Tips: Accessorizing with Objects, Part II
Posted on | October 26, 2009 | 9 Comments
On October 12, we began our two part discussion on accessorizing with objects with Part One. In the process, we delved further into Balance and visual weight. This week we continue the series with an in-depth look at how to arrange specific areas within your home so your spaces can look polished.
Super Simple Guidelines for Accessorizing:
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Use heights and levels: for the sake of interest! Nothing brings more interest to objects than varying their placement at different heights. To do this, anything can become a lift or an additional level. A stack of books, for instance, can lift a small object to attention.
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Group by Themes: When objects are united into themes, they gain power in numbers and make a statement.
Consider the elements and principles of design. Repetition, rhythm, texture, and unity are great starting points to consider. With every space you plan to accessorize, always start with a focal point and then arrange the objects into a composition by proceeding from this point outward to create balance. Try composing or arranging 5 or 7 objects of different textures, forms, colors, and purposes into one grouping. Each may stand alone in its beauty, or all items may be interwoven into a grouping that has charm and good design. In my opinion, arrangements should be tied together in theme, color, texture, idea, or form and odd numbers always look best.
Consider all three dimensions (below) and the composition should flow from one part to another rhythmically if done correctly:
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Vertical
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Horizontal
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Depth (by starting in the back and working your way forward)
Some designers say that for every 5 items you have, you should take out 2. In my opinion, the trick to accessorizing is knowing when to stop. It’s important to edit as you go, but how far you go is dependent on your desired result. If you’re seeking more of a "curiosity shop" look, the number of accessories may never seem to be enough. But you don’t have to put everything out, just your favorites and keep in mind that you can always switch things out whenever you feel like it.
Accessorizing Shelves:
- Shelves look best when filled with a mix of things: books, boxes, framed photos, and collectibles
- Start at the most prominent spot; from there you can work your way up, down or out.
- Vary the composition of each shelf, so on every level there’s something to catch the eye.
- Chris Madden says, “Balance is another important consideration: If you’ve stacked books at one end of a shelf, for example, you may want a similar-size grouping at the other end of the shelf above or below—otherwise your arrangement runs the risk of looking lopsided.”
Dressing the Mantel:
- Create a focal point: This can be achieved easily with a mirror or artwork, etc. If you’ve chosen a peice of art, you might pick up your theme from its subject.
- Select the type of balance you want to create
- Add layers of interest and be sure to give the display depth.
- Avoid using large, heavy items as they will overwhelm the composition.
- Give objects some breathing room; don’t overcrowd.
Arranging Tabletops:
It’s my firm belief that objects on a table need a sense of organization. Otherwise your table will look like a collect-all with your objects looking very haphazard.
- Create a focal point or “high point” – a pair of lamps, a sculpture – and then work down from there.
- Add layers of interest by creating different levels with stacks of decorative books, footed plates, and trays. “Choose elements with an eye to a specific theme: reading and writing on a library table, for instance, or souvenirs from family travel on a side table.” – Chris Madden
- A tray can also be used to visually anchor a large, open surface
- Finish with fresh flowers, etc.
Collections:
Collections have more of an impact when they are grouped together because the principle of repetition enforces your accessories. I love to see collections done right, and by “done right” I mean no overkill. Many of us collect more than one thing, right? The idea is to keep from displaying all of your collections within one space. It’s smart to edit your collections, as well, and choose to display only the absolute best pieces.
In summary, accessorizing is a personal activity. More often then not, we are displaying treasured keepsakes and mementos that mean something to us. For this reason, I believe that the way a person accessorizes is truly dependent on the style of their home and their own tastes. There’s nothing wrong with displaying items the way you see fit. The “rules” mentioned above are time-tested methods of many successful designers, but that doesn’t mean all of them will work for you. The point is to have fun and mix things up a little.
[Sources: Christopher Lowell, 77 Habits of Highly Creative Designers, Chris Madden, Images: Homes and Gardens via Dress, Design, Decor, Living Etc., Annie Schlechter, Decor8 via Dress, Design, Decor, The Farm Chicks via Decor8]
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9 Responses to “Tips: Accessorizing with Objects, Part II”
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My name is Kristin and, if the blog name didn't give it away, I'm an interior designer. I'm also a self - proclaimed nerd, a grad student at SCAD-Atlanta, and a big fan of architecture, photography, travel, and iced chais. In a nutshell: I'm a lover of good design of all kinds.
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October 26th, 2009 @ 2:24 pm
I seriously need to find a console table get my little “walk-in” area fix up… same goes for something on my walls! It’s all so bare right now, I could use a few little creative groupings here and there….
Daniella´s last blog ..Threadless Tshirt Giveaway at jaypeeonline.net
October 26th, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
Oh weird – I don’t know where that link came from as my “last blog” lol….
October 26th, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
LOL Daniella it’s a plugin called “CommentLuv.” It’ll detect your blog’s last post and include it in your comment. I’ve actually noticed that many of your comments never have one show up. Not sure why that is… Curious as to what you did differently!
October 26th, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
Great post! My coffee table has been empty for a while (well, except for the everyday messes!) because nothing seems to look right. I’ll try following some of these tips.
Flavia @ Estilo Home´s last blog ..Another Week!
October 26th, 2009 @ 5:21 pm
“stack of books, for instance, can lift a small object to attention”
or my living room lamp. LOL. first thing i thought of.
October 26th, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
Ah, you are so helpful! I love these posts
October 26th, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
Best design blog on the web to date.
I was stuck in my space, and couldn’t figure out why. You have given me tools to make a change. Thanks, Kristin!
October 27th, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
WOW! You’ve truly helped SO much with making my home more…well, homey. I think your advice is FaBuLouS.
February 2nd, 2010 @ 9:30 am
There is something about designing ones own home which is frankly one of the best things about living somewhere – the time I spend on a room in a new property is ridiculous. YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE LOOK NICE HEHE!
Mandy Savtzitki´s last blog ..There is something terribly lonesome about this picture, its…