Just like supporting actors can add a little flavor to a performance, the same can be said for distinct accent furniture that can be scattered around the house. While many people tend to play it safe with anchor pieces like sofas and beds, smaller items like side tables and nightstands can be more playful and pleasing to the eye.
A recent online search led me to retail sites like Ballard Designs, where several selections fit this description. For instance, a white garden stool embellished with a gold pattern resembles a leopard print, for a whimsical take on an old classic. The fact that it was paired with other animal prints in one image took the unexpected combination a step further.
An end table with an antique brass finish and a bow sculpted into its metal base looks like a special gift that keeps on giving. This delicate detail lends a sculptural effect that makes the piece read like art. It also captures a celebratory tone, making it the perfect fit for special occasions.
A Moroccan side table that features intricate details also stood out just as it would in a home where it complements any decor with its varied colors, shapes and textures. Other than the functional support these pieces provide, like enough surface space for a beverage or a book or both, they also add a visual kick.
Another accent piece that adds a little surprise wherever it lands is a colorful end table that would make a great nightstand. Wrapped in a green textured raffia, a pair would certainly perk up any space. The lower shelf that can accommodate books and other items offers an added bonus.
These accents can add a little oomph to a more predictable room filled with neutral hues. One simple addition like this can lift the spirits of a space and do the same for those who live there.
In my own home, I like to mix classic accents like black cabinets and side tables that feature timeless details with less expected selections, such as rattan shelves that lend texture and elevated trunk tables with distinctive designs.
Mismatched chairs pair commonalities like complementary colors with unique fabrics and shapes. Anchor pieces that weave a common thread throughout with a neutral palette feature solid or subtle patterns that allow smaller selections to shine.
Many accent pieces have other benefits, like the lightweight varieties that can easily shift from one room to another as needed. For instance, my vintage nesting tables provide extra surface space for guests when placed beside sofas and chairs. In addition, ottomans and benches that come in various sizes, colors and shapes can also become flexible counterparts.
Accent chairs can do the same, whether you mix varied styles around a dining table or position them in any other areas. The next time you want to add a special touch to a space, these simple additions can help you step outside your comfort zone. Their smaller stature makes them a smaller commitment that can deliver a bigger return.
Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. You can reach her atjeaninematlow@earthlink.net.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Smart Solutions: Add ‘oomph’ to your home with these accent pieces
Reporting by Jeanine Matlow, Special to The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeanine Matlow, Special to The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
