A modern living room with two white sofas facing each other, a round wooden coffee table in between, built-in shelves flanking a fireplace, and a large window on the right.

A–Z Design Favorites

August 22, 2025

Design is in the details and, sometimes, in the alphabet. At Kimberly Timmons Interiors, we’re inspired by the architectural elements, material choices, and finishing touches that bring a space to life. From archways to zellige tile and everything in between, this A–Z roundup is our celebration of the design features we return to time and time again.

Archways

There’s something timeless and architectural about an arch. Whether framing a hallway, niche, or doorway, archways soften transitions and add an elegant, sculptural moment to any space.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a black island, two cushioned bar stools, wooden accents, wall art, and a curved doorway. Items like bread and fruit sit on the counter and shelves.
Modern home office with built-in shelves, framed photos, a wooden desk, white chair, and a large woven pendant light fixture hanging from a textured ceiling.

Built-Ins

Equal parts form and function, built-ins bring intention to every inch. From custom shelving to window seats and storage nooks, they create seamless, highly livable solutions that feel completely integrated.

Cantilevers

Floating staircases, vanities and striking modern extensions; cantilevers offer clean lines and architectural drama while creating a sense of weightlessness in a space.

A dog lies on a geometric-patterned rug in a modern interior. The space features a glass-paneled door, wooden accents, a black textured wall, and a large vase with branches.
Modern dining room with a black table, six cream chairs, statement glass pendant lights, a decorative vase with a palm leaf, and a wooden cabinet displaying ceramics and glassware.

Decorative Lighting

More than just illumination, decorative lighting sets the tone. Whether it’s a sculptural sconce, a statement chandelier, or a glowing pendant, great lighting doubles as art in the space.

Earth Tones

Warm, grounding, and endlessly versatile, earth tones bring a natural elegance to interiors. Think terracotta, sand, olive, and clay: timeless hues that create a sense of calm and connection.

A modern living room with a brown leather sofa, neutral pillows, a floor lamp, potted plants, and large windows overlooking a green outdoor landscape.
A spacious dining room features a long wooden table, twelve white chairs, a stone fireplace, large windows with a mountain view, and a modern chandelier.

Fusion Style

Design doesn’t have to pick sides. Fusion style blends influences, old and new, classic and contemporary, to create layered spaces that feel curated, personal, and totally unique.

Gallery Walls

Part art, part storytelling. Gallery walls let personality shine, whether you’re mixing modern prints with vintage finds or curating a monochrome moment with sculptural frames.

A modern room with dark gray walls, light wood floors, a desk, a chair, decorative wall hangings, potted plant, and framed art arranged on the wall.
Close-up of a modern white kitchen island with sleek drawers featuring metallic handles and a marble countertop with a wooden bowl on top.

Hardware Details

It’s the little things. Cabinet pulls, door levers, and plumbing fixtures may be small, but when thoughtfully chosen, they add just the right touch of polish and personality.

Inlays

From wood flooring to custom cabinetry, inlays offer contrast and craftsmanship in one beautiful detail. It’s a subtle way to add depth, dimension, and visual interest.

A large living room with wood beams and a piano.
A Great Dane lies on a rug in a modern living room with a fireplace, a colorful abstract painting, a chair, a small table, and a large window showing a wooden fence outside.

Jewel Tones

Deep emerald, sapphire, amethyst, jewel tones add richness and mood wherever they appear. Whether used boldly or as an accent, they create drama without feeling trendy.

Knurled Textures

Equal parts tactile and tailored, knurled textures bring subtle pattern and a sense of craftsmanship to hardware, fixtures, and even furniture. It’s a small detail that makes a lasting impression. (Note the leather belts on the face of the bar!)

Modern bar with brown leather chairs, wooden countertops, overhead glass rack, industrial lighting, and a mix of rustic and contemporary decor elements.
Modern living room with a gray sofa, round side table, built-in shelves with decor items, a large TV, and floor-to-ceiling windows reflecting natural light.

Liquid Metal

Sleek, reflective, and a little futuristic, liquid metal finishes add a sculptural, high-gloss edge to furniture and fixtures. We love it for the way it plays with light and elevates a space instantly.

Monochromatic Palettes

Layering shades of a single hue creates depth, drama, and effortless cohesion. From creamy whites to rich charcoals, monochromatic palettes are a masterclass in restraint done right.

