Too often people go to a lot of trouble to create a perfect room and stop just before they've made it truly theirs. These final steps can include everything from arranging a wonderful tabletop, creating wallscapes, and adding the interest of books, to the smallest touches, such as locating the right scented candle or choosing the perfect fringe for a pillow. Details are like the frosting on the cake, and who doesn't like frosting best?

Examining the way people dress is an excellent place to study the effect of details. People express who they are and what they like by the things they wear. Bold necklaces show a bold spirit. Cowboy boots and big silver buckles say it all. My sister Francie's ever curious, outgoing personality shines through her unusual and wonderful glasses. Despite the limitations of jackets and slacks, I can express my love of fabric with my pocket handkerchiefs and bow ties.

In the same way, the details of a room create its identity. The accessories we display, their color and texture, abundance or restraint, similarity or variety, combine to establish a unique personality for each room. The way we put them together is art. It's what it's all about.