In design, everything is personal. When I begin work on a project, it’s only after several discussions with our client about how they live, their lifestyle, and their family that I begin the design process. We talk about their overall wishes before I give attention to the details of palettes, fabrics, and existing collections of design elements.
However, once the walls are blanketed in a chic color or a dynamic pattern, furniture is in place, and fabrics are stretched over upholstery silhouettes, it’s time to add personalization to the home and accessories. I want the accessories to be as beloved and used as much as the custom trim stitched to a drapery panel or the bespoke area rug with an exquisite one-of-a-kind design that was woven just for them.
I don’t need to look far to add personalization to home accessories. Mark & Graham is the emporium for all things personal. Whether it’s wicker coasters and silver trays, colorful ceramic catchall trays, or buttery leather pouches and handbags, Mark & Graham etches, engraves, embosses, and screens whatever we may want to say.
In my own entry, a console table clad in mother-of-pearl rises to meet a framed abstract painting that I’ve hung on the dramatic lacquered grass-cloth wall. With so many happy colors in the artwork, I knew it was a perfect spot to display bunches of flowers that repeat those spirited hues. I turned to Mark & Graham’s series of dipped ceramic vases. The vases, in varying heights, were an opportunity to etch my monogram. Notice that I didn’t settle for just one font style. Like the coordinating but unmatched patterns and furniture that I choose for a room, the accessories each have their own personalities accentuated with different font styles. Because I believe that design is often elevated by moments of glam, I mixed the vases with a gold finish along with ceramic dipped pieces in my display. To offset the nubby texture of a gilded vase from the ARI shop, I placed a sleek and shiny Mark & Graham cylinder-style vessel that subtly notes my initials.
Also, do not forget when personalizing accessories for your home that you don’t have to stop at your monogram. Different rooms and types of accessories could call for different words. In the laundry room stitch Ready to Fold or Missing a Mate onto the basket liners. At the bar, have Bourbon or Scotch or Vodka etched into glass decanters so mixing your next cocktail is a cinch. And on the road, words like Cosmetics or Chargers on travel bags will keep all those little must-haves corralled and organized beautifully.
Pour a glass of your favorite beverage, grab your tablet or laptop, and kick up your feet. Start perusing the enormous selection on the Mark & Graham, and I promise your design can be yours top to bottom.
