For those who wish to go against the grain in their décor, or even those who prefer being on-trend but still want a conversation starter that guests have probably never seen before, it can be tempting to go a little over the top. However, when it comes to choosing a statement piece for your home, unique doesn’t have to mean out there. Subtlety is key to choosing a décor item that will stand out amongst your other decorations.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a special conversation or statement piece, and how having one piece of décor can change a room.
If everything is a statement piece, then nothing is
One trap many people fall into is going overboard with the conversation pieces. While a few well-placed products can add flavor and personality to your space, having too many loses the effect. One brightly colored piece of artwork or unique decor piece will garner immediate attention, but if you have several walls full of similar piece, they will all fade into their surroundings and will probably go unnoticed. Be selective with your special décor items. Choose those that bring you joy or inspire you in some way, and let it stand on its own. If it’s truly a special piece, then it won’t need help drawing eyes.
Simple doesn’t always mean boring
You don’t have to choose something especially ornate or colorful to make an impact. In some cases, choosing something that is simple but elegant will actually garner more focus than something that is more vibrant, especially if your décor is already on the modern side. What makes a statement piece special is its uniqueness, and how well it stands out against surrounding items. Even a well-placed map or photograph can be a statement item if it is opposite the other décor in which they are placed.
Give it space to shine
You don’t have to give your statement décor piece a table all its own, but you will want to make sure you’re putting it an area where it’s noticeable. If it’s a small item, you won’t want to place it directly next to something very large. If it’s a neutral color, then you’ll want to pair it next to something that won’t overshadow it. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t combine sizes, textures, and colors but it does mean that you want to spread your items so that the ones you want to be seen first and foremost are in a prominent location. If it’s a dining room, for instance, then place it on the dining table vs a sideboard. If it’s the living room, place it on the coffee table vs end tables. By placing your most valued items in a place of prominence, they will set the tone for the entire space.
Design a theme around the item
One way to use a décor piece to change up a room is to use it for your inspiration in choosing the remaining elements of the room. This can be done by choosing an item based on theme (artwork, nautical, floral, travel, etc…), by color, or by another identifying feature. Continue with this theme throughout the room, with other items being used to draw attention or, or complement the piece you wish to feature.
Make sure it means something
While you may find a dozen or more décor items that are you like or that you think are visually appealing, that isn’t enough to make them your stand-out piece. If a single décor item is going to carry the room, then it should be something that reflects your personality or makes a statement. It should make you feel something when you look it. You should also be able to explain why you love or start a conversation about it if someone were to visit and ask you about it. If it isn’t something that means something to you, then it’s not important enough to be given such a prominent position in your home.
Think outside the box
You aren’t limited to home décor and department stores when it comes time to choose your statement piece. In fact, these are often the worst places to find something truly unique, since they are most apt to carry things that are on-trend and in a similar style. It’s perfectly acceptable to choose something that might not traditionally be use as a focal point within a room, such as a book or gadget. Anything that makes you feel happy and “at home” is worthy enough to be placed out for everyone to see.
Don’t be afraid to make changes
Take a step back and try to view your room from the viewpoint of an outsider. What items jump out at you? Don’t be afraid to move things around, or to swap out items that don’t jive well with others that are more in keeping with the look and feel you are trying to achieve. Your statement pieces should be the first things that capture the eye, and they should tie the room together while evoking whatever feeling or emotion you are trying to convey.