Simple Tips for Decorating With Accessories
Accessories can make or even remake a room, however they can also clutter and cover the room.
Some people have got it and some people haven’t. Don’t spend hours trying to get your cushions right on the lounge… if they correspond with each other, uniformly place them on the lounge and it will look good. Zippers always out of sight. Read up on the psychology of colour, to help you decide what will work with your space.
Arrangement of objects is a talent that is hard to teach. It is an innate skill, though there are some helpful suggestions:
- If you overcrowd yourself with accessories – edit, edit, edit. When editing pile all your ‘stuff’ in one spot, then take your time evaluating every object. Gauge its visual weight and decide whether it does the job you hope for in that new room. Do this by color, shape, texture, height…… WOW factor.
- Try to artfully arrange objects, and choose select groupings.
- Group things in threes, or balance things in terms of their weight and size in a room. These objects don’t have to be related in material they’re made of, contrasting textures can work well.
- Accessories provide the sculpture of a room, so exaggerate the form.
- A hit of color in a neutral environment becomes a focal point. Same colour completely different accessories can work well grouped if heights show the difference and this creates depth to a table or against a wall.
- A room should be great without any objects – the objects are just an added bonus.
Another Golden Rule
Avoid too much symmetry. It is balance. Never fill shelves from side to side. Decide on your centre of focus and then radiate out from this point. The idea is to have different heights, textures, colors and widths, but within them to have a recurring theme that subtly draws them all together. Overlap some of the objects, so that some are slightly hidden and others take prime position. This technique of display gives a sense of mystery and depth to the finished composition. However, know when to stop.
Cushions and throws can completely change the whole look of the room. Lift it, change the atmosphere. A new rug or, removing the rug! If it’s summer, rugs or carpets can be removed and stored. Winter should relay comfort and warmth.
Accessories’ size depends on the room they’re in and the furniture piece or bit of floor they’re on. Don’t go for lots of tiny accessories that are lost in a large room and attract dust. Go for bold interesting artefacts that neighbours will ask where you got them from. If it is a single item, make sure it is dynamic and memorable.
Editing a room makes it feel more spacious, and it places more significance on the items that remain. It allows the flow of energy through the room and the features of the actual space.
Accessories don’t have to cost a lot, but can make all the difference to the larger pieces that have to stay.
If you have lots of shelves and you have a theme of color in the room in the cushions on the lounge or the lamp shades, keep the association in some of the accessories in the shelving. The idea is to capture the buyer’s eye on first impression of the room but keep it moving round the room in wonderment, not stopped and focused on the cluster of colorful artifacts in one place.
Symmetry in placing accessories is too often the mistake first timers make. Three items together, heights complimenting each other and colors or shades working together. Odd items spaced exactly apart doesn’t work. Same items perfectly spaced works, but don’t do it too often – too safe and boring. Cluster but balance the cluster.
Table Centre Pieces
Coffee tables can have trays placed on them creating a canvas on which a composition can then be arranged. Some suggestions: ordered polished green apples, pebbles with an assortment of different styles and heights of candles, a leaf/moss/leaves/branches from your garden,
- Bold and interesting artifacts only. Less is more.
- Remove dried flowers and pot pouri. Your home should be a symbol of life.
If you are in need of a more in-depth guide to organising and styling your property for sale, take a look at our e-book Home Styling 100 DIY Tips or view the services Instant Interiors – Residential Styling has to offer.
