Five Professional Design Tricks

Five Professional Design Tricks That Nobody Talks About

I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing five professional design tricks that are game-changers for any home. These are the secrets designers use to add that “wow” factor to a space, and they’re surprisingly easy to do. Let’s dive in!

Tabletop Risers & Floor Pedestals

Tabletop risers and floor pedestals are simple tools that can completely transform how you display items, giving them artistic prominence. By elevating a vase, candle, or decorative object, you add height and create dimension, turning these accessories into focal points.

Use risers on a coffee table to vary heights and create visual layers, or opt for floor pedestals to highlight larger items like sculptures or floral arrangements in empty corners.

Another favorite option is footed stands and elevated bowls, especially in the kitchen. A beautiful ceramic or glass footed bowl filled with fruit or vegetables not only looks stunning but also keeps countertops organized.

You can even use them for fresh greenery or flowers to add a pop of color. Vintage footed bowls, stacked books, or even an antique stool can also work as risers, offering endless creative possibilities.

Art Beyond the Walls

Art doesn’t always belong on walls. Leaning art on a console table or dresser creates a relaxed, effortless feel. It’s also a great way to rotate pieces and keep your space feeling fresh.

Try tucking small art pieces into open shelving or placing them on kitchen counters paired with greenery or cookbooks for a designer touch.

Tabletop easels are perfect for smaller art pieces and work beautifully on shelves, sideboards, and entry tables. For larger pieces, floor art stands are incredibly versatile and can turn an empty corner into a designer moment.

Don’t forget plate stands—traditionally used for decorative plates, they’re also great for small art or framed mementos. These tools let you think outside the box and create artful, ever-changing displays.

Unconventional Tables

Unconventional tables can add unexpected interest to a room. An antique trunk at the end of your bed works as both a table and storage solution, while a petrified wood stump or garden stool can serve as a side table for an organic touch. Stacking vintage suitcases for a bedside table is functional and tells a story.

A large woven basket can double as a coffee table or side table—just add a tray on top for stability. Benches are another fantastic option: a narrow bench can serve as a coffee table in a tight space, or you can use one at the foot of a bed or against a wall to display decor.

For a bold look, repurpose sculptural objects or antique architectural salvage items as tables. These unique details make a space unforgettable.

Lamps in Unexpected Places

Lamps are a powerful tool in design, and placing them in unexpected spots adds depth and personality. Imagine a small lamp on a kitchen counter or open shelf, casting a cozy glow.

Bookshelves are another perfect spot for a lamp, as they add depth to displays and highlight your favorite decor pieces.

For an extra touch, place a small lamp inside a curio or glass-front cabinet to illuminate displayed items, or add one to a bathroom vanity for a spa-like atmosphere.

Don’t forget transitional spaces like mudrooms, entryways, or covered patios—a lamp in these areas adds functionality and charm. Think outside the box with your lamps to make a stylish statement.

Grouping a Collection

Grouping similar collected items together can make an incredible design statement. For example, a gallery wall of antique plates adds personality and charm to a room, while grouping items of varying heights and textures on a mantle creates a layered look.

Displaying collections thoughtfully—whether on shelves, inside cabinets, or even on walls—adds visual interest and tells a story.

Collections don’t have to be traditional. Seashells, vintage books, globes, or even quirky items like antique toys can make a space feel curated and meaningful.

Use trays, shelves, or walls to create a cohesive statement and give your collections their moment to shine.

These often-overlooked design tricks are easy to incorporate and can add unexpected personality to your spaces. By using these professional tips, you can create a home that feels curated, stylish, and uniquely yours.

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