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The Classic Interiors: Elegance at Its Best

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018

Marge Carson Living Room Ionia Cocktail Table IN02

Also known as Classicism, classic interior design first came into existence during the 17th-19th centuries. It manifested in many different aspects including music, art, literature, and architecture.

If you want to use a classic style in your home, then you’d have to know how to go about with noble decoration, geometric shapes, and utilitarian frills if any.

History of Classicism

Classicism is believed to have originated in France during the 17th century. It then quickly spread through Europe and became the dominant design for a span of two centuries. The artists then were so inspired by the Greek and Roman art which both showed clarity, rigor, yet at the same time, a different kind of simplicity.

Classicism has strict rules but it still managed to influence other nations throughout the globe. When the style found its way to England, it became a representation of rationalism as well as precision. When Catherine the Great ruled, Classicism began to conquer even the land of Russia. The style then was still dignified, full of harmony but also practiced reasonable restraint.

In Russia, architectural structures such as the one in Petersburg showed the exact taste of the nobles of the Russian empire.

Russian Classicism was a trend of its own with its unique architecture during the 18th and 19th centuries proving to the world just how different their style was. This movement allowed the birth of eclecticism, too, which mixed different classic styles during that time.

Photos of classical interiors show the extreme orderliness, respectability, solidity, and predictability of this style. This design just proves that it is totally independent of other fashion trends.

The subdued elegance of the Marge Carson Living Room Ionia Lounge Chair ION41 is what makes it the perfect living room piece for a classic home.

Classic Style Is Subdued

Classic houses are attractive because of their subdued color palette and their royal dignity. Light pastels are commonly seen. You won’t see any bright hues as the shades are all neutral and calm. The overall classical interior actually even has a soothing effect.

Colors that are permitted include cream, olive, beige, shades of gold, and light green. These are fairly common in the furniture, finishing materials, and textiles. Shades of brown (especially the natural and warm wood color) are highly permissible. When using wood tones, though, make sure that you don’t make the room look gloomy. For the textiles and upholstery, use sand, blue-green, and blue hues.

You will recognize classic interior design also when you find discreet columns, cornices, and clear-outlined doors and windows. You will also typically find marble fireplaces with the paired furnishings in rectangular form. The presence of stucco, arches, columns and full columns is also apparent.

The rooms come with niches that are decorated with ancient statues. Talk of Greek gods such as Athena or Zeus himself. The ornaments are just as classical, one can typically find laurel or oak leaves.

These days, classic homes are often owned by the wealthiest people who are confident with their style preference. They are also people who prefer the age-old look that no other style can offer. They are the ones who want the type of style that lingers.

Classic homes also do not sport anything cheap. All the materials that are used are unique and natural and, therefore, pricey. Pilasters are made of marble as are the columns. The stucco is handmade which is totally different from the classic imitations that are practically seen everywhere.

The classical ceiling is often white and decorated with stucco friezes.

As for the classic lighting, you should illuminate the rooms with no less than crystal chandeliers. Be sure to install these strictly at the center of the ceiling. This is so the light is evenly distributed throughout the room.

Display lamps that are made of expensive glass or transparent stones.

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Classicism: Why Old Is Still In

Friday, February 3rd, 2017

Henredon Living Room Buffet 9401-21

Classicism is a kind of design that’s evident in European art during the 17th to the 18th centuries. This is reflected in architecture, art, literature and music. Also simply called as the classic style, it has been utilized as a style for nobles’ homes.

Classic homes are attractive because of their tranquil colors. They also evoke a high sense of dignity. These days, classic homes are being picked by the well-to-do. They are the ones who have a settled preference as well as an appreciation for longstanding cultural values. They are the ones who know what’s enduring and why it will always win against fleeting fashion.

Classicism and Its History 

Classicism began in France during the 17th century. This soon spread to the rest of Europe and became a leading style for two centuries. The artists of those centuries were largely inspired by the arts of Rome and Greece. These evoked rigor, simplicity and clarity.

Despite having strict rules, classic style was embraced by many other nations. It was France, though, that showed the full luster and splendor of this design. When compared to English classicism which is more rigorous and rational, the French version was more straightforward.

It was during the reign of Catherine the Great that a reasonable restraint was placed on Classicism. This was shown when classic style invaded Russia. Petersburg and other such buildings are the living proofs of this enduring design. Other noble estates throughout the Russian Empire also reflected this design.

Russian classicism brought about a brand new trend during the 18th to the 19th centuries. This design now allowed the fusion of classics with other designs.

