I asked 6 interior designers the one thing they include in every project – these are the 'quiet design signatures' they swear by

Everyone has their signature something – chefs have their signature ingredient, professional athletes have their signature move, and musicians have their signature sound. As for interior designers, well, they have 'design signatures' – that is, the things they include in every project.

'Although every project is uniquely tailored to our client and the architecture, there are a few elements we find ourselves including time and time again; our 'quiet design signatures', if you will,' interior designer Amanda Sinistaj tells me. While these 'design signatures' can serve as identifying features that indicate which designer was responsible for a space, they're also details that designers know they can rely on to deliver a stylish interior – details that can benefit a space regardless of its interior design style.

So, what are these 'design signatures', the things designers include in every project, you ask? I asked the experts, and they gave me the inside scoop.

1. Vintage pieces

'I always bring in sourced vintage decor pieces for the final styling layer, like French confit pots, silver candlesticks, or horn bowls,' interior designer Cathryn Lindsey tells me. 'Skipping the big-box collections in favor of more storied, one-of-a-kind pieces makes a space feel layered and intentional.'

According to Cathryn, decorating with vintage is what gives a home a soul. And she's not the only one who thinks this way. Interior designer Lauren Saab always includes vintage pieces in her projects, too.

'Every space needs one piece with soul. A vintage lamp passed down through a family. A photograph pulled from a dusty box. These are not just accessories. They are anchors. They give the room its reason for being,' Lauren says. 'When there is an object with memory and meaning, the rest of the design starts to revolve around it. It is the difference between a room that photographs well and one that truly feels alive.'

2. A dual-purpose mirror

Mirrors might be a functional piece of home decor, but that doesn't mean they can't be style moments, too. In fact, interior designer Ashley Macuga makes a point to include stylish mirrors in all of her projects – to demonstrate their dual nature.

'We love working into each of our projects a mirror that has a dual-purpose, and is as much art as it is functional reflection,' Ashley tells me. 'A mirror that meets everyday practical needs, but is also sculptural and artfully designed. A true centerpiece of a space.'

Whether you decorate with mirrors in your living room, dining room, or entryway, they have the potential to do more than serve as a reflective wall hanging – they'll enhance your space with style.

3. Accents of black

Regardless of the color scheme you choose for your home, it's always a good idea to incorporate deeper shades to break up the design. According to interior designer Peggy Haddad, 'Even the softest, most serene rooms need a little edge.' That's why she frequently decorates with black in her projects, adding an accent to every space.

'Sometimes it’s a small accessory, sometimes it’s a bold fixture, but it’s always there to ground the space and give your eye a visual pause,' Peggy tells me. Not only that, but black is an effortlessly sophisticated color that can make a room feel elegant and give it a sense of depth – even if the color is only incorporated in a small way.

4. Closed storage

Ask any designer, and I'm sure they'll tell you that storage is a must when designing homes. However, when it comes to maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a room, there's one storage idea that Cathryn Lindsey always includes in projects: closed storage.

'Beautiful storage is essential. Clients often ask how they can have a home that feels elevated, but still functions for life with a young family. My answer is always closed storage – pieces that hide the everyday mess without sacrificing style,' Cathryn says. 'I love adding sideboards, armoires, and cabinets that feel intentional while doing the heavy lifting. The surface remains beautifully styled, while inside is full of toys, blankets, and books.'

5. Linen drapery

While there are plenty of window treatment ideas that not only benefit the look of a window but also the atmosphere of a room, there's one material that Cathryn always goes back to for all of her projects. That is, linen.

'Linen drapes frame a room like nothing else. I include them in every project, whether the window needs privacy or not, because they soften the walls, diffuse the light beautifully, and make the space feel framed and finished,' she tells me. 'It's a detail most clients don't realize they're missing until they see it in place.'

6. Framed artwork

Decorating with art is important in any home – aside from making walls look less bare, framed art can reflect your personality and add character to a room. That's why it's a detail that Amanda Sinistaj always includes in every project she completes.

'We never skip framed artwork,' Amanda says. 'We see it as one of the most personal ways to reflect a client’s personality. While the actual art changes from project to project, the intention remains: to create moments that feel unique, warm, and meaningful. From small pieces tucked onto a countertop or styled on shelves, to larger framed works that anchor a room, art is the finishing touch that makes a house feel truly like home.'

7. Woven decor

Textural details can add depth and layers to a home's overall design. In the homes she designs, Amanda always incorporates texture through some form of woven decor.

'Whether it's a tray on the coffee table, a small lidded basket styled on shelves, or a textured wall hanging, woven elements ground the space and bring in the warmth and texture that’s essential to our modern organic aesthetic,' Amanda tells me. 'They add depth without demanding attention, something we’re always aiming to balance.'

8. Pieces with sentimental value

Although designers purchase many furniture and decor items to complete each room in a client's home, nothing is better than decor that holds sentimental value – that is, pieces to which clients are attached.

'Along with purchased accessories, I like to incorporate something sentimental to the client – whether it be a trinket from their travels, a passed down heirloom or simply something they’ve formerly purchased and like,' designer Jenny Williamson tells me. These pieces, whatever they might be, add to the character of the home and make it feel lived-in rather than overly staged.

Interior designers know what's best for the home. That's why they include these 'design signatures' in every project they complete. Designers trust these ideas and know they're the key to creating exceptionally looking spaces, time and time again.