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Thanksgiving 2018 – What’s for Dinner?

Tuesday, November 13th, 2018

Collectors Room Pieces: Set up a formal dining space this Thanksgiving.

When the word Thanksgiving is mentioned to you, what things run through your mind? You probably think of the pilgrims and Indians but the real story is less joyful than these. In fact, the history of Thanksgiving is laden with wars and slavery. The Pequot women and children were the ones who inspired Thanksgiving with their yearly Green Corn Festival.

Let’s not tackle how the Dutch and English mercenaries celebrated their Thanksgiving, neither the other frenzied celebrations because those events were tragic to say the least.

It was George Washington who finally decided that only one day every year should be set aside as Thanksgiving and, eventually, Abraham Lincoln decreed that this day become a legal holiday.

So what are the things that you are grateful for? The mere fact that you have a roof over your head and good food to eat are awesome reasons to celebrate and give thanks.

Most of the time, people forget how lucky they actually are with all the things that they take for granted such as a soft bed, a clean and spa-like bathroom, and a spacious home. All these are reasons to celebrate this coming Thanksgiving.

Let’s Eat

It’s Thanksgiving so it’s the perfect time to gather the family, celebrate, and eat. What’s Thanksgiving anyway without ample food on the table? This is the time to feast and to devour, ingest, gobble up, wolf down your food or even to pig out.

Polish off your plates when you serve these foods –

Traditional Turkey

But of course. What is Thanksgiving without family members carving a huge turkey? This bird is often prepared whole and filled with vegetables, fruits or some other stuffing.

Turkeys are usually seasoned with several herbs and spices and then roasted over open fire or inside an oven. Be sure to roast this till it’s deliciously tender but still juicy.

It takes skill to properly roast a turkey. There are many videos showing how to roast this bird so that it’s still juicy once it’s done.

The Thick Gravy

The turkey will have juices once it is being roasted. Don’t let this go to waste. Turn the turkey juices into a thick gravy sauce which you can use to flavor the mashed potatoes.

Stuff ‘Em Right

The stuffing is the filling or also referred to as the dressing. This goes inside the turkey before it is roasted. Traditionally, the stuffing is comprised of bread, herbs, and sausage.

The Creamy Mashed Potatoes

This is another traditional Thanksgiving food. To serve this, you must first boil and peel the potatoes. Once they’re cooked, have them mashed till they are soft and creamy. Add milk, butter, and a few spices according to your liking.

Varieties of Corn

If bread rolls are a staple during Thanksgiving meals, then so is corn.

Corn can be served as cornbread, creamed corn or corn on the cob.

Sweet Cranberry Sauce

The sour, sweet and tangy flavors of the cranberry sauce are what make this sauce the best sauce for the turkey. There are many shops that sell the cranberry sauce but you can also make your own if you have ample time.

Make this sauce by boiling cranberries, lemon zest, sugar, and water. Simmer over a small flame then you’re done.

Candied Yams

The yellow, sweet potatoes are known as yams. They have a soft texture and they can be used as a side dish or could even be served during the main course. These can be baked, mashed or be made as casserole.

Add some spices, butter, brown sugar, and top with marshmallows for the perfect baked candied yams.

Sweet as a Pumpkin Pie

The pumpkin spice is a reminder that Fall is happening indeed. There’s pumpkin spice cookies and coffee, even bagels and sausages. But it’s the pumpkin pie that’s to beat.

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Delicious Colors of Fall

Monday, November 12th, 2018

The rich colors of fall are seen throughout this bedroom. Featured here are pieces Fine Furniture Design’s Regal Collection.

Each season comes with its spectrum of colors. The hues that you end up using in your home depend hugely on your personality. Fall probably has one of the most interesting palettes to offer with its deep browns, rustic reds, warm oranges, and deep greens.

As the weather becomes ever cooler and the outdoors show the most colorful delights, don’t you think it’s time to warm up your interiors with these interesting hues?

