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Outdoor Views and How to Make the Most of Them

Friday, May 3rd, 2019

Would you dare not look at a picturesque scene such as this?

Have you ever thought how the rooms with the most pleasant vibe in your home are actually those that present a wonderful view of the outdoors? You might think that your landscaping and the snow-capped mountain near your home have nothing to do with your interiors but they can actually play a huge role in terms of beautification.

 

If you live near a shore side or if your home happens to be surrounded by a lot of trees, then you can maximize your interiors by taking advantage of these outdoor views.

 

Inside Out

 

Prior to setting up the landscaping on your exterior grounds, you can plan that space by looking from the inside. More often than not, homeowners plan their landscaping looking outdoors, buying the plants right away, and positioning them where they look best coming from the street; you could actually change this approach.

 

Go inside your home then see how you could create the perfect view for those massive windows. You would want to plan a layout that would perfectly frame the trees and the bushes that will be grown outdoors. You would also like to highlight a flowering shrub.

 

Don’t be limited to just one room, though. Remember that exterior landscaping can be viewed from three or even more rooms at the same time. The earlier you plan the layout, the happier you will be with the result that you will accomplish.

 

Outdoor-Based Palette

The American Leather couch effectively echoes the colors of the sandy beaches.

 

That huge glass pane could serve as one of the walls in a living room. This is the case for a lot of homes these days. It’s like having a full wall painted with nature’s colors. Just imagine if you have a home that overlooks the Pacific Ocean – you will see the sandy hues and the blues and greens each day.

 

For outdoor views that are brighter and more vibrant, consider using neutrals for your interior palette so that the focus will now be turned to the fabulous vistas.

 

Create Panoramic Views

Marge Carson piece: The panoramic view outside serves as the colorful walls in this bright living room.

If you don’t already have them at the moment, then there’s no better time than now to create one.

 

Remodel your home to include a sunroom, porch, conservatory or outdoor rooms that are all great ways to bring nature in. Make sure that this new room will not disrupt the present floor plan.

 

Set up a screen if you already have a porch. You can also create a landscape in the form of fountains, planters, or even simple potted plants.

 

Topple Walls and Bring In Greeneries

 

If your home is like a lot of homes nowadays with the outdoors blocked with heavy draperies, opaque walls, and dark colors, then it’s up to you to create a vista. Here’s a compromise that you will have to make, though – you need sunlight since the plants will need this as you would also.

 

Open up your space by breaking down walls if necessary. You can also place potted plants on the outdoor part of the windowsills and have the inner sills filled with these potted beauties, too. What you’ll have created is a unified look that will fuse the outdoor and indoor greeneries.

 

Should you have a window that looks out to an unsightly part of the neighborhood, then you can turn this around by planting ivy and allowing it to climb on a decorative trellis. Before you know it, your home will be paradisiacal.

 

One Window Is All It Takes

Century Furniture: This one window made the biggest difference in this mainly neutral room.

Sometimes, all it takes to connect the indoors with the outdoors is one, huge window that will provide the best viewing experience. When uncertain, pick a clean, uninterrupted, panoramic view as much as you can.

 

Pick the floor-to-ceiling type of window complete with sliding doors going straight to the patio. An alternative is the picture window, sliding window or the casement window.

 

Say no to grilles.

 

There is also another single window that could provide all the views that you would need. It can even help with the illumination in your home. Installing a skylight allows you to rely on natural lighting as you also get to have a good view of the blue skies.

 

Beauty and Security

 

Apart from its aesthetic benefits, a home office window that looks out into the yard will allow the parent to work while still keeping an eye on his or her kids. You also have the advantage of seeing who approaches your property.

 

Privacy is a main concern for glass window installations, though. If you don’t want people looking into your home all the time, then you could partially obscure the window glasses or have the glass panes tinted. Just be sure to use blinds or curtains at night because the tint will only obscure the view during the day.

 

Install the Right Window

 

The window materials aren’t the only things that you should be concerned about. These materials, after all, need the proper architectural frames so that they could truly feature the outdoor sceneries.

 

Here are the window types that are often used to showcase the best outdoors scenery –

 

Bay. This is a projecting, three-paneled unit. It is often wide enough to present the landscape in a single frame. It can easily fuse with any architectural feature or it can also be perennially Victorian. It is versatile so it can even be used to replace an old picture window.

 

Bow. This is much like the bay window but with extra broad glass panes. It can house up to six panels. The sub-windows can be operated so you can let in the breeze while clearly enjoying the views outside.

 

Picture. This can easily become the focal point in a home. It is basically large so it can provide an expansive view of the outdoors. This does not open, though, so you can combine it with an operating window or two.

 

Sliding. These may be short but they are wide so they’re the best for smaller rooms that come with low ceilings. You also don’t sacrifice a lot of wall space so you get to enjoy nature without eating up much square footage.

