Accessorising

Do not underestimate the power of accessories. It is true to say that accessories are not clutter. They are specifically chosen items placed carefully and considerately within a room. Also known as ‘final details’ or ‘finishing touches’, accessories anchor a scheme, unite everything together and can turn a house into a home. Carefully chosen pieces can give your home a fresh look on any budget. Lamps, rugs, sculptures, artwork, mirrors, cushions, throws, candles, vases, flowers and more can be used to add drama and impact and inject colour, light and texture. Zingy hues, reflective metallics and sparkling crystals can bring any room to life.

 

Just as the various rooms in a home all serve a purpose; so must each of the accessories serve a purpose. As Le Corbusier said, “a house is a machine for living”. Therefore, keep in mind the practicalities of your chosen items and their location. Form and function must be intertwined in order to maintain balance. A lamp is an accessory and its function is obvious, whereas a sculpture naturally has form and its purpose should be to fill a void, to draw the eye and to ensure equal distribution of weight within the space.

Following, is a list of some of the purposes an accessory may have. Whilst the list is certainly not exhaustive it does provide a number of suggestions worth considering.

1.       Support the function of the room:Firstly, give thought to what the rooms function is and select only accessories that will strengthen and support that.

2.       Add colour: This is especially important in neutral coloured rooms. Adding colour through well-chosen accessories can help create interest and inject personality and life.

3.                Draw the eye: You may find this especially useful for diverting attention from less aesthetically pleasing areas of a room. Conversely, you may like to use this technique to ensure a particularly favoured area is highlighted.

4.       Add warmth: Throws and cushions are a lovely addition to living areas and bedrooms. Not only do they function to add comfort they also add colour and texture.

5.       Balance a room:  Accessories can be used to inject an accent colour, add weight, anchor a scheme or fill a void but composition must be considered to maintain the equilibrium.

6.       Create textural interest: If your room is predominantly one texture, use accessories to add depth and interest. This is especially useful if you are not too keen on colour.

7.       Tie together a grouping: Carefully considered placement is vital and composition is everything when you are using multiple items in any one space. Also bear in mind that odd numbers are generally more aesthetically pleasing than evens.

Almost nothing will kill the appealing qualities of a room faster than clutter. Carefully scrutinize each and every accessory before you include it in your scheme. Simply put, designing your home whilst considering both form and function, will see that you are left with a well-considered, balanced and beautiful space.