Home Accessories: The Final Touch
Have you ever been in a store and saw some great home accessories but just don’t know what to do with them once you brought them home? Accessorizing is that final touch that gives your room that finished look.
When working with our clients on creating the home of their dreams we use the following analogy: the room is like the human body, you would not go out without covering the body which in this case is the furniture in the room. Some of us like a lot of furniture and others like a bare minimum, but that is ok. Whatever your style is you can achieve that by putting the furniture in the room.
The last step is home accessorizing - “the jewelry of the room,” so to speak. Think of a plain black dress or men’s suit. You can wear it plain, but if you want to add that final touch it is the home accessories that create the look. To ensure you aren’t left standing there with great accessories and nowhere to put them we have compiled some helpful tips on how to accessorize and bring your style and personality to your home. We also want to share with you some of the newest home accents that are sure to renew, refresh, re-feather your nest.
One of the best ways to show your personality when accessorizing is through artwork. From one large piece of artwork to a grouping of different types, you can take a plain wall and make it come alive. Use multiple pieces of artwork to fill a large wall with tall ceilings. If you don’t want to make a commitment and hang the artwork, lean it up against the wall. This is an excellent technique to use on a fireplace mantel, especially when you have stone or brick and don’t want to drill into it.
Lighting is the key to great design. It can set the mood of the room depending on what type of lighting you choose. Gone are the days when lighting was featured in the foyer and dining room only. Lighting can be the feature accessory in a room with so many choices. Chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps and even ceiling fans have become that one accessory for which you have been looking. If you don’t want to go out and buy a new light fixture but want something new, update it with a new lampshade. There are so many fabulous fabrics out there that are being used for shades from natural fabrics to metal shades. The sky is the limit!
Accessorize with books when budget is a factor... Or even when it isn’t. Use books to accent coffee tables, bookshelves and end tables. Stacking decorative books will fill in spaces where you don't have any home accessories. A picture frame or plant can be placed on them to feature the accessory. Take books you have and cover them, like when you were in school, by using decorative papers or white paper to give the books a clean look. You can also find decorative “faux” books that enable you to open the top lid and use the inside of the book as storage. The right size “faux” book can be a fun place to store a remote control on a coffee table or end table.
Mirrors are another budget-friendly way to accessorize. From floor to ceiling mirrors leaning against a wall to beautifully-framed mirrors, you will find they can be your key to adding that special touch. Group mirrors on a wall as an artwork collection. Use a mirror on a table as a tray. This is a creative way to use a mirror you no longer need or want on a wall, especially if you haven’t been able to find the right tray for your piece of furniture. Beveled mirrors work great in this case.
Don’t be afraid to use large scale accessories in your room. With open floor plans and high ceilings larger home accessories can find their place. Just make sure you look at proportion. You would not put a large vase on a small accent table, but a large oversized coffee table can handle this type of accessory. Keep it to a minimum – we still feel less is more.
Let's not forget about window treatments. They can be the perfect accessory to give your space that finish gin touch. One of our favorites is our featured accessory at our Mansion in May room – Hunter Douglas Piourette. This is a beautiful fabric blind that not only provided function for our space by covering the window, but a soft touch of fabric that added warmth and beauty.
Don’t be afraid to accessorize outside. From outdoor rugs and lanterns to sunbrella fabrics for the cushions and pillows, you can make any outdoor space come alive. Even lighting companies are entering into the outdoor scene. Check out the great indoor-outdoor chandelier below.
Not sure where to start? Click here to schedule a consultation with Re-Feather Your Nest Decorating to discuss your home décor and home accessories.
