Home Decor Accessories: Small Accents with Big Impact

You’ve carefully chosen your furniture, creating a solid foundation for your home decor. But something just feels like it’s missing. That final touch, the subtle details that truly elevate your space and make it feel complete.

Enter: home decor accessories.

These seemingly small additions can make a surprisingly big impact, transforming your space into a stylish and personalised haven. Let’s explore how you can effectively accessorise your home to create a space that truly reflects your style.

The power of accessories

Decorating with accessories allows you to infuse personality and character into your home. Think of them as the finishing touches that tie everything together, adding layers of visual interest and creating a cohesive look.

Whether it’s a striking piece of artwork, a collection of cherished objects, or a cosy throw blanket, accessories have the power to transform the ambiance of any room.

Living room accessories: Where to begin

The living room is often the heart of the home, a space for gathering and relaxation. Here are some ideas for living room accessories that enhance its style and functionality:

Living room furniture: Finding statement pieces

Once you’ve got your basic living room set down (a cosy sofa, coffee table, and maybe an end table or two), start seeing what other pieces could elevate the space. 

Ottomans and poufs are versatile pieces that can serve as extra seating, footrests, or even side tables and storage. Choose one in a bold colour or pattern to add a playful touch.

If you want to keep your living room minimal, think of how you can accessorise existing pieces instead. Style your coffee table or bookcase with stacks of books, decorative trays, fragrant candles, or a vase of fresh flowers. This creates a talking point for guests and adds a touch of sophistication.

Wall decor: the accessible all-star

A blank wall is a canvas waiting to be filled. You can even pin up kids’ drawings or selections from your memory box – it doesn’t have to be brand new. It just has to mean something to you! 

Art prints, photographs, tapestries, or even decorative plates are all classic wall accessories. A large statement mirror can also add visual interest while making the room feel larger and brighter – perfect for smaller living rooms or narrow entryways.

Home decor and knick-knacks: Taking it up a notch

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your home decor accessories. Incorporate a mix of textures and materials. Think woven baskets, ceramic vases, and metallic candle holders. Add pops of colour with vibrant throw pillows or a patterned rug.

Bedroom accessories: Creating a tranquil oasis

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place to unwind and recharge. Here’s how to use home decor accessories to create a serene and inviting atmosphere, even in small bedrooms:

Summoning softness: Tangible textures and calming colours

Incorporate soft textures like plush rugs, cosy throws, and luxurious bedding in fabrics like silk to create a sense of comfort and relaxation. 

Calming colour palettes with soothing hues like blues, greens, and neutrals help you stay relaxed, whether you’re sliding into bed after a rough day or waking up the next morning ready to face whatever’s coming your way.

Baring your soul: Personal touches and meaningful objects

Display personal items that evoke feelings of peace and tranquility, such as family photos, favourite books, or meaningful artwork. 

A small bedside table can be styled with a calming scented candle, a small vase of fresh flowers, and a stack of inspiring books – anything that helps you recenter and rejuvenate after a long day.

Warmth from all around: Ambient lighting and sensory details

Forgo the harsh overhead light and create a relaxing ambiance with soft, warm accent lighting. Consider using a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness according to your mood. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser to promote relaxation and sleep.

Kitchen accessories: Blending style and functionality

The kitchen is often the hub of activity in a home, a space for cooking, gathering, and entertaining. Here are some ways home decor accessories can help enhance both its style and functionality:

Keep things light and breezy: Statement lighting and open shelving

Instead of treating lighting and shelving as separate elements, think of them as a dynamic duo that can work together to transform your kitchen. Add a touch of personality with eye-catching pendant lights or a statement chandelier over your kitchen island or peninsula.

Meanwhile, open shelving allows you to display your favourite tableware, adding both visual interest and easy access.

Reconnect with the earth: Functional decor and natural elements

Bring in natural elements like potted herbs or a vase of fresh flowers to add a touch of life and vibrancy to your kitchen.

Materials like wood, linen, glass, or hemp are perfect for this plus practical – think of stylish linen soft boxes for storing dry goods, a beautiful glass fruit bowl, or a wooden cutting board that doubles as a serving tray. 

Don’t overdo it: Textiles and artful accents

If you don’t want to risk overcrowding your kitchen, soft furnishings are a great way to add warmth and personality to the space with minimal footprint.

Patterned tea towels, colourful oven mitts, and a stylish rug all instantly make cooking more enjoyable, making it feel like a festive holiday year-round.

Choosing decorative items for home: Finding your style

Once you’ve honed your decor skills in these three main spaces, it’s time to take that energy to the rest of your home. But with endless options available, choosing the right decorative items for each room can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you curate a collection that reflects your personal style:

Start with a colour palette

Choose a colour scheme that complements your existing furniture and decor. This will create a cohesive look and prevent your overall interior design from feeling disjointed. The colour scheme can apply throughout the entire home or be confined to that single room or space – it’s all about what resonates with your personal style!

Mix and match textures

Combine different textures like wood, metal, glass, and textiles to add depth and visual interest to your space. Think beyond just visual texture, and consider how things feel.

Layering textures also creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. For example, imagine a cosy reading nook with a chunky knit throw draped over a leather armchair, illuminated by the soft glow of a metal floor lamp. The sensory experience of such a setup elevates the overall ambience and cosiness of the space.

Incorporate personal touches

Display items that have sentimental value or tell a story. If you’ve got assorted souvenirs from holidays or trips, family heirlooms, or handmade crafts, here’s where you can break them out and add some warmth and authenticity to your space.

Consider creating a vignette on a bookshelf with a framed photo from a memorable trip, a handcrafted ceramic bowl picked up at a local market, and a stack of well-loved books. You’ll feel a spark of joy every time you see them.

Remember that less is often more

Avoid overcrowding your space with too many decorative accessories. Choose a few key pieces that make a statement and allow them to breathe. Each item should be able to shine on its own, serving as its own focal point where its natural beauty comes through.

Create a cohesive look with accessories

While accessorising, keep in mind the overall aesthetic of your home. If you’ve invested in a living room set with clean lines and a modern feel, choose accessories that complement that style. For example, a sleek modern wood coffee table would pair beautifully with minimalist vases and geometric sculptures.

Accessorising is an ongoing process, a journey of self-expression through design. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things, and most importantly, have fun creating a space that truly feels like home.