7 Things Designers Do Every Day to Keep Their Homes Looking Luxe

Single Sparkle

Updated: 22 Jul, 2025 • 0 • min read

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No one's space is 100% put together all the time, but interior designers' homes often come pretty close. That's because they're pros at implementing basic design hacks that can work wonders in upping a house's style factor in no time (and they have plenty of family decorating advice, too). Below, 10 designers share seven rituals that they make a point to follow to keep their homes looking top-notch no matter what's going on with their schedule.

Perfect Your Lighting Scheme

A good lighting scheme will work wonders in enhancing your space. "Once the lighting is right, most everything else starts to fall into place," explains Isabella Patrick, the founder of Isabella Patrick Interiors . In her own house, Patrick uses layered lighting and keeps all of her fixtures on dimmers with a 2,700K color temperature.

Switch Your Accessories

There's no need to view your accessories as permanent; you can easily refresh your space as often as you'd like by swapping out decorative pieces like Kelley Gable does. "I refresh my home's accessories fairly regularly to ebb and flow with the seasons and my personal style," explains the founder of Gable Interiors . Shop your space by transporting items from one room to another as you wish to enjoy a new look without breaking the bank.

Invest in a Frame TV

While Samsung Frame televisions, which are designed to look like framed paintings or photos when they're not in use, are pricier than your standard flat screen, they remain a designer favorite for a reason. "We all love to stream, but TVs are an eyesore," says Julia Newman, the founder of Julia Adele Design . "Instead of making a turned-off TV the focal point of the room, you can make it art."

Make the Bed

Don't underestimate the power of taking a minute or two to make your bed each morning, not just when you know you'll have company. "I make my bed every day - no matter what," says Stephanie Molster, the founder of Stephanie Molster Interiors . "Returning to a neatly made bed at the end of the day provides an immediate sense of calm." Susie Prince feels similarly. "This one provides such a sense of calm with very little effort," says the founder of Susie Mae Design . "You'll feel more put together, even if there are piles of laundry in the corner."

Say Yes to Baskets

Baskets are a designer's bff - and they should be yours, too, if you're not already incorporating them all throughout the home. Make like Megan Pisano, the founder of Megan Pisano Design , and use woven baskets in the bedroom to keep the space more organized - or at least "perfect for storing blankets or even laundry." Pisano says, "They add texture while keeping everyday essentials out of sight." Don't stop with just the bedroom, though. "I use baskets to hold extra blankets in our family room, hats and gloves by the back door, baking supplies in the pantry, and rolled towels in bathrooms," says Becky Asleson, the founder of Maple & White Design .

Try a Tray or Two

Trays are also a designer favorite for a reason. Prince likes to "hide things in plain sight" and will rely on chic storage solutions in places like the kitchen. "By grouping together cooking utensils, cooking oils, and seasonings in attractive containers on a pretty tray or cutting board near your cooktop, everything will look nice and neat, even when not in use," she says.

Whether you opt for baskets, trays, or another solution is up to you. As Maryline Damour, the founder of Damour Drake , says, "We use all kinds of containers - from an antique, mother of pearl inlay box to a pink toy chest filled with sample pots of paint."

The main takeaway here is that organization is not something that designers view as an afterthought. "We like to make sure the home is functional with plenty of storage, designing with purpose and intention to allow for spaces to feel serene and not overly cluttered," says Gemma Parker, the founder of Gemma Parker Design .

Display Plants

When in doubt, turn to pretty plants and blooms. "Greenery and a pop of color from the flowers are a sure way to bring life into your home," says Danielle Davis, the founder of 56th Street Design Studio . The best part is that anyone can hop on board with this practice regardless of gardening skill level. "If you have a green thumb, houseplants are great for this," says Prince. "If not, cut flowers from the market or cut greenery does the trick."