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Time for a Champagne Celebration: Tips in Storing And Serving This Sparkling Wine

Wednesday, May 1st, 2019

Popping the cork and raising your glasses with the fizzy and sparkling champagne as the clock strikes midnight is already a tradition for many people all around the globe. So, why is it that champagne is the special beverage that takes center stage during such momentous occasions?

 

Looking Back

This bubbly wine is known throughout history as the star of parties and many luxurious royal occasions. This, somehow, symbolized aristocracy in Europe; even after the French Revolution, this wine became a huge part of secular rituals which replaced the religious rituals.

 

In fact, you could even christen a new ship minus the priest. A bottle of champagne could easily replace the holy water that is supposed to be sprinkled throughout the vessel. This same drink can also be opened during baptisms, weddings, and many other religious occasions.

 

Originally produced in England in the 1500s, it was a carbon dioxide filled corked bottle then minus the sparkle. Adding the sugar in the late 1600s brought about the wine’s signature sparkle.

 

It took almost a hundred years for chemists to figure out the correct amount of sugar that would not result in exploding bottles. While the English preferred their dry version of the champagne, the French, on the other hand, wanted the newer, sweeter version.

 

The very tradition of drinking champagne during celebrations can be attributed to the European royal courts before 1789. Back then, it was a status symbol, and it was even widely believed that the wine had positive effects on men’s wits and women’s beauty.

 

It has long since become a worldwide drinking marvel. It is now famous for occasions such as tossing champagne glasses on the floor of Russian weddings and smashing a bottle or two against the ship that’s about to have its maiden voyage.

 

Champagne drinking has always been symbolic. Visually, it shows abundance and happiness. Racecar drivers and athletes are bathed with champagne during their victories but they don’t even drink it. It even shows the occasion’s sanctity.

Champagne Sources

 

The cuvée or the base wine is picked from the pure grapes like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. There are also varieties that have mixed grapes. Pinot Noir is the red grape type which produces white juice. Chardonnay, on the other hand, comes from white grapes.

 

Now let’s have a little lesson here. When you read blanc de noirs, it means white of blacks. This is the kind of wine produced from black grapes (which is another term for red grapes). Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the sole black grape duo that is permitted in the Champagne AOC (champagne appellation).

 

The white of whites are blanc de blancs are used to describe champagnes produced solely from Chardonnay grapes. Rose wines or the pink champagne are made by macerating the clear black grape juice on its skins or by merely infusing the sparking cuvée with just a small amount of Pinot Noir red wine.

 

Correct Champagne Storage

Canadel_2RST7

Proper storage does not begin and end with you, it begins right at the point of sale so be sure to buy champagne only from a reputable merchant.

 

Traditional wisdom dictates that wine must be stored in a constantly cool environment of about 10-12°C and no greater than 15°C. You would want to have humidity work with you when you’re setting up a wine cellar. Just make sure that this does not exceed 60-70% as a lot of humidity could foster mold growth.

 

Other factors that could also damage the taste of your champagne are light, sudden temperature changes, vibrations, and draughts. Don’t be too concerned about the angle of the bottle because, unlike regular wines, champagne can be stored sideways or even upright.

 

You may question this storage technique but the moistness of the cork is maintained because of the pressure that’s already inside your champagne bottle. If you would still want to store the bottles on their sides (just to be sure that the cork won’t dry up), then do so.

 

Keep in mind that champagne is highly susceptible to light exposure so always keep your stored bottles in a dark room. Fail to do that and you’d have a bad-tasting beverage to look forward to.

 

If you currently do not have a potential wine cellar in your home, then just screen your bottles with tinted glass or just wrap them all in aluminum foil or yellow cellophane.

 

So now that you know that you need a dark and slightly dank room, the next thing to do is to find a sturdy wine rack. If you have more money to invest, you can have a refrigerated wine cabinet instead.

 

If you’re wondering how long you should store the champagne in a cellar, then know that you should store them longer if you have the ideal temperature and conditions in the cellar. If the bottles have been exposed to light, then be sure to consume them right away.

 

With proper storage and handling, champagne reaches its peak in just a few years of its disgorgement. From there, it will start a gradual decline. Successful storage in your home depends on many factors including how it was made, how it evolved, and how it was handled eventually.

 

A few wine connoisseurs choose to store their champagne bottles for a number of years. The British are most popular for doing this because they know how aging makes the champagne richly-flavored.

 

Prepping the Drink

 

When you’re about to entertain guests or when you look forward to celebrating something with your family, you would want nothing but the best kind of champagne, right?

 

Let’s enhance your drinking and toasting experience. Discover how you can properly serve this symbolic drink.

 

First, plan prior to serving. Take a step back then make sure that you have everything that you need to set up the best ambiance.

 

Next, prepare the environment. Consider the lighting, aromas and temperature. The best tasting environment must be in room temperature, well-lit, and of course, well ventilated.

 

You would want your guests to be comfortable when drinking their champagne. They will savor the moment if they’re not feeling too warm or too cold. Making sure that the lighting sources are not overwhelming is a great step towards seeing this sparkling wine as it should be perceived.

