Dress your home for fall with texture-rich accessories

Are you a fan of midcentury modern? Drawn to classic elegance? Do the handcrafts of global decor grab you?

There was an era when experts said to pick just one style, but now we can mix and match or go all in. Each season brings updated versions of successful pieces plus an interesting array of new looks.

This fall’s no exception.

“Keep an eye out for versatile accent pieces, the kind that can work in a myriad of places, and consider material and color combinations,” says Beth Kushnick, set decorator for CBS’ “The Good Wife.” “These are some of the easiest ways to refresh any space, and there’s a ton of stylish options out right now at a range of price points.”

After her sophisticated sets drew an online following, Kushnick created her own furnishings line, which debuts this fall.

She says fall 2014 is about finding pieces that provide maximum impact without a lot of effort.

Some themes this season:

Touch of fall

“Look for texture-rich accessories – like a box with stone inlay or a wooden sculpture – that add an element of nature to your space. Mix in a variety of metals to add a sense of luxury,” Kushnick says.

Says Los Angeles-based designer Trip Haenisch: “I’m seeing a lot of fabrics with luxe textures this season. Linen velvets and woven fabrics are really in. You can quickly and inexpensively incorporate texture into your space through the use of pillows and throws.”

At fall previews, retailers were showing soft throws shot through with metallic threads or embroidered with subtle sequins. Rose gold is the ingenue on the metallics stage; its soft, pink-tinged finish looks new, and you’ll see it in tabletop accessories, lamps and even silverware.

Warm brass continues to play a big role, trimming tables, embedded in wooden trays, formed into curvy or linear vases and lamps. It picks up the midcentury vibe but suits traditional spaces, too. Chrome and acrylic hit contemporary high notes.

On ceramics, you’ll find reactive and dip glazes and more matte finishes than ever before.

Mercury glass, a decor darling for the past few seasons, gets a few tweaks with etched patterns and added color.

Light it up

High-end lighting design has found its way into the midrange market, which means pricier styles at mass-market retailers.

Look for shades with crisp geometrics, nubby textures and crewel-work patterns to update lamps for not much money.

Pierced metal is showing up in many accents, including lighting. Milky glass pendants look country-modern. You’ll also find matte-finish shades with foil interiors that catch light dramatically.

Conical, brushed-aluminum sconces and pendants have space-age style. And for a luxe look, think about acrylic and crystal lamps.

Color corner

Play with color, Kushnick urges.

“There are some gorgeous grays and subtle greens out this fall, and 2014’s radiant orchid and coral add a lush pop almost anywhere,” she says. “You can make a big splash just by updating a wall color or bringing in a few vibrant accent pieces.”

You’ll also see carrot, purple, lemongrass, ocher, clove, molasses and olive in throw pillows, bedding and upholstery. Homegoods has a butterscotch leather ottoman, a pretty pink side chair and a pea-green accent table in its fall collections (www.homegoods.com).

Pattern play

Ombre, tile, ziggurat, cinquefoil and filigree patterns grace lampshades, rugs and drapery. Naive woodland motifs and ’70s-era kitchen prints dress wall art and napery. The newest geometrics and traditional prints are overscale.

Kushnick is enjoying wallpaper’s comeback. “The new temporary wallpapers are a great option for apartment dwellers,” she says. Chasing Paper has hip versions of geometrics, animal prints and florals (www.chasingpaper.com). And big, bold geometrics highlight Tampa-based designer Given Campbell’s Andover collection (www.givencampbell.com).

Style signposts

After a few seasons in a supporting role, midcentury modern takes the lead this fall and winter. Accent chairs are armless or lower-profile, and furniture has either a California-chic or Danish-modern vibe.

Upholstered furniture gets its shirt tucked in. No more slouchy, sloppy slipcovers – the newest pieces tend toward trim and tight but in comfier, softer fabrics.

We’re seeing a lot of side and coffee tables with metal legs. West Elm’s Waldorf coffee table is a slim rosewood slab perched on skinny brass legs.

You’ll see faceted pieces across the accessory spectrum, in mirrors, containers and trays.

Pop culture from the ’70s and ’80s shows up in vibrant retro-print pillows, furniture and accents.

Global tribal motifs maintain a powerful presence, with India, the Americas and Africa strongly represented. World Market has a collection of well-priced round, carved tribal tables.

In bedding, drapery, rug and upholstery fabrics, look for more new woodblock, paisley and medallion prints.

Accessories such as carved animals, woven art, sculpted paper and ceramic vases, and ironwork and glass items draw from distant cultures.

Vintage-style globes, steamer trunks, map art and travel advertising continue to interest home decorators. There’s herringbone, tweed, plaid, Fair Isle knit patterns and lots of new takes on faux fur – Nordic and Danish designs in textiles as well as kitchen and dining items.

The rustic romantic look also has staying power, with outdoorsy pursuits informing everything from art to dishware. American Indian motifs have graphic style.

Look for feathers, camper vans, arrows, foxes and trees, and expect this look to be represented in holiday decor as well.

This story was originally published October 10, 2014 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Dress your home for fall with texture-rich accessories."