4 Important Accessories to Anchor a Room

You may not know why you feel particularly welcome or joyful in a room, but oftentimes you can chalk it up to a few key items.

If you're ready to take your home interiors to the next level, but do not know what to invest in, here are some pointers.  

Accent pillows

Accent pillows are a signature way to tie together colors in a room, or even add a pop of color. Here are a few ways to ensure they are exactly how you want them.

If you want a custom look, go to a fabric store and find the perfect fabric to get pillows made. If you don't want to go down the custom fabric route, you can also try online stores such as Etsy – there are beautiful pillows available and people have already done the selecting and sewing for you.

The final thing to keep in mind when choosing pillows is to have fun! You can mix textures and patterns, lead with a color and incorporate prints of different sizes – the options are endless.

Statement art

Using statement art to define a room can be tricky. One of the first things to consider is the size of the painting or piece. It has to have the perfect balance— not overwhelming the space, while holding enough visual importance to stand out. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Do you like to look at it and enjoy it?
• Does it set the tone with the rest of the room and is it something you want to have prominent in your space?

When searching for specific artwork, be sure to do your research. You can peruse small and large galleries, print shops, book stores, antique and luxury gift shops, flea markets, etc. A rule of thumb during your shopping sprees is to keep a few pictures on hand of the room you would like to accent.

Rugs

Another important, timeless item for your room is a rug. Selecting the perfect rug requires a couple factors:

• How long will you be in the house?
• Do you have children or pets that will give the rug a LOT of love (and wear and tear)?
• Does this room get a lot of traffic, or is it a private space?

Not sure exactly what to pick? Sisal and jute rugs are an amazing neutral backdrop for any room. If the rug is 100% wool, it will likely be very durable and easier for stain removal. Don't be afraid to use your rug to accent the color in the room (navy blue, teal, etc.). Rugs are a great way to pull together elements in a room. One small thing to note; the larger the rug, the bigger and more cohesive the room feels. For example, if you have a 12' x 12' room, the rug size could be as large as 11' x 11' (with 6" showing on all sides). Also, don't forget to note where your floor vents are so the rug doesn't cover it!

One final pro tip: don't be afraid to put an area rug on top of a carpeted room. This is a great way to make the room feel complete and cozy.

Upholstery

Imagine a living room without the sofa, or without those beautiful club chairs nestled by the fireplace. Not so welcoming, right? Upholstery can make a room immediately feel like home.

Sofas and club chairs can go with you from house to house and change room to room. Keep these three things in mind when shopping: style, comfort, and quality.

Style: Go for something that has a classic look and could translate with any style of architecture or accompanying pieces of furniture. Perhaps select something traditional (like an English arm), but put the sofa or chair on legs, or do a more contemporary track arm and pair it with a skirt. These are aesthetic choices, but the right combination can create a timeless, classic piece for your home.

Comfort: This is easy! Sit, sit, and sit again. Make sure the sofa is long enough for a nap, or the right depth and pitch for leaning back and watching TV on a relaxing fall night.

Quality: This is an important one, and why so many designers encourage their clients to put their money towards upholstery. Upholstered pieces in the room are the forever pieces. Accessories like pillows, lamps, side tables, and even coffee tables can change, but if you pay the upfront cost for durable, quality upholstery, it can go with you anywhere and stay with you for years to come.

Do not overlook these seemingly small facets of design. Instead, opt for pieces that make your home unique and vibrant – you won't regret it!