Create Impact with Accessories! Give Your Home a Spring Lift!

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to redecorate your home, say, once every few months? But most of us don't have the time-or, let's admit it, the money-to do that. What we can do is make small changes that have big visual impact. Decorating with accessories such as lamps, vases, frames or ceramics is a simple, yet effective technique to give any room a quick face lift. Vignettes (or small groupings of accessories) are a creative way to add drama or personality to any space, no matter how small. Just remember that when creating a vignette, aim for variety and balance. Look in decorating magazines to get ideas and then get started on making your own personal style statement!

Add simple accessories

It's not about how much or how intricate your accessories are. In some ways, simple, uncluttered items of different colors, shapes and textures combine to give you all the visual stimulus you need to draw the eye. Here, a simple lamp, shells and a vase with branches set a striking example of how you can do more with less.

Create a light mood

A vignette can brighten any room. The original living room was so dark that lamps were needed in the middle of the day. But, what a change when you paint the back wall white, add a large white mirror and install a white mantle. Float some decorative accessories atop the mantle and suddenly the whole room looks lighter, more sophisticated.

Use what you have

Don't think you have to go out and buy all new stuff. Use what you aleady have, items maybe hidden in a desk drawer or sitting alone on a bookcase. Mix in personal momentos, interesting souvenirs, flea market finds, and ceramic pieces. The vignette is unified by organic shapes and a streamlined palette.