Huge Florals

What could be lovelier than this trend? And who says florals only have to appear during spring?

Find the blousy florals and put them on your bedding, cushions, and even as murals. You can then keep the rest of the design elements basic so that the flowers become the star of the show.

Hip Neutrals

If you can’t do florals this fall, then that’s fine. You can always create the modern look with neutrals. Be sure to emphasize your natural-looking furniture pieces. Be sure to focus on wood grains, stripped timbers, and natural patinas.

Team these up with neutral blocks and soft gray pieces for a more calming effect.

Gold Is In

Gold this fall? Why not?

Gold never goes out of style and it will always be in no matter what the season. You can use this as the statement piece or you can accessorize with this color.

This luxurious color gets its inspiration from the fallen leaves. From the pile of oranges and reds, you can also find gold, curled up pieces that can serve as an inspiration for your design creativeness this fall.

How about a gold carpet? The design possibilities are endless with this amazing color.

Black Is Back

The huge fans of the monochrome palette will surely love this color. This is all about the use of black accessories such as beaded pendants, a shelving unit with hints of this deep color and consoles in block color.

Combine black with textured pieces and its usual partner – white – to achieve a delicious design balance.

Bolder Than Ever

Many who design their homes during fall tend to imagine that they will use only the warm colors of leaves, wood accents and berries. But there is so much more that this season can offer in terms of giving life to your home through colors.

Have a beautiful burst of colors in your home this season. Add wild pink, plums, burgundy, and umber orange to your designs. And how about altering the accent wall with your chosen bold color?

Find the bold shades in different-shaped furniture pieces. Go for blocks to emphasize the boldness of the hues and use stripes and geometrical pieces.

Nostalgic Scandi Look

Of course, what would work would always be the classics. Get your design inspirations from the fall colors of sage green, neutral browns, beiges, and golden yellows.

These are not the same as the bright and invigorating hues of summer, though. Fall is the season that tells everyone to enjoy Mother Nature’s show. Whether you like the traditional upholstered pieces or versatile furnishings, you will always find a good use for subtle throws, interesting area rugs, and flower arrangements.

Don’t think that subtle is boring, though. The Scandinavian design could also become your inspiration for your interior design this season. After all, winter isn’t far away and the Scandi colors are perfect even for the upcoming winter.

Recreate a nostalgic look but with a Nordic edge by updating your home with deep blue aqua and yellow color palette. These will surely make the furnishings pop as they are mixed and matched in the different rooms in your home.

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And the Nesting Season Is On

Friday, November 2nd, 2018

These Humphrey Bogart pieces will look great in your reading nook this autumn and winter.

Is the winter season eager to unfold where you live? With the shorter daytime, this is the perfect moment to begin some serious planning for those nesting months. Yes, it’s time to light the hearth and just bond with your family indoors. With lots of cuddling and bonding moments ahead, it’s time to plan for activities that are meant to kill boredom.

Blockbuster Movies Galore

Now is the time to catch up in watching those blockbuster movies that you missed the previous summer. Now that you’re done sunbathing and gardening, there’s much time to spend snuggling and eating popcorn while enjoying all those exciting movies that you failed to watch.

Declutter then Redecorate

Once you’re caught up on your movies, it’s time to get serious and do some cleaning as well. Since you’re indoors anyway, you might as well take the time to check out the messy closets and all the nooks and crannies in your home.

Before you even commission a licensed electrician to check on your wiring systems if they’re ready for winter and before you even ask a plumber to look at your home’s plumbing system or before you check the roof, you should do the easy tasks first.

After decluttering, you can also move things around just to refresh the look in your home. Try hanging framed photos in different spots. You can also rearrange furniture or look for new design ideas on the Internet.

Get to Know Jane, Mary and William

Austen, Shelly and Shakespeare that is. Reading is one of the most wonderful things that you can do during winter. So just like your movie marathon, this is also the perfect time to catch up on your favorite novels and bestsellers.

