The Power of Accessories in Interior Design: How to Bring Your Space to Life

When you step into a well-designed room, what catches your eye first? Is it the perfectly balanced colour palette? The way the lighting sets the mood?

Or maybe it’s the small, thoughtful touches—a vibrant cushion, a striking painting, or a cosy throw casually draped over a chair?

The secret to creating a space that feels complete, cohesive, and uniquely yours lies in the accessories. These finishing touches are often underestimated, yet they play a pivotal role in elevating an interior design scheme from basic to beautiful.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why accessories matter so much in interior design, how to use them effectively, and we’ll share professional designer tips to help you accessorise your home with confidence and flair.

Why Accessories Matter in Interior Design

Think of accessories as the jewellery of a room. Just as a well-chosen necklace or watch can transform an outfit, the right accessories can add personality, warmth, and depth to a space. Without them, even the most stylish room can feel flat, unfinished, or overly sterile.

Accessories allow you to:

• Showcase your personality and interests
• Change the mood and function of a space
• Introduce colour, texture, and contrast
• Create focal points and guide the eye
• Add comfort and softness

They’re also an easy and affordable way to update a room without undertaking a full renovation. Whether you’re starting fresh or refreshing a space, accessories are your best friend.

1. Paintings: Art That Speaks to You

Art is one of the most powerful accessories in any room. A beautiful painting can set the tone, inspire a colour scheme, or act as the centrepiece of an entire design concept.

Designer Tip:
Choose artwork that resonates with you emotionally. You don’t need to be an art expert—if it makes you feel something, it belongs in your home. Mix large statement pieces with smaller artworks, and don’t be afraid to create a gallery wall for visual impact.

Style Ideas:

• Abstract paintings for a modern vibe
• Watercolours or landscapes for softness
• Bold photography for drama
• Vintage prints for a touch of nostalgia

Art is also a wonderful way to introduce colour in a room. Use the tones in a painting to guide your choice of cushions, rugs, or accessories.

2. Lamps: Light and Style in One

Lamps are not just functional—they’re also style statements. A room without layered lighting can feel cold or stark, and that’s where lamps (both table and floor) work their magic.

Designer Tip:
Use lighting at different heights to create atmosphere. Combine ceiling lights with floor lamps and table lamps to cast a warm, welcoming glow.

Styling Tips:

• Choose lamp bases in ceramic, wood, glass, or metal to add texture
• Match or contrast lamp shades with your overall colour palette
• Consider sculptural or artistic lamp designs as decor pieces in their own right

Lamps help create cozy corners and visually balance a room, especially when placed in pairs or clusters.

3. Cushions and Throws: The Comfort Combo

Few accessories are as transformative—and affordable—as cushions and throws. They’re a brilliant way to inject colour, contrast, and comfort into your design.

Designer Tip:
Layer different shapes, sizes, and textures of cushions for a plush, curated look. Odd numbers (like three or five) often look more natural than even arrangements.

Think About:

• Velvet or linen for elegance
• Knits or faux fur for warmth
• Bold prints to break up neutral schemes
• Fringes, tassels, or piping for added interest

Throws can be draped over armchairs, beds, or sofas to soften hard edges and make a room feel inviting. They’re also great for seasonal updates—swap out a chunky wool throw for a lightweight cotton one in summer.

4. Ornaments and Personal Items: Tell Your Story

Accessories aren’t just about filling space—they’re about telling your story. Ornaments, trinkets, travel souvenirs, or heirlooms give your home soul and individuality.

Designer Tip:
Group similar items together in odd numbers and vary heights and textures for interest. For example, pair a smooth ceramic vase with a rustic wooden bowl and a metallic candleholder.

Curate, Don’t Clutter:
Less is more. You don’t need to display everything you own. Rotate accessories seasonally or when you feel like a change.

Incorporating personal items—like family photos, books you love, or handmade pottery—grounds your space emotionally. These are the pieces that make your house truly feel like home.

5. Rugs: Anchor and Soften

Rugs are one of the most impactful yet overlooked accessories in interior design. They anchor a room, define areas (especially in open-plan spaces), and add warmth underfoot.

Designer Tip:
Go big. A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disjointed. Ideally, a rug should fit under at least the front legs of furniture or define a full seating area.

Rug Styling Ideas:

• Natural fibres (like jute or sisal) for casual, earthy tones
• Persian or kilim rugs for pattern and tradition
• Plush, high-pile rugs for bedrooms or reading nooks
• Layering smaller rugs over large neutrals for texture

Rugs can also help absorb sound, making them perfect for echoey rooms or hardwood floors.

6. Texture: The Secret Ingredient

Texture is what makes a room feel dynamic rather than flat. It’s about how things feel—not just look.

Designer Tip:
Use at least three different textures in a room to add depth and tactile interest. Mix hard with soft, rough with smooth, and shiny with matte.

Ways to Add Texture:

• Cushions (think velvet, linen, boucle)
• Throws (chunky knit, faux fur, lightweight cotton)
• Rugs (wool, jute, hide)
• Lamps (ceramic, glass, wood)
• Wall decor (woven hangings, framed fabric)

Don’t forget vertical surfaces—wood panelling, brick walls, or even textured wallpaper can bring the room to life.

Pulling It All Together: A Cohesive Accessory Strategy

So how do you make all these elements work together without the space looking cluttered or chaotic?

Here are some simple rules to guide you:

1. Stick to a Palette:
   Choose a core colour scheme and weave it throughout your accessories. Use one or two accent colours to create cohesion.
2. Vary Heights and Shapes:
   Use a mix of tall, short, round, square, and irregular shapes to keep the eye moving and avoid monotony.
3. Repetition Creates Harmony:
   Repeat certain colours, patterns, or materials (like gold, glass, or wood) across different accessories for a harmonious look.
4. Don’t Overdo It:
   Every item should have breathing room. Negative space is just as important as filled space.
5. Tell a Story:
   Your accessories should feel intentional, not random. Let each piece say something about who you are or how you want to feel in that space.

Designer Hacks: Finishing Touches That Make a Big Impact

• Books aren’t just for reading—stack beautiful books on coffee tables or shelves and top them with small objects or candles.
• Plants are powerful accessories. A splash of green instantly refreshes any space, and the pot you use can double as a design feature.
• Mirrors count as accessories—they reflect light and make small rooms feel bigger.
• Trays can corral clutter—use them to group candles, ornaments, or glassware stylishly.
• Rotate regularly—just like changing your wardrobe with the seasons, swap accessories to reflect the time of year or your evolving taste.

Final Thoughts: Accessorise with Heart

Interior design isn’t just about matching colours or chasing trends. It’s about creating a space that feels like you. Accessories are the bridge between functionality and personality—they bring your home to life.

So go ahead and add that quirky ornament, hang the art that makes you smile, and pile up the cushions that invite you to relax. When used with thought and intention, accessories will not only beautify your space—they’ll make it feel like home.

Ready to refresh your space with the perfect accessories?
Hiring a designer can help you curate the right mix of textures, colours, and items tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revamping a single room, we’re here to make sure every detail feels just right.

Let’s bring your space to life—one accessory at a time.

Please contact Tracey at Tracey Mannell Interiors on 07970 669875 or complete the Contact Form here