Design
17 Unexpected Design Details We LOVE
You know that feeling when you look at a design magazine, Instagram, or Pinterest and see a design detail you love; your eyes get a bit wider, and your heart starts to beat a little faster? That’s what happened to me when I saw each of these photos. These aren’t all totally finished rooms; some are close-ups of moments, the kinds that open up your whole design brain! Basically, it’s a post that will induce high levels of design serotonin/adrenaline, and I hope you love every minute. It’s so easy when you are renovating or decorating to get design fatigue fast. We’ve all been there. But because of that, it can be tempting to want to speed through the process just to get the project done and not take the time to find those moments to add little details. The details that really make it unique to you! FYI, a lot of these below are custom designs that likely cost some “do re me”. However, let them be a nudge to think about how you might want to add some details to your home (no need to be in the middle of a remodel…a cool design detail can be added whenever you want). Design should be fun and playful! Ok, here we go.
What’s not to love about this? It feels both DIY but cool and elevated. Also, what a smart way to deal with a rounded corner. Having it be wood may have been harder and more expensive. It’s a subtle surprise that I would LOVE to see in a home.
Clearly, this was a “fix” to the original black and white tile, but I find it incredibly charming! Very wabi-sabi, taking something that’s broken or imperfect and making it new and beautiful. This is also pretty eclectic and likely not everyone’s taste, but regardless, it’s a creative and unique idea that just feels exciting to me.
Ok, now I don’t know if this tile stripe was meant to fill a gap or if it was always this way, but either way, I LOVE it. The colors work seamlessly with the wood tone, so it’s not a detail that would scream out to you. It really adds a simple pattern and some unique texture to the floor. I would imagine it brings so so much to the whole space.
Please scroll to the 6th slide! There you’ll see a tiled bordered doorway that I couldn’t love more. When I read Arlyn’s “Power Transitions” post earlier this week, I realized, “I have one in my post, and I think it’s the coolest!” This one is a bit quieter, but my lord, does it add so much depth and interest to the room. It’s fresh, but because of the Delft tile, still feels traditional.
I think I love all wood-paneled rooms, but this one, THIS ONE, is unreal. The 3D carved square-patterned seams and border stopped me in my tracks! Not to mention the “hidden door” on the second slide. In my next home (maybe one I own…fingers crossed), I really want to play with modern wall paneling. I just can’t get enough.
Notice under the island is a similar 3D carved square-pattern, but much bigger! I love an almost hidden design detail like this because you feel it before you see, you know? It adds that texture and intention we love in a really beautifully designed room.
I’m not necessarily a snake person, but that carved snake into that natural wood column is UNREAL. That whole column is a beautiful style contrast to an otherwise modern and clean-lined space. Unexpected but perfect. The lesson here is to take a style contrast risk…it really might pay off:)
Yes to unique marble backsplash shapes! I wouldn’t say that bookmatched marble is my favorite style, but I don’t mind it here. The playfulness yet extreme chicness of this large-scale triangle with a circle at the top is incredible. I do think it takes a certain style of home to make this really work, but man, am I inspired.
The legs on this island. Modern, simple, but also somehow feels kinda vintage. 10/10.
This wood sink base is incredible. Likely a powder bath since there doesn’t appear to be any storage, but wow, it’s so so stunning. So while I don’t always love bookmatched marble, I do love it in wood like this:)
I don’t want to reduce what clearly looks like a very beautifully made piece of art, this headboard, into an easy-to-do DIY, because to make it look this beautiful, a lot of talent was involved. However, I do think that this is an incredible piece for someone to take inspo from!
First off, I ADORE the embroidered flowers on the headboard and then the matching pillows. I love that flowers are somewhat sparse on the sides and then slightly “climb” onto the side rails. For any of our embroiderers, your options are unlimited!! This takes a simple velvet bed and takes it to the next level.
My love for unique wood frames runs deep, and this little setup is now on the list of awesome applications. It’s so subtle but is so intentional. Plus, that wood tone is a DREAM! Warm but elevated. Plus, that orange little sconce is so cute. Bookmarking this for my future wall paneled room.
Those doors made my jaw DROP to the floor when I first saw them! The chandelier by Ravenhill Studio is also incredible. But the way these doors can fold into each other is so smart, so cool, and so beautiful.
Here’s a better shot to understand the whole design and functionality.
Most of the time, when we see indoor planted trees, it’s a large tree inside a very large, beautiful home. That’s unattainable for most people. But I love love this smaller planted tree in that built-in custom planter. Of course, it still costs money to design and build something like this, but it’s so beautiful, and maybe if my indoor plants were properly planted, I’d have a better chance at keeping them alive? Also, special shout-out to the marble border top. So pretty.
And to end this nourishing design post, let’s end with a glass of wine… from a custom-made wine spout. A luxury I hope to be able to afford one day. But the design of this is so cool. I love how the smaller door interacts with the overall design and has overlapping lines. It really makes it feel unique in the space. Plus, that’s another wood tone I couldn’t love more. Also, as I’m writing this, I just clocked the soap trough (?) I love that added detail too! I love clean sightlines:)
Hope you’re all filled up with A LOT of inspiration. I want this post to give you permission to play and try cool, even weird, things in your home. Why not, right?!
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Makeover Takeover: It’s FINALLY Here…Jess’ Art Filled Living Room/Office Reveal
Wow! So much creativity and so inspiring. Loved looking at all the details.
Elegant post – thank you
I really enjoyed this.
!!! So many ideas! Very inspiring, Jess! Ours is a bronze pig head (long story) whom we’ve dubbed “Wilbur” (of course) that hangs above a brick alcove where the stovetop sits, the last piece when we did a kitchen remodel in 2013 but kept the alcove. Wilbur’s nose is shiny … from good luck rubs. My point is … little details need not be high end nor built in, they can be added at any time. It’s the expression of joy they represent …
What fun these are!! Obsessed with the curved tiled corner baseboard 🥹. And those folding doors with the buttons that fit into the holes???? People are so creative! Gorgeous. Most of these are in houses that are way more contemporary than mine, but it’s a great reminder to inject fun and surprise into projects.
Yes to all of this! What inspiration and boldness in the quiet of it all. I love stuff like this.
I agree, Wow! I love all of these details!
I loved the detail on the wood-paneled room. So, I immediately went looking for dentil-type moldings and found some really amazing options.
The wood sink base photo is in twice , and not the velvet bed.
The wine tap is in the kitchen from this apartment.
This two-bedroom ground-floor apartment was designed by an architect formerly working under the Simon Astridge Architecture Workshop.
I love posts like this. They’re so inspiring!
LOVED this post!!! So much creativity!! Loved the attention to detail in so many different ways!!
Thank you!!!
These are incredible! So inspiring! We’re planning to panel our primary bedroom in wood so we love the paneling inspo!
The wabi-sabi tile fix and the wine spout have my heart!
Thank you for highlighting these lovely details! It’s fun to think of the creative ways to highlight the unique spaces we might have in our own homes.