Accessories
It just amazes me how the
right accessories, or more specifically the right combination of accessories
can affect the look and feel of a home.
My Spanish style home built in the
1930’s has some significant architectural features like a vaulted barrel
ceiling, a stunning plaster fireplace with original tile; wall to wall casement
windows; original handmade iron fixtures, stair rail and drapery rods; a curving
staircase and original hardwood floors. Yet it looked cold and dated without
the mix of old and new accessories I put together. When choosing and placing
accessories the trick is to group things in chosen areas so your home will look
more planned and less cluttered. I’ve been a designer for twenty years and I
owned, shopped for and merchandised five different design stores of my own and
I swear to you, getting the accessories right requires way more art than space
planning and furnishing a home. They make a huge difference in the overall look
and feel of your home. I’m not saying choosing furniture is easy. When you make
a mistake on the size of the sectional it’s an expensive one! Choosing the
right paint and cabinetry and getting it to look right… it’s all challenging
and you need to know what you’re doing. But the accessories are much less
forgiving I find.
Don’t skimp
on the quality of the lamps. When in doubt about size, go larger. Simple lamps
are always the best accent. They’re easiest to choose. Christopher Spitzmiller
has a great, classic style but be prepared to spend around $2,000 per lamp. I
also love the reflective finish of mercury glass, particularly in small spaces.
Having the perfect lamp in your design scheme really finishes the room and
makes the rest of the space easier to accessorize.
I love decorating with stacks
of books, baskets, plate collections, plants in interesting pots, trays of
liquor where appropriate (living room, dining room) and even soup tureens and
stemware. Throw pillows and throws add comfort and are a nice place to interject
some pattern for pattern-shy women.
The best place to get fresh
ideas for accessorizing your home is via Pinterest. You can visit my board
Living Well at Home, Shiree Hanson Segerstrom. The last time I redecorated my
living room, dining room and entry with accessories I spent around $1,200.00.
Granted I already had a lot of accessories from my design stores and from
collecting over the years. It took me two days to get it right. I hung several
new framed prints too. I like to empty my rooms of accessories completely
before placing the new ones. I turn on some inspiring music. I adore rock and
roll but for decorating I prefer jazz or classical. I especially love Rod
Stewart’s Song Books and Pink Martini. I pour myself a nice drink such as an iced
tea and make sure the household has some place to be.
Creativity can’t happen in
tense environments!
I’ve created an accessories list
for you to make things a little easier.
Lamps
Assorted pots, vases and jardinières
Candlesticks, votive and
poured candles
Framed prints, art and
mirrors
Hard bound books
Platters
Baskets
Framed family photos
Throw pillows
Lap blankets
Urns
Trays of liquor and
decorative glasses
Statuary
Plants and topiary
Novelty items and faux
foliage and fruit (use discretion), collections should be saved for personal
spaces.
Live beautifully. Eat
beautifully, Shiree’
Click “Pain Free Design and Wellness” for a free chapter of my powerful new book that helps women with arthritis create beautiful, functional homes and take better care of themselves every day because home is where it all begins.
Click “Pain Free Design and Wellness” for a free chapter of my powerful new book that helps women with arthritis create beautiful, functional homes and take better care of themselves every day because home is where it all begins.
