How to Personalise Your Space with Accessories and Art
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How to Personalise Your Space with Accessories and Art
Accessories and art are where the magic happens in interior design. They’re the soul of the space, the finishing touches that take a house and turn it into a home. If the furniture is the structure, then accessories are the personality. They tell your story, reflect your style, and make the space uniquely yours.
But let’s be honest: styling with accessories can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to overdo it, underdo it, or end up with a shelf that looks more like a store display than a curated expression of you. So, how do you strike that perfect balance between stylish and personal?
Let me share some of my favourite designer tips, tricks, and secrets to help you style your space like a pro, while still making it feel deeply personal, functional, and full of heart.
1. Tell Your Story Through Art
Art is one of the most powerful ways to personalise your space. Whether it's a framed photo, a statement canvas, or a sculptural piece, the art you choose should speak to you.
Tips to make it work:
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Choose art that reflects your personality, travels, interests, or emotions.
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Don't be afraid to mix: canvas, prints, photography, textiles, and even mirrors.
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Bigger is better when in doubt, go oversized. A large-scale piece adds drama and purpose to a room.
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Create gallery walls that blend personal photos, quotes, and art for a truly curated vibe.
Designer secret:
Hang artwork at eye level (roughly 145cm from the floor to the centre of the piece). Too high, and it loses its connection with the rest of the room.
Need help curating your perfect wall? I offer virtual gallery wall styling sessions, including layout mockups, colour cohesion tips, and sourcing support.
2. Embrace Layering
Layering is a design technique that instantly makes a room feel more lived-in, thoughtful, and warm. Think of it like accessorising an outfit: layers add interest.
How to layer like a designer:
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Place trays on coffee tables to group candles, books, or vases.
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Stack books horizontally and top them with decorative items.
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Use cushions and throws in different textures and tones to soften seating areas.
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Combine objects with varied heights and shapes for visual flow.
Pro tip: Use odd numbers (groups of 3 or 5) for styling vignettes. It feels more organic and less staged.
Need some visual help? My Room Styling eBook includes printable cheat sheets for layering and shelf styling that work in any space.
3. Mix High and Low Accessories
Not every accessory needs to be an expensive designer piece. Some of the most beautiful, character-filled spaces mix investment pieces with affordable finds and personal mementos.
Try this:
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Pair a luxe vase with a thrifted vintage frame.
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Combine a high-end candle with a family heirloom or travel souvenir.
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Style a designer coffee table book with handmade pottery.
This contrast not only adds depth but also keeps your space from feeling too matchy or predictable.
Need help knowing what to splurge on and what to save on? My personalised Accessory Styling Kits take the guesswork out of the process.
4. Make It Functional AND Beautiful
Your accessories shouldn’t just look pretty, they should serve a purpose, too. The best designs are equal parts beauty and function.
Styling meets practicality:
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Use beautiful baskets to store toys, throws, or even laundry.
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Choose sculptural bowls to hold keys, sunglasses, or everyday clutter.
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Style bedside tables with trays to corral books, candles, or your favourite hand cream.
Insider trick: Create "drop zones" in key areas using trays or catchalls. They keep your space tidy without sacrificing style.
5. Curate, Don’t Clutter
It’s tempting to display everything you love all at once, but restraint is key. Great design is just as much about what you leave out as what you include.
Quick edit trick:
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Pull everything off your shelves or surfaces.
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Reintroduce only the pieces that add visual interest or emotional value.
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Leave breathing space around your styled moments so they feel intentional, not chaotic.
Need help editing your decor? I offer express virtual styling audits to help you refresh your space with what you already have.
6. Choose a Signature Scent
Scent is often the most overlooked layer in design, but it’s one of the most impactful. A beautiful-smelling home instantly feels more luxurious and inviting.
My go-to scent styling ideas:
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Layer candles, diffusers, and room sprays.
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Choose scents that reflect the mood of each room (lavender for bedrooms, citrus for kitchens, sandalwood for living spaces).
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Display your candles in stylish holders or trays for a dual-purpose decor piece.
Need help selecting the right tone for your home? I include scent styling ideas in all of my Signature Room Packages to create a full sensory experience.
7. Let Your Personality Shine Through
The best spaces reflect the person who lives there. Don’t shy away from injecting you into your decor.
Ideas to personalise with impact:
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Frame handwritten notes, recipes, or letters from loved ones.
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Display your favourite books or collectibles.
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Incorporate decor that reflects your heritage, hobbies, or lifestyle.
This is where your story lives. Let it be seen, felt, and celebrated.
Final Thoughts
Accessories and art are where design becomes personal. They don’t have to be expensive, perfect, or straight out of a showroom. What matters is how they make you feel when you walk into your home.
When done well, styling with accessories transforms your space into something that feels deeply yours layered, curated, and beautifully intentional.
Need a little help bringing it together? Whether you want a full styling plan, a shelf refresh, or just to feel more confident pulling your look together, I offer services and digital products that make styling feel easy, fun, and truly custom.
Let’s create a home that looks incredible, feels like you, and tells your story in every detail.