A neatly made bed with a woven headboard, light bedding, and decorative pillows stands next to a wooden nightstand with a lamp and books in a softly lit bedroom.
A modern bathroom with a freestanding white bathtub on a marble platform, set against a marble wall, with separate shower and toilet areas on either side.

Natural Stone

Natural stone brings an organic texture and timeless elegance to every surface it touches. No two pieces are the same, and that’s exactly why we love it.

Oversized Artwork

Bold scale, big impact. Whether it’s abstract, photographic, or figurative, oversized artwork anchors a room and instantly elevates the atmosphere.

A person in white clothing walks past a black-and-white mural of mountains, trees, and a lake; the figure appears blurred from motion.
A living room with a green sofa, a modern fireplace, a black cabinet with a photo frame and plant, a window, and an abstract painting above the fireplace.

Plaster Finishes

Soft edges, subtle texture, and a handcrafted feel, plaster brings depth and warmth to walls, fireplaces, and architectural features. It’s a quiet luxury we’ll never get tired of.

Quirky Accents

Every room needs a little personality. Quirky accents, whether it’s a sculptural lamp, unexpected pattern, or playful accessory, keep spaces feeling personal and fresh.

A hallway with a wooden floor and arched doorways, featuring modern pendant lights, a console table with plants, and an open front door revealing greenery outside.
Modern living room with a wood-paneled ceiling, white brick fireplace, neutral furniture, large windows, and contemporary decor on shelves and tables.

Rug Layering

Layered rugs add softness, dimension, and a relaxed, curated look. Think natural textures over vintage patterns or flatweaves under plush piles, the combinations are endless.

Sculptural Furniture

Sculptural furniture blurs the line between design and sculpture. Curved silhouettes and statement shapes bring visual interest and movement to a space.

a living room filled with furniture and a fire place.
Modern bedroom with a beige upholstered bed, earth-toned pillows, a brown leather bench, wall art, and a black chandelier under exposed ceiling beams.

Textile Layering

From bouclé and linen to velvet and wool, textile layering adds richness and comfort. It’s all about mixing textures, tones, and finishes to create a space that feels both elevated and inviting.

Upholstered Walls

Soft to the touch and rich in detail, upholstered walls bring warmth, acoustics, and a luxe, tailored finish to bedrooms, libraries, and lounges alike.

A modern bedroom features a bedside table with candles, books, and a bowl; a bed with patterned pillows; wood paneling; and a small window showing trees outside.

Vintage Finds

A well-placed vintage piece brings instant soul to a space. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind chair, a patinaed light fixture, or an antique mirror, these elements tell a story and ground the design.

Wallpaper Moments

We love a good wallpaper moment, the kind that catches your eye and tells a story. From moody murals to quiet textures, it’s the design move that never fails to impress.

A cozy children's playroom featuring a small wooden table with white chairs, a cushioned window seat, teal cabinets, and wallpaper adorned with whimsical birdcage designs on the ceiling.
a picture of a room with art on the wall.

X-Factor Pieces

Every space needs a standout, the piece that makes people pause. Whether it’s a dramatic light fixture or a custom millwork detail, an X-factor moment gives a space its edge.

Yarn Dyed Art

Rich in color and craft, yarn-dyed art adds handmade warmth and textural depth. Whether framed or freeform, these pieces bring a soft, unexpected layer to interiors.

A modern living room with a black round coffee table, decorative objects, books, a vase with white flowers, and a large abstract wall hanging made of colored threads.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, a stainless steel range hood, white tile backsplash, and a breakfast bar with three place settings and black chairs.

Zellige Tile

Glossy, imperfect, and full of character, zellige tile reflects light beautifully and adds artisanal charm to kitchens, baths, and beyond. No two are alike, and that’s the magic.

All photography featured in this post is by Kylie Fitts, David Marlow, James Ray Spahn, and Eric Lucero.

From timeless materials to standout statement pieces, this A–Z roundup, featuring all images from our own KTI projects, captures the details that bring meaning and character to a space. These design elements are more than trends, they’re tools we use to create work that’s thoughtful, refined, and lasting. Feeling inspired? Reach out to learn how we can bring some of these favorites into your next project!

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