Go with What You Love: Tips for Building a Personal Accessory Collection

Whether you fill a room with functional furniture or artful décor pieces, you will fill a room. The essence of design is planning. So as you fill a room, the difference between haphazard clutter and a designed space is simple. It just requires a bit of planning. Beyond the large pieces that define a space like seating or tables, accessories can help set the tone and provide character.

What accessories should you use?

Let me help you look at accessories differently. As I’ve studied and practiced design over the years one thing I’ve learned is the #1 rule when selecting home accessories is to go with what you LOVE. This means you may or may not resonate with home décor trends. It means you might have an appreciation for a particular art form or even an industry. Did you have a parent in the textile industry growing up? Maybe vintage spools and fabrics will provide some inspiration. Did you honeymoon in Italy? Perhaps a small sculpture or vase will add some Italian flair to your space.

It’s possible to go overboard and be too immersed in a particular style. You might even need to take a break and pack a few things up for a while. But if you go with what you love, chances are better that you won’t tire of the things in your home.

Go with what you LOVE.

At the moment, vintage accessories are trending so I’ve pulled out some of mine that date back about 30 years. Obviously I have a thing for Asian inspired accessories! These pieces have beautiful colors, patterns and textures.

I also love to mix in natural elements like twigs and boxwood as well as cast iron urns, orchids, and antique books. All homes need a touch of the outdoors, even if it’s just a houseplant.

It takes time to find what you really love.

My advice is to shop everyplace, from high end retail to thrift stores. Always check out the clearance area in furniture showrooms. Try to avoid buying a lot of small items because they can look too cluttered. A good piece of advice I’ve heard is to look for accessories that are no smaller than your head — that way they will have some impact!

When you have made the decision to plan your décor, make sure to go with the accessories you love. If you need some outside perspective or want to give your space the full-on professional treatment, contact me today.