The One Thing Every Designer Notices When They Walk In Your Door

We're going to give it to you straight — if you invite a designer over to your house, they're going to be checking out your space. That doesn't mean they're going to be judging you. On the contrary, they'll probably admire some of your best interior decorating hacks. As they wander through your place, though, they'll definitely be using their professional experience and taste to make note of your personal style and the elements that make your home shine.

According to several designers, there's one thing in particular that they notice when they walk through the door — the materials that make up your space. They're eyeballing whether you opted for hardwood floors or carpet, went with breezy linen curtains over heavy wooden blinds, or leaned more towards a butcher block or stone countertops. They understand that choosing quality, cohesive materials throughout a space instantly elevates it, helping people nail that inviting mix of lived-in and luxurious.

There are not necessarily right or wrong material choices — design is subjective, after all — but many interior decorators can't help but love spaces filled with nature-inspired elements like wood, stone, terracotta, or bamboo. The rich textures add depth and character to the space, while their earthiness evokes a sense of serenity. The end result is a home that's equally soothing and stylish. 

HGTV star Nate Berkus is one of the many designers to get stopped in his tracks by stunning natural materials. "The best palettes and materials come from nature," he shared on Instagram. "Design can start by looking outside and finding ways to bring the outdoors in." The accompanying photos to his post show spaces bursting with both comfort and elegance, thanks in part to materials like clay vases, rustic wooden furniture, and soft furnishings in natural linen.

People have definitely caught on to that emphasis on organics. There are quite a few trendy natural materials you'll be seeing more of in homes. You might be itching to try some out, like furniture in woods like hickory that ooze with personality, spa-like bamboo decor for relaxing bathrooms, or accents in shades like earthy adobe or terracotta to pepper your home. If you do add a few nature-inspired materials to your home, go ahead and invite your designer friends over — they're definitely going to give you a thumbs up for your design prowess before they relax in your space.