Mimicking Classicism 

So now you’ve realized the beauty of classicism. It is not too difficult to set up in your home. You just need to recognize the features that will make your interiors more classic.

First, be wary of your home’s architecture. Your place must have discreet columns, cornices, windows and doors. These must also have clear outlines. Marble fireplaces are welcome. Creating a rectangular form for these elements will surely pay off.

Next, don’t go gaga over your color palette. Use light pastels for your color scheme.

Classical ornaments include laurel or oak leaves and Greek meander. These must be arranged at a certain order as well as symmetry. Make sure that the stuccos, arches, columns and half-columns are emphasized.

One good interior design practice is to be orderly in all things. The design elements must also be respectable and predictable. They must show a level of solidarity that’s difficult to match.

This may not be your cheapest choice when it comes to interior design but you and your family will surely love the outcome. Know that your home will be forever independent from the trends that most homes default to.

Nothing’s Cheap

Classicism will never embrace cheap finish. Every material used must be unique or at least natural, therefore, its price tag is steep. Plasters and columns are often made of marble while stuccos are handmade.

Walls are covered with panels of natural wood or cloth. Used parquet is a common flooring material though kitchens, bathrooms and living room could have stone or marble tiles.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose King Panel Bed

Classic Colors 

Colors and contrasts in classicism do not show bright hues. The shades are neutral and calm. Often used are beige, olive green, cream, gold and light green. These are reflected on furnishings and textiles. It is also okay to use different shades of brown (which is why wood is a welcome element).

Don’t forget, though, that the room must not look dark or gloomy. Textiles and upholstery must use blue green, blue or sandy colors.

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What Makes Victorian, Victorian?

Wednesday, February 24th, 2016

 

FFDM Antebellum Collection

FFDM Antebellum Collection

Owning a Victorian home is not everyone’s privilege. To others, this is just a dream; to you, however, it may not be as dreamy especially when you discover that as ancient as the design are the roofing, wirings and windows. ‘Thinking of remodelling your Victorian home?

Most of the time, remodelling projects is not simple. Revamping an old home can be time consuming. Before you jump into modernizing your beautiful historical home, you may want to speak to some of the preservation societies first.

Owning a Victorian dwelling is intriguing and a lifelong journey for some. Such a home is full of character and works of craftsmen that – even when it’s already old – it can still catch home buyers’ attention.

Victorian Characteristics

Victorian homes were built somewhere between 1837 till 1901. This was the era when Queen Victoria still ruled. There are some people, however, who have also typified Victorian architecture to be Edwardian as well. This is what takes the period all the way to 1910.

Figure 1FFDM’s Vintage Classics

Edwardian and Victorian housing dominate the British suburbs today, for instance, the City Centre Conservation Areas and the Peterborough’s Park. Edwardian homes are seen to be less in value when compared to Victorian though most of their features tend to be similar.

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

The traits that separate Victorian homes from the rest are –

Terraces. As more and more country people went to the urban areas, Victorian homes were then built in terraces where the kitchen is at the back while the garden is both at the front and rear. There are no garages since Victorian homes were built during those times when there were still no cars. These days, the gardens are often removed in favor of the parking slot.

Patterned bricks. The advent of the railway brought about easier transport for bricks and other such materials. It is because of this that patterned brick became quite popular. The Flemish Brick bond is often used in many Victorian houses. This is characterized by alternating headers or bricks whose ends appear on the face of the house’s wall. Stretchers,  on the other hand, are the long sides of bricks appearing on the face of the wall.

Barge boards. These are the decorative wooden panels that are found on the gable ends of buildings. This is that triangular portion of the pitched roof. Look for these sections because they point directly to the Victorian period when such decorative panels were popular.

Bay and sash window. It was in 1832 when the plate glass arrived. This resulted into larger windows with six or four panes and a vertical sliding sash window, a single glazing bar right down the middle.

It was also fashionable to have a three-sided bay window. A ground floor bay window usually had a roof of its own.

Decorated roof line. Slate roofs are quite common among Victorian houses. Thanks to the wonders of the railway, the trains were able to haul slate and deliver at longer distances. Finials are often seen on the ridge and gable ends. Roofs also have ridge tiles that are made of terracotta. Whether it is glazed fired clay or unglazed, the color used is often red.

Stained glass. One of the most exciting design materials is stained glass. It originated from the Gothic revival and was popular during the Victorian period. Mosaic stained glass even replaced painting in many homes. These are often found on top of windows or on doors.

Floor tiles. Most Victorian homes come with geometric terracotta tiles especially on the porch areas. The ground floor is also often made with these materials. These tiles come in natural colors such as brown and red, dark blue, off-white and black.