And please don’t just read. This time, relish the moments by snuggling in your cozy and warm home. A mug of hot chocolate is also a must.

Plan the Garden

Winter is the best time to begin planning the upcoming year’s garden. Whether you’re going to plant a vegetable garden or a flowerbed this time, this cold season will help you dream about the colorful produce and flowers. Before you know it, spring will be on again and then getting those seedlings going would be late by then.

Plan Your Spring Getaway

Wintertime is also the best time to pick a destination for your spring vacay. You can book the flights as early as now so that you would be given the best fares. Spend the cold evenings researching travel sites and what destinations would best fit your schedule in spring.

Rest

Now when was the last time that you enjoyed a daytime nap? The human body needs to revitalize at night by having 8 or more hours of sleep (preferably). Those who get less than these end up with all sorts of unwanted health conditions.

It’s cold outside so just go ahead and take that midday nap in the coziest place in your home.

Enroll in a Class

Take advantage of your free time by learning something new. Even just a few hours of online tutorial or class can help you gain skills or enhance your existing know-how.

There are various online language classes to choose from and some arts and crafts DIY courses, too. Choose which one you would enroll in to while away the time this winter.

Camp In

If you have a fireplace in the living room, then it’s time to set up a campfire. Complete the activity with comfortable pillows, games, good storybooks, and snacks. This is also an amazing activity should the power go out.

Just relax in your pajamas and cozy up with those thick blankets.

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Goin’ Hygge for the Holidays

Thursday, October 25th, 2018

TheAmerican Leather Living Room Recliner Chair AST-REC-ST spells comfort and simplicity to a T.

The nights of fall are ever drawing closer to the even colder winter evenings. Your days are going to get more hectic so your nights have to be restful to compensate for the eventful mornings and afternoons. Did you know that the Danes have been listed as one of the happiest people in the world? They all attest to one thing – hygge.

The whole point of hygge is living a lifestyle of warmth and calm. Pronounced as hue-gah or hoo-gah, this is the term used by Norwegians to describe wellbeing. This is the way of life of the Danish.

Hygge began in the 18th century. This appeared in the writings of that time and has long since remained as a wonderful lifestyle embraced by many.

Hygge transcends winters through summers, although, it becomes an even more apparent style when the cold season is at its peak. The power of this style is able to downplay the bleak, dark winters as it has made happy people out of those that do not see the rays of the sun for a long time.

Often referred to as togetherness or coziness, it is not the literal translation of the Danish term, though. No English word can aptly describe it, hence its meaning is a bit hazy.

What the world knows is that hygge is a mood or feeling more than anything else. This can also be used as a state of mind, too. It can be used to describe a warm bath one moment, then it can be the style of a home on the next instance.

You can also be hygge when you’re enjoying a mug of hot cocoa while curled up and reading your favorite novel. Hygge also means intimacy. It can also be a social event or gathering for the family.

Since hygge is all about being warm and cozy, it’s a must to choose your lighting fixture well. TheUttermost Lamps and Lighting Brant Aged Brass 8 Light Chandelier 21316 is one such choice.

How to Hygge

Invest in a lot of candles. It is believed that Scandinavian countries including Denmark, of course, are the biggest consumers of candles annually. Whether you prefer scented or unscented, it really doesn’t matter. But Skandinavisk, a Danish brand, has come up with a hygge fragrance with hints of baked strawberry cakes, brewed tea, rose petals, and even wild mint.

The next step is to add textures. Warmth and coziness are instantly added to a habitat when the eyes see soft textures and if the hands feel the lushness of fabrics. Imagine adding knitted cushions, fluffy woolen rugs, and fur throws – these are capable of stylizing your home while providing the needed comfort.

Add a roaring fire in the furnace and some soft candle lights and you’ve set up the perfect hygge.

The third concept that you must remember is that the simple things are welcome in a Danish home. There is no pressing need to overhaul your home. Just treat yourself to an afternoon tea, immerse in a bubble bath or create a gallery of your favorite paintings and you’ve just achieved hygge, too.

