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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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The All-American Hill Country Experience – Making Country Look More Modern

Friday, June 16th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Pinta Trail Strong Box Cocktail Table

Who wouldn’t love the country style? But since we’re in a world where everything has to keep up with the times, then a good way to catch up or update the look of your country style home is to go modern. Modern country style is the interesting marriage of traditional, rustic appeal with Scandinavian modernism.

The modern country style look is eclectic and so you will surely get the update that you have long been waiting for. You will see more of stripped wood, clean painted walls, and other rustic touches throughout this design scheme. Expect to see these as well – old-fashioned wooden flooring, barn doors, stone fireplaces, and the open space layout.

Modern country, these days, has veered away from the nostalgic look. Instead, it has embraced a more global appeal, one that could include artisan pieces such as Eastern rugs, Asian features, Scandinavian furniture, woven baskets, South American and African accents, and more.

If these haven’t interested you yet, then find out what other elements you should learn about in this hill country look that’s a must-have –

Contemporary and Vintage

The rooms in your home could display the most interesting fusion of styles, in this case, contemporary items with old doors, heirloom accessories, paintings, and such. A stainless steel water container could easily become a repurposed sink.

How about having a bright green cabinet in a sea of light grays?

Mix various flooring materials gracefully. Combine stone with wood and contrast contemporary with vintage or vintage-looking replicas.

Wood Is a Must

Modern country style will always require the use of wood somewhere. This can be seen on furnishings, architecture, or decorative elements. The most-used elements include unfinished wood in its natural form, exposed wooden rafters, and wooden cabinets. These contrast well with rustic stone walls.

Accentuate with Stone

Stone is also a staple piece in a farmhouse. It will evoke a more industrial contemporary vibe. A notable example is when you have a stone fireplace set up in a mainly wooden interior. Imagine having the exposed plumbing and beams overhead. It’s unique and definitely attention-grabbing.

Stone features can also be used on walls whether that’s in the bedroom, kitchen, living room and just about any living space in your home.

Spindle Dining Arm Chair has a dependable and luscious hue for the traditional theme lovers. 

Neutral Palette

Yet another hill country look staple is a neutral palette. Use only the elegant and restrained colors such as taupes, dark and light grays, earth hues, and whites. It is easier to achieve warmth with these tones than any other color.

Contrast the probable blandness with beautiful stones, wood, and exposed architectural elements. Make all these complement each other for an aesthetically pleasing home.

Of course, a great way to make your modern farmhouse look appear more interesting is to add a pop of color somewhere. While the base color is mainly neutral, go for something saturated elsewhere. Create an accent wall of blue or green. A colorful artwork could also be the defining piece to top your hill country look.

Minimalism

The hill country look is also all about minimalist living. Whether you get artisan pieces or not, this is a style that should evoke the rustic elegance of farmhouse living.

Remember these traits when you want to succeed in creating a minimalist environment –

  • Achieve depth within the basics. Emphasize on functionality rather than the complexities of the design. Focus the viewer’s attention onto specific elements of your hill country design.
  • Attain balance. Since there are very few elements in a rustic farmhouse, you need to organize and define the layouts. Everything must be visually balanced.
  • Learn contrast. Achieving a minimalist country farmhouse means energizing a few areas and creating laidback spaces elsewhere.

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Down to Earth: How to Use Rustic Colors Effectively in Your Home

Saturday, November 12th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Box on Stand: Rustic doesn't always have to be "all brown". The distressed look, here shown, is an exceptional way to achieve the rustic look.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Box on Stand: Rustic doesn’t always have to be “all brown”. The distressed look, here shown, is an exceptional way to achieve the rustic look.

It is, indeed, a capricious process to create a rustic tone. If you’re able to achieve it, though, you will see that the payoffs are huge. There has to be a balance of materials and features whether you are setting up a home that’s a modest log cabin, a timber lodge or a farmhouse.

Basic Styles of Rustic Structures

Did you know that there are basic classes for every rustic structure? The terms such as cottage, cabin, farmhouse or lodge all refer to rustic beauty but do not mean the exact same thing. Let’s begin defining one after the other –

A cottage has many variations just like any other home style. Every style evokes a different image. For some, it is a small, romantic place while the beach cottages all belong on a different plane. One thing’s common with all these cottages, though, and that is airy interiors.

