I have always been of the belief that most people can manage the task of picking out the large furniture pieces needed to decorate their home, but struggle when it comes to adding the finishing touches that make the home come to life.

After seeing lots of homes that lack those finishing touches, I developed a workshop that I taught in my store, entitled “Accessorizing The Five Impact Areas of Your Home”.  The workshop focused on the key areas that need accessories and how best to accessorize those areas. 

Recently, I’ve received several emails from readers with questions related to accessorizing your home, so  I thought I share my workshop tips with you.  Whether you’re just starting out accessorizing your home, or are in the midst of getting it all together, here’s a few things to keep in mind.

Tabletops

• Consider how the surface area will be use–do you need open areas to complete a specific task or is the area for decorative display only?
• Analyze the theme of the room and add accessories that tie into that theme
• Use color and pattern to unify the accessory arrangement
• Create a focal point within your accessory groupings–make sure the one element grabs the eye first
• Vary the heights, textures and materials within your accessory groupings for visual interest and personality
• Use greenery or flowers to add softness

Using trays to hold a collection of accessories is a great way to add impact to a coffee table surface

In this arrangement, the lamp and flower provide equal balance & the purple vase adds that eye-catching pop of color.

And, don’t forget to accessorize under the table as well!

Mantles

• Determine your decorating style–Formal styles tend to work best with Symmetrical arrangements (identical elements on each side), and casual styles often work with best Asymmetrical arrangements (different elements on each side, but they balance each other)
• Hang mirrors or artwork 5 to 8 inches above the mantle–you don’t want the mirror hung so high that it feels disconnected with the fireplace
• If you have tall ceilings, play that up with oversized pieces or art or a mirror

Round mirrors are a great contrast within rooms that typically have lots of square or rectangular features

Laying decorative elements atop your mantle will add depth and dimension

The art grabs your attention, the collection of pieces add personality and the branches add movement and style

Dining Rooms

• Relate your decor to the style of your table and chairs
• Hang a chandelier that makes a statement and becomes the focal point of the room, and add a dimmer to control the ambience of the space
• The bottom of your chandelier should be 30″ to 36″ above the table surface
• Allow 24″ for each place setting at the table, to make sure every person has adequate room to eat and move
• Allow 32″ between the chair and the wall or furniture behind it, so that chairs can be pulled out comfortably
• When setting your table, use this trick to remember how to arrange your silverware:  RIGHT (5 letters) is where you place your KNIFE and SPOON (5 letters).  The LEFT (4 letters) is where you place your FORK (4 letters).

A non-traditional chandelier adds instant personality and style & check out the mix of patterns that create the mood.

Dark walls are a great way to bring drama and make the space feel cozy

A space with its own distinct vibe–love those yellow chairs!

Sometimes two is better than one.  What a great entertaining space.

Foyers

• Use furniture, paint or wall paper to define the space
• Add a floor treatment to give your foyer an identity
• Use mirrors to make a small foyer seem bigger
• Incorporate texture and pattern for visual interest
• Your foyer should create a dynamic first impression for your home

This painted floor draws in you and grabs your attention!  And I love the idea of a loveseat versus chairs.

 A bold mirror in a bold color–what a way to make a statement.  The teal trunk is the perfect finishing touch.

An unexpected floor treatment that really makes this foyer stand out.  And those grass cloth walls are to die for.

Wallpaper creates the frame for this simple, yet beautiful space.

Sofas and Chairs

• Pillows are like icing on the cake–they give your sofa character and make it come to life
• Down filled pillows are simply the best
• When having custom pillows made, use a contrast fabric on the back so that you make change the look when the mood strikes
• The ideal pattern mix:  Stripe, Solid, Pattern, Texture
• p.s.  Position your sofa approx. 18″ away from the coffee table so the leg room is comfortable

Bold contrast in your pillows will make the sofa pop.  The colors ties back to the furnitur and accessories within the space.

The blue from the rug and cushions in the back space are pulled forward onto the white chairs via the pillow trim.

 A mix of colorful pillows, using colors found throughout the room

When it comes to accessorizing your home, I believe the best way to make your home come to life is …

• use things you love
• use color to add energy
• variety is the spice of life–mix it up a bit
• throw in something unexpected
• reflect your personality!

Happy Decorating!

Tabletop photo source:  thefrencheye, myhomeideas (Southern Living), decorpad

Mantle photo source:  myhomeideas (Coastal Living, Southern Accents, Southern Living) 

Dining Room photo source:  myhomeideas (Southern Living, Coastal Living)

Foyer photo source:  myhomeideas, decorpad

Sofa/Chair photo source:  myhomeideas (Coastal Living, Southern Living), Tobi Fairley, decorpad