In 2025, professional designers are finding creative ways to make homes look more layered and complete by focusing on surfaces that often go unnoticed. Skipping these areas can leave a space feeling cold or incomplete, even when the rest of the room is styled with care. Just a few thoughtful touches can transform overlooked spots into features that bring charm, warmth, and personality. Let’s take a closer look at where designers are directing their attention this year.
1. Entryway Console Tables
Entryway console tables set the tone for the entire home, which is why designers never leave them bare. A balanced arrangement of practical and decorative items, such as a tray for keys, a small lamp, and a vase of greenery, adds texture and interest. This surface offers a chance to make a warm first impression. When left empty, it can make the entry feel sterile or incomplete. A styled console creates a thoughtful welcome.
2. Coffee Tables
An empty coffee table can make the living room appear unfinished. Designers often top them with stacked books, a small plant, and a decorative bowl or candle to introduce color, texture, and personality. These elements create a balanced, functional display. A well-styled table invites people to gather and enjoy the space, helping it feel more welcoming and cohesive.
3. Kitchen Counters (But Selectively Styled)
While clutter is avoided, designers rarely leave kitchen counters completely bare. A wooden cutting board, a ceramic bowl, or a glass jar of utensils adds just enough detail to make the space feel lived-in. These accents balance utility and warmth. The key is simplicity. Too much can overwhelm, but a few well-chosen pieces elevate the room.
4. Dining Table Centerpieces
A dining table left bare between meals can feel overlooked. Designers usually include a simple centerpiece, such as a bowl of fruit, fresh flowers in a vase, or a tray of candles. These additions introduce energy and help the space look cared-for. Even when not in use, the table remains a visual anchor that adds charm and character.
5. Nightstands
Nightstands serve both style and function. Designers often include a small lamp, a book, and perhaps a personal item like a framed photo or dish for jewelry. These choices add personality and comfort to the room. A styled nightstand supports good habits and makes the bedroom look polished. Without these elements, the space may feel sparse.
6. Bathroom Vanity Tops
A spotless vanity can look too clinical. Designers soften the space by placing a soap dispenser, a small plant, or a tray for daily essentials. These additions bring both function and style. They help the bathroom feel more like a calm retreat than a sterile space. Even small upgrades here can make a noticeable impact.
7. Bookshelves (Decorated, Not Just Functional)
Bookshelves double as storage and display. Designers mix books with objects like small vases, framed photos, or organic elements like wood or stone. This variation adds depth, texture, and interest. Each shelf becomes a chance to highlight personal style while keeping things visually balanced and inviting.
8. Window Sills
Window sills are prime spots for subtle decor. A small plant, candle, or decorative bottle can catch the light and add softness to the room. These touches draw the eye toward the outdoors while enhancing the cozy vibe indoors. Even minimal styling can give this narrow space a purpose.
9. Mantels and Fireplace Surrounds
A mantel is a natural focal point, and designers treat it as such. Art, candles, mirrors, or seasonal items add height and visual flow. These displays bring life and rhythm to the room. An unstyled mantel looks like a missed opportunity, while a styled one ties the entire space together.
10. TV Console Surfaces
TV consoles often dominate a wall, so designers ensure they blend with the rest of the room. They might include baskets, books, or a small sculpture to soften the area. These touches balance out the technology and bring in warmth. A thoughtfully arranged console avoids looking stark or disconnected.
11. Sideboards and Buffets
These dining room staples benefit from light, balanced decor. A lamp, framed art, or a sculptural bowl gives the surface a purpose, even when not actively used. These styling choices add scale and warmth to large furniture pieces. Leaving the surface empty can make it seem cold or neglected.
12. Kitchen Islands
A kitchen island should feel like the heart of the home. Designers often place a fruit bowl, a potted herb, or a tray to give the space a lived-in, welcoming quality. These additions bring subtle texture without clutter. Even one carefully chosen item can create a warm, central gathering spot.
13. Open Wall Niches
Open niches offer architectural interest and deserve attention. Designers treat them like built-in displays, using vases, books, or personal treasures to add character. These curated spots create flow across blank walls and turn structural voids into highlights of the space.
14. Toilet Tank Lids (With Tasteful Accessories)
Even utilitarian spaces benefit from subtle details. Designers often style the top of the toilet tank with a small candle, a dish, or a simple plant. These elements soften the look and bring a bit of polish. Clean and minimal is key, but even a small item can add thoughtful design.
15. Bed Foot Benches
A bench at the foot of the bed is an ideal spot for layering. Designers may use a folded throw, a tray, or a short stack of books to bring in color and comfort. These choices make the bedroom feel complete. Leaving it empty can make the area seem disconnected from the rest of the space.
16. Desk Tops (Especially in Home Offices)
Even workspaces deserve some style. Designers might include a pen cup, a framed print, or a small plant to help the area feel welcoming and personal. These accents also support focus and creativity. A bare desk may look neat but can lack the warmth needed for a productive workday.
17. Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are both functional and decorative. Designers use them to display framed prints, books, or small plants. These layered items add interest and break up blank wall space. The key is restraint. Well-edited vignettes make the space feel intentional without overwhelming it.
A bar cart is more than a storage tool. It’s a design moment. A few bottles, glassware, and a decorative item turn it into a feature. These items reflect personality and style while keeping things practical. An unstyled cart loses its charm, while a styled one becomes a statement piece.
19. Top of the Fridge
Often overlooked, the top of the fridge can hold useful or decorative items. Designers might place a basket, a set of cookbooks, or a light plant to soften this high space. Styled simply, it helps connect tall appliances with the rest of the kitchen. Left bare, it can appear forgotten.
20. Washer/Dryer Tops in Laundry Rooms
Laundry room surfaces offer practical styling space. A small tray with jars, a neat stack of towels, or a simple basket can make the room feel more connected to the home. These additions bring comfort and warmth to a typically utilitarian area. Even small upgrades go a long way.
21. Entryway Shoe Benches
Shoe benches benefit from a few thoughtful details. Designers often use a folded throw, a small pillow, or a tray for essentials. These pieces help avoid clutter while making the entry feel composed. With a little styling, the bench looks intentional instead of overlooked.
22. Hallway Consoles or Ledges
Long hallways can feel repetitive, but consoles add rhythm. Designers may include lamps, mirrors, or artwork to bring the space to life. These visual breaks keep the hallway from feeling like an afterthought and help guide the eye through the home.
23. Staircase Landings (If Wide Enough)
Landings with extra space can become cozy corners. Designers might add a chair, narrow table, or piece of art to make the area feel purposeful. These additions introduce personality and create mini design moments. A blank landing is a missed opportunity.
24. Bathroom Shelf Over Toilet
This shelf is often used for storage, but with the right touches, it becomes a style feature. A small basket, rolled towels, or framed print can soften the space and add function. When styled well, the shelf elevates the look of the entire bathroom.
25. Dresser Tops
Dressers benefit from a mix of practical and personal items. Designers often use trays, candles, or framed photos to add softness and style. These touches keep the surface organized and visually appealing. Without them, the dresser can feel too heavy or forgotten.
Surfaces That Quietly Steal the Show
Even the smallest surfaces can shape the feeling of a room. A thoughtfully styled tray or shelf introduces warmth, balance, and personality without overwhelming the space. Designers know how to turn these often-missed spots into simple design wins. Paying attention to them can make a home feel more finished, welcoming, and full of life.
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