Ever walked into a beautifully designed home (or, let's face it, fallen down a Reels rabbit hole) and wondered, "How do they make it look so effortlessly perfect?" Well, consider this your backstage pass to some of the trade's best-kept design secrets as Smith & Berg Property Group pulls back the curtain on transforming your space from merely lived-in to masterfully curated.
The High-End Home Formula
Creating a high-end feel doesn't necessarily mean spending high-end dollars. The most luxurious spaces share key elements that anyone can incorporate. Intentional lighting creates ambiance through thoughtful layering of overhead, task, and accent sources. Pay attention to scale and proportion — furniture should fit your space rather than overwhelming or underwhelming it.
Trade secrets: Invest in fewer, better pieces rather than numerous mediocre ones. Incorporate textural contrast that engages the senses through mixing materials unexpectedly, like velvet with linen, wood with metal, or smooth surfaces with rough ones.
“The right combination of furniture brings life to a room, the place where you and your family and friends want to gather. It should reflect your personal style as well as the room's aesthetic.” — David Berg
"I believe in the power of a good rug. It can be the foundation for any room." — Nathan Stadler
13209 Dobbins Place — Click here for more design inspiration
The Art of the Statement Piece
Every well-designed room needs a conversation starter. Whether it's dramatic lighting, a bold piece of art, or a vintage furniture find, statement pieces anchor your design and express personality. The key is balance — let your statement piece shine by keeping surrounding elements complementary rather than competitive.
Think of it as casting a lead actor with a strong supporting cast. Your statement piece might be an oversized chandelier, a vibrant area rug, a unique accent chair, or even an architectural feature that you've highlighted through thoughtful design choices.
“My favorite statement piece is The Eames Lounge Chair…been in style since 1956 and makes a room shine. I have one in my bedroom and sit in it every day.” — Robert Morton
"Depending on your personal lifestyle, the right couch, bar credenza, or bookshelf used as your statement piece can really set the tone for a room's foundation. And then you build around that." — Natalie Gurevitch
1037 Victoria Avenue — Click here for more design inspiration
Mixing Design Styles Without Design Chaos
One hallmark of professional design is the ability to blend different styles cohesively. Mastering this mix starts with finding a unifying element, whether it's a consistent color palette, similar wood tones, or repeated shapes throughout your space. Consider following the 80/20 rule, letting one style dominate while another provides accent notes. Always honor your home's architectural bones while adding contemporary touches — this creates harmony rather than discord between your structure and décor.
"I like blending high-quality pieces with comfortable, earthy-toned cushions. This combination ensures a sophisticated aesthetic that remains inviting and livable." — Sewit Eshetu
“I think the perfect blend is to mix high-style pieces with comfortable classic pieces. You can never miss with an old worn leather chair.” — Robert Morton
“Focus on a couple staple pieces (i.e. stone coffee table, accent chairs, etc.) and mix in more practical pieces around it.” — Jordan Kramer
The Comfort Factor
The most Instagram-worthy space means nothing if it's uncomfortable to live in. Professional designers know that functionality should never be sacrificed for aesthetics. Consider traffic flow, conversation areas, and how you actually use each space. Invest in seating that looks good AND feels good — your back (and guests) will thank you. Think about how light changes throughout the day in different rooms, and how your furnishings support the activities you actually enjoy in each space.
“Comfort is paramount. An amazing designer should be able to balance a great space with design, functionality and comfort.” — David Berg
"Add a plush wool rug to almost any space and it will bring both decorator-level style and cozy comfort under your feet." — F. Ron Smith
22 Oakmont Drive — Schedule a Tour
Sourcing Like a Pro
Los Angeles offers incredible design resources that savvy homeowners and professional designers alike treasure for finding unique statement pieces. Big Daddy's Antiques wows with character-rich industrial finds and conversation-starting vintage furniture, while Galerie Half elevates any space with their museum-quality, mid-century pieces. When seeking to bring nature indoors, Habitat Home and Garden offers beautiful architectural elements and weathered vintage furniture with authentic patina.
For the perfectly imperfect finishing touches, Olive Ateliers curates globally inspired treasures that infuse soul into even the most contemporary spaces. What these LA treasures provide that online shopping can't is the irreplaceable experience of seeing, touching, and understanding pieces in their true dimensions before bringing them home.
“I love Design Within Reach. Expensive but irreplaceable pieces that last a lifetime.” — Robert Morton
"Rugs USA has some affordable rug options to create stylish comfort. Mackenzie-Childs makes rugs of all sizes, with terrific designs and bright colors to make your space pop." — F. Ron Smith
“Eternity Modern takes iconic furniture and makes them at a more approachable price point.” — Jordan Kramer
"Jenni Kayne’s collection embodies a California-inspired aesthetic, featuring timeless pieces that exude effortless style." — Sewit Eshetu
The Final Layer: Personality
The difference between a staged home and a curated one? Personal touches. Display items that tell your story — travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, or collections that showcase your interests. Professional designers aren't just creating beautiful spaces; they're creating personal sanctuaries that reflect their clients' lives and values. A truly curated home should feel collected over time rather than purchased all at once from a showroom floor.
"Bold artwork serves as a compelling focal point and infuses the space with personality. I love that light fixtures such as chandeliers, pendant lights, and sconces can dramatically alter a room’s ambiance." — Sewit Eshetu
Need more personalized guidance? The Smith & Berg Property Group team combines real estate expertise with design savvy to help you find (or create) the perfect home for your lifestyle. Email us at [email protected] — we'd love to help you curate your dream space!