The cabin, on the other hand, has dark-stained logs for exteriors. There is also the fieldstone chimney which is a typical addition. Just like many homes in the past, a cabin is always built using materials that are found from nature. These are then utilized to make functional pieces. Just picture the rusted firewood as well as the breezeway roofs.

Houses that have been around a long time were usually modified through the years. Modifications were often done over a period of years through the addition of other structures on the asset. A connecting breezeway is quite common.

The farmhouse is a popular structure in many rural landscapes. This is the representative of all the hard work that happens in far-flung places. No matter how basic, such a structure promises comfort and safety – the two things that are common in many rustic structures.

Common architectural elements include big porches, pitched rooflines, and those simple yet pretty sidings.

Farmhouses are built minus lavishness or waste. They were historically constructed with the use of materials that are rough-hewn and hand sawn.

The lodge makes use of big timber trusses, oversized fireplaces, high ceilings and chimneys. Take note of the roofing, too, as it was always made of thick cedar or the slated shingles. Bring your imagination to Lake Tahoe and you’d know what a lodge is supposed to look like.

Having a lodge means maximizing the views. This only means that the windows must be massive. The exteriors as well as the outdoor fireplace use a blend of materials such as timber posts, vertical boards, board and batten.

Now that you have these basic descriptions for rustic homes, can you now confidently tell that your home is rustic in style? The key is to have that open floor plan, wood furniture and beautiful, exposed architectural elements.

The Modern Rustic Home

Do you ever wonder how different a rustic home is from one that is modern rustic? One of the most noticeable features of a modern rustic home is the raw wood as well as the stone features. Preserve the look that’s common in rustic style which is the exposed beams, stone fireplace, and the use of furnishings made of reclaimed or sustainable wood.

Rustic also means natural so be ready to embrace rugs, linens and upholstery that show a natural aspect. Find the simplest fabrics minus the nauseating prints and patterns. Think of linen pillows, sisal, jute, and hides for a more natural look.

Modern rustic homes also have a good view of the picturesque outdoors so make sure that big windows are present. The modern rustic home is also almost always full of light and is spacious.

Lastly, bring in the wooden furniture to cap the look.

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Remembrance of Things Past: Features of Old World Design

Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

FFDM Ancestry Collection

FFDM Ancestry Collection

Have you ever wondered what makes Old World design unique? This exceptional design has its roots in the French countryside as well as 18th century England. Old World also represents Spanish, Mediterranean, Tuscan, Italian Villa, and French Chateau. It is a design that is known for its inviting interiors and warmth. Here are other characteristics that make Old World design one-of-a-kind –

Warmth

Old World is also tantamount to having bronze accents, posh drapes, crystal chandelier, candelabra, ivory shades, wall sconces, and detailed millwork. Its color schemes come in neutral tones with rich, warm woods. Coffered ceilings and dark wood tones are common in offices.

Symmetry

Another important element of Old World design is symmetry. The furnishings must be balanced in order to create a room that induces conversation. Common accents include lots of throws, plump pillows and beautiful silk flowers.

Colors

Pick colors that are warm, rich and deep in tone. Get inspiration from nature and your immediate surroundings. Whether you’d get your creativeness from the green grass or deep golds and oranges of the fall season, it’s really up to you.

Other colors that are also often used in Old World design are cream, burgundy, woods with dark stain, navy, forest green, ocher, or sanded, aged surfaces.

Materials

Natural materials are a huge thing in Old World design. You may use stone, natural woods and metal works. Use heavy wooden cabinets, wrought-iron pieces and stone floors. Curtain rods are also welcome. Be sure to include materials with rich colors such as iron, copper and wrought-iron. Limestone and granite are also wonderful options.

Fabrics and Textures

If you want to depict Old World design in your home, make sure that you invest in the following –

  • Brocades
  • Leather
  • Beaded trim
  • Tassels
  • Damasks
  • Floral patterns
  • Stripes
  • Silk
  • Velvet and
  • Tapestry patterns.

