4 easy ways to accessorize your new home

When you move into a new home, it can take awhile before it begins to feel like your own. Until you can paint the space, redo the floors or renovate your kitchen, accessorizing is an easy and inexpensive way to make your new house feel like home.

“It’s amazing how a pop of color and a few new accents can give a room a whole new feel,” said Caitie Smithe Jisa, a designer for Walter E. Smithe. “Start with a big sweep of your space and select which accessories you still love and want to keep around.  Any accessories that you feel are tired, boring, or out of place should be purged.”

Photo: Walter E. Smithe

Tell your story with accessories

Your home is the perfect place to tell your life story in a visual way, from family heirlooms past down through the generations to artifacts collected on past trips to vintage flea market finds.

“It’s always great when you have a personal connection to the things in your home, like family heirlooms, souvenirs from your travels, or something that represents your hobby, interests, or career,” said Jisa.

Photo: Walter E. Smithe

Don’t be afraid to use trends

Accessories can easily be changed out and are a great way to use the latest trend without breaking the bank.

“For example, if you love the new pale pink color trend but are hesitant go all in on a pink sofa, you can select a few pink-hued accessories like throw pillows, blankets, ginger jars, or florals,” said Jisa.

Accessories are also a great way to embrace seasonal trends. In the summer, blue cushions or pillows with a trim add an immediate nautical feeling,  while fresh flowers and potted plants add fresh pops of color.  In the winter, think cozy throws and textured pillows to make your home feel warm and inviting.

Photo: Walter E. Smithe

Mix it up

Accessories should complement each other, as well as the larger pieces in the room, but they don’t have to be “matchy-matchy,”according to Jisa.

She recommends creating texture by introducing a blend of materials, like metal, wood, acrylic, glass, ceramic and leather. Texture will add dimension to a room and appeal to visual and tactile senses, making a room more interesting. If your decor style is modern or minimalist, texture becomes an even more important way to add personality to your space.

Photo: Walter E. Smithe

Every room needs some greenery

No matter what the season, you can always add life to a room by bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside. Contrary to common myth, plants rarely add clutter to a space, especially when placed appropriately.

If you just moved into your home, start small and work your way up to the towering ficus you’ve had your eye on. Bud vases, miniature cactus plants and succulents will all add color, texture and liveliness to your home.

If you your thumb isn’t so green? No problem.

“If you’ve got a knack for killing plants, there’s nothing wrong with investing in a good artificial plant or floral,” said Jisa.

If your new home feels sparse, there are plenty of small decor updates and accessories that will add color, comfort and individual personality to your space.

What are your favorite ways to brighten your new home before to make it feel like your own?