Since we busted up some parades yesterday, I though we should talk about good and honorable ways to accessorize. Let me assure you, I am accessory’s biggest fan. I love accessories. I dream about accessories, I am connoisseur of accessories. Of course, these are all my big fat opinions, they are not rules, no accessory police will come arrest you, and I retain the right to change my mind any time I want. I should be a politician.
Yesterday we talked about “Accessories on Parade“. We can easily fall into the trap of lining up a big bunch of lovely tchotchkes to the point where they look like they are marching in 3/4 time. Part of the reason they resemble the parade is the scale of the items are all relatively the same. That’s fancy decorator talk for saying all my cute junk is about the same size.
{did you notice I all ready have one more accessory added in? my son brought home a clay creation}
A few ways to bust up a parade:
- mix up the scale
- layer your cute loot
- stagger the placement
Let’s talk about scale. For example, on my mantle, even though I showed a photo with just 3 little accessories, some of you asked about the big urn that you saw sitting next to the small accessories. Wait, doesn’t that count? Don’t you have 4 accessories? Cue the bass drum…and then, I admitted not only did I have an urn, I also had a pair of shutters and a large frame of classy broken wood. So does that mean I have 7 accessories up there? I have no idea.
All I know is that since the shutters are like 4 feet tall, they don’t seem to be competeing with the little dog. And since the frame is layered in front of the shutters, it doesn’t feel like it’s marching in a parade. It’s my little way of still getting to fill my house with lots of much loved accessories without having them compete or march side by side in a parade.
Let’s take a look at my tablescape. Real designers, please avert your eyes–look over there, it’s Stephen Drucker! {ok, got rid of them, as if they are reading this blog anyway.} I’ve got my two lamps, 3 topiaries, 3 framed photos and some dish with a wrapped clear box of nuts. Don’t ask. Now you may hate all of my stuff but you have to admit, it works ok. Lots of my stuff is close to the same size but I’ve staggered and layered the topiaries one in front, two in the back and I’ve staggered and layered the frames. I had to incorporate the use of a little metal stand for one of the frames.
But wait, what about shelves? I have not choice but to set 4 photos of the same exact size up there, right? Nope. But, I wouldn’t say I have anything against 4 photos of the same size, I do like that look. But you do have options. Scale, stagger, layer.
Another method to get away with having lots of the same size accessories grouped together is to call it a collection. Just know, four of something does not a collection make. You can do this with apothecary jars, picture frames, trophies, urns, silver, bonsai trees, bobble heads–whatever you collect. The trick is to mix up the scale and to stagger and layer the items. Scale, stagger, layer.
Today’s words are Scale, Stagger and Layer. Do you have someplace you can apply them? I know I do. And it’s not just what I do with my body after I wake up on a cold winter’s morn.
“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory” -coco chanel, the QUEEN of accessories
{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }
look at you cute little lady! i love your aqua lamps…very sexy little shape. :)
seriously though, i’m the first commenter? that makes me feel a little weird.
Scale, stagger, layer. Or, if you change just a couple of letters, it could be a plan for mass murder: scale, dagger, layer.
What is my mind doing today?
On another (less morbid) note, may I say I just LOVE those turquoise lamps?! Are those new? Or have I just missed them? Beautiful!
Loved the table scape – the aquas are great.
I already knew the trick of “no parading.” Thank you for educating the masses.
Steven Drucker- you are too funny. Great lesson.
oh no, not steVen drucker but stePHen! Two very different people!
Thanks.
Sort of unrelated question though, how do you not have spilled wax all over the table with the candles? I love decorating with candles but right now I have several puddles of wax to deal with as I finish taking down the x-mas decorations…….including splatters on my wall, baseboards, floor, Christmas berries, candle holders, etc, etc
who said i didn’t? I only have one but one it dries it just pick off in one big continent.
Thanks for more tips – you’re awesome and I like your style!
oh boy so much for being lazy today now i have to go redo all my accessories.
LOVE all the accessories on your tablescape. and i adore a table full of chunky candles.
all your turquoise is fabulous.
I love that you use your candles. I hate to see new candles on display. Your home is divine!!
Blessings,
Becky Jo
Love all of these tips. I think I just need more “stuff” so I can do more with scale, staggering & layering. Thanks for the info.
nester, give me some advice
i see your big ole’ display well done vignette of candles
i’m a big lover of candles
& hater of overhead lighting
but my question is….do you feel that candle light leaves too much of a black sooty residue on the walls? i’m always afraid to light my big ones in fear that my creamy white home will be all dullsville & sooty
lay it on me….
