Cool Accessories

Accessories are a great way to update or refresh a room.  Accessories should complement the room and not crowd it.  There should be placement and balance without being too contrived.  They should reflect your style, interests, and personality.
It is worthwhile to have one or two expensive pieces to set the room but the rest can be fun, inexpensive and versatile.  Here are a few of my suggestions and starting with the most expensive.. click on the links to find current pricing.


For the expensive elements,  I suggest owning a good quality soft cashmere or abaca throw.  It will look great, last through use and be special for you and your guests.   I recommend the Hermes Signature H Throw.  It is classic, timeless and super comfortable...expensive but worth it.

 

A Shagreen Decorative Box.  This antique box from Modest Designs is wrapped in shagreen with an ivory border and inlay. France c 1930.

While Tiffany's is obviously known for their jewelry, they have just a few home accessory items that fit the bill...wish they had more.  I love this  Elsa Peretti Thumbprint bowl, infact, I have a large one in sterling silver at my kitchen and a small cobalt crystal in my bedroom.

Pillows can be more expensive than people realize but a good decorative pillow goes a long way.  You'll know once you have purchased the difference.  You want to be sure to get goose down pillows (or inserts).  Here are a couple cool pillows.  The first is a hide pillow from Jason Home and Garden.  The second are Belgian Linen Knit Pillows from Restoration Hardware soft, have nice colors and can be mixed and matched.

Mirrors are a great accessory and can open up a room or just show a beautiful reflection. This simple, clean lined floor mirror with its aluminum frame from CB2 can go in any room.

Candle Hurricanes are perfect for indoor and outdoor ambiance, I don't think you can have enough of them.  These hand-blown crystal hurricanes from Lucca have a smooth look and are suited for both.

These ikat woven baskets from West Elm are attractive for storing blankets, laundry, magazines, plants or on their own.

Books are a another great accessory and you may have some of them already but they are just tucked away. Stacked vertically with a cool pair of bookends or horizontally with an object sitting on top.  Group a few books that have hardcover and similar size; stacked equally on sides.  If you don't have good substantial books then they are a great purchase. So called coffee table books can be of any interest you may have such as photography, art, travel.  For example, a of Picasso from Philippe Dagen ..

 

Both the blue/green (on the far left) and the white (on center) make interesting vases for flowers.  I like using wide diameter vases and creating a full bouquet.  Some of my favorites are peonies.

And lastly, just can't say enough about candles... I love these Diptyque candles from Paris..