Like most creatives, my past jobs and interests inform how I work today. I was lucky enough to live and study in Italy at one point, which gave me experience in the fashion industry. I’ve never lost my fascination and love for fashion, and that inspires my interiors, too. I love to use dressmaker details in the rooms I design - they add refinement, polish, and style. Those details make all the difference. Here’s a tour of my favorite finishing touches.

Tassels

Tassels are the perfect trim - they can be used on pillows, drapery, linens, and more. But I like to find unique ways to bring them into a room, like the lamp above, and the details on the drawers below.

Pleating

This is one of the most recognizable dressmaker details you’ll find in a room. I love to use box pleats, kick pleats, pinch pleats, inverted pleats, and more. They add a refinement to drapery and to the corners and arms of upholstery. It’s such a pretty detail that makes a big difference.

Band Trim

Ribbon banding and decorative trims are lovely around the edges of drapery and upholstery skirts. I also use ribbons as decorative elements on pillows and to create specific patterns and motifs.

Contrasting Welts

That rounded band of trim that you see on the edge of upholstery and seating cushions is called a welt. You can also find welts on shoes and men’s suiting. It’s a tailored look that I really love, but I also like to shake things up occasionally and use a welt that is a contrasting color from the body of the sofa or chair. It’s a crisp and interesting look that really stands out.

Nailheads and Tufting

Nailhead trims resemble dressmaker pins, and I love how they define and embellish. They don’t have to be used on just upholstered pieces. Nailheads - without the actual nail, of course - are gorgeous as an edge trim, like on the stair runner below or the drapery at the very top of this blog post.

The Jewelry

Like the bracelets and earrings that finally complete an outfit, the hardware on cabinetry and furniture can be the final jewels for a room. I’m always in search of the perfect shape and style to complete the interior, rather than just using a common design.

All of these details help to create a more unique and custom look for my clients, something they can’t find anywhere else. It’s key to creating interiors with personality and plenty of style.

If your home needs more personality, give us a call. We’re experts at creating a haute couture look for your home.

All the best,

Kara