Dressing up: a brief guide to accessories

Introducing accessories into a contemporary room can be tricky, too many small, conflicting pieces can clash, clutter or break a room up. Surfaces such as sideboards and console tables can gather items, often without us realising! There is also an issue of too many accessories detracting attention from the main pieces of furniture and many a stunning and individual piece can be compromised be a collection of items, beautiful on their own but conflicting 

Lighting is a great way to bring interest and features to a room, without clutter. Standard lamps can look stunning and also decorate that blank space or corner you never quite know how to fill. Lamps make great accessories as they are practical as well as beautiful, a stunning table lamp may be all you need to dress a large surface such as a table or sideboard and still keep the items quintessence. 

Mirrors are a useful accessory, they can add depth to a space, reflect light and draw attention. A simple but contemporary mirror will compliment and emphasise a sideboard or console table without adding to it's content. Items upon the top of this furniture will also be reflected, really making the most of those few, well chosen pieces. A more minimalist item of furniture can be dressed up and made more noticeable by the addition of a mirror above.

Vases and centrepieces that co-ordinate are an effective way to dress a surface without the worry of clashing patterns or colour. Keeping the objects all to the same range will also create unity and will not appear cluttered or busy. This also helps to dress furniture in front of a feature wall where the decor is most busy and had most attention. 

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”- Coco Chanel