The Sunday Mail
I get asked questions about accessories time and again. What should I put on bookshelves besides books? What goes on top of the coffee table? How should I dress my sideboard? Adding accessories to a room usually happens toward the end of a decorating project. It is one of my favorite phases of a project. This is where I really get to tell a story about the homeowner.
Over the years I have developed a list of go-to accessories. These items are staples in the design world; some clients even ask for them based upon layouts they have seen or pieces they have coveted in favourite stores. These staples never disappoint. They look great mixed in among our most personal treasures, while adding warmth and interest.
Flower power: Let us start with the most basic accessorising item: Fresh flowers. Consider a random colour to offset your room’s palette. The layered effect of the bright yellow orchids against the gorgeous coral, linen-inspired wall covering is always beautiful. Splash of zebra: Whether on a footstool or a pillow, a zebra pattern looks great everywhere. It adds an instant flair of exotic sophistication. Zebra feels right at home with traditional, modern and eclectic styles.
Starburst mirror: Over a large-scale piece like a bed, a sofa or a fireplace, a starburst mirror creates a great focal point. Try and see how a white starburst mirror punctuates the fun colour on the wall. Bar cart: Great looking and practical. This versatile piece does double duty as furniture and bar annex in a living room, a den, a dining room . . . really anywhere you would like to serve a drink. Bar carts on wheels are great for moving from room to room.
Pretty bottles of different liquors can be arranged with drinking glasses. Beautiful bowl: Bowls range in style from modern to globally inspired and can be filled with just about anything. I love bowls filled with beads for the textural effect. Art grouping: If you have one great print, think of how great it could look if there were six. Creating impact with repeat placement is a sure win.
Branches: Branches offer a touch of nature on the inside of a home. Sculptural yet still casual. Ever noticed how organically shaped branches paired with an art collection of square or rectangular art comes out? The contrast in shapes is eye-catching. Decorative box: Who can resist a small box for stashing jewelry, eyeglasses or the remote control? This accessory looks great stacked.
Grouping of white: A collection of white accessories looks great against a bright colour such as the blue behind these shelves. Group bowls, candlesticks and vases. Delicate butterfly prints mixed in create an elegant contrast. Candlesticks: Do you have a collection of candlesticks shoved in a cabinet somewhere? Display them on a sideboard or an entry table.
These candlesticks are all similar but have varying heights. They do not all have to match; a balanced grouping of different candlesticks also works. Sculpture: Sculpture offers an opportunity to really personalise a room. Display something that reflects an interest or a hobby – for example, this ocean-theme piece on the table or the African headdress on the hearth.
Tray: A tray is such a useful accessory and can look great in many places. It can be the perfect solution for creating a surface on an ottoman, where you can put up your feet and display fresh flowers at the same time. Smaller trays also unify a vignette on a nightstand or an end table.
Blanket: This is one of my favourite things to have around a house. Really, why not have one in every room? Nothing says “home” like warm, soft blankets. Drape them over sofas, chairs and ottomans. – houzz.com.
