The best part of my job is being able to create unique spaces for each client that will speak to their lifestyle and personality.

In order to make every project unique, it requires great listening and communication skills. Knowing the right questions to ask clients will uncover their style, preferences and goals for their home.

But for every project I do, there a few staple items that work almost every time. They always seem to enhance each project, and I obviously use them in different ways to work for the needs of each project.

These are the 5 things I almost always use on every design project and why you should too

1. Books

Whether I am styling a bookshelf or a table top, I always bring books in to style a space. Books create a warm and homey feel, plus it makes you look smarter 🙂 (Just kidding), but books are one of those things that can tell a story about you and speak to your personality. It could be that you just like to collect them, and not necessarily an avid reader (like me), or you enjoy reading a certain genre.

Books help to finish a bookcase when combined with other objects, figurines and picture frames. You can go minimal or go for a library feel. I usually use larger hardcovers on a cocktail table, and smaller hardcovers and paperbacks in bookcases. Depending on the look I am going for, I will remove the jackets which gives the books an “antique” look

The cost of books can add up quickly, but if you are like me, you can shop estate sales, garage sales, second hand bookstores, public libraries and even deeply discounted books on Amazon

1. Orchids

I believe that every room should include an element of nature. Flowers and greenery are the perfect ways to bring in some nature. Whether you choose real or faux (that absolutely must look real) orchids are a great way to go.

Orchids work with any style room – traditional, contemporary, transitional, and everything in between. I typically use white, as that works great with any color scheme. I like them taller and fuller where they almost have an “architectural” feel to the room, and add height to a vignette.

I usually go for great looking containers that will complement the look of the room

1. Pillows

Well there are folks who don’t like pillows, but there definitely is a place for pillows in almost every design project. Just try to imagine the seating above without pillows; it just wouldn’t be the same.

Pillows help to bring in color and the perfect opportunity to mix patterns, especially in an eclectic room. They give the room a more layered feel, which makes for a more luxurious and comfortable feel

Of course there have been debates about how many pillows are appropriate for a sofa, but it depends on the style of the room. I would say that for a standard sofa you need at least three pillows, but you can do as many as six

1. Window Treatments

Like pillows, window treatments are a great way to add color and pattern to a room. They are the perfect backdrop to the furnishings. I like to keep it classic by doing drapery panels mounted on rods, which are much more timeless than swags and jabots.

Naked windows, especially the ones without casings, are often not very attractive, so therefore window treatments always add a finishing touch. They add softness, and without them, a room can often look like it was a missed opportunity.

Even if you have an amazing view outside, you can still do fixed drapery panels in a neutral earth tone that will not obstruct your view, and will actually draw your eye to it

1. Lamps

Lighting is very important to the finished look of a room. There needs to be various type of lighting to make a room look and feel its best – ambient, task, accent etc

Lamps are a great way to add lighting to a room for certain tasks like reading in a bedroom or living room, and serving food in a dining room.

While lamps are functional, they can also be a great accent to a room. There are lots of great shapes, finishes and materials available for lamps. The style you choose will help to define the style of the room. Keep in mind that for rooms with higher ceilings, you can go with taller lamps with bigger shades. Proportion and scale should also be taken into consideration depending on the size of the table.

So there you have it. The 5 thinks that I almost always use in each design project.

Share with us the one thing that you always decorate with in each room of your home

Wishing You Beauty And Inspiration!

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