HOME TRUTHS: Simple Multitasking Accessories

I love to page through the catalogs that come into our office and imagine which new items I'd choose for my apartment. But if you're anything like me, making plans to switch up your decor can induce panic. It's kind of like that children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: If I buy that new bedspread, I'll have to get new curtains. If I get new curtains, I'll need a new lampshade in a color that matches. But with the redone lighting, I'll need a new vase, throw pillows, and a table runner! To spice up your space without overhauling your entire look, here are a few accessories that can be used in multiple ways. These modular linen pin-board tiles (above) put a sophisticated spin on your classic cork bulletin board. Cluster six of the 14 X 20½-inch tiles together to create a large family organizer in a living room. If you prefer fine art over function, arrange three in a row and adorn them with family photos on a hallway wall. Or try them in the bedroom, tacked with different fabrics as a high headboard. Pottery Barn, $25 each.

Even if black and white aren't already part of your decor, this funky graphic print goes with any solid-colored upholstery or bedding you already have. Plus, it pairs well with framed black-and-white photos, like my favorite Ansel Adams print. Tuuli pillow, 18" square. Crate & Barrel, $40.

If you love lamps but hate buying new ones when you change a room's color scheme, these shades are a stylish and affordable solution. Stock up on the Skimra shade, available in 11 different colors, from vibrant red to neutral brown (not shown). Then you'll always have one on hand to fit your fancy. 13" high X 7" diameter. Ikea, $6 each.

For a pricier pick, this folding screen provides endless options for dividing large rooms into smaller, more intimate spaces. Place it in a bedroom corner to section off a private place to change, or use it in a living room to conceal a TV. The gray microfiber and nickel-nailhead trim are neutral yet rich, making the unit a versatile accessory. McMillan Screen, 81" high X 48" wide X 1½" deep. Jonathan Adler, $995.

Stephanie Berger
Editorial Assistant, Home
aka TrendTracker