Must-Have Home Accessories to Ensure Success

Must-Have Home Accessories to Ensure Success in Decorating Your Space

When it comes to transforming your home into a cozy and stylish haven, the right accessories can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the must-have home accessories that will elevate your interior design and create a space that truly feels like home.

Prioritizing Key Rooms and Furniture

Before diving into the world of accessories, it's crucial to focus on the foundational elements of your home. The living room and bedroom are typically the most used spaces, so investing in quality furniture for these areas is essential.

Bedroom Essentials

A good bed frame and mattress are wise investment pieces. As noted by SoFi, "A bed and a couch may be worth spending extra money on in order to get something that will last for years and tie the room together."

  • Bed Frame: Opt for a sturdy and stylish bed frame that sets the tone for your bedroom. Consider materials like solid wood or metal, and choose a design that complements your overall bedroom vibe.
  • Mattress: A high-quality mattress is vital for comfort and rest. Brands like West Elm, Raymour & Flanigan, and Tempur-Pedic offer a range of options from budget-friendly to luxury.

Living Room Centerpieces

The living room is often the heart of the home, and the right furniture can make it a welcoming space.

  • Sofa: The sofa is the centerpiece of any living room. Consider size, comfort, and color when selecting one. Brands like IKEA, Wayfair, and luxury retailers like Roche Bobois offer a wide range of options.
  • TV and Entertainment Center: A big TV or entertainment center can be a focal point in the living room. Make sure it fits the space and complements the sofa and other furniture.

Organizing Your Space for Maximum Impact

Organization is key to creating a harmonious and functional home. Here are some tips to keep your space organized and stylish.

Utilizing Storage Solutions

An organized pantry or closet can significantly enhance the feel of your home. Here are some storage solutions to consider:

  • Baskets and Bins: Use baskets and bins to keep items like linens, toys, or kitchen utensils organized and out of sight.
  • Slimline Hangers: For closets, slimline hangers can maximize space and keep clothes organized.
  • Pullout Drawers: Installing pullout drawers, like the Rev-A-Shelf spice drawer, can make accessing items easier and reduce clutter.

Curated Decor

A curated bookshelf or decor display can subtly affect the feel of an entire room.

  • Lay Out Your Decor: Gather all your decor pieces, including art, books, family heirlooms, and other items. Then, pick out pieces that go together to create a cohesive look.
  • Add Personal Touches: Incorporate personal items like photographs, candles, and vases to add warmth and character to your space.

Choosing the Right Decor Accessories

Decor accessories can transform a room from bland to grand. Here are some must-have decor accessories to consider:

Lighting

Lighting can dramatically change the ambiance of a room.

  • Table Lamps: Table lamps can add a warm glow and serve as a focal point. Consider unique designs like the amorphic floor lamp in Marisa Tomei's living room.
  • Pendant Lights: Pendant lights, especially custom designs, can draw the eye upward and create a light, airy space. For example, the 30-foot-tall ceiling in James Williams and Jonno Burden’s living room is accentuated by two clusters of custom light pendants.

Textiles and Patterns

Textiles and patterns can add depth and style to any room.

  • Rugs: A plush area rug can soften an industrial-leaning living room. For instance, a wool and silk layer by Jan Kath adds a homey feel to Raëd Abillama’s industrial design.
  • Upholstery: Bold colors and patterns can make a room stand out. Designer Leah Ring’s use of rich colors and prints in a bedroom creates a layered yet serene atmosphere.

Wall Decor

Wall decor can be a great way to add personality to your space.

  • Artwork: Choose artwork that resonates with you and your space. For example, the eyeball-shaped sculpture by Olivia Erlanger in Andre Herrero’s West Hollywood pied-à-terre adds a contemporary touch.
  • Wallpaper: Wallpaper can be a bold statement. Designer Summer Thornton’s use of a sweet wallcovering by de Gournay in a Chicago living room adds a touch of elegance.

Incorporating Local and Natural Elements

Bringing in local and natural elements can create a harmonious and immersive space.

Local Inspiration

Look to the outside environment for inspiration.

  • Marsh Views: Cortney Bishop’s design in a Charleston, South Carolina, home involves taking inspiration from the live oaks along the water for the white oak flooring and cabinetry in the kitchen. This creates an immersive depth that blends with the surrounding environment.

Natural Materials

Natural materials can add warmth and authenticity to your space.

