Accessories Put Pizzazz Into Any Home Decor

Finishing off newly decorated rooms offers some of the most fun that home decorators can imagine. Here are some more ideas on how to add those detailed touches that turn a room into home.

For starters, what do you love? Many people have favorite collections, from dolls to teapots, rocks to sports, dishes to Dali. Whatever your favorite collection, gather everything together in one place and give it good look. What are the most outstanding pieces, and how could you arrange them? Is there one place that deserves to be a focus, or is there a set or series that can be grouped together. Remember, it's best to gather collections in odd-numbered displays – three, five or seven – for greatest visual interest.

Mix up some textures for contrast. For example, Cottage/Country style rooms tend to be softer, while Contemporary interiors are sleek and edgy. To add interest to a room, mix up matte and shiny, soft and hard, rough and smooth. Contrast is always fascinating, and keeps the room looking lived-in.

While a neutral color scheme can be clean and sophisticated, it also can border on boring without something to draw the eye. Add pillows in bright hot colors such as orange or lime green, tropical rugs in simple but vivid patterns, or an animal print throw or ottoman. All it takes is one striking accessory to make a room look fantastic.

Some decorators recommend going through the house to gather up everything that's eye-catching. Figurines, pottery, mugs, pictures, clocks, books – anything can become that key focal point in a room when it's placed in the proper setting. Home decorating enthusiasts often find that the cream rugs that look just okay in the bedroom become stunning when placed atop the brown living room carpet. Keep moving pieces around the rooms until each one has its perfect spot. This is a pastime that could take years to complete, and then most decorators are ready to start all over again.

Other things that can make a new room look more interesting are salvage and antiques. These aren't just junk mind you – although sometimes junk can be fascinating. These are pieces such as architectural salvage and vintage furniture and accessories. For example, one couple found an ornately curved corbel, or corner piece, that they turned into a plate holder on their mantel. Old vents can often be found cleaned up and hung as artwork in urban Contemporary lofts. Old outside faucet handles make terrific coat hangers in an entryway or mudroom.

And when it comes to antiques, why, the sky's the limit. An old painted-wood chair, a wicker side table, a wall shelf, a lamp with a lantern base, your grandfather's heirloom oriental rugs or a set of hand-painted china replaces drab with delight in many a room.

Finally, shed some light on all these treasures. Rather than a single overhead light or a set of table lamps, install track lighting, a few spotlights and some really decorative lamps. Angle the lighting to focus on wall hangings or artwork, or even the central motif in a floral rug on the floor. Once you've gone through all the fun and effort of finding these finishing touches, it's only right to show them off.