Minimal Accessorizing {For the Home}

I never took "Accessorizing 101" in design school.

There were classes for textiles, window treatments, hand-drafting, computer-drafting, color theory, space planning, commercial codes (not even close to my favorite subject), and so on..., but no accessorizing. That was an on-the-job sort of skill set.

And boy, did I have some learning to do.





Accessorizing definitely takes some skill. Some practice. What they call "a good eye."

So, I learned.



After school, I was fortunate to work for 2 very traditional, very good interior designers during my career, who happened to do a lot of accessorizing. One would refer to it as "house fluffing," which was a pretty accurate description. I learned a ton from these ladies, and got quite comfortable with the art of filling nooks and corners.

It was kind of an instinctive thing, and required a lot of analyzing and switching things out. Rule-of-thirds and balancing visual weight and such.

With both firms, we had a whole inventory of stuff that we would haul to a client's house and work with. We'd get things *just right,* and haul the rest back to the office.




In my home, however, accessorizing is a bit different.

For one thing, I don't keep an inventory of accessories around. Well, there's the glass flower vases and seasonal items, but I'm trying to cut back and not own things just to sit on storage shelves. That means when I want to accessorize, I usually have to go out shopping.



But the main thing that makes accessorizing different for me now is this life phase I've found myself in. The phase where I spend a good part of the day cleaning and re-cleaning lots of little HotWheels cars and finger paint supplies, and I just have this impending urger to clear off a counter already.

The part of me that used to love "house fluffing" has diminished a bit... overtaken by the part of me that doesn't want to dust 1 more thing.

I may become an empty nester one day and think, "Hey, I feel like rearranging the nightstands today-that sounds like fun!" And it will be fun. For now, the fun is a little lost on me.





And then, there's the whole principle of a minimal lifestyle. Accessorizing often means buying more things to fill up a space- things that will require dusting, and then be tossed out in a few years because they look dated. The cycle of consumerism begins all over when we shop for updated items to re-fill the space, and spend time and energy planning and arranging.

Kinda goes against every principle of SIMPLICITY... The Minimalists probably wouldn't approve.

Here's the thing though, "house fluffing" is a necessary part of a warm, inviting home. No matter what style a home is decorated in, accessories will MAKE or BREAK  it. I've seen plenty of interiors with drop-dead gorgeous furniture, but the room is totally lacking until the paintings are hung and the shelves are filled. I love the idea of no clutter, but I don't love the idea of starkness.

So, where is the happy medium? 





How do I maintain simplicity without sacrificing warmth?


Here are some rules that have worked in my minimal accessory quest:

1. Decorate with items that are being used anyway.

That pumpkin spice candle the husband loves? Set it out. A stack of books? Always welcome. A jar for the q-tips? Make it pretty and bring it on over. We have lots of classy dishes that hold garlic, shirt stays for my husband, or other miscellany.

2. Decorate with nature.

Nature can come and go, and isn't as taxing on the wallet or landfill. Right now, houseplants are probably my most-used accessory. I bought a big horn at a flea market last summer, and I think it's one of the prettiest things in my house. I will always be filling large vases with clippings from the yard or park; there's nothing that brings a room alive like a fresh arrangement.

3. Avoid knick-knacks, unless they are so incredibly gorgeous/unique/inspiring that we have to have them.

I'm taking a mental walk-through of my house right now, and can only think of a few little knick-knacks. Metal XO letters in our bedroom that I love, a little marble elephant in my girl's room, some pottery because pottery is my all-time favorite, some fake orchids (do those belong in the nature category?)... not much else comes to mind.

We don't have a lot of horizontal surfaces, and that also prevents us from collecting too many things. I will never own a curio cabinet- haha.

4. Use larger scale items.

1 large item can make more of a statement than several smaller items filling the same space. Large-scale items are a minimalist's best decorating friend.

5. Be particular when choosing art and art placement.

One great piece of decorating advice I've heard is: don't be afraid to live with a blank wall. When it comes to art, I think it's important to take the time to find the right pieces- pieces that are timeless, and that you are completely in love with. Larger scale art helps fill space in a more minimal way, and make a bolder statement. I've also found that it's nice to designate a few walls in the home for gallery displays, but lots of little pictures hung everywhere just appear cluttered.

6. Decorate with family photos.

Yes, yes, we have tons of those, and I never tire of looking at my babies on the wall. I just can't whittle those down, in fact, I'm always thinking of how I can hang more. That's a post for another day...





When I was in design school, I discovered the famous designer Victoria Hagan. Her interiors are beautiful and cozy, but very, very clean. I've selected her work for the photos in this post because she does such a good job of minimal accessorizing in traditional settings.

All photos are from her website VictoriaHagan.com
Notice how simple her accessorizing is. Sparse, but the rooms still feel complete.

Soothing, isn't it?



I know this style isn't for everyone. There are those diehard maximalists, and those who truly find joy in the creative outlet of accessorizing. I'm not saying that is wrong. This post is geared toward those who are looking to clear clutter, and simplify their homes like me :).