Labeling something as ‘chic’ is inherently subjective – whether that be art, fashion, or interior design. However, when someone with style and taste as impeccable as Amber Lewis declares certain things as chic, I will always pay attention and trust her opinion as fact.
In a recent Instagram post, Amber shared a gallery of her projects highlighting things that she finds chic as an interior designer. ‘In case you didn’t know, I am quite obsessed with the details and would even argue that they make the biggest impact on a space,’ Amber writes in the caption of her post. ‘Here are a couple things that you may not care about, or even know exist, but matter VERY much to me.’
From timeless door hardware and grasscloth wallpaper to custom millwork and pattern on pattern styling, Amber’s post highlighted the home decor features that she considers chic – details that add a layer of style, thoughtfulness, and personalization to the home. These decor details are indeed chic, but they are also timeless decor ideas that can make any home feel significantly more interesting and characterful.
1. Collected Vintage Decor
(Image credit: Shoppe Amber Interiors)
There’s something so effortlessly chic about decorating with vintage finds – whether that be artwork and small trinkets you’ve found at the local flea market or furniture that’s been passed down through your family for decades. Unlike newly-bought, mass-produced decor, collected vintage pieces are one-of-a-kind, they have character and tell stories.
I am of the belief that any decor that differentiates your home from everyone else’s should be labeled as chic, and vintage decor can very easily make that happen. Even better than a home styled with vintage finds is a home that tastefully mixes vintage and new. This is another thing that Amber finds chic. Don’t be afraid to pair your vintage finds with brand new furniture and decor. It’s this juxtaposition of old and new that can truly make a home feel unique – like a collected and layered representation of its owner.
Shoppe Vintage
Elara Vintage Vessel
This vintage vessel can add character and charm to any tabletop surface in your home. Fill it with flowers or leave it empty – either way, its patinaed exterior will make a chic statement.
Chairish
Brass Plated Scrolled Metal Wall Hanging Candle Sconce
Candle sconces are having their moment this winter. Hop on the trend with this vintage variation – its swirling brass details can add character to any wall in your home.
eBay
Vintage Framed Nautical Print Sailboat Seawolf Coastal Art
Decorating with vintage art that speaks to your interests can make your home feel significantly more personal and layered. If you like coastal decor, this vintage print would be a great addition to any room.
2. Unconventional Wall Decor
(Image credit: Jon Day)
Not everything you hang from your walls needs to be designated wall art. In fact, some of my favorite wall decor ideas are the ones that are a bit unconventional – like plate walls, which get a mention in Amber’s round up too.
Hanging plates on a wall not only adds color to the walls, but their shapes add dimension, too. You can design a plate wall display to be as grand or as humble as you want, depending on the number of plates you incorporate, their arrangement on the wall, and the vibrancy of their individual designs.
Plates are characterful details that can enrich the atmosphere of any room once hung on the walls. Just make sure you hang your plates with the best adhesive for plate walls (tried and tested) so that no accidents occur.
Chairish
Late 20th Century Royal Copenhagen Langelinie Plate
If you like to collect vintage plates, add this one to your assortment. With a depiction of the famous mermaid statue in Copenhagen, this plate is a charming piece to hang on the wall.
Maison Flaneur
The Vines Holiday Antipasto Plate Set of 4
Although they differ in color, this assortment of plates features the same delicate floral design. Hang them in a group of four on a wall for a stylish and colorful statement.
Greenrow
Hannah Hand-Painted Dinner Plate
I just love the red and pink color combination of this plate. It’s charmingly tasteful, and it would make for a lovely piece of wall art to hang on a small, bare wall in any room.
3. Timeless Hardware Details
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki.)
We use hardware details like knobs and handles every day – to open doors and cabinets, to pull out drawers, and even to turn on faucets. However, we often forget that these little details can be swapped, changed, or replaced for more stylish alternatives. Paying attention to these often forgotten details and opting for timeless designs instead is something that Amber Lewis says is infinitely chic.
