As an Interior Designer, walking into a well curated space sends my heart racing. My eyes scan the room, trying to soak in and mentally catalog every detail. I observe how a room looks overall, how it is accessorized and even how it smells. Most rooms have one superstar item, but sometimes it is the details that set one room apart from the next. Here is a list of my favorite finishing touches that can elevate your room without breaking the bank.
- White Candles – Scent is the fourth dimension; walking into a room that smells good is great way to brighten your mood. I always look for white candles, which is not always as easy as it seems. Why is it that candle manufacturers believe we need autumn candles to be brown and Christmas candles to be red? The fact is, scent has nothing to do with color, but that is how they usually roll! Some of my favorite brands of seasonal smelling white candles are: Ella B. Candles (made locally in Charlotte), Jo Malone, and Diptyque.
- Fresh Flowers – Can I just say, nothing brings a dose of happy to a space like fresh flowers. For one, they usually smell divine and for two, having natural things present in your decor is good for the spirit. The right flowers can also add a bright pop of color to a neutral space. Of course, there is much to be said for keeping things neutral with white varieties – my favorite! Locally, I find Harris Teeter and Trader Joe’s to be wonderful sources for flowers. I also enjoy ordering online from Farmgirl Flowers.
- Throw Pillows – If you follow me on Instagram @deenaknightdesigns, you know that I love to design with a neutral palette. However I also believe in livening up a space with a pop of color. Color can create a happy vibe, and throw pillows are an economical means to achieving just that. Maybe hot pink floral in the spring, emerald green geometric design in the summer, rust velvet in the fall and jeweled burgundy in the winter? Some of my favorite places to purchase throw pillows are Home Goods, Pottery Barn, Pier1, Serena and Lily, and the list goes on. And here’s a secret tip: I purchase the large 26 inch inserts from Ikea, for $9.99. They also have a fun assortment of covers as well!
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Deena Knight is an Interior Designer based in Charlotte, NC who loves sharing design, style, and life on her Instagram. To view her portfolio, you can visit her website here.