Accessories may have a frivolous reputation, but they are essential in pulling a space together—adding personality and transforming a house into a home. Whether they are found objects discovered during a memorable vacation or a fabulous collection, these five designers demonstrate the power of accessorizing.
Left: Photograph by Martin Vecchio. Right: Photograph by Beth Singer.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
“Oftentimes, clients want their entrance to make a statement while also being packed with functional elements like a practical carpet, seating to remove shoes, or a mirror for a last look on their way out the door. Accessorizing a foyer allows you to set the tone or theme for the house. It's the first space one enters and should be an area that introduces you to what's to come. The pieces should be chosen with size and scale in mind, and all the elements should play nicely together to achieve a cohesive, pulled-together space. It's nice to add personal pieces that reference what you're all about and what makes your home unique to you!” — Amy Miller Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
AMY’S ACCESSORIZING TIPS:
- Don’t be afraid of floating furniture in the center of a grand foyer. Try a bench tucked under a console.
- An impressive light fixture or stairway always makes a big statement.
- Curate! Curate! Curate! Don't fill your space up with a bunch of meaningless small elements. Go bold with a few more substantial accents.
Available at MDC: (Left) Rozmallin bench fabric; CAI Designs small drinks table; (Right) City Lights Detroit light fixture and lamps; Designer Furniture Services + Fabric custom stool construction; Tennant & Associates wallcovering.
Photograph by John Carlson
SENSORY EXPERIENCE
“Layers of texture and color play a huge role in setting the tone for this house. The client was seeking a space that carried the same level of detail as the rest of their home, and not just a stale home office. Finishing touches really make a space feel more personal. A room may have all the basics, but adding touches of your favorite color, photos, and scents creates a personal balance and adds beauty to the home. No space is complete without accessories!” — Heather Duggan, Heather Duggan Interiors
HEATHER’S ACCESSORIZING TIPS:
- Start with less…less is more. You don’t want to clutter your space. This will allow you to add things over time and give you an opportunity to display objects that have more meaning such as a market find from a memorable trip, which then gives the accessory more purpose.
- Scale is everything! Don’t put tiny trinkets in a bookcase. Add a decorative box or a small photo frame to a stack of books.
Available at MDC: Rozmallin pillow fabric and wallpaper; Tennant & Associates drapery fabric; CAI Designs drapery trim.
Photograph by Beth Singer
FAMILY TREASURES
“These Birmingham homeowners requested that we transform an underutilized formal living room into a space that was a bit more casual that could offer double duty as an adult area to relax as well as a music room for their young son who studies piano, drums, and guitar. We accessorized the space with pieces from the client’s travels abroad, like colored glass, crystal, family photos, ceramics, and wooden boxes. The accessories are happy reminders and helps to finish the space.” — Martin Bell, Jane Synnestvedt Interior Design
MARTIN’S ACCESSORIZING TIPS:
- A design statement is visually impactful and unifying when related items are grouped. For example, photos, crystal, sculptural pieces, or architectural items can be interesting collections and pull the space together.
- Accessorize throughout the space. Gallery walls illustrate cherished moments, and tables, mantles, and pianos can display meaningful mementos.
- Be fearless. Convey and display what's significant to you.
Available at MDC: The Ghiordes Knot area rug; City Lights Detroit floor lamps, sconces, and library lighting; Tennant & Associates sofa and slipper chair fabrics; Pindler ottoman fabric; Decoroom accent pillows.
Photography by Beth Singer
FOUND MEMORIES
“The goal for the living room in this Pleasant Ridge home was to create a warm and inviting environment to entertain, especially during the holidays. The space is accessorized with objects they found while traveling like pottery, glass, antique/vintage boxes, framed etchings, and books. Most of the pieces are a reminder of a wonderful trip, or something special a family or friend passed down or gifted. An extensive collection of art and architecture books accent the space, further reflecting the homeowner’s interests.” — Jimmy Angell, James Douglas Interiors
JIMMY’S ACCESSORIZING TIPS:
- Edit, edit, edit. Be discerning in what you display; you want the pieces to complement your space.
- Accessorizing needn’t be a static exercise. Rotate items to keep it fresh. It’s ok to mix it up!
Available at MDC: Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils drapery fabric; Rozmallin drapery trim; Baker | McGuire table.
ONE SPACE, THREE WAYS
“We wanted to transform an awkward space into a cozy little whisky/cigar lounge that feels as though you’re tucked away in a secret spot. There’s even a door hidden in the wainscoting!
In the first example, we kept the space dark and sophisticated with chocolate brown chairs, a versitile black bar table with a removeable tray top, and rechargeable lamps that offer a sexy ambiance. We adorned the mantel with dark artifical folilage that you would swear is real, giving the space some texture. A faux-fur sheepskin rug softens the room and adds a layer of comfort.
“In the second example, we gave the room a holiday feel. Here, we built on the original design with additional plush pillows, side tables topped with rechargeable lamps that cast a spotlight on horse sculptures in the fireplace, and the mantle is trimed in sophisticated holiday décor.
“In the final example, we opted for higher wingback chairs upholstered in plaid fabric that are meant for cozying up fireside. Original artwork by local artist, Tony Roko, takes center stage adding color to the space and complements the foilage on the mantel. This design takes on more of a den look with all the vintage books and radio that belonged to my great grandfather. One space, three ways!” — Colleen O’Brien, Rita O’Brien Interiors
COLLEEN’S ACCESSORIZING TIPS:
- Do what feels right. Sometimes we stand in front of a space not moving anything for an hour or more. Then, we clear out ALL the accessories and start over! It’s a process. Don’t be afraid to play around a bit.
- If you don’t have an “eye” for accessorizing, collaborate with a designer whom you align with both aesthetically and emotionally. It cuts down on the stress and will bring much better results.
- The old adage, “less is more,” is never more true than in interior design. If you aren’t sure, remove something and take another look. If you’re still not sure, remove more!
Available at MDC: Rita O'Brien Interiors accessories, chairs, tables, mirror, lamps, pillows, and rug.