 

There should be no stray odors that will throw off the smell of the wine such as cooking odors and baking aromas. As you’ve prepped the setting, it’s time to take out the glasses and have them cleaned.

 

Never wash the champagne glasses through a dishwasher since this can leave traces of lime scale and soap. Handwash each one instead and allow them to dry naturally.

 

Time to Uncork

Popping open the champagne bottle can be quite fun but there are certain societies that look down on this practice. Begin by holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle. Be sure that the mouth of the bottle is pointed in a safe direction. Have a cloth of napkin draped over the arm that’s holding the bottle.

 

Remove the foil then loosen the wire cage or muselet. Unwind the key by making six half-turns. Don’t take it out completely, instead, have your thumb pressed to the top so that the cork won’t pop out.

 

Have the cloth or napkin cover the bottle’s cork. This looks both classy and clean when you’re serving the wine. The thumb must be back over the stopper. Rotate the base and carefully wiggle the cork out if it remains stuck.

 

Make sure the cork won’t pop no matter how much you feel the pressure from the inside of the bottle. The champagne will whisper once the cork releases. A few seconds should be enough to pour the drink without causing foaming.

 

Always have the napkin held above the bottle so that you could catch the overflow.

 

Let’s Celebrate

Now that you’ve opened the bottle, the next step is to pour it. Have someone with a steady hand pour the wine to each of the glasses.

 

Put your thumb under the bottle or the punt then spread your fingers on the bottle’s body. With your free hand, hold a wine glass at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to pour at the side of the champagne glass.

 

Let the foam diminish, making sure each time that the bottle does not touch the glass. The liquid must be poured halfway through and not to the brim. Finish pouring by quickly twisting the bottle and catching drops on the bottle’s lips.

 

It might seem inconsequential for people to learn how to properly serve champagne but doing so could actually heighten one’s drinking experience. The difference will be quite obvious, you’ll see.

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Hamptons Styles to Emulate This Summer

Friday, April 26th, 2019

 

The Hamptons style has taken the world by storm and it’s easy to point out why – just look at the airy palette, the freshness of the spaces, the beach vibes at times, and all the natural textures and you’d fall in love with it straightaway.

 

The Hamptons design is inspired by the décor and architecture of luxurious buildings and holiday homes in many seaside communities along the beaches in the east and the upstate Long Island habitats.

 

The Hamptons interiors display a relaxed setting, mostly in a coastal atmosphere, with generous helpings of seating units from couches to recliners. Outdoor entertainment areas are also abundant.

 

Setting up your home with this style means you have to use white somewhere – or even everywhere. Build around this hue as you add interesting decorative elements and accents with bursts of colors and textures where they’re aptly needed.

 

The Hamptons provide comfort, a relaxed atmosphere, elegance, and classic furniture pieces. Taupes and blues are fused with shades of white or paired with metallic and wood accents for elements like lighting.

 

The Anchor

 

Hooker Furniture Couture White

 

The decorating palette for Hamptons is based on the crispness of white paint in a muted sheen finish. It can be modern or classic and in both times, it is welcoming. Use Vivid White or Dulux White to achieve the Hamptons elegance. The walls are always the best place to begin using white.

 

Glass is widely used to cover the expansive windows. They are often edged with timbers that are painted with a semi-gloss finish. Others come in aluminum frames or dolled up with plantation shutters.

 

The outdoor vistas in Hamptons homes are also common and these are brought forth by the charming bay windows, oversized French doors, or the louvered glass doors.

 

It is also advisable to pick white finishes for the cabinets in a Hamptons kitchen. Open shelves are most welcome or those with glass panes as cabinet doors. Be true to the light-colored hue that’s ever present with marble and some natural stones. Stools and bench tops can be dressed with white laminates.

 

As for illumination, stick with glass and metal pendant lighting.

 

The Layers

 

CYNTHIA ROWLEY FOR HOOKER FURNITURE HAMPTONS 3 OVER 3 SOFA: Don’t stop with white.

 

Hamptons style can also layer with the beauty of greens, blues, and other coastal colors. And those stripes? Truly remarkable.

Hamptons flooring is almost always timber floorboards while those who would want to switch to the style but currently have a different material could use any neutral-colored carpeting.

 

Pale or gray undertones, whether painted, whitewashed or distressed can all serve as amazing choices for that coastal breeziness that’s required in Hamptons style easy living.

 

Layer with natural fiber rugs such as sisal, jute or woven cotton. Bleached wool can also be paired with timber floors. If you like carpeting more than any floor covering, go for natural tones and basic textures that make you visualize driftwood and sandy shores.

 

The Style

 

Protégé Upholstery: Distressed is also the name of the game. Here, weathered and neutral pieces perfectly frame the soft blue couch.

 

Protégé Upholstery: Distressed is also the name of the game. Here, weathered and neutral pieces perfectly frame the soft blue couch.

