Trilliums in Northern Ontario
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Interior Design with Julia Luttrell

The heart of accessories

Ah spring, a time of rebirth and renewal, when human instinct driven by nature craves a creative change. We want a fresh new nest and we want it now!

The only problem with instant gratification is - it isn�t fast enough I always say. But take heart, the addition of a few accents and accessories can quickly accomplish a mini makeover to instantly satisfy your immediate design aspirations.

In design the effect of accessories cannot be underestimated. When we think of clothing, accessories, handbags, shoes, scarves and jewelry are the elements that create the ultimate effect. Ideally, accessories should be unique, compatible and adaptable. If they also manage to be functional, that�s an added bonus.

Home accessories and accents have the same impact and should have similar qualities of uniqueness and adaptability. They can change entirely the emphasis placed on a particular area, can make or break a carefully conceived effect, and they make a dramatic visual statement that stamps a home�s personality on a space.

Frank Lloyd Wright once said, �God is in the details.� I�ve often walked through a client�s home and with a little flourish here, a dash of definition there, and some attention to scale and balance, rearranged the existing furnishings and accessories to produce a spectacular fresh effect without spending a penny on new product.

True, it helps to have an educated eye and the benefit of years of creative experience, but that�s what designers are for. It�s great fun creating a whole new look by working with what you have, and the simple act of grouping similar or related objects has a fascinating effect. There is an art to arranging displays so that they look natural, as through they�ve always lived happily together. Try to mix strong contrasts, leave enough space for the entire arrangement to be clearly seen, and avoid a �too perfect� result that looks lifeless and contrived.

In my own home I have a few favourite pieces; a lamp, a vase, and a document box, that seem to be able to move all over the house and work into any arrangement. This compatibility is what makes an accessory a truly adaptable classic.

Another classically familiar approach is creating a traditional grouping such as the arrangement seen in the attached sketch. Imagine these three main elements, the lamp, the vase, and the round table cover, done in a contemporary, rather than a traditional style. The combination of elements remains the same, yet the style of the individual pieces adapts it to a dramatically different environment.

As with many things in design, the key to creating groupings is knowing when to stop. There is a big difference between collections and clutter. You may love each individual piece, but if you have to start weeding out, you know you�ve gone too far.

So, for that spring-fever fix to feed your need for instant gratification, consider first the concept of reshuffling �stuff� and re-adapting your accessories.

Sure, you may ultimately make a few purchases, I admit. One thing does leads to another when dealing with design, but in the meantime your rooms can be completely changed by the introduction of a different arrangement of your existing pieces. Try it�you�ll write to thank me.

 

 

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