If the top of your dresser gets filled with the odds and ends of life, it's time to throw away those receipts, put away that loose change and dust off those knickknacks to reveal a more thoughtful, organized display of the things you love. With just a few simple tricks and smart buys, you can achieve a space that feels like a connected part of your bedroom and not just an afterthought. Sarah Taylor, of Taylor Design Studio in Chagrin Falls, offers advice on how to go from cluttered to chic.
BALANCING ACT
When designing the top of your dresser, think about proportions and having something fun on either side. "You can have something that is functional or decorative, symmetrical or asymmetrical," says Taylor. While the red-orbed night-light provides comfort in the night, the suitcase and airplane are there for show.
MIX MASTER
Don't be afraid to use contrasting colors and textures. Taylor paired picture frames in canary yellow and handmade house knickknacks in all three primary colors to play off the rustic style of the dresser. "If you have a medium to a darker tone on the walls, white always adds such an amazing pop," says Taylor.
ODD COUPLES
Think of styling in numbers of three or five as odd numbers appeal to the eyes. "In design a lot of things look good in threes," says Taylor. "You could use two nice lamps and do a floral base in the center, or you could use a group of three vases and have the small and medium sizes on one side then the largest one on the other." The goal is to create a neat and harmonious surface. "Sometimes less is more, so don't overdo it."