Pile the colorful cushions on top and add a bit of Chinoiserie, China blues, chintz, and coastal-inspired motifs. Textures play a pivotal part as do jute edges, beautiful linens, and piping that come in complimentary tones.

 

Experiment with vignettes all around your living space. The table tops are an awesome way to infuse task lighting together with plain linen shades. These can sit on top of glass or stone-based lamps, coffee table books, and china bowls.

 

Remember that throughout your home styling, there are blue and white hues, some light florals here and there, lace and geometric lattice patterns.

 

Talk of patterns, they can add a bit of personality to you subtle seaside look. Use patterns on curtains and cushions of gray or blue. Ikat and florals are also popular inside Hamptons homes.

 

And we’re not done yet – you can also introduce the East coast design with timber staircases and hallways. The trims must have exciting details like cornices, architraves and skirting.

 

A Generous Helping of Furnishings

 

Imitate this Hamptons look with Flexsteel Furniture.

 

Typically, Hamptons homes come with overstuffed seats dressed up with linen or washable slipcovers. Upholstered pieces in pale hues and stripes are also paired with side tables and sideboards that are also painted white.

 

If you like the look that’s offered by rattan or cane armchairs, then it’s easy for you to love the look that’s offered by Hamptons style. These materials are suitable in a relaxed and comfortable setting without sacrificing elegance.

 

Choose unique lamps, big sofas, and glass coffee tables. Let these pieces be inspired by the seaside neutrals, blues, creamy tones and greens. You don’t even have to worry about using the same hues, just be sure to set up colors that harmonize.

 

Hamptons Exteriors

 

The laidback look that Hamptons style offers isn’t just for indoor settings. You can also take the beach vibe outdoors by also being versatile and clean there. The key elements to consider include weathered tones and for those who like a sleeker style, deeper tones to mirror the streetscape.

 

There are many ways to set up the Hamptons exterior. Use the landscape as your anchor. Darker colors go with sleeker styles and in an urban habitat. The coastal home, on the other hand, is more suited with weathered and softer tones but with complex detailing.

 

If there is one thing that a Hamptons exterior must have, these are the weatherboards. Find the low-maintenance types which will provide the needful horizontal, clean shadow lines. You can paint or apply them over brick.

 

The simple rule outdoors (just like indoors) is to capture the essence of embellishments such as window trims, pillars and balustrades. Finish the look with decorative window trims.

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Ending the Interior Design Dilemma

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019

 

Have you ever walked through the hallways of your home and suddenly craved for change? Perhaps those white walls just don’t cut it anymore. And many of the top interior designers all over the world agree that when you feel this way, what you might need is a change of look and a different set of furnishings.

 

But defining your own style can be a tad difficult. Do you exude an eclectic vibe or are you more of a classic designer? Perhaps you could also be a fusion of these two? The color palettes that you pick must be the hues that make your heart skip a beat.

 

If you’re struggling to define your style, then you could begin by looking at different design magazines and websites. You’d find out soon that it’s easier to fall in love with different trends and designs as you’re visually assessing each one. From there, you can trim down your options.

 

 

Research Helps

 

The Internet offers a plethora of designs. Save the photos that pique your interest on Pinterest. Make a list of the paint colors and fabric swatches, then bring these all together with the pinned images and other samples.

 

Can you see a pattern slowly forming?

 

Tour Display Homes

 

Display homes are also highly inspirational. In these, you can find different themes that show the elements that you need to create a cohesive look. So if you’re wishing for something with a beach vibe, then find display homes that were designed in this manner.

 

Many of the display homes that you will encounter feature open space layouts. These modern, multi-function spaces are popular for guest entertainment. Many parents of young kids also prefer this so they could keep a close eye on their little ones as they go about with their tasks.

 

If you want to go through the traditional approach in designing your home, then find display homes with separate rooms that offer silence and privacy.

 

Prepare to feel the light bulb moment as you tour several display homes. Be cautious, though, as buyers are often drawn to pricey features like stainless steel appliances, the ceramic tiles, just remember that you have to look past the charm and flashiness. Check the bones of your preferred designs and be able to tell quality in just a glance.

 

Check out the brands that the builder used in the home. Get inspiration from the windows and doors but also be mindful of gaps, cracks or leveling issues. These should give you an insight on what to expect with a certain builder.

 

Be sure to trust your gut instinct. If you feel boxed in on the entryway, then that feeling won’t change if you recreate the design in your home. Comfort must be a priority at all times. Of course, don’t forget its beautiful cousin – aesthetics.

 

Put a Name to It

 

Even if you’ve mashed different styles on your mood board, you should name your developing interior design theme (e.g. Boho, Contemporary, Traditional, Minimalism, Scandi, Industrial, etc.).

 

Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Collection: Ready for the summer look?

 

Naming your preferred looks will spur many more researches for inspiring shots. Don’t worry if you’re still in between styles – that’s fine. You can fuse two looks if you remain unresolved.

