Design Accents: Find the Perfect Statement Piece
Eames Elephant
One of the Eameses’ breakthrough innovations was discovering how to mold plywood using pressure and heat. They used this discovery to build iconic mid-century modern designs like the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman and the Eames Molded Shell Chair. Thanks to Charles Eames’ love for elephants, the Eameses also designed a two-piece plywood elephant to act as a striking, sculptural element in any room. The Eames Elephant is still offered in plywood in its original size, as well as in polypropylene in four saturated colors to add even more pop. The Eames Mini Elephant is a smaller version of the Eames Elephant offered in polypropylene in seven colors. This version is a great display piece throughout the home but is especially perfect for a kid’s room, as the Eames Mini Elephant carries the GS and CE safety certifications required for toys.
Eames House Bird
Following the theme of combining animal silhouettes with a minimalist mid-century modern aesthetic, the Eames House Bird is a stunning statement piece that can be placed anywhere in the home. This sculptural object was originally a piece of folk art that Charles and Ray loved and displayed prominently in their own home, and often featured in posters with their furniture. The Eames House Bird has since been recreated using 3D scans and is available in solid alder wood with a black lacquer finish or in solid walnut wood with a clear lacquer finish.
Eames Hang-It-All
Rounding out our group of Eames accent furniture, the Eames Hang-It-All is as fun as it is functional. Originally designed in 1953 using the Eameses’ innovation of welding wires, the Eames Hang-It-All is essentially a coat rack. However, this steel rod piece—with its combination of fourteen large and small hooks—is stunning in its implementation. Solid-wood balls on the end of each hook lend this piece of practical decor an eye-catching element that adds to a room’s design aesthetic. And with both neutral and multicolored options available, the Eames Hang-It-All can contribute either subtle elegance or a bold pop of color.
Girard Wooden Dolls
Colorful and unique, the Girard Wooden Dolls are a great addition to any design fan’s home decor. The original versions of these dolls were created by Alexander Girard in 1963. Inspired by folk art and incorporating aesthetic elements from Central America, Eastern Europe, and Italy, the Girard Wooden Dolls were reproduced in a special edition series. Each doll is made of solid pine wood and is hand-painted with mixed media, like feathers and twine, meaning each piece is one of a kind. And with 24 options offered in a wide range of colors, heights, and styles, there is a Girard Wooden Doll for any style of space.
George Nelson Clocks
Nelson Eye Clock
Upon first glance, the Nelson Eye Clock may seem like a modern art piece rather than a way of keeping time, but it’s both. With a two-and-a-half-foot width, this clock is a striking living room centerpiece that resembles a large eye with eyelashes as the minute markers. Designed by Lucia DeRespinis in 1957 for George Nelson Associates, the Nelson Eye Clock is one of a series of clocks that don’t include any numbers. Because this clock relies entirely on its hands’ positions to display the time, it can be hung horizontally, diagonally, or vertically.
Nelson Sunburst Clock
The Nelson Sunburst Clock is another mid-century modern creation designed by George Nelson Associates. In keeping with the minimalist theme of other George Nelson clocks, the Nelson Sunburst Clock doesn’t have any numbers, but rather twelve pyramidal points that extend from its center like the sun’s rays. This statement piece comes in a solid walnut, deep red, or a combination of green, blue, red, and black for a pop of color.
Nelson Ball Clock
Rounding out George Nelson decor and accent furniture, the Nelson Ball Clock is an iconic design that makes a statement in any home or office space. In place of clock numbers, it has a set of 12 spokes that end in solid wood balls. This piece is the perfect combination of whimsical and practical that brings form and function to any wall. Available in neutrals, red, orange, and a combination of orange, blue, green, and black, there is a Nelson Ball Clock to complement any interior style.