Make A Statement!

by Carriann Johnson - Interior Designer, TV personality

Accent items, focal points, statement pieces…whatever you want to call them; one thing they are NOT is mundane or boring! I’m talking about that one “stand-out” item in your space that says, “check me out!” It visually grabs your eye and holds your gaze. I believe every space needs one to communicate high design, compliment the style of the space in a special way, and save the space from being ordinary. Statement pieces can be anything from an original piece of artwork, a unique coffee table, an extraordinary side chair/sofa/rug, or even a decor item. A sculpture or rare piece of furniture can compliment your room’s style in an extraordinary way.

A favorite piece in my own collection is a saguaro cactus. I purchased the plant remnant on a whim at an outdoor market in Denver, nearly 15 years ago. It’s rare, unique, and adds both an element of texture and originality to my very rustic space. Now most people who see it say, “What is that? It’s so cool!” Some of my favorite places to find statement pieces are local art festivals, boutique stores, tourist towns, or online.

I caution you to not select a focal point item because it’s super weird or obtrusive. It should compliment the style of the existing space, not be an eyesore. For instance, if your style is ultra modern, don’t add a traditional Queen Anne-style table as your accent item.

When you’ve found that one unique item, make sure it’s displayed close to the center of your space and not off in a corner or a poorly lit area. If your statement piece is an oversized piece of artwork, downplay any other art items in the room, so as not to detract from the importance of the statement piece. If you choose a wild rug with bold patterns, there shouldn’t be other bold patterns in the space. Let the rug stand alone, so it doesn’t compete with other objects. This way, the rug will make the statement you are looking for. It also gives your eye a place to rest.

When in doubt, less is more. I’ve seen homes where there are too many statement pieces. My attention goes from one focal point to the other, only to reduce the importance of all the pieces. This can also make a space feel more like a museum and less like a well designed, personal space. Keep it simple and happy designing!

P.S. If you’re out of ideas, consider hiring a local designer to help you bring your home’s personality to life.

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