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Archive for the ‘2016 Trends’ Category

The Green Site and How It Can Be Yours

Thursday, November 17th, 2016

Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Bamboo Dresser 1050-144

Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Bamboo Dresser 1050-144

More and more people are becoming environmentally-conscious these days. The green design for homes has become a standard of sorts and it is no surprise that it is now gaining popularity. Having a green home means owning a place that is environment friendly and has ergonomic designs. This is a design that appeals to those who want to conserve what’s left of the planet. This is also the chosen ambience for people who want to live a healthy lifestyle.

Sustainability Is Piping Hot

Just like other fields of design, interior design will forever be tied to the ever-changing styles. What’s in or out with regard to interior design is almost always what’s in or out in the world of fashion. Should you design goal be about renovation, redecoration or architectural detailing, every interior designer must know what the hottest or classic trends are.

Know that in the design industry, these days, the fastest-growing section is interior design sustainability. You can now practice rain water collection if you want to your home’s water needs or you can buy furniture made with sustainable materials like bamboo.

Highlight Green

The ASID or American Society of Interior Designers strongly believes that green design must be included in every interior designer’s approach these days. The reduction of environmental impact does not just lengthen Mother Earth’s day but could also make your home a healthier place to live in.

Use Energy-Wise Stuff

One basic way to go green on your interior design is to efficiently use every bit of space that is available in your home. Use harmful construction materials to a bare minimum. Live in micro-houses or apodments. These are solutions that are less than 300 square feet and already come with amenities such as a refrigerator and a microwave.

Every interior designer must also work in maximizing doors and windows so that more light could come in. With ample natural lighting comes energy savings. Use wood flooring, furniture and other home products that come from renewable sources. Have water-saving toilets set up.

If you want to be surer about the source of your materials, then talk to the suppliers.

Say Yes to Waste Reduction

Decorative stuff and furniture can be easily repurposed these days. If you are truly environmentally-conscious, you can refurbish or a better option is to decide on a style that you would want for the rest of your life then invest in furniture pieces that would last as heirloom pieces.

Use fabrics, tiles and carpets that were made from recycled materials.

Plan Lighting Efficiency

Another part of your plan is to be clever about the incorporation of light in your home. Use skylights and windows more effectively. Maximize daylight by using these parts of your home and minimizing artificial lighting.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

You may or may not believe this but the color that you use to paint the interior or exterior parts of your home can spell a huge difference in light and heat absorption. The hottest summer months require cooler and lighter colors such as greens and blues. These hues can reduce room temperature by as much as 6-10 degrees.

Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042

Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042

Use New Window Treatments

Do not forget to consider the drapes, curtains and blinds. These can also help in the reduction of energy costs. You might think that window treatments are mere decorative items but they are, in fact, choices that can make a huge difference.

Drapes, for instance, are effective in keeping out drafts in winter seasons while shutters and blinds keep the warmth outdoors.

Landscape Your Way to Green Living

Lastly, you can plant trees right where the sun rises. This will reduce the amount of heat that goes through your windows during the day. Eventually, you will observe how your energy costs are greatly reduced.

You see, green living is tantamount to living a life of substantial savings.

 

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Gold-Brass – A Beautiful Interior Design Union

Thursday, November 3rd, 2016

FFDM's Fusion Collection shows the shimmering beauty of gold yet again.

FFDM’s Fusion Collection shows the shimmering beauty of gold yet again.

There is an ongoing trend that’s becoming more popular each day. People seem to be having a great interest in all things that are gold or brass. Those who love to wear jewelry know how thrilling these colors are especially if you combine them.

Gold and brass can provide a certain warmth and depth that no other color combinations could offer. Chrome, no matter how beautiful, won’t be able to achieve the luster that gold and brass attain.

The sad thing is, trends tend to die so how do you use this beautiful trend so that it becomes a part of something more lasting?

Making Gold and Brass Timeless

What’s great about interior design trends is that they tend to have a longer existence compared to seasonal fashion. In essence, you still have 10 or more years to use this beautiful color combination before this style goes down the drain.

