Written By: Lavanya Chopra
Whether moving into the home of your dreams, revamping your residence, or sprucing up a rental, decorating and accessorising are concepts that invoke confusion across design enthusiasts!
The ultimate goal, of course, is to ensure that our homes look their best. Yet, the accessorising process should be fuelled by clarity, restraint, and, most importantly, personal expression.
Making spaces appear pleasing is a skill some individuals harbour instinctively, but one can learn with simple tips and tricks. Read on, indulge in our trove of expert-approved ideas and begin accessorising like a pro!
1. The Game of Odds
A simple yet essential tip is to explore accessorising with objects in odd numbers, i.e., 1,3,5 etc. Grouping pieces in odd numbers is intrinsically more harmonious and gives the eye a defined focal point more effortlessly.
Play with height, visual weight, and scale within this collection of objects. The elements should be arranged in clusters to look well-curated and balanced. Work with objects of similar colours and textures that complement the design style of a room to create a vignette that feels like a natural extension of the space.
2. The Golden Section Rule
Invented by the Greeks, the Golden Section or Divine Proportion is a concept that has long dominated the study of art, architecture, and construction through the lens of geometry. This concept can be simply implemented to create beautiful compositions in home interiors.
For example, you have a headboard 5 feet wide and wish to add artwork on the wall above. Choose artwork that is 3 feet in its width and centre it to the headboard while mounting the same for a balanced visual. Some other common ratios in use are - 2:3, 3:5, and 5:8.
3. Colour as Accents
Colour is an emotive and essential design tool for home interiors. While accessorising, let a dominant colour scheme be applied to elements like decor, soft furnishings, and art to amplify the look of the space.
Lighter colour palettes lend an airy and bright demeanour, while darker colours can make a space moody and warm in its ambience. Curated doses of colour can weave together the narrative of a room, strengthening the design style instantly.
4. Installing Art Right
A standard error most homeowners make is installing art either too high or too low! This can make corners look imbalanced and awkward.
The general rule of thumb is to install art at eye level. This can be ascertained by gauging the average-height person’s sightline when standing and slightly lower for spaces where users are primarily seated (dining areas, lounges, etc.). When mounting art above consoles or credenzas, maintain a distance of at least 8-10 inches from the table’s top.
If inspired by the idea of a gallery wall, try to create visual unity by experimenting with frame shapes, colours, sizes, and matting styles to attractively display versatile art.
5. Style those Shelves Confidently
Bookshelves and built-ins make for the perfect design opportunities to really express yourself! There is a simple hack regarding long, open horizontal expanses. Just be sure to always style off-centre.
Start by visually dividing the length of the shelf into ½ or ⅔ sections while avoiding large objects in the centre. Begin with the edges and slowly pepper the rest of the expanse. Keep a few spots empty because negative space is integral! Next, add elements like books, potted plants, artefacts, and smaller art prints that can be cyclically changed to freshen up these shelves.
Master the Art of Accessorising
Styling spaces is an expressive tool to enhance the experience of a space. It endows rooms with strong character, depth, and cohesiveness. With a bit of practice and following some cardinal design principles, your home can go from drab to fab in minutes!
Transform your home into a space that reflects your style and persona! Reach our team of designers at Hipcouch to book a free consultation service.
Seeking more clarity on how we can be of help? Contact us to learn more about our holistic design services.