Meant to add that perfect finishing touch, accent pieces carry an important weight when it comes to completing a room’s design, from the size of a mirror or its frame to the brightness of matching lamps. High-end brand Frontgate understands the impact these items have on a space and offers an assortment of essential furnishings that bring that space together.
Mirrors
Finding the perfect accent mirror means finding the balance between functionality and beauty. If function is the priority, Frontgate offers pieces that keep this balance in mind. From the tropical Marigot Shell Mirror or the Temple Chinoiserie Wall Mirror, both optimal for spaces like bath vanities or entryways, beauty no longer has to be sacrificed.
For Frontgate it’s all about making a statement, according to a brand representative, while also working with the space given. A perfect example is the Duchamps floor mirror. From the dressing room to the living room, this large floor-to-ceiling mirror with additional storage opens up a space with its reflective surface and creates a visual impact. For even more creative displays, art-inspired pieces like the Intermix Beveled Mirror also open a room and add a bit more interest to a simple space.
Geometric Pendant Lighting
Symmetry is key when it comes to lighting, particularly with pendant lighting options that usually come in twos. Geometric pendants are popular for a number of reasons. The variety of finishes and materials used to create them fit easily into almost any space. From the simple and elegant Maxwell and Tillary lights with metallic gold and brass finishes to the glamorous Aurora pendant, these fixtures have the ability to create a dramatic focal point in rooms that are purposeful on their own.
Velvet Pillows
An ever-widening trend in fashion and home design has been the inclusion of velvet in more ways than one. Particularly with pillows, Frontgate representatives says that “whether made of cotton or silk, crushed or devoré, running your hand along a length of velvet is a sumptuous experience.”
The transformative powers of the fabric are never-ending; a cold house becomes a warm home when a velvet throw is draped over curves, catching the light and bringing a dimensional texture to a piece of furniture or to a room. And while velvet is known for playing well with other fabrics in fashion, it also pairs perfectly with faux fur, brass, glass, marble and more. Scattering some velvet pillows on a neutral-colored couch adds a visual, tactile warmth, perfect for the fall, transforming a simple space to a sophisticated room.
All photos courtesy Frontgate.
Photo by Bert Vanderveen, Verellen Furniture
Revamping past trends is hardly a new concept, but modernizing farmhouse decor can still be a challenge. Avoid cliches and break away from traditional choices that can make a space feel themed and overdone.
Focused designs call for a certain amount of balance, which is a great place to start when shopping for a specific space.
Weathered Works
Rustic and weathered pieces will be rightfully tempting. Not only do these looks add a cozy and comfortable feel to most rooms, but they’re inherently a large part of Farmhouse decor. The best way to avoid overdoing it with rustic and weathered styles is to pair them with their opposites.
Wood and stone look great with clean lines and smooth finishes. Soft fabrics and plush rugs can also be combined with natural components that will stand out among diverse materials.
Photo courtesy of Woodland Creek Furniture
Photo courtesy of Woodland Creek Furniture
Accents Not Props
Accents are the perfect opportunity to bring your room to life. A carefully chosen accent can be playful while unifying. A thoughtfully selected plant, antique sign, or a modern piece of art is an opportunity to personalize a space.
Overly obvious props will make a room feel staged. Repurposed mason jars are a thing of the past, but unique pictures of nature or wildlife are a smart way to tie in classic aspects without over-decorating.
A Touch of Nature
One or two natural elements can go a long way in Modern Farmhouse Decor. Choose a focal point to find inspiration and then build around it. Materials such as stone can be paired with modern touches to create a balanced look.
It’s easy for a modern look to take over, but polished surfaces and vibrant colors still have a place in Modern Farmhouse decor when they work together with other influences.
Stone Forrest Natural Bathtub
Photo by Bert Vanderveen, Verellen Furniture
Neutral Not Boring
Neutral colors such as tan and gray urge accents to really pop. A textured, gray fabric will highlight greenery or the subtle reds in a brick wall. Neutral flooring and walls are another way to keep Farmhouse decor modern.
Painted wood floors or a rustic paint job over brick is key to sprucing up traditional farmhouse elements.
Residences at Prince Street. Photo courtesy Aaron Thompson.
Outfitting homes with an artistic ceiling creates a complete, dynamic space, often tying assorted aspects of home design together, from art to functioning space. In these examples, designers inspired to use interesting techniques have created complex designs that demand people to look up.
Gallery-Style Spaces
The character of a home is often shaped by the items inside it, including art or artistic detailing. Helping to define a home’s character, high ceilings within the home allow ample wall space for art lovers to adorn their walls with prized masterpieces. One example is seen in this Artefacto-designed residence in Bal Harbour, Florida, which boasts 10-foot-plus ceilings with customized panel backlights and recessed lights. The Oceana Bal Harbour unit also features floor-to-ceiling windows framing the breathtaking ocean and Intracoastal views.
