I have been away forever as my children would say.  Just got back from the The Furniture Market where over 2500 exhibitors show their product lines for furniture and gift store owners, mass marketers, and interior designers to buy.  It is an amazing experience to visit the market, and exhausting.  I saw wonderful innovative products and accessories.  This market I was struck by the amount of accessories available to consumers, but realize that most people are at a loss when it comes to placing accessories in their homes.

Accessories add visual interest and make a room appear finished.  Enjoy this article on Accessorization from industry expert Julie Martelo owner of Time To Redesign.

Accessories provide color, texture, form and balance in a room. Here are some basics to keep in mind when accessorizing:

1. Odd numbers of accessories are more interesting than even numbers.

2. Group your collections together. They will have more impact than if scattered throughout a room. For example; a beautiful collection of blue glass objects or animal figurines.

3. When placing objects pay attention to size making certain that one item does not overpower other items used in the grouping.

4. Place smaller items toward the front and taller items to the back. Use books, boxes or other like objects to elevate items. This will create eye appeal and helps to vary levels of your accessories.

5. Don’t line up accessories in a straight line (no soldiers). Vary the heights and depth.

6. Using different textures together also adds interest

7. Don’t forget greenery. Greenery adds color, texture, and interest, as well as bringing life to a room. Adding greenery also softens corners and can hide unsightly areas. Live plants are best, but if you must use silks, don’t skimp on their quality.

8. For simple accessorizing, use 1 large item alone, such as a beautiful vase of flowers, or a large sculpture. Sometimes, less is more!

9. For holiday decorating think about adding a few larger items so it doesn’t overwhelm the entire space.

10. Exchange out accessories for different seasons. Curtains, accent pillows, comforters, place mats can be changed to bring in a seasonal feeling.

Start out simple and don’t buy too much. Keep those receipts so you can return anything that you feel doesn’t work. This is your home and your space so surround yourself with things that make you happy. Decorating is very personal and so personal photos make a great addition to accessories. They can be changed out as the kids grow and families change. Have fun with your accessories. Don’t automatically put things in the same place Find another home for that special piece of artwork in another room and enjoy it in a new way.