Updated March 21st, 2025

If there’s one thing that makes me a little crazy, it’s clutter! When decorating your home, it’s important to remember this. Do your accessories bring you more stress than joy? If you answered yes, it might indicate that you have too many. Too many decorative items can make your space feel cluttered instead of cozy. 

I have five simple tips to share with you, plus some bonus content at the end of this post!

*some affiliate links used, see my disclosure

Are Your Accessories Giving You Anxiety?

When decorating a home, I want to bring in accessories that either complement the space and/or have meaning to the homeowner. Accessories such as a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter can even be functional. The key is only to use what you need and love, not just fill the space.

I love it when I find something on vacation that I can bring into my home. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of that vacation and the memories I made there.

Tip 1 – Use Odd Numbers

Use an odd number of accessories – 1, 3, 5, or 7. This is most pleasing to the eye. In fact, use fewer, larger items rather than a bunch of small ones or else it will start to look like clutter.

Tip 2 – Use a Tray

Use a tray to corral your accessories. This is especially helpful on a coffee table or ottoman or console table. Want to hide the TV remotes or anything slightly unsightly? Use a decorative box on your coffee table.

Tip 3 – Variety

Incorporate a variety of colors, shapes, textures, sizes, & materials. Think about having contrast to keep it interesting. If you’re attracted to shiny objects, then you need to pair those with something with some texture of a different material.

Tip 4 – Plants!

Always have a plant! Real or faux, you need some type of greenery to bring some life into the room.

Tip 5 – Change It Up

Move things around and just keep playing with it until you like it. Sometimes I’ll style a shelf or table and come back later to change something. These things aren’t permanent, and if you aren’t loving something, don’t be afraid to toss it or put it away for another season.

In the end, some people like more, some people like less. You do what you love, but if your accessories are giving you anxiety, then it might be time to pare it down or just buy some new ones!

If you really need help with accessorizing your home, then check out our Designer for a Day service and how it works where I walk you through my process and how I can help you!

Ready for the Bonus? I’ve rounded up my latest favorites from the Threshold with Studio McGee collection available at Target! Happy Shopping!

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