The 2 Most Overlooked Decorating Accessories

Accessories complete a room much like a statement necklace completes an outfit. Often, when designing a space, we focus on big-ticket items like furniture, wall colors, and lighting, while overlooking the smaller details that make a significant impact. Emily Ware, a talented designer at Penny Mustard, emphasizes the importance of accessories in finishing a space. According to Ware, two of the most impactful yet often overlooked decorating accessories are rugs and wall sculptures. These elements add texture, color, and depth, allowing you to express your personal style and bring a room’s design together.

Rugs: The Foundation of a Room's Design

Rugs are more than just floor coverings; they establish the foundation of a room’s design. When strategically placed, rugs can define areas, add warmth, and bring a cohesive look to a space. Ware explains, “I think people often overlook the impact rugs can have on a room. They don’t realize how much a good rug can transform the overall feel of a space.” For example, a high-quality rug like the Azalea Rug from Surya can create a cozy seating area in a large living space, helping to delineate the room and make it feel more intimate.

Ware is a fan of layering rugs to add dimension and visual interest. She suggests starting with a larger rug in a neutral color as the base—perhaps a 10x15 in a solid or tonal pattern. Then, place a smaller, patterned rug, such as the Serapi Rug, on top. Layering allows you to mix textures, like a plush wool rug with a flat-weave one, which adds a tactile contrast that’s both visually engaging and cozy underfoot.

Layered rugs not only bring warmth and softness but also allow you to experiment with colors and patterns without committing to bold designs on larger pieces of furniture. By incorporating a layered rug, you can enhance your living space and add a touch of personality, creating a stylish living area that feels complete.

Practical and Stylish: Anchoring Furniture with Rugs

Rugs can anchor larger pieces of furniture, making them a cost-effective way to enhance the look of investment pieces like a neutral sofa or an accent chair. Placing a rug beneath key furniture pieces helps tie the elements together, establishing a focal point and creating the illusion of a larger floor space. Emily notes that layering rugs under a coffee table or arranging them around a sectional sofa can bring out different design aspects of your room furniture, adding both texture and color.

Additionally, using rugs in smaller areas, such as under a dining table, can help define the dining area in an open-concept home. A rug with a bold pattern, like the Serapi Rug, can also complement neutral colors found in your existing decor, adding a pop of color and warmth to your small home or apartment. With options like these, multi-functional furniture and accessories create spaces that are both visually appealing and practical.

Wall Sculptures: Adding Depth and Personality

When it comes to wall decor, wall sculptures are a fantastic way to add depth and interest. Unlike flat wall art, sculptures offer three-dimensional elements that draw the eye, becoming conversation pieces within a room. Ware shares, “I’ve recently become obsessed with wall sculptures. They’re more than just framed pieces; they add texture and dimension to a room, enhancing the overall feel of the space.” Wall sculptures, such as cast iron pieces, offer a unique opportunity to incorporate natural materials into your home.

Cast iron wall sculptures, like the ones Ware admires, provide a touch of industrial style while adding warmth and character. For example, the UT14483 Wall Mirror not only reflects light but also adds a metallic element that brings dimension to a space. Whether your style is modern or traditional, wall sculptures can blend seamlessly with other decorative items in your living space, adding a touch of personal style.

Creating a Statement with Wall Sculptures

Wall sculptures don’t just decorate your walls; they add character and a sense of individuality. Ware’s current favorite is a cast iron sculpture of men skydiving off a wall—each piece weighs around 10 to 12 pounds, making it a striking addition to any room. Ware recounts, “A customer bought several of these and said she was going to make them part of her bathroom decor. Her theme? ‘Raining Men’!” This playful approach to interior design shows how wall sculptures can infuse personality into any space.

By choosing wall sculptures that resonate with your style, you can create a focal point in your room that captures attention without overpowering other design elements. Whether you prefer abstract forms or detailed representations, wall sculptures allow you to make a statement while adding depth and dimension to your decor.

Elevating Your Space with Thoughtful Accessories

Incorporating rugs and wall sculptures into your decor is an effective way to complete your interior design. These often-overlooked accessories have the power to elevate the style and functionality of your home. Whether you’re layering rugs to add warmth or arranging wall sculptures to create visual interest, these accessories allow you to personalize your space and make it uniquely yours.

At Penny Mustard, our designers are here to help you discover the best ways to incorporate accessories into your decor. Whether you’re looking to define your living area with a bold rug or bring an artistic flair to your walls with a unique sculpture, our team can assist you in selecting pieces that add style and purpose to your home. Visit us today to explore our curated selection of quality rugs, wall sculptures, and more.