Interior design often spotlights the obvious: statement sofas, luxurious beds. But behind every polished space are the unsung heroes – the furniture pieces designers quietly swear by. These aren’t necessarily expensive or trendy; they’re practical, versatile, and often overlooked. Here’s what pros use to add depth, storage, and unexpected charm to homes.
Зміст
The Storage Ottoman: More Than Just a Footrest
Designers like Jenny Williamson of West Rose Design consistently choose storage ottomans. They offer seating, surface space, and hidden storage, making them ideal for small or high-traffic areas. Their lightweight design allows easy rearrangement, a bonus for flexible living.
Antique Bars: Injecting Personality
Whether in a modern loft or a historic home, an antique bar adds instant character. Caroline Dedeker of Cedar & Oak notes they seamlessly bridge spaces without formal division, offering both function (serving drinks, obviously) and a unique focal point. Sourcing vintage pieces is a win-win for storage and style.
The Console Table: A Designer’s Obsession
The search for the perfect console table is relentless, according to Taylor Shanahan of Redmond Aldrich Design. These pieces fill gaps behind sofas, function as entry drop-zones, or add depth to living rooms. A well-chosen console isn’t just furniture; it’s a foundational element of many designs.
Coffee Table Clusters: Rethinking the Centerpiece
Jessica Neilas of Thoughtform Design Build and Wolfe advocates for grouping coffee tables and ottomans in varying heights and materials. This approach creates visual interest, adds flexible seating (18-inch surfaces encourage casual lounging), and allows pieces to be rearranged as needed. It’s more dynamic than a single, static table.
Drink Tables: Small Details, Big Impact
Interior designer Christina Clark loves the understated elegance of drink tables, perfect for rounding out any seating area, no matter how tight the space. Allison Jaffe suggests placing them beside accent chairs to eliminate awkward reaches for beverages. Even vintage telephone tables, with their quirky charm, are making a comeback.
Dressing Stools & Benches: Hidden Utility
Clark recommends benches for end-of-bed storage or convenient shoe placement. Jill Lagom highlights their versatility in small guest rooms, doubling as luggage storage. These pieces blend form and function seamlessly.
Games and Instruments: Art That Plays
A marble chessboard or vintage gumball machine isn’t just decoration; it’s personality. Lagom suggests thrifting for affordable records or Amazon classics to complement existing decor. Instruments, like pianos repurposed as desks or guitars hung as art, offer creative solutions for small spaces.
Twin Beds: The Multi-Purpose Solution
Lagom suggests using twin beds in multifunctional rooms (guest room/home office) to maximize space. They act as daybeds, allowing the room to serve multiple purposes without feeling cramped.
The Secretary Desk: Timeless Elegance
Aileen Jackson of Jackson Warren Interiors champions the classic secretary desk. This piece combines storage, workspace, and a touch of vintage style, making it a staple for many designers.
The takeaway: Great design isn’t just about big investments. It’s about recognizing the power of underappreciated pieces to add personality, storage, and adaptability to any space. Designers know that sometimes, the most impactful additions are the least expected.
