It’s our third and final part of our favorite things design edition and we’re still singing that iconic song!

So many things come to mind when we think of must haves and where you should splurge when styling a home, but we’ve tried to narrow it down to some of the big ones. We wanted to focus on the items that anchor your home and ground the aesthetic.

Up first, lighting is essential for any space! Many people forget how a great light fixture can transform a space. Whether it’s the correct size chandelier for a dining room or that great pair of lamps for bedroom nightstands; lighting makes a room. Our lead designer, Chelsee Sowder states, “a great pair of lamps are not only a design element, but can make an impact that perfectly tones the mood of a space.”

Plus our team says, “don’t overlook correct lamp sizing!” Too small and it really takes away from a design, but too big and your guests feel loomed over. Oversized lamps or fixtures can even create a spotlight effect that can highlight items you would rather people not focus on. Most of the time, a mid-range, medium size lamp with a style and structure compatible with your overall design will do the trick.

The next splurgeable element on our list: artwork! Great artwork is worth the investment. When designing, we have found people see the price tag for a large price of art or architectural accent, but pass it up settling for a smaller option or even a grouping of smaller pieces to stick to a price point they had in mind. Doing so doesn’t do any favors for the overall design aesthetic of your space. When decorating, there is a time and a place to highlight groupings or even photo collages, but the majority of spaces need an anchor or statement piece on the wall. A great piece of artwork sized appropriately for the space draws the eye and helps create the correct perspective for the design. Do you have a piece of art you’ve been considering? Make the investment! You’ll never be disappointed with artwork that speaks to your soul and your space.

Our final decor element we want tot highlight is area rugs. Area rugs can pull an entire design concept together. The main aspect to look for in rugs is proper sizing (do you sense a theme?). Rugs define a room, define a space and create design cohesiveness. The most expensive rug is not always the answer. We choose rugs first by size, second by color and pattern, and finally by price point. There’s nothing more distracting in design as to have a rug that doesn’t cover enough floor space. For example, when styling a dining area with a rug, the table and chairs should all fit on the rug as if a guest has pulled the chair out on all sides to side. The chair legs should never fall off the perimeter of the rug.

Many times clients make the mistake of getting an area rug that is actually too small for their space. A rug in your family room should make the seating arrangement feel cozy. Pushing your furniture around a rug that is undersized will make the area feel cramped and smaller than it is. Size. Size. Size! Area rugs work best when they are size properly. See our favorite places blog for our go to rug company!

Every space must have these items: appropriate lighting in the correct proportions, anchoring artwork that makes a statement and defines the aesthetic and rugs that are sized to suit the room and its furniture. Our must haves and splurgeable items will create the perfect mood you are seeking in your home.

Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

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