I don't know about you, but sometimes I find myself in a decor rut. Specifically, once I get furniture, art, and accessories into place in a room, I often let them sit statically for way too long. One way for me to get out of this predictable path is to mix things up by assessing what I have and trying novel combinations and placing objects in places I have not used them before. Years ago, my dear friend Sue told me about her occasional habit of doing this and it has been such a refreshing kind of tip!
So following her suggestion, this week I cleared the dining room table and brought all my accessories to one place in order to re-evaluate and remix! I sorted everything by color which gave me to visually inventory what I had around the house.
In creating pleasing spaces and arrangements with accessories, it is key to have a variety of colors, textures, sizes or scale, heights, and form. The idea is to create a sense of harmony with elements of unity and variety. What is fun for me is to take the newer things I have and blend them in with favorite items I have had for years.
I have many candle holders and vases, but I also like to bring in interesting water pitchers or serving bowls or other useful items that can be used for fresh flowers or to display some seasonal collection of objects (glass beads, marbles, small stones, pine cones, etc.).
There is always a place to include the special, heirloom items we receive from our loved ones. The sugar bowl in the foreground (below) is from my great-grandmother Helen - on my dad's side. It is simple heirloom that I will always treasure even though the original set has long been separated. The gold-edged compote, in the background, is from my grandmother Monica who is over 90 years old! I became the keeper/recipient when she had to move into assisted living a couple of years ago. It is a piece I had admired for years and I feel fortunate to have it.
I love the turquoise dragon (below) - he is my happy surprise in whatever room I use him. This was a find from Pier 1 a few years ago as well as the turquoise glass candlesticks that I picked up about a month ago. I was fascinated with legends of dragons after visiting China a decade ago so he was something I snatched up as soon as I saw him!
The blue cloisonne jar (below), with lid, is an item I purchased in China while adopting one of our daughters. It is a keepsake and memory of a special time for our growing family.
A vase in the background below, with blue "ribbons" and speckles was made on a potters wheel by my grandfather, Ralph. It is a piece that reminds me of his creativity and zest for trying new things!
Another favorite find is this silver clock I discovered at HomeGoods. That is a fun - and sometimes dangerous place - you never know what you will find!
The ceramic star (below) is something that I ran across in the Christmas decor at Target recently, but I intend to use it year-round. Similarly, the glass and ceramic birds are also considered seasonal Christmas items but they can easily fit the bill for a winter display through March.
The silver starfish came from a boutique in Seattle. The shop, Timothy De Clue, is know for carrying a variety of silver-toned octopus and sea creature decor - perfect for a little beach-y look. It is a popular destination for tourists hoping to capture a souvenir to reminisce upon a visit to Seattle.
As you evaluate your decor and accessory items, it is helpful to consider what you still love and in contrast, what you may have grown tired of. This is a perfect time to edit or cull items that may no longer fit your home. It's also an opportunity to mix and try new combinations with unexpected items.
Stay tuned for results of my own remix and I hope you have fun with yours! I am interested to see what you come up with! Feel free to post some comments or photos or email me at valerie@hillandvalleydesign.com.
Hoping to inspire one another along the way....