Interior designer Nina Takesh is one of Homes & Gardens' new Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on decor. See the rest of her articles here.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that the rooms that feel most alive always have one element that surprises. It might be a striking piece of furniture, an intriguing artwork, or even a small, unexpected decorative detail. It doesn’t need to dominate the space, but it should make you pause and take notice. That element of surprise is what gives your home ideas personality and keeps it from feeling predictable.
When I select this unexpected touch, I often think in terms of contrast. A calm, neutral palette can be instantly energized by a single bold shape or pop of room color. In a space that already has layers of texture and pattern, a simple, deliberate object can provide a moment of clarity. I ask myself: what will spark interest? What will make the room feel alive, yet effortless, without ever feeling staged?
Material is just as vital as form or color. A rough clay vase can feel unexpectedly elegant next to polished marble, while a sculptural wooden object can provide grounding for soft textiles. Even a small detail – a lamp with an unusual silhouette or a bowl with a subtle hint of color – can completely change how you experience a room. The right material makes the piece feel purposeful, even if it stands apart.
Placement is equally important. An object should feel discovered, not forced. A chair angled just so, a lamp tucked into a corner, or a sculpture positioned on a sideboard can catch your eye in the most natural way. Its presence should feel effortless, as if it has always belonged there, even while offering a touch of surprise.
One of the most rewarding aspects of introducing a single unexpected element is its ability to evolve with your space. You can swap it out seasonally, replace it with something new, or layer a few pieces over time. This keeps the room feeling dynamic, personal, and lived-in, rather than static.
If you’re thinking of trying this at home, start small. It could be a statement vase, a textured throw, or a piece of art that makes you smile. The aim isn’t to fill the room with surprises, but to create a single moment that feels fresh, memorable, and intentional.
Rooms with this thoughtful, unexpected touch carry a quiet energy. They feel lived-in, considered, and most importantly, unmistakably yours. That’s why I make it a point to include one surprising element in every space I design – it’s what transforms a room from ordinary to truly alive.
