Exceptional Accessorizing

I sometimes find myself in a pinch when I need something for a client right away and I can't wait the time that an order will take. I usually pick the same few local stores and I'm hard pressed to find anything that will work. I also try to avoid things that everyone has or can "identify" in a minute (as in, "Oh, I saw that at Pottery Barn last week").

Recently I was on one of those shopping trips and after I had exhausted the usual stops I decided to take a few minutes to stop into our local Arhaus store at Polaris. It's been almost a year since I had been in there, and on that visit I was literally followed by a sales person, so I left pretty quickly. I don't remember the place having any impact. This time was different. The merchandising and visual display in this particular store are GREAT. I asked the salesperson (who was close by, but not hovering) if it was a nationally mandated design or if it was done locally. She said they have a local person working on-site 5 days a week and that he designs and creates all of the vignettes. I wish I could have taken some pictures to show you.... This guy knows what he's doing. Overall I think the product seems decent, but I can't really say because I've only purchased a ginger jar. If you're nearby, check it out. I know I'll be going back soon. I might even have to introduce myself to this visual merchandising genius...

Living with Books

Living with books is simply a way of life for many people. I find that books add a welcome touch of personality to a room and a definitive level of interest. Books say "real people live here". I have also found that many of my favorite accessory combinations include books. Needless to say, I love books. Books allow you to travel and learn without ever leaving the house. The next best thing to being there. While many pile books in a big stack (such a big stack that you would likely never dig one out to look at it) I keep my books accessible and handy. And I try to shuffle them around and take "new" old books off the shelf to refresh my memory and inspire me all over again.


Above: Alessandra Branca does a magical round table set up with stools where you might actually imagine getting lost with a cup of coffee and an unexpected find inside one of those gems. Image courtesy of House Beautiful.



Above: A classically simple coffee table with a carefully edited selection of books. Image courtesy of House Beautiful.



Above: A virtual living library. Perhaps you won't get to the bottom of these stacks... but don't you want to see the watercolors on the table? Image courtesy of House & Garden.


Above: A hall table with a nice mix of accessories and books. I find the simple touch of a few books makes a big difference in the formality and overall feel of the vignette. Image courtesy of Traditional Home.

Accessories Make the Room

Accessorizing is an art. A keen, well-edited selection that packs a punch is a difficult task. Here are a few examples that I think are successful. Above: This image has stayed with me for a long time. I go back to this for inspiration when I get stuck. This is a table in Amy Perlin's home and I think it was done by Amy herself. As you might imagine, it consists of antiques that Amy sells at her Manhattan shop. I love the mix of proportions and textures. Image courtesy of House & Garden.



Above: This highly symmetrical design by Barclay Butera feels casual and elegant. I like the large scale of the urns and the lamps together. Very unexpected and successful. Image courtesy of Traditional Home.


Above: I happen to love this table and the mix of accessories on it. A little French, a little Asian, and even a few books. Image courtesy of Elle Decor.



Above: A classic chest accessorized with very classic, clean pieces. Notice the layers. Boxes in trays, multiple height candlesticks, artwork leaning on artwork. Where you would expect symmetry, you find a beautiful asymmetrical balance. Designer: David Jimenez. Image courtesy of House Beautiful.


Above: This table top shows an interesting mix of artwork, objects, and books. I like the use of easels for the artwork and the idea that the mirror is a back drop instead of a feature... the designer is not concerned with the need to keep the area in front of the mirror clear. As much as I like the tabletop, I would personally prefer a different mix of furniture. These pieces feel a little bit disconnected to me. They need to speak to each other a bit more without being to matchy-matchy. Image courtesy of House & Garden.