So now that you’ve confirmed that you’re a huge fan of gold and brass, how do you think you can bring it home? Now don’t go panic buying all because you’ve seen the furnishings in vogue. Invest in pieces that show your maturity as a furniture buyer.

Be able to embrace quirkiness. Find objects that are fun and unique. These are the pieces that can add character and personality to your home.

So, once again, where would you put the gold-brass color combination?

Chandelier

The chandelier is one of the best pieces to infuse more shimmer and shine. Find an elegant chandelier that will add a pleasant eccentricity to the room. For example, pick one that’s not too heavy on metal but has a lot more of glass. Gold can then be used on the arms of the chandelier. This should give your dining room, den, living room or bedroom a touch of elegance.

The chandelier is no longer just for dining rooms anymore. Go ahead and use the glamour of this lighting fixture in other rooms.

Furnishings, Paint and Fabrics

Who wouldn’t fall in love with gold furniture? They’re one of the hottest items these days. Just look through interior design magazines and sites and you’d see how elegant the rooms suddenly become once gold furnishings are used.

But how would you be able to pull off this look without creating a tacky-looking home? Begin by swapping out the linens, curtains, pillows, area rugs and fabrics with ones that have gold hints or accents.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Beaumarchais Chest

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Beaumarchais Chest

Table Runner

Tables in your home become instantly glamorized when you add a gold runner. This look will be perfect for any season but more so this coming holidays. Be sure to pair it with the best centerpiece so that the gold is accentuated in your dining room or living room.

Partner this table runner with some decorative balls, also in gold. Have them placed in a gold-rimmed tray or bowl to make your home even more glitzy.

Sparkling Accessories

Candles are supposed to burn but there are now pieces that are not meant to. Add a golden touch to your home décor by adding some gold candles on the table or placing them at end tables in your living room. Their shiny lights will go a long, long way.

Gold and Brass Hardware

Brass is definitely back. Don’t think of the ‘80s sort of brass fixtures but the brass pieces that are shinier and more modern-looking.

Brass or gold hardware can make a huge difference in any kitchen. The combination of both colors would add a formal touch to what would have been a modest kitchen.

Fashionable Frames

Gold and brass accents can be easily added on any wall or table by placing some picture frames. Just replace the frames of your current wall photos with gold borders. The more intricate and interesting the borders are, the more fashionable they’re gonna be.

May these gold-brass pieces up the level of glitz, glamour and fashion in your home as you consider some of the tips above.

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Posted in 2016 Trends, 2017 Trends, Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

Metallic Interiors: Shiny Not Shocking

Friday, October 14th, 2016

Accessories Uttermost Rajata Silver Vases S3 19826

Accessories Uttermost Rajata Silver Vases S3 19826 make metallic look cool.

When it comes to designing your home, know that mixing metals or metallic elements means you have to pay close attention to layering as well as the overall vibe that you are about to create. Adding character and depth to a home is as easy as adding metallics. It is no surprise that this style is making a huge comeback at the moment. Silver, nickel and steel are now quite hot in modern aesthetics. Warmer tones, on the other hand, provide a more inviting and homey vibe such as what’s provided by copper. If you are craving to mix metals for your interior design, then here are a few tips –

Metal Is Everywhere

Before you begin designing with metal, know that this isn’t all about the use of actual metal. This can also be found in artwork, draperies, even upholstery. Consider all of your options if you want to create the most luxurious lustrous look. Always keep in mind that you don’t have to limit yourself to warm tones. Metals can also be cool, all you need to do is to add some glamorous effects of silver, some golden framed mirror and a cool coffee table.

Gold and bronze offer wonderful fusions that you should consider; you could use bronze cushions with touches of gold. Achieving a luxurious look is also easy when you look for any fabric that has metallic hues.

While it’s wonderful to just go with the flow when coming up with the design of your home, still, mixing metallic tones with accessories can become overwhelming. Sure, you should have the passion to design but remember also that you need to harmonize all the elements. What you have in your hands is a pretty strong design element – metals are lustrous that they could easily overcome other elements.

