Make it Personal
Your dream home has clean lines, neutral palettes, and minimalist aesthetics. The key to making a modern home feel warm, inviting, and uniquely yours is in the details. At The Decorators Unlimited, we believe that a modern space should be a reflection of your personality, lifestyle, and history. Here’s how we design a home that feels personal and comfortable while maintaining a chic, contemporary appeal.
A mix of textures, luxe materials, & organic elements create an inviting space.
1. Layer in Textures
Modern design often leans towards smooth surfaces—think glass, metal, and luxe organic stone. To make the space feel more personal and inviting, layer in textures. Soft textiles like wool throws, linen curtains, and plush rugs add warmth and contrast beautifully with modern materials. A velvet accent chair or a handwoven wall hanging can introduce a subtle personality without overpowering the sleekness of the space.
2. Invest in Statement Pieces with Character
Invest in a few statement pieces that reflect your personality. This could be a sculptural coffee table, a unique piece of contemporary art, or a custom-built wall feature. Mixing interesting pieces with contemporary furniture creates contrast and adds depth to your home. A sleek, modern dining table paired with vintage chairs or a minimalist bookshelf filled with curated decorative items can create a dynamic and personalized aesthetic.
Collected while traveling, our client’s African mask collection takes center stage. Wine collection in a lighted display.
3. Showcase Your Passions
Your home should be a reflection of your life, so integrate elements that highlight your interests. If you love music, display your records as part of the decor. If you’re a travel enthusiast, incorporate collections in a way that blends seamlessly with your modern aesthetic—such as arranging them on custom designed built-ins or framing maps in minimalist frames.
4. Incorporate Bespoke & Handmade Elements
One-of-a-kind pieces instantly add personality to a modern home. This could be a custom-designed headboard, a locally crafted ceramic vase, or a handwoven area rug. Even small details, like a dynamic sculpture layered on a book, can make a space feel more personal and curated.
Curated decorative items, including a sculptural vase, leather tray, and brass accent pieces, create a personalized feel to the space. Taking a cue from the outdoors, extra-tall palm fronds add life to the bar area.
5. Choose a Personalized Color Palette
While we love designing with neutral tones, adding a signature color can make a space feel uniquely yours. Soft earthy tones, deep jewel shades, or a single muted accent color can make a big impact. Consider painting an accent wall, incorporating colorful artwork, or using statement furniture in your favorite shade.
6. Bring Nature Indoors
Add greenery to soften the space and make it feel more alive. Large statement plants like fiddle-leaf figs, olive trees, or monstera plants add sculptural beauty, while smaller potted plants or fresh flowers introduce natural warmth.
A kitchen island with space for the whole family.
7. Make it Functional for your Lifestyle
The most personal homes are designed around how you live. If you love to cook, invest in a well-designed, open kitchen with high-quality appliances. If you work from home, create a workspace that blends seamlessly with the rest of your decor while remaining functional and inspiring.
Sculptural lighting highlights a pop of color in the wall art.
8. Use Lighting to Set the Mood
A modern home often features incredible statement lighting. To make it feel more personal, focus on a mix of sources. Layering ambient, task, and accent lighting creates a dynamic atmosphere. Consider using warm lights, sculptural pendant lamps, or vintage-inspired sconces to soften the space and make it feel more inviting.
9. Display Personal Art & Photography
Artwork is one of the easiest ways to personalize any space. Choose pieces that resonate with you—whether it’s abstract art, a painting from a local artist, or framed photography from your travels. A gallery wall with a mix of personal photos and curated artwork can add character without disrupting a modern aesthetic.
A home office that is both chic & functional.
Inspired Design
By layering textures, incorporating meaningful pieces, and designing with your lifestyle in mind, you can create a space that feels both contemporary and uniquely yours. The key is balance—embracing modern simplicity while infusing it with personal touches that make you feel at home.
Q & A with Designer Roy Davis
Meet super-talented designer Roy Davis & get the inside scoop on his latest project.
Roy Davis in the living room of his latest project
Architect: Randall Stofft
Builder: Cudmore Builders
Interior Design: The Decorators Unlimited
We asked Roy to take us behind the scenes of his most recent project, a custom-built waterfront private residence in Lantana, Florida.
Q: When you first met with the client, what were they looking for in the interior design?
A: The client wanted a West Indies resort feel.
Q: Tell us about working as a team with the architect and builder.
A: This was a great experience. Everyone on the team is very talented and great to work with! It was truly a collaborative effort.
A palette of neutral tones rich in hue accented by shiny metal finishes
The living room designed around the homeowner’s personal collections
Q: The homeowner has incredible pieces collected on their travels. How did you incorporate them into your design?
A: We incorporated many of their found pieces throughout the house. I was very inspired to hear stories from their travels and use their personal treasures to bring the overall design together.
Q: Which pieces inspired you?
A: The client’s African mask collection is inspiring. We dedicated an entire art wall to the collection, which is the highlight of the living room.
The primary suite offers a place to relax and enjoy the view.
Q: What is our favorite space in the home?
A: There are so many great spaces in this home. The living room is beautiful, but the primary bedroom is my favorite. I find the breathtaking views of being on the water so relaxing.
Custom finishes on the natural stone bar
A: Some incredible details and luxe materials have been incorporated. How important are they for the overall feel of the design?
A: The finishes and details help tell the story of the home’s design and style, which is very important.
Q: Where are you finding inspiration these days?
A: I find inspiration in everything. Walking my dog, nature, the beach. Life should be enough inspiration!