 

Invest on what you like (er, love) and have set aside a budget for. Now don’t forget to be practical such as saying no to glass items while there are small kids in your family.

 

Stop being serious and just have fun. Pin whatever catches your eye and don’t overthink it.

 

You Rock

 

Now it’s time to consider your personality, as this is a huge part of your design. Are you willing to take risks or do you want to play it safe. If you’re the latter, then you might want to look at neutral styles but if you can take bold and flashy, then, by all means, wander off from your comfort zone.

 

If social gatherings excite you and you invite guests over to your home, then it’s a must that you look into more seating choices. A bibliophile who just wants to curl into a ball and enjoy a good book most of her free time should have a home for her and her books.

 

The Humphrey Bogart Collection: For the social bee.

 

And if you’re starting to feel that you’re not comfortable with a certain look, then never talk yourself into it. This is no different from that pair of jeans that you thought is in but you know won’t complement your curves.

 

The moment that you know you don’t love something, then don’t bring it home. It’s quite rare for things to grow on you so it is best to love the design elements from the outset.

 

 

Visit High End Furniture Shops

Furniture isn’t just there to fill a void in spaces. With a trained design eye from your many design expeditions, you will now see pieces that catch your fancy and hues that elate you.

Visit our showroom and see how good design will come as a natural result of the circulatory element that’s quality furniture plus a pleasant sense of order.

 

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Living with Living Coral

Friday, April 19th, 2019

Living Coral on Sam Moore Furniture.

What a wonderful year 2019 is, and what an amazing Color of the Year Living Coral is. Pantone’s chosen Color of the Year for the Year of the Earth Pig is the vivaciously delicious Living Coral.

Living Coral is fearless and upbeat but, looking at it, it is now a classic since it offers a Renaissance vibe. If you’re feeling up for a remodel so you could use this color for this year, then you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners are concocting ways to use this hue in their habitats.

Go ahead and liven up your home with this exciting color. Imagine different ways that you can pair it, fuse it or make it the center of all attention.

 

Living Coral + Gray

You can wake up to the awesome coolness of a neutral color palette as you set up a pearl gray loveseat. With light woods and off white walls all throughout, the welcoming freshness of Living Coral is something to look forward to in this setup.

 

Living Coral + Rich Blues

Living Coral will also blend well with royal blue. These are complementing colors that can make your space look regal. If you have dark woods and some gold accents, then what you’ll have is a dramatically sophisticated living room – or is it a bedroom that you wanted for this display of colors?

Pairing Living Coral with teal or aqua is also an alluring way to set up a beach vibe in your home. Use this color palette to make the living room or dining room more exciting.

 

Living Coral Going Solo

Living Coral, by itself, is already a vibrant color. So, it can manage to become a classic or modern element in any home. It can be the accent hue in a shabby chic environment or it can be the stylize a modern habitat.

You can even achieve an Asian flair with the right elements matching this lovely color. Living Coral can be used in bigger swaths throughout the room so that it stages an inviting and friendly environment.

 

Living Coral as Accent

Small accent pieces may be tiny but the can contribute – a lot – to the overall harmony inside a home.

Use Living Coral inside the bathroom to give it a different level of freshness. Use it in the bedroom to give a dash of bloom into that restful space. If you use Living Coral in the dining room or the living room, then you have sprinkled those rooms with tasteful art.

Color dispersion is the key to successfully using this lovely color as an accent hue. With the Pantone Color of the Year used in small amounts, you are keeping your spaces from looking too busy or confusing.

Pops of Living Coral will also provide an uninterrupted flow to the different rooms, thus, maximizing the impact of your design.

 

Living Coral Is Fun

What could be more fun to use in a home this year? Celebrate the beauty of interior design by choosing Living Coral as one of the stylish elements in your home. This bright color fuses the masculine and feminine energies.

In essence, you are decorating with Yin and Yang in mind or the ultimate balance. This will then become the oasis that you so badly need especially this season and the upcoming warm summer.

 

The Living Coral Overall Effect

Living Coral is fun. It can be the star or the relief from the overall color scheme. It can be bold, it can be the calming hue, it can be so many things for as long as you know how to use, fuse, and appreciate it.

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Leather: From Then Till Now

Thursday, April 18th, 2019

The Bliss Leather Chair from Protégé Upholstery is simple yet stylish.

 

Even since man started valuing commodities, leather has become one of the most sought-after materials. The simplest and earliest furniture pieces were probably made of animal skins so that man would be kept warm and comfortable.

Leather is a big testament to the resourcefulness as well as the ingenuity of man. And whether it did play an important part in the development of civilization, it is still a valued material even to this day. Leather has become an enduring piece of fashion and design.

So, is it a must to have leather in your home?

 

A Little Leather History

Let’s walk down memory lane for a bit. The benefits of using dried animal skins in the prehistoric times are still the same benefits that man enjoys today. Leather has been used for shelter and clothing and all these are there to keep harsh conditions from harming man.