Add only a couple or two of decorative items especially when you want to have an open-space concept. Always plan if you are looking into having various shades and tones.

Relax and Design

As you complete your luxurious design, it is advisable that you relax. You might already have a few silver pieces on hand but you could go bold and add more metallic tones or you could tone down and just accessorize with the metallics.

Ornaments, candelabra and mirrors are all accessories that look great with a metallic concept. They are effective in countering the overly traditional palette. One other tasteful concept is to use a silver bowl right in the middle or beside two golden candleholders. ‘How about finding two-toned metallic pieces in the market?

Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune just to purchase your chosen metallic elements. Smaller elements provide a more delicate look and feel. Small doses of metal could still add the needed sparkle without actually creating glare.

Soften the metallic theme by adding this Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Twiggy Mirror in your home.

Soften the metallic theme by adding this Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Twiggy Mirror in your home.

Let Sophistication Reign

What you need to do with your current color scheme is to see if it can still be used as the base hue. Neutral interiors need texture and metals in order to make the place more inviting. Shades of gray, on the other hand, could use touches of gold or brass since these will keep the place from looking too cold. Think metallic frames and gilded mirrors. Another way to dramatize cream-colored walls is to add metal accents. Crisp, white space, on the other hand, should have a touch of silver or chrome.

Do you have chocolate brown walls? Then, by all means, use bronze shades. For blue-colored space, use silver. Energize any room with chrome, black iron or gold accents.

Luxurious Lighting

Metallic space should have these choices – gold chandelier, silver pendant lights, chrome wall sconces, etc. In essence, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your metallic lighting options.

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Achieving A High End Appeal

Wednesday, July 27th, 2016

1586-75907-GRY1 Soiree Sideboard is the perfect home for your valued silverware.

1586-75907-GRY1 Soiree Sideboard is the perfect home for your valued silverware.

Buying finishes and materials from discount shops may save you a lot of money on an interior design project but this choice poses higher risk. If you are not careful, you can also create a space that looks bland. This is why every homeowner must always buy high-end materials from the onset. The cost may be more but you get to maximize the potential of the material plus the impact that it creates is limitless.

If you want to make sure that you buy only the finest things without splurging too much, then here are a few tips –

The Tile Wall

A full-height wall made of tiles can have a huge impact whether it is set up in the shower zone or the powder room. A standard shower that is 60’ long and a ceiling at a height of 8 feet means you should have a 40-sq.ft. wall surface that is free for you to work on. This means that you can buy a marble tile for about $5-$6 for every sq.ft. and you get a stunning accent wall for just about $200.

Use a low-cost tile to balance your budget yet still achieving that high-end appeal.

Stone hexagonal mosaic flooring plus simple white walls will also provide the harmonized approach that you need in your home.

The Single-Slab Backsplash

Use a single stone slab for that huge surface that needs to be covered. This is the case with a kitchen island countertop. Imagine having a bronzite island countertop, oh, you’d surely be the talk of the town for months!

A smaller part of the single slab can be used as a backsplash for the bathroom. This is a more beautiful option than the usual tiling. Unbroken grains can have an awesome effect which spells customization. This will provide a subtle and classy appeal.

Ask stone suppliers about their slim cutoffs which are often left over from those huge slab countertops that have been previously cut. Here, you have a huge chance of getting a discounted price so ask well.

A Piece of Art

Do you agree that the most dramatic art piece is the one that is large-scale? You should. Investing on a painted canvas rather than a whole lot of smaller art pieces will give you an roomful of color and drama minus the fuss.

The Vintage West Collection of Hooker Furniture spells richness, luxury, comfort and style.

The Vintage West Collection of Hooker Furniture spells richness, luxury, comfort and style.

Huge Mirrors

One of the proven ways to dramatically increase the high-end appeal of a room is to increase the scale of the mirrors that you set up there. No mirror would overwhelm any space, in fact, it would even open up a compact room. So go ahead and invest in an expansive mirror that will not just make your place look great but also has the tendency to double your investment.