The fourth step is to update your clothing. Invest in loose tops, onesies, harem trousers, and just about any comfortable piece of clothing. The more relaxed you are when wearing the clothes, the more that you should seriously consider it to become a part of your wardrobe.

Hygge also means being with friends and enjoying a social gathering. Whether this is a simple dinner or a more complex party, the idea is to have fun while eating wholesome foods.

Plan all those winter nights when you would gather together your family or your friends in front of the fireplace. Now don’t think that hygge is all about staying indoors. You can still wear warm clothing and circle roundabout the fire pit – this, too, is very much a hygge experience.

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The Benefits of Fall Planting

Tuesday, October 9th, 2018

Uttermost Accessories Preserved Boxwood Garden Urn 60113

Spring is a wonderful season to tend the garden but fall is equally beneficial for starting to take care of plants. Shrubs, turf grass, cool-season veggies, spring-blooming bulb, trees, and perennials can also be planted during fall.

There are actually some benefits if you do decide to plant during fall. Autumn offers a cooler temperature so it becomes easy for the gardener as well as the plants. During this time, the soil is also warm but just enough so the plants can grow up until the season when the ground finally freezes.

Fall also offers better days for planting when compared to spring. Yes, believe it or not, plants don’t seem to grow on spring until the soil becomes warmer so gardeners frantically plant during spring than on fall.

Fall also comes with rain showers. Diseases and pests also tend to fade away during this season. There is also less need to use fertilizer since these problems do not occur during the colder seasons.

Be sure to take note of the window for planting during fall. It should end at about six weeks prior to when the hard frost sets in, normally, in September or the month of October.

Just so we’re clear, let’s put here the reasons why you should schedule your gardening activities mostly on fall –

The Cool Weather

Just imagine the cool mornings – can you picture yourself gardening under this cool and easy weather? The coolness then becomes warmer during the afternoons and then the nights are capped with an equally cool weather.

Notice also the rushing bees and butterflies that are all out to gather nectar and pollen. You don’t just garden without sweating profusely, you also get to enjoy Mother Nature’s scenic presentations.

Less Maintenance

What do you notice if you begin gardening during summer? You end up spending more time to water your plants, right? Looking after your flowering babies and your vegetable patches becomes more tedious as the heat also increases.

With fall planting, you can water the potted plants just a few hours prior to digging then you just put them in the ground (such as in the case of perennials). As for trees and shrubs, you water the soil in the newly dug up hole then put in the root ball.

You Get a Bird’s Eye View

Of course, you need to understand that the garden will insulate itself come winter so plant enough to help the garden stay alive. The trees and shrubberies that you planted during fall will help in protecting your garden from drying up. You will also get a better view of the gaps between each of the plants.

Fall is the time to plant in the bald spots while all the leaves and mosquitoes are on leave. This is the season when you have a better view of the ground. If you live in the higher regions, then be sure to dig during August through September. For the coastal areas as well as the Southern regions, you have until December to do your gardening tasks.

The Smaller the Better

You can save energy and money by investing in smaller plants. Buy plugs and three-inch pots. You can also invest in trees plated in gallon containers. Getting plants like these will not only make your fall planting easier but you will also keep the plant from having transplant shock. Buy a bigger specie and you’d know what we mean.

What to Plant

Every spring-blooming bulb needs a dormancy period in order to fully bloom. Know that plants tend to bulb during fall so that they can spring forth in…well…spring. If you don’t want to worry about critters eating up your plants, then include any of the following –

  • Allium
  • Daffodil
  • Dog’s Tooth violets
  • Fritillaria
  • Glory of the Snow
  • Grape Hyacinth
  • Siberian Squill
  • Snowdrop
  • Winter Aconite

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The Rustic Fall Look for 2018

Tuesday, September 25th, 2018

 

The Canadel Dining Room Wooden Seat Bench BEN8903-18 has the perfect vibe for fall.