A fireplace. What is a Victorian home without this? This is used to keep the house warm and is often surrounded by marble, stone or wood. Terracotta chimney pots are also quite common.

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The Mystical Splendor of Renaissance Style

Tuesday, January 26th, 2016

 

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE. Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II 39.5 Lateral File 374-10-466.

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE. Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II 39.5 Lateral File 374-10-466.

Renaissance style came into existence because of the emergence of architecture and art in ancient Rome. Though people think of the greatness of Rome when it comes to the beauty of this style, it goes without saying that it was truly born in Italy during the 14th century.

English designers embraced the motifs that they read in Renaissance books. Artisans who were in London were also influenced by this style.

Grotesque, Moresque, Myths, etc.  

Grotesque is a kind of decor which has its foundations in Ancient Rome’s wall paintings. In the 15th century, many of these works of art were discovered; they featured scrolling plants, mystical creatures, figures, vases and masks.

Strapwork, on the other hand, is like the leather strips. These are daring shapes that come in three dimensions. English designs, especially during the 16th century, are laden with this style. This style is especially useful in framing motifs and architectural forms.

Moresque, on the other hand, is called such because of its link to the North African and Spanish Moors. If you see those interwoven leaves, stems or tendril patterns, then you have a pretty good idea of what moresque is.

Romans and Greeks are known for their busts. The Renaissance style is also quite popular with what’s known as the roundrel. This is a decorative motif which originated from the Roman coins.

This Universal Furniture Dining Room Double Pedestal Table 409658-C spells royalty.

This Universal Furniture Dining Room Double Pedestal Table 409658-C spells royalty.

But what are Greeks and Romans without their myths? The Renaissance culture in England spurred a revitalized interest in classical mythology. Paintings and prints featured these mythical characters as the motifs.

The beauty of the Renaissance style does not end with the Romans. When Henry VIII became king, he inspired the rest of Europe as he became a patron of the arts. People marvelled at his court and the many luxurious objects in his kingdom. It was because of his love for the arts why he also commissioned foreign artists  to design more than 50 of his royal palaces. The beauty and splendour of his court proved just how powerful and intimidating looks can be.

One of Henry’s favorite palaces is the Hampton Court Palace located in Surrey. He did not spare any expense in developing this traditional style palace. The ornaments that were used here are indicative o the strong influence of the Renaissance. This building’s Great Hall still stands today.

Going back to its home, Renaissance style was further developed with the help of Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio. Serlio published a series of books discussing architecture and the Renaissance. Buildings of antiquity were recorded in those books, thus, promoting classical style for both the interior and exterior features.

Fireplaces and ceilings became canvasses of sorts to many patterns, textures and works of art.

Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II Double Bookcase with ladder & rail 374 10 225. Learning was also a huge part of the Renaissance so to depict this on your style, take home this bookcase and start displaying your most treasured books.

Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II Double Bookcase with ladder & rail 374 10 225. Learning was also a huge part of the Renaissance so to depict this on your style, take home this bookcase and start displaying your most treasured books.

Styles that are related to the Renaissance is the Neo classical style. It was during the 16th century that books containing decorative motifs offered inspiration to many British designers and artists. The Classical as well as Renaissance Revival during the 19th century became quite popular as archaeological discoveries were being made in Greece and Italy.

Renaissance and Your Home

You do not need to have a degree in interior design just to use this classic style in your home. Do not feel intimidated. Just remember as you start putting the elements together that the chairs, tables, cabinets and drawers have to be ornate, luxurious yet still comfortable.  Choose oak, Remember to overlay but not overdo. Say yes to a lot of brocades, candelabra, tapestries, Oriental rugs, embroidered items, and velvet.

There is still a huge difference between mess and a concoction of different arts, elaborate walls, decorative pieces and the most inspiring furniture so take it easy in designing a Renaissance-inspired home.

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Old Homes, Timeless Design Concepts

Wednesday, January 20th, 2016

 

What would be more perfect for the dining room than this table from the Antebellum Collection of FFDM?

What would be more perfect for the dining room in your old home than this table from the Antebellum Collection of FFDM?

Do you know the old saying that old homes have souls? If this is the case, then you really have to find time to redesign an old home (if you happen to live in one). Interior design, after all, is not all about the creation of a new residence. If you are one of the few that are blessed to own a house that has already earned its own character, then it’s high time to bring out its best features.

Hide All Imperfections

One of the best ways to conceal imperfections is to paint over them. So go ahead and paint the ceilings and walls. Be sure to highlight the walls, trim and ceiling.