Wood Floor

Wood flooring has the power to up the look of any space. No other flooring material will be able to give your home the richness and beauty that wood can give – bear that in mind. Sure, wood costs more but its beauty and durability will more than compensate for the cost.

Large Accent Pillows

Throw pillows seem to be not worth anyone’s attention but none could be more wrong. Any pillow that is less than 18 inches is screaming store bought. Try finding larger accent pillows which will make your living room appear more high-end.

An Elegant Light Fixture

Another design element that has a huge impact in any home is the light fixture. Don’t immediately default to brass chandeliers, instead, go for the more modern fixtures such as wall sconces, pendant lighting, and such.

You see, achieving that high-end appeal wasn’t that difficult, was it?

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The Colorful Sofa as Subject and Your Home, the Canvas

Tuesday, July 5th, 2016

BLOG 4. cynthia rowleyNeutral colors are often the go-to color when people invest in large upholstered pieces. This often makes sense since neutral hues are easier to harmonize, in short, they are the safest choice. Add to this the fact that the sofa is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture that you buy, and you would understand why most people opt for the safer options. On the other hand, wouldn’t it be nice if your living room didn’t look just like the rest of the neighborhood?

The Story of the Navy Blue Sofa

Consider a bright navy sofa. This can easily become the star of your living room flooded in white. There are many other rich hues in stock. These can also be customized, with so many fabrics to choose from these days, you’re the master when it comes to the final design of your furniture. So, going back on that navy blue sofa, why do you think it can work inside your living room?

The white background works as the canvas to the star of the show – the unique, colorful sofa.

Making the Teal Sectional Legendary

A compact home is the perfect setting for a teal sectional. This will provide ample seating for a small family. A darker color on a jewel-toned fabric is the right material for wear and tear as well as gazillions of spills that could happen in a family that has kids and pets.

This teal furniture can also serve as the focal point of any neutral room. This hue can also be repeated on window treatments and throw pillows.

An Azure Sectional as the Defining Feature

A room that is painted in white and absorbs a great deal of daylight can allow a huge volume of any bold colored furniture piece. It is easy to be visually successful if the rest of the room is whitewashed. Don’t think that the sectional in bold color such as azure would overwhelm the living room because it would never.

Knowing where to place the azure sectional will make it a shoo-in as the focal piece. Just be patient, you would soon get the hang of using a more colorful furniture piece.

Orange Cushions for the Cautious Ones

When the biggest and most colorful furniture pieces don’t work for you or if they are too bold, you can begin your transition to the colorful world of interior design by using some accent pieces first. Rich orange throw pillows will surely be a good addition to a neutral-colored sofa. Pair the sofa with the traditional furniture pieces and appliances plus some accents that may or may not be orange.

It’s really up to you.

This setup works because the rich tones of the throw pillows will create a warm glow that none of the other design elements will be able to provide.

BLOG 4. cynthia rowley againPurple Is Sophistication

Purple is not a usual color that is used in many upholstered pieces. In a home office or a guest room, this color could work very well when used appropriately.

Purple is equal to sophistication and class. Pair it with warm taupe and you’re in fashion heaven.

A purple sofa can be surrounded with other pieces that have purple undertones. These will make the sofa color pretty much leap out.

Chocolate Velvet Is Rich

A chocolate velvet furniture does not stray too much from neutrals. It can blend beautifully with just about any kind of wall, ceiling or floor. And since it is basically brown, it is also easy to accessorize. It can also match golden tones in many accessories.

Pair this lovely piece with neutral throws and surround it with wood tones to complete the look.

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2016 Home Improvement Projects to Take On

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Preston Ridge Sofa Table

Hooker Furniture Living Room Preston Ridge Sofa Table

Most homeowners find it easy to become complacent when at home. They can just let the days drift by without making the necessary home improvements. If done correctly, home improvement can literally allow you to reach your home’s potential. It can also up the value of the property. It’s now 2016; it’s up to you to decide which home improvement projects you’ll take on this year.

Garden Maintenance

The world’s climate is ever-changing so be sure to choose plants that are drought-tolerant. Gardening is an important part of adding curb appeal. Smart planting offers a natural aesthetic that is beautiful and difficult to surpass.

