Top Ten Accessories

One of the questions I get frequently asked – how can I perk up a room without spending too much money?  My answer? Accessorize!  Find something you really love and see if you can work it into your room. 

Now, this doesn’t mean you should bring home that life-size taxidermy trophy of your favorite wild animal or the blinding multicolor needlepoint wall hanging that doesn’t go with anything.  You should take a snapshot of your room first with your digital camera before you head out to the stores and find that special accessory.  This will prevent any buyers’ remorse later on. 

Here’s my top 10 accessories – I picked a favorite in each category of accessories. 

1. Afghan Pillow from Wunderley - The pattern on the pillow is from an old Afghan pattern but it's been modernized with a bright pink pop of color - great for brightening up an old tired sofa or bed.

(Afghan Pillow from Wunderley)

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All that Glitters

It’s that time of the season to create a holiday wonderland in the home.  Here are a few suggestions to brighten up your rooms and your table. 

In our first décor setting, we have what I called the Golden Door – the entrance to a fabulous, luxe-filled ambiance.  Gracing our holiday table is the Gold Nest runner and placemats from Z Gallerie.  The dinnerware is the very chic black and gold Metropolitan set, also from Z Gallerie.  Instead of the usual evergreens, we have the aromatic Golden Clove tree from Horchow, coming in a variety of heights.  For pure luxury, we have the Snow Lynx pillow (faux, of course) and the Sparkle pillow, both from West Elm.

For our second décor setting, the Silver Peacock, we turn to the blues and silvers of the winter landscape.  To provide instant color and drama to the room, we used several branches of the Ice Spray – made of rough cut crystals - and Peacock feathers from Z Gallerie.  All the branches are held in the elegantly curvaceous porcelain Artura Vase from Crate and Barrel.

For our table setting, we have the lacy bowl, the Aqua Nest, designed by Heather Palmer and available from Artful Home.  To match the silver décor, we offer the hammered Savoy pitcher and shaker from Crate and Barrel.  Candlelight is provided in the iridescent Coastal Mosaic hurricane lamps from Pier 1 Imports.  And for that something unusual, we have the Aqua Finial from Kirklands, a ceramic sculpture for your holiday table. 

Interested in learning more about decorating and accessories?  Take a look at Sheffield School's Complete Course in Interior Design.  At Sheffield, you will learn how to transform a space, create color schemes, and select furniture, lighting, and accessories.