I am a lover of layering and texture. In home decor and in fashion. I find it fun to mix the unexpected and use things in a way it might not have been intended. Texture appeals to the senses both visual and tactile. You can add texture in more ways than one in a space. Today, I’m talking about texture and laying with accessories. (But adding texture with pillows, a rug, paint detail, carved wood furniture, and art are other ways to add texture in your space.)
I love creating groupings of accessories….mix up the heights of your accessories, have fun with color. If you like books…throw those into your grouping, have a fun souvenir from a trip…add that. Decorating is supposed to be fun and it’s supposed to be an expression of your personality and your life.
- Wood bowl decor: This grouping is ALL about texture. Wood bowl filled with goodies: laid out a book with a burlap garland draped over. Added a green stem for a little color and life and a geode rock to really add texture to the mix. The burlap garland is actually a Christmas garland. But I love the texture that it adds to this family room grouping.
- Mirror decor: I find that it isn’t always easy to find big trays for coffee tables, so when I struggle finding the right style of tray I turn to mirrors. There are so many amazing mirrors out there and they are a great alternative to a tray. Mirrors also offer a variety of finishes and sizes. Sometimes you need an oversized tray and those are not easy to find well not typically with a reasonable price tag attached. At Home has an amazing selection of mirrors. I’ve also had luck at Homegoods. This grouping is all about color. Call it the “happy scheme” – black, mustard, and a blue/teal color.
- Canvas decor: The “clean coffee” art actually started as a burlap sack. I cut it up and wrapped it around a canvas and voila art. This really is a grouping of things that just caught my eye. I’ve always been drawn to burlap and old linens. Mixed in a shadow box with a neat leaf inside – the background is slate blue. I’m really into linen, slate blue and copper right now so that’s what this grouping is about. Added a succulent stem for a little more color and a little life and a great metal knot. I love adding sculptural pieces to groupings — knots, orbs, etc. Copper vase, cream/linen vase, knot. Here’s an expensive metal knot option – I got mine at Homegoods.
A few of my favorite accessories…
Wood Bead garlands
If you couldn’t tell I’m obsessed, with wood bead garlands. I feel like they just add that extra dimension to a grouping of accessories. They add texture, dimension and one more layer.
Art
I also like layering art….works well on a console, a dresser, or a nightstand. You can use framed art, canvases or even showcase your children’s art or family photos. Layered art is a great way to showcase a few of your favorite art pieces. Mix it up…for example, mix a canvas with a framed picture or a framed object.
Greenery
Greenery (mainly succulents) is also a great addition – I feel they really add life to your grouping. Hobby Lobby has a great selection. Botanical stems are also a fun addition. Anthropologie, CB2 and Crate and Barrel always seem to have some that catch my eye.
A home should be a distillation of your interests, of who you really are. If you’re happy with your life, your space will reflect that.
Designer Rafael de Cardenas
Most importantly, have fun with your home decor. Think outside the box. Use the things that mean something to you. Showcase your memories in your home. Let your home decor be an expression of your personality and who you are. I get great satisfaction when people walk into my house and say “this place just feels like you.” The same can be said about my parents’ house. They have traveled a lot and you can see all of their treasures as you walk through the house. It showcases a collection of all of their adventures.
To sum it up, when creating groupings you want to have a good mix. A mix of: texture, height, and possibly color. People often ask me what are the “rules”. I have to say that there aren’t really any “rules”. Well….you do ultimately want your space to have a cohesive look. But it is important to create a space that means something to you. You want to feel good in your space.
I’ll see you at Homegoods! Or Target — they really have a great selection of home decor right now.
