Accessories add personality

You have the furniture, the walls are freshly painted and the drapes are on the windows. But you feel like the room is still missing something. That’s where you need the final pieces to complete your room — accessories.

Accessories share the stories of your passions, interests and who you are. Because the accessories are the soul of the room, you’ll want to slow down and research what you really need to put the finishing touches on your room.

First, you’ll want to go around your home/basements/attics to find personal memorabilia that you would like to display. These items will help add a personal touch to your home that is sorely missing without a few well-placed accessories.

Once you’ve found the items you need, identify the area of the room that serves as the focal point. This is where you will want to accessorize first. As an example, you decide that the fireplace is the focal point in your living room. A personal touch to accessorize might be to hang a framed painting (with a picture light) or mirror above it. Then place two identical home decorating accessories, such as porcelain vases, on either side of the mantle. You’ve just turned a boring, plain area in your living room to something special.

The main point to remember is to display only what is necessary. Avoid the temptation to display too many items. It creates a cluttered look and weakens the overall impact.

There are also a few basic keys that you should keep in mind. Group objects by theme (animal figurines, collectible plates), material (silver, porcelain) or color. A group is always more eye-catching than a few items spread throughout the room. Remember to vary the shapes of the accessories as well.

Also consider using plants to add warmth to a room. If don't have a green thumb, seek out high quality silk versions. They will last forever and can be cleaned by dusting them periodically.