Once all the big pieces of furniture and the important elements are in place, it’s time to add some decorative accents. This is the part that brings a space to life and makes houses feel like homes. This can be done in lots and lots of different ways using a variety of strategies, shapes, colors, and textures. You might find some inspiration in the ideas that we’re gathered below.
Add a bit of greenery to a space to make it look fresh and vibrant. The pot is just as important as the plant it holds so be sure to pick one that complements the room. Simplicity is often the best option so don’t overcomplicate things.
The artwork is another very good option if you’re looking to create a focal point or to add some color to a room. Pick something that suits your style and be creative. Also, consider making your own artwork.
Turn an empty space or a wall into an eclectic focal point by adding various different decor accents such as framed pictures, plants and flowers and even a small lamp. It could be fun to play with different colors and materials and to create an eye-catching design this way.
Mirrors can be used as decor accents and they can also be useful in all sorts of different ways. For example, a large decorative mirror can help make a small space appear larger or can reflect a beautiful view.
Some furniture pieces can make really great decor accents, especially if they have an eye-catching design or if they’re interesting in some other way. For example, a multifunctional piece such as a shelf that can double as a desk or a small table that can also be used as an ottoman can help complete a room.
Accent lighting is essential for making a space look and feel welcoming and for highlighting certain design elements. You can use fixtures such as floor and table lamps, sconces, lanterns, string lights or even pendant lamps in interesting and creative ways.
Another cool way to create a focal point is by displaying oversized pendant lamps or chandeliers and turning the selected fixture into a centerpiece. A large pendant shouldn’t be overwhelming for the room if the rest of the decor remains simple.
It’s understandable to want to combine several decor accents and various different strategies when designing a space. You can do that successfully as long as the elements don’t clash with one another. You can have accent lights, wall decorations and eye-catching furniture all in one space.
Not everything you put in your home has to be practical or functional in some way and not everything needs to have a deeper meaning behind it. Some things look cool and stand out and maintain an abstract character which allows room for interpretation. It’s usually the case with some wall installations and decorations.
If there’s one thing that can bring an entire room together, it would have to be an accent table. The coffee table is the central piece for the living room and this gives you an opportunity to spruce up its decor in lots of cool and interesting ways.
A low-hanging pendant lamp (or several) can look really beautiful above the dining table, especially if the room has a tall ceiling. Similarly, you can hang a gorgeous chandelier in a staircase area. Make sure that it’s not too low as to get in the way.
A very simple and common way of sprucing up space is by adding accent colors or introducing different textures and patterns. This creates points of different, highlights specific areas and creates a balanced and harmonious decor.
Decorate your home with items that are of interest to you specifically. Put your collectibles on display, work with themes that suit your style and personalize your home.
You can make a piece of furniture such as a coffee table or a shelf stand out by opting for a specific type of material for it. For example, marble is always a gorgeous option because it’s timeless, very versatile and has a refined look. Of course, there are many other materials to choose from and it’s usually a matter of context.
Area rugs are not that common these days but can be used to make a room feel more homely and inviting or to set visual boundaries between spaces within the same room. Also, you can use an area rug to introduce colors and patterns into a room’s decor and you can have multiple ones within the same space.
Gisele Bundchen's contemporary twist on this emerging design trend is the talking point of her kitchen
Zendaya taps into the subtle power of this accessory to ensure her neutral living room is never boring
Amazon has become a go-to for chic home decor – here’s what we’re shopping from the 2024 Spring Sale
This designer's 'every seat needs a surface' rule has changed my living room layout forever – here's what I mean
5 designer Amazon storefronts that make shopping for stylish homeware so much easier
Joanna Gaines' 'mesmerizing' garden is the perfect example of how to grow cut spring flowers at home
Tan France opts for this stabilizing color palette to 'ground' his guest cottage, experts say
Shark's St Patrick's Day sale is here - and you can save $100s on vacuums and air purifiers
Matthew and Camila McConaughey's raw cabinets possess a texture and warmth that's replicable in our kitchens
Lenny Kravitz utilizes these mixed textures to bring visual interest to his pared-back kitchen color scheme
Drew Barrymore designed a 'kitchen island table' that's flexible enough to fit in almost every single kitchen
Lily Allen masters small-space storage strategies to make clever use of her compact closet
Nicola and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham design a 'comfortable and cozy' living room with this color scheme
Jennifer Aniston's 'slab backsplash' is ahead of a kitchen trend that cleverly marries style and functionality
Kips Bay Decorator Show House returns to New York City in May – taking over this 'iconic' four-story Manhattan townhouse
IKEA revives 1970s 'flower power' with its fourth vintage launch inspired by archive pieces
When should you go bespoke with your lighting scheme? We asked a professional lighting designer
Nate Berkus reveals how he 'flips' his linen closets for spring – we'll be borrowing this ingenious technique
Regina Hall's marble fireplace draws inspiration from this 16th-century statement feature