Small Touches, Big Impact: 6 Iconic Design Brands to Effortlessly Level Up your Home

Ever watched a home makeover show and thought, “How do they make it look so good with just a few changes?” Been there. You’re not alone in dreaming of transforming your space into an Instagram-worthy haven. But here’s the thing: transforming your home doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. It’s about making smart choices, starting small, and knowing where to invest for maximum visual return. As we said, small touches, a big impact!

Interior design today is all about personal expression and liveable luxury. And guess what? You don’t have to be an expert or have a celebrity budget to play the game. Even on a medium to low budget, you can start creating a home that looks curated and elegant without breaking the bank. The trick? Focus on quality design pieces that make a statement, starting with smaller elements that combine style and function. Henge lighting, a bold Ligne Roset chair, a Flexform bench with character – these small touches can create a ripple effect throughout your space. Ready to give your home a design makeover? Here are 6 of the best brands to do so:

1. Maxalto – Refined Simplicity That Speaks Volumes

Maxalto is the kind of brand that whispers elegance rather than screams it. Their furniture is the definition of quiet luxury. Take their Pathos bench, for example. It’s slender, upholstered in fine leather or fabric, and detailed with subtle metallic accents. Perfect for the end of a bed, an entrance hall, or even as extra seating in the living room, the Pathos bench brings structure to any space. The materials, symmetry, and clean lines speak for themselves. What’s more, it’s easy to combine with both modern and classic interiors, although it’s at its best in a minimalist setting.

2. B&B Italia – Cozy Meets Contemporary

Few brands do modern comfort like B&B Italia. Their designs are soft, sculptural, and effortlessly chic. A great example is the Tufty-Time ottoman, a modular piece that can be used on its own or combined with other pieces from the same collection. Its plush design makes it perfect for lounging, movie nights, or casual gatherings with friends. Just be careful not to spill your Coke on it! Place it in front of your sofa, near a window, or in a chill-out corner with a throw and a tray for snacks. It’s stylish, and functional, and gives any room that plush hotel suite feel. You can start with just one module and then expand over time.

3. Cassina – Where Design Icons Become Everyday Heroes

Cassina is basically royalty in the world of Italian design. Known for collaborating with legendary designers like Le Corbusier and Philippe Starck, this brand combines innovation and eclecticism in every piece. You’ve probably seen their LC1 chair – a low, sleek leather and chrome lounge chair designed in the 1920s that still feels fresh today. The LC1 is compact enough for smaller spaces, yet bold enough to stand out. It’s the kind of chair that instantly makes your reading corner look cooler. Want a piece of design history that works beautifully in modern life? This is it. Best of all, it looks cool, but it’s also really comfortable!

4. Henge – Lighting that changes the room (and the mood)

If you’re going to upgrade just one thing in a room, make it the lighting. Henge is your go-to for designer lighting that doubles as sculptural art. These aren’t your average lamps. Their Light Ring Horizontal is a minimalist yet striking pendant that floats like a halo over your dining table or reading nook. Think sleek brass, soft LED glow, and big personality. Henge lighting is handcrafted, and each piece has a strong architectural presence, so much so that a single lamp can transform a corner. Place it over a coffee table or a cozy armchair, and suddenly the mood goes from meh to wow.

5. Edra – Artful, Bold, and Unexpected

Looking for something a little more out there? Tomassini Arredamenti has just the thing for bold design lovers who aren’t afraid to mix it up meet Edra. You can wrap yourself in it and feel the soft touch of the velvet, or just lie on it. It’s not just a piece of furniture, it’s a conversation starter. Please place it in a minimalist living room to create contrast. Yes, it’s quirky, but it’s also seriously comfortable. If you love that “creative influencer apartment” vibe, a single piece from Edra can make the whole room pop.

6. Poliform – Sleek, Smart, and Super Versatile

Poliform’s strength lies in combining function with aesthetics. Their Mondrian armchair is a masterclass in balance: refined structure, soft upholstery, and a frame that fits literally any style of home. It’s the perfect chair for reading, sipping coffee, or scrolling through TikTok with a side of style. Place it in a corner with a floor lamp, side table, and maybe a textured rug, and you’ve just created your new favorite spot. Whether your home is minimalist, boho, or somewhere in between, Poliform will bring the right vibe.

Start Small, Think Big

You don’t have to redecorate your entire home to feel like you’re living in a design magazine. Sometimes, one beautifully chosen object can change your entire perception of a space. Whether it’s a bold lamp, a cozy ottoman, or a statement chair, start with what speaks to you and build from there. Design is about more than aesthetics, it’s about creating spaces that feel like you. Let your home tell your story, one stylish piece at a time, without emptying your wallet. If you dream of a cohesive, high-end look but don’t know where to start, call in the professionals. There are many options that, like Tomassini Arredamenti, offer remote interior design consultations to make the process super smooth. They can help you pick the right pieces, mix and match styles, and create a home that looks curated without being over-designed.