TIPS ON ACCESSORIZING
Here are some basic guidelines:

1. Make sure your accessories are in scale with the table they'll be sitting on. Small objects on a large table seem to be floating into space. Begin with a large piece (lamp or sculture) and stair-step down to the smallest item. Your eye is then led from the tallest piece to the smallest and eventually rests on the table itself.

2. If using items that are exactly alike, such as candlesticks or figurines, be sure to adjust the height of one. This can be done with a decorative box or books.

3. Mix the texture of the items as well. By using objects with the same color or within the same color family they stay united and you add interest by changing the texture. Mix bronze, leather, porcelain or glass for a pleasing combination.

4. Use odd numbers of items. Remember that "Less is More". Unless you are displaying a sizable collection within a display case, 3-5 items is plenty. Too much just looks cluttered.

5. Cluster items by theme. Family vacation momentos, baby pictures, etc. Favorite objects add personality and flair to the room.

6. When displaying photos, use all color or all black and white. It loses the impact when they are combined. Use frames made from the same materials. They don't need to match. All wood, metal, red or black helps to ground the display and draw attention to it. Another trick is to use the same matting for all the pictures.

7. When filling a display case put the largest pieces in back and smallest in front, varying heights throughout. Group like pieces together but be sure to add something of contrast that somehow relates to the other pieces for interest.

8. Just as you should vary heights and textures you also want to think about shape. Putting all things round together and all things tall together lacks visual interest.

9. Make sure you add plenty of greenery. Real or fake doesn't matter. Both make the room feel alive and add a necessary jolt of life to the room.

10. Try to think outside the box. Come up with unique ways to use everyday things. Use a pitcher for a flowerpot or utensil holder in the kitchen. A drawer could be hung on the wall and make an intersting shelf. A decorative ladder hung on the wall could display quilts or hold towels in the bathroom.

11. If your furniture is light in color use bright, bold accessories to add some spark. If you have bold furniture, use less demanding accessories to help tone things down a bit.

12. Remember, your accessories tell a story. Use those things you love and admire. Don't just fill up your room with stuff. Make it special, make it you!

SPACE PLANNING
Here are some tips to help you when deciding where to place the furniture in your room.

* Focal Point-The first step in any room is establishing the focal point. This helps to pull people into the room and should be apparant immediately upon entry.

* Anchor the primary seating arrangement-The primary seating arrangement should surround the focal point and be anchored by an area rug, coffee table, ottoman, etc.

* Balance- Working outward from this primary arrangement and your focal point begin to fill in the room, being sure to balance the room as if weighing it on a scale. Remember darker colors, busier patterns and bright colors all carry more weight than their counterparts.

*Watch the traffic flow- Every room has a natural flow of traffic. Be sure you leave enough unobstructed area for safe passage within the major trafficways (36-48").

*Use wasted space and corners- Utilize this space. Soften hard angles with greenery. Turn unused corners into secondary seating arrangements and work areas.

*Lighting- Overhead lighting is not enough. Be sure you add plenty of task and accent lighting.