Just scoot them away from the wall a little and then you can BREATHE in the fresh sooty air. No, unless I set a candle on a wall sconce or SUPER close to the wall then I don’t have that problem.
Soy based candles will not leave a sooty residue. That said, I love all your candles and that you actually use them.
Love the lamp shapes as well!
Hello. I have a quick question. Where did you get the framed profiles of your family members? I would love to have some done for my girls and our dog. :) I know strange, huh but Rocky is part of family and he was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and I think a profile of him would make a great present for my husband’s birthday. A keepsake if you say.
Thanks,
Kelly Williams
Kelly, I wrote a post about it a year or so ago–search on the sidebar search box for “silhouettes” or something like that.
I have this exact problem! I built these gorgeous shelves and started accessorizing but I cannot get away from the parade! It’s so frustrating! But, you’ve just given me renewed hope that I’ll be able to solve this issue!
Ha ha! If I followed Coco’s advice, I’d be pretty much accessory-less! I guess that’s my fashion problem.
You certainly have a knack for accessorizing your home. Your displays look great! But since I have previously stated in black and white on my own blog that anything you have 3 or more of is a collection, I had to comment on your “4 is not a collection” statement. I know you are not one to insist that your rules are set in stone; I’m just sharing another opinion.
For some people, such as myself, who are more restrained in general and shy away from excess of anything, a display of 12 candlesticks/finials may feel like too much in our own home, though I may and do think it looks great in yours! For us, 3 or 5 may be the perfectly sized collection. So if one can shop the house and pull together, say, 3 topiaries or 5 candlesticks to fill in that empty spot, I maintain that one does, indeed, have a collection! Just my 2 cents :)
yes, yes, 3 is a collection!!! but if they are 3 of the exact same thing, you might want to add interest by staggering, layering and adding in come scale! You are right, no rules, I could totally love 3 of the exact same item lined up. But for me and my sickness, I want more, more, MORE wonderful accessories!
12? I have 12 things on that table? I have issues don’t i?!
Oh yes, I totally get what you’re saying about layering, scale, etc. I get a lot of use out of the “put a book under it” trick to vary the height, for example.
And hey, if you’ve got 12, flaunt it!
TURQOISE IS THE COLOR OF 2010!!!! Those lamps are fab-u-loso!!! You are so cutting edge :)!!!
I’m also joining the bandwagon by saying those lamps are totally awesome! And thanks for the good advice/things to think about.
Will you come to my house for a little visit? You make it look so easy. :)
I love the last two days of advice! Parades, I have ‘em! I broke one up in the window sill yesterday. Need to go around and remove Christmas decor, yes, I am THAT behind! I LOVE those lamps as well. Where did you find them? I love all your tips and I am working on shopping the thrift stores etc because I don’t have a lot in decor stuff, YET :)
I have a lot of accessories but not a lot of places to put them. What a delimma.
xoxo
Jessica
Please blog about half walls… I can’t find any great advise on what to put on it. I know you’ll know what to do with one. Note: it’s in between the family room and kitchen…..
Knock it down? Pretend like it’s not there?
Hate me, I have a dislike of half walls. How about some kind of hanging thing above it? And butt up the long side of a table in front of it?
oh, oh, oh, i would put naked clear bulbs above it…like hang 5 or 7 at different lengths and then put a buffet table on the other side…kind of a transition.
here is the kind of lights i’m thinking.
http://www.theblogisfound.com/index.cfm?postID=535&fromRSS=1
hate me, nester. it’s okay. i wanted to high-jack for just a minute. plus, its kind of like the suggestion you made above. :) ::smooch::
Twiggy, great idea. I HEART those lights, didn’t PB sell a chandy style one–that you could hang the corded bulbs in any way you wanted?
I love what you did with those black shelves. Cute! I find the top of my TV armoire incredibly hard to accessorize. It is a large piece in the corner of the room…kind of bare over there anyways. At Christmas, I put my larger Nutcrackers up and it looks okay…but I’m at a loss for the rest of the year.
Thanks for raining on my parade yesterday. :) And today, layer and stagger and scale . . . Oh MY! Love to read your take on decorating. You are definitely an inspiration. Thanks.
WOW, I MISSED YESTERDAYS POST, AND SAW THE FIRST PICTURE AND WAS LIKE… WHAT ON EARTH?! GOOD THING I READ ON.
