The Mercury News

How fine details can make your decor shine

- By Cathy Hobbs

Just like the icing on a cake, when it comes to decor, a room can come to life with the help of fine details. From artwork to accessorie­s, look for fine details to help make individual spaces stand out.

Do add one or two accessorie­s to a side or coffee table, such as a decorative vase or accent piece.

Do group accessorie­s as a pair or in a vignette. Three items grouped together can work well.

Do mix accent pieces with books when styling a bookshelf.

Do use metallics. Brass remains a hot finish in home decor, especially in accessorie­s. Feel free to also mix brass with silver finishes such as nickel and chrome.

Do use greenery. Greenery as well as florals, succulents and blooms can help add texture and color.

Don’t clutter a tabletop or surface. In general following the rule of three works well.

Don’t overlook books as decorative items. From coffee table books to small hardbacks placed on shelves, books can be an affordable and colorful decor addition.

Don’t forget black and white are colors. Often neutral colors such as white, taupe and black can be used to help highlight bright colors or finishes.

Don’t mix too many colors and patterns. In general, a color palette should have a maximum of three colors.

Don’t forget to plan your look. Purposeful­ly selected accents and accessorie­s can go a long way in creating a cohesive design.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@ cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs. com.

 ??  ?? A mix of metallics adds interest to this bookcase and shelving space. (Design Recipes)
A mix of metallics adds interest to this bookcase and shelving space. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? A mix of muted accessorie­s are paired with black accents. (Design Recipes)
A mix of muted accessorie­s are paired with black accents. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? The simple addition of a faux fur throw adds a finishing touch to a bench. (Design Recipes)
The simple addition of a faux fur throw adds a finishing touch to a bench. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? Accessorie­s of the same tone and color make an otherwise plain bookcase shine. (Design Recipes)
Accessorie­s of the same tone and color make an otherwise plain bookcase shine. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? A coffee table book helps to anchor the accessorie­s on this coffee table. (Design Recipes)
A coffee table book helps to anchor the accessorie­s on this coffee table. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? Brass accessorie­s, one of the hottest finishes in home decor, can be impactful when paired together. (Design Recipes)
Brass accessorie­s, one of the hottest finishes in home decor, can be impactful when paired together. (Design Recipes)

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