The key to making a home feel finished after a renovation project is through accessorizing. However, this is often a step that falls flat as many people see it as less important than other aspects of a large home remodel or redesign. While accessorizing is the last step you should think about for your project, it is definitely not a step to overlook or cut short. While new paint, cabinetry, tile, or furniture will make a huge impact in your home, the accessories are what really bring a space to life, add personality, and make the home warm and inviting.
For many people, accessorizing seems like a daunting task, as it really is an art to set up beautiful accessories throughout your home. Tabletops specifically are an area that many people find tricky because they are large and typically one flat surface to work with. How do you create dimension? With a few tips, tricks, and photos for inspiration, anyone can accessorize tabletops like a pro!
Tip #1: Play to the Size of the Space
When accessorizing any table, take into consideration the area surrounding the table. In the photo below, we were tasked with accessorizing an entry table in a grand two story foyer. Since the space was so large, we chose to emphasize that height through two very tall buffet lamps and a tall floral in the center. We filled in with a couple of picture frames and finials.
In a space like this, the accessories needed to be large because the space was so large. If we had tried to use all smaller accessories, they would have been dwarfed by the size of everything around them. Remember, scale is very important when choosing accessories for your space.
Tip #2: Add Multiple Levels for Extra Dimension
Tabletops can be hard to dress up because they are large, flat areas to work with. Unlike smaller areas such as bookshelves, you often have to create smaller groupings within the larger overall grouping. A great way to do this is through varying the height of objects.
For example, in the photo below, we started off with the largest accessory, the clock. We then took a step down and used a stand with books to elevate the decorative crown accessory. We then took another step down to all the frames and finished by going back up to a higher level with the floral on the end. This creates much more visual interest rather than just having a flat layer of items lined up along the wall.
Tip #3: Take Height into Consideration for Cocktail Tables
When accessorizing your cocktail table, one thing you need to consider is the height of the objects you are using. In many cases, the cocktail table will be the center of a seating area and anything too tall will interfere with being able to have a conversation with the person sitting across from you. In other cases, putting something too tall on a cocktail table could obscure the view of a television. Make a nice grouping with shorter object to avoid having to deal with these issues later.
Tip #4: Find Unique Ways to Create a Grouping
It’s not always necessary to fill an entire tabletop with accessories. That being said, it can be helpful to create visually smaller section of the tabletop and fill that space. In the photo below, we didn’t want to leave the top of a grand piano completely empty because it left the area feeling cold and unfinished. Since we didn’t want to fill the entire area but didn’t want the accessories to be overwhelmed in the space, we laid them on a purple beaded runner to really anchor the objects on the piano. This also adds a level of softness while warming up the cold, shiny surface.
Tip #5: Take Inspiration from Model Homes
A great thing to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck is to find model homes in your area to look at. These models are always accessorized beautifully by professional designers. For this reason, they are a great place to look to get ideas, see what works and what doesn’t, and what feel you like best when you walk into a home.
A great example of this is kitchen tables. Most model homes will have the table set with place settings at all times. Many people don’t think to do this in their home because they feel it would be a hassle to move it out of the way anytime they want to eat at the frequently used kitchen table. While this definitely doesn’t work for everyone, some people really love the look and are willing to move the items in order to keep the fresh model home look when the table is not in use.
The table below is in a client’s kitchen where the table is always set. Doesn’t it look like an inviting corner in a picturesque model home?
Tip #6: Bring in softness
Most accessories tent to be wood, metal, stone or other hard materials, so don’t forget to bring in soft elements as well. Adding a floral or greenery is a great way to add softness to an accessory grouping. In the photo below, we did just that by bringing in a floral and also adding a draped throw over the ottoman to add even more warmth.
Hopefully these tips inspired you to refresh your home though new accessories! They really can make a huge impact of the feel of a room. If you’re having trouble, think about calling an interior designer. Typically homeowners feel that designers only do large scale projects and complete remodels, but many love to just do accessory calls. It’s the finishing touch to a space that is the most fun to do as it doesn’t take long periods of time so the results happen rather quickly.
No matter how you decide to go about accessorizing your home, remembering the pointers above will guide you in the right direction and leave your home feeling refreshed, updated, and more like home than ever!