Home Accents
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Modern Home Decor
Renowned designer Charles Eames once said, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” This is true not only of individual pieces of furniture but also interiors on the whole. Even the most well-designed spaces will feel incomplete if there are no home accents, or details, in sight. Modern home accessories bring a sense of completion to your interiors — they make the design.
There’s a plethora of design objects and accessories that range in style from playful to sophisticated. Balance Bohemian-inspired interiors with minimalist home decor, like a sleek tray or geometric vase. Or incorporate mid-century modern home decor (think: objects with clean lines and thoughtful details) to round out your space. There are a few different types of home decor accessories that can be used throughout your space. Each type is unique in its own right, but all work well with each other to help tie your home together. At Design Within Reach, discover modern home decor ideas and gather inspiration to style your home with ease.
Types of Modern Home Decor
Clocks
A modern clock is an optimal choice for a living room or bedroom. There are two types of decorative clocks to choose from: wall clocks and tabletop clocks. While wall clocks can be great accent pieces for blank walls or components of a gallery wall, tabletop clocks can make use of empty shelf or tabletop space – especially in use as alarm clocks. Keep in mind, clocks don’t have to be boring! Thoughtfully designed pieces, like the many playful clocks designed by George Nelson, blend pragmatism with style.
Vases
A decorative vase is often designed in crystal glass, glazed ceramic, or polished steel, among other materials. Some are eclectic, featuring uniquely sculptural silhouettes, while others are more traditional. Ceramic and glass vases are some of the most colorful vases available, while metal vases are unconventional yet striking options.
Books
Designer coffee table books are a no-brainer for your living room cocktail table. Stack two or three books featuring contrasting colors and typography or leave one large coffee table book open on the table to showcase your favorite page. At Design Within Reach, shop compelling and well-assembled books on all aspects of art and design, from color theory to architecture to flowers.
Games
Classic board games redesigned for the contemporary home can make great additions to your living room decor, on top of providing your household and guests with fun, collaborative activities for rainy days. At Design Within Reach, shop refreshed versions of Backgammon, Yatzy, chess, and more.
Candles & Candleholders
Even the simplest candles and candlesticks can transform your living space, their small flames adding light and visual appeal to any room. For added unlit appeal, shop uniquely shaped candles and taper candlesticks, including bestselling spiral candles from HAY. Like vases to flowers, modern candleholders are designed to put candlesticks on display, while they themselves also contribute to your decor scheme. Modern candleholders are available in a variety of styles, from a sleek, polished stainless-steel piece to a sculptural glass candleholder.
Decorative Bowls & Trays
A decorative tray or bowl is an ideal tabletop accessory for various rooms. Some styles are large enough to be used as a serving tray, while others are smaller in size — making them better suited to hold keys in an entryway or matches on a cocktail table. Not only do these decorative accents lend visual appeal to a space, but they can cut down on clutter by acting as a catch-all destination for miscellaneous household objects.
Decorative Objects
To some, decorative objects are the most fun type of decor, because most decorative objects forego all utility in favor of style. Decorative objects are like miniature sculptures, made to be finishing touches on your home’s decor, filling empty spaces with playfulness and visual intrigue. Not all decorative objects are useless, though – bookends, candleholders, decorative bowls can all serve functions if need be. From Design Within Reach, choose a few modern decorative objects, like an iconic Eames elephant, to infuse your space with a dose of whimsy.
How to Decorate Your Home
Wondering how to decorate a living room? Or how to decorate a coffee table? Hang a decorative clock in your living room to incorporate a unique design element among family photos. Place a stack of coffee table books on your cocktail table next to a sculptural vase. Or select a unique candleholder and a decorative tray with matches.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to decorate a bedroom or how to decorate a bookshelf, consider these ideas: Incorporate small design objects, such as a pair of animal figurines crafted from oak, on your bedside table or bookshelf to infuse your space with visual interest. Add a tray for small accessories and include a vase with fresh flowers to brighten the space.
Remember, different types of home decor styles and accessories add polish, depth, and even playfulness to your interiors. They’re the details that make the design.