What makes people fall in love with older homes is how they speak of a different era. Back then, there was a certain level of personality and polish that are required for finishing touches. Simple coats of paint can preserve and highlight beautiful architectural details.

Designers typically paint a single color on the trim, walls and ceiling. The trim has a slightly higher gloss so that it subtly calls for attention.  Once this palette is already in place, find a bold shade such as dark gray to paint your doors. These will serve as architectural highlights in your home.

Paint the trim work in neutral contrasting shade if it is still in great shape. This is a great way to show it off while being consistent in every room throughout your place. Applying the same paint on the ceiling can help fuse the look together for a more stately and architectural appeal.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage Arched Mirror comes in a light wood finish and an elegantly aged driftwood finish.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage Arched Mirror comes in a light wood finish and an elegantly aged driftwood finish.

Still on your home’s vintage trim, make sure to use in-window shade rather than hanging drapes. This is so you can leave the trim exposed for everyone to enjoy. These shades also add a modern touch in a subtle way, one that would not steal the integrity of your original home.

If, however, you have awkward looking windows, then go ahead and use those drapes. A lot of older homes tend to have quirky windows. A wall of drapery should hide such windows.

Another beauty that you can use in designing old homes is the installation of stained glass. If you do not already have them, invest in this type of glass which will make simple white walls appear more stimulating.

Embrace Contemporary Furnishing

Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed Queen 313280B at McCreerys Home Furnishings

Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed Queen 313280B at McCreerys Home Furnishings

If you want your traditional home to have an edgy, modern-day feel, then make sure that you invest in contemporary furniture pieces. These are those simple pieces with clean lines. Find rich textures, soft colors and linear pieces. Going radical when it comes to modernity is not the way to go, though. Make sure that you are able to control both contemporary and traditional concepts in such a way that they won’t fight. Take for instance the lovely Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed (313280B) which brings together both contemporary and traditional concepts so beautifully. This queen size bed is crafted using birch veneers and hardwood. It comes in two-tone finish namely the dark vintage and the lighter heirloom tone. Its aged birch veneer is the right touch to any traditional setting. Add to this the antiqued metal, crown molding, as well as overhanging tops, and you’ve achieved sophistication.

This lovely bed also comes in California king size.

Still on mixing modern and traditional periods, another way to add a modern feel is to place appliances such as TV, a computer or a plush sofa inside the room. Modern accessories will also make a huge difference in old homes so don’t be afraid to add in a dash of modernity.

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Mid-Century Interior Design: Beauty in Simplicity

Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

 

American Leather Living Room Chair MSL-CHS-ST is perfect for any Mid-Century interior because of its clean lines and natural hue. John Mascheroni designed this beautiful piece giving emphasis to mid-century modern streamlined edges fused with a wooden cross base.

American Leather Living Room Chair MSL-CHS-ST is perfect for any Mid-Century interior because of its clean lines and natural hue. John Mascheroni designed this beautiful piece giving emphasis to mid-century modern streamlined edges fused with a wooden cross base.

If you are trying to achieve the mid-century interior design in your home, then it is best to understand what aspects to mix.

Furniture to be used under this category is characterized by simple, clean lines. Teak and other wood pieces are most welcome. Find mid-century tables and pair them with contemporary chairs. Have teal walls as bold backdrop and you have just attained the epitome of this design.

Never make the mistake of hiding wood details, instead, allow them to shine. Neutral-colored walls will look great with fabrics in soft hues. Find handcrafted furniture and accessories to complete the living room mid-century look.

Mid-Century Is Timeless

McCreery’s Home Furnishings provides furniture pieces that have been thoughtfully crafted by master artisans, hence, they are the perfect classic pieces if you are looking into creating the mid-century habitat.

Table lamps are the right lighting pieces for that low-slung furniture. The curvy base of the Maitland Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-427 will look great in a vintage-looking nightstand.

Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-427 is a spell-binding addition to your living room or bedroom.

Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-427 is a spell-binding addition to your living room or bedroom.

Natural lighting can also bathe your black and white-themed living room. Draw back any curtains to let in the sunlight. The black and white color scheme is best for the mid-century style as it keeps the areas looking clutter-free. This is achieved by highlighting space and light.

After considering lighting, it’s time to turn your attention to focal points. Retro lighting can be an effective focal point. Chandeliers can easily stand out against pinstripe walls. Take the retro vibe up another notch by also adding vintage art pieces. Search for striking wall hangings inspired by circles and squares.

Since mid-century spells timelessness, the use of vintage colors is also encouraged. It’s time to start loving avocado hues, also mustard, tangerine and other ‘60s colors. Just be careful in your use of these colors or your place would come across as a movie set.

