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Archive for May, 2017

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Contemporary Interior Design: Living, Breathing Art

Thursday, May 11th, 2017

Cynthia Rowley oozes with contemporary features. This Twin Peak King Sleigh Bed is an awesome contemporary piece to own.

Contemporary and modern are two words that have been used interchangeably throughout the years. For a lot of people, these are the same when referring to fashion, hairstyles or furniture. In the world of art, though, these mean two different things.

Contemporary vs. Modern Art

The best way to begin understanding the differences of these two is to look at the artworks covered in each era. Modern Art shows a lot of impressionism up till the 1970s. Contemporary art, on the other hand, is anything from the 1970s up.

Modern art focuses on the inner visions of the impressionists. Artworks during that time were expressions of these artists’ visions using real life images and social issues.

Contemporary art is anything from the ‘70s till our present-day. Artists under this style are constantly working in movements that are difficult to classify. If you’re having a hard time defining this art, then think of biodiversity, feminism, racism, bio-engineering, etc. The hottest social issues are also the hottest subjects for contemporary art.

Contemporary Lines  

Smooth surfaces and straight, clean lines are the features that contemporary design offers. This style has zero intricacies though this would not mean that your home is bound to look cold or stark.

The updated contemporary design at present effectively blends livable and comfortable elements. These – no matter how simple – can still create a fresh and sophisticated look and feel.

Contemporary Colors

Contemporary design is often balanced by neutral hues. So, when you’re painting your walls, you would want to stick with shades of taupe, brown, white or cream. Spice up any room by painting an accent wall (having one wall painted with a different color).

Add a brightly-colored sofa as a subject to your neutral walls. Use decorative accessories such as rugs, pillows, lighting elements and the most interesting artworks.

Contemporary Metal Accents

Metals such as nickel, stainless steel and chrome are quite popular in homes that have a contemporary design. These provide a pretty, sleek finish that can make your home look cleaner. There is also a multitude of finishes to pick from.

Home accents for contemporary homes could include metal lamps, artwork and shelves.

Contemporary Textures

Adding texture in your contemporary home could spell the huge difference between an inviting setting and a stark one. So make good use of fabrics like crushed velvet, wool, linen and silk. Use accents such as window treatments made with fabric, overstuffed pillows, linen wallpaper, area rugs and upholstered furniture.

Contemporary Wood Tones

When picking wood surfaces, contemporary design is much like a spectral display. It could either be too light or too dark tones. There is a wide range of woods, designs and finishes to choose from. You are also free to create a distinctive flooring design.

The only limitation is your imagination so be sure to fuse wood to your contemporary design. Use wooden flowerpots if you would. Use it also on picture frames, shelves, and accent tables.

Contemporary Lighting

By now, you must know that lighting is an essential element of interior design. Contemporary lighting means a lot of things. It could be chandeliers which are wonderful overall lights or it could also mean table lamps that is both a task lamp and a decorative element.

Contemporary homes are energy efficient, at least this should be the case. Consider using a LED fixture as these have a longer life span and they have the additional benefit of being environment-friendly.

Go Minimalist

Lastly, you should also learn minimalism in order to achieve contemporary style. Use simple lines in architectural details, furniture, and every single decorative element. Geometric shapes and forms are welcome in contemporary design, too.

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Awesome Book Displays for Your Home

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

This Antebellum entertainment unit is also perfect as a home for your new book collection.

Did you know that there are now approximately 130 million books that have been published in the history of man? Bookworms will read an average of 6,000 books in their lifetime. Most of these books are far from being memorable as the best books are rare. If we were to be truly honest, each of us could read and remember only 30.

Storytelling is best enjoyed as you read the plot develop and then you are caught up in the sub-plots. It’s just like watching a movie except that you’re now using your imagination.

So you have finally decided to start a book collection. If you’re uncertain about where to begin, then learn a few fundamental tips –

Know What Books to Accumulate

You can easily collect just about any kind of book but collecting what you really love is a hugely different thing. You could begin by collecting books from your childhood, science fiction books, romance novels, or collect based on your favorite authors.

You can pick a subject and a budget for this. Most of all, it is mandatory to have fun as you start collecting books. You can also collect books of art, certain fields or genres, limited editions, manuscripts, illustrated books, signed copies, by era, etc.

Rare Books are a Handful

Know that booksellers use their own jargons and language. This can be a tad intimidating at first but you would soon get used to them. There are different paper types, bindings, sizes, formats, and conditions for various books.

It is important to know that there are book doctors better known as book conservators. These are the best people to approach when it comes to hand bookbinding and conservation. There are librarians that are also conservators and there are also bookbinders.

Now that you know that, you can begin your proper care and handling of your chosen books.

