Ivester Jackson Blackstream Christie's

How to Use Decorative Accents In Your Home

by Miriam McKinney 03/02/2022

Decorative items can make an enormous impact on a room’s design. Whether used sparingly or to create chic, creative clutter, accessories are the way to upgrade a space and make it truly your own. However, it’s hard to know where to begin. How do you use decorative accents to create your own style without it feeling forced? Here we will go over some tips for simple ways to mix in decorative accents to any room.

Start With a Rug

Adding an area rug is a simple way to shift the entire style of a space in one step. In fact, area rugs can be a perfect decorative item to begin with in building style. Use the colors, patterns or motif of your rug to inspire your decor in the rest of the room. An over-dyed traditional rug might inspire a funky vintage theme or a bold geometric rug can serve as the base for a modern style.

Placement of rugs is also a way to add decorative flair. For example, you can choose whether to arrange furniture on or touching a rug or if you want it to be completely separate. You can use rugs to define transitions and separate spaces while also adding decorative appeal.

Furniture Can Be Decorative, Too

Furniture items are another way to add decorative appeal while adding function at the same time. If you already have the basic furniture needs covered in a room but want some extra style points, try adding in a smaller piece of furniture with a unique look. An easy example would be a small end table or even a bookcase. If you go for something in a bold color or finish that contrasts with the rest of the furniture, you’ll notice the immediate effect on the style of the room.

You can use these items as bases for other decorative accents, as well. What better place to add a fun vintage lamp or mini-sculpture than on an end table next to the sofa or in your entryway? The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Cluster Your Accessories

There is a fine line between decorative and cluttered. Covering every single surface in a room with small decorative accessories is tempting but may result in a lack of functional space. One great way to achieve the creative cluttered look without becoming overwhelmed is to group items together. For example, rather than add three individual small items to surfaces around the room, cluster them together on the same bookshelf. This is an excellent way to let your creativity flourish in decorating without accidentally adding chaos.

If you’re having trouble deciding what items to place together, try combining items with similar colors or finishes. Combine unexpected pieces of varying shapes and sizes for maximum visual appeal. You should always feel free to use personal items like photos or other memorabilia to make the space your own.

The first step in adding decor to a room can be the hardest to take. However, once you get started, you’ll find that your choices inspire new ideas for a space and can continue to inspire you throughout your future design projects.

About the Author
Author

Miriam McKinney

A true native to the Western North Carolina area with family roots dating back to 1810, I am a true ambassador for Western North Carolina with undergraduate degrees in education and music from Mars Hill University and an MBA from Western Carolina University.  As a former teacher in the area my goal is to educate, whether a buyer or seller, by providing the most current, relevant information available and by giving expert guidance throughout. My professional goal is to exceed my client's expectations through a commitment to excellence with their success as the number one goal! Being a trusted advisor and creating lifelong relationships is an honor. The result is that I have been a top producing Realtor providing clients with successful outcomes for 20 years. I am licensed in both North and South Carolina.  

Real Estate is my love and passion, and when I am not helping my clients achieve their real estate goals, I am working on my real estate investment portfolio. I am a seasoned investor who not only helps my clients buy and sell real estate, but I own investment real estate as well. My experience with different investments is extensive - from commercial investments, short-term rentals, single family homes and at times I am even the one with the power tools and getting my hands dirty, which is incredibly satisfying and rewarding!  

“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.” Franklin D. Roosevelt 

Giving back to the community and others is what this life is all about.  I volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sisters, Conserving Carolina, travel abroad to help build houses for people without homes, give back to my profession as a past Secretary and Director for Land of the Sky Association of Realtors and serve on the Board of Equalization and Review for Buncombe County.  

I love living in the mountains and enjoy the coast as well. This is the best of both worlds as North Carolina is an incredible state! I feel blessed to call the mountains of NC my home. One of my favorite activities is to hike with my Jack Russell, "Bella". Other favorites include cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, pilates, yoga, and paddle boarding. You will often find me participating in local and regional races. I love to travel the world but most of all I love coming home!  

Experience matters. Real estate transactions are generally the largest transaction that most people ever do. I would be delighted to talk with you about your real estate goals and objectives and put my experience to work for you.