ABC’s of Design: A is for Accessories

Accessories are like jewelry for your home.  Without them, your home will feel naked & as if something is missing.  Check out a few of my favorite budget friendly accessories that I showcased on GMT last Friday.

When setting your budget for your room design, make sure to leave ample room for the accessories.  Accessories include rugs, lamps, art & decorative items that help tie your whole look together.  A good rule of thumb is to allow 1/3 of your overall budget for accessories.  You may end up spending more if you find a few items that you just can’t live without.  Or, you may end up spending less if you take your time to find really good deals.  Whatever the case, it’s a good idea to set money aside to complete your room’s look.

A few quick pointers to help you get you started:
*Pairings &  groupings of items can help create balance & symmetry in your room.

*Remember size & scale: choose items that are in proportion with your furnishings.  Small items will quickly get lost on a larger piece & larger items will overwhelm a smaller piece.

*Vary the height of items by using books to stack accessories.  Height variations add visual interest & allow your eye to peruse the space with a steady flow.

*Make it personal:  Pick up treasures on your travels that can be used as accessories in your home.  Displaying items that are meaningful help tell a story about you & your family in your space.

Can you over do it?  Absolutely!  You don’t need to cover every inch of wall or table top space with art & other accessories.  Less really is more.

Carefully select items that help relate to the color story & style of your room.  A pair of lamps, a fabulous piece of art & some unique blown glass  may be all you need to dress up a console for your entry or family room.

*Top photo is from IBB Design Fine Furnishings & bottom photo is from the home of an IBB client.