The Art of Accessorizing

February 4, 2021
Texture-scaled

Accessories are the storytellers of your home. Whether they are collected over time or acquired just for the space, they’re essential. Accessorizing adds the finishing touches; like jewelry, they add color, texture, contrast, movement.

Color

One way to accessorize is to introduce a bold color into a neutral color palette. We lacquered this entry table a bold ultramarine. You know right away that you’re entering a home that likes to have fun with its sophistication.

Repetition and Groupings

If you have a collection, group it on a shelf or as a tablescape. In this home, we kept accessories in line with the soft color palette but created visual interest and rhythm with similar art objects. 

Focal Point

A dramatic piece of art or sculpture can create a focal point in a room or lead the eye down a hall or through an entry. In our Cozy Mountain Townhouse project, this painting at the end of a hall not only says something about the homeowners but also elevates a space that could have been overlooked.  

Shine

Light reflected from glass, metal, or high-gloss finishes add depth to flat surfaces. Accessorizing with shiny or glossy objects adds interest without introducing color. Shine is like background music: It’s great for rooms or vignettes that already have something going on.   

Personality

Accessories are the perfect place to let your personality shine. Whether it’s an unusual find, a conversation-starting piece of art, a collection, or a family heirloom, put your favorite things on display.

Texture

Adding texture with accessories is essential if you’re working with a monochromatic or neutral color palette. Texture adds a sense of comfort and appeals to the senses. If you feel like your room is missing something, adding texture can make it feel more inviting.

We’ve been spending more time in our homes lately, so you may feel like your space could use an update. Moving, swapping, and even deleting accessories is a great way to give your home a quick refresh.