Make sure that you have clean hands when handling your books. Take extra care by keeping beverages and food away from the reading area.

The removal of a book is done properly when you grip the book on both sides of its spine. Your hand should also be situated in the middle of your book. Never tug at the top of a rare book’s spine.

Make sure also that you do not open a book at a 180-degree angle. You can prop the covers of any opened book so you can decrease the size of the angle.

Say no to dog ears, acidic inserts and folding. Use a bookmark instead. Say no also to rubber bands, adhesive tapes and glues.

Proper Storage Tips

Great book storage can prolong the lives of books. It is imperative to have a cool room temperature in your reading corner or home library. Don’t set up your library in the attic, the basement or other areas where moisture can build up.

Exposure to light can also destroy the best books (especially the rare ones). Check that there isn’t any intense or direct light glaring at your new collection.

Group the books according to their sizes (this is preferable so that the face covers are supported by the books on each of its side).

Invest on a feather duster as you will do a lot of dusting during housekeeping. Shelved books should be upright and never leaning. Having them lying flat is also a good way to store your collection.

Organizing the Bookshelf

If you want a picture-perfect bookcase, then don’t give in to the urge of putting every book in your collection in just one shelf. Achieving a clean look means you should also mix some accessories with your books. Pick one color or a tone-on-tone palette for figurines and flower vases.
You can also alternate stacking vertically and horizontally.

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Country Style: Featuring the Cowgirl in You

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Watson Stationary Settee is screaming country style at every angle. 

Don’t lament if you live in the city and you still want to achieve a country style home.  The relaxing allure of a suburban home is pretty hard to resist so it’s time to find out how you can feel calmer in a homier, rustic home.

Here are some winning tips that can help you set up an interesting country style interior –

Choose a Country Palette

Forget about bold colors for once in your life. Look forward to designing with a neutral backdrop. This means you have to learn to work with creams and whites. Add interest in a room with accessories that effectively contrast each other.

Use soft shades such as mint, sage or powder blue. Hints of butter yellow or deep red can provide a subtle yet interesting pop.

It is also important to look for patterns that will make the room more interesting – use checks, spots stripes or florals. To make these work as a cohesive whole, define the main colors and use these on the busier pieces. You can then repeat these same colors but in a different shade elsewhere in the room. For instance, you can use blue and white curtains with interesting stripes.

Decorate the Country Style Kitchen

Probably the most popular country style room is the kitchen. If you want to achieve a rural feel, then begin with the colors of your cabinets. The thumb rule is to use Shaker style cabinet doors. The central tables are workspaces and could also be the gathering place, no less than the busiest part of the room.

Making effective use of open shelving is the way to go. This means that you won’t have to worry too much about cleaning stacked plates and crockeries.

Use earth-toned tiles in this room. A black-and-white duo will also complete the look in your rustic kitchen.

Goodnight Sweetheart Nightstand from the FFDM Humphrey Bogart Collection.

Country Flowers and Light

What could be more country style than to bring in some beautiful flowers? These can add visual interest as well as a different kind of freshness inside your home. Even some greeneries could also be used to create a softer and more relaxing mood. Imagine reading a good novel as you relax in your reading nook, seated beside the end table with a vase of fresh flowers – what a peaceful mood that would create.

It is safe to deviate from the structured arrangements for flowers. A relaxed style is more country style than having flowers super arranged.

Use pendant lighting that looks slightly vintage. Industrial pieces are also welcome. The more exposed the globes and enamel covers are, the better.

Timber Is Your New Best Friend

Have you inherited timber pieces in your home? Then you’re blessed. These will serve as great convo pieces.

Timber is the chief framework for many country style homes. Think of timber trusses, a timber gazebo, timber columns, timber ceilings, timber fireplace, wide timber windows, timber-frame kitchen cabinetry, timber loft, timber stairs, and just about every architectural part of a home.

Timber flooring is also a fabulous way to declare to the world that your style is rural country. Use some area rugs with floral patterns or sisal.

Top with Rustic Décor

Having a few well-placed pieces can set the mood in your rustic home. Use old glassware, vintage plates, bottles, or vases. Interesting silverware will also offer a handed-down look that will surely complement the country style that you’re trying to achieve.

Cap the country style with some handmade items (e.g. cross-stitched artwork, hand-knitted tablecloth, throws and cushions). Placing a throw is an awesome way to transform any lounge. The more rustic-looking, the better.

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Accent Tables 101

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Poteet Accent Martini Table

If you’re still thinking that you need an artwork or a lamp to complete the look of any room, then you’re still believing a misconception. Both are, of course, still wonderful choices that can make a room stand out yet the same concept can be fulfilled by another kind of table. An accent table is any functional and mobile accessory table that can be used in any type of home.

