Decorating Guides
Accessories
The Art of Accessorizing: Tips For Creating That Finished Look
How to Make a Room of Distinction with Decorative Details
I love the phrase, "God is in the details," a saying accredited to the famed architect Le Corbusier. It implies that even the grandest, most impressive projects rely on the success of the smallest elements. This statement is truly on point when it comes to a room's accessories. Accessories are what give a space that finished look; they are where you'll find insight into a homeowner's personality or interests. It's the accessories that help to make a room memorable and give it distinction. The key to artful accessorizing is doing what feels natural to you, but the result should harmonize with your space — not detract from the overall look. It can be a balancing act, so here are some ideas and tips to keep in mind:
Creating a vignette is a great way to add a focal point to a room. Vignettes are most interesting when you include accessories of different heights and textures. Also, think about layering and grouping. Here, the artwork serves as a backdrop for different groups: twisted bamboo, a variety of vases, piles of books, and textured boxes.
When using accessories that look the same, your items will make a bigger impact and appear more prominent if you keep them close together. In this space, one group of vases looks more important than if they were scattered about. In fact, too many items spread around a space will look like clutter.
One of the easiest ways to add color to a space and reinforce a color scheme is by using accessories in the same hue — as demonstrated in this room with aqua throw pillows and vases.
A large piece of art may be all you need to inject a dose of color into a room and create that finished look. Many people have a tendency to hang their artwork too high. The trick is to position the piece at eye-level. If your room is a sitting or dining area, hang your art low enough to meet the eyes of those who are seated.
Go global! Cultural influences are having a huge impact on design now, more than ever due to the advent of on-line shopping on a global scale. This has introduced us to unexpected colors and patterns that we can try out just by using accessories. Using textiles is a great place to start, as shown in this Mexican-inspired space.
Suzani textiles from central Asia are very popular right now. Embroidered suzani pillows and quilts are rich in the history and tradition of countries such as Uzbekistan. Any of these unique and colorful textiles are sure to be a conversation piece in your home.
Sometimes, a bare wall will call for just one statement piece. In this bedroom, it only takes one lifesaver to introduce the nautical theme (and stay in harmony with the room's minimal feel).
If you are unsure on how to arrange your accessories, just go for balance. You can easily accomplish this by using pairs. In this space, a large mirror anchors two orange ottomans and two topiaries, creating effortless, exact balance.
Harmony is best achieved when the accessories help to define your room's style. In this space, the globes, artwork and even the books all work together to create a traditional, vintage feel.
Displaying your collections is one most personal ways to express who you are and what you like. Here, a collection of retro tableware is artfully arranged in a china cabinet. This informal display invites visitors to take a closer look.
More ways with accessories:
Collections: Create Art with the Things You Love
20 Great Ways to Display Family Photos
Create Page-Turning Design with Books
More ways with accessories:
Collections: Create Art with the Things You Love
20 Great Ways to Display Family Photos
Create Page-Turning Design with Books