It’s Fall. You definitely should have traded the summer decorative items for fall stuff by now. There are now hard rules when it comes to fall décor and you simply have to follow the cues that go with the season. Just look all around you – the leaves are turning orange and red, the browns are becoming more intense, and the air is filled with anticipation.

It is said that the best time to hang and set up your fall décor is late August up until October. Of course, you would not want to confuse the look with the upcoming Christmas vibe. This season, as you know, offers a different spectrum of color palette.

One of the best styles that you can have this fall is a rustic look. It is timeless yet, at the same time, parallel to the looks that fall evokes. Rustic design is basic, even raw, but it is always strikingly lovely.

If you’re embracing this look for fall, then you have to understand the philosophy behind it. It is organic and is supposed to invoke warm and comfortable feelings. Here are some of the basic design elements that you can work with –

Rustic Textures

Wood is the leading element in any rustic habitat. Even reclaimed wood is a good choice for your walls, flooring and furniture materials.

Wood effortlessly provides the natural look that is needed in rustic design. The wood beams also typically support the ceilings and these are often made of alder, pine, cherry or hickory. There are many other choices of woods to choose from.

The second most-used element in rustic design is metal. Metals, especially wrought-iron, can be seen on elements such as pots, pans, even the staircase posts.

The right accessories need to complement the look that you’re trying to set up. For instance, having metal doorknobs means you need to pair them with wood and distressed bathroom accessories so the rustic vibe is achieved.

Apart from wood and metals, there is a third element that is also typically seen in rustic interiors and these are stones. Stone is used in balancing the other elements.

Rustic Color Palette

You will need a natural color palette to make the design work. So, think of oranges, browns, beiges, taupes, and cream. This base color is also often joined by shades of red, green, and blue. What’s important is that you tie up all these colors so that they are able to present an earthy and warm aesthetic.

Don’t be limited by just the basic shades, though. Remember that you can use different shades of the same color in layering. Doing this will add to the depth of your surroundings.

Don’t paint the wider surfaces such as the walls and the floors. The wooden surfaces become even more exciting and rustic if they look natural, raw, and unpainted. If you’re still having difficulty choosing the right colors for your rustic home this fall, then you can never go wrong with white. Plus, you can carry on this palette to the winter season.

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Ikat Rug 3261RS Flame

Rustic Patterns

Because rustic style is refined unrefined, you need to create interest by adding patterns. Buffalo check, calico, Ikat, and patchworks are all traditionally rustic. These patterns can be used on the floor rugs, the pillow cases, and other accessories.

Enhance your home further by adding quilt or by hanging an interesting carpet on one wall.

Rustic Furniture

Find furniture pieces that are traditional looking and have a comfortable and authentic feel. The materials must be raw wood or, at the very least, handmade. Each piece must evoke minimalism. Cap the look by accessorizing with twigs, branches, driftwood, and acorns.

 

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The Fall Getaway – How to Create a Warm and Welcoming Habitat

Thursday, September 20th, 2018

Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Left Arm Facing Sofa Without Nailhead Trim: Seating units are essential in welcoming your holiday guests.

Fall and winter seasons are here and their requirement is this – a cozy and warm home. You are sure to notice a lot of dark brown paneling in interior design magazines. These may be coupled with the caramel-colored seats and textured carpet. All these elements are the hottest features that are calling for attention as of late. So, are you ready to create the fall getaway?

The First Step Is the Doorstep

Do you believe that first impressions are lasting? Nothing can leave a more lasting impact than that place where your guests first enter. Create an entrance that will welcome your guests with a bang.

Tidy up and hang a wreath. Bring in some potted planted and greet your guests with these greens. Set up a welcoming doormat that represents your flamboyant personality as well as the festivities that you are willingly sharing with them.