For more ‘60s inspired pieces, decorate with a coffee table with a hint of gold. Add glass or sculptural accents, these will pop against white walls.

Mid-century also means showcasing superior pieces so, it is best to paint the walls white or any neutral palette. The rich, graphic patterns may appear on upholstered furniture pieces, throws, or on the textured wallpapers.

The Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042 can carry your vintage glassware and cocktail shakers.

The Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042 can carry your vintage glassware and cocktail shakers.

Emphasize the cocktail culture by making use of a bar cart while the rest of the room features streamlined seats and traditional lamps. If you are more traditional, then use a glass and bronze coffee table.

For those who embrace the contemporary culture more than retro, it is acceptable to have at least one mid-century piece to add warmth to the environment. For instance, the marriage of red and white inside a living room can have wood and glass table as a focal point.

Would you want to have contrasting seat cushions? Add these to a wood swivel and you can spice up your mid-century home office.

Mid-century interior design and modern styles, as opposed to common notion, can actually mix. The super clean lines of both styles can be the chief characteristics of mid-century modern furnishings. This is the right combination for those stark industrial pieces. This is the ideal style pairing for those people who prefer urban loft living.

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The Vintage Charm: Creating a Nostalgic Mood

Monday, January 11th, 2016

 

All the wood furniture pieces on this articles come from FFDM's Vintage Classics Collection

All the wood furniture pieces on this articles come from FFDM’s Vintage Classics Collection

 

If you have a passion for collecting World War I and post-World War II decor, then you are a vintage connoisseur. Being familiar with this interior design means you have the same taste as your parents or grandparents – and this is not a bad thing at all.

Anything vintage sparks nostalgic feelings, however, this style is not solely for reminiscence. It can offer a lot of style mixtures but, mostly, it is typified through wooden textures.

One surprising thing about vintage interiors is that it is never linear. Decor pieces can be from different places and times. Vintage is primarily about the creation of a comfortable and homey living area. Your creativity will surely be piqued as you find out what constitutes this style.

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

 

Furniture – A Major Vintage Element

There are many elements in every vintage interior but the most important is the furniture. Furniture designs vary through cultures and periods. You might not be able to obtain the original period pieces but you can now easily look for pieces with classic designs.
Wood is a major material used in many of the most beautiful chairs, tables, drawers, cabinets, and desks. Come and visit our shop and you will never run out of choices as you set your eyes on various wooden pieces.

This lovely bedside from FFDM will look fabulous inside your vintage-themed bedroom. Bring the same charm to your dining area by investing in a glass-fronted display case, perfect for displaying your collectibles and tableware.

Chairs that are classic in form are welcome, just be sure to focus on your color choice. The goal is to remain muted (in terms of color) with a few flower variations to visually stimulate. Flowers should not be too bright that they already overpower the lovely furniture that you have devoted your time to setting up.

Vintage style is also great with patterned wallpapers and handmade fabrics. If you think these are a little too much for you, then fuse it with other modern appliances, even other designs. Some homeowners have experimented with contemporary laidback interiors and vintage decor and furniture. Wooden furniture may be paired with contemporary appliances, other colors and textures. While you do this, just allow memories and nostalgia to guide you so you get the right inspirations.

VINTAGE CHARM. ffdm Vintage Classics 3A Few Vintage Rules

While you are not limited with regard to your creativity, you must not forget that vintage is anything that looks and feels classic. There are still a few rules that need to be satisfied in order to stay within the bounds of this style –

  • First, as you search for vintage furniture and decorative pieces, always think about the materials that were used in the past. Of course, it would be wrong to use plastic. Instead, there was much of wrought iron, wood, copper, leather, porcelain and galvanized metal.

Materials that you pick will decide the overall tone and mood of the room. Wicker baskets and wooden crates, for instance, would be perfect as storage containers.

  • Premium is the way to go. Now what does this mean?

Vintage remains to be one of the most admired interior designs in the world because there are simply people who do not appreciate the throw away culture. Mass production is not equal to legacy pieces. If you want to pass down furniture to your descendants, then you have to invest in sturdy, classic pieces.

Again, one can never say amply that you should veer away from anything made of plastic.

  • The third rule is to make use of focal points. The basics are these – for your living room, it usually is your seating area. In the bedroom, the focal point will always be the bed (or the bedding), in the bathroom, it is a lovely vanity (or a combination of mirror and sink), and in the kitchen, it can be the kitchen island or a dining table.
  • Lastly, never clutter the room with minute decor items. Vintage design is all about frivolity and timelessness – keep that in mind.

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