15 Considerations for Selecting Decorative Objects for Client Installs

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Decorative objects are the finishing touches that personalize a space and make it feel complete. Whether you’re styling a bookshelf, console, or cocktail table, the pieces you choose should reflect the client’s personality, complement the design, and respect the functionality of the room. Below are our fifteen top tips for selecting decorative objects during client installs.

15 Considerations for Selecting Decorative Objects for Client Installs

Avoid Strong-Smelling Scents

While candles and diffusers are go-to styling objects for many of us, overly fragranced ones can be polarizing—especially in bedrooms and shared living spaces. What smells “fresh” to one client might feel cloying or even trigger allergies for another. Unless the client has expressed a specific scent preference, opt for unscented versions or prioritize beautiful vessels over fragrance.

Consider the Client’s Lifestyle

Think beyond aesthetics. If the home houses toddlers, large dogs, or frequent visitors, skip delicate ceramics and top-heavy sculptures. Look for items that are sturdy, washable, and forgiving. 

A marble bowl is chic and functional. A fragile glass orb on a low table? Risky. Form must follow real life. Choose pieces that suit their daily routines—nothing too precious or breakable for active households.

Think About Texture

A room full of smooth, shiny surfaces can fall flat but layering textures adds depth. Use decorative objects to layer in contrast—think woven trays, rustic wood carvings, raw clay, soft fabric boxes, or hammered metal. Even in minimalist spaces or monochromatic interiors, a curated mix of textures infuses warmth and adds visual interest.

Play with Scale and Height

A well-styled surface has dimension. Vary the height and proportion of your objects to avoid a flat, one-note look. Try pairing a tall vase with a low, wide bowl and a stack of books with a small sculptural object on top. You want eyes to bounce around the space, not glaze over. 

Honor the Room’s Purpose

Objects should support how the space is used. For example, a serene primary suite calls for calm, uncluttered styling—maybe a few sculptural pieces, a great tray, and something organic. A dining table centerpiece shouldn’t hinder conversation. 

In a kitchen, keep it functional: decorative objects should also serve a purpose, like a beautiful salt cellar or a fruit bowl that gets daily use. To that point, a tray on your client’s cocktail table table should be easy to lift if the client uses the table often. 

Prioritize Meaning Over Filler

Clients can tell when something is “just for show.” Instead of filling shelves with random objects, choose pieces that align with the client’s interests, travels, or values—even better if they tell a story. 

Whenever possible, source objects that have a point of view—vintage finds, travel mementos, artisan pieces, or objects that speak to a client’s heritage or passions. These spark conversation and create connection. Your client’s home shouldn’t feel like a show house. 

Add Books Intentionally

Design books, photography tomes, or even vintage hardcovers can anchor a vignette. Choose titles that align with your client’s interests—architecture, fashion, food, or travel—and arrange them to add color, scale, and structure. A stack of beautiful books instantly grounds smaller objects. 

Account for Cleaning and Dusting

That intricately carved driftwood sculpture might look incredible, but if it’s impossible to clean—or likely to get knocked over during a dusting session—it might not be worth it. Think about how each object will be maintained and handled—especially in high-touch areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Be Culturally and Contextually Sensitive

Be mindful of symbols, art, or motifs that could carry unintended connotations. What’s stylish in one region—or for one client—might feel off-putting or inappropriate in another. Avoid religious iconography unless the client specifically requests it, and steer clear of decorative items that could be misinterpreted or seen as cultural appropriation. When in doubt, ask or edit.

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Avoid Overcrowding

Negative space is just as important as the objects themselves. One of the biggest styling mistakes is trying to include too much. Allow pieces to breathe. A single strong object often has more impact than a cluttered cluster. Edit with intention; empower your key pieces to shine individually and as a program.

Include Natural Elements

A home feels more grounded when it reflects the outside world. Stone, wood, clay, dried florals, shells—these pieces bring in organic texture and can soften even the most modern of interiors. They also age beautifully and often become client favorites.

Think About Reflection and Light

Metallic or glass objects can bounce light in beautiful ways—but be careful in sunny spots where glare could be an issue. Just be strategic. Too much shine can feel chaotic, and glass or chrome can create hot spots in spaces with direct sunlight. Instead, aim for balance: one reflective object per vignette is often enough.

Source Locally When Possible

Locally made pieces add a sense of place and story. They also often support artisans and small businesses in the area. Whether it’s a ceramicist in town or a vintage shop with one-of-a-kind finds, local pieces bring soul to a space. Clients also love knowing that their home includes something made nearby.

Match (or Mismatch) with Intention

A perfectly coordinated grouping can feel lifeless (or like you bought it all at a home décor store). Don’t feel pressured to match everything. A slightly mismatched collection—with a consistent throughline like material, tone, or time period—often reads more sophisticated. For example, you might mix vintage brass with matte black metals or pair global textiles with modern ceramics.

Leave Room for the Client

Designers often complete a home 95% of the way. It’s tempting to style everything to perfection—but it’s also important to leave breathing room. Clients want to see themselves in the space. Whether it’s a niche for a future travel find or a spot on the bookshelf for their own framed photo, give them space to add their own layers.

Final Thoughts: How Do You Style a Space During Install?

Every designer has their own approach when it comes to styling—some arrive with bins of curated treasures while others prefer to hunt on the fly. However you approach it, the devil is in the details. The right decorative object can do more than “fill a gap”—it can add soul, spark conversation, or center a room around your client’s story.

We’d love to hear from you: How do you approach styling during an install? Do you have go-to objects or materials? Share your process and let us know if any of these 15 tips made it into your next project. We’re always learning from this community—and we hope these considerations help you design with even more intention.