Designer Secrets: How to Accessorize Like a Pro

Timeless style is in the details—here’s how to get it right. When it comes to designing a beautiful room, it’s often the accessories that bring everything to life. A well-placed sculpture, a pair of elegant vases, or a burst of greenery can add layers of interest, warmth, and personality. At Patrick Day Home Gallery, we carry a curated collection of accessories that elevate any space with texture, form, and style. Whether you're refreshing a room or pulling the final look together, our design team is sharing eight tried-and-true tips to accessorize with intention.

1. Style Your Coffee Table with Layers

A coffee table is more than just a surface—it's an opportunity to showcase your style. The key to styling it like a designer? Layering. Mix heights, textures, and finishes for a collected look. Start with a tray to anchor your arrangement, then add books, decorative objects, and a touch of greenery.

Designer Tip: Always include at least one visually dynamic item to create visual interest from all angles.

2. Bring Life to Your Space with Botanicals

No room feels complete without a natural element. We love using permanent botanicals—they’re incredibly lifelike and effortlessly add softness and texture to any space. They're especially well-suited for South Florida living, offering lasting beauty without the upkeep. Use them to warm up hard surfaces or bring height to an empty corner.

Designer Tip: Use oversized botanicals in minimalist containers for a modern, clean look.

3. Accent with Pillows (and Use Them with Purpose)

Pillows are the easiest way to change the mood of a room. From color to texture to proportion, they can transform a neutral sofa or bedding into a dynamic focal point. Think in terms of odd numbers and layer solids with subtle patterns or embroidery.

Designer Tip: Use accessories like table lamps or art to pull a color from your pillow palette to another area of the room.

4. Double Up: The Power of Pairs

There’s a reason designers rely on pairs—they create visual balance and a sense of calm. A matching set of lamps, vases, or framed art can add symmetry and structure to a space, especially when flanking a console or anchoring a bed.

But pairing doesn’t always mean identical. In more casual or eclectic rooms, try grouping two pieces that share a similar scale or tone but differ slightly in shape, finish, or texture. The result is cohesive, but with a touch of contrast that feels curated—not cookie-cutter.

Designer Tip: Use symmetry for structure, and near-matching pieces when you want balance with a little personality.

5. Light It Right: Functional + Decorative Lighting

Lighting doesn’t just illuminate—it accentuates. A thoughtfully chosen lamp or sconce can highlight textures, bring warmth to a corner, or balance a vignette.

Designer Tip: Use lighting as a visually dynamic element in your accessory plan. Look for bases and shades that tie into your room’s palette or material story.

6. Create a Focal Point

Every room needs a visual anchor. Whether it's a dramatic vase, an oversized bowl, or a standout piece with presence, focal accessories help define a space and guide the eye.

Designer Tip: Use contrast—like placing a bold item on a soft or neutral surface—to naturally draw attention.

7. Personalize with Purpose

Accessories should feel curated, not cluttered. Incorporate meaningful objects like books, small framed artwork, or collected pieces that reflect your personality or travels.

Designer Tip: Group similar items (like small boxes or glass accents) together for more impact rather than scattering them around the room.

8. Embrace Negative Space

More isn’t always better. Giving objects room to breathe can make each piece feel intentional and important. Don’t feel the need to fill every surface.

Designer Tip: Leave open areas between items or along the edges of tables and shelves to keep the eye moving and the space feeling fresh.

Visit Us to See the Full Collection

These beautiful accessories are available now at Patrick Day Home Gallery in Jupiter. Whether you’re working on a full-room redesign or just need the perfect finishing touch, we’re here to help.

We invite you to stop by, browse our new arrivals, and chat with our designers about how to bring your space to life.