The piece that set a recent home design project in motion was our wrought-iron Whitney Slate chandelier, dripping with crystal teardrop pendants. I paired it with a bench upholstered in black and white striped fabric to add an air of elegance while introducing a bold pop of contrast and texture. For balance, I chose a Garner dining table with a distressed top because its form subtly repeats the rhythm of the pattern in the gray, double- washed Oriental rug and beautifully offsets the pale blue fabric on the Marcella chairs. To echo the palette throughout the home, I used accents—they are just as important as a set of pearls to a black dress. Carefully selected artwork, ornamentation, and natural elements— such as florals, sculptures, and hand-painted pillows—are essential for tying a look together.