Whether you change your bedroom’s dresser knobs from standard styles to variations with a bit more character, or you switch up your kitchen cabinet hardware for styles with a different finish, this small change can make a big impact. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to do if you have a free afternoon.
Anthropologie
Farro Wood Handle
Between its fluted wood detailing and its brass caps, this handle is as chic as handles get. It would be a stylish addition to any cabinetry or dresser.
Zara Home
Set of Ceramic Droplet Knobs (set of 2)
Now these are chic cabinet knobs. Made with a metal hinge and a ceramic drop, these knobs are reminiscent of drop pearl earrings. They’d be a timeless replacement for any existing knobs in your home.
Rejuvenation
Axel Oval Cabinet Knob
I just love the textured beading detail on this oval knob. Plus, its glossy silver finish can add a level of refined elegance to any door, cabinet, or drawer.
4. Pattern Mixing
(Image credit: Shoppe Amber Interiors)
Pattern mixing has been one of the biggest interior design trends of the past year, and it’s set to continue its reign in 2026. Despite its ubiquity, pattern mixing is not easy to accomplish, and that’s probably why Amber finds it so chic. When it’s done right, it deserves to be praised.
Pattern clashing is best accomplished when you start with a hero print and then develop the rest of the scheme around that print. A common color palette is also helpful in ensuring a consistent look in a room with clashing patterns.
Incorporating a variety of patterns in the design of one room can make for a characterful display. And at the end of the day, there’s nothing more chic than a room that’s brimming with character.
Shoppe Amber Interiors
Raffi Quilt
This quilt is designed to be reversible – on one side is a dark floral print, and on the other is a light repetitive motif. Styled on a bed with patterned pillows, this quilt can serve as the base layer for your mixed pattern scheme.
Shoppe Amber Interiors
Margueritte Grasscloth Wallpaper
I love the delicate floral motif of this grasscloth wallpaper. Since it’s not too bold or too vibrant, it can become the perfect base layer for a room full of pattern mixing. Plus, it’ll add some textural appeal to the space, too.
McGee & Co
Whitney Pillow Cover
When mixing various patterns, it can be helpful to incorporate some light-toned decor details, too, like this beige striped pillow. While it’s still patterned, it’s not too bold. It’ll add to a patterned scheme without making the space look too busy.
5. One-of-a-Kind, Charming Details
(Image credit: Shoppe Amber Interiors)
There’s nothing better than a room decorated with one-of-a-kind pieces – like custom-made furnishings, children’s artwork, or even hand-sewn pillows. Since these pieces are inimitable and irreplaceable, they add character and personality to any room. And according to Amber Lewis, they’re undeniably chic.
It’s quite refreshing to enter into a room designed with charming and one-of-a-kind details – these pieces can make any room feel layered, collected over time, and truly lived-in. Rather than relying on ready-made furniture and decorations to style your space, consider what you already have. Things like family heirlooms, collected trinkets, and handmade artwork can make a much greater impact in the overall design of your home, simply because these pieces are so personal and unique to you.
Greenrow
Folkloric Pillow Cover
With its rich colors and floral pattern, this pillow has the same old-school elegance of a vintage style. Use it to bring some color and pattern to your sofa, an accent chair, or your bed. It’s a charming detail that can stylize any area.
Chairish
Vintage Mid Century Niloak Pitcher Bud Vase
Whether you use it as a bud vase, a pitcher, or a simple shelf decoration, this piece of pottery is bound to look chic. Plus, its rich brown glaze adds to its overall appeal. This design is one-of-a-kind, and it can certainly add character to any spot in your home.
Olive Ateliers
Milking Stool Petite Round
I love the vintage appeal of this little stool. It’s designed with the slightest imperfections to add to its character and overall uniqueness. Position it in any room as a decorative object or a surface for a vignette. Either way, it’ll look charming.
As a connoisseur of timeless interior style, Amber Lewis’ opinions on what home decor items are chic are highly regarded by many, including me. From decorating with vintage finds to mixing patterns, these decor details can add character to your home and make any space feel as chic as possible.
link