An important part to finishing a room is spending time on accessorizing. For me, accessorizing a room includes layering patterns and textures and creating interesting focal points and adding personalized touches. After posting the reveal of my sunroom on my blog a couple weeks ago, I wanted to share more about how I accomplished the finished look.
Here is what my room looked like before I did any accessorizing:
It was tan and bland! But I intentionally kept the furniture, paint, and window treatments neutral – using accessories (pillows, throws, artwork, etc…) to set the feel and character for the room. Before I purchased any accessories I decided on my theme – Midwestern Coastal Retreat, with the primary accent colors being bright red and pale blue. Making a bold color statement with accessories is one of my favorite design tips – it allows you to easily change the feel of the room in the future.
I started by establishing a focal point in the room, the bay window. I layered it with color and pattern to create an inviting seating area for guests. I used a mix of pillows from Home Goods, TJ Maxx and Pottery Barn to create visual interest and keep the space from looking too coordinated.
To bring in some pattern and a bold element, I selected a large scale chevron print rug. This also kept the room from feeling too traditional.
I dressed up the ottoman with a tray from West Elm which allows it to double as a coffee table. I added a throw from Target to bring in some color and fresh flowers to dress up the space. The side table next to the chair is an outdoor table from Pottery Barn. Bringing in an outdoor furniture piece added a rustic element and I was able to get a great deal on it during their summer clearance.
I like to keep the artwork in my home as personal as possible so I usually focus on family photos and custom artwork. For this room, I selected one of my favorite Bible verses and created word art using Photoshop.
I continued the artwork and photos in a focal wall above the sofa. I wanted to showcase some important family photos but didn’t want it to look like a mess of pictures. So I framed all my photos in white frames and matting and mixed in a couple art pieces I also created in Photoshop. This time I picked word art from my wedding day and Noah’s birth. Here is how they look mixed in with the rest of our family photos. They give a fun pop of color and interest to the wall!
You can read more about how to create these custom artwork pieces on my blog here.
Without having to spend a fortune I was able to take this room from tan and blan to polished and personal. Incorporating a diverse and colorful mix of accents with customized pieces makes this room feel special for my family. Picking practical pieces and items that can serve multiple functions like a bay window seat and tray on an ottoman also ensure the space maintains a high level of functionality.
I hope you find these tips helpful and I invite you to read more about my sunroom and find the source list for my furnishings on my blog.
By Jenna
Just gorgeous!!
Jenna, your room is beautiful!!! Thank you so much for sharing your accessorizing tips!!
Gah!!!!! Jenna!!!! LOVE!!!!!!! love the contrast between the before and after pics. How can such a soothing room be so brilliantly wonderfully warm and interesting, too?? well done!!
g i n a
LOVE this! I’m not much of a decorator and often feel at a loss to know how to get the look I like. I’ve been wanting to add some color to our neutral living room- this is just exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Your room is just gorgeous , you did an amazing job ..where did you buy the rug ? Thank you !!!!
Hi Erin, If you take the link to Jenna’s blog it shares the rug info. I believe it is from Gilt Group. Hope that helps!
Love the design of your room. I came upon it when I was looking for ideas with the lounge sofa we are thinking of purchasing. I was wondering what the fabric you chose for the lounge sofa? I also have a 15 month old and the stock fabric wasn’t that soft..
Hey Julie- thanks for reading. I had the sofa custom ordered in the Oyster microfiber. It is much softer than the stock fabric, it almost feels like a velvet. It has also stood up great with the kiddos. I would highly recommend it!