How to Accessorize Your Home
By Nate Berkus
![Nate and Oprah Nate and Oprah](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20031111/home_20031111_access_01_350.jpg)
According to decorator Nate Berkus, many people stop decorating before dealing with the most important part: accessorizing. Dressers, bookshelves, and mantles all become more beautiful with a bit of attention.
![Dresser Dresser](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20031111/home_20031111_access_02_350.jpg)
Dress up your dresser! Using two matching lamps creates balance and symmetry. Candles in reflective glass add a romantic glow—just be sure that you don't mix scents!
![Dresser Dresser](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20031111/home_20031111_access_03_350.jpg)
Don't leave your lotions and potions on your dresser; face cream just doesn't pass as décor! Instead, keep what you need nearby, but hidden. Pretty boxes and baskets keep trinkets and treats out of sight.
![Bookcase Bookcase](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20031111/home_20031111_access_04_350.jpg)
Unless you have a library, don't fill your bookshelves entirely with books. Instead, break the books up with interesting items. Try objects from your travels, mismatched picture frames, or a collection of something you love.
![Fireplace Fireplace](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20031111/home_20031111_access_05_350.jpg)
Nate isn't a fan of keeping family photographs on the fireplace mantle. Instead, he likes to hang a large mirror and flank it with ivory candles. They look beautiful and elegant inside clear glass vases.
![Candles Candles](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20031111/home_20031111_access_06_350.jpg)
Nate likes to bring some nature into the home. He suggests anchoring
candles into a glass vase filled with sand or rocks (depending on the season).
It's a subtle but effective way to update your room's look.
Published 01/01/2006