Accents

The best accents for Old World design are terra cotta, wrought-iron, pottery, damask draperies and distressed finishes. Make sure to fill your home with accent pieces which represent who you are.

Architectural Detail

If you are about to gut a room that you would want to remodel, then it would be wise to build from the ground up.  Include as many Old World architectural details as possible. You have to learn to love arched doors and windows, exposed wooden beams, and heavy furniture.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose King Panel Bed

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose King Panel Bed

Furniture

Old World furniture is free from built-in designs. This means that every piece under this design is freestanding. A kitchen island, for instance, may just be a simple butcher block or it may be a wooden piece with a marble or granite top.

Find slightly rustic or heavy furniture pieces. The chairs and couches must come with wooden frames as well as traditional cushions. The fabric and textures must be rich enough so that your guests will immediately know that it’s Old World.

Still on Old World kitchen, make sure that the cabinetry is free from complex designs. Use arches and hearth styles but say no to other ornate pieces. The cabinets in Old World kitchens often come with unique hinges as well as oversized doors. Corner edges and molding are often rounded on the edge. Large kitchen islands are the best pieces for to stain or paint. This is a good way to distinguish them from the kitchen cabinets.

Other Elements

Other ways to use Old World design is to make the room feel and look like travelers’ haven. Add woven shades, wicker furniture, bamboo pieces, and storage trunks.

It’s time to commit to this design. There is no use in being half-hearted about it. It is a wonderful style that you can be proud of since it shows the most interesting colors and textures. If these define who are you are, then Old World design it must be for your home.

 

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Rustic Is In This Fall: Why Time-Worn Style Is Fashionable Again

Friday, September 30th, 2016

FFDM Vintage Classics

FFDM Vintage Classics

Rustic interiors offer an eclectic look that zeroes in on nature. Furniture normally consists of stone, wood and reclaimed lumber, however, sisal, rattan, bamboo, paper, wool, glass and clay, even different kinds of metal can also be used to achieve the look. DIY projects, heirlooms, collections, folk arts and vintage-looking pieces will also fit in.

Metal-worked furniture pieces are also great options to use on a rustic concept this fall.

Wooden columns and beams, stone flooring and hardwood pieces are elements that you would want to add in your home. If these are not natural parts of your current home, then know that there are now faux columns and beams that can help you achieve the look.

Rustic Basics

Rustic interiors for this season will help you have a warm and welcoming vibe. Rustic is historic, rough-hewn and an Old World charm that appeals even to people who live on an era of manufactured pieces and technology.

Rustic is not tantamount to being not innovative, though. As your persist with your rustic style, you get to achieve a one-of-a-kind look that are either repurposed or set up in that way.

Weathered Woods Are Rustic

Say no to imitation lumber or machine-polished wooden pieces here. Rustic woods have to be rough around the edges and they’d have to be real lumber. Look for sturdy pieces like hickory, oak, or beech. Leave them to develop natural patina. You can also use matte paint to make them look more pastoral. Scuff and sand the edges, choose a stool or chair with bark-like backs and you’re on the right track.

BLOG 8. Hooker Furniture Dining Room Melange Rafferty II Side Chair

This Hooker Furniture Dining Room Melange Rafferty II Side Chair offers the distressed look that is perfect for your rustic setting.

Distressed Pieces Are Rustic

Think of denim blue, forest green, blood red, and khaki – these are all hues that look appropriate during the pioneer days. This does not mean that you can simply shun a lighter palette. Remember that a traditional pattern such as plaid, calico or patchwork would work best.

Another way to convey rustic beauty is to make a handmade quilt. Just throw this over a sectional or a bed; you can also hang this on the wall. Needlepoint pillows and embroidered pieces also embody rustic textile tradition.

Always go for warm, heavy metals preferably those that have been worn out. Look for pieces with a hammered finish or even a hint of rust. Say yes to pewter, bronze, copper, or iron for your bedstead, kitchen racks, lighting fixtures, side tables, and outdoor pieces. Veer away from finishes such as stainless steel and chrome.

Go Modern Rustic

This may be like conflicting terms but as a theme, this has been creating a buzz. Homeowners now love the rustic charm and beauty that come with modern amenities.

