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Holiday

15 Quick Finishes That Make Any Room Look Designer

Sofa ordered. Room still flat?

These 15 pieces make it feel designed by today.

If your living room has been hovering in that almost there phase — the sofa’s in, but the room still feels unfinished — this is your cue. With holidays around the corner, kids coming home, and guests filling the house, these are the pieces that instantly bring warmth and intention back into your space. 

When I’m sourcing for clients, I’m always drawn to the quiet details. The curve of a leg, the patina of a finish, the texture that catches light in a way you don’t even notice until dusk hits. These are the things that separate a room that feels “done” from one that feels designed.

Here’s what I’ve learned walking through hundreds of homes:

You don’t need more furniture — you need the right supporting pieces. A side table that earns its keep. A pair of sculptural lamps that double as art. The tray that finally corrals your remotes and becomes the anchor of your coffee table. The right pillow or throw that softens everything just enough to feel lived-in.

Without these accents your room will fall flat, I promise … so add a few key accents to get a more finished, designer approved space!

Step 01

Pillows. Right now, tapestry inspired pillows are all the rage and I’m loving these two I found! Consider a good accent lumbar like this — great for a bed, or add to your sofa story with a few solid pillows. Mix sizes and fabrics, and have fun with it. I’ve added this solid green one that I absolutely adore with the lumbar. Try these wish a dark chocolate brown sofa, or a a neutral linen to give it some personality.

Step 02

Accent Furniture. This is your coffee table or the side tables. I’ve been sourcing many ottomans lately, and have found that you’re either Team Ottoman or Team Coffee Table! Most of our clients want that relaxed yet polished feel to their living room, so we will add a leather ottoman like this one. Kids can kick up their feet, but then when needed, add a tray and it’s a spot to gather with apps and cocktails. Also I love anything with iron legs these days! These pieces have a beautiful old-world feel. This side table or this one are great for mixing in this material in a delicate way. Don’t go over the top with it, just an accent or two will add depth to your space.

Step 03

Texture. Add a woven element. It can be through a vessel like this one  — just add some faux branches or stems for a pretty soft look to your dining table. Or, a rug is always key IMO! Something like this neutral one — it can go with many different palettes while grounding the space with a subtle pattern and texture.

Step 04

Lighting. Ok, if you have been reading my blog for awhile you know how much I talk about accent lighting. Ha! It’s my not-so-secret hack for creating a layered space. I’m obsessing over these sconces — they’re great in an entryway or above a fireplace. And, though adding electrical isn’t as easy as these other options, if you don’t already have accent lighting in your space, I’d highly encourage you to hire an electrician to add a couple of sconces. You’ll be amazed how elevated it will feel and wish you had done it sooner!

These are small moves that have real weight. Check out all fifteen items we found for you here below.


Shop the look

Rectangular tufted leather ottoman with dark turned legs, perfect for layering trays, books, or cozy throws in a living room. Two-tier round side table with blackened iron frame and glass shelves, ideal for bedside or sofa styling. Warm brown velvet stool with slender black iron legs, a versatile accent for seating or under a console. Double-shelf rectangular coffee table with black iron frame and light wood surface, timeless and functional centerpiece. Arched wall mirror with slim gold frame, perfect for layering light and adding classic elegance to a room. Distressed black console table with multiple drawers and textured detailing, ideal for entryways or behind a sofa. Sculptural marble drink table in warm beige tones, elegant next to an armchair or in a reading nook. Vintage-inspired tapestry featuring lush green foliage and forest scene, framed with a classic woven border. Tall woven wicker vase with sculptural handles, perfect for branches or as a decorative standalone piece. Soft brown linen pillow with natural texture and flange edge, ideal for layering on sofas, chairs, or beds. Long rectangular lumbar pillow with vintage tapestry print in warm brown and mauve tones, perfect for adding depth and texture to a sofa or bed. Rectangular travertine coffee table with slab top and block base, showcasing natural stone veining in neutral tones. Handwoven natural jute rug with a soft grid texture, timeless foundation piece that adds warmth and grounding to any room. Round black iron side table with sculptural, flared legs and hammered finish, a striking modern classic. Sculptural linen wall sconce with pleated shade and brass pull chain, offering soft ambient light with a handcrafted feel.

Click here to shop the complete look!


Need a little more direction?

Promotional image for Clouz Houz Design Guides, featuring layered design boards and a close-up of a woman arranging a silver tray with accessories. Text overlay highlights the guides as a "15+ page complete design guide" for refining your home style.

