You know that feeling when you look at a photo of an interior space and you fall in love. Something resonates with you; it looks beautiful, balanced, lived in, inviting, perfect, complete. Have you ever thought about why the space looks and feels that way? Interior decorating expert Celia Alida Rutte talks about the important design element that will take a room from “almost there” to “wow.”
BEFORE AND AFTER ACCESSORIES | FOYER DESIGNED BY DFCL
A room design can be divided into three major components: the construction finishes, the furniture, and the accessories. In a well-designed room balance is achieved between all three of these components.
- Construction Finishes relate to elements which are fixed in place and cannot be moved or altered easily like flooring, paint, doors, cabinetry, counter tops, and windows.
- Furniture relates to chairs, sofas, tables, beds, case goods and large area rugs.
- Accessories relates to artwork, books, throw pillows, table lamps, blankets, drapery, plants, sculptures, and memorabilia
BEFORE AND AFTER ACCESSORIES | LIVING ROOM DESIGNED BY DFCL
Designs fall short of “wow” for two main reasons; the components of the room have not been well coordinated, and/or the final process of accessorizing has been neglected. Accessories are the design details that complete a room and make it come alive. They add to the aesthetic value of a room, create the character, and tell the story of the home’s inhabitants. Missing this final step can be compared to a woman going out for the evening in a ballgown without hair, makeup, and coordinating shoes. What is the point in wearing a ball gown if it is not to look your best?
BEFORE AND AFTER ACCESSORIES | BOOKCASE DECORATED BY DFCL
You can begin planning for the accessories through the design process but the best time to finalize them is when all the major components of the room are installed. Elements in a room can change from the start to the end of a renovation and the accessories are an important tool in pulling the room together. For this reason, try not to get attached to pieces just because you like them. You may need to make compromises to achieve balance.
BEFORE AND AFTER ACCESSORIES | BEDROOM DESIGNED BY DFCL
There is a saying that when you think you are ninety percent finished a project, you are halfway there. Accessorizing is a complicated process; do not underestimate how much time or talent it takes. Done poorly and it will break a design. Done well and it will give you a thrill every time you walk into the room. If you want to experience that thrill, then it is a big mistake to spend all your budget on the construction and furniture. Plan your renovation through to completion and put adequate funds aside to finish the job.
BEFORE AND AFTER ACCESSORIES | HALLWAY DESIGNED BY DFCL
At Design for Conscious Living® decorating is something we are passionate about; and we understand the importance accessories play in taking a room from “almost there” to “wow.” If you have a design project that needs finishing touches, we would love to hear from you. Let us put our expertise to work for you.
