14 Details That Make Your Home Look Professionally Decorated
When you’re invited into someone else’s home, chances are you may spot red or green flags. A red flag is often the lack of an arguably necessary design element, like a headboard, or the kind of mess you get when junk blindness escalates to a hoarder-level situation. But we’re more captivated by the green flags. So, we asked interior designers what they’re delightfully surprised to see when they walk into anyone’s house for the first time—especially when said person didn’t tap an expert to design their residence.
From non-neutral painted trim to sculptural sinks, we’ve assembled the design features that instantly impress industry professionals. Should you have any of these in your home, you can take comfort in knowing you’re on the right home design path. If not, consider elevating your interiors by implementing them. Beyond home features, some designers even revealed the green flags they spot in potential clients that make them more eager to take them on. Listen up if you’re hoping to hire a designer for your next project and want to help the process go smoothly.
Sarah Robertson, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn
“When I walk into a home and see charming, well-loved, and well-worn antique furniture, my heart melts! If there are stories attached to them (and aren’t there always?), it’s an even bigger green light for me.”
“I am soooo house curious—completely nonjudgmental when I go into other people’s houses, I swear, but I love to be nosy, especially when someone’s house is so well decorated! My biggest green flag is when someone—most especially when they didn’t use an interior designer—selected really bold wallpaper in a really big way. Not playing it safe with wallpaper [by choosing] confident, bold, BAM! Wallpaper [is a major green flag].
Also: when non-decorators paint the trim in their homes a non-neutral color. I recently visited a home where all the trim—crown, window, door casing, baseboards—was painted olive green, and I was smitten. So how’s that green trim for a green flag?!”
A sitting room by Isabel Ladd Interiors with olive green painted trim.
Guillaume Coutheillas, founder and creative director of frenchCALIFORNIA
“When I walk into someone’s home, I’m always intrigued by how personal objects and sentimental decor are used creatively. It could be a gallery wall full of family photos or travel keepsakes displayed with care. These touches really make the space feel unique. It shows the homeowner’s personal touch and gives a peek into their identity—something we designers aim to bring out.
Another detail is how collectibles and family heirlooms become part of the decor. Whether it’s ceramics, vintage furniture, classic paintings, or other cherished pieces passed down through generations, each tells its own story. These items aren’t just beautiful; they’re steeped in history and sentimental value, adding layers of depth and personality to the home. From an artist’s painting inherited from a great-aunt to a handcrafted piece of furniture gathered by grandparents, these elements offer a window into the family’s past and reflect a profound appreciation for their roots.”
“[When] both the outside and inside of the home need to mirror one another… Often, many homes’ facades are rooted in one design era, and then the inside reflects another time period. This disconnect between in and out spaces has a jarring effect. To me, showing design alignment across both outdoor and indoor spaces is vital. For example, I’ve seen spellbinding traditional Spanish architectural homes from the street view and then walked indoors only to find that the owners have tried to make it a fully modern blank style striped of its history instead—a real tragedy of design that denies its architectural roots!
[Also, sculptural bathroom sinks, like] a rough-hewn rock double-wide sink or a marble version that sits atop the counter. Both have a substantial material and visual weight, becoming the focal point of the room. The atypical type of washing basin is surprising, transitioning notions of a sink from simply functional into the realm of standalone sculpture.”
“The homes that impress me the most have a personal point of view. When you walk in, you immediately know something about the person who lives there. Essentially, you see that person’s collection of ideas and preferences made tangible—a visual interpretation of their unique story. It could be as simple as a strong preference for a certain color or as complex as observing how someone has integrated a collection of one thing or many collections into their living space. I particularly enjoy seeing personal quirks taken to excess in interior design!”
“My green flag isn’t necessarily a design instinct, but I’m always pleasantly surprised when I go into a clean and organized home. To be honest, I don’t expect this. I even tell potential clients not to clean up before the consultation because seeing how they really live will help me highlight pain points. While I do need to see how the space is currently living well (or unwell) with clients, when the space is clean, I’m more appreciative that my hard work in designing their space will last longer.”
“I’m always so impressed when someone isn’t a designer or hasn’t hired one and they have great art collections. This doesn’t necessarily mean big-name artists but beautifully curated and interesting pieces with a thread throughout really wow me. Having this displayed in a home gives it so much character and personality and shows a boldness in their tastes, especially if the art is conceptual or evocative in some way.
Another quietly impressive thing is quality curtains. Beautiful bespoke, tailored sheers and beautiful curtain fabrics show that the person really values craftsmanship and investment pieces that are made to last. These two things really make a person’s house feel like a quality, lived-in home to me.”
Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, cofounders of KOBEL + CO
“When we engage in our initial conversation with a client and they come to us with questions rather than preconceived solutions. Rather than focusing on an acute wish list, they can speak to the lifestyle they aspire to achieve. It’s an immediate signal that they are willing to entrust our studio with the creativity to bring that vision to life rather than try to dictate the design themselves.
Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez, cofounders of MONIOMI Design
“A good art curation is always a green flag. It allows us to immediately see through the clients artistic and creative side. Through art, we can measure their ability to take risks. It’s also always great working with a family heirloom. These pieces have a history that emanates life in to the spaces they occupy. It’s a good start to a room design in a way that connects deeply with our clients.”
“A green flag I always welcome in a new client is one who comes to the table with no inspiration imagery. It might seem a bit contrary, but I find that clients with dozens of inspo images and Pinterest boards often get in their own way creatively. It can be very challenging for them to articulate their true wants versus needs, and they often request too many ‘must-haves’ that can’t possibly all be accommodated cohesively in their home’s design.
I would much rather work with someone who says, ‘We loved this hotel we stayed in on our trip to Italy’ or ‘We’re very fond of natural stone and earthy tones.’ This type of direction provides a clearer sense of their personal experiences and preferences without being overly prescriptive. It allows me to weave their story into the design, creating a space that is authentically theirs….”
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