Photo courtesy Barry Grossman.
Embracing the Outdoors
A space can evoke different feelings depending on the environment, both inside and out. To embrace the elements, some spaces utilize the outdoors by bringing them in. Miami’s Brickell City Centre boasts a $30 million climate ribbon, a steel-and-glass elevated trellis that hovers over the retail center. An achievement in artistry and first of its kind, guests and residents of Reach and Rise can gaze at the sculptural element, as it protects them from inclement weather, captures sea breezes to regulate air flow and temperature, collects rainwater for reuse and allows them to enjoy natural light in an open-air environment.
Photo courtesy Brickell City Center.
Smiling at the Past
Historical architecture is highly appreciated in the design industry, as it creates a traditional atmosphere for designers to either enhance or refresh with modern additions. These traditional styles of architecture extend into the home, seen through classic ceilings that add a unique element to the space. Residences at 62-66 North Third in North Williamsburg, New York, feature exposed, high concrete ceilings as a nod to the neighborhood’s industrial past. The residences embody a sense of character, design, and detail that combines modern and traditional Williamsburg in these expansive homes.
Another example with an authentic ceiling design is in this top-floor townhouse at the Residences at Prince Street, formerly part of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. The gabled ceilings with exposed wood beams reflect an authentically of the period; existing moldings and details were replicated throughout to create a top-floor living area with skylights and a cozy feel.
Photo courtesy MNS.
Eco-friendly furniture and sustainable decor are more than a cute trend — they are a priority for STEM.
With the increasing amount of plastic in our oceans, shrinking forests, and our overall impact on Mother Earth, sustainable designs are becoming more and more popular. Companies like STEM are realizing the importance of sourcing materials responsibly and spreading the message.
Going beyond the typical one or two eco-friendly pieces that most companies offer, STEM’s collection takes sustainability carefully into consideration. Founded by two brothers, Ryan and Travis, STEM is inspiring buyers and designers alike with its entirely eco-friendly collection. The company prides itself on creating a “Healthy Planet, Healthy Home.”
STEM ensures satisfaction by building each piece one at a time in L.A. from eco-materials like natural latex and wool, bamboo, organic cotton, and more. Cutting out harsh chemicals like fire retardants and certain glues are also a part of the process. Sofas and sectionals — being the biggest portion of STEM’s business — are made with FSC certified wood frames, natural jute, and organic cotton. Pieces like the Rio Sofa and Blumen Sectional can be made to the inch to get it just right for each customer and space.
Bamboo Float is a unique style that STEM incorporates into sofas, tables, and more. Bamboo is an ideal material because it grows as quickly as a weed. STEM uses sheets of bamboo for the base and then attaches an upholstered piece for the seating component.
For the Voya Side Table, the piece is handcrafted with FSC certified walnut or hard maple and is covered in zero VOC matte finish. The design can also be made into a coffee table as well.
Also using FSC certified walnut or hard maple for the base is the Sino Coffee Table. The top is white carrera marble and has the option for a draw for storage. STEM makes each piece as it’s needed, therefore cutting out the mass production of generic goods.
Kettal’s outdoor decoration collection includes a wide variety of products, ranging from planters and fire pits to floor lamps and side tables.
Kettal, a designer and manufacturer of timeless outdoor furnishings for home and commercial uses, has developed a range of exterior decoration and design products in its new puff design and rope collection, Kettal Objects.
Kettal Objects is a range of outdoor decoration products, which includes puffs, planters, fire pits and oil lamps designed by Emiliana Design Studio. Emiliana Design Studio was set up by Ana and Emili in Barcelona in 1996 after they graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Their work is characterized by its ability to give each project a fresh conceptual approach, experimentation with materials and for proactively involving the user without compromising functional, technical or production aspects.
Kettal has extended its new collection with the introduction of a new puff, constructed of aluminum and one of the ‘Bela Ropes’ 17-color rope range designed by Doshi Levien. Doshi Levien is an internationally acclaimed design studio founded by designers Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien. The two designers have been working together for more than ten years in their London-based design studio.
The Kettal Objects collection also includes a sideboard, room divider, floor lamp, parasols, side table and tray by Kettal Studio, an oil lamp and fire pit by Emiliana Design Studio, candleholders and outdoor rugs (200 x 294 cm) by Patricia Urquiola, rugs (200 x 300 cm and 300 x 400 cm), terrain cushions and geometrics fabrics by Doshi Levien and three models of lamp — floor, table and battery-powered — by Michel Charlot.
Photos courtesy of Kettal