It’s impossible not to love this style especially if you are a sucker for character. The key to creating a modern rustic environment, though, is when you can embrace an open space layout, modern pieces, and large, industrial structures.

Don’t forget bringing in nature indoors, though, since the most important feature of any modern rustic dwelling is stone and raw wood. This is easy if you already live in an old home. All you have to do then is to preserve the original architectural features, show off the stone walls, and expose the beams, or light the fireplace.

Modern rustic is also about making good use of the fifth wall which is the ceiling. Homes that come with A-frames are very popular. If you don’t have cathedral ceilings, don’t worry, you can still have the look of exposed beams. Ask professional architects to help you install faux beams.

Beyond the architectural details and furnishings, rustic modern homes should also carry over the theme to linens, upholstery and rugs. The simplest accessories can make a huge difference so be sure to shop for the right fall items.

 

 

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The Beauty of Terracotta Tiles

Friday, September 30th, 2016

This Accessories Uttermost Tobia Burnt Terracotta Planter 20069 will sit beautifully on terracotta tile flooring.

This Accessories Uttermost Tobia Burnt Terracotta Planter 20069 will sit beautifully on terracotta tile flooring.

If you have started kitchen renovation or remodeling, then you know how overwhelming it can be. There are kitchen fixtures to worry about, pros and cons to consider, flooring to install, and a color scheme to decide on. Today, you are going to consider one material that will make your decision-making a whole lot easier – terracotta.

The wonderful world of tiles shows a wide array of patterns, colors, finishes, styles and textures. The material that you pick for your floor tile often determines the aesthetics. Consider terracotta to fulfill not just the aesthetics part of the project but also the durability, budget and style issues.

Stone and wood flooring are popular choices but terracotta is another timeless classic that you could look into. You can even achieve the look of a Spanish Revival home by simply using these tiles.

Terracotta and Its Distinctive Features

Terracotta literally means baked earth. It is hard because it is fired, unglazed clay. What makes it standout is its reddish-brown hue which is why it is linked to styles such Southwest, rustic, Old World and Mediterranean.

Terracotta tiles have long been around. For hundreds of years, this material has provided a uniqueness that is difficult to equal. It is a homeowner favorite because it can be used in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Terracotta is made of natural materials that are quite durable. It comes in a variety of finishes from zero to high gloss. Terracotta also offers an earthy and warm feel which makes it suitable both indoors and outdoors. It is a material that’s resistant to bacteria and mold.

Terracotta is porous, it absorbs moisture quite quickly. This is also why it is susceptible to alcohol, citric acid, vinegar, and oils. Terracotta tiles must be sealed each year so that stains, cracking and discoloration can be prevented.

Installing terracotta tiles can be a bit more difficult compared to other flooring materials. It is highly recommended that professionals would do the job.

The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table 43622-740 is equally rustic which is why it would go well with terracotta flooring.

The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table 43622-740 is equally rustic which is why it would go well with terracotta flooring.

Terracotta Maintenance

Clean terracotta tiles with a mild dishwashing liquid, tepid water, and soft cloth. Use this for spills and stains. You can also use a damp mop, just make sure that you dry the spot immediately.

Grout is also prone to staining so you need to scrub it off as soon as possible.

Terracotta in the Bedroom

If kitchens and central courtyards have an endearing look because of terracotta tiles, then the bedroom can have the same charming look.

Terracotta tiles in the bedroom means having a relaxing and comfy sanctuary. There are reddish hues to look into and finishes to consider. Your bedroom style is never an issue with this material since it can work in just about any setting where you install it.

Terracotta in the Living Room

Finding the right terracotta tiles for your living room may not be easy – back in the day. In the last years, homeowners have been looking for a unique material to use inside their living rooms and terracotta just couldn’t be passed up.

Terracotta isn’t for everyone, though. This is just the material to use if you want to stray from the obvious styles. Use it to blend rustic and contemporary, timelessness and classic beauty.

Mediterranean and Versatile

Your home can make good use of terracotta tiles if you want the Mediterranean, farmhouse, eclectic or rustic look. Many homeowners who have used them in the past can vouch for this material’s durability, beauty and overall quality.

