Accessories are an important part of decorating your home, giving it personality and adding to the overall feel of the of the space. Accessories can tie a scheme together through colour and add interest with texture and shape.
Photo: Anne Roselt
Accessories include: Carpets and rugs, Cushions and throws, artwork and photographs, mirrors, books, clocks, lamps and candles, vases, flowers, plants, baskets.
When carefully considered, accessories add the finishing touch to a room. Here are some ways to do this:
Photo: Anne Roselt
Cushions and throws
Cushions are a great easy way to add colour, and comfort to a room. Consider using different textures to add interest. Soft textured cushions with a cashmere throw draped over a sofa will add a casual and cosy atmosphere.
Mirrors
Mirrors can be decorative in addition to being practical. Mirrors reflect light and can help lighten and brighten small spaces. When using mirrors in living spaces, consider the view to be reflected. most people feel uncomfortable seeing their own reflection for extended periods of time.
Artwork and Photographs
Artworks and photographs add individuality and can also make a statement in a room. Artwork does not always need to be in the centre of a room, but it is best to anchor it to a piece of furniture or architectural detail so that it looks balanced. Smaller pictures look best grouped together with the centre of the grouping at eye level.
Collections
It is wonderful to personalise your space with items you have collected over the years. Consider grouping these as often a group display has greater impact than individual objects.
Linking
Find a link that ties a collection, it may be colour or a style. For example photographs of different sizes can be linked by framing them all in black or white.
Accent Colour Decide whether you would like your accessories to blend into the colour scheme or stand out. Colours that are complementary to each other will enhance each other. For instance a purple cushion on a mustard yellow couch. For more information on complementary colours see more on colour combinations - why opposite colours are complementary When it comes to the different rooms in the home, here are some tips to consider.
Bathrooms
Towels are the obvious accessory in the bathroom. Tone on tone neutrals add a touch of sophistication to a bathroom, consider introducing bathroom accessories to match in neutral stone and natural woods. Some interesting decorative dry bark or branches in a deeper colour will add interest and prevent the scheme looking boring.
Kitchens
The kitchen lends itself to adding pops of colour. There are various kitchen appliances that come in an array of colour. However, you do not need to go and buy anything to add colour, a vase filled with yellow lemons, will add a pop of colour and sunshine to an all white kitchen.
Flowers and Plants Adding plants to a room brings in a touch of nature. If a decor scheme is not working just add some plants into it can balance it. Flowers bring happiness and uplift a room, adding colour and scent. There are some beautiful artificial pants available but be aware that these do get dusty and fade over time.