Accessories... A Designers Best Friend
Interior Design can be quite serious and challenging at times - we always have to consider how to make a space: functional, ergonomic, environmentally friendly &/or accessible. But once all the seriousness is complete, we get to have fun and accessorize! Good interior design is all all about the layers; the floors, wall finishes, cabinetry, furniture, lighting...much like a well put together outfit, the accessories are the finishing touch. Accessories can pull everything together, add a splash of color to an otherwise neutral room or create whimsy in a space.
I love how this space by Em Henderson is styled. The bones of the room are very neutral. This allows all the colors, interesting shapes and textures of the various accessories to shine. The gold starburst mirror really draws the eye into the room, anchoring the fireplace. The fun use of the pink and bright blue are powerful & unexpected but used in small doses. It would be so easy to change out the blue pillow and vase to a different color, or even black, to create a completely different feel in the room. And really, who doesn't need a big pink floor lamp? Yes please!
This a-maz-ing throw by Kip and Co is an absolute favorite of mine. The texture of the throw combined with the oversized fuchsia tassels make me smile. Not much else is needed to finish off a bedroom when you have this beauty on your bed.
Accessories can be purely for aesthetic or for function. These knot cushions by Knots Studio are fun and functional. In this space with hard surfaces and sharp angles they inject softness and texture. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, it's a playful way to add seating to a small space.
Interior designers need to change things up on a regular basis. It's in our nature. We love something for approximately 5 minutes until the next amazing thing comes along. We can't help it. If you were bombarded with all the cool new products that we see on a daily basis you would understand! We're hard-wired to say to you "it's so easy to change your accessories seasonally... with each holiday... when you come across a new pillow that you just have to have..."
These one of a kind, handmade pillows & Turkish throws from Plaid Dot are styled simply with the punches of red being the focal point. By simply changing out the wool plaid pillow with a bright yellow one (remember the one you just had to have?) and removing the red throw, this bedroom space takes on a different feel.
Accessories go well beyond art or throws or pillows; functional items like hooks don't have to be boring or utilitarian. Make tidying fun & easy for the little ones (or big ones, if organization is not your thing!) with these hooks from Plaid Dot. Wood hooks hand dipped in whimsical colors create functional art on a plain wall. While the concrete & stainless steel hook is unique and industrial.
I like to think of accessories as the icing on the cake (and we all know the icing is the best part of the cake!) Have fun with your accessories! Mix up the colors and textures. And above all, love everything in your space.
-Christine