The earliest known leather artifacts were crafted in 1300 BC. This was the time that man began to appreciate and use animal hides for their protection. Suddenly, leather is born and animal skins are no longer just a food by-product.

Ancient Greeks also crafted leather garments and sandals in 1200 BC and during the Homeric era. Leather prevailed and even spread all the way to Egypt where royalty almost revered it.

And as we now live in a society that’s increasingly developing and becoming more sophisticated with each year, innovations keep coming even for an enduring material such as leather.

Leather craftsmen and tanners are still in demand even as they were during the Middle Ages. What’s better today is that, there is now an alternative method that’s been invented for vegetable tanning.

Chrome tanning makes use of chemicals which make leather manufacturing a lot easier. About 80-90% of leather tanning worldwide is now done in this manner.

Leather is not just associated with clothing and bags nowadays but also in the bookbinding industry. The Victorian era began this with novels such as those of Charles Dickens being preserved because of the durability of leather.

 

Leather Today

These days, leather is still highly valued and renowned. While there are now more options on synthetic fabrics and materials, leather remains one of the leading choices for furniture and accessories.

There are many reasons why leather endures even till these days. First, very few materials can beat leather when it comes to quality. Furniture made of leather are believed to be top-of-the-line and, therefore, premier pieces.

Have you ever been invited to a spacious office where you were welcomed to a lobby filled with leather furniture pieces? What was your impression of that office? Surely, you thought of the adjectives classy or sophisticated. And with modern tanning process now available, leather is now more resistant to sagging, cracking or even peeling.

Leather is also a material that offers comfort. And compared to fabric couches which tend to fade, leather is more enduring. They are less likely to lose their shape. In fact, as true leather becomes more worn out, it becomes even more inviting to one’s sight.

Leather is breathable so it allows heat to dissipate more quickly. No matter what the weather, you are sure to feel comfort as you sit each time in your leather couch.

Speak of durability, leather is also known to last four more times compared to fabric upholstery. It is a tough material although it is also flexible. Because it is all-natural, it is also resistant to dirt and spills. Just wipe it with a clean cloth and you’re done cleaning.

Lastly, leather is so stylish more so when it is dyed. Its unique grain, markings and look shows just how refined you are with your furniture choices

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What Are Posture-Correcting Sofas?

Wednesday, April 17th, 2019

Can you imagine relaxing in this stylish and comfortable Bradington Young recliner?

 

There are many causes of back discomfort and probably the most common is not being able to correct one’s posture. And, sometimes, even when you think you’re relaxing in your home, did you know that you could actually hurt your back?

Sitting in a sofa – the wrong style that is – could also lead to incorrect posture, thus, a series of back pains. Be wise in shopping for comfy sofas because some of these could actually be harmful to your back.

Knowing which back posture is correct should help you choose the right sofa for your home. A well-supported spine should have an S-shaped curve. The torso’s weight presses upon the lower part of the spine to create a balance. The lumbar discs receive less pressure with a tailbone that’s upright.

 

All About Ergonomics

Ergonomically engineered sofas are manufactured to offer comfort as well as correct back posture. The sofa comes with lumbar supports with the seat cushions being extra firm as sinking into the sofa could lead to incorrect posture and slumping.

The way the feet lay on the floor also says a lot about the correctness of the couch. If the sofa allows you to rest your feet with ease onto the flat floor as the buttocks are resting at the sofa seat, then you have the right sofa.

The ergonomic option for your couch is, of course, not similarly priced as the traditional one. The posture-correcting sofas come with lumbar supports, ergonomic seats, and some even come with orthopedic pillows. Every supportive product assists a specific body part.

 

The Benefits

Apart from causing back pain, incorrect sitting posture could lead to decreased energy levels (yes, believe it or not), weak muscles, and poor circulation. And if your body’s been used to sitting incorrectly, then there is a need to reorient it to the correct posture so that back pain is reduced.

As you keep doing this, you will become accustomed to the right way to sit each time and your breathing would even improve. Surprisingly, bad backs are almost non-existent in third world nations where comfortable couches do not exist. There, good posture is done naturally, daily.

 

Finding the Right Sofa

Knowing all the features that matter will aid you in picking the right style that’s not just suitable to your design but also kind to your back. First, you have to find the correct height for the backrest.

Sofas with taller backs will give you a spot where you can rest your head when you’re feeling a little tired. To get this convenience, the back height needs to be 18 inches or even taller.

If you like lying down on your couch as you rest your head against one of its arms, then you don’t have to worry too much about the back height. And if the couch is going to be placed in a formal setup, then the back height becomes less important.

The next thing that you need to consider is the cushions. There are three types namely cushion back, tight back and the loose back. Every type comes with its pros and cons.

Cushion backs are the most common sofa back that you can find in the market. They are there to fit the couch perfectly while providing a soft and comfortable spot for you to lean against.

