8-19-2025 11:18am

Accessorizing Your Home

Christine Larkin Editor

Flowers from my Garden

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - ACCESSORIZING YOUR HOME

At 60 and beyond, you're most likely spending more time at home. Accessorizing your home can create an environment of peace and tranquility as you surround yourself with the things you love most. Home is where we come from. Home is where we begin. Home is where we live.

After graduating college in the late 70's, I moved to New York City and continued my education by taking courses at The New School in Interior Design. I enjoyed it, and I did well. But I just wasn't sure that's what I wanted to do for a career at the time, so, I stopped studying and began working at a design firm to learn the business. I loved being around creative people. This kept my finger on the pulse and where my love of design was nourished. I eventually went back to school and write on a variety of topics including interior decorating.

Decorating has always been one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy learning current trends and reading magazines about the industry. Two of my favorite websites are www.homeworthy.com and www.businessofhome.com. These are excellent resources that feature video tours of homes around the world, podcasts, and ideas and current trends on design and decor. There are also interviews and in-depth articles featuring top designers in the business.

I've started a new venture as a Personal Shopper for Interior Decorating Accessories. I'm for hire! Visit my website at www.skylarklive.org and get in touch. I've come full circle.

Accessories for the home make us feel better. When we bring personal items into our space, we create an environment that reflects our unique style. Accessories can be anything from an ornate item found at a yard sale or at someone's curb to an heirloom that has been passed down throughout our family. It can be a certain lamp or vase that we just have to have. Facebook Marketplace is also an excellent place to shop for fabulous, one-of-a-kind pieces. Accessories have personal meaning and can adorn our home in a special way. Finding them can feel like love at first site.

Accessorizing your home with Historical Elements

Incorporating historical elements and vintage accessories into your home decor can add a sense of charm, character, and depth, creating a space that tells a story. Here are some suggestions:

1. Respect the era and highlight architectural features

If you live in a historic home, you may want to research its architectural style and design elements to ensure your decorating choices are era appropriate.
Showcase existing features like crown molding, ceiling medallions, ornate woodwork, or intricate staircases by keeping surrounding décor simple and allowing them to be the focal point.

2. Embrace vintage finds and antiques

Incorporate antique and vintage furniture or accessories that complement your home's style and period. Don't be timid.
Look for pieces like antique armchairs, Victorian settees, or Mid-Century Modern sideboards.
Mix and match pieces from different eras for a curated, layered look. This is one of my favorite things to do.
Don't be afraid to repurpose or upcycle old items. An old trunk can be a coffee table, or vintage suitcases can become side tables. These add interesting touches to a space.

3. Play with period-appropriate fabrics and patterns

Choose textiles that evoke the style of your home's era.
Consider luxurious materials like silk, velvet, or damask for upholstery, bedding, or draperies. I have a colorful shawl draped across my couch with a variety of pillows. It looks beautiful.
Incorporate patterns popular during the period, such as toile, chintz, or Art Deco-inspired designs.
Don't be afraid to mix classic patterns like stripes, plaids, and florals with modern elements for a visually interesting space. Have some fun! Be bold!

4. Integrate antique-looking artifacts and collectibles

Display items that have sentimental value or tell a story, like family heirlooms or souvenirs from travels. I love placing shells and rocks throughout my home that I've collected from beaches I've been to.
Consider creating vignettes on shelves or mantels using vintage vases, glass bowls, or figurines.
Collect and display items like antique silverware, vintage photographs, or heirloom china.
Incorporate classic artwork with ornate frames or pieces that reflect the history of your home or personal interests.
Use antique mirrors or vintage lighting fixtures to add a touch of glamour or character.

5. Blend old with new

Create a dynamic look by juxtaposing modern and antique pieces.
Pair sleek contemporary lighting with traditional furniture or mix modern art with vintage accents.
Ensure that historical elements harmonize with modern aesthetics by choosing pieces that complement, rather than clash with, contemporary styles.
Strive for a balanced and harmonious look, where old and new elements coexist without overwhelming each other.

By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, you can accessorize your home with history, creating a beautiful and comfortable space that reflects your unique taste and tells a captivating story. People love a good story.

Historical pieces are not the only things that make a home unique. Sourcing items from nature can add texture, color, and an interesting twist to your living space. Bark, rocks, branches, shells, and of course, flowers, can add so much allure to a room. These are natural beauties.

Whatever accessories you choose, they can enhance your unique style and personality. You will enjoy spending time in your home and gazing upon your personally selected items that bring you comfort, peace, joy, and excitement. What a thrill. Happy decorating!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, our home is our sanctuary away from the wilds of the world. Invite them in.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

The pick of the week is the Port Jefferson/Bridgeport Ferry if you're traveling to Connecticut. For just about an hour, you can take a hop across the Long Island Sound and avoid the Cross Island Parkway and the Throgs Neck Bridge. It's such a peaceful way to travel. Be sure to book ahead of time at www.88844ferry.com. All aboard!

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was riding this bad boy.

Support your local news!

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Keep us safe and sound in our homes. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: There's no place like home.

Italian: Non C'e Posto Come Casa

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does home mean to you?

Please put your answer in the Comment section below under my post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Rumor has it that the color of 2026 for interiors is a rich, sultry shade of vermilion called Silk Road Red that packs a major design punch. According to Veranda Magazine, this color started with a 2,200-year-old Chinese grave, a tragic young princess, and a mysterious death. Now, that's as dramatic as the color is.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - YOU'RE MY HOME by BILLY JOEL

LYRICS

When you look into my eyes
And you see the crazy gypsy in my soul
It always comes as a surprise
When I feel my withered roots begin to grow

Well I never had a place
That I could call my very own
But that's all right my love
'Cause you're my home

When you touch my weary head
And you tell me everything will be all right
You say use my body for your bed
And my love will keep you warm throughout the night

Well I'll never be a stranger
And I'll never be alone
Wherever we're together
That's my home

Home could be the Pennsylvania turnpike
Indiana's early morning dew
High up in the hills of California
Home is just another word for you

Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
But that's all right my love 'cause you're my home

If I travel all my life
And I never get stop and settle down
Long as I have you by my side
There's a roof above and good walls all around
You're my castle, you're my cabin
And my instant pleasure dome
I need you in my house
'Cause you're my home
You're my home

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My brand, Skylark Live, began when I turned 60 and noticed a profound shift. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature aging through knowledge and self-awareness. Andiamo! Let's go!

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then I introduce a new topic. My vlog is live on my YouTube channel, Skylark Live, and you can view it at any time. Just click the link to subscribe: (736) Skylark Live - YouTube

WHERE TO SUPPORT ME

Substack - Christine's Substack | Christine Larkin | Substack

Patreon - www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Social Media - Follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.