There's no place like home, especially when you make it your own. And with the current state of the world, our habitat is helping us save humanity. I have purchased far too many decor pieces for my sanctuary now that it's my everything. Not that we need an excuse to throw some items in the bag but it definitely helps us cope with worldly woes when we can take shelter in a dope abode.
Just like you need classic staples in your wardrobe, you need timeless staples in your home. To offer an assist, we have gathered some ultra-modern items, from an elegant mirror to a vibrant bench that provide the best flair. Here are ten home decor staples you must have in order to elevate your crib.
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, xoNecole may earn a small commission.
Woman Figural Wall Canvas White - Opalhouse
Target
Be it a standalone piece or a part of a gallery wall, this work of art will look fantastic in any room of your home.
Hub Modern and Contemporary Accent Mirror
Wayfair
Mirrors serve as a focal point and make rooms look larger instantly. Try adding this beauty to one of your smaller rooms to add more natural light as well. It would be a perfect fit for an entryway or a hallway.
Nebraska Velvet 71'' Square Arm Sofa
Wayfair
This couch is giving me major Insecure vibes. I definitely pictured Issa and Lawrence getting it in when I saw it. It's the color for me – it just evokes happiness. Offering luxurious comfort, this couch will be the gem in your living room.
Square-based Glass Vase
H&M
Flower vases are the epitome of a functional vessel constantly elevating your space. There isn't a room that won't be forever changed by a beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting pretty in this vase. Sit this piece next to a stack of magazines and you instantly have a Pinterest-inspired layout.
DENY DESIGNS Amy Sia Animal Spot Bench
Nordstrom
Now this is a bench I would love to approach! Black, white and gold are such classic colors and they offer a clean aesthetic to your home. You can opt to add this bench to your dining room table to dress it all the way up.
Stop & Smell The Rose Coir Doormat Brown - Sun Squad™
Target
Did someone say rosé? Personalize the message that your guests see when they enter your home. You are sure to get a bottle of wine the next time they visit.
Small Marble Candlestick
H&M
Candles are essential for all homes, so why not stylize your space with a chic holder? The warmth of a candle combined with the modern twist of a holder makes for calmative furnishing.
Solveig 4x6 Picture Frame
Crate & Barrel
If you're adding new picture frames to your cart, don't forget this Crate & Barrel exclusive. This is what a grown and sexy picture frame looks like. The multicolored resin resembles exotic hardwood and just makes me want to snuggle up on the couch.
CROSLEY RADIO 'Pay Phone' Wall Phone
Nordstrom
When you add retro staples throughout your abode, you add a unique touch that resonates like no other. The nostalgia of circling the dial round and round to make a phone call reminds us of simpler times. This vintage piece also keeps your coins in a bank if you decide to drop a few on a call.
Renee Bar Cart
Crate and Barrel
Meet your new bar cart full of sparkling glass and marble dedicated to being a glamorous focal point. Because of its versatility, you can add spirits, books, flowers and so much more to take advantage of this fixture.
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Featured image by Cookie Studio/Shutterstock
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Her captivating command of the pole left many of us intrigued, perhaps even tempted, to explore pole dancing ourselves after witnessing the mesmerizing performances at Mercedes Sunday. But it wasn’t just her physical prowess that kept us hooked. Mercedes is a character of depth—empowering, complex, relatable, and deeply human.
These are qualities that Brandee embodies both on and off the screen.
(L-R) Marque Richardson and Brandee Evans on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
A Memphis native, Brandee is no stranger to dance. She boasts an impressive career as a choreographer, having worked with renowned artists like Katy Perry, Monica, Ke$ha, and Ledisi. But while it has been a significant part of her journey, Brandee has her sights set on more—expanding her acting career beyond dance-inclusive roles. This ambition nearly led her to pass on the opportunity to appear alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s UnPrisoned, where she plays Ava, Mal's (Marque Richardson) new girlfriend.
“When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no,” Brandee revealed with a laugh. “She mentioned pole dancing, and I told myself and my team that once I was done with Mercedes, I wasn’t going to do that again.” Fortunately, Washington assured her that the role would be vastly different, leading to what Brandee described as an invaluable masterclass in comedy under the guidance of Washington herself.
“Kerry is a force of nature,” Brandee reflected. “She’s everything you’d hope she’d be—strong, compassionate, and incredibly talented. Working with her was like a masterclass in acting.” This opportunity was no mere stroke of luck; it was something Brandee had manifested years earlier. But make no mistake–she credits her faith and praying hands for her success. “I’m praying, you know what I mean? I’m asking God for what I want and working for it too,” she said.
"When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no."
(L-R) Brandee Evans, Kerry Washington, and Marque Richardson on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
This role marked Brandee’s first foray into comedy, and while she was eager to embrace the challenge, she found herself in the hands of an incredible mentor. “Kerry was always so kind in her critiques,” Brandee noted. “She’s not a diva by any means. She knows exactly what she wants, but she’s gentle and encouraging in bringing it out of you. That’s something I’ve taken with me to other sets—I want to lead with the same kindness and openness that Kerry showed me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Brandee speaks with profound respect and gratitude for her peers and fellow actresses as many have shown her genuine sisterhood and support in an industry often notorious for its competitiveness. “Danielle Brooks sent me a prayer the other day, and I was just so touched. Those are the moments that people don’t see,” she shared. “I call Sheryll Lee Ralph my fairy godmother, and Loretta Devine is like my auntie. Being able to pick up the phone and seek advice from these incredible women is a true blessing.”
And she pays it forward.
Brandee Evans
Courtesy: Hulu
But her commitment to supporting others extends far beyond her career. As an advocate for health and wellness, she empowers women to prioritize their well-being. “Azaria [Carter], who plays my daughter on P-Valley, mentioned wanting to start a weight loss journey and get more fit. I told her, ‘Well, let’s work out together,’” Brandee recounted. But her dedication to healthy living goes beyond physical fitness, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. “When she came to my house and tried to microwave something in plastic, I said, ‘Let’s use glass instead. At 20, I wasn’t thinking about that, but let me share some tips now so you’re not battling fibroids in your 30s.’”
Because she was.
While filming the first season of P-Valley, Brandee faced enormous stress—not only as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but also due to the physical demands of the role. Yet the impact on her body was far greater than she expected. “I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal,” Brandee revealed. It was Harriet D. Foy, who plays her mother, who urged her to get checked for fibroids.
"I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal."
Brandee Evans graces the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony.
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The statistics are staggering—80% of Black women develop abnormal uterine growths by age 50, making them more likely to suffer from fibroids than any other racial group. But like many, Brandee was initially unaware of these growths and their debilitating effects, and the prospect of surgery was daunting. “I was scheduled to have a myomectomy on my birthday, but I thought about what it would mean for my career. How am I going to climb the pole? The healing process is similar to a C-section.” Determined to avoid surgery, she committed to healing herself naturally.
After a deep dive, she sought treatment at The Herb Shop of Vinings in Atlanta, which ultimately led to a remarkable recovery. “This man saves lives. His name is Jeff, and I call him my doctor.” Brandee shared. “I started detoxing my body with herbs and following his program. During my follow-up with the gynecologist, they said, ‘We don’t know what you’re doing, but your fibroids are shrinking.’”
Emerging on the other side of this journey not only fibroid-free but with a regulated cycle and a renewed outlook on life, Brandee is now focused on sharing her story and advocating for women’s health. “I know y’all want to hear about P-Valley, but I want to talk about regulating your period,” she said with a laugh.
Of course, she didn’t leave fans hanging when it came to what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is worth the wait. The world is about to go crazy. Oh, the world is about to lose it,” Brandee teased. “Y’all might be mad at us right now, but baby, it’s going to be worth it.”
All episodes of Season 2 of UnPrisoned are now streaming on Hulu.
Featured image courtesy of Hulu
