8-19-2025 11:18am

Accessories For Your Home

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR HOME

At 60 and beyond, you're most likely spending more time at home. So, why not add some interesting accessories to your interiors. I have always loved the concept of home. Home is where the heart is. Home is where we are nurtured, feel safe, and grow up. Home is where we come from.

I am in the process of building a website for my new venture, Personal Shopper for Interior Decorating Accessories. I'm for hire! After graduating college, I moved to New York City and continued my education by taking courses at The New School and FIT in Interior Design. I enjoyed it, and I did well. But I just wasn't sure that's what I wanted to do as a career. So, I stopped. But I always loved decorating. Home decorating has become my hobby. My website is at www.skylarklive.org. It's a work in progress, and I will add a Gallery soon.

Accessories for the home make us feel better. When we bring personal items into our home, we create an environment that reflects our personal style. This is how we can create a home that is unique and inviting. Accessories can be anything from a tea cup found at a yard sale to an heirloom that has been passed down throughout our family. Accessories have personal meaning and can adorn our home in a special way.

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's how to achieve this:

1. Respect the era and highlight architectural features

If you live in a historic home, 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.
Look for pieces like antique armchairs, Victorian settees, or Mid-Century Modern sideboards, says Edge Realty.
Mix and match pieces from different eras for a curated, layered look.
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.

3. Play with period-appropriate fabrics and patterns

Choose textiles that evoke the style of your home's era, suggests Edge Realty.
Consider luxurious materials like silk, velvet, or damask for upholstery, bedding, or draperies.
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.

4. Integrate antique-looking artifacts and collectibles

Display items that have sentimental value or tell a story, like family heirlooms or souvenirs from travels.
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.

Historical pieces are not the only thing that make a home unique. I source items from many different places including yard sales, on the street (I can't tell you how many amazing things are in my home that were out at someone's garbage), antique shops, vintage stores, warehouses, and things people give me.

Bringing the outside inside can add texture, color, and an interesting twist to your interior living space. Bark, rocks, branches, and of course, flowers, add so much beauty to a room.

Whatever accessories you choose for your home, they will reflect your unique style. You will enjoy spending time in your home and gazing upon your personally selected items that bring you comfort and joy. Happy decorating!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

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

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

The pick of the week is the Port Jefferson/Bridgeport Ferry. For just about an hour, you can take a hop across the Long Island Sound and avoid the Cross Island and the Throgs Neck Bridge. It's such an easy way to travel. Be sure to book ahead of time at https://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 ACCESSORIES 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.

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

HOW TO SUPPORT ME

Patreon - This is where you can financially support my brand. It enables me to write my newsletters and create my vlogs to share with you. Just click the link to contribute: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

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

Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti!