Allow enough space around accessories so that they don’t crowd the room

Accessories and accents strewn around a home have a huge role in the final impact of the design of a home. Their role can be essentially functional, as in the case of lamps, clocks and mirrors, or decorative, as in paintings, sculptures and flower arrangements — or a crafty combination or both.

Accessories can often be the vital elements that set the tone of a room, making it dressy or casual, refined or rustic.

Vertical display

Any item seen in a vertical plane is part of the wall’s composition, including windows, draperies, doors, and even furniture that is placed in relation to the wall.

Visually heavy objects should be at the bottom of the vertical plane. For example, a painting hanging above a sofa should not be larger than the sofa

If there is no furniture to anchor a vertical composition, choose an accent or accessory that nearly reaches the floor, like a large oil painting. Vary shapes, sizes, textures and colours for interest and dimension

Allow enough space around accessories so they do not look crowded, but avoid too much space which could make the elements lose any relationship

Compositions should form a roughly geometric shape and lead the eye around the room. A plant or sculpture in a corner can eliminate negative space between compositions

Balance visual weight by distributing elements equally on either side of a centre line on the wall. Symmetrical placement creates formality while asymmetrical placement lends itself to a more casual or contemporary feel

One striking painting or print creates a singular focus, or you can arrange a grid of smaller works with matching or related frames and mats

In a seating area, hang artwork low enough (10" to 12" above a sofa or chair) to have a relationship to the furniture and to be at or near eye level for someone seated

Using accents against a too-similar or too-competitive background will diminish the visual impact. For example, don’t place an intricate watercolour against a busy wallpaper, or a grey-toned print on a grey wall

Mixing works of different media (oils, watercolours, pastels or pen and ink) is perfectly acceptable. However, there should be a unifying factor such as subject matter or colour

Matching or coordinating frames will also unify a group of pictures or prints

For something different, frame a family heirloom, like an antique watch or a silver plaque.

Horizontal display

Accents on horizontal surfaces, including tabletops and shelves, add interest and beauty to what could be an otherwise boring plateau

Compose horizontal groupings of an odd number of items with one dominant piece

Give prominence to certain items by elevating them on stands

As with vertical displays, arrange items on horizontal surfaces close enough together so that they visually relate

Group objects so that they are attractive from the point at which they will naturally be viewed, such as from above or from the side

Proportion and scale of objects should not be too dominant or too small for the surface on which they are placed

A chest of drawers is a great place to display collections of small objects, which can be lost if spread throughout a room

One or two small lamps on a shelf add sparkle to the area, showcasing items and highlighting natural textures behind, such as brick, stone or wood panelling

Small potted green plants also accentuate these shelves well, providing colour and texture. Of course, low-light plants are usually the best choice

To display a collection of small items on a tabletop, arrange them on a tray of brass, silver or wood

Add interest to a horizontal display with a simple straw mat or even a piece of silk fabric with objects artistically arranged in the folds

Items with enough presence to be displayed alone should be placed in an area that will accentuate their importance. Spotlighting will further enhance the presentation

Books create a relaxed look on tabletops. You can top the stack with a small sculpture or plant

On a large surface, like a square cocktail table, try mixing materials to create a pleasing contrast. For instance, use a reed basket next to a pair of crystal candlesticks

Large bowls are another effective accessory. Try porcelain, pottery, crystal or silver filled with fruit, potpourri, pine cones, seashells, etc.

If bowls or plates feature beautiful detail, showcase them on wooden stands

Family photos are always a favourite room accent. Unify a grouping with similar frames in varying sizes and heights

Keep bookcases and wall systems from being a monotonous repetition of books by arranging some on their sides and interspersing small groups of books with objects such as bookends, vases and small sculptures

For the most prominent horizontal surface of all — the dining room table — keep the look fresh by changing accents like tablecloths, placemats and centerpieces according to seasons, holidays or favourite themes.

(The author is an interior design consultant, specialising in the design of corporate and residential interiors. As a senior faculty member at a Calcutta institute, she has delivered lectures, guided research and conducted projects in the field of ‘Housing & Interior Design’ for over two decades. She can be contacted at kusumsmail@yahoo.com )