Why make do with mere bare fences when you can build trellis or a green wall. This kind of fence even allows nature to flourish. A plain brick wall would do well to have something like this. It will then look more interesting and robust. Choose the right species to plant there.

The great news is that plants can also insulate your home’s walls, providing them with the best thermal comfort.

Build Eaves

Are you aware of these parts of your roof? Environmental principles can be easily utilized in your home by saying no to air conditioning during the summer and building eaves instead. These are designed to let in the winter sun while blocking the blistering heat of the summer sun. These can make your home a lot more comfortable all months of the year. They can also reduce your electric bills.

Plan your eaves this year – it’s about time.

Utilize Roof Space

Have you considered working home instead of traveling to and from work? Then embrace the blessings of having a home office by utilizing your home’s unused attic space. This often dark room can actually be transformed to a brightly-lit, functional workspace. Improving that part of your home will not just add value to your property by the creation of usable space but also reduce commute time.

Roof space can also become a guest room project or a teen space. Adding skylight windows and timber flooring, painting the walls white, and putting furniture and accessories will surely make this room an awesome place to spend time in.

The Backyard Sanctuary

You can also turn unused space in your garden to a getaway. This should be the perfect spot if you are in need of a little quiet time.

Use articulated timber, light and plant life to create a peaceful feeling within that new part of your home. Your objective is to set up destinations right within your backyard. These should be inviting enough so that people will look forward to spend more time there.

Get Rid of Excess Stuff

If you clutter that has been eating a huge part of your home, then it’s time to throw ‘em away. Those that you can still use should be placed in storage. Any stuff that you haven’t used for more than a year should be considered junk. You can sell them online or donate them.

Let go of accessories that no longer work with the theme that you currently have.

Expand

Have you ever thought of setting up a roof garden? This can be a unique space in your home that can reduce the urban feel of your dwelling. This can be a simple grassed area lined with low-lying plants. Take advantage of any unutilized space and turn it into something that supports vegetation.

Any small plot of land outside of your home would also do.

Lastly, choose among the rooms in your home and find out which will be your 2016 home improvement project. Then be sure to finish this project and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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Spring’s 5 Fundamental Decorating Tips

Saturday, March 5th, 2016

 

Punches of yellow, red and green can be seen in a neutral backdrop. Featured items are from Hooker Furniture’s Archivist Collection.

Punches of yellow, red and green can be seen in a neutral backdrop. Featured items are from Hooker Furniture’s Archivist Collection.

Going eco-friendly is the way to go this season of spring. This green design is one that is sure to stay as more and more people are getting involved in making earth a much cleaner place to live in. Nowadays, the paint to use if you consider yourself responsible is a toxic-free paint; green furniture pieces are also the latest craze; and practically every interior design shop is geared towards going green. If you want to begin this revolutionary green movement right inside your home, then consider these spring decorating tips –

Scan and Go

Have a pen and a notepad in hand as you go through every room in your home. Look quickly inside every room and spot the objects that appear to clutter the room. Remove anything that is no longer needed then work your way from there.

Learn to prioritize. You may be tempted to create a long, cumbersome list of things to do, but don’t. Just remove whatever you consider useless then redecorate.

Make a Statement

Your lighting fixtures and cabinetry should be able to help you make a statement during this season. Brushed metal hardware and chandeliers can evoke romantic feelings inside any home. The distressed look in furniture can be carried all throughout your home as a unique theme.

Sunshiny colors are in and are considered as the fashionable color palette for the spring season; however, do not overdo these colors. Just add bright and colorful accent pieces, add a dash or so of wall color, and have it seen in some of your furniture.

Playing with punches of yellow is as easy as adding a glass vase filled with lemons or pots of yellow daffodils. The yellow succulents can be placed in the kitchen where they can serve a double purpose – first as a decor, then as an ingredient in one of ‘em pasta dishes!

Spring’s most popular colors include bright yellow, violet, coral and turquoise.

White accents can also brighten up any room so go ahead and use a white wall as your canvas.