Create a Sociable Atmosphere

Now it’s time to create a space where the people will gather. Be sure to put a lot of seating units for your guests. As for all the unnecessary furniture, have those hidden away at the back of the room. Have some space in the hall for boots and other shoes.

Have some outdoor seating set up as well. This is for when the weather is good and you’d like to share an evening get-together with your friends and loved ones. Go the extra mile by setting up a dining table on your deck.

Have A Kids’ Area

Family gatherings entail work. So, you wouldn’t want to have additional stress when the kids get in the way. Plan an area where the kids can play safely with their toys or watch the DVD. Setting up their own spot will keep your young ones busy while you’re also busy entertaining the guests.

Cool It

With a lot of extra bodies cramped in a room, it can get pretty hot and with the heater turned up due to the snowy weather, it’s time to bring the temperature down a bit. With the heaters turned down, allow the temperature to cool before you even begin welcoming your guests.

Fall Décor

Now let’s decorate. Warm metals are very, very, very hot at the moment. So, nod your head to bronze, copper, rose gold or brass. These metals can add to the warmth of your space. Just imagine hanging copper pots on the kitchen walls. These display pieces will surely be discussed by your guests, also, they’ll make your kitchen extra special.

If the copper pots need polishing, then just sprinkle a little salt on their surface then rub. Use lemon when you rub the pot surfaces. There is also copper colored paint in spray cans if you want to transform the pieces.

In creating depth and dimension to any space, you can also have a textured wallpaper to evoke sophistication and drama. Eyes are naturally drawn to this kind of wall element. If you don’t want the whole wall to be covered with this new piece, then just have some stencils.

Do you need more ideas to warm your home? Add glowing lights that will bounce off the metallic surfaces. Pair these with spot lights which fill up the cabinets with glass fronts. Just make sure that you have control of all of these lights, meaning, you can brighten or dim them according to your needs.

Using wood is also a traditional way to design a home for fall. Wood floors are as classic as you could get. If you want to create a bold statement, then have a wall-to-wall wood panel. With all these woods welcoming your guests, what else could be more welcoming?

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Patio Furniture Safety for the Holidays

Monday, September 17th, 2018

The American Leather Living Room Aiden Chair blends the classic look of Mid-century style with the scenic outdoors.

Summer’s long gone and with the colder seasons taking center stage, it is time to prepare your patio now for the long hibernation ahead. This is also so that when spring comes, you’d be ready to enjoy the outdoors once again. So how do you keep patio furniture safely tucked this fall and winter?

Rust-free Metals

It is, of course, always best to read the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to taking good care of your outdoors furniture. Most of the aluminum pieces that are out in the market these days have been powder coated. This is so the pieces are kept free from rust.

Experts also suggest that you wash aluminum furniture pieces then apply a single coat of automotive wax. This is a simple and affordable maintenance tip that you can do annually. Touch up if you see any scratches. Use car paint with the right color.

As for wrought-iron pieces, know that you will encounter rust somewhere down the road. You can remove rust accumulation using a wire brush. After this, coat the furniture with an exterior paint that was specifically designed for wrought-iron pieces.

Let dry then cover with tarp that will keep the furniture intact until spring.

Galvanized metal is known to be more durable than regular metal. While this is so, it is not exempted from the eventual rigors of the cold climate. It is always best to keep your metal furniture in a spot where they won’t be exposed to the elements during fall and winter.

All these maintenance steps are necessary to keep the metal furniture from developing rust and eventually weakening.

Stain-free Fabrics

If there are a few fabric pieces in your patio, then you should work extra hard in keeping those mildew, mold, and stain-free throughout the cold seasons. The easiest way to avoid black spots is to shake them off or to vacuum them.

Detergent and bleach mixtures are best for tough stains. A cup of bleach can be used for every gallon of water. You can then add a little detergent. Use these on non-cotton or printed fabrics. For these, just use a simple solution of water and soap.

Clean Cushions

Ain’t it just wonderful to lay down in a cushioned seat during summer? You would want to go back to that lovely feeling once the holidays are over. There are now many outdoor furniture pieces that come with removable cushions.

