Accessories have been called, “Jewelry For Your Home”, which is why I think so many of us, have no problem buying an accessory even though we have no idea where we will put it. We saw it, loved it, and feel we will just find a place for it. Sort of like that interesting necklace that you saw, loved, and figured you would find an outfit to wear it with. But what often happens, is that it simply gets placed on a shelf or in the closet, because once we get it home, we have no idea what to do with it. Many of my clients find accessorizing a challenge. They have acquired a collection of items they like, but get overwhelmed with how to group and display them to create great looking arrangements. Many say that they feel their accessories seem just thrown together. So lets see what we can do, to overcome that thrown together feeling.
Getting Started – First, sort through your accessories and place like items together in a staging area, such as your kitchen counter, table or set-up a card table. Place the items as you see in stores: all candles together, frames, table greens, crystal, etc. Remove all the items from the tables, pot shelves, cabinets or bookcases that you want to accessorize. You want to start with a bank canvas.
Keeping Your Accessories Balanced – In all arrangements, balance is important to be pleasing and comfortable to our eyes. . In arrangements, balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical arrangements are perfectly equal on both sides of a central item. A candle on each side of a mirror, or a candlestick on each side of a table floral would be a symmetrical arrangement. Think of symmetrical arrangements as a mirror image from one side to the other. Symmetrical arrangements are the easiest to do and create a more formal atmosphere. Asymmetrical arrangements use a variety of items in different sizes, shapes and colors. Asymmetrical arrangements create an informal and more interesting atmosphere. A group of candles in the middle of a table all at different heights and styles. or an Orchid on one side or a mirror and then a group of candles on the other side would be asymmetrical arrangements.
Artful Accessory Arrangements – The actual placement of accessories seems to be the most challenging for most, so here are some simple guidelines to help you create your own artful arrangements:
- Create Groupings – Three or more objects of the same type are considered a group. Place three frames together, three boxes, or three figurines. Odd numbers are always more pleasing to the eye.
- Place similar items together – Group your collections together versus scattering them around. If you do not have a collection, group together by color, shape or design. A grouping has more of an impact when together than when scattered.
- Vary the heights - Varying the heights of items adds visual interest to a group. Think of a mountain range and how interesting the movement is from the high and low areas. Items you can use to add height are: books, glass block, plate stands, hatboxes, trivet stands, pedestals, or a decorative tin.
- Create depth - A winding path is always more interesting than a straight road. Zigzag the pieces instead of placing in a straight line or place them in a triangle pattern. Arrange the largest items toward the back with the smaller in the front.
- Balance - Along with whether your arrangement will be symmetrical or asymmetrical, you want to also balance the size and scale of the object with the surface you are placing it on. A tall vase will look best on a tall pedestal, a small and delicate accessory on a small table, or a short lamp on a short table.
- Remember Height, Texture & Color – Each grouping should have height, texture and color. An example would be a coffee table with Candlesticks for Height, a Basket of Greens for Texture, and the Candles for Color.
- What is enough – Try to avoid clutter and know when to stop. When you start with a blank canvas, add until that one extra item just seems too much. At that point remove the last item and you are done.
PLACES TO ACCESSORIZE
Coffee Tables – Always place something tall on your coffee table. Pay special attention to having the Height, Texture and Color here.
Side Tables – Do not overload them and remember that your lamp counts as one item in your grouping of odd numbers.
Console Tables – If you place behind a sofa, this is a wonderful place for a lamp. Also remember to add height to these items so that they are not hidden and can be properly seen.
Bookcases - Place your visually heaviest pieces on the bottom shelves. Such as large books, heavy stone pottery, or brass. Then work up with lighter pieces. Such as crystal, teacups, or fragile figurines. Also, zigzag the direction of you accessories. On one shelf place the accessories on the left, than the next on the right, and than the next on the left. Try not to fill the shelves all the way across.
China Cabinets – Follow the same guidelines as bookcases and not make this a storage piece. Add some of your favorite items with greenery. Also, always unload from the bottom up and replace from the top down. Just in case you drop something, you have a less likely chance of breaking other things in the cabinet.
Pot Shelves – Do not completely fill your pot shelves with items and also do not overload with greenery. As with artwork on the walls, your eye needs a place to rest so that they can appreciate the items you have displayed. Also, if you have enough room, place a pick of art in a pot shelf. Another rule is to make sure the items are big enough to be appreciated and seen from where you are standing.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If you become tired of your accessories, re-arrange them, swap with a friend, consign them or re-finish them.
Try to introduce the Five Senses into your groupings. Sight – Color, Smell – Candles, Taste – Fruit, Sound – Fountain, and Touch – Basket
My Top Ten Accessory choices: Frames, Floral Arrangements, Silk Greens, Candy Dishes, Hat Boxes, Table Runners and Toppers, Decorative Boxes, Gift Bags, Unique Plant Containers, and Decorative Pillows.
Try not to place all that you own out at one time if you have many things. Instead rotate your accessories with the season so that when you walk into a room you look and enjoy all of the wonderful things you own.
I hope that now, you have more confidence to accessorize your home. Accessories like jewelry reflect our own unique personality. So have fun and display all of the wonderful objects you have gathered over the years and let your guests enjoy them as much as you do. Happy Decorating!