Let the Outdoors Inspire

Just think of mountains, spring beaches and the bluest coastlines and you should be filled with inspiration to dress up your home this spring. Moss green, ocean blue and, yes, just to reiterate, turquoise – are the colors of the year that you should incorporate in your home.

Mixing these bold colors with neutrals is also a surefire way to set up your spring indoors. This is the way to go if you are a tad worried about painting a whole room with bright colors. Paint the walls with pink champagne or violet gray. Have some colorful accent pieces brought in if you chose a neutral backdrop.

Nature will always be a popular theme for spring so go ahead and bring in those natural fabrics. Let them be seen on your area rugs, throw pillows, sofa upholstery, curtains, even your bedding. Sea grass, jute, and wool are just the right kinds of materials that can bring a natural appearance without being too green.

Create Contrast

Creating contrast is as easy as bringing in some metallic accent pieces. Add a framed mirror, some photos in metallic frames, metallic artworks, or metallic lighting fixtures. The master bedroom or living room would surely come to life with these metallic accents added.

Contrast is not solely provided by metallic interior design pieces. Mix colors that come from the same shade, for instance, fuse dark blue with powder blue. Use one color on three walls and the darker one as a statement wall. The darker color could also be used on the accessories that will dot your entire home.

Keep Everything Light and Airy

Lastly, spring decorating is all about the removal of heavy drapes and using sheer instead. Update your home soon, after all, spring is the best season to reinvent the look of your dwelling place.

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Copper Is Always In

Tuesday, January 26th, 2016

 

Artistica Dining Room Quadrille Arm Chair 481-010. Imagine this awesome piece brightening up your dining area.

Artistica Dining Room Quadrille Arm Chair 481-010. Imagine this awesome piece brightening up your dining area.

When trying to achieve industrial chic, there is nothing more harmonizing than the beauty of an open-space home and metal – especially copper. Iron girders and exposed beams, chrome bathroom taps, even stainless steel appliances all add to the exquisiteness of an industrial setting. If these are the only things that you think can be great for an industrial themed home, then think again.

These days, metal is everywhere – from the wallpaper to the flooring, even in furniture pieces.

The Evolution of Metal in Interior Design

Chrome initially said farewell to the bathroom then was seen in modernist furniture and lamps. The year 2014 was all about copper and the paint color of the year 2015 was also this same metallic hue.

The use of metal inside homes is far from new. Nobles during the Medieval Period had wrought-iron homes. Fast forward to the 20th century and metals were still very much in use. Chrome was then the star of the show and was accentuated by various polished mirrors.

During the Flower Power Revolution, metalwork became very popular among designers. It was used in wall sconces, chandeliers, sculpture and lamps. The ‘80s showed the emergence of brass and gold inside smart interiors.

Now, gold taps are common inside bathrooms especially among the most luxurious homes. You do not want to go all out when it comes to the use of copper or any kind of metal, though. Of course, you would not want to come across as loud.

The Tommy Bahama Home Living Room Harcourt Round Side Table 552-952 is made of hammered copper complete with nailhead trim. Concealed in this beautiful piece is a storage unit that serves multiple practical functions.

The Tommy Bahama Home Living Room Harcourt Round Side Table 552-952 is made of hammered copper complete with nailhead trim. Concealed in this beautiful piece is a storage unit that serves multiple practical functions.

Copper, Copper, Copper Everywhere

Burnished and subtlety are needful in order to create warmth while adding a bit of sheen. Wallpapers, carpets and tiles also add a richness of copper and other metallic hues. Look at some bookshelves and sculptural forms and you’d be amazed at how copper can become the dominant hue yet restrained nevertheless.

Stuff in your home can be covered or painted with copper shades. Metals are not just there for cladding buildings anymore. It can also compete with wood and other furniture raw materials. Don’t get the idea that copper and other metals are cheap to work with. If you want to embrace quality then be prepared to invest. Your investment, after all, is sure to be enjoyed by your posterity.

Copper has long been used in interior design because it is a venerable metal. Its texture is cool but it can bring warmth in so many fashionable ways.

