6 design moments for those who love the details
Inspired by the Belden House & Mews
It has been three months since my birthday, when I stayed at the enchanting Belden House & Mews—and I am still thinking about it. Nestled into the bucolic hills of Litchfield County in Connecticut lies a restored 19th-century home layered with charm, color, and curiosity. The pairing of elevated historical elements—like original ornate fireplaces and delicate molding—with modern fixtures, rich textures, and playful patterns sets my imagination off like Pop Rocks.
Each room has its own unique little story to it. The sitting room right off the entry feels like a jewel box, each corner a diorama of richly textured fabrics and whimsical furniture silhouettes. The dining area offers a feast for the eyes with warm oak dining chairs lined with shearling in striking contrast to the acid-green bar anchored by tassel sconces. I was drawn to this beguiling corner like a moth to flame. But it is the bedrooms that brought me home; it felt like a fancy designer’s primary suite who has been collecting pieces—not furniture; pieces—for decades. A four-poster bed that still enters my dreams, vintage dressers, upholstered sofas, and a flickering fireplace adored with pearlescent tiles.
I’ve rarely stayed somewhere that has managed to feel both deeply welcoming and instantly like home—especially in the morning, when sunlight fills every room. Below, I’ve collected a few thoughtful details that will hopefully inspire your own home.
1) Antique Hardware
Talk about an instant way to inject character into a room; you could say it is the jewelry of the home. Hardware is one of those unexpected design elements people always notice. Why? Because you’re constantly interacting with it—every time you turn a knob or open a door.
Years ago, my parents swapped out all the doorknobs in their home, and without fail, every single guest commented on them. It’s a subtle detail that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re not ready to commit to replacing every knob in the house, start with your front door, inside and out. Trust me, once you see the difference, you’ll be hooked.
clockwise from the left: Black Antique Lever, Cast Iron Door Knob, Fluted Bronze Knob, Cast Iron Door Hingesclockwise from the left: Black Antique Lever, Cast Iron Door Knob, Fluted Bronze Knob, Cast Iron Door Hinges
2) Patterns & Textures
Up until recently, the thought of using patterns felt overwhelming—intimidating, even. I used to view pattern as something that consumed a room, rather than a clever way to layer in texture. And as you know, I’m all about mixing textures. My living room alone is a playground of five and counting—metal, wood, velvet, linen, and marble. But layering in subtle movement through pattern play?
What The Belden House has taught me is that it brings a level of depth, sophistication, and curation that instantly transforms a space. Or, if you’re still pattern-shy like I was, simply diversifying your textures will make a massive impact. Velvet is my personal favorite place to start.
clockwise from the top left: Grasscloth Wallpaper, Accent Chairs, Patterned Throw Pillows, Painted Plates
3) Shaded Sconces
I adore sconces. What I love about shaded ones in particular is that they offer endless opportunities to bring in interesting shapes, colors, and textures in a subtle yet impactful way. They’re practical too, adding light to a corner or hallway where a lamp just wouldn’t feel right.
clockwise from the top left: Nikey Kehoe Dual Sconces, Greenrow Shade & Sconce, Rattan Sconce, Pottery Barn Silver Dual Sconce
4) Statement Lighting
Statement lighting is about both the shape and the size of the fixture — and here, bigger is better. If that’s the path you’re on, think of it less as an accent and more as an anchor you build the room around, whether that’s a dining table or a sitting area. It brings coziness into the space without making it feel closed in.
If you’re going big in a small, low-ceilinged room, look to chandeliers in lighter, warmer materials — they’ll scale down the visual weight without losing the impact.
clockwise from the top left: Aster Chandelier, Fabric Lantern Light, Mahan Pendant Light, Wood Pendant
5) Drapery
For curtains to function as a real threshold between rooms, they need enough weight and presence to read as a transition, not just a decoration. Something light and airy will feel more like an accent than an actual dividing line. Below I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite brands. When it comes to choosing a color, I would recommend pulling from accent patterned fabrics or art you have in both rooms to tie it all together.
6) Impactful Art
Choosing art for a room can feel intimidating, especially once you realize how much impact it actually has. The approach is rather simple: pick an accent color already in the room — a pillow, a chair, a rug — and find a piece of art that ties into it. That’s the cherry on top, the thing that makes a room feel cohesive, thoughtful, and just a little more finished.
clockwise from the top left: Mel Remmers Nudie 3, Flower Field, Peach Bloom Sunset, Optimism
Until the next measure,
Kelly