Ten Ideas to Elevate Your Home with an Interior Designer’s Touch

Interior plants

As a New York interior designer, I often emphasize that your home should reflect your personality and a space where you feel truly comfortable. Whether you’re in a sleek Manhattan apartment or a charming Brooklyn brownstone, small changes can make a big impact. Given how much time many of us spend at home these days, why not seize the moment to make some meaningful updates? Here are some practical and stylish tips to help elevate your entire home without breaking the bank.

1.  Declutter Your Living Space for a Fresh Start

While the Marie Kondo craze may have peaked, her timeless philosophy on decluttering remains as relevant as ever. Take time to reevaluate your belongings. Go through your desktop—both physical and digital—reorganize shelves and streamline storage areas. Living in New York, space can be at a premium, so maximizing it is key. Whether you’re in a Brooklyn townhouse with extra storage or a Manhattan loft with minimalist closets, focus on donating, gifting, or selling items you no longer use. A clear space can make your own home feel instantly more open and serene.

2.  Start Small in a Small Space

Big-ticket items like a new sofa or dining table are great, but they also require a significant investment. Updating new hardware in your kitchen or bathroom is another inexpensive way to make a big impact. Instead, focus on smaller decorative changes as an inexpensive way to revitalize your space. Add accent rugs, throw blankets, or chic plant holders that complement your current furniture. Swap out pillow covers, update your wall decor, and refresh table centerpieces. Small changes like these can bring a whole new vibe to your home. And I often remind clients that it’s the details that truly define a space.

3.  Transform Your Walls with Light Fixtures

Walls are often an underutilized element of home design, but as an interior designer, I’ve seen how they can become a standout feature. Consider creating an accent wall with paint or peel-and-stick wallpaper for a quick, commitment-free update. Incorporating meaningful objects like family photos or travel souvenirs can add a personal touch to your walls. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore local or online art galleries to source unique pieces that reflect your style. Framed art, mirrors, or even a curated photo wall can breathe life into a room. Whether you’re living in a spacious Brooklyn brownstone or a cozy Upper East Side apartment, your walls are a blank canvas waiting for inspiration from different styles.

4.  Add Texture and Depth

Adding texture and depth to your living space can make it feel more luxurious and inviting. One way to achieve this is by incorporating different textures through furniture, rugs, and decor. Imagine sinking your feet into a plush area rug that adds warmth and comfort to your room. Or consider the elegance of a velvet sofa, which not only looks sophisticated but also feels incredibly soft to the touch. Layered window treatments, such as combining curtains with blinds, can add visual interest and depth to your windows. Decorative screens or room dividers can also create a sense of separation and coziness in open-plan spaces. By mixing and matching different textures, you can create a living space that feels rich and multi-dimensional.

5.  Elevate Your Home with Lighting

Lighting can make or break the ambiance of a room. To elevate your living space, consider using a combination of light fixtures, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and string lights. Each type of light fixture serves a unique purpose and can add layers of illumination to your room. For instance, a stunning chandelier or a show-stopping pendant light can serve as a focal point, drawing the eye and adding a touch of drama. Don’t overlook the importance of light bulbs; warm white bulbs can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing evenings, while cool white bulbs can make a room feel brighter and more energizing, ideal for workspaces. By thoughtfully selecting and placing your light fixtures, you can transform the mood and functionality of your living space.

6.  Add Some Green

Bringing plants into your home is one of the simplest ways to achieve a luxurious look and make it feel fresh and inviting. As a New York interior designer, I know that greenery can thrive even in city apartments if you choose the right varieties. For example, snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants are excellent low-maintenance options. Not only do plants enhance the aesthetic, but they also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Whether you’re styling a sunny corner in a Manhattan high-rise or a cozy nook in your Brooklyn townhouse, plants add an organic touch that’s hard to beat.

Pro Tip: Before purchasing, consider your home’s lighting. Many New York homes—especially in Manhattan—have limited natural light, so choose plants that can thrive in low-light conditions. (I get into more detail in this article on indoor plants.)

7.  Create a Focal Point

A focal point is an element in a room that draws the eye and creates visual interest. To create a focal point in your living space, consider using a statement piece of furniture, such as a bold-colored sofa or a unique coffee table. These pieces can anchor the room and set the tone for the rest of your decor. Lighting can also play a crucial role in creating a focal point; a stunning chandelier or a show-stopping pendant light can become the centerpiece of your room. Another effective way to create a focal point is by incorporating a bold piece of art or a colorful rug. These elements not only add interest but also reflect your personal style, making your living space uniquely yours.

8.  Add a Touch of Luxury

Adding a touch of luxury to your living space can make it feel more sophisticated and inviting. One way to achieve this is by incorporating high-end materials, such as marble or granite, into your decor. These materials exude elegance and can instantly elevate your home. Luxurious accessories, like plush throw blankets or elegant vases, can also add a refined touch. Don’t underestimate the power of scent; a luxurious candle or an essential oil diffuser can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making your home feel like a sanctuary. By thoughtfully selecting and placing these luxurious elements, you can create a living space that feels both opulent and welcoming.

9. Create a Sense of Height

Creating a sense of height in a room can make it feel more spacious and airy. One way to achieve this is by using floor-to-ceiling curtains or drapes, which can create the illusion of taller ceilings. Vertical elements, such as floor lamps or tall vases, can also draw the eye upward and enhance the sense of height. Another effective technique is to use a light-colored ceiling, which can make a room feel more open and airy. By incorporating these strategies, you can transform even the smallest spaces into rooms that feel expansive and inviting.

elevate your home

10. Bring Personality to Your Space to Add Interest

Finally, your home should tell a story—your story. Incorporate pieces that reflect your journey, interests, or heritage. Vintage finds from Brooklyn flea markets or unique designs from Manhattan boutiques can add character and charm. As a designer, I always encourage clients to mix modern aesthetics with personal touches to create a space that feels truly authentic.

Why it Matters to Elevate Your Home

Your home isn’t just a place to live; it’s where you recharge, create memories, and find comfort. While mass-produced items can be convenient, incorporating artisan pieces can add a unique and personal touch to your home. I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful design can transform not just spaces but lives. Whether you’re sprucing up your Manhattan apartment, embracing the charm of Brooklyn, or simply wanting a change, these tips can guide you on your journey to creating a home you love.

Start small, stay inspired, and trust your instincts. The little updates you make today can pave the way for a more beautiful and functional home tomorrow.

About Jarret Yoshida

Jarret Yoshida has worked in the New York interior design world for more than two decades. With a varied portfolio of projects including residential and commercial spaces, he draws inspiration from his Asian interior designer heritage to create stylish, welcoming, and sophisticated design solutions.

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