Bathrooms and kitchens are classic rooms where this gorgeous metal is used. It is both a functional and a design element. Copper is also wonderfully microbe-free which is why it is used in abundance inside these two rooms. What’s wonderful is that you won’t even need to use harsh cleansers in order to remove bacteria from the sink surface. A few hours of staying on copper and the bacteria are bust.

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Akron Copper Table Lamp 27697-1 is made with handforged metal complete with a washed copper finish. ‘Notice the dark bronze foot? It is sturdy and decorative at the same time.

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Akron Copper Table Lamp 27697-1 is made with handforged metal complete with a washed copper finish. ‘Notice the dark bronze foot? It is sturdy and decorative at the same time.

Copper pots and pans are also priceless decorative pieces in any kitchen. They spell luxury and wealth.  Do you have copper cooking utensils to boost? Then bring them out and have them serve as decorative pieces, too.

Hammered copper used in many furnishings have transformed what could have been a so-so piece into a stunning work of art.

Copper lighting fixtures also have a huge impact in illuminating spaces. These are design pieces by themselves – just think of chandeliers, pendants, and table lamps. These are stylish additions in any room. They can add dimension and boldness; they can also effectively define space.

Copper lighting may be used in a rustic, cozy, contemporary or Western setting. Choose from raw to shiny finish, brushed or oil rubbed. Would you want the natural look or do you prefer pieces with heavy patina?  The choices are limitless when it comes to exquisite copper.

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Organic Interiors: Turning Your Home to a Visual Delight

Tuesday, January 19th, 2016

 

The clean lines of the American Leather Living Room Bookcase MEN-BKC-ES should fit right into your organic home.

The clean lines of the American Leather Living Room Bookcase MEN-BKC-ES should fit right into your organic interiors.

Would you like to have the ability to bring nature right into your home? This is a quest that homeowners, over the centuries, have longed to achieve. Humans, after all, love organic interiors and the organic appeal of earth’s elements because he is one with them.

Organic modern dwellings are usually soothing and have a down-to-earth feel. The natural elements such as clean lines, rustic stuff, vegetation and lots of natural light – all add a certain level of warmth to any home with modern architecture.

Bringing organically inspired elements in your home can be achieved with these guidelines –

Choose Elements That Bring Peace

This does not mean doing the feng shui each time that you move your furniture about or buying only the feng shui approved pieces. Pick materials that showcase your personal flair. Some homeowners may like the look of natural rocks as wall art while others like the sophistication offered by dark mahogany furniture or flooring. Be sure to find natural elements that show your style while connecting you to your home.

Use Bricks as a Focal Point or Backdrop

Brick making is a process that involves natural elements such as water, clay, mud and fire. These eventually produce one of the sturdiest building materials.

The appeal of brick transcends time. Its rustic uniformity makes old homes and now modern dwellings a place to marvel at.

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Farmer's Market Table 018-61-32 at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Farmer’s Market Table 018-61-32 at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

Never Go Without Wood

Wood is the soul of organic design. The imperfections of wood such as grains and knots are the very things that make it stand out. Wooden furniture now comes in various species and finishes. You can use this material from your ceiling beams down to your dining table, chairs, even the flooring.

Look for furniture with country and rustic appeal if you want to achieve a traditional look in your home. For those who are looking to have a contemporary setting, look for wood furniture with non-complex, free from ornamentation lines.

The Farmer’s Market Table on the left comes with a simple scalloped pattern. This can serve as a heritage piece, one that evokes a country feel. Its French style finish, bun foot legs, and Dutch white cedar all contribute to a lovely feature for this wooden piece.

Bring in Nature in Every Room

Bringing in natural finishes in your dwelling place is no longer a new concept yet it has become a game changer of sorts to many homeowners. You can look into buying organic bedding for your bedroom. These are those sheets that come with rustic leaves or birds as designs.

A Zen fountain can make a home office feel more calming and soothing.

Design your home according to the concepts that make you feel more excited, charged, even calmed and find out how nature would play its role in your home.

