Accentuating Accessories
Accessory: an object or device not essential in itself but adding to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else.
Accessories are the finishing touch when designing a room. Accessories help define a room’s character. They can be collections handed down through the family, memorabilia, and keepsakes from treasured vacations, handmade objects from school projects, or decorative objects that coordinate with your furnishings. They can also be everyday objects repurposed.
Placement of accessories is very important. Scale, balance and proportion are key. Small rooms are best with minimal accessories – typically smaller scaled. Larger rooms are best with more substantial accessories – typically larger scaled. This also applies to niches, built-in shelving units, hutches, etc.
When displaying accessories, group them according to color, theme, shape, size, and function. Display accessories in an organized manner, otherwise they will appear cluttered. Consider layering accessories to create highs and lows for visual interest. This is especially important when working with a grouping of accessories that are of the same height.
If there are several different collections to display, consider rotating them on a regular basis – seasonally, annually, etc. By alternating, you will enjoy them all the more.
Top Five Ways to Accentuate Accessories…
1) Display by using odd number of items – 3’s and 5’s.
2) Cluster similar items (textures, metals, woods, glass, etc.) for a cohesive look.
3) Shape on shape – use round accessories on round tables and square accessories on square tables.
4) Size on size – use large accessories on large furnishings and small accessories on small furnishings.
5) Create height by using books, baskets and/or decorative boxes under accessories.
© Star Interior Solutions 2009
Erica Starich is a certified Interior Redesigner and Real Estate/Home Stager and the owner of Star Interior Solutions, an award winning design firm serving South Metro Denver, Colorado. Please visit her website www.StarInteriorSolutions.com or contact her at 303-909-3491 or erica@StarInteriorSolutions.com.
