Accessorizing Ideas
The Last Layer of Design

Accessorizing ideas can come from many different avenues. Accessorizing a room is the last decorating layer for a room. It is the jewelry of the outfit so to speak. Done correctly, and you have the "wow factor".

Accessorizing ideas are fun to look for, whether it is in magazines, home and garden television shows, or my favorite; Pinterest. I'm constantly watching how other people accessorize their rooms.

Three Common Mistakes

It has been my experience that most people make three common mistakes:

1. Using too many little items and creating a very cluttered look.

2. The accessories that are chosen are way under scale for the particular piece of furniture.

3. Having an over abundance of photos in all different kinds of photo frames.

There are many different things that are used for accessories. Photo frames, candle sticks, pottery, etc.  Just want to make sure that they are the right scale, and that YOU love them, and there you go!  It really isn't too hard, once you have chosen the right combination.

In this photo is a great example of "decorating in 3's". It is simple, neat, and looks great!

This is an example of where a client had under-scaled her accessories. Hanging a large picture above the piano added height. Less accessories on top of the piano made it less cluttered.

In this photo, the furniture was the wrong scale for the entryway. This entryway has a tall ceiling, so a furniture piece that was tall and narrow was the best choice. When hanging pictures, don't worry if some of your accessories like the lamp pictured, sits a little in front of the pictures. It blends well, and looks fine.

Here is another example of an entryway that just didn't have any character or charm. This is just my opinion and preference; but I do not like a mirror hung across from the front door. When guests open the door, the first thing they see is themselves. The small table wasn't doing anything for the space, so I replaced it with a larger piece of furniture. A lamp in the entryway is always inviting.  Don't have the bulb watt higher than 40. The soft light is much more appealing and soothing.

Dining Room Accessorizing Ideas

Again, the simple rule of "decorating in 3's", works well. Learn how to make your own silk flower arrangements.

You can also find a floral container and fill it with unique greenery balls like these that I found at the craft store.

Kitchen Decor

I like to keep kitchen decor simple and elegant.  It is very easy to overdo it and have too many items displayed on your counter tops.

A clean uncluttered kitchen is always so inviting. And a cookie jar full of double-stuffed Oreos is  a most welcoming site.

I am a firm believer in "decorating in 3's". It keeps things simple and neat.

Coffee Table Decor

When trying to decide on accessorizing ideas for a coffee table, don't be afraid to use things that have a little height.

I love this coffee table accessorizing from Pottery Barn!

Bedroom Accessorizing

Whether you are accessorizing a master bedroom or a guest bedroom, keep things simple and elegant.  Less is more in these rooms.  You want to create comfort along with serenity and calm.

This little table is in my guest bedroom. A simple lamp, clock, and fresh flowers is the perfect combination for such a small table.

When you are going to accessorize minimally, choose things that have character and charm. This old fashioned clock is from Target. The silver adds a little "bling" to the table.

Here is the dresser in my guest room. Again, I decorated in 3's and kept things minimal.

Bathroom Accessorizing Ideas

If you have a garden tub, find a silver tray and fill it with different bathroom decor like I did above.  Nothing is prettier than clean white towels!

Do you have a small corner on your vanity? A touch of greenery is the perfect idea!

Accessorizing a Bookshelf

Bookshelves can be extremely challenging when it comes to accessorizing! It is about finding the right balance between accessories and books! Here is a whole page all about accessorizing a bookshelf.

Pillow Love

Another quick accessorizing tip is pillows! I don't know how many clients I have visited who were in desperate need of new pillows! There are too many sad and flat pillows out there.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall...

Need more light behind your couch?  Add a small narrow sofa table. Learn to accessorize with mirrors. Mirrors make a room look larger, add light, and can change the feel of an entire room. 

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