Finding a special new piece is always a thrill, but repurposing and reinventing a worthy design in fresh ways brings another kind of creative joy. Three designers dish on the styles they keep in their back pockets.

Round Reflections 
“I think the circle is a really beautiful form—I don’t know whether it’s because it reminds me of the moon, but I find that the softness of a circle always helps humanize an interior. I like to use a simple round mirror with a tiny brass or stainless frame to give that punctuation. Sometimes the frame needs to be a little more detailed, whether it’s through textured embellishment or an interesting shape like a starburst—it depends on the effect you’re looking for. A round mirror is especially useful to break up the space when there is art in the room. The circular form helps create separation and works beautifully with a mix of art and other objects on a wall. I often source from Mirror Image, which shows at High Point Market, and I always find the quality and product offerings are great.” —Skip Sroka, Sroka Design, Washington, D.C.

Sroka finds that the softness of round mirrors helps humanize an interiorTimothy Bell

The circular form helps create separation and works beautifully with a mix of art and other objects on a wall according to SrokaGeoffrey Hogdon

Left: Sroka finds that the softness of round mirrors helps humanize an interior Timothy Bell | Right: The circular form helps create separation and works beautifully with a mix of art and other objects on a wall according to Sroka Geoffrey Hogdon

Sqauared Away 
“We’ve used the Parson’s silhouette in virtually every one of our projects, in one way or another. Picture the outline of a box and use it as a frame for the shape of a sofa, chair or table: The legs are square in shape and do not taper, and the arms typically match the scale of the legs. You can adjust the lines of the silhouette slightly by adding a curve to the connection points of the legs or scooping the arms, but for the most part, the shape remains within that boxy outline. Early in my career, we used this silhouette for store displays since it was so minimal that it didn’t draw attention away from products. I love that the shape feels clean and functional, but it’s also so versatile—you can add a decorative fringe or patterned textile and the overall feel changes dramatically. A favorite variation of mine is using the style on an upholstered sofa in living rooms to help anchor the floral patterns, curves and ornate antiques we tend to use throughout our designs. I like to add extra details like bullion fringe or accent piping, or I’ll add a slope to the sofa arm.” —Lauren Caron, Studio Laloc, Seattle and New York

The Parson’s silhouette allows Caron to anchor the floral patterns, curves and ornate antiques throughout her designsStudio Laloc

For Luckett, picture lighting is the key to elevating a piece of artworkLaura Sumrak

Left: The Parson’s silhouette allows Caron to anchor the floral patterns, curves and ornate antiques throughout her designs Studio Laloc | Right: For Luckett, picture lighting is the key to elevating a piece of artwork Laura Sumrak

Elevated Artwork 
“The design element that I tend to lean on project after project is picture lighting. I have a lot of clients who are looking to reflect their culture in their home and to personalize the space in a meaningful way, making sure that their homes speak to who they are. We often rely on art to help us do that on a variety of levels. Whether we’re sourcing a new piece, highlighting something that a client already owns or getting a commission done, I love an art light. There are a couple that we’ve used repeatedly—including one I have in my own home—and they elevate a piece and give it more prominence. One favorite is the Holly light from Hudson Valley Lighting, which comes in navy blue and white. It’s a little bit modern, but if that’s not our client’s vibe we pick a style that goes with the aesthetic of the space. I feel like it’s worth the investment to add an art light to make the artwork feel more special and intentional. Some homeowners wouldn’t think it would be worth the investment, but it makes a huge difference.” —Cheryl Luckett, Dwell by Cheryl, Charlotte

Homepage image: In Caron’s early career, she used this silhouette for store displays since it was so minimal that it didn’t draw attention away from products | Studio Laloc