The cushions are quite versatile so you can use them either in a formal or casual setting.

The tight back cushion, on the other hand, comes completely fused with the sofa back. It is firmer so you won’t have to worry about fluffing or plumping. It is a neat-looking couch that has this type of cushion.

The third and last type is the loose back cushions. The sofa back, in this case, comes with various large throws. They cover the back of the couch but they do not fit it perfectly. If you want to have a casual vibe in your living room, then these are your go-to cushions.

Choose also the fills for your sofa. Pick from the down-filled cushions, fiber-filled, and the combination-filled.

 

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5 Hot Rustic Design Principles

Tuesday, April 16th, 2019

You gotta enjoy this rustic look offered by Canadel. The warmth of the wood throughout the room perfectly framed the scenery right outside.

 

Rustic design is usually described as raw, bordering coarse, yet beautiful. It presents its beauty through its natural materials like stone, metals, and wood. Learn to use these materials to create a simple but charming habitat.

The philosophy behind this style is quite simple which is to set up an organic aesthetic that will flood your house with warmth and coziness.

 

Rustic Design in a Nutshell

The rustic color palettes often come from natural materials and sources including –

  • Pewter and metals with rich patina (e.g. rusted metals or iron)
  • Suede or leather
  • Hemp, cotton, wool, linen and animal hides
  • Rocks, concrete and stone
  • Garden and other outdoor elements.

 

Organic Textures

Wood will always be a leading element in all rustic homes, with reclaimed wood as the ideal choice as this can offer a more natural and earthy look. The wider the floor planks, the more complementing this become to the wooden beams that serve as ceiling support.

Alder, pine, cherry and hickory are wonderful options that will show a rustic feel.

Now let’s not forget about metals. These can be incorporated into your home in many different ways. Copper pots and pans, for instance, that are hung in the kitchen will cast the needed textures in that room.

Handcrafted pieces also match this beautiful style. And don’t be confined to the usual colors of cream, browns and beiges. Rustic design can also include shades of red, green, and blue for as long as the hues balance all the other elements.

If you want to further capture the basic and distressed look in rustic homes, just leave the bigger surfaces such as floors walls, and the furnishings raw and devoid of paint.

 

Interesting Patterns

Since a lot of objects and surfaces are basic, you can add interest to your design by adding patterns. Buffalo checks, Ikat, patchwork, and calico are all traditional patterns used in rustic interiors. You can have these patterns on your pillowcases or area rugs. These will look even more interesting as they are surrounded by weathered elements.

Get your hands, too, on patchwork quilts or handmade stuff. Use different patterns with vibrant colors. Hang the quilts on a bare wall and you will soon realize that that wall could easily become the focal wall.

Rustic furniture pieces can also be made from reclaimed wood to reinforce the rustic appeal. And compared to traditional or contemporary pieces, rustic style does not have predictable patterns or even lines. At times, tree trunks can even be made as bed frames or dining tables. The coarseness of these materials adds to the raw yet stunning look of rustic design.

 

Cozy Textiles

Rustic homes often show the sturdiest fabrics which, yet again, evoke natural aesthetics. Various textiles are even placed side-by-side leading to a complex yet still stylish room.

Rustic style is supposed to appear effortless so when you use textiles, be sure to make it look cozy in the space where they are used. A faux animal rug isn’t just a rug but something that will draw the eyes towards the floor so be sure to choose wisely.

Some of the usual textile prints used are Navajo and African.

 

A Warm Fireplace

Just like camping isn’t considered complete without the campfire, so it is with a rustic home; minus an inviting fireplace, the home might not be perceived as rustic as the element is the chunky visual that will anchor the design itself.

 

White Walls

Yes, these are a great option, too. If you haven’t installed paneled walls, then your next best option are white walls. These will serve as a blank canvas for your other rustic elements.

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Creativity for Small Spaces

Friday, April 12th, 2019

Protege Upholstery Miraval Cube

Instagram is brimming with pictures of tiny yet beautiful homes. These photos make small square footage look cute, premium and seemingly easy. But easy is the least thing that these homes are going to be, challenging, yes.

 

So let’s just have some real talk here. Where will you put your clothes and accessories? How will you fit your furnishings? Instead of it being cute and lovely, what you will get is a string of stressful situations.

 

So, how should you decorate your home when it’s on the small side?

 

Up You Go

 

Look from the floor and all the way up to the ceiling. That is how much storage space you actually have. You could have hanging shelves there or you could place wardrobes against the walls so that you maximize the space that’s actually provided to you.

 

The height of your wardrobes will also maximize that vertical space. Also, do not forget that small spaces make good use of available storage so it is best to keep clutter at bay.

 

Two or More

 

Smaller homes can also benefit from furnishings that come with two or even more functions. That daybed can now be used in your tiny home as a lounging seat during day and a bed at night.

 

A C-table can be used as a spot to put your computer on. Now remember that every piece of furniture that has more storage (hidden or not) will make living in a smaller home much more bearable.

