The Power of the Finishing Touch: How Small Details Make a Big Impact in Interior Design
When it comes to interior design, it’s easy to get caught up in the big decisions—wall colours, furniture layouts, lighting plans, and statement pieces. But it’s the small, often overlooked finishing touches that can quietly elevate a space from good to exceptional. These final details are where design becomes refined, personal, and complete.
Think of a room as a tailored suit. The fabric, cut, and fit are essential, but it’s the stitching, the buttons, the lining—those subtle design choices—that make it feel bespoke. The same logic applies in your home.
One of the most transformative finishing elements is hardware. The handles on your cabinetry, the knobs on your drawers, even the taps in your bathroom—these are not just functional items; they’re an opportunity to inject style and personality. Swapping out basic, off-the-shelf hardware for something with texture, finish or shape can immediately change the tone of a space. Brass, matte black, antique bronze or even coloured ceramic options each tell a different story.
Even curtain rods, doorstops, or the way a mirror is mounted—these details often go unnoticed until they’re done thoughtfully. Together, they speak to the level of intention behind a space and show a careful eye for composition.
Then there’s edging and trim—those clean, intentional lines where floors meet walls, tiles meet benchtops, or cabinetry meets ceilings. These architectural details might seem subtle, but they frame your space and contribute massively to the overall polish of a room. Using quality skirting boards, ceiling cornices, architraves or tile trims can add definition and depth to a room that might otherwise feel flat or unfinished.
Light switches and power outlets are another area often missed. Upgrading to sleek, modern plates or retro-style toggles in brass or matte finishes can create consistency across the home and elevate the look in even the most functional corners.
And let’s not forget the importance of alignment and placement. Finishing lines—whether that’s the symmetry of a gallery wall, the way a pendant light lines up over a dining table, or how cabinetry sits in relation to ceiling height—can drastically change how a room feels. These choices signal a high level of craftsmanship and care.
When designing a space, it’s tempting to move quickly once the big pieces are in place. But slowing down to consider the small decisions—the ones that sit quietly in the background—can be what truly makes your house feel finished, cohesive, and above all, yours.
So next time you’re planning a renovation or styling a room, don’t rush past the small stuff. The details matter more than you think—and they might just be what transforms your home from simply nice to truly beautiful.