Alaska Interior Design: 6 Easy Ways to Accessorize Your Home
Learn how to accessorize and decorate your home — the right way.
Did you know that the history of interior design goes back tens of thousands of years?
It's true! One of the earliest examples of humans adding design to their interior space dates back over 40,000 years to the elaborate and treasured drawings on the mud walls in the Cave of Altamira in Spain.
These ancient wall decorations show that even early humans had a sense of aesthetics, design, and, you guessed it…. accessorizing!
But despite accessorizing having been around so long, humans still seem mystified by how to do it right.
That's where we come in.
Furniture Classics has decades of experience helping Alaskans turn their interior spaces from bland to beautiful.
That's why we put together this guide on six easy ways to accessorize (and don't worry—none of them involve carving art into your walls, although we won't stop you!)
Are you ready to learn how to accessorize? Let's get into it.
The Myths About Accessorizing
One of the biggest misconceptions about accessorizing is that it leads to clutter.
Images of dried flowers, too many vases, and insufficient room to move around may come to mind.
Whether you're looking to add flare to your Anchorage interior design, Alaska cabin, or vacation rental, accessorizing should be about:
Adding Color
Showing Off Your Personality
Making Yourself Comfortable
Displaying a Collection
Sending a Message
You should never accessorize just to add "stuff" to your space without really thinking it through.
Accessories should add richness, culture, texture, and personality to your home.
Think of them as the jewelry for your space — and remember, less is more when it comes to accessorizing your home.
Now that you understand what your motivation should be to accessorize, let's talk about how you do it.
1. Start With Art
Like the earliest humans, one excellent way to start accessorizing your space is with the art on the walls.
Art is personal. It's about what you love and what you're drawn to.
That's why artwork can serve well as the foundation for deciding the colors and textures for the rest of your room.
Art doesn't just mean paintings. It can also mean photos and sculptures.
Perhaps you have a collection you'd like to show off or an important document that needs a frame.
Choose pieces that make you happy and fit your style.
If you already have a piece of art that you love, bring it into our furniture store, and we'll be glad to help you choose complementary items.
2. Reflect On Your Space With Mirrors
Mirrors can be a fabulous accessory for any room in your home.
Mirrors can serve as art, reflect light, and make a room feel bigger and brighter. This is especially important in Alaska during the winter.
A mirror can be a lifesaver in a dark corner or an entryway, serve as a focal point for a room, or add depth and dimension by having your mirror reflect something else.
Mirrors are also functional. Place one in your hallway or foyer to check yourself out before heading out.
These days, there are so many styles to choose from, with different frames and shapes.
Pick one that fits your space and adds a bit of sparkle. You may be surprised at what a single mirror can do for your Alaska interior design.
3. Light Up Your Life
Lamps are often overlooked in interior design, but they're an accessory that can significantly impact your space.
The right lamp can tie a color scheme together, make a reading spot more enjoyable, and enhance the decor or architecture of your space.
Think about getting lamps that can do different things.
Is there any area you'd like to read in? Look for a lamp with a dimmer switch so you can adjust the light throughout different times of the year.
The size of the lamp matters, too. It should work with the scale of the furniture and/or the table it's on. You don't want a tiny lamp on a big table or a huge lamp on a small one. Also, make sure the lamp fits the colors in your room.
4. Get a Hug With a Rug
Next up, rugs!
The first thing you should ask yourself when purchasing an area rug as an accessory is whether you want the rug to be the star of the room or just a quiet background piece.
If you want something to star in your room, choose a rug like you would choose artwork — and then design the room around it.
Consider neutral colors like beige or gray if you need something to blend into the background.
A rug can add texture and make your furniture placement look intentional.
It’s like giving your room a warm hug. Plus, it can be a great way to add color or pattern to an Alaska interior design without going overboard.
5. Throw Some Ideas Around
When it comes to accessorizing, think of throws and pillows as the icing on the cake.
Pillows and throws aren't something that can anchor an interior design plan — instead, they should complement and highlight the colors in your furniture, artwork, or rug.
They help add texture and make the room feel cozy. You can use them to blend with existing colors or to add a pop of contrast.
Pillows and throws are also easy to change!
Swap out the pillows and throws if you want to give your room a quick makeover. It's a simple way to keep your space looking fresh and updated.
6. Go Evergeen With Trees and Florals
Not everyone has a green thumb, and that's okay! Preserved trees and florals are a great way to add greenery to your Anchorage interior design without the hassle of keeping plants alive.
Remember, less is more. Think of your space as an oasis, not a jungle. A few well-placed green pieces can make a significant impact.
Using an odd number of arrangements helps to make plants and florals look more natural and balanced.
And do just what is necessary; you want to add a touch of green without making your room look crowded.
Bonus Tips: Accessorizing Made Easy
Okay, so we've discussed the big six, but let's explore some additional tips to make accessorizing even easier.
1. Start Small
If you're new to accessorizing, start small. Pick one or two areas to focus on, like a coffee table or a shelf. Add a few accessories and see how they look. You can always add more later.
We have tons of options here in our Anchorage furniture store to help you get going!
2. Mix and Match
Don't be afraid to mix different styles and textures. A modern lamp can look great next to a vintage rug.
Mixing old and new, shiny and matte, can create a unique and exciting look.
3. Think About Function
Accessories should look good, but they should also be useful. For example, a pretty bowl on your entryway table can hold your keys and mail. A stylish basket can store blankets or magazines.
Consider how you use your space and choose accessories that make it work better.
4. Use What You Love
Your home should reflect your personality. Use accessories that mean something to you. Maybe it's a souvenir from a trip, a piece of art from a local Alaskan artist, or a family heirloom.
These personal touches make your space feel special and uniquely yours.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Edit
Sometimes, less is more. If your space feels cluttered, take a step back and look at what you can remove.
Editing is key to finding the right balance. It's okay to change things up and try different arrangements until it feels just right.
6. Get Some Help
Feel free to ask for help if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
Bring pictures of your space to Furniture Classics, and we'll help you find the perfect accessories to bring your personal style to life.
Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can see things you might have missed.
By following these tips, you can successfully accessorize your home and create a welcoming, stylish environment.
Remember, it's all about adding richness, culture, texture, and personality to your space. Start with what you love, keep it simple, and have fun with it.
Are you ready to get accessorizing? We have hundreds of items to bring your Alaska interior design to life.
Visit our showroom and shop in our no-pressure environment until you find the perfect item for your walls, even if you don’t hand-carve it. 😉
