• Follow us:

Posts Tagged ‘metals’

Modern Mixed Metal Interiors

Friday, March 16th, 2018

Silver is beauty: Featured here is the Benhardt Interiors Bedroom Metal Wrapped Bed (in silver).

Do you still define your metallic interiors as either gold or silver? Those days are long gone. Today, homes don’t have to resort to warm or cool metals anymore. You won’t have to worry about clashing any longer. Many interior design experts agree that mixed metallics is cool and not cold.

But, first, let’s just establish what the cool and warm metals are. The cool metallic ones are steel, silver, and nickel. These help bring a sleeker and more modern surrounding. The warmer tones, on the other hand, include gold, bronze, copper, rose gold, brass, and others. These are more inviting and they are even glamorous.

Mixing these two tones can help you define a more unique look. This is modern with a hint of glamour. This is also minimalism but with a homier appeal since the rawness of the warm metals help define the welcoming ambiance.

A smart fusion of metallics helps to draw attention to the charm of the materials that were used. Metals are also effortlessly daring so you will surely catch the attention of your visitors when you use these elements.

Here’s a tip, though, never let your metallics become mere neutrals in your home. These are natural attention getters so use them in the most stylish way that you can think of. In short, don’t be afraid to show your metals.

Almost every metallic tone can now be found in glass, artwork, curtains, upholstery, and wall coverings. Just take a look at the lovely silver gray fabric which is now a staple in many modern homes and you’d know the different kind of appeal that it brings to an ambiance.

You can also consider using accent metallics, for example, donning the living room with a silver upholstery if you have a tuxedo-hued sofa. This could be paired with a golden coffee table or a stylish console in the same gold tone.

Always remember that warm tones such as gold or brass offer a pop of color as well as texture. The cool metals, on the other hand, such as chrome and silver, are there to frame that palpable texture. Don’t get into the vibe of matching finishes. A lot of people have been fooled into thinking that coordinating the finishes in their home will render a coordinated look but, on the contrary, it creates a linear, monochromatic look.

Choose the Dominant Metal

Here’s a tip in fusing warm with cool metallics – always pick a dominant metal. If you fail to do this, then you would be left with a very confusing space. So for your own sanity, find a prominent metal then unify the rest of the design elements using this tone.

If the kitchen hardware is all copper, then you can accentuate with bronze to add some more to the warm glow which the copper already staged.

The more modern kitchens need a lot of stainless steel sinks, chandeliers, and such. Finding a vintage looking gold or silver piece as a charm can also add to the texture of the room.

Always Consider the Color Palette

While you are encouraged to mix and match, it is also crucial that you always have your color palette in mind. More often than not, people use warm metals also with warm hues such as yellows, reds, and browns. The cool metals they decide to pair with violet, green or blue. Go with these tested sets.

If you happen to have a neutral room to decorate, then add texture and warmth above all. If you are already using some gray tones then a gold mirror should be able to breathe life into the room.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Modern Mixed Metal Interiors

Art Deco Home: A Habitat for Art Connoisseurs

Monday, January 18th, 2016

Uttermost Accessories Rennick Metal Wall Art 04014 at McCreerys Home Furnishings. Reclaimed pine wood was used in the creation of this unique wall art.

Uttermost Accessories Rennick Metal Wall Art 04014 at McCreerys Home Furnishings. Reclaimed pine wood was used in the creation of this unique wall art.

Artists are fully aware that the term art deco came from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes in 1925, held in Paris, France. French artists then collaborated to come up with the show. Emile Decour, Hector Guimard, Eugene Grasset, Paul Follot, Raoul Lachenal and Maurice Dufrene were previously into Art Nouveau before they came up with the new show. Art deco was not that popular till Bevis Hillier, an art historian and critic, mentioned it in her book entitled Art Deco of the 20s and 30s in 1968.

Enough with art deco history; of course you would want to know how you can set up a purely decorative theme in your home.

Art Deco Features and Materials

The use of new building materials that were altered to other styles is what separated art deco from Art Nouveau. This kind of architecture showed scientific progress, technology, speed and the rise of commerce.

Combine these revolutionary characteristics with opulent, modern style and what you have is art deco in its purest form. To further picture what this style is all about, try to visualize the lavish interiors and architecture of cinemas, U.S. train stations and ocean liners like the Queen Mary. The simplicity of their designs is what made them endure even the Great Depression. This only means that your choice is a design that is timeless.

Art deco structure is fundamentally about geometric shapes from the Greco-Roman Classicism. You can also find the multi-faceted architecture of Assyria, Babylon, Aztec Mexico and Ancient Egypt. Think of monumental structures and skyscrapers, music halls, find trapezoids, triangles, zigzags, sweeping curves, and chevron patterns.

It is also not surprising to find new materials like stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, inlaid wood and lacquer. You can find these new materials fused with horn, moulded glass, ivory, and exotic stuff like zebra or shark skin.

Sam Moore Living Room Steamer Recliner 5560 features sleek arm rests yet an artistic fabric. This fine fusion of simplicity and artistry is what makes this living room furniture a must-have piece.

Sam Moore Living Room Steamer Recliner 5560 features sleek arm rests yet an artistic fabric. This fine fusion of simplicity and artistry is what makes this living room furniture a must-have piece.

Art Deco Applications

Art deco is commonly seen in poster art, jewelry textiles, fashion, furniture, architecture and interior design. This style is also applied in graphics and painting.

Art deco design are now adopted by so many architects all over the world ranging from Australia, Romania, Argentina, India, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Cuba, to Spain.  American art deco is evident in structures such as the Chrysler Building, News Building, Rockefeller Center, The Empire State Building, and the Chanin Building.

If you love the reappearance of art deco in interiors, then you are not alone. Many homeowners now embrace this style by using bold, geometric patterns. Curvilinear and rectilinear forms are also iconic forms used in art deco interiors. These can make any room come alive almost instantly.

Travel and tourism were quite popular in the 1930s, hence, the addition of African safaris and other exotic finishes to art deco was inevitable. So go ahead and use shiny fabrics, glass, mirrors and metallic paints in your home.

The Accessories Uttermost Bonjour Wall Art 13857 is an awesome replica of the 1800s French correspondence letter. It is perfectly framed in an antique mirror and a distressed dark-colored frame.

The Accessories Uttermost Bonjour Wall Art 13857 is an awesome replica of the 1800s French correspondence letter. It is perfectly framed in an antique mirror and a distressed dark-colored frame.

And what is art deco without artwork and sculptures? As the name of this style suggests, you should showcase the arts and the world of entertainment. Use sculptural lamps, the boldest oil paintings that you can find, and ornate bedroom furniture. Detailed furniture will surely bring in the art deco elements that you need for your home.

Using the term bold is surely an understatement when talking about the high contrast colors used in art deco. In your kitchen or bathroom, use finishes and tiles that revive the artistic vibe. Monochromatic black combined with white, deep brown or bright reds will surely look gorgeous.

Bring in some high gloss porcelain and ceramic tiles, bold fabrics, to finish off with a dramatic art deco flair.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

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

Saturday, January 16th, 2016

 

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

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

 

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

Playful Colors Are Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 2016 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »