The Beginner’s Guide to Home Décor + Accessories
A list of essential items I’m always on the hunt for!
If I had to rattle off 10 or so items I’m always on the lookout for as far as home decor accessories go these would be my top picks. Whether I’m looking for a client, or just browsing for myself, these are the items I tend to gravitate towards when I’m styling a home or an individual room.
Like I mentioned in a previous post, 25 Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer, item #24 is finishing touches.
This is where the project goes from good to great! Once the larger pieces are in place the work is not quite done. It’s really that last layer of finishing touches that elevate the overall look. This is where the room comes alive! From the textiles to wall art, decorative accessories, and greenery, these finishing touches enhance the personality of a space.
When browsing online or through design magazines I find the homes or rooms that catch my eye are always beautifully styled shots. Sometimes the styling is very minimal and the team has chosen to go with a less-is-more approach.
But there’s also a part of me that loves a built-in situation or room vignette that is styled to the max! It’s just oozing with character and personality, and life and texture! There’s so much visually to take in, and when it’s done in such a way that looks authentic and effortless I’m 100% on board, whatever the overall style may be. But, maybe that’s just the design nerd in me!
Sure, I gravitate to one or two particular styles myself but, I can appreciate a wide array of design styles.
When I break it down I feel like most, if not all, home accessories fall into one of these categories.
In no particular order…
Books
Books are wonderful! Yes, for reading and inspiration but also to be used as a great styling prop. You can do a lot with books. They can be the main focus to show off a particular collection or highlight a personal interest. For example; Home Decor, Architecture, Photography, Travel, Cooking, History, Gardening, the topics are endless!
In addition to adding a touch of warmth, they can also act as a filler by stacking, layering, or used as a base to display a special object and offer a little height.
Tip: Say you’re styling a bookcase you can use books with bright pops of color, or keep the tones muted for a cohesive unifying look throughout the shelves.
Studio 1049, Sapphire Residence
Trays
Another favorite go-to of mine for styling is with the use of decorative trays. They help to ground objects, define a surface, or anchor many small items together keeping things clean and tidy. Adding color, texture, and height they come in a range of sizes and materials offering a polished and organized look.
Great for entryways, dressers, nightstands, dining tables, coffee tables, console tables, desks, shelving, etc. literally they can be used just about anywhere!
Tip: A few random everyday objects quickly placed on a tray are now a well-styled vignette.
Vases & Jars
This may be a pretty obvious accessory and you probably understand how to use it. Yes, they can hold greenery and botanicals, but they can also stand-alone without any fuss. I love a good cluster of interesting vases grouped together on a large dining table as a centerpiece.
Studio 1049, Bank Residence | Photo by Erin Alvarez Photography
Greenery
I often think people forget to add some greenery to their homes. It provides the home with a bit of life. Whether you have a monochromatic color scheme or your home is bursting with color, adding a touch of greenery is always a good idea.
Botanicals offer texture, dimension and bring in a sense of the outdoors. Don’t worry if you’ve got a “black thumb”, faux arrangements have come such a long way, you can hardly tell the difference!
Studio 1049, Southvue Residence
Decorative Boxes
These are my new rising stars when it comes to home decor accessories. I’m seeing a lot more interesting finishes being incorporated here and I’m such a sucker for some good visual texture! I’m talking about a silly box, but wrap that box in some faux shagreen or carve it out of rose quartz and you’ve got yourself a beautiful little accessory! It’s a simple way to provide height, organization and can act as a base for other unique objects.
Tip: It’s a quick and easy way to hide the random everyday items you may need within an arms reach but don’t always want out on display.
West Elm (This particular style is no longer available.)
Frames
Frames are another pretty obvious accessory. Don’t get locked into thinking they all have to be the same. Feel free to mix the sizes, shapes, and materials, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. Keep your taller frames towards the back, layer in smaller sizes, and make sure your photos are oriented in different ways. Try angling them slightly to avoid a little army line-up.
Unique Objects
Okay really, these might be my favorite pieces to shop for, and for me the weirder the better! This is where you really get to make a statement about your personality, interests, and sense of humor. An unexpected element can add some fun or you can stick with a classical bust (which to me is also fun!).
You can bring in a touch of the past with a wooden shoe or hat molds, family treasures, rotary telephones, anything that starts a conversation.
Studio 1049, Bank Residence | Photo by Erin Alvarez Photography
Textiles
There are so many options when it comes to textiles, I’m talking pillows, area rugs, throws. These offer a layer of softness, adding color, pattern, print, and the ever-important texture. Textiles can really change the look of a room in a somewhat economical way. Let’s not forget their functional purpose, too.
Are you catching on to the theme here? Pretty much all accessories can be used to add color, height, and texture!
Wall Art
A great way to show off your personality, a collection, or a hobby. It’s more than an object to fill an empty space, art can speak to an emotional side. Scale and proportion are very important here, I find people tend to select items that are on the small side. You can go bigger than you may think. This provides a focal point and makes a statement!
Studio 1049, Bank Residence | Photo by Erin Alvarez Photography
Mirrors
Not just a place to touch up your lipstick! A beautiful mirror can help to open up a room, reflect natural light and make a small space appear larger. Mirrors come in so many shapes, sizes, and materials they can be used as a piece of art. Again, keep in mind scale and proportion.
Tip: A pair of mirrors can add a touch of symmetry and create a huge impact in a large space.
Cloches & Lanterns
By placing an item in a cloche or lantern you can highlight or elevate its presence. I love the pretty little presentation of a unique object. Inclosing a treasure will also provide protection from everyday life. Get creative, these aren’t just for candles!
Studio 1049, Southvue Residence
Baskets
They can be works of art themselves! If you’ve done any home decor shopping lately you know they’re everywhere. Offered in a myriad of sizes, shapes, and colors they’re not just beautiful they have a practical side as well. I love a good basket moment!
Tip: Place a small plant or large tree in an appropriately sized basket and voila! A beautiful display in one easy step!
Negative Space
Okay, so not technically an accessory, but a very overlooked important design element! I even have to remind myself of this at times. Allowing for negative, empty space gives the furnishings and hard more permanent surfaces and materials a moment in the spotlight. This gives the eye a second to rest and takes in the beauty of the space all on its own.
Of course, most rooms really benefit from at least an accessory or two, but if you’re just starting out, begin with a “less-is-more” approach and slowly layer in accessories that bring you joy and feel authentic to you!
When shopping for home decor accessories don’t feel pressured to find everything you may be looking for in one day, that rarely ends well. Allow for a few different trips, hit up your favorite and maybe lesser-known hot spots for unique items. I myself will try certain shops multiple times, switching up the time and days I go looking. Part of the fun is the hunt!
A few notes to keep in mind when out and about; scale, proportion, quality over quantity, and do you own a friend or two this new piece can live with? Try to remember “The Rule of Three”, items usually look best when grouped in threes or in odd number pairings.
Also, don’t be scared to buy it and return it, if possible. Sometimes you just don’t know if it’s going to work until you get it home and into its space. Similar to clothing and styling an outfit, you can have an idea in your head how it may look but when you go to put it all together it’s a total bust, hah! I’ve certainly been there!
So there you have it, just a quick little guide to get your gears turning if you’ve got a trouble spot at home and don’t quite know what a space is missing! The wonderful thing about all these items I’ve listed is they can pretty much work in any room setting. Also, depending on the style you’ve selected it can be easy to move things around from one room to the next. I encourage you to take a peek around your house, maybe you have some cool and unique pieces sitting unnoticed in a closet or spare room that you can pull out and give new life to!
