Your home has a strong effect on your sense of well-being, probably much more than you know. And choosing the right type and quantity of accessories and knowing how and where to place them, has a real effect on the ‘feeling, and even the comfort level of your home. Here are my favorite home accessories and a list of do’s and don’ts to help you create the mood you’re looking for.
I love using accessories in the homes I do for my clients (and myself!) because after owning five design stores, I know how much joy they bring. We all love having our things around us, right?
I always wonder what minimalist decor enthusiasts do with mementos from travels, gifts from their family, framed family pictures, heirlooms.
Accessories Do’s and Don’ts
When choosing accessories for your home, it helps to first have an idea of what “not” to buy and how to avoid styles that date quickly. Anything that’s had a large amount of popularity (such as shabby, peeling furniture and farmhouse looks) looks very dated after the style has run its course. So “don’t” use styles or items that have been overused.
Do keep novelty type accessories such as wine or golf related décor, farmhouse signs, fairies, horses, and bears to a minimum. I’m also guilty of this to a small degree. I love Eiffel Towers and my bird collection is admittedly getting larger. I’ve kept my collections small and subtle by placing them in a variety of spots throughout my home rather than all in one place.
Don’t place your collection together. I know this is counterintuitive. But trust me, you will enjoy them more if they are spread out a bit.
Do keep things dusted. It’s amazing how much better things look and feel when kept clean.
Do display things that look interesting paired together. You can add extra visual interest by varying their heights.
My Favorite Home Accessories
Lamps with modern shapes
Framed family pictures (small quantities in formal areas)
Stacks of hard bound books
Art/original oils and watercolors especially plein air and vintage portraits
Rustic pottery in trendy colors
Live plants in quality pots
Faux topiary ( I can’t keep live topiary alive indoors and they’re expensive to replace)
Quality woven baskets
High quality throw pillows (quality pillows are pricey, $125 and up)
Candles
Urns and jardinières
Fine china plates for hanging on the wall
Throw blankets in colors that coordinate with your home
Vintage silver, vases and serving pieces
Quality framed prints and photography
Vases in a variety of shapes, styles and colors
Some Final Tips
Remember this rule of thumb: If a room seems to be missing something it’s most likely scale, texture, greenery or a strong focal point.
If you have a hard time pinpointing the look you like, pick up a few magazines such as House Beautiful, Elle Décor Home, Architectural Digest or Traditional Home to see the current trends. Most importantly, mix styles and eras for a timeless look.
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The Workbook to My 3-to-5 Things Makeover Framework
That’s it for today. If you’d like the workbook that goes with the 3-to-5 Things Framework, then get my free, easy to read, 10-page book, The Wellness Home, 5 Steps to a Beautiful Restful Home for Women Who Value their Health and Wellness. This framework will help you create inviting retreats in your home so you can regenerate and reconnect with yourself; create spaces in your home for exercise; give you basic how to’s on kitchens, work zones and techy kitchen stuff. So, let’s help you get ready for your home makeover by the time January rolls around.
Bye for now!
Shiree’
Here’s that link again. xo
For more on wellness design and easy home makeovers, check out my post “Give Your Home a Wellness Makeover in One Weekend”plus, a link to my interview with Deirdre Fitzpatrick.
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