When it comes to floral inspiration, make sure that you bring in the real thing. It can be frustrating to see fake greenery covered in dust inside any of your rooms. Allow nature to find its way to your interiors by bringing in potted plants, flowers, cacti, and succulents in their natural state.

Another room where you need to feel relaxed or rejuvenated is the bathroom. A water heater can make your body feel soothed. It can even transport your mind to a much needed level of serenity. This is something that you can look forward to after a long day of work.

Add wood walls in your bathroom to attain the look of a dry heat sauna. Fixtures must have minimal lines and your source of light is preferably from the sun’s rays flowing right into this room. At night, find a light source that still creates the ideal, one-of-a-kind experience in bathing.

Living in organic interiors is not just relaxing, it can also make you feel a sense of fulfillment as you help Mother Earth in the process.

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Interior Design Trends for 2016 – Will You Be In This Year?

Saturday, January 16th, 2016

 

This China cabinet comes from FFDM's Antebellum Collection. The classic color of wood will make any home be the envy of the neighborhood.

This China cabinet comes from FFDM’s Antebellum Collection. The classic color of wood will make any home be the envy of the neighborhood.

 

The year 2016 is marked as the Year of the Rat on the Chinese calendar. The specific styles and interior design trends for this year are distinctive because they show a lot of expression. They also come in richness that is sure to transcend to the next year.

Playful Colors Are Back

Among the various inspired changes inside homes this year, cheerful colors are definitely back. There is also this growing emphasis on nature and the environment even in unusual rooms such as kitchens and the bathroom.

Innovations are not limited to these concepts. Accessories also display the richest hues though they are also surprisingly used in a more functional and minimalist space. Hints of metals such as brass and copper are also used in different areas of the home.

This year’s color palette comes in shades of red, pink and peach and designers are more than willing to use these colors to tell the world that they are following the trend. Pink is not just seen in interior design but also in make-up, fashion and office decor.

Accessories also come in shades of deep blue, green oil and navy. These colors convey feelings of coolness and calm inside any premise. For instance, brass or copper surfaces can cleverly blend with moody colors such as purple and black.

Once again, marble, copper and brass are the stars of the 2016 trend. There are various uses for these glamorous materials, their flexible characteristic, and their artistic look.

Another noticeable change inside homes this year is the presence of decorative yet functional objects. There is simply no room for useless stuff. It has become increasingly crucial to own objects that can be used throughout the homeowner’s lifetime, maybe even beyond.

The dynamic lifestyle of modern man also requires clever usage of space, its proper arrangement, and minimalism. The kitchen, for instance, may be completely concealed in order to open more room for entertainment.

The Hooker Furniture Dining Room Skyline Round Glass Top Dining Table comes with plated metal and glass. Choose from the gold or champagne-colored finish.

The Hooker Furniture Dining Room Skyline Round Glass Top Dining Table comes with plated metal and glass. Choose from the gold or champagne-colored finish.

 

These days, the world of interior design is constantly moving towards minimalism because of its simple aesthetics. The reason behind this is simple – modern man is always busy and all he wants is a haven to go home to, a place where he could escape from city life. The use of green walls or optical illusions inside bathrooms and kitchens can add to the level of fascination.

Another huge change inside the home environment is the seemingly spa atmosphere. The bathroom is the leading room that has turned from a functional space to a relaxation area. Chairs and benches, even vanity tables are no longer uncommon inside modern bathrooms.

Have an abundant amount of vegetation inside the bathroom, too. Bring in those green plants that you love. Urban gardens inside living premises are also hip and trendy. Mother Nature is being let into homes because more and more designers and architects are considering the health of their clients. Bringing nature closer to homeowners does not just provide beauty but also a high level of calmness.

To keep the rest of your home fresh and up-to-date with the latest interior design trends, be sure to control the ventilation and humidity. Fresh air is what provides natural plant life. If this is not possible to achieve, then green walls are your next best option. The colors pink and gold are also artistic and easygoing hues that you can experiment with during the year. See how you can have them entwined or used separately in your home’s architecture and interior design.

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