GREAT TIPS. I HAVE LEARNED TO LAYER AND IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!
HUGS FROM MAINE
Can I just say that you are my new favorite blog, not schmoozing, just sayin! I love your mantra “it doesn’t have to be perfect…….I don’t even need the rest, just the it doesn’t have to be perfect part is helping. I don’t really know why I needed some stranger I’ve never met to clue me in on that fact, but I am glad you did. Now I am getting things done, things that I formerly just had in my head kinda sorta, but was waiting ….until I could do it perfectly. No more of that….things are a movin and a shakin now, and nothing is perfect, somethings are not even beautiful, but they are at the very least getting done! Thanks nester, and check out the very imperfect slipcover that you inspired, when you get a chance. Keep on with the inspiring, and know that I will be reading!
Oh, you are so good at the accessory thing. I am awful at it. Thanks for the tips!
By the way, check out the Pottery Barn website – go to Accessories and Pillows, then Pillows and Throws, then Striped and Patterned Pillows – you’ll see it!
Danielle
I love those lamps ..the teal color-ish ones!!! Those are beautiful!!! Where did you find them… i so want a pair!!!
home goods
It all looks very pretty! I need to work on mine. Thank you for the ideas.
Nester ~ you must loooove to dust around all your accessories! xo
Most of the time I spot dust. What?! Don’t judge me.
Your quote made me giggle: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory” -coco chanel, the QUEEN of accessories….. Seems the only accessory I have on when I leave the house these days is baby barf (lol) – and if I remove that, well….
I love your blog…..my son would call me a stalker. Thanks for all the inspiration!
I wish I had your talent for accessorizing… I’ve never quite known what to use or group.
Love this, Love getting in inside look in how you create your gorgeous vignettes. Have one question though that is burning a hole in my brain for some time now. Where do you stash all your accessories (I mean the ones that are not accessorizing at the moment). How do you organize your stash of pretty things so that you can find something when you are shopping in your own house. Any organizing tips on that as January seems to be organizing month in blogland?
90% of my junk, I mean much loved accessories are simply moved to another display. I move stuff around a lot.
I do use half of the bottom of my hutch for extra dishes that I hang and candle sticks and photo frames. And I have a bin of frames and small artwork that I pull from. I’m lucky enough to have an emptyish craft room.
When I wasn’t lucky, I stashed everything extra under my bed or under table skirts of my decorator’s tables. But for the most part, my junk is sitting out. Just moved around.
It’s pretty, but it makes me a bit dizzy. It only took me 11 years to decide to paint my LR & DR pale yellow… I love reading your blog.
You are a hoot, girl!
I heard that Maralyn Monroe said that same Coco quote as well. Never thought about it in terms of decorating!
Really funny post! Great lessons too! I hate over accessorizing but most especially when everything is the same size (usually to small)! Is it wrong to move things around in other peoples houses with out asking permission when they’re not looking…i’m only trying to help.
I used to move things around when I babysat in college. Just small things. you know, move the chair up a few inches, the sofa over….
Please come visit me, Nester… I will make you a yummy lunch and you can move and adjust to your heart’s content!!! (I don’t live that far from your parents!) Blessings!!!
I LOVE when people come over and move stuff :-)
I love these little lessons that you give they are very helpful!!
This is like therapy to a perfectionists soul ya know. I so needed this post…I am such a minimalist that I’m afraid I am…..gasp…boring! I would love to fly you here to good old snowy at the moment TN. and have you solve a huge issue in my living room. It is rectangular to start with….goes the length from front of house to back…with built ins and a french door in between them on one end…and two windows on the other end. There is huge beautiful crown molding all along floor and ceiling. And about 2/3 way down the wall (more towards the built ins end) there is a strip of that same crown molding that comes down the wall…ceiling to floor. I assume it was once a wall and that the area towards the bookshelves was maybe an office or something. Anyhoo…I’m more comfortable with the two smaller wall spaces that this totally out of place not to mention not at all symmetrical line down the wall creates…but it’s the other side of it that haunts me in my sleep…and mocks me as I enter with my morning coffee….as to say “You can’t handle us big wall spaces can you? You are intimidated by our mass size and we know it! Your non decrative brain could never come up with a way to fill our space!” Ok, now you just think I’m plain ol’ insane I’m sure…I promise I don’t talk to my walls…but I am insaney intimidated by these two opposing walls. I feel everything should be centered…it’s a disease I know…am I right? I know I need “big” but how big? Would an ensemble of plates such as yours work? And if you hang such an ensemble what is the rule about that wall? Is it then “dead”…no more things on that wall…or can you work other pictures on the wall too? If I’m hopeless…just lie to me..I’ll believe. ;-)
Actually now that I look at it..it’s not the same crown molding..that would be ridiculous….it’s a strip of wood with a big chunky wood thing at the top to seperate it from the molding…. that is intended to create the look of a pillar I suppose.
