Home Accessorizing Made Simple: Easy Tips for a Stylish, Lived-In Look

Accessories are what give a home its soul. They transform a space from feeling like a furniture showroom into a reflection of the people who live there — their travels, passions, memories, and personality. When done well, home accessorizing tells a story. When done poorly, it can feel cluttered, confusing, or unfinished.

If accessorizing your home feels intimidating, don’t worry. Once you understand a few simple interior design principles, styling your space becomes easy — and even fun.

Start With What You Already Own

Before shopping, take a look around your home, attic, basement, or even your yard. Many everyday items can become beautiful décor when displayed thoughtfully. Stones, shells, pinecones, or branches can look intentional when grouped in a decorative bowl or tray. Costume jewelry, matchbooks, or small keepsakes gain impact when arranged together.

When traveling, skip the souvenir T-shirts and visit antique shops, flea markets, or craft galleries instead. You’ll return with meaningful home décor — and a story to tell.

Group Accessories for Visual Impact

One of the most important home decorating tips is to style accessories in groups, not scattered individually around a room. Create small vignettes using items that share a similar color palette, texture, or overall character. Vary the size of objects and aim for an odd number — three or five pieces usually feel more natural and less “matchy.”

Arrange accessories in a pyramid shape, with the tallest item in the back and smaller items in front. If something feels too short, place it on a stack of books or a decorative box for added height.

Mix Accessories With Books

Books are one of the easiest and most affordable home accessories. Whether displayed vertically or stacked horizontally, they add warmth and help anchor decorative arrangements. Even thrifted or yard-sale books can elevate a space and make it feel layered and lived-in.

Use an Anchor Piece

Every arrangement needs an anchor — a tall candle, vase, sculpture, or lamp that grounds the display. Surround it with objects of descending size for balance. Group smaller items on trays so they read as one intentional element rather than visual clutter. Adding something fresh, like a bowl of fruit or flowers, keeps the arrangement feeling alive and current.

Pay Attention to Scale

Scale matters in interior styling. Accessories should feel proportionate to the surface they’re on — not too large or too small. And remember, you don’t need to fill every tabletop. Negative space gives the eye a place to rest and helps your décor feel curated rather than crowded.

Highlight Collections and Personal Passions

If you collect something — hats, pottery, art, or found objects — don’t hide it away. Grouping similar items together gives them collective weight and visual impact. Collections don’t need to be expensive to be effective; repetition alone creates interest and style.

Echo Accent Colors

Repeating an accent color throughout your accessories helps tie a room together. Look for subtle ways to echo the dominant hue through vases, books, artwork, or decorative objects to create cohesion and flow.

Balance the Room

Successful home accessorizing is all about balance. Pair heavier elements with lighter ones and use accessories to bridge gaps between furniture, artwork, and ceiling height — especially in tall or open spaces.

Embrace the Unexpected

Some of the most memorable interiors feature unexpected décor. Vintage tools, scales, microscopes, or everyday objects can become art when displayed creatively. Don’t be afraid to experiment — sometimes the most surprising pieces become the focal point of a room.

The Bottom Line

Home accessorizing should be enjoyable, not stressful. When you have fun styling your space, it shows — and your family and guests will feel it, too. Trust your instincts, follow these simple interior design tips, and let your accessories tell your story.