Just make sure that you buy your terracotta tiles from a reputable seller.  Be ready for annual care, too, in terms of yearly sealing. This is pretty small to ask for something so beautiful. These tiles are also less taxing on everyone’s feet because of its porous nature.

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Charming Living That Is Country Cottage

Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sunset Point Display Cabinet

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sunset Point Display Cabinet deliciously spells country cottage.

Cottage living is seen as a simplistic and natural style. Here, it is easy to feature architectural beauties or showcase imperfections in your home that could actually turn out to be unique elements.

Typically small and challenged in terms of storage, country cottages often come with armoires and cupboards. Look for these furniture pieces if you want to stow away more stuff. It’s time to tuck linens inside the wooden trunk and the dishes placed inside a pie safe. Go ahead and hide the modern-day electronic appliances behind weathered cabinets.

The comfort that country cottage brings with it comes with age. The patina in wood speaks of generations past or simply of a properly weathered look. Find coverlets, canvas slipcovers, and other stuff in bolder greens, creamy whites, or buttery yellow.

Country Living Begins with White

Gray, oyster shell and taupe are the right hues for cottage living. When these are fused, they tend to make a space look fresh, vibrant and beautifully natural. Think of wood beams exposed high up in those vaulted ceilings. These could expand a master bedroom or any spacious retreat.

Use white paint across ceilings and walls. This is the standard look that you could default to if you don’t know how to achieve country cottage just yet.

Don’t stop with the furnishings, though. Carry that paintbrush and swipe it all across your wooden flooring. You can also achieve a nautical-inspired bedroom for kids. These floors will beautifully contrast with pine boards on your walls and the ceiling.

Sanding, Weathering and Distressing Highlighted

The key elements to the country cottage design are distressed, weathered or sanded furnishings. So go ahead and seek out these styles here –

http://www.mccreerys.com/ItemBrowser.aspx?action=attributes&ItemType=Furniture&event=reset&wcsearch=COTTAGE

That stunning piece of furniture can also be just right in front of you. At times, you can sand your existing furniture, rough up their edges a bit, and voila, you have a stylish country cottage piece in your hands. The sanding block can make pieces look old – way older – than they really are.

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70

Opposites Attract

This concept is applicable in interior design, too. You must always strive to achieve balance by fusing opposite pieces. This means finding joy in marrying glossy with the muted pieces or the contemporary with the distressed ones.

 Cozy Means Cottage, Cottage Means Cozy

Just as soon as you walk in a country cottage home, you should feel at home straightaway. Natural elements and neutral color palette have the power to rejuvenate the senses. A space can immediately look livable and comfortable if you use them.

Throw a slipcover onto your sofa then add a good amount of throw pillows for upped comfort. Materials that you should definitely look into are burlap, linen, and wool.

Fresh Blooms Aplenty

You will never find a country cottage home that does not feature some fresh flowers. These are natural design elements that can soften the starkness of some architectural features. You can also add some potted plants to make your home more natural.

 Make Country Cottage YOU

 Pull in all of your preferred elements to come up with a space that is solely yours. A country cottage style dining room, for instance, can be a daily or an occasional eating spot according to your preference. For the former, you can set up a casual table, a bench or two, some slipcovered chairs, and your everyday dishware. For the latter, you can add formal lighting in the form of chandeliers.

It’s Not Quaint

When people think of country cottage, they immediately think of worn out homes with old fixtures and furnishings. This is not always the case. While there are rural and simple cottages, it might surprise you that there are also state-of-the-art homes featuring country cottage décor.

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Earthy With a Dose of Gorgeous

Saturday, September 3rd, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Chest is beautifully earthy.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Chest is beautifully earthy.

Earth has its beautiful, signature colors to offer depending on what season the place is on. Fall, for instance, offers browns, golds, oranges, and reds, even yellows. Just find out which one of these colors define your personality and which one can lend a cue to your next interior design project in your home.

Fall’s color palette is always nature-inspired. Just take a look at the turning leaves or the rust-colored skies. These hues bring in warmth even when the weather is actually bringing about a chill to the autumn air.