There are many different kinds of accent tables so you won’t have to worry if something would suit your style or taste. The most common that people have heard is the end table. This can be used when setting down for a drink or when you’re about to relax and read a book. It can also be the table where you can place a light snack for some guests.

Another type is the coffee table. This is much lower and closer to the ground compared to the end table. This is an accent table that was designed to be paired with a couch or a chair. This is also the perfect spot to place your remote control and some keys.

The console table is also popularly called as a hall accent table. This is usually thin and long since it is designed to fit between the wall and a couch. This can be decorated with family photos that have been elegantly framed, purses, keys, mail and a decorative vase.

Accent Table Finishes, Shapes, etc.  

Think of every possible finish for any furniture and, most probably, an accent table also has such a finish. The most common materials, though, are glass, wood and metal. A wood accent table is available in different kinds of stains. Choose from espresso, mahogany, black, oak, blonde, walnut, and a lot more.

Glass accent tables rarely come in solid glass. These are often paired with steel or chrome framework in order to achieve a modern look.

The metallic types are also available in different kinds of finishes from oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, to brushed nickel and matte black.

Accent tables are also available in three simple shapes – square, round and abstract. There is also an infinite variety. Take the round variety and it can be stretched to an oval shape. There are also novelty accent tables and stack tables.

If you have ample time to shop around, then do so. There are so many options to look at.

Picking Your Accent Table

As soon as you have defined your accent table requirements, then it’s time to shop for the perfect piece. You can have a collection of coffee tables which you can use to entertain guests. Placing an interesting art piece on your living room accent table could lead to a lot of interesting conversations.

How to Use an Accent Table

An accent table is the right solution in balancing a room’s overall look. It is the perfect piece to complement your other furnishings. Remember, the right console table, coffee table, end table or hallways table can make a huge difference in terms of design.

You can use the accent table in these ways –

  • First, it can be used as a focal point especially when it’s a coffee table.
  • Your end tables can hold interesting knickknacks, collections or a unique lamp. The best end tables can easily complement a lot of furnishings.
  • Accentuate your sofa by using a console table at the back of your seating unit. This can hold a lamp or two and some decorative items.
  • Brighten up any entryway with a colorful hallway table. This can also serve as a storage unit for some important items.
  • A trunk table, that’s used as an accent table, is both a decorative and functional storage piece.

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Lovin’ the Unexpected: Unique Interior Design Spells You

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017

The Cynthia Rowley Collections show a wide array of exciting and unique options. Featured here is the Balthazar King Upholstered Bed.

Do you sometimes feel that you need a little help when it comes to beautifying your home? From time to time, of course, there’s a need to update the look of your home or you would end up getting bored with the look that you started with. With a life and lifestyle that are ever-changing, it’s about time that you learn a few techniques to create something unexpected in your home.

Don’t Be Bound by Rules

Most interior designers would tell you that rules are just there as guidelines. They are sometimes even meant to be broken. What’s more important is for your home style to reflect who you truly are. It should be able to show to the world whether you have a traditional or a hip, contemporary personality. What really matters is that you learn to balance all the elements that you bring forth so your habitat won’t look too cluttered or boring.

Your Home IS You

Every designer has a distinctive style and technique in transforming homes. Even if this is the case, they are unanimous in saying that the home should represent who the owner is, his passions, his interests, everything that he holds dear. An example is when a bookworm finally decides to own a home. You are bound to find a library somewhere in that home.

Look Up, Make Changes

Always consider what the ceiling would look like. This could be the most neglected part of every home since not a lot of people bother to look up when updating the looks of their home. Paint the ceiling in a color that is closest to your heart.

A gold ceiling, for instance, show how fabulous your personality really is. Apart from this, this kind of ceiling will effectively reflect the natural light that would come in from any of your oversized windows. Since gold is a warm color, it can also add depth to your home.

A Dash of Color Here and There

A lot of people are hesitant in applying bright-colored paint to their walls. If you’re this type, then consider adding colors in your accessories. Have a pinch of color on your vases, blankets, pillows, paintings and area rugs. Perhaps, a colorful lamp could illuminate many nights.

Color, after all, can greatly affect your mood so pick a color that energizes or relaxes according to the needs in every room.

What could be a more exciting update in your living room than having the Cynthia Rowley Wallis Swivel Chair in there?

Unexpected Wallpaper

Isn’t it amazing to walk into someone’s habitat and you end up finding unique, unexpected and exciting things there? A good way to surprise your visitors is to have a bright-colored wallpaper used on the ceiling. This is especially interesting if you have a neutral hallway to begin with.

A patterned wallpaper can also make your closet more thrilling. The eyes are drawn immediately to these unexpected design elements so expect a lot of questions and endless conversations.

