Adorn

To add something that makes a person, place, or object more beautiful.

Reach for it when describing decoration that enhances rather than changes the underlying form

Hand-painted tiles adorn the entrance to the neighborhood library.

• playful

  festoon

  garlands or abundant hanging decorations create a lively scene

  not when Festoon suggests profusion and can make restrained design sound gaudy.

• everyday

  beautify

  improvement in appearance is the explicit goal

  not when Beautify judges the result but does not identify the decorative act.

• everyday

  decorate

  the act of adding ornament should sound plain

  not when Decorate can include temporary festive clutter that does not truly enhance.

• professional

  trim

  a border or finishing detail is being attached

  not when Trim is too specific for paintings, jewelry, or planted decoration.

• formal

  embellish

  ornamental detail is added beyond the basic design

  not when Embellish can imply exaggerating a story as well as decorating an object.

• literary

  grace

  the presence itself lends elegance or distinction

  not when Grace personifies the decoration and sounds conspicuous in technical prose.

• strip
• deface
• bare

• adorn the walls

  Local photographs adorn the walls of the new clinic.

• adorned with flowers

  The stage was adorned with flowers grown by the students.

• adorn the entrance

  Mosaic birds adorn the entrance to the riverside path.