' Amanda tells me. 'They add depth without demanding attention, something we’re always aiming to balance.'
This basket features a thick weave which makes its design that much more attractive. Use it to hold books, supplies, or miscellaneous objects.
This woven tray could make for a great coffee table centerpiece or serving tray. It's handcrafted to perfection and tastefully elegant.
With its handy loop at the top, this woven storage basket can hang from a wall hook, a cabinet pull, or even a door handle. Its design is charmingly stylish.
8. Pieces with sentimental value
Although designers purchase many furniture and decor items to complete each room in a client's home, nothing is better than decor that holds sentimental value – that is, pieces to which clients are attached.
'Along with purchased accessories, I like to incorporate something sentimental to the client – whether it be a trinket from their travels, a passed down heirloom or simply something they’ve formerly purchased and like,' designer Jenny Williamson tells me. These pieces, whatever they might be, add to the character of the home and make it feel lived-in rather than overly staged.
Interior designers know what's best for the home. That's why they include these 'design signatures' in every project they complete. Designers trust these ideas and know they're the key to creating exceptionally looking spaces, time and time again.
