13 Small Design Touches That Make a Big Impact

Photo: Sarah Dorio

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Love Your Layers

Layering accessories with different finishes of the same type of metal is an excellent way to create a collected look. To master the look, you’ll need a range of items varying in shape, scale and proportion. Arranging the items on a sculptural console table or credenza will pack a ton of personality into any space in the house.

Photo: Sarah Dorio/ Flynnside Out Produ

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Add a Wow-Worthy Rug

In addition to color and pattern, rugs can also pack a ton of dimension into a space. Here, a generously sized area rug delineates the sleeping area with a plush embossed pattern that looks fantastic and feels great on your feet.

Photo: Sarah Dorio

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Take a Seat

Add an extra layer of personality and function to your master bathroom by placing a simple ottoman next to the tub or just outside the shower. This will give the space a personality more befitting of a decorating room, while also adding an extra spot to sit and take off your shoes or slippers.

Photo: Sarah Dorio/ Flynnside Out Produ

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Keep Storage Close By

One of the most effective ways to control clutter stylishly is with woven baskets used for both functional and decorative purposes. Just feet from the soaking tub in this master bathroom, a woven basket keeps everything from towels and robes to bottles of bubbly neat and within arm's reach.

HGTV Smart Home 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina

Photo: Tomas Espinoza/Flynnsideout Prod

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Incorporate Lively Touches

Although it may seem like a small touch, adding a potted plant to a kitchen can instantly add a touch of life. Stick with low-maintenance plants such as Boston ferns or maidenhair ferns to bring a touch of softness to the otherwise hard, sturdy preparation surfaces.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza/Flynnsideout Prod

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Splurge on a Custom Furnishings

When you're torn between splurging on that investment piece of art or furnishing a room with custom upholstery, consider using a cost-effective object as art by simply hanging it on the wall for shape, texture and scale. Here, a custom-upholstered bed in greige velvet has timeless appeal and, thanks to its neutral fabric, almost any color will work seamlessly as an accent.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza/Flynnsideout Prod

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Pair Unique Objects

Visual tension is a trick designers use to pair opposites together in a room for juxtaposition. In the media room at HGTV Smart Home 2016, a primitive, carved wooden tray sits atop a sleek chrome and glass coffee table to strike up the perfect balance of cool and warm.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza/Flynnsideout Prod

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Put Some Bling on Your Furniture

One of the most classic ways to add masculine style to furniture is with pinstripe upholstery. To break up the monotony of the pattern, consider adding large-scale nailheads in timeless finishes like bronze or pewter.

Photo: Sarah Dorio/ Flynnside Out Produ

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Break Up Textures

Of all rooms in the house, dining rooms tend to have the least amount of layers; that said, it's wise to consider the textural values of each main element brought into a dining space. In the dining room at HGTV Smart Home 2016, a generously sized chandelier covered in two-toned twine and amber crystals breaks up the heavy woods seen on the table and chairs below.

Photo: Robert Peterson/Rustic White Pho

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Introduce Colorful Accents

An excellent way to inch yourself into color is by slowly introducing accents of bright hues into your rooms. At HGTV Smart Home 2016, a neutral brown-gray office is given a touch of playfulness with small pops of coral upholstery and bookshelves styled solely with red-toned vintage books.

Photo: Robert Peterson/Rustic White Pho

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Have Fun With Feathers

If taking care of plants is too much work for you, consider filling vessels with other organic materials that add life with zero maintenance. The office desk at HGTV Smart Home 2016 is styled with a brass trophy urn that's filled with masculine feathers for a sophisticated, collegiate look.

Photo: Robert Peterson/Rustic White Pho

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Create a Casual Seating Area

If you're looking to create an impromptu seating area, consider adding a cigarette table between two side chairs. This can instantly take hard-working seating like dining chairs or desk chairs and give them more of a conversational, lounge-like persona.

Photo: Sarah Dorio

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Mix and Match Textures

Wallcovering is an excellent source for adding texture to a room otherwise filled with smooth surfaces. The window seat in the pantry at HGTV Smart Home 2016 has plenty of coarse texture in its grasscloth wall covering and nubby cushion upholstery to juxtapose with the refined occasional table.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza/Flynnsideout Prod

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Display Colorful Food

In the kitchen, let the ingredients and snacks serve double duty as decoration by displaying them in clear vessels. In addition to the rich texture of the green velvet stool upholstery, the texture of the food adds visual tension between the sleek countertops and slick backsplash tile.

HGTV Smart Home 2016: Behind the Design

13 Small Design Touches That Make a Big Impact

Love Your Layers

Add a Wow-Worthy Rug

Take a Seat

Keep Storage Close By

Incorporate Lively Touches

Splurge on a Custom Furnishings

Pair Unique Objects

Put Some Bling on Your Furniture

Break Up Textures

Introduce Colorful Accents

Have Fun With Feathers

Create a Casual Seating Area

Mix and Match Textures

Display Colorful Food