Bold and Exciting

Many people view earth colors as calming. What they fail to realize is that bold colors are also seen in berries, leaves and wood accents. Nature puts on a great display on the trees, in the sky, and the ground with broad strokes of bright and muted colors.

Fall is also about plums, burgundy, umber orange, and rust. So go ahead and change your bland interiors to an exciting inspiration each time that you enter your home. Alter an accent wall with your favorite fall color. Look for paint shops that have fall-focused palettes and experiment with them during this season.

Simple and Traditional

The classics are difficult to replace. Inspirational colors include sage green, browns, golden yellows, fiery reds, and creamy beiges. Fall is a season that is telling you to slow down since you just came from a season of bright colors.

Traditional upholstered furniture pieces work even during fall. You can also use seasonal arrangements of the most beautiful orange, red or yellow flowers. Use an area rug that can help you pull the space all together.

Simple may be subtle but it is definitely not boring.

BLK1 Bloom Round Dining Table with 1-20in leaf offers a jet black earthiness that's difficult to ignore.

BLK1 Bloom Round Dining Table with 1-20in leaf offers a jet black earthiness that’s difficult to ignore.

More Nature Display

Whoever said that nature just has to happen outdoors? The playful colors outside may be truly inspiring which is why most fall designs can be comprised of sea grass, exposed timber, slate and boulders. Other than these usual smorgasbord of hues, why not take a bland wall this time and liven it up with corks, natural rocks or something green, say, green wallpaper.

If the colors are too neutral for you, then just add an eye-popping furniture piece. This should bring visual interest in an instant. Red or orange coffee table can provide just the right amount of excitement.

All-Year-Round Colors

What’s great about fall is that it offers natural, earthy colors that would never go out of style. Spas come in blues and greens as well as browns because these are calming hues. These allude to the skies, earth, water and the sun. They, all together, bring harmony and peace to most people whether talking about physical, mental or subconscious aspects.

Pick from gray tones or from the brightest colors that you could find on the autumnal display. What’s great about the fall palette, too, is that it works well with any style. So, whether you love modern, eclectic, rustic, modern or traditional; fall never disappoints.

If you’re still not ready to alter your entire room during the season, then just bring in some dried pine cones, potpourri, lemons and oranges. Put a vase of your favorite fall flowers and you’re done.

The Fall Furniture Line

Fear no color during this season. Use bright strokes if needs be for your furniture pieces. The simple wooden cabinets can become the focal points if you are willing to invest in sunny yellow ones. The shinier the finish, the more that it would pop out, hence, adding the needed character to the room; just make sure that they don’t look like they are candy-coated, though.

Experiment within bounds – this is your mission for this season.

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Going Tropical with Wicker and Rattan

Sunday, August 7th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Wicker is often viewed as a material but, in essence, it is a term that is often used to describe a category of man-made or natural materials that are woven. This can be rattan, cane, willow, rush, reed, resins, grasses, splints and vinyl.

Wicker can also be the term used to describe the weaving process itself. Wickerwork is known as an ancient technique that is applied using natural materials. These materials are often made wet so that they can be subjected to the weaving procedure.

Apart from natural materials like rattan, wicker can also be created using synthetic materials like resin or vinyl.

Wicker Furniture Benefits

You might be deliberating on what makes wicker furniture the best solution for your home. First, choosing wicker furnishings means owning a lightweight design element; while you can move it around easily, it is sturdy enough to accommodate people of different shapes and sizes.

Wicker is also durable especially the pieces that are made from rattan. Reed and bamboo furniture pieces are strong, too. Wicker with metal frames is even sturdier and is comparable with those made synthetically like resin.

Wicker is also famous for being flexible. It can come in various colors such as black, brown, tan, white, even olive green. Homeowners have the leeway to add colorful cushions to make the wicker chairs more stylish.

 Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Different Wicker Options

The first kind that you might want to look into is cane. This is made from rattan’s peeled bark. The strips of bark or the skin are cut into uniform strips. What is achieved is an end product that can be used as a sturdy material for the backs and seats of chairs. Cane can also be used for the legs of tables and chairs.

