The Art of Accessorizing
Don’t forget the ketchup and pickle!
No, I’m not talking about a juicy burger - although that sounds really good right now ;) - I’m referring to the finishing touches that art and accessories play in an interior design. All too often we don’t spend enough time and effort on this detail, OR we skip this step altogether! Sometimes this is just due to the simple fact that we’ve reached the end of our budget. However, this can happen just due to the fact that clients think they should be able to do this part on their own but they typically get stuck in the process. I’ll share a few suggestions with you;
Have I got a story for you!
Let your art and accessories tell your personal story. Family photos are wonderful but easily overdone. Best bet is to use them sparingly on bookshelves or table tops and most importantly DON’T put them ALL out at the same time! Why not rotate them? This way you will actually look at them and appreciate them! If you want to hang them on a wall, then pick one area and make them into a coordinated framed collection - and be sure to keep an element consistent. That a whole blog within itself - stay tuned.
That’s odd!
It’s strange but true- odd numbers of accessories on a tabletop or shelves work better than even numbers. Be sure to vary the height of your tabletop items for more interest.
We’ve got the beat!
Create a rhythm with your wall art. If one wall space has a large painting than the adjacent walls should change to a set of two, three or four pieces laid out as a grouping.
My pockets are empty!
If budget is an issue I suggest a minimal investment in what I call a “placeholder” - I’m constantly scouring discount shops like HomeGoods picking up pieces that are the right size and proportion for my client’s wall spaces or bookcases. These interim pieces might not be “perfect” but they are a great guide for when you do have the time, energy and budget to shop and invest in that final element. And consider donating the “placeholders” to a charity like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore!
I’m drawing a Blank!
These tricks are simple, tried and true. But perhaps most importantly - leave some blank space. On an initial consultation, I see this problem all the time. Too much stuff! Remember, open space lets the more important elements stand out and be your focal point.
Keep it moving!
Art will most likely stay on your walls for a long time, but accessories should NOT be static. Change them out, move them around. Your story is always changing so why would your interior accessories not express that, too.
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