Where do I start with accessorising??

[Chocwocdoodah]

Have recently decorated through lounge. Grey and white walls, wooden floor and grey sofa. It's a total blank canvas at the mo and I can't wait to accessorise to add colour. But I don't know where to start!

I want patterned/colourful cushions, rug and curtains but I don't want them "matchy-matchy" ie all in the same print. Can't afford to buy everything at once so I was going to choose the rug first but I'm worried I'll buy one and then struggle to find things that co-ordinate.

So what should be the "statement accessory" I get first and match everything else to? Anyone got any examples of lovely accessories brightening up a similar colour scheme?

Check Pinterest. Try grey living room with accent or pop of colour. You'll get loads of ideas. Bright pink or orange works very well, if you are bold...

I second using pinterest to get ideas. I posted a picture of my sofa on another thread yesterday and I have exactly the same colour scheme as you. I had originally planned for bright accessories as I thought grey and white might be too cold but actually I love it and have gone for very muted accent colours like cream and pale dusky pinks. I also decided to keep the most expensive things like a rug and curtains in a similar colour scheme as they are the most expensive things to replace if I get tired of an accent colour.

Also, online shopping is your friend. The week before Christmas I had so many deliveries - 4 rugs, 3 lamps, about 15 cushions - most things went back to the shop but I was able to mix and match and decide what I liked.

Thanks both. Have been on pinterest all afternoon - brilliant!

Tattie, I LOVE your pinky/purply cushions - not sure DH would go for those shades though. ....

I always start with lamps. They give the room it's mood

Also, my local TK Maxx is really good for budget accessorising.

Agree with pinterest and TV Maxx. I feel rooms need texture so for example if your sofas were a flat cotton material the fur cushions add the texture. Wood floor/shaggy rug. Purple shades go great with grey. Ligacting is vital.

Lighting is vital although ligacting is important too

I've always said you should never skimp on ligacting😉

Yes, some of my friends has bought some amazing stuff from TK Maxx recently - they're good at copying high end designs.

Great tip about textures - I've seen some great examples of rooms done in one colour but lots of different textures which really make it look inviting.

Which brands/shops do you recommend for lights, rugs etc. I've seen some lovely rugs on Wayfair but dont know much about the brand - is it decent quality?

Go on eBay for rugs. I buy all my rugs on there, the rug seller is particularly good and do great shaggy rugs very reasonably. Way fair is very overpriced Imo.
Tk max/home sense great for lighting although I've been feeling lately u can't get the bargains there anymore. Do u have a 'the range' near you? Lighting there is really good, they do lots of copies of more expensive brands but it's really well priced and quite a big selection.

I've been looking at Urbanara (online shop) lately for rugs, their prices seem reasonable but haven't ordered yet. I've got some nice rugs in the past from Anthropogie in the sales (again, online). If you want to look at some beautiful and very expensive rugs and are in London, go into the Liberty rug department on the top floor. I love looking in there :-)

If you're unsure, try buying several pieces from a reasonably priced collection online e.g. H&M home which all look good together.
Then take your time buying investment pieces like rugs & lamps

I'm googling all these suggestions - thank you! And that's a great idea about H&M!

H&M do have nice homewares. Most companies do collections, even the supermarkets so have a look online for inspiration as to the type of look you want, opulent? Minimal? Rustic etc.
Take your time, rooms and homes should evolve imo.

I have grey sofas and wood floor, and this rug www.marksandspencer.com/bohemian-brights-rug/p/p22390568?prevPage=plp&pdpredirect
I have h&m cushion covers in blues/burgundy (some patterned, some velvet) with nice feather fillers so they look more expensive than they are. I also have a few big house plants which I love- a big cheese plant and a mother in laws tongue, and some cacti.
The overall look is sort of rustic scandi I guess?

I think I want modern with some colour but cosy.

Thegirl - that sounds lovely. Is it really cheeky to ask if you are willing to post a pix or is that too outing?

I'll message you

Ah I can't seem to message a photo!

Hmmm, I'm not sure how to do that either - thank you for trying though!