10 Things Interior Designers Notice That You Probably Don't -

Curious what a professional sees in your space? I’m sharing 10 subtle things interior designers notice the moment they enter your home, and how small changes you make can have a really big impact.

A gingham bench with a floral throw pillow in the entryway of our home to welcome guests with cozy details. — *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains other affiliate links too for your convenience. You can read my privacy policy for more details.

Have you ever wondered what a designer sees the second they step inside someone’s home?

Spoiler alert.

It’s not whether there are dishes in the sink or if the throw pillows are perfectly fluffed.

Designers are trained to notice the little things.

The subtle cues that shape how a space feels, functions, and flows.

And while they’re probably not judging your house (I promise!), they are observing.

Because a home tells a story and designers are naturally tuned in to read it.

Now I want to make sure I say this up front, I’m not an interior designer.

However, I am someone who pays close attention to the details that make a home feel warm and welcoming.

Over the years, I’ve learned that there are certain things the pros pick up on almost immediately when walking into a space, and once you know what they are, you can start to see your own home with a fresh set of eyes.

So, if you want to make your space feel a little more polished or you’re just curious what stands out first, keep reading…

10 Things Interior Designers Notice Right Away

I’d like to preface by saying that this blog post is not in any way about perfection.

It’s not about having a spotless home or decorating to impress.

It’s about awareness.

These are simply the things designers tend to notice quickly because they’ve trained their eyes to see what most of us might miss.

Lighting (Both Natural & Artificial)

Cottage style kitchen with natural and artificial lighting including a window with a sheer curtain and a pedant light with a lamp shade.

One of the first things a designer notices is how your home is lit.

Does it feel warm and inviting, or dark and a little gloomy?

Designers look at how much natural light is coming in, if you’re using overhead lights exclusively, and if there are layers of lighting like lamps, sconces, or candles to create ambiance.

Pro Tip: The right lightbulb matters! Swap out harsh, cool-toned bulbs for warm white or soft white ones. You’ll be surprised at how much cozier and more inviting your home will feel. You can shop the only light bulbs we use in our house, here.

The Flow of the Space

Open concept kitchen with a large kitchen island with counter stools, wool runner rugs, wooden floors, neutral cabinets, and pendant lights.

Interior decorators are all about functionality, and one of the first things they pick up on is how a space flows.

Can you move easily from one room to the next, or do you find yourself navigating around oversized furniture and awkward layouts?

Designers will notice right away if a space feels cramped, blocked, or just plain hard to live in.

Furniture placement plays a big role.

Are chairs crowding doorways?

Is there a clear path through the room?

Even something as simple as where a rug ends or how a dining table is centered can impact the overall sense of movement.

Flow matters more than most people realize.

A room that is thoughtfully laid out feels effortless, like everything just makes sense, even if it took a lot of intention to get it that way.

Remember this…when a space flows well, it’s not only more functional, it’s more calming and comfortable too.

Try This Walk Through Audit

Take five minutes today to do a quick “walk-through audit” of one room in your home. Start at the doorway and move through the space like you’re seeing it for the first time.

Ask yourself…

Can I move through this room without bumping into anything?
Are any furniture pieces blocking natural walkways?
Does the layout feel open and balanced or tight and awkward?

Size Does Matter

A neutral color scheme in the living room with a wool rug, arm chairs, and couch for coziness.

Designers will notice whether the scale of the furniture matches the size and feel of the room.

The sofa that looked perfect online?

It might be too bulky for your living room or too small once it’s in the space.

A beautiful piece can still feel “off” if it overwhelms a room or gets lost in it.

Oversized sectionals in tiny rooms or petite chairs in large, open areas can throw off the balance and make the space feel awkward or unfinished.

Designers have an eye for proportion and they’re constantly assessing whether everything works together visually and spatially.

But it’s not just about individual pieces.

It’s about how the entire room comes together.

Are the coffee table, sofa, and chairs working in harmony?

Is there a good mix of heights, depths, and shapes?

The most inviting rooms often have a thoughtful mix of furniture that feels balanced, not matchy-matchy.

I’m Heidi, the heart and hands behind Eleanor Rose Home.

Heidi and her dachshund rescue Eleanor Roosevelt.

I’ll show you that your home can become a place of warmth, comfort, and style with practical tips, creative ideas, and my own journey to help you create a space that feels like you…welcoming, personal, and full of charm.

More About me See more home decor

Your Color Scheme

Neutral arm chairs in the family room with a candle sconce, throw pillows, wall mirror, and wool rug.

Is there a cohesive color story throughout your home, or do things feel a little disconnected from room to room?

Designers quickly notice whether the tones in your furniture, walls, and decor are working together or if they’re clashing.

That doesn’t mean everything needs to match perfectly (in fact, that can make a space feel flat).

But having a consistent color palette can help tie everything together and create a polished look.

Designers also notice undertones.

Is your white trim cool or warm?

Does your beige sofa lean pink, yellow, or gray?

Mixing too many undertones can make a space feel a bit off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why.

Pro Tip: Follow the 3 color rule for a designer look. Choose one dominant color (walls or large furniture), one secondary color (rugs or curtains), and one accent color (smaller decor, pillows, or artwork).

Clutter & Styling Choices

Let’s be clear, this isn’t about whether your counters are clear or if there are dog toys on the floor.

It’s more about visual clutter.

Are surfaces styled with intention or cluttered with small items?

Designers notice if your decor is telling a story… or if it’s saying, “I wasn’t quite sure what to do here.”

simple cozy living

Want more inspiration to make your home feel cozy and inviting?

