We often find that even the smallest, carefully chosen collection of decorative house accessories can have an enormous impact on the look and feel of a space. So often, interior accessories are just the thing to bring a living space to life, adding that touch of individual personality that makes a house a home.
Unfortunately though, accessories can sometimes break rather than make a space. Adding too many, getting it wrong with sizes and mis-matching textures and colours can have the opposite effect to the one you set out to achieve. These useful tips for choosing interior design accessories will, we hope, help you avoid the common mistakes that so often happen with interior décor, as well as providing you with some accessorising inspiration.
Quality, not quantity
The saying, ‘less is more’, very much applies with decorative house accessories. Whether it’s a ceramic or glassware piece, a sculpture, a mirror or work of art, it is often better to take your time to select one item of quality than to fill your space with multitudes of curios. Think about creating an unfussy focal point, where the eye is drawn to a single yet special object that fixes the gaze, rather than averts it. And remember, you don’t have to fill every nook and cranny with interior design accessories. A little breathing space here and there could be just what’s needed.
Get things in proportion
A vase that’s lost in an alcove doesn’t carry a great deal of appeal, simply because little consideration has been given to proportion. Before you choose your interior accessories, take good time to think about scale and proportion, and what would fit best in your space. Measure before you buy, and try offering up a dummy item to see how it works for size and placement. You won’t regret the effort, because the results will be pure proportional perfection.
Consider colours and textures
Accessories are great for adding visual points of interest, accents and contrast to a space. Even for those who prefer the minimalist design style, a pop of colour or contrast in texture courtesy of an ornament, a rug or a painting for example will ensure that the space doesn’t appear overly sterile. Layering up different textures and colours, using contrasting fabrics, adding textured furniture and decorating with plants or flowers are all interior design tricks of the trade. You could also think about changing up your house accessories to align with the seasons, or to fit with current trends.
Say no to symmetry
A mantel flanked by a centralised mirror with candelabra at either end. A shelf with a vase pitched dead centre. All very precise, but you have to ask yourself, is too much symmetry a little tedious? We say think more about balance than symmetry. So instead of identical candelabra sitting in perfect equilibrium at the endpoints of your mantel, try grouping three smaller candles in varying heights at one end, and two larger ones at the other. Sticking to odd numbers may seem counterintuitive, but when you try it and see the results, you’ll realise how avoiding strict symmetry can add a spark of intrigue to a room.
Add a good splash of personality
Making your own individual mark on an interior space is so important. If you want to avoid that feeling that says, ‘it’s nice, but it’s just not me’, then be sure to take time to define what inspires and motivates you before you start purchasing your interior accessories. Great ways to add personality through accessorising include showing off hobby-related artefacts and items collected from your travels; framing photographs of you doing something you enjoy, and showcasing accomplishments, perhaps medals or trophies won, or certificates awarded.
Bringing a space to life with interior accessories
House accessories can be the making of a home. From lamps and lighting to vases and glassware, from artworks and sculptures to rugs and mats, there is so much that can help inject charm and personality into a space.
Accessorising a home is a very important part of the interior design process. If you have a picture in your mind’s eye of how you’d like your property’s interior to come to life, you are welcome get in touch to discuss your project.
