How to accessorise and style your home

When accessorising and styling a home, there is an art to striking a fine balance. At Strive for Design we believe that accessorising your home is just as important as choosing your largest pieces of furniture.

We all need a starting point for any project, and that can be as simple as knowing the general style you would like to aim for. Prefer the more minimalistic approach? An abstract bronze or wooden sculpture accompanied by a stack of design books can lift a surface to a new level and introduce eye-catching elements of which even the most discerning of guests would approve. If you prefer a more layered look with different depths and tones, try introducing a mix of materials such as glass and ceramic layered against more natural materials such as agate and marble. The design team here personally love the pairing of organically shaped vases by German glassware designer, Guaxs.

As you layer up your perfect vignette on your surface, be it a console, sideboard, or even the smallest of shelves, don’t be afraid to mix heights. This is a design trick known as 'massing', and it revolves around using varying heights of vases, candles and even plants to create an asymmetrical look which can add character to even the smallest corner of your home.

If you are trying to figure out how to work your favourite colour into the scheme of your room, remember that this can be done through even the most subtle of details. Introducing contrasting bright colours on cushion piping, lampshades or even through realistic faux foliage can be a playful way to liven up a neutral scheme.

For Strive for Design owner Leigh Hall, it is all about having vision. 'We love working on accessories as much as we do on broad brush interior design themes,' comments Leigh. 'Accessories can sometimes be overlooked in favour of the bigger picture, but we believe that they are fundamental to the success of any interior design project. Not only that, they don't have to cost the earth. We have access to a wide range of suppliers so we are able to accommodate any style and, more importantly, any budget, and we are always on hand to make recommendations and source the best accessories for your project. We also have a range of accessories on view in our showroom, and we have a library of catalogues full of beautiful products to help you take your new interior design project to new heights.'

Strive for Design founder Leigh Hall is an interior designer in Cambridge, Newmarket, Essex and across Hertfordshire and offers on-site appointments, so if you’re looking to redesign your favourite room, commission a complete home makeover or are in need of some accessory inspiration please call us on 01223 622688 to discuss how we can bring your ideas to life.