 

Never sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of your furniture pieces, though.

 

Look At Me

 

Said the mirror; let mirrors become your new best friends. Line them up to create an interesting gallery or have them hung adjacent to the windows so that they make your tiny home appear brighter and much larger.

 

Never think that mirrors have little effect on the way that your home looks. A well-placed mirror, even just a single framed one, will have a huge impact on the way that your interior design will look.

 

Be Purposeful, Be You

 

Become an editor by connecting to your living space and recognizing the purpose of each and every room there. And every little element that you add should represent who you are, else, it doesn’t make sense that they are even brought into your home.

 

Keep Things Tonal

 

If you want to open up any space, make sure that you keep things tonal, meaning, you use several layers of colors instead of just one, eternal white wall.

 

Know the colors that you want from the outset. You could pick just one color and then either use the shades or the tints of that hue. This will make your interior design look dignified and collected.

 

And as you plan your color palette, be sure to infuse polished palettes of combined neutrals. These will further open up the space.

 

And Then There Was Light

 

Lighting will always be an important part of interior design. This is the element that has the ability to alter the mood of a room, even its perceived size. There are certain kinds of lighting that are suitable to a smaller space.

 

As you stay away from dark colors, make sure that the walls are light-colored so that your space becomes brighter. These walls also become more reflective, which, in the process, opens up your space.

 

Sin Not

 

Don’t commit any of the designers’ most common mistakes such as ignoring accidental architectural features. A long unused fireplace could be repurposed as your book collection’s new storage and display space.

 

The right lighting for vanity is also a common problem when in smaller homes. With just a small patch of space, it becomes a huge mistake to put overhead lighting in this situation. When faced with this, opt for slimmer sconces instead. Find the cigarette-shaped ones so you could still add layered lighting later on.

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The Feng Shui Floral Design

Thursday, April 11th, 2019

Biltmore Collection: This is a traditional way to display flowers in the living room.

Flowers, especially the ones that you can put in vases or are planted in pots, are powerful design elements. In Feng Shui, flowers that are used as decorative elements show grace, beauty, and even a certain level of sensuality.

 

Flower Arrangements

 

When you’re using flowers and are also thinking of practicing Feng Shui for the first time, you have to learn to use colors and understand what they symbolize. These colors must also be used to achieve balance.

 

An example is when you use red roses paired with orange orchids inside the bathroom. Since these are fiery elements, they can be used to balance the water that’s in abundance in the bathroom.

 

You could pay your local florist a visit and talk about the arrangements that you would like to be created. Don’t forget to remove the thorns because they are bad for the Feng Shui energy.

 

Living Plants

 

When talking about Feng Shui, houseplants are perceived to symbolize new beginnings, growth and even prosperity. These flowering green beauties are powerful decorative tools.

 

There are many houseplants that produce beautiful flowers all you need to do is to pick the one that suits your fancy. Pick also the ones that come with rounded edges since these represent money. They are believed to contribute to one’s wealth. Begonias and violets are best known for this purpose.

 

As Accent Pieces

 

Any floral arrangement would look great as an accent piece in just about any room. These are known to increase the positive energy in a home. Couple them with bagua in the right locations and you would enjoy good energy in your relationships, career, level of creativity, health, and wealth.

 

If you’re also searching for a way to invite some love into your life, then you should definitely decorate your bedrooms with flowers. Use colors that are known to increase passion such as red or pink.

 

Luck Flowers

 

Always check your floral arrangements and potted plant locations. Make sure that they are always optimized for Feng Shui. See to it that the flowers remain fresh and that they have been dethorned.

 

If you’re looking for the flower that would best bring sensuality in your home, then peonies should be your go-to pieces. They also offer a delicious scent that’s so romantic.

 

Peonies are also a popular metaphor for feminine beauty. In fact, Feng Shui masters sometimes do not recommend displaying peonies in older couples’ bedrooms because this could result in an affair with a much younger woman.

 

The lotus is a flower that’s a symbol of perfection. Chinese doctors believe that every part of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes. This is a potent cure for harmony and health problems in homes.

 

As for the cherry blossoms, they are a symbol of innocence and freshness. They share this sense of new beginning with the apple tree, peach, and dogwood. Cherry blossoms are also the Feng Shui cure for marriage, love and health.

 

The Narcissus, in Chinese culture, is a flower that’s believe to increase the positive energy in one’s career, abilities, and talents. The Chinese peoples often use this as a career cure. The white-colored Narcissus is believed to be more potent than the yellow variety.

 

The Chrysanthemum is a Feng Shui symbol for balance. This is a flower that’s known to have yang energy, thus, it brings luck.

 

Feng Shui downers include dried plants and flowers, and potpourri. If you don’t have the time or resources to maintain the houseplants and the fresh flowers, just go for artificial flowers. You can also hang a flower artwork.

 

Just be sure to choose the ones that look real.

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