Want a Home That Feels Finished? Don’t Skip Decorating These 8 Spots

The Entryway

They say first impressions are everything, which is why it’s so important to decorate your entryway, according to Andrew Suvalsky, owner and director of Andrew Suvalsky Designs, a full-service interior design firm. “I’m bullish on always creating a distinct sense of movement in an entry, even in the smallest of spaces,” he says. “An entryway sets the tone for the entire home. It’s a space to stop, collect, and prepare, whether coming or going.”

The designer’s secret sauce for this space? Include seating (even if it’s just a bench or chair), a console table, and a mirror over your console. “Having at least one or two of these elements creates the moment and offers an opportunity to bring in stylish pieces that reflect your personal taste,” Suvalsky adds.

Basement

You might not think much about your basement, but it’s a great place to create aesthetically pleasing storage solutions, especially if the rest of your home feels a little cramped. “People forget the lower-level drop zone—you know, the basement,” says Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, founder of Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. “It usually ends up packed with muddy shoes, old paintbrushes, and appliance manuals from things you no longer own. And if it floods? Say goodbye to all of it. Clear it out, create proper storage, and you might actually reclaim some real space—maybe even upgrade that old guest room full of mismatched furniture.”

The Laundry Room

“The laundry room is another forgotten spot,” says Eustace. “It should feel as fresh and clean as the clothes coming out of it.” 

Keep in mind, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. It takes just a few simple upgrades to make a difference. “Add tile to the walls, hang your cottons, and give yourself room to press your sheets,” Eustace says. “It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be functional and visually appealing.”

Nightstands

Many of us leave our nightstands undecorated, but interior designer Andrea Goldman of Andrea Goldman Design shares that it’s a smart spot to upgrade. “Spend a little more time styling your bedside table,” she says. “It’s a nice treat to go to bed at night and wake up the next morning with fresh plants or flowers, as well as a decorative tray to hold water, medicine, or jewelry.”

Powder Rooms

According to Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack’s interior design expert, powder rooms (sometimes called half bathrooms) are often overlooked, but they can be a great canvas for trying something new. “It’s a small space, so it can be more affordable to experiment with bold wallpaper, a new console sink, or upgraded lighting,” she says.

One approach is to choose finishes you love that don’t necessarily fit in with the rest of your design scheme in other rooms. Use the powder room as an opportunity to try out those design touches, such as toile wallpaper or an antique mirror, in a more confined area of your home.

The Ceiling

One of the biggest design trends in recent years involves decorating the ceiling. “The ceiling is often a wall most people don’t consider, but it can make a huge impact on a room,” says Olsen. “Painting the ceiling a dark color can make a bedroom feel cozier, especially when it has high ceilings and lots of natural light. Applying a bold wallpaper gives the room more character and can even make the ceiling appear taller.”

Hallways

While the hallway is a pass-through zone, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. “Clients often don’t want to put energy there, but when guests are walking from the front door to a powder room or bedroom, it matters,” explains interior designer Melanie Bryant of Melanie Bryant Interiors. “I’ll suggest a few framed pieces and a battery-operated picture light—it doesn’t take much to give it a finished look. Swapping a flush mount for a small pendant or adding a pretty runner also goes a long way.”

Kitchen Islands

Bryant tells me that even if you renovate your kitchen, you might be forgetting to style your kitchen island. “Kitchen islands are prime real estate, but people often forget to decorate them,” she says. “A candle, a bowl of fruit, and a small arrangement can make it feel intentional instead of like a drop zone.”

Adding a few pieces of decor doesn’t take a lot of effort, but it can make a big design impact.