Beautiful tableware can show creativity and originality.
Table setting with string lights and candles, faux wood placemats, white plates, and silverware
The plates and decor of a table setting can set the tone for a meal. Africa Studio/Shutterstock
According to Devon Liedtke, interior designer and founder of The DL, you can show off your creativity when setting the table. Liedtke values beautiful tableware as well as the table itself.
"Generally, in my design, from my fashion to my homes, I love to play with nuanced neutrals," she told Insider. "I like to own tableware that can be mixed and matched, playing with tones and textures and the food I am serving."
Great art can instantly change the atmosphere of a room.
Gallery wall in an apartment with terracotta couch
You can thrift pieces or buy art from your favorite designers. Ground Picture/Shutterstock
Displaying a great art collection was a must for Liedtke when she designed her home space.
"I love to collect art and buy pieces I love when I find them," she told Insider.
An art collection also offers the opportunity to simply swap pieces out and instantly change the vibe of the space.
Classic furniture pieces are a must for any home.
Octagonal wooden table filled with antique memorabilia and a wood-paneled wall in background
Furniture should be sturdy enough to last for years to come. Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images
When it's time to buy furniture for the home, Liedtke sticks to classic pieces.
"'Timeless,' 'classic,' 'stand the test of time' are all words I think about when buying furniture," she said.
Since people typically buy large pieces of furniture like sofas, chairs, and dining tables only a few times in their lives, she recommends investing in good, long-lasting pieces.
Coffee-table books make a space look more interesting.
Coffee table with dish and book on it with a green arrow pointing to book
A coffee-table book can make an area look more put together. Julien McRoberts/Getty Images
Liedtke also considers gorgeous coffee-table books to be another home essential.
"My favorite books to collect are art books," she told Insider. "I love scouring museum gift shops for new ones to add to my collection."
Liedtke recommends searching for books, such as museum books, that are as interesting as they are beautiful.
Ceramic vases filled with branches bring a sculptural element to any space.
Table with basket of fabric, some books, and a ceramic vase filled with branches
Filling a ceramic vase with branches is an easy design tip. Kiian Oksana/Shutterstock
The designer said she loves incorporating sculptural elements into rooms.
Though there are a number of ways to go about this, the designer recommends using "large ceramic vessels" and "adding in branches or greenery to finish a space."
Use stunning lamps as statement pieces.
Vintage lamp on an end table next to a couch
A colorful or antique lamp can be a conversation piece. goldenjack/Shutterstock
Liedtke uses lighting as an opportunity to make a statement in her home.
From the varied shapes and textures available nowadays, lamps make for another easy way to add a sculptural piece to your space.
Linen bedding is dreamy, understated, and comfortable.
Gray and white linen bedding on bed with a wooden headboard
Linen sheets are both comfortable and dreamy. VTT Studio/Getty Images
The designer said there's no better place than one's bed after a long day, so they recommend upgrading its comfort levels with linen bedding.
"I love the easy, understated look and the comfortability of linen sheeting," Liedtke said. "It looks perfectly imperfect, and dare I say, dreamy."
Chic ceramics are a wonderful way to add interest to a room.
Ceramic pots on a table covered with a pink-checkered tablecloth
Ceramic pieces come in all shapes and sizes. Winda Astita Ulfa/EyeEm/Getty Images
When styling her home and other projects, Liedtke loves to use chic ceramics to add interest to a space.
"I have amassed a collection of ceramics that vary in shape, texture, color, and size," she told Insider. "Some are mid-century, some come from abroad, and some I have designed with local ceramists."
According to the designer, ceramics are also a wonderful way to introduce an interesting object in the vignette, or a small group of decorative objects.
Creative storage solutions can be both functional and beautiful.
Small gray fabric baskets on a table with shelves. A stuffed animal panda bear and giraffe sticks out of the top of one of the baskets
Conceal kids' toys with baskets and drawers. Klem Mitch/Shutterstock
Liedtke said creative, effective storage solutions are essential for keeping her kids' toys organized in every room.
"I don't have off-limit rooms, so all rooms in some way are a playroom," Liedtke told Insider. "With that being said, in each room, I have come up with ways to store my kids' things that still complement my design."
She stores her kids' toys in large baskets that slide in and out of her console table in the living room and has a drawer dedicated to her daughters' play-kitchen utensils – all out of sight, but still accessible.
Kitchen accessories should be functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Wooden cubbies filled with glasses, pots, and dishware in a kitchen
Glasses, pots, and pans on display can look beautiful and serve a purpose. Taiyou Nomachi/Getty Images
She also has to have great kitchen accessories that are both functional and nice-looking.
"I love to cook and spend time with my family in the kitchen," Liedtke said. "For as often as I cook, I really value the aesthetics of the items and how they work in my home decor."
A mood board can bring inspiration to any home.
Mood board with different fabric and trim samples
You can put pictures, magazine clippings, or fabric samples on your mood board. Mint Images/Getty Images
Made with magazine clippings, handwritten notes, and memorabilia from favorite locations and vignettes, mood boards can be a great place to find inspiration.
"I work from my home and I have a large mood board in my office," Liedtke said. "I find myself constantly adding inspiration to it."