And in case I rambled and didn’t get to my real question exactly….I would simply love to know the proper etiquette of how much you can arrange on one large wall.
I’m afraid you have WAY TOO MANY accessories in your home and therefore, I must come over and take some of them.
Just trying to help….
AHHHHHH!!!
Anyone want to tackle this? You lost me a t”not to mention not at all symmetrical line down the wall creates” I feel your pain hon. Post a photo on twitter and see what people can come up with? This is why I don’t do online consulting–I’m waaay to much of a visual person.
ahhhhh!
Ah, I needed that! At my house it tends to be a little too much random.org if you know what I mean. Now that m Christmas stuff is gone I am feeling the need to pull everything out of its place, regroup it all and put it in new places for the new year. I have a hard time imagining an accessory out of its place. I am thinking I may need drastic measures.
Hi Nester,
Number 1: love your blog.
Secondlidarily: Once upon a time I read a rule that said don’t put stuff on your mantle past the side support thingies, because (subconsciously) they don’t seem supported. It is one of those things, like, gee, I never noticed, but, hey, you’re right, it does make a difference, and now whenever I see it I notice it. Kinda like pictures hung too high on the wall???? Just take a look around and see if you agree….
Yepe I agree, I actually moved my black big frame over to the right a few inches at Christmas to hold up my garland but now I have to get up RIGHT now and move it back!!!!!!
This is a great point people!
Hi Nester!
I am featuring your photo shelf on my “creative ideas for photos blog” today. You can view it here http://www.creativephotoideas.blogspot.com/
This is great, thanks so much for sharing . . . I have a question, though, what “rules” apply to accessorizing the space above kitchen cabinets, inquiring minds want to know :) (maybe a good post idea, if you haven’t posted one like that yet!)
Carlita, I think I’ve touched on that before, believe it or not, I’m not a big above the cab decorator. If you can’t stand it, hang plates on the wall up there–that’s all I’ve ever done. Sorry I can’t help more!
Gorgeous tips! And I LOVE those candle stands :D where do you get such awesome stuff from? I have been looking around for something like that since months…
I’m delurking to say: 1) that I like your blog and ideas very much; and 2) that when I was working in retail in a gift shop we had a saying about creating shelf and front window displays [which in essence are a mantle or table top]. The saying was “PHD”– which meant “pile high and deep.” Whenever I decorate around our house “PHD” always comes to mind, and it seems to help me figure out what to do next. Just a thought.
Scale, stagger, layer. I might need to tatoo that on me or something, cause I need to use it every time I start a parade. Please tell me you have more tips on this subject!
Loving those lamps, btw!
I am having a FIT over the turquoise and greeny tablescape! A fit! It is so beautiful I literally held my breath when I saw it. Now I’m holding myself back from making an impulse jaunt to T.J. Maxx.
AHH! This is a great post. SO many good ideas here. Love all your groupings, collections, everything! You rock, Nester.
I recently rescued a wood mantle and gave it some love. It now hangs as a shelf in my kitchen and I’ve been mystified about how to accessorize it. You’ve totally helped! And if it doesn’t work, I can pull a Nester~ shop the house and rearrange things until I get the effect I want. Perfect!
Thanks!
you always give great advice. i wish the accessory parade was my problem. i fall more into the “afraid to paint their walls” category as in i’m afraid to buy accessories. i don’t really have much money to go toward that sort of thing and i’m always afraid that i’m going to buy something that looks terrible with everything else that i own or that i end up not liking. what do i do?
Kristen, Accessories should be the funnest thing to buy. I get most of mine at yard sales and thrift stores–for just a few dollars or less. You can buy them with your heart and not worry that much about if they are perfect–you want things you love when it come to accessories, then you can find a place to put them.
I am just loving your blog. I am so happy that we can have lots of accessories (or knick-knacks as my Mom says) and super-happy to see your great ideas on how to place them. You have a wonderful eye. It all looks so nice.
Can you set-up a Mr. Linky and we can give each other feedback?
