The Art of the Final Flourish: Why Finishing Touches Make or Break an Interior
At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we believe that designing a home is about more than just selecting furniture and paint colours. While these foundational decisions are important, it is the final touches that truly bring a space to life. This week’s theme is finishing touches—the carefully considered details that tie everything together. These final elements are not just decorative; they shape the atmosphere, enhance functionality, and ensure that a space feels polished and complete. In my opinion, the curation of any interior is critical, and without thoughtful finishing touches, even the most well-designed room can feel incomplete.
The Power of Final Touches in Interior Design
Interior design is much like storytelling—every element contributes to the overall narrative. The major decisions set the stage, but it is the final touches that refine and perfect the vision. These details define the character of a space, allowing it to feel personal, intentional, and cohesive. The choice of artwork, lighting, textiles, and accessories can elevate a room from simply furnished to exquisitely curated.
It is often tempting to focus purely on functionality, but an interior without finishing touches can feel impersonal. A beautifully designed kitchen, for example, might have the perfect cabinetry and worktops, but without carefully chosen hardware, lighting, and decorative elements, it may lack warmth and individuality. The same applies to living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms—every space benefits from that final layer of design.
Textiles: The Key to Comfort and Depth
One of the most effective ways to add final touches to an interior is through textiles. Rugs, cushions, throws, and curtains introduce softness, texture, and warmth, transforming a room from stark to inviting. Layering different fabrics—such as linen, wool, or velvet—creates depth and interest, ensuring that a space feels dynamic rather than flat.
For instance, in a bedroom, high-quality linens, a textured throw, and well-chosen cushions can enhance a simple bed into a luxurious retreat. Similarly, a well-placed rug in a living room can anchor the space, providing both comfort underfoot and a visual focal point.
Lighting: The Unsung Hero of Finishing Touches
Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping a space. It is not just about illumination; it is about creating mood and enhancing architectural features. A carefully chosen pendant light, statement wall sconces, or warm-toned table lamps can transform the atmosphere of a room. Layering different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—ensures that a space feels balanced and adaptable.
At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we always consider how lighting interacts with the rest of the design. A well-lit artwork, a softly glowing bedside lamp, or a dimmable chandelier can make all the difference in achieving a finished and inviting look.
Decorative Details: The Personal Touch
Once the main elements of a space are in place, it is the personal details that complete the design. These might include curated bookshelves, elegant vases, sculptural objects, or framed artwork. The key is to strike a balance—too many accessories can feel cluttered, while too few can leave a space feeling sparse.
In our designs, we often recommend incorporating a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. This blend adds character, creating an interior that feels layered and collected over time rather than overly styled.
Why Finishing Touches Matter
This week’s theme of finishing touches highlights why the smallest details can make the biggest impact. A well-designed room without final touches is like a beautifully tailored suit without accessories—it may fit well, but it lacks personality and flair. In my opinion, the curation of an interior is just as important as the foundational design choices.
The final layer of design is what makes a house feel like a home. It ensures cohesion, warmth, and individuality, transforming a space from simply designed to truly lived-in. Whether through textiles, lighting, or decorative elements, final touches are the essential ingredients that bring an interior together, creating a space that feels both complete and deeply personal. Contact us for more information.
