A great LBD is stunning in its own right, but you wouldn’t step out without adding your own unique flair. A simple denim jacket and fresh kicks creates a casual look; a swipe of gloss and sleek silver dome huggies is a cool contemporary vibe; pairing it with flirty pastels makes for second-glance opportunities. We could go on and on – but, don’t worry, we won’t! The point is that you have a great foundation in your classic, timeless little black dress, and your choice of accessories invites both personality and endless versatility.
The same is true for a beautifully designed space. It’s your canvas, and on it, you can create your masterpiece. That’s the power (and fun) of accessorizing your home.
Accessorizing Your Home
The beauty of accessorizing your home is that there are virtually endless options and complete flexibility, whether you are a minimalist, maximalist, or fall somewhere on the spectrum between. With myriad tips and tricks of the trade, you can select pieces that perfectly finish your look, enhance your aesthetic, and infuse your space with you.
Tips for a Minimalist
Less is more. A few lovingly chosen pieces speak volumes, and they often do it with a calm, quiet voice.
Remove What Doesn’t Serve
If you don’t need it or love it, you remove it. Most minimalists do this exceedingly well as they do not enjoy excess when it comes to embellishments, ornamentation, or decoration. If it doesn’t have a clear purpose, it is just “stuff.”
Pare Down
Furnishings and large pieces with clean lines work well in minimalist decors, so look for strong, simple silhouettes that prioritize function (and comfort). The focus is on the purity of the form.
Let What You Love Shine
“Minimalist” doesn’t mean “bare.” Choosing a stunning piece of art or a gorgeous vase to highlight creates an interesting focal point, and because the eye is not over-stimulated, these elements really shine.
Experiment with Textures and Shades
Monochromatic palettes are wonderful, but don’t be afraid to introduce rich textures and varying shades. Adding wool, sisal, silk, tile, linen, concrete, and wood, for example, brings in great variety while still maintaining your less-is-more vibe. If you opted for soothing blues, greens, grays, or nudes, play with a few different shades to create depth.
Don’t Be Afraid of Color
Color is one of the most effective ways to breathe life into a room. Do not be afraid of bold tones, warm hues, and dynamic shades. A pop of color, whether in an area rug, a piece of art, or throw, an accent wall, or a set of armchairs, can be a wonderful way to highlight the clean design and show off your individuality.
Tips for a Maximalist
You believe more is more. You love art, patterns, pillows, antiquities, tchotchkes… You love energy. But you are probably not as enamored of chaos (or of unintentionally pulling off thrift store warehouse chic)! The key is to create a look that is curated versus cluttered:
Control the Narrative
Start with space and ask, “What is the purpose? The theme? The mood that I want to evoke? What do I want to feel (and have others feel) when they step inside?” Essentially, what is the story you want to tell? Keeping this in mind helps you select pieces with intention for that curated aesthetic.
Start Neutral
Give yourself a neutral base. You might, for example, go with a “quiet” tone for at least a few of the major pieces (e.g. furnishings, large rugs, tables, etc.). Don’t worry: You will layer on with more bold, ostentatious accessories. This just provides a clean, and durable, palette so the results are intriguing not overwhelming.
Find Your Balance
Play with different shapes, textures, materials, and silhouettes, being sure to balance accessories that have different visual weights. A chunky chair (heavy) might be paired with a slim floor lamp (light) or dark upholstered dining chairs (heavy) complement the sleek glass-topped table (light). Your eye immediately distinguishes between the weights, and a mix creates balance.
Shhhh
Maximalist is all about more but limit the visual noise as much as possible. If an element does not contribute to the aesthetic (think bottles of lotion, makeup remover, and cotton balls on the bathroom vanity), hide it away. Under-bench storage, fun baskets and trunks, and other innovative storage solutions help you do this with style.
Don’t Be Afraid of Nothing
To keep your space from feeling too much, utilize negative space. This allows your show-stopping pieces to be properly admired. A blank wall here or an unadorned table there is a perfect maximalist strategy.
A Little Mini and a Little Maxi?
Many of us find ourselves a little bit mini and a little bit maxi when it comes to our desired style. You’ll find yourself taking tips from both “sides” as you find your own unique look. No matter what your preferences, though, accessorizing your home can be a challenge. We have a few tips for that as well:
Visit Our Showroom
Our showroom, located in the beautiful Hub & Spoke building offers an opportunity to explore the latest (and greatest) in home accessories. Feel free to peruse artwork, see and touch textiles, and gather inspiration for your space.
Let’s Accessorize
A house just isn’t home without the finishing touches. Home & Willow is here to help you navigate the endless options and make selections that speak to you. Send us photos of your home or invite us in for an assessment. We will bring a great variety (and great quantity!) of accessories that cannot be found at box stores, place them perfectly, and let you decide if they capture your style and your personality. No need to lift a finger – unless you’re giving that fantastic mirror the thumbs-up.
Transform your house into a home in which you will savor each moment. Connect with Home & Willow to get started.
