Detail Oriented

The key to a lavish look, says designer Shane Reilly, isn't a deep wallet, but simply the right accessories.

I like to suggest practical accessories that clients will keep for a long time and that will become a part of how their friends identify their houses,” says Shane Reilly, the self-taught, SoMa-based interior designer, who just penned her first book, Inspired High-End Interior Design (Schiffer Publishing), and recently launched the furniture-and-accessories website Decorati.com. Here, Reilly offers three realistic ways to spruce up your space with finishing touches that will make it feel more upscale.

SHOW OFF YOUR PLANTS
“A bit of greenery goes a long way in a home. Some of my favorite places to go for plants and vases are Area (540 Jackson St., 415-989-2732, areasanfrancisco.com) and Rose and Radish (460 Gough St., 415-864-4988, roseandradish.com). For interiors, I like planters and vases that look more refined than ones you might stick outside—simple, light-colored, sculptural ceramic vases and planters filled with white flowers. The flowers should look as if they were chosen as part of the design, not any old mismatched bouquet. I stay away from terracotta and very rustic pots, as they can bring too much attention to themselves. The greenery should go with everything in the room as much as the throw pillows do.”

LIGHTEN UP WITH MIRRORS
“To add light to a dark space or to break up walls with heavy patterns from either wood paneling or wallpaper, choose an oversized floor mirror. It will reflect light, as well as the other side of the room, and provide a new dimension. I like to use mirrors with bold frames, either a dark wood against a light-colored wall or a light, parchment-colored finish on a dark wall. To bring interest into a room without detracting from the overall design, I like to use a mirror of an interesting shape and color. Mirrors with character can be as strong as art, but they blend in as well. A well-chosen mirror is forgiving and supportive of any design.”

KEEP TIME WITH STYLE
“You can choose grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, wall clocks and decorative bedside alarm clocks to give personality to a space. While they are utilitarian, I choose ones that are aesthetically pleasing. My favorites are white-lacquer clocks and those with funky backgrounds. You can take an existing clock to a fine-furniture finisher to get it restored and modernized. I have hunted down antique mantel clocks at a variety of antique shops here. The best thing about a good clock is that it generally can hold its own, either in the hallway or on your mantel. You don’t need anything else.”

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