5 Ways Accessories Complement Interior Design

Just like a great wardrobe, accessories can pull together a look -
or leave the admirer wanting. Interior design is both an innate talent
and a skill, requiring a keen eye for beauty and symmetry. Lighting and
other accessories are key elements when making any room work. The right
lighting can set a mood, highlight that new white upholstery sofa or
make a study more conducive to work.

Decorative accessories are
like the perfect set of earrings, creating a streamlined look that
accentuates your favorite feature like new home furnishings. When
shopping around for the best interior designer for you, look carefully
at their portfolio, read testimonials and make sure they’re listening to
what you really want. Once you’ve found the perfect match, it’s time to
get started. Here are five key ways accessories complement fine
furnishings and interior design.

1. A Little Mood Lighting

Ambient
lighting spreads light throughout a room, equally providing just enough
light to appreciate the home d�cor, but also providing an intimate
vibe. Up-lights illuminate the upper walls and ceiling and can include
wall sconces and torch-inspired pieces. Down-lighting illuminates the
lower half of a room and is often available as track lights.
Multiple-use lighting that features both up and down illumination are
most commonly seen in table lamps.

2. Accent Lighting

Like
the name suggests, accent lighting is used to showcase a special piece.
You can choose accent lighting to show off custom furniture or
contemporary artwork. A good rule of thumb is to use an accent light
that’s no brighter than three times the power of surrounding light and
make sure it doesn’t interfere with an admirer’s line of sight.

3. Mirrors Add Space

Do you
want to instantly make your space bigger and brighter? Simply add
mirrors, a favorite trick of many interior designers. A gorgeous
mirrored entryway does more than make a big statement-it also makes any
space appear grander and multiplies the impact of your favorite pieces,
such as those custom window coverings. The rules of mirror use include
using them in small rooms, utilizing their ability to be a focal point,
and optimizing the possibilities of mirrored furniture such as a
mirrored table.

4. Panels and Folding Screens

A
beloved secret weapon in every designer's arsenal, panels and folding
screens are one of the most powerful pieces in many homes. They can
instantly add glamour, especially when luscious fabrics are used. They
can also be decorative camouflage, hiding the barrage of toys that new
parents so often collect or an extra clothing rack in the home. Panels
can even separate space in open-floor plans gracefully.

5. Get Personal

No
matter which accessories you choose, the overarching theme in 2013 is
to get personal and reflect your hobbies, character and passions in your
accents. According to a report by the American Society of Interior
Designers, personalization is a trend that's here to stick. Whether you
prefer to display your travel souvenirs on an "upcycled" bookcase or
your seashell collection in a bowl on an accent table, putting you back into your home is always a winning move.

Interior
design consultants who also offer quality furniture is one stop
shopping at its finest. Get the guidance you need from a professional
who will work with you and within your budget to create your dream home.