Details are what make a professionally designed room stand out. Interior designers and decorators know that designing and decorating a space is more than just arranging lighting and furniture, selecting wall colors, choosing flooring and buying accents.  Design is in the details. Small touches that might be overlooked at first glance are the things that make good design great design.

One design detail that many people probably overlook is stitching. Decorative stitching, as opposed to the stitching that holds a piece together, can add an extra bit of flair. Decorative stitching can be something like quilting or a blanket stitch on the edge of a throw or rug. As seen in this picture, detailed stitching can be done on leather as well as fabrics.

For leather or suede furnishings, decorative stitching is a common design element. The stitching can be done in a white or contrasting thread so it stands out. Just like quilting where the thread can blend or become a decorative element on its own, decorative stitching on leather can be subtle or bold. Stitching can be purely decorative or as part of the construction of the piece. Seams can be highlighted with contrasting thread for a decorative look.

Pillows and other soft goods can be embellished with embroidery as well as quilting. Embroidery can be done in geometric, abstract and representative patterns—the possibilities are endless.

Next time you are purchasing a rug, piece of furniture or decorative accessory pay attention to the details like stitching.

The master bathroom should be more than just a functional space. It can be decorated to be an oasis from the stress and demands of the rest of the day.  Choosing a style for the master bath should reflect the design of the rest of the master suite and your personality.  You may want to create more of a spa feeling or a romantic feeling in the master bath.

If you have a more traditional master bedroom, you’ll want to continue that style into the bathroom. Using luxury materials can give your master bath an elegant feeling. This master bathroom has both the high end fixtures and luxury materials one would expect in a master bathroom. The deep soaking tub is a must in today’s master bathrooms.  These tubs can be free standing or built in. The separate shower stall should be equally as luxe with a rainhead shower head and multiple body sprays.

Luxury materials like marble, granite and porcelain tiles are great choices for the master bathroom.  These can be applied to walls and tub surrounds as well as the floor.  Adding a few soft bath mats around the room give your bare feet a cushioned place to stand. Heated floors are another luxury in the master bath.

A valance or blinds are important for privacy if you have a large window in the master bathroom.  Choose a material that can stand up to moisture if you do put curtains in the bathroom. Outdoor fabrics are great choice because they are water resistant.

When writers get stuck it is called writer’s block. We’ve decided that there is also something called designer’s block. It is similar to writer’s block in that both are the feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward with a project or decision. Designer’s block can strike at the beginning, middle or end of a design project. It can stem from a problem floor plan or awkward room design; or be something like choosing which throw pillow is perfect for the sofa.

Designer’s block can be frustrating and infuriating. Choosing the right hardware for a cabinet or pillow for the sofa should be easier than it often is. We can get stuck in a cycle of thinking “what if this is a mistake” that can prevent us from moving forward with a decision.

Collecting samples of flooring or paint chips can be a great way to make a design decision but can also be overwhelming. The sheer number of choices available can leave our heads spinning at the paint or flooring store.

If you are stuck on a design decision and stuck with a case of designer’s block, start looking at design blogs and magazines for inspiration. Just as reading something else can help with writer’s block, looking at completed design projects can help us get over the block.  Walk away from the project for a few days to get a fresh perspective. Seeing the project or pillows with fresh eyes can make a once difficult decision perfectly simple.  Like writer’s block, designer’s block is often very temporary so don’t fret. This too shall pass.

Leather is an incredibly versatile material for decorating. The durable material can be found on furniture, flooring, accessories and wall coverings. Leather can get better with age if it is properly taken cared of and cleaned.  You can find leather upholstery, rugs and accent pieces for almost every room in your home.

Leather upholstered furniture is perhaps the most common place to find leather in the home.  Leather sofas and club chairs are classic choices for living rooms, family rooms and media rooms.  Leather upholstered headboards for master bedrooms are also popular. In the design world leather is thought to have a more masculine style than say, velvet or chintz, so it is a good choice to balance out feminine design elements. It is a great material for kids and pets if properly treated and cleaned. This is most true for darker leathers in browns and blacks.

Leather can also make a great material for flooring. Woven and braided leather rugs can be used in bedrooms, living rooms and even kitchens. There are also “shag” area rugs made from strips of leather for a soft, luxurious feel underfoot. Stamped leather floor tiles can replace carpet tiles. If you are thinking about using leather on the floor, talk with your retailer or do some online research about care and maintenance.

Leather can also be used on walls. Wall panels upholstered in leather are great sound barriers for a home theater or study.  Leather accents like pillows, desk accessories and boxes are additional ways you can decorate with leather in your home.

Imagine a room in your new home. Some colors have already been chosen, but it’s up to you to finish the design with furniture and accessories. How do you choose?

This lovely still life provides some ideas about the process. The kitchen shown here has cabinets in country green paint along with some rustic distressed honey pine. What does the space need to finish it up effectively?

When you’re looking to add a color, almost anything in that color will help you determine if you’re on the right track. With this kitchen, it was time to head to the pantry for ideas. Red can work in a surprising number of rooms. It certainly works in this one. You don’t have to use a scale or cranberries to check out the color. Do you have a red scarf or sweater? That would work too.

Don’t head right for white when a space is too dark. The soft cream of the bowls and flour provide just the right lighter tone without pulling too bright a white that wouldn’t work in the room. One other thing: white diminishes the appeal of most woods. Try to stick with creams or colors to show any wood surface at its best.

