Accessorizing Your Home - It's All In The Details (Part 1)

A definition of accessorizing: the art of placing and arranging objects to enrich the style of a room, add personality, humor and most importantly, create visual interest.

Think of accessorizing as the final touches on a great interior design project, the icing on the cake, the jewelry that completes a great outfit. It’s the sparkle that finally gives a room WOW. Accessorizing is what turns ordinary into extraordinary and bland to beautiful.

At Fringe Home Design, we believe every life is uniquely designed and that is probably most relevant when it comes to accessorizing your home. Accessorizing includes the following design elements: color, lighting, artwork and wall hangings, occasional pieces, collectibles, accent pillows, rugs, artifacts, photos, candles, florals and even plants.

Everyone has preferences when it comes to accessorizing, but there are generally four different approaches which really define your attitude and style:

Formal – creates a sense of order, symmetrical, using classic forms and shapes, includes collectibles and mementos which covey a sense of heritage.

Casual – balance and proportion are important, gatherings are not usually symmetrical and often include nostalgia or whimsical items.

Contemporary – fewer items that convey sophistication. Items are chosen for form and not function; it’s all about the art they convey versus anything important personally. Not active use of symmetry.

Eclectic – anything goes. It’s what you love, but disparate objects play off of each other, in contrasting shapes, sizes, origins and textures.

So once you’ve decided on your approach, there are several key factors to consider.

First, there are three different levels of accessories:

Eye level - usually art, mirrors, wall decor

Mid Level - accent pillows, vases, collectibles and items that use color, texture and build on a theme and add interest

Floor level – occasional pieces, rugs that define the space, accessories which sit on the floor

Next, you want to play up focal points. These include:

– Mantels – make sure your accessories fit the scale of your fireplace and accent design style and colors found in the fireplace materials – Key table tops, such as dining room table, buffet, cocktail tables which should never be left empty – Play off of architectural fixtures or elements in your home. Repeat colors found in art glass and shapes of arches in furniture and artwork.