The smallest of home details can make the biggest impact!
When it comes to home design, it’s often the quietest details that speak the loudest. You don’t need a room full of trendy furniture or splashy statement pieces to create a space that feels thoughtful, warm, and uniquely you. According to Interior Designer Emily England, some of the most powerful design moments are actually the most subtle—and that’s exactly what makes them so beautiful.
Emily shared how just a few simple design choices can turn your home into a standout space. From wallpaper to textiles to tiny touches you may not have considered, she’s making a strong case for “soft impact” design.
Wallpaper Is Back—and Bolder Than Ever
For years, homeowners avoided it like the plague. But Emily is here to say: wallpaper everything! And she means everything, but not necessarily in the rooms you’d expect. “Powder rooms, pantries, and laundry rooms are the perfect places to be bold,” Emily said. “You’re not spending hours in those spaces, so they’re perfect for something fun and unexpected.” Think florals, vibrant patterns, and bold colors that make you smile every time you walk in.
She also loves using wallpaper in subtle ways—like lining the back of a built-in bookshelf or cozying up a reading nook. These little “surprise” design moments instantly make a home feel curated and full of personality.
Textiles Tell a Story
Next up: textiles. From pillows to drapes, Emily swears by layering fabrics to give your space dimension and charm. “When I design, I always start with a floral fabric that includes several colors,” she explained. “Then I build around that with a stripe and a check.” Her go-to formula for pillows? One floral, one stripe, and one check—always in odd numbers. Easy, approachable, and it works every time.
Don’t forget the window treatments! Roman shades or drapes in coordinating fabrics pull the whole look together and make the room feel extra cozy.
The Magic is in the Details
Small touches are where Emily’s love for storytelling really shines. Take tile, for example. She recently helped her aunt design a bathroom using hand-selected Delft tiles—each one representing a memory or loved one. “It’s those kinds of details that make a home feel truly personal,” she said.
Even something as small as a lamp can carry weight. “I love a colorful lamp or a patterned lampshade. It’s an easy way to bring character into a room without overwhelming it,” Emily emphasized.
Add a Dash of the Unexpected
Finally, Emily encouraged homeowners to seek out unique furniture—especially antiques or upholstered pieces with personality. “A patterned chair can totally change the energy of a space,” she said. “And antiques? They’re full of soul. Whether you found it on a special trip or inherited it from family, those pieces have stories.”
So next time you’re tempted to completely overhaul your space, pause—and remember that the most lasting design statements don’t shout, they whisper. According to Emily, those whispers are what truly make a house feel like home.
Find more of Emily’s work online at emilyenglanddesign.com or on Instagram @emilyenglanddesign.
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