Nester, what’s a good place to find wooden shutters? I have one of those corner fireplaces with an open shelf above it for the TV/DVD player, and I want to hide it most of the time. Don’t want it sitting up there like a tyrant king ordering me and my furniture around all day.
Thrift shops are my favorite places to find shutters.
thank you! will have to start checking them out.
Thanks for the tips. Now, I just want to go out and buy more accessories! :) I’m guessing that was not the purpose! :)
Oh, my mom used to always use the quote about removing one accessory…I never knew where it came from. I still replay that in my head sometimes when I look in the mirror and have a *little too much* going on. :)
My problem is rarely too much, but, instead, not enough accessorizing, either on my body or in my home.
But, seeing the way you put together some of these “collections” has given me some ideas!
You could…paint the half wall a dramatic color. Love the wall and draw attention to it – rather than trying to make it go away. Me? I live in a box. Not a lot of that fancy “arkitekchure.” I’d love a half wall. Anything to break up the cube I call home. :)
Oops. My reply was in reference to Comment #19 above.
D.
Oh Whew! I feel like I just got a get out of jail free card! That’s what I try to do. I learned this technique of making one item out of many when I was a graphic designer. Clients always tried cramming as much as they could on a page. I had to try to figure out how to give emphasis to certain items. So, I used some of these very techniques in 2-D, and have tried thinking the same way in 3-D.
Happy Day!
Dana
UHHHHHHHH…I am gasping, is that how you spell that?!?!? So many issues…I just today got all braggy like on my blog sportin’ my new mantle and then I read this blog…now I am concerned I have not “staggered”, but maybe I can get away with it because it is a “collection”…but do I have enough to be callin it a “collection”….I give up, I’m leaving to go find a therapist that will see me without an appoinment.
Hugs,
Amy
PS-I almost bought those EXACT SAME TURQUOISE LAMPS yesterday at a my fav consignment store. They are divine. Except I had the 14 month old little man on my hip and I only have two arms. I considered leaving him and taking the two lamps.
Yes, you should be a politician. Vote for Nester!!! And tchotchkes is one of my favorite words, ever.
I remember once seeing a cute half wall and since then have always kept that idea tucked away in my memory….. The half wall separated the kitchen from the family room. The drywall on the family room side was removed and staggered shelves were built in. Every shelf was trimmed and finished with wood and painted to look like distressed wood. Although the shelves weren’t very deep because the wall isn’t very wide, it was enough room to put in some cookbooks, toys and other “pretties”. A really fun and adorable look. Have fun – whatever you end up doing!
Great post and oh so helpful! Love the key words.
Thanks!
I HAVE TO HAVE THE BLUE LAMPS! Yes, I am screaming. I have looked everywhere for at least one in that blue color and cannot find it anywhere. You probably actually made them out of hand thrown clay, but I am not so talented. Please help.
Adore those turquoise lamps! I have some in my bedroom right now! And the Stephen Drucker comment made me laugh. I always get nervous when a professional interior designer comments on my blog, as I am sure I am committing some atrocity. :-)
LAYER!!! THAT’s the part I have a problem with!! I LOVE the layer look, but I can never pull it off quite right – I’m in the middle of changing my decorating style (from prim country to a more clean fresh look) – so it’s a bit overwhelming, I want to change EVERYTHING – but can’t afford to – I know I could just move a few things around to start getting the new looks I want………..ahhhh, will you come help me? LOL I’ll bake cookies and make lattes!!
I just recently started following your blog and added your blog to my list of favs. you are so funny and witty which makes your blog so entertaining. I also rent so I’m always looking for others who are in the same boat because I dont’ want to invest too much into the house but I still want a nice house. I like your shelves {the tin metal ones} and would like to know where you got them? I am slowly finishing up my family room and think I would like to get some like that, something a little different. I like the texture. I think I saw some at the Rosebowl…when I went so I’ll have to make a trip out there. Anyways love your blog wanted to say Hi!
Thanks for the tips and tricks. I love your blog!!
I am so happy to have found your blog and these tips. My husband and I are desperately trying to redecorate or actually decorate for the first time and on a pauper’s budget!!! We are great at giving furniture a facelift, but I can’t seem to put it all together. Thanks for the great tips!
LOL! “Real designer” here, and I am in fact reading your blog. Giant hugs for you, and all of your non-marching accessories. I may start sending my clients to this post when their eyes glaze over as I prattle on about scale, proportion, and depth. Bravo! :)