Accessories are the key to creating a unique haven, says Justine Kirkham
Furniture and design can only take us so far in creating a home. A beautiful house, no matter how well it’s designed, is simply that, a house. To make a house into a home, you need accessories.
From art collections to cushions, accessories are what give your home personality. Whether you proudly display your grandmother’s china in your dining room, use a trunk from your travels as a quirky coffee table or hang a picture of your favourite holiday destination over the fireplace, your personal possessions reflect who you are.
No matter what your style, you can find or create a piece of art that fits your look. Modern interiors favour abstract paintings or contemporary metal sculptures, while traditional homes suit porcelain or ceramic sculptures, a timeless landscape painting or reprints of classical works.
Mirrors are often used to create the illusion of light and space. A full length mirror can instantly make a room look twice as big, while smaller mirrors draw light into dark corners.
New cushion covers are an easy and inexpensive way to complement a room scheme. This year, designers have embraced the return of classic floral patterns, bird prints and digitally printed scenes from the likes of Sanderson, Zoffany and Colefax & Fowler.
You can also change your lighting with a chandelier over the dining table or suspended lamps over your cooking area. Our smoked glass pendant lights, for instance, look stunning hung at different levels above a table or island unit.
Justine Kirkham is head of interior design at James Brindley, Harrogate.