When not in use, you can store these cushions inside a storage box. Be sure to use the heavy-duty type or you would be left with fabrics that need to be thawed later on.

Additionally, you should store the cushions so they are kept free from mold and mildew. Cover them with plastic or tarp so that dust won’t accumulate while they are awaiting their reuse.

Elegant Natural Materials

One of the most durable types of woods that are often used in patios is teak. It offers an elegant look that just keeps getting better with time. Use specialty oil once each year. For painted woods, be sure to keep them shielded from the sun’s rays. If they remain exposed, you will soon see that they’d lose their color plus the paint would begin to fade as well.

For an all-year-round furniture, be sure to use synthetic wicker or rattans. Paint the areas that are already flaking.

As for wood patio furniture, make sure that they are sealed for the colder seasons. Use a protective sealant to keep your wood furniture from being damaged by moisture. Snow brings with it a lot of moisture which would eventually cause wood cracks. A sealed furniture will not be soaked in moisture.

Do this same thing with raw wood.

 

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Charmingly Scandinavian

Monday, September 17th, 2018

Coming soon is the Hooker Furniture Living Room Amani Spot Accent Table which perfectly evokes the relaxed and modern style of Nordic interiors.

Also referred to as Hygge or Nordic design, this interior style has swept the world with its distinct look. Various magazines and websites featured the simplistic beauty and minimalistic functionality of this interior design.

Emerging in the ’50s, Scandinavian interior design has emphasized the beauty of craftsmanship and muted elegance in many homes. If you want to have this neutral style be the look for your home these holidays, then here are some tips to make it work –

Be Mindful of Lighting

It becomes imperative to think of ways to better light your home with just seven hours of daylight in winter. And since you have decided to make this your style, you should know that light is a huge part of it.

Lighting in Scandinavian design centers on mood building through proper illumination and ample amounts of light. As you would delve deeper into this style, you will soon notice that most of the lighting fixtures are bordering on industrial style. Pendants are also quite common as well as wall sconces.

Candle lighting is also a common whimsical feature. Votives can give you the right ambiance.

And since Scandinavian interiors are big on lighting, why not make illumination more exciting with the Maitland-Smith Accessories Brass Candlestick 8167-16?

Linear Furniture

When it comes to furniture, the way to go would always be clean lines. Whether you’re thinking of getting new tables, chairs or sofas, it is safest if you also refer to the Mid-century modern style.

The round edges that this style offers as well as its natural hues are all welcome inside Scandinavian interiors. The secret is also to be space savvy, meaning, there is a place for everything and for everything there is a place.

Light Hardwood Flooring

If you’re a huge fan of wall-to-wall carpeting, then you won’t find it here. Scandinavian homes are traditionally made of hardwood. Don’t go for dark hardwood, though, as this is against the white or natural-colored flooring that is a staple of Scandinavian flooring.

Whether you’re installing the living room or bathroom flooring, always consider the neutral hues that are the standard for these spaces.

Neutral Palette

Speak of neutral colors, Nordic style is definitely a choice of grays, whites, browns, and blacks. These are also often interwoven with the calming and clean interiors popping with dusty pinks or sea green as accent hues.

Walls are typically painted white which allows for artworks and furniture to captivate.

Zero Clutter

What’s a Scandinavian interior if it’s filled with clutter? Since Nordic homes have enough storage spaces, then it is expected that there won’t be unnecessary clutter. Shelves and cabinets are a huge deal in such a home and while less is more, any Copenhagen native will tell you that the furnishings are all intentional.

Warm Textiles

Since Scandinavian homes show lots of whites and neutrals, the only way to balance these is to provide warmth with the mohair, sheep skin or wool cushions and throws. These do not just make your home look more comforting, they can even add to the needed depth provided by texture layers.

