When you walk into a well-designed home, there is often an immediate sense of ease. The proportions feel right, the palette is balanced, and natural light flows through the space. While everything appears effortless, achieving that feeling requires intention and experience.
You might notice the way linen drapery filters the afternoon sun or how a piece of art seems to settle perfectly into its surroundings. These quiet moments are not accidental. They are the finishing touches — the details that elevate a space from furnished to complete.
Charles and Ray Eames once said, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” In every project we complete, this sentiment holds true. The art, textiles, window treatments, and carefully placed objects within a home form the final layer that brings character and cohesion to every room.
Why Finishing Touches Matter
Before selecting specific pieces, it helps to understand why finishing touches deserve such care. The term itself can be misleading — suggesting these details come last or that they are optional. In truth, they are what transform a space from well-designed to deeply felt.
Finishing touches establish connection and rhythm throughout a home. Through colour, texture, and proportion, they link one element to another, creating harmony. They are not simply decorative; they reinforce the visual language of a space so that every detail feels intentional.
In our West Van Project, pictured below, the living room coffee table provides a simple but telling example.
Left bare, it would feel disconnected from its surroundings. Once layered with a woven tray, a few favourite books, a sculptural vase, and flowers from the garden, the table exudes warmth and personality. The result is a space that feels lived in rather than staged — seamlessly connected to the home’s coastal palette through the repetition of colour and natural materials.
The Art of Layering
While finishing touches may appear effortless, achieving that balance is never accidental. Styling a room requires a professional eye — one that understands proportion, rhythm, and restraint.
I always begin with a clean slate, removing everything to reveal the architecture and true proportions of the space. From there, we curate with intention, blending cherished pieces with new supporting elements to complete the composition. Styling shelves is one of the best ways to express this idea in practice — a true art form where balance, texture, and story meet. Take the built-ins from our Newfoundland Project, for example.
Initially (left), the shelves held a meaningful mix of family photos, keepsakes, and well-loved books. Our goal is never to erase what matters most, but to refine how it is presented. We edit, reintroduce, and layer to create balance and cohesion, adding sculptural ceramics, textured accents, and art books for rhythm and contrast.
The result (right) is a display that feels both personal and polished — a reflection of the homeowner’s story, expressed with structure and warmth.
Professional Tip: To keep the look functional (and avoid the tchotchke effect), we love incorporating accessories that also serve a purpose — woven baskets, storage boxes, or sculptural lighting.
Investing Where It Counts
Lastly, not every accessory needs to be a showpiece, yet certain finishing touches are worth the investment. Custom pillows, drapery, and lighting, for example, can instantly elevate a room. The difference in quality, proportion, and comfort is subtle but unmistakable. Additionally, original art and handmade objects infuse a home with authenticity and a connection to place.
In our PEI Project, pictured below, the entryway illustrates how a few intentional choices can define the atmosphere of an entire space.
A sculptural light installation by Vancouver’s Propellor Studio creates a striking focal point while maintaining a sense of airiness.
The custom oak table, designed by our studio and built by Brodye Chappell Builds, introduces natural warmth and craftsmanship. Nearby, a textural wall hanging by Newfoundland artist Mary Anne Donovan. These investments in craftsmanship, artistry, and authenticity elevate the home’s narrative while supporting Canadian makers.
At the same time, it is important to note that not every finishing touch requires a significant investment.
A vintage find, a plant in a timeless ceramic vase, or a curated stack of design books can add texture and warmth without excess. The thoughtful balance of refined objects can create that natural, collected and intentional aesthetic.
Key Takeaways on Finishing Touches in Your Home
- Finishing touches are not optional. They are essential to creating a cohesive, lived-in home.
- Begin with simplicity, then layer with balance and intention.
- Mix meaningful personal pieces with accessible supporting elements for depth and ease.
- Invest in quality textiles and original art; they set the tone for craftsmanship and longevity.
- The details make the design and make your home feel distinctively yours.
Creating a Home That Feels Complete
A thoughtfully styled home isn’t about filling every surface. It is about curating with care: knowing when to add, when to edit, and when to pause. When each element feels intentional, your home reflects not only your style but your way of living.
When you are ready to bring those final layers to life, I invite you to reach out to us here.
Yours,
Lori