Check out our collection of home decor ideas for creative tips and stylish touches you’ll love!

take me there

Personal Touches

Interior designers love when a space tells a story, your story.

Furniture and paint colors are important, but your home should reflect the people who live there with family photos, artwork that holds a memory, or a souvenir from a favorite trip.

Basically anything that is near and dear to your heart.

A picture of my paternal grandparents on their wedding day in a vintage style gold frame on our secretary desk.

These personal touches add soul and warmth in a way no store bought pieces ever can.

While curated decor can be beautiful, it’s those one-of-a-kind, sentimental elements that make a space feel lived-in and loved.

Don’t be afraid to display the things that matter to you whether you think they’re in style or not!

A room should feel collected, not decorated.

albert hadley

Textures & Layers

A cozy living room with lots of textures and layers including a rattan woven basket filled with throw pillows next to a white sofa.

Blankets draped over an armchair.

A woven basket tucked under a console table.

Copper pots displayed in the kitchen.

These are the secret ingredients that give dimension, warmth, and coziness.

A thoughtfully layered room uses a mix of materials and finishes to engage the senses like soft textures, smooth ceramics, rough woods, aged metals, and natural fibers.

Decorators instinctively look for this kind of balance.

Is there a soft texture to contrast a sleek surface?

Does the room feel lived-in and cozy, or sterile and one dimensional?

Helpful Tips

Layer soft and hard materials. Pair linen with wood, metal, or stone.
Mix fabric types. Combine chunky knits, smooth cotton, and slubby linen for visual interest.
Use rugs to ground a space. Choose natural fiber, wool, or textured pile to add warmth.
Incorporate natural elements. Rattan baskets, wood accents, and greenery for organic texture.
Don’t forget the walls. Add texture through art, tapestries, or wallpaper.
Style in odd numbers. Group 3 or 5 different textured objects for depth.
Think seasonal. Swap lighter textures in the spring/summer and cozier ones in fall/winter.
Play with contrast. Juxtapose smooth and rough, shiny and matte.
Start small. Add a throw pillow, a vase, or a blanket to introduce texture.
Let it feel lived in. Wrinkled linen, worn leather, or chipped pottery add character, not clutter.

Download Our Free Throw Pillow Cheat Sheets

Download Now

Gingham throw pillow with other patterned throw pillows on the sofa.

What is the 3-5-7 rule in design?

The 3-5-7 rule is a styling trick that helps decor feel balanced and natural. Grouping items in odd numbers like 3, 5, or 7 creates a visually appealing look because it feels less staged and more organic to the eye. This rule can be very helpful when styling shelves, coffee tables, mantels, or anywhere you’re creating a vignette.

The Smell of Your Home

Yep, they notice this too!

Scent is a powerful part of how we experience a home and the atmosphere around us.

A candle, simmer pot, or even just fresh air creates a cozy welcome.

Strong cooking smells or musty scents?

Um, not so much.

Spring simmering pot recipe with blueberries, lemons, and sprigs of rosemary.

Best Simmer Pot Recipe to Freshen Your Home

Easily refresh your home the all-natural way with this stovetop potpourri recipe featuring blueberries, lemon, and herbs.

grab the recipe

The Entryway

First impressions matter.

Design specialists know that the entrance sets the tone for your entire home.

It’s the first space someone experiences when they walk in, and designers instantly take note of whether it feels welcoming, functional, and intentional, or like an afterthought.

Even if your entryway is small (or non-existent!), it still deserves a little attention.

It can be as simple as a narrow console table, a small bench, or even a floating shelf to create a sense of purpose.

Add a bowl for keys, a mirror to reflect light, and a plant or candle for warmth.

The goal is to create a moment.

A tiny welcome that says, “You’re home”.

Hey friend! What can I help you find?

Search our entire site!

Don’t Forget the Little Details

Scuffed baseboards.

A crooked picture frame.

Wrinkled curtains.

A rug that’s too small.

These are the kinds of things most people overlook, but not designers.

It isn’t because they’re nitpicking, but because they know how much the little things contribute to the overall feeling of a home.

These subtle details can make a room look finished or slightly off.

Think of this…a beautiful room with mismatched outlet covers or dusty light fixtures won’t feel polished, even if the big pieces are in place.

Designers often say that good design is in the details and that’s because it’s those finishing touches that quietly elevate a space.

But there’s good news!

Most of these things are easy to fix.

A fresh coat of paint on trim, replacing dated knobs, or even straightening artwork can make your home feel instantly pulled together.

Simple home decor that makes a big impact include the right sized area rugs, candles, and vintage inspired pieces.

Walk Through Your Home Like a Designer: A Quick Checklist

Is my lighting warm and layered?
Can I easily walk from one room to another?
Does my furniture fit the space?
Is there a cohesive color palette?
Are personal touches on display?
Am I mixing textures and materials?
What’s the first thing someone sees when they walk in?
Could any small detail use a refresh?

FAQs

Not at all! Designers can give you expert guidance, but being mindful of the small details like flow, lighting, and texture can make a big impact. This blog post gives you a designer’s perspective so you can start making thoughtful changes on your own without the need to hire someone!

Definitely lighting. Replacing cool toned lightbulbs with warm ones, adding a few lamps, or layering lighting sources can instantly make a room feel cozier and more inviting.

A good rule of thumb is to leave about 18 inches between a sofa and coffee table, and 30–36 inches of walking space in high traffic areas. Using painter’s tape to map out furniture dimensions before making a furniture purchase can also help.