When decorating any interior space, there are certain elements that you cannot do without to make your space feel complete. I live by these things. If a room is missing one of these things, it is not complete.

1. Something Black

   This could be a black frame on wall art, a black piece of furniture, black window frames, a black light fixture. Every space needs something black to feel complete. Ideally you have a few black items placed throughout your room. Why? Because black provides the most extreme contrast. It gives balance to your space and your eye somewhere to just focus in a very simple, non detailed way. Black pops out at you, especially if you have light colored walls. In my own home, I incorporate a lot of black. I love black furniture. I have some spaces with black walls and black ceilings, I have black furniture and black and white wall art as well. So, if you feel like your space is boring or everything looks the same make sure you have some black.

2. Wood

Most people don’t have a problem incorporating wood in their space, considering most furniture is made from wood. I love wood floors of course as well, but you also need other wood elements in your space. A wood table, wood frame, wood beams. Any of these will do.

Can you mix wood tones? YES!!! In fact, please do. A lot of times people will think all wood in a space needs to match, but it’s quite opposite. You should have different wood. Even if it’s all dark wood, it’s great to have different colors of wood. Your black detail could even be black stained or painted wood.

3. Organic/Nature

This one could go many different ways. It could be as simple as a live plant, something made out of driftwood, a seashell if you live by the shore. I’m not only discussing an organic in material quality, but also in shape. Basically, anything found naturally in nature will add some life to your space instead of being a sterile, just out of a magazine look.

4. Natural Fiber

Here I’m talking about seagrass, sisal, rattan, or any basket like material. This is also an organic material, but it is added to the space in a different way. Think material for a rug or a rattan chair back.

5. Metal

Most likely you already have metal somewhere in your space. This could include anything nickel, brash, wrought iron, or bronze. You’ll find metal on furniture, frames, light fixtures, sometimes on candlesticks and other accessories. A touch of metal adds an industrial flair, so you don’t want too much unless that’s the look you’re going for.

6. Ceramic/Clay

Adding a ceramic vase, sculpture, flower pot or just a tile floor or backsplash adds just enough ceramic detail to your space.

7. Something soft

There’s nothing better than a soft velvet sofa or a mohair throw or a faux fur pillow. Every space needs a little softness in it. This is where textiles really come into play. From your curtains to the fabrics you choose for your furniture and rugs, always soften things up. It makes a space inviting and cozy.

8. Art

This one is so important! Even though this includes wall art, that’s not all I’m talking about. I’m talking collectibles, memories, antiques and unique finds that give your home character. I love what is called “the collected look”. No, it doesn’t mean collections of figurines everywhere. It means that your home’s look has been collected over time. Your home should not be decorated all at once in a few days with all brand new items from the same box store. Your home should be special and reflect who you are and that means that it grows with you as your life evolves and your home becomes a reflection of your life.

Credits: Wildflower Home, Jenna Sue