  • Woven Cane: Woven cane cabinet fronts, as seen in Ashley Montgomery’s mudroom design, provide airflow and break up the green woodwork, creating a calm and practical space.
  • Tile: Timeless tile options like subway tile, mosaics, or penny tiles can be used in various rooms. Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design often uses hand-painted or marbled tiles for a special touch.

Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Decorating your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

Repurposing Items

Think outside the box when it comes to decorating.

  • Portable Island: Instead of a traditional kitchen island, consider a portable wooden island from Chairish, as used by Fort Design Studio in a Texas home. This adds a unique look and warmth to the kitchen.
  • Wallpaper on Appliances: Cover ugly appliances with peel-and-stick wallpaper, as done by designer Janie Molster, to give your kitchen a quirky and fun look.

Budget-Friendly Furniture

You don’t need to spend a fortune on furniture to achieve a stylish look.

  • Second-Hand Pieces: Thrift stores and yard sales can offer inexpensive bed frames and headboards. Mixing one or two second-hand items with new pieces can free up budget for higher-end items.
  • Mid-Range Options: Retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and West Elm offer mid-range furniture options that are both stylish and affordable.

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Here are some practical tips and advice to help you decorate your home effectively:

Rearrange Your Space

Sometimes, a simple rearrangement can make a room feel larger.

  • Kitchen Layout: Architect J.E. Schram’s remodeled kitchen feels double its original size by rearranging the fridge and range and hiding smaller appliances to reduce clutter.

Downsize for Comfort

Bigger isn’t always better; sometimes downsizing can create more comfortable spaces.

  • Breakfast Nook: Designer Jaqui Seerman downsized a breakfast nook from seating for 10 to six, making it one of the most frequented corners of the house.

Combine Strong Colors and Prints

Don’t be afraid to mix bold colors and prints to create a unique and comfortable space.

  • Layered Look: Leah Ring’s bedroom design includes rich colors and prints, creating a layered yet serene atmosphere. "The bedroom feels layered in a comfortable way but not too busy—you feel very serene when you’re in the room," Ring explains.

Detailed List of Must-Have Home Accessories

Here’s a detailed list of must-have home accessories to consider:

  • Lighting:
  • Table lamps
  • Pendant lights
  • Floor lamps
  • Textiles:
  • Plush area rugs
  • Bold patterned upholstery
  • Throws and pillows
  • Wall Decor:
  • Artwork
  • Wallpaper
  • Mirrors
  • Storage Solutions:
  • Baskets and bins
  • Slimline hangers
  • Pullout drawers
  • Natural Elements:
  • Woven cane furniture
  • Timeless tile options
  • Local materials for flooring and cabinetry
  • Decor Accessories:
  • Vases
  • Candles
  • Family heirlooms and photographs

Table: Budget-Friendly Furniture Options

Furniture Type Budget Range Retailers
Bed Frame $100-$200 IKEA, Wayfair, Thrift Stores
$300-$1,000 West Elm, Raymour & Flanigan, Crate & Barrel
Mattress $300-$2,000 Mattress-in-a-box brands (Zinus, Allswell, Nectar), West Elm, Tempur-Pedic
Sofa $200-$3,000 IKEA, Wayfair, Target, Ashley Furniture, West Elm, Luxury brands (Roche Bobois, Ligne Roset)
Dressers and Wardrobes $200-$5,000 IKEA, Wayfair, West Elm, Raymour & Flanigan, Crate & Barrel

Quotes from Interior Designers

  • Cortney Bishop: "We intentionally avoided competing with the picturesque marsh views and wove their tones into various spaces instead… creating an immersive depth that seamlessly blends with the surrounding environment and the old trees."
  • Leah Ring: "The bedroom gets great light throughout the day, so we wanted to go for a peachy color on the walls that would give it a nice glow with the sunlight… The bedroom feels layered in a comfortable way but not too busy—you feel very serene when you’re in the room."
  • Jaqui Seerman: "We downsized this breakfast nook from seating for 10 to six, and now it’s one of the most frequented corners of the house."

Decorating your home is a journey that involves careful consideration of every element, from the furniture you choose to the accessories you add. By prioritizing key rooms, organizing your space, selecting the right decor accessories, and incorporating local and natural elements, you can create a home that is both stylish and comfortable. Remember, it’s the little things that add to the big picture, so don’t overlook the power of a well-placed vase or a cozy throw blanket. With these tips and insights, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that truly feels like yours.

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home & living