10 Interior Design Secrets That Instantly Update a Room

Posted on 13th May 2025 at 10:59

For those with a passion for sophisticated living, interior design is more than aesthetics—it's an art form, a lifestyle, and a reflection of personal taste. Updating a room doesn’t require starting from scratch. Often, the most impactful changes come from nuanced adjustments and curated details.

Whether you're refreshing a formal salon or reimagining a cosy study, these 10 interior design secrets will elevate your space with effortless elegance. Sourced from the world of high-end design and honed by expert stylists at your trusted interior design shop, these techniques are grounded in timeless luxury.

1. Upgrade Your Upholstery with Statement Textiles

Reupholstering a chair, bench, or headboard in a luxury fabric can completely shift the tone of a room. Opt for tactile materials like bouclé, rich velvet, or patterned silks. A neutral room can come alive with a single piece in a bold, unexpected textile.

Interior design tip: Work with your interior design shop’s fabric specialists to select custom weaves or limited-edition patterns that guarantee exclusivity.

2. Layer Curtains and Blinds for Depth

Layering window treatments creates visual interest and a sense of grandeur. Combine Roman blinds in a refined print with floor-length linen or silk curtains. This technique adds elegance, improves light control, and frames windows like a work of art.

Luxury secret: Use interlined curtains for extra fullness and insulation, and always hang drapes as close to the ceiling as possible for added height.

3. Add Wooden Shutters for Architectural Drama

Wooden shutters bring a heritage feel and an architectural edge to a space. Choose classic white for coastal chic, or deep-stained wood for a more masculine, club-style ambience. Their sculptural quality adds structure and timeless character to any interior.

Design insight: Custom shutters made to match your window’s dimensions are a worthwhile investment that will last for decades.

4. Introduce a Fabric Wall or Panel

Why limit luxury fabrics to furniture? Upholstered wall panels or fabric-covered feature walls are a sophisticated way to add depth, texture, and sound insulation. Think plush suede in a library, or hand-embroidered silk in a bedroom alcove.

Elegant touch: Choose a tone-on-tone pattern for a refined, layered aesthetic that whispers luxury rather than shouts it.

5. Refresh with Bespoke Cushions and Throws

Cushions are more than decorative—they are an opportunity to play with textures, trims, and subtle patterns. Mix large and small cushions in complementary tones, and layer throws in cashmere or brushed alpaca for instant warmth and refinement.

Expert tip: For a designer finish, add details like contrast piping, hand-fringed edges, or monogrammed embroidery.

6. Use Fabric to Reimagine Your Headboard

A bespoke upholstered headboard adds softness, height, and a sense of grandeur to the bedroom. Choose shapes inspired by classic architecture—arched, scalloped, or fluted—and upholster in luxurious mohair or tufted velvet.

Design tip: Tie it into your window treatments or scatter cushions to create a cohesive visual story.

7. Replace Standard Blinds with Custom Designs

Generic blinds don’t belong in a luxury home. Instead, choose made-to-measure Roman blinds in natural linens, patterned silks, or textured weaves. Consider adding a contrasting trim or a subtly patterned lining for a designer detail that only reveals itself in daylight.

Smart idea: Motorised blind systems can be seamlessly integrated for modern convenience with traditional beauty.

8. Add a Skirted Table or Dressed Console

A table skirted in bespoke fabric is a refined way to soften hard edges and introduce visual rhythm to a space. It also allows for concealed storage—a practical bonus in living rooms or guest bedrooms.

Styling note: Choose a luxurious pleated skirt in a classic damask or printed linen, and top with decorative accents like a ceramic lamp or antique mirror.

9. Frame the View with Perfectly Tailored Drapery

Window furnishings should be tailored with the same precision as a Savile Row suit. Ensure curtains are weighted, lined, and perfectly measured to fall in soft, even folds. This adds immediate polish and elevates the entire space.

Insider’s advice: Always choose fabrics with a beautiful hand-feel—silk, wool, and linen blends that drape impeccably and age gracefully.

10. Style with Purposeful Soft Décor

CDon’t underestimate the power of thoughtful accessories. A refined throw, a strategically placed bolster cushion, or a tailored valance can bring a room into harmony. When working with a luxury interior design shop, you’ll find soft furnishings that feel curated, not mass-produced.

Final word: Less is more. Choose a few exquisite pieces that speak to your aesthetic, and let them shine

Transform Your Interiors with Subtle Luxury

The beauty of high-end interior design lies in its attention to detail. From couture-level fabrics to custom window treatments and upholstery that tells a story, these secrets are the key to refreshing a room with intention and style.

For bespoke solutions, artisan craftsmanship, and curated collections, visit your trusted interior design shop—where each detail is considered, and every finish whispers refinement.