Another type of wicker is rattan. This is a common material that is used in manufacturing stylish wicker pieces. Rattan comes from the climbing palm named Calamus. This grows at about 36 inches each day which makes it a fast-growing furniture resource. Apart from the skin eventually processed as cane, rattan is then cut to different sizes of reeds. These can be used for wickerwork because of its durability, strength and resilience.

The third type is called reed. This is actually the pithy interior of a rattan. It can be processed to different sizes and shapes like wedge, flat or round.

Another type is what’s known as willow. This is a natural U.S. and Europe material that is commonly used in weaving. It can be harvested from willow shrubs and trees. They are blonde and have small knots right where the offshoots have been removed during processing.

Add to this list the ever-famous bamboo. This comes from the grass family which features an outer bark that may be less weather resistant so you just have to use it inside your home. Bamboo is the best material for homeowners who want the classic look of wicker without having to spend too much.

Traditional wicker coming from natural materials is the best pieces to use as indoor furniture. They are your best choice for living room, bedroom, and dining room pieces. They can also be used outside your home but just make sure that you fortify them against moisture and the glaring heat of the sun.

Synthetic wicker has recently emerged because of the growing demand for sturdy yet inexpensive wicker furniture. Vinyl and resin are made from plastic yet they can also be cut into different sizes and shapes just like the natural materials. There is no better wicker furniture for the outdoors than this last kind of wicker material.

So, have you made your choice?

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Forever Stylish With Wood

Friday, May 20th, 2016

 Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn't this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn’t this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

The world of interior design is not as stylish without the beauty of wood furniture. Both contemporary and traditional homes can use this unique material to their advantage. Wood can be locally sourced, it can be recycled or it can be harvested from a sustainable environment. Wooden buildings are also a great way to seamlessly fuse your interiors with the beauty of nature.

Since the dawn of time, man has been living close or even on trees. Many wooden homes have been built over thousands of years. Wood offers organic warmth, softness, and classic beauty. This is no less than the best construction material today and in the years to come.

Be Mother Earth’s Best Friend

Stylizing your home with wood furniture, walls or flooring makes it a haven of nature (more so when the materials were harvested from a sustainable society). Build a home for your loved ones that harnesses and highlights the beauty of wood. This can be the perfect home to grow old in or become a nest. Either way, you are utilizing the incomparable beauty of wood which no material will be able to equal.

Wood Properties

Wood is a construction or building material that comes with many useful properties. It is strong and is a natural thermal insulator. It is an effective storage for heat. It is also able to control humidity under the right setting.

You can be innovative with wood. You can even cover or create everything with it. So go ahead and use wood on your roof, walls, the flooring and just about everywhere else.

Lumber is often used in joists, columns and beams. The house is surely going to be much more durable if you use wood in these parts. If you used conventional wood, then there is also the added protection of it being fire-retardant.

Controlled Temperature

Because of wood’s property to insulate, your home will have a comfortable temperature. The thick walls, floor and roof will keep you and your loved ones warm especially during the coldest seasons. In essence, you won’t be feeling too cold or too hot so you’ll surely live in a home where the temperature’s just right.

An Awesome Aesthetic Appeal

The lumber market is a huge one and there is a great reason behind that. Wood is a classic material whether you use it to build your home or on furniture. Lumber looks great whether you bought it directly from the mill or if you pay the best home furnishing shops a visit. Our site, www.mccreerys.com features the loveliest wood pieces which you can proudly display in your home.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

The Acoustics Are Phenomenal

The simple reason why most homeowners choose wood as a staple material in their home is that it is one of the best building materials on the planet. Its acoustics are great plus you get to contribute to the lengthening of Mother Earth’s days.

Cabinetmaking would not have been as phenomenal were it not for wood. Wood is a major furniture material and this shouldn’t come as a surprise since it offers so much more than a beautiful look.

Wood Is Holistic

In a world where holistic living is now an ongoing trend, there is no recourse but to join in. Your home could have an ambitious space or it could be homey but if you use wood in either, what you achieve is an aesthetic beauty coupled with durability.

Try living in a wooden home and bring in the rustic beauty of wood furniture sets. Your home could also come with wood insulation and wood finishes. Use treated wood so it is fortified against pests and the onslaught of the harshest elements.

Isn’t wood divine?

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