Accents in interior design

As a designer, I am often asked where to start when choosing a style and how to determine the environment that meets my tastes. There are no universal approaches, and many designs are eclectic. But in every interior, there is a main concept; these are accents.

Accents are what sets one design apart from another. There is a forward and reverse path in creating accents. Sometimes the accent is the whole design itself, but sometimes one object changes the entire environment and, in turn, it becomes the central point of the design.

Of course, to work out the stylistic unity, you will have to make efforts to fit each item into the design. This is not always possible immediately. The easiest way to build accents is around one of the design items, which can be a table, a fireplace, a sofa, or a painting. The choice of accent depends on your preferences and the overall concept of the space.

So, if you choose a sofa in a bright colour, it can become the main element around which you will build the rest of the design. It is important to consider not only the colour but also the texture, shape and material. These characteristics may be combined with other elements to create a harmonious space.

It is also worth thinking about the context: how the space will be used, who will fill it, what emotions do you want to evoke in people. Warm and soft textures will create a pleasant atmosphere, while strict lines and cold surfaces can emphasise a style of minimalism and modernity.

Don’t forget about balance and proportions. Accents can be both large and small, but they must be tensioned by other elements. If you choose a massive sculpture in the centre of the room, then light and airy elements, such as light curtains or fragile decorative items, will help balance the visual load.

Of course, also consider lighting. It plays an important part in the perception of accents. Proper lighting emphasises textures and colours, making accents more noticeable and engaging. Use different light sources to create multilayers so that each element looks at its best

Ultimately, the process of choosing accents and constructing a space is a creative journey. Do experiment, combine different styles and elements to reflect your personality and create comfortable living.