Article:
Accessorizing your home
By Shelley Anderson
September 2008
When your room has been planned, wall finishes chosen and applied and your furniture has arrived and been placed in your home, the job is only half done. It’s the finishing touches that will make this room your own. Accessories finish a room design by adding texture, color, visual interest and best of all — attitude.
Accessorizing can be accomplished through many sources. One of the most personal ways is through found objects. These items may be treasures you have inherited or collected over time. Most of the time found objects are repurposed, meaning that the item was created for an entirely different use than being an accessory item. By thinking creatively you can take ordinary items and make them the star of your décor.
One large item equals drama. An old game tabletop hung on the wall as art for your family room will set the scene for a game room theme. Add to this and old deck of cards artfully arranged under glass on your coffee table and you are on your way to accessorizing with found objects.
Multiple smaller items — all the same type such as candlesticks, all silver or all crystal — grouped together in a quantity you wouldn’t normally see will make it a collection, not a set. Comb through antique stores and flea markets, even thrift stores. Focus on what appeals to you and start collecting. Be choosy. Don’t just buy the first item you see because it fits your theme. Make sure it’s in good shape and not overpriced. Unfortunately, what often happens is that many people get interested in items that are trendy to collect because of articles in decorating magazines. The items get scarcer and the prices start to climb.
Be creative when choosing your theme. Interesting fabric from a coat or dress can be salvaged into an incredible accent pillow for your collection on your sofa or bed. Add opulent trim and down and feather forms for added luxury.
When you are ready to put that finishing touch on your home’s interior, begin with the largest accessory item or collection. Once you find this the rest of the accessories will come easily. You are now well on your way to a finished and personal room.
Shelley Anderson has been creating interiors in the greater Seattle area since 1990.You may contact her at (206) 719-6814 or email her at
shelley.anderson@shelleyandersoninteriors.com.