 

Are you struggling to define your style or figure out how to pull your space together? That’s exactly why we created our Clouz Houz Design GuidesThey’ll help you design a space that feels cohesive, elevated, and personal … without hiring a designer.

Click here to explore the five curated styles, complete with inspiration boards, designer tips, and product links that make sourcing simple. Download for free and get started designing your dream home today!

Not sure which one’s for you? Take our free quiz to discover which aesthetic best suits your space.

We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, and create a home that truly feels like yours.

P.S. Are you new to Clouz Houz? If you’d like to be in the know on all things home and lifestyle, subscribe now so you never miss a post! As a bonus, you’ll receive our exclusive 42-page ‘Paint Guide.’ This Guide will help you select the perfect shades for your home. And, you’ll also receive our weekly newsletter, including special finds that are not on the blog and are only for subscribers. 🤍

Life is short. Make it beautiful!

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20k. Wow. Feeling a little surreal over here (and right before Christmas!). Emma surprised me with this cake today and it honestly made me pause and take it all in. This journey has been nothing without you all (this community) showing up, supporting, growing with me. I’m so grateful for every message, interaction, and tiny bit of love along the way.
And I’ll be honest... it’s not always easy showing up here every day and sharing so many pieces of our lives. You don’t see everything, and that’s okay. But what’s real is this connection and the people on the other side of the screen.
Here’s to all of you. Thank you for being here, for cheering us on, and for making this space feel like something worth building.❤️
After designing and remodeling so many bathrooms, here are 5 mistakes I’ll never make again:
1. Stopping tile too low on the wall.
Tiling only part way up can make a bathroom feel choppy and visually shorter. Taking tile higher (or all the way up in key areas) instantly feels more custom and elevates even the smallest space.
2. Choosing form over storage.
A pretty pedestal sink with nowhere to hide anything... I’ve learned my lesson. Vanities with drawers, medicine cabinets, and smart niches keep your counters clear and make your bathroom actually livable. For example, pretty pedestal sinks have my heart — but they have zero secrets. If you truly love the look, add a tailored sink skirt to hide essentials, or do what we’re doing in our own project: bringing in an entire wall of IKEA PAX built-ins for overflow storage. Desianers think hard about lifestyle... because a beautiful bathroom that doesn’t actually work never stays beautiful.
3. Using the wrong grout color.
Bright white grout on a busy floor or in a shower is a cleaning nightmare. A softer, mid-tone grout is more forgiving, ages better, and lets the tile shine instead of the lines.
4. Cheap, overly shiny hardware and fixtures.
Nothing dates a bathroom faster than ultra-shiny, lightweight hardware. A tip I give clients: always look for weight and finish depth. Polished nickel with a warm undertone, unlacquered brass that patinas beautifully, or even aged bronze instantly elevates a space. Spend once and avoid upgrading again in two years.
5. Relying only on overhead lighting.
One can light = harsh, flat, unflattering. Layered lighting changes everything. Add sconces at face level (ladies... this is a game changer for getting ready), plus a decorative fixture or even a candle for a softer, moodier feel.
If you’re planning a remodel or want help avoiding these mistakes in your own home, send me a DM — we’d love to help you design a bathroom you’ll love for years🤍
“Designers are expensive.” That’s the public opinion... and sometimes, it’s true. But it’s also the reason we exist. 
A designer’s fee is almost always less than the cost of redoing things that weren’t done right the first time.
We see it all the time. Clients come to us after plans are finalized, materials are ordered, and the space is already under construction. By then, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to course-correct. Details like lighting placement, ceiling heights, tile layout, and even outlet locations all impact the final design. And when we’re part of the process early, those decisions work together instead of against each other.
Working with a designer isn’t just about how your home looks.. It’s about how it feels and functions. Our role is to bridge the gap between vision and execution, to make sure every decision supports the next one.
If you’re in the early stages of building or renovating, this is your sign to bring design in from the start. It’s an investment in doing it once, and doing it beautifully.
Inquire through our site (link in bio) to start your project!
Headed back to Oregon today and scrolling through old Christmas clips like the nostalgic, obsessed person that I am.😂 It truly never fails to be the coziest place during the holidays.
We chose the PNW this year partly for the peaceful vibes... partly because our renovation is unhinged right now. And MOSTLY because I wanted to put up a tree. 
Luckily we have a fake one in storage. No ornaments, just twinkle lights and vibes. I’ve got a few simple tricks to make it feel special for our family.
Where are you celebrating this year? Traveling? Staying home? I love hearing what this season looks like for everyone.
Until then, I’ll just be on the Tennessee backroads with my coffee, gathering design inspo from every pretty home I drive past!