Adding accessories in a room

[Flora]

How do designers know how to add just the right accessories to a room. i am okay at how to arrange the furniture and I can pick colours easily enough but I struggle with what accessories to add where. Especially like on a coffee table but around the room in general. Can anyone give me some ideas? Or do you know of websites or books that could help?

[Lanne]

I am no expert (and there are some here)... but

I always think of a room in terms of elements. (a great show for a similar method is Find Your Style.

You work out your style, contemporary, modern, country etc.. Then you work out what is staying and use that as a base. (say flooring or wall colour) and then choose a metal/wood element and an accent colour. Anything you bring into the room should work within those elements and style.

Well designed rooms usually work within a colour palette and style. The accesories match that style..which helps make them fit. The only time styles are mixed is in an eclectic style and this is carefully done.

If you look at an ad for a wardrobe or clothes hanging system it always looks fantastic..because it is a simple, small palette. Most designed groups are the same.

Layering is also important. Repetition is useful. (in odd numbers) or symmetry - even numbers and very balanced. Asymmetrical also works but does require more skill. You need to vary heights, weights of items etc.

Flick to an ikea catalogue or room and you will see all of these things fairly obviously done. IKEA LOVES repetition...

I also find less is more. Layering is about heights and a lil depth.. not packing as much as possible on a surface. Any little vignettes need room to breath..

Hope that helps.

[jaz_ben]

I loved your advice Lanne.

Jasmine

[Julie-Ann]

I've been thinking a lot about this topic. It's hard to put into words what you just do. But here are a few things as well as all the good ideas from Lanne.

1.When placing ornaments on tables use either pairs or odd numbers of ornaments. Arrange odd numbered ornaments in a triangle shape around the table. Also visualise a triangle shape with the heights of the objects. Try to vary the texture of the ornaments as well.

2. Hang art at eye level height. The problem for my DH & I is whose eye level. He is 6ft and I am only 5ft 4in:D.So we split the difference. Art also looks great just resting on top of a table or sideboard or shelf.

3. I like cushions placed front on and square against the sofa, as against being on an angle in the corner.

I hope this helps.