Designer Details that are the Difference Between “nice” and Luxury
Have you ever walked into a home that not only looks beautiful, but feels well-designed? Sometimes it’s hard to put your finger on exacly what creates that feeling, but effortless, luxurious vibes don’t happen by accident. They’re the culmination of a million, thoughtful, small details (our specialty) that transform a space from simply “nice” to magazine-worthy.
So today, we’re spilling our secrets and sharing the details that make all the difference, plus tips to help you incorporate them into your own home.
Wall Treatments
Luxury interiors almost always pay special attention to the walls. Whether it’s a grasscloth wallpaper, custom millwork, or classic picture-frame molding, these treatments add texture, depth, and architectural interest.
In this coastal-inspired primary bedroom from project ‘Pacific Breeze’, we chose a beautiful natural grasscloth for the walls which echoes the laid-back, coastal mood of the design. It creates visual interest without being overpowering and is one of those custom touches that instantly makes the room feel curated and high-end.
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Design ideas:
For a timeless look, install wainscoting and picture frame molding are the way to go.
Want a dash of artistic storytelling? Wallpaper murals might be exactly what you need.
Wallpaper instantly makes a room feel more layered and intentional. If you’re not ready to commit to wallpaper in a major living area, experiment in a smaller space like your powder room.
Don’t forget the ceiling! Adding molding or wallpaper to the ceiling adds an unexpected and elevated feel.
Custom Cabinetry
Nothing elevates a kitchen, bath, or built-ins quite like cabinetry that’s tailored to the space. The difference between standard and custom isn’t just function, it’s also the refined details, like panel-ready or integrated appliances and custom inserts.
At Project ‘ Perfectly Polished’, we set out to design a kitchen that our clients could use to do everything from hosting cozy family dinners to glamorous, over-the-top parties. Bespoke cabinetry gave us endless ways to customize the space and allowed us to maximize storage and tailor every detail to fit their lifestyle. For the cabinetry, we chose a white oak flat panel that perfectly captures the California modern aesthetic: warm, clean, and effortlessly sophisticated.
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Design Ideas:
If a fully custom kitchen isn’t in the budget, consider semi-custom cabinetry and upgrade the doors and trim for a bespoke feel.
Painting cabinetry in a rich, moody color can also add a sense of depth and luxury.
Looking for more info on cabinetry? Head to our Cabinetry Blog
Quality Hardware
Think of hardware as jewelry for your home. It may be small, but it makes a big impression. Luxury spaces feature high quality hardware that feels substantial to the touch and that have a beautifully crafted finish.
In this kitchen at project ‘Five’s a Vibe’ we mixed knobs and pulls to create a curated, collected feel. The warm brass finish brings a touch of charm and elegance, tying everything together beautifully.
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Find out everything you need to know about hardware placement, finishes and style by heading to our Cabinet Hardware Blog.
Design Ideas:
Swap out builder-grade hardware for something of higher quality
Don’t be afraid to mix metals (brass and polished nickel can coexist beautifully)
Opt for pulls that are about 1/3rd the size of your cabinet door for an elevated feel.
Upgraded Doors
Doors are often overlooked, but in high-end design, they’re an opportunity to make a statement and upgrade the feel of your entire space.
At project ‘Happiness Unlocked’, we selected a stunning arched iron pantry door to bring a true sense of luxury and purpose to the kitchen. It makes the pantry feel like a bespoke feature while adding beautiful architectural interest and a bit of visual drama.
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Design Ideas:
Paint interior doors in a bold color or high-gloss finish for an instant design moment.
Consider adding a vintage or reclaimed door for character. Try antique shops or Etsy!
Iron doors are perfect for creating a charming, European cafe moment.
Statement Lighting
A well-placed chandelier or sculptural pendant does more than illuminate, it becomes a work of art. Luxury interiors layer ambient, task, and accent lighting to create mood and dimension.
This statement light fixture was the perfect finishing touch for this coastal modern home, more affectionately known as ‘Mission Bay Modern’. It added just the right amount of drama and movement, while still feeling light and airy, and we love how it anchors the space without overwhelming it.
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Design Ideas:
Invest in at least one statement fixture for each major space.
In open-concept areas, use matching finishes but varied silhouettes to keep the look cohesive yet dynamic.
Large Scale Wall Decor
Large-scale pieces, whether original artwork, oversized mirrors, or even textiles, bring a sense of confidence and a serious wow-factor.
There’s no right or wrong place to hang a statement piece, but if you want a conversation starter, opt for a space that visitors will see - over your fireplace, in your living room, or in your entryway, like we did with this piece at project ‘Casa de Cinco.
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Design Ideas:
Think beyond framed prints. Try a gallery wall with meaningful pieces or hang an oversized vintage mirror to reflect light and expand the space visually.
To nail the scale, make sure your statement piece is 2/3rd the size of the area where you are hanging it.
MIXING MATERIALS
Mixing materials, like metal, wood, stone, ceramics and textured fabrics, adds depth and warmth that instantly makes a space feel more high-end and lived-in.
In this guest bedroom from project ‘Luxe Canyon Living’ we opted for an organic, tone-on-tone look. We specifically focused on natural materials like cotton, linen, rattan and even added some seashells into the styling for an extra earthy feel. This healthy mix of materials makes the room feel cozy and curated.
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Design Ideas:
Repeating a material (in more than one place ties the space together and prevents it from feeling chaotic.
Combine contrasting textures like a sleek marble countertop with woven baskets, or a velvet sofa paired with a rustic oak coffee table. This creates interest and a lived-in, curated feel.
COHESIVE COLOR PALETTE
A cohesive color palette is something you’ll see in every high-end home. It doesn’t mean every room is the same color, but there’s a sense of harmony that flows seamlessly from room to room.
The key is to choose 3–5 core colors and repeat them throughout your home in different ways (walls, upholstery, accents). A neutral palette with richer tones creates depth without overwhelming the eye, like we did in this modern living room from project ‘Saffron & Sage’
Design Ideas:
Throw pillows are an easy way to represent accent colors.
Wood tones, tile colors, and natural stone all have undertones—pull from those to inspire your palette.
Thanks for reading!
We hope these tips help you see your home with fresh eyes and inspire you to elevate the everyday details. Designing a beautiful home is all about intention and we’re so glad you stopped by to learn a little more about what makes that magic happen!
Thanks for reading, and as always, if you’re dreaming of a home that feels as good as it looks, we’d love to help you bring it to life.
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