Sometimes it’s all about the little things, isn’t it? Of course a home needs the basics—a comfortable sofa, paint colors that sooth, the right lighting—but it’s the accessories that have the power to bring a room together and add that wow factor. Whether it’s an heirloom that has been in your family for years, a piece you picked up on your travels that brings back fond memories, or just something interesting that caught your eye on a recent Target run, accessories tell the stories of our families and bring out the personalities of our homes.
Recently I had so much fun helping a client accessorize her husband’s new home office. Like many of us, he started working from home in the spring when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and needed a permanent space that would look professional for his many daily Zoom meetings and interviews.
The space my clients chose for the office actually used to be a nursery! Their children had moved into “big kid” rooms and the space had built-in shelves already, making it ideal for a home office. After selecting a paint color to replace the baby-friendly wallpaper and moving in a desk and drawers the family already owned, it was time to focus on the fun part—accessorizing, of course!
The first step was selecting a large piece of art to hang on the barn board shiplap wall. We knew we wanted something with bold colors and this lovely piece fit the bill perfectly. We had it framed in gold with the intention of bringing in gold-toned accessories to display on the shelving.
Then, we went crazy shopping for office-friendly accessories that could stand out on the shelves and create a professional but fun Zoom background! Some greenery was a must, and I have been obsessed with the cute and affordable plants from The Sill. A miniature globe, clock, and various frames, vases, and other accents helped pull in the rich tones in the art.
The best part? I never even set foot in the client’s home for this project! Isn’t modern technology great?!? The client sent me photos of the space, and we communicated about the items over the phone and via email. When all the items had been delivered, we set up a FaceTime call so I could direct her where each piece should be placed on the shelves. Even though accessorizing.a room can seem daunting—the options are truly endless!—it’s actually really fun! And although choosing accents for a kitchen is different than doing so for a living room or a bedroom, there are still a few basic rules I like to follow for all of the spaces I style: .
1. Add some interest
This is the place to really let your personality shine through! Don’t shy away from the quirky, fun pieces that will set your space apart. If you see something unique that strikes your fancy, just go for it! Remember, if you get bored of something, accents are far easier and cheaper to swap out than, say, a sofa or window treatments.
2. Shop one-of-a-kind
This is the perfect opportunity to add gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces to your home without breaking the bank. Etsy is full of hidden treasures from talented artists in every medium and style.
3. Go green
Plants are a must! If you aren’t feeling confident in your ability to keep a green friend alive, there are plenty of beautiful faux options out there too.
4. Mix it up
Mix textures and materials in your design scheme to achieve an elegant, upscale vibe.
5. Get lit
Cute miniature lamps do double duty by adding a soft glow to a space while also serving as stylish accent pieces.
I hope these tips inspire you to accessorize your own spaces with confidence and flair! But, if you’re still feeling unsure and want that designer touch, you might want to check out my latest offering, a flat-rate design package (done completely virtually) focusing on accessories.
The package can be purchased on my website by clicking here, and don’t forget that I also offer gift cards (for all of you last-minute holiday gift-givers out there). Give the gift of great design to yourself or someone you love!
I wish all of you a wonderful and magical holiday season filled with joy, love, and laughter. I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings!
~Carolyn & Team Bliss