It Ain’t Just Tulips for Accents

It is equally important to add living elements to your Scandinavian home. Fresh flowers are the best way to go since they also look luxurious and stylish. Just picture the sidewalks filled with flower shops in Copenhagen and you’ll realize just how colorfully attractive tulips and other flowers could get.

Don’t limit the colors in your home. Make the indoors more flamboyant.

Decorative accents can also be ceramic vases or those cushions with geometric patterns. Explore all the beautiful textures that will balance the canvas that has been set by the style itself.

The Fireplace as the Focal Piece

If you have to make a statement, then say it with a fireplace. Find a corner or the center of the living room where this architectural feature will surely stand out. Then be sure to decorate it according to the Scandinavian design rules and you’re all set.

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Posted in Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Charmingly Scandinavian

2018 Fall Décor

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Figure 1. Traditional fall decor in minimalist form. Featured is the Winners Only Dining Room 78 Inches Table With 18 Inches Butterfly Leaf DSB14278A.

It’s Fall once again so warm colors are out to take on the center stage for this season.

There are many luscious ways to decorate your home in a festive and chic way. Simple gourds, traditional pumpkins, unique foliage, and pinecones are the most popular things used which – if you don’t want anything to do with – can also be used as a source of inspiration.

Mix different elements and display them prominently on the mantel or have them adorn the steps of your interesting staircase. Creating a fall wreath is a family project that you can work on one of these weekends. You can also line up miniature pumpkins or have a huge one displayed prominently on your porch.

If you’re feeling a bit of artistic flair surging through you, then why not make a fall pumpkin tableau right by your foyer? Bringing the fall vibe into the dining room is as easy as creating a fall-inspired centerpiece. Just create the perfect mix of white, green tones, and orange hues and you have the enviable modern cornucopia.

Decorate Your Mantel This Fall

It’s not just enough to update the furniture or the wall paint this fall. If you want to complete the look, you should also consider the decorative elements that will adorn architectural features in your home. The fireplace mantel, for instance, is a spot that should reflect the current season. Below is the Uttermost Accessories Chouteau Clock that’s antiqued and has a dusty gray finish. Its burnished edges are so correct for the moment just as it is also accurate in timekeeping.

It will surely be a wonderful timepiece to feature on the mantel. Apart from clocks, you can also layer framed arts or photographs. A painting or a large mirror would also make a huge difference in terms of decorative value.

Use Fireside Colors

You may combine different mantel displays. You can repurpose window, garden gates, and shutters. Simple stuff like fallen leaves can become the accent that will complete the look in your living room, dining room or bedroom.

You could also set up a farm fresh appeal by adding crates of small pumpkins in front of the fireplace.  Glowing, lit candles can also replace the usual burning logs.

A Lot of Fresh and Dried Stuff

Fall is the perfect season to evoke the time for harvest. Use vivid foliage for everyone’s enjoyment. Have them placed in a decorative jar and use them as a table centerpiece. You can also have a table runner that’s in any neutral color and then you can just sprinkle the right amount of pinecones and dried leaves to make it more exciting.

The best plants for fall include the Sumac, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Pansies, Beautyberry, Russian Sage, Blue Star Amsonia, and the Goldenrod. You can also have your container garden refilled with Coral Bells. If you have more time to carve a pumpkin pot, then plant your Coral Bells inside that flaming orange carved pumpkin.

Verbena is also an amazing bloomer and so it will look great when it flowers this season. Its colors range from dark blue to the most amazing shades of red. Other plants that you can also use include the Oxalis, decorative cabbages, Sedum, White Clover, Calibrachoa, and Creeping Jenny.

Harvest Display

Since this is the season to harvest, you can also create a bountiful display right in your porch. Welcome your guests to an old ladder surrounded with baskets of marigolds, candle lanterns, some dried plants, corn stalks, and a variety of pumpkins.

You can also make this ensemble more elegant when you decide to bring it indoors and make a special design with the pillar candles right on pedestals close to a vase of silk flowers and a pumpkin assortment.

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