How to Use Modern Home Decor in Unexpected Ways

If you feel like you're seeing all the same decorating ideas over and over and would rather take a fresh approach to your interiors, consider these 9 ways of using home decor to revitalize your space.
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BAUX Acoustic WoodWool Panels & Tiles are made from wood wool, cement, and water—and are recyclable and eco-friendly.  

BAUX Acoustic WoodWool Panels & Tiles are made from wood wool, cement, and water—and are recyclable and eco-friendly.  

Use an unusual basket or tote as both an organizational tool and statement piece. The tote stands upright so you can easily place it next to your sofa or under your desk.

Use an unusual basket or tote as both an organizational tool and statement piece. The tote stands upright so you can easily place it next to your sofa or under your desk.

It might look complicated, but Studio DB's Britt and Damian Zunino, the duo behind this stunning bathroom space, say transitioning tiles to wooden floorboards is surprisingly straightforward. "The first step is getting your contractor on board, but the actual work isn't that complicated," they told MyDomaine. 

It might look complicated, but Studio DB's Britt and Damian Zunino, the duo behind this stunning bathroom space, say transitioning tiles to wooden floorboards is surprisingly straightforward. "The first step is getting your contractor on board, but the actual work isn't that complicated," they told MyDomaine. 

"I think this type of floor treatment is most appropriate in areas of transition, [like] entry areas, open baths, or even kitchens," says Zunino. Why? "It's a creative way to delineate space without a hard line." 

"I think this type of floor treatment is most appropriate in areas of transition, [like] entry areas, open baths, or even kitchens," says Zunino. Why? "It's a creative way to delineate space without a hard line." 

Modern Sprout’s planters were designed by Nick Behr and Sarah Burrows, two Chicago apartment dwellers who wanted to grow their own garden, but didn’t have the space. Struggling to maintain plants in their apartment, they tried hydroponic planters, which yielded results, but were expensive and unappealing to look at. As a result, they designed their own planter—a hydroponic, self-watering system that hides its mechanism beneath a reclaimed wood planter box.

Modern Sprout’s planters were designed by Nick Behr and Sarah Burrows, two Chicago apartment dwellers who wanted to grow their own garden, but didn’t have the space. Struggling to maintain plants in their apartment, they tried hydroponic planters, which yielded results, but were expensive and unappealing to look at. As a result, they designed their own planter—a hydroponic, self-watering system that hides its mechanism beneath a reclaimed wood planter box.

How about this upright record player to start a conversation‚ or to brighten a living room with sound, color, and style?

How about this upright record player to start a conversation‚ or to brighten a living room with sound, color, and style?

In the new powder room, Jill Malek wallpaper adds graphic punch to custom cabinetry.

In the new powder room, Jill Malek wallpaper adds graphic punch to custom cabinetry.

It's a very contentious subject; join the conversation if you feel strongly about it one way or the other. 10,000 bones cover the walls of this Mexico restaurant. "A lot of people were skeptical about the idea, even though it wasn't the first time I pulled off something crazy," Cadena says. "I just trusted my intuition and the philosophy of the chef."

It's a very contentious subject; join the conversation if you feel strongly about it one way or the other. 10,000 bones cover the walls of this Mexico restaurant. "A lot of people were skeptical about the idea, even though it wasn't the first time I pulled off something crazy," Cadena says. "I just trusted my intuition and the philosophy of the chef."

Yuko Shibata made the 10-person dining table using $130 sawhorse legs from Maruki Wood Products Company topped with a sheet of birch plywood. A hole in the sliding wall fits over the table, enabling it to be used in both the library and the meeting room. Then, there's the rug.

Yuko Shibata made the 10-person dining table using $130 sawhorse legs from Maruki Wood Products Company topped with a sheet of birch plywood. A hole in the sliding wall fits over the table, enabling it to be used in both the library and the meeting room. Then, there's the rug.

Byron Loker
Landscaper @ The Garden Route Company, San Francisco | Blogger @ Dwell | Author of a short story collection | Surfer | Traveler | Woodworker | Failed Poet

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