The old-fashioned style of this still life may lean you toward a bronze or antique brass metal choice, but you can see that silver works well here. Don’t be too consistent or you can end up with a cliché rather than a good design.

Imagine a room in your new home. Some colors have already been chosen, but it’s up to you to finish the design with furniture and accessories. How do you choose?

This lovely still life provides some ideas about the process. The kitchen shown here has cabinets in country green paint along with some rustic distressed honey pine. What does the space need to finish it up effectively?

When you’re looking to add a color, almost anything in that color will help you determine if you’re on the right track. With this kitchen, it was time to head to the pantry for ideas. Red can work in a surprising number of rooms. It certainly works in this one. You don’t have to use a scale or cranberries to check out the color. Do you have a red scarf or sweater? That would work too.

Don’t head right for white when a space is too dark. The soft cream of the bowls and flour provide just the right lighter tone without pulling too bright a white that wouldn’t work in the room. One other thing: white diminishes the appeal of most woods. Try to stick with creams or colors to show any wood surface at its best.

The old-fashioned style of this still life may lean you toward a bronze or antique brass metal choice, but you can see that silver works well here. Don’t be too consistent or you can end up with a cliché rather than a good design.

If your home has vaulted ceilings in one or more rooms, you know the difficulty you face maintaining the drama a high ceiling provides while keeping the space warm and inviting.

This hotel lobby has captured some of the both goals. Several design decisions made this possible.

First, the layout and architectural features of the space support an integrated room. The two tall thin windows help make the connection stronger and the choice to put oversized crown molding at the ceiling gives it a more significant presence in the room.

Colors are cohesive throughout and help to connect the flooring with the full height of the space. For example, the diagonal squares scattered on the stone floor have a dark taupe tone that is matched by the focal wall to the right and the stairs and railings for both staircases.

Artwork and accessories also work well in this room. The large three-part canvas echoes the shape of the long lean windows and the art’s soft tones provide a connection between all levels of the room without demanding too much attention. The lean plant almost feels like a piece of sculpture, and its height continues the theme of connecting upper and lower areas. Finally, the simple round table mirrors the curve of the stairway and brings attention to people-level.

What ideas can you borrow from this room to combine drama and comfort in your own vaulted-ceiling space?

If your home has vaulted ceilings in one or more rooms, you know the difficulty you face maintaining the drama a high ceiling provides while keeping the space warm and inviting.

This hotel lobby has captured some of the both goals. Several design decisions made this possible.

First, the layout and architectural features of the space support an integrated room. The two tall thin windows help make the connection stronger and the choice to put oversized crown molding at the ceiling gives it a more significant presence in the room.

Colors are cohesive throughout and help to connect the flooring with the full height of the space. For example, the diagonal squares scattered on the stone floor have a dark taupe tone that is matched by the focal wall to the right and the stairs and railings for both staircases.

Artwork and accessories also work well in this room. The large three-part canvas echoes the shape of the long lean windows and the art’s soft tones provide a connection between all levels of the room without demanding too much attention. The lean plant almost feels like a piece of sculpture, and its height continues the theme of connecting upper and lower areas. Finally, the simple round table mirrors the curve of the stairway and brings attention to people-level.

What ideas can you borrow from this room to combine drama and comfort in your own vaulted-ceiling space?

Many people would rather stay within a budget with their basement spaces, but that doesn’t mean that the look can’t be design-rich. Take a look at this lower level room. The solid-surface flooring takes on a personality of its own that perfectly suits the very modern persona of the room.

The most powerful design feature in this room is the suspended staircase. By opening up the stairwell, the homeowners have taken their basement from an unnoticed space and turned it into an exciting addition. The metal and wood staircase has a double value thanks to the light super-shiny floor. The reflection of the stairs actually acts as artwork underfoot.

The rest of the room keeps to the modern tone. A wall of contemporary images in matching frames provides an inexpensive but dramatic attention-grabber as you descend into the room. The conversation area is defined by the white sofa and loveseat and the daring zebra rug. A black and white theme continues with throw pillows and a series of vases.

Other than the addition of the stairway, this room was not expensive to create, but it has a high-priced impact. The reason for that comes from the powerful design that moves this room from basement to an exciting part of the total home.

How does this room make you feel? For most people, this space offers an invitation to walk in and make yourself comfortable.

The coffered ceiling, window casings, fireplace and built-in cupboard could be overwhelming with their strong presentation. However, gentle buttermilk walls contrast only slightly with the pure white of the architectural details, keeping every element low-key.

The flooring is a light oak. This is a perfect selection for the space’s traditional style. The oversize area rug has a soft tweedy pattern which adds another layer of design without outshining the rest of the room. Wood floors and area rugs are such a classic and inviting look and it works with almost any rug/floor combination.

One important element in creating an inviting space is light. By choosing simple light wood blinds, they can be pulled up during the day to take advantage of the sunshine and pulled down for privacy at night. In the evening, the ceiling light fixture combines with the lamp in the right corner to provide a warmly lighted space in the evening. Brightening up the corners with table lamps makes a room feel more welcoming.

Sofa and chair are of the same light sage green, adding color without taking over the room. The simple solid-color pillows can be requisitioned for a number of uses, but their gentle tones are also consistent with the soft nature of the room. Add in two round ottomans by the fireplace and this room is ready to make you comfortable.

What ideas from this room can you borrow to make your home more comfortable as well as lovely? Remember to design for your own comfort as well as your style preferences.