Custom Touches for Accessories

One of the best ways to make accessories look extraordinary is with embellishments.

The unexpected adds interest.

This tassel adds a nice touch
to the antique credenza

The tassel on the closure and the
vintage doilie add to character of this metal box

This tassel was made from drapery trim
and an empty thread spool was used for the
core.  The trim was attached with
a heavy tacky glue

This small lamp makes a big statement
because of the finial and trim.

Door knobs- add a tassel

Tassels dress up guest towels

Beaded trim complimenting the lamp
shade adds a nice finishing touch.

Hang tassels from the lamp switch for interest.

These two sconces were simple, inexpensive brass sconces.  I added a bobeche to each.  The top picture has a cut glass votive holder on top of the bobeche.



The sconce below has a glass shade, meant for a light fixture, glued on top of the bobeche.  I use the battery operated votive candles in these sconces for safety.




Note:  A bobeche is a little "dish", usually glass, with a hole in the center for a candle that sits on top of the candle holder.  They are used to catch melted candle wax.  Some are formal, some are simple.  Used creatively, they can make a basic candle holder into something very special.

Crystals add an elegant touch to the sconces above and the lamp below.  They add a nice touch to a formal room.

The style in my living room and dining room is very formal, but these ideas can be used in transitional or contemporary settings if the embellishments have the appropriate finishes.  Look around your rooms and see what you can do to give things a fresh look.  A little goes a long way.