Have Fun

Creating a lovely look for your home should not take the fun out of this project. Interior design should never be serious all the time.

Try things that are new, change those that bore you, begin small then go bigger. The rooms in your home should never be bland. They should be fun, colorful and awesome. Make sure also that the furniture pieces that you invest in will define your personality.

Don’t Forget Comfort

While you do have to consider the aesthetics and the overall style of your home, you must not compromise on comfort. No matter what your personal style is, whether you are sophisticated or whimsical, you must always find ways to make every aspect of your home comfortable, else, it fails to be home.

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Making Transitional Your New Style

Monday, May 8th, 2017

FFDM Del Mar Collection: Bradbury Queen Bed features straightforward yet delicious lines which are perfect for your transitional home. 

You might have heard the definition of transitional interior design to be that balance between traditional and contemporary styles. The truth is, this isn’t always the case. You can also fuse a few pieces from other styles that you love. This is pretty much like serving Twinkies on chinaware.

You are sure to love transitional interior design if you prefer layering of accessories and elegance in every corner. To you, these are far from boring.

Layer Tones

Achieving the transitional look does not mean having your room washed up in color. What you need is to strategically give neutrals the chance to rule. Love khaki, cream, tan, taupe, even gray. Espresso brown and chocolate are also considered fundamentals.

Begin the neutral palette on your flooring. The flooring is a huge background player especially in transitional homes. Go for natural stone, woods, neutral carpeting and tiles. And remember, always practice restraint.

A muted stone tiling inside the bathroom can become more exciting if you mix in parti-colored patterns.

If you have to use patterns, make sure that they are understated. You can repeat turquoise throughout the room since this is a must-have hue for the year. Shading must be subtle especially on your rugs, walls and the upholstery.

If you have a home that has wide windows, then be sure to let in a lot of natural light. Bring in those balloon valances, ornate finials and flowing draperies. These must just add ample visual weight but not in a way that would be visually obtrusive. Use window treatments that are elegant but simple such as bamboo blinds, basic panels and Roman shades.

Unassuming Silhouettes and Accents

Transitional furnishings come with clean profiles and a design that is pretty straightforward. This is definitely not baroque since it offers only the gentlest curves and simple yet energetic lines.

Gather accessories but do so wisely. You will not need a lot just to achieve impact. Artwork must have simple frames and subjects. Your lighting must also have clean and strong lines.

One of the key rooms that you need to be worried about is the transitional kitchen. Blend traditional surfaces like stone and wood with stainless steel pieces. You should not use ornate pieces or painted tiles in this room.

Hints of Texture

You cannot rely on bright hues to liven up a transitional home. Textures can help you do this so go ahead and use textured, woven fabrics, matte and shiny finishes, also natural fibers. Layer these exciting textures and finishes to achieve a room that excites.

Think also of burlap, leather, rattan, sisal, etc. Never go overboard, though, or you would end up losing the elegance which you are also trying to achieve for this style.

Still from the Del Mar Collection: Coronado Bed Bench

Zen Is the Word

Most important of all, you need to achieve a serene, highly restful area. Be sure to set up your furnishings in a non-brash kind of way yet it shouldn’t also be too quiet. Remember crisp lines, interesting textures, and ample patterns as well as fundamental lighting fixtures.

More on Updated Classic

The transitional style is also referred to as updated classic design. Based on the term transition, this is moving from one place to the next. In reference to interior design, though, it means meshing traditional and contemporary.

Transitional style is a hot trend these days. You can also say goodbye to the difficult design rules because this is an easy style to pull off. In a nutshell, here are your transitional design tips –

  • Always stay neutral
  • Use textural elements
  • Hold back on accessorizing
  • Pick artwork that has the most impact.

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Ingenious Decorative Ideas for Your Book Collections

Friday, May 5th, 2017

When you are looking into expanding your library, you might be thinking of adding more bookshelves straightaway. There is no harm in doing this as this is the traditional way to do it. Library expansions could spell the beginning of your book collection – which is an awesome hobby.

Be sure to have a purpose when starting a book collection. If you love the classics then you gotta have Dickens’ works, books that were instrumental in the advancement of civilization, and books that satiate your occupation or interest.

The key here is to buy the books that you love. The books should speak to you. If these books define who you are, then your guests will know right away who you are.

The Bizarre Coffee Table

Books stacks can accumulate quickly so you might as well put them to good use. Hardbound books can be used as the legs for your glass tabletop. These stacks will surely invite onlookers as they lounge in your living room.

Thomasville Bedroom Keenan Bed (Queen) 1776 18Q

The Intellectual Headboard

What could be more interesting inside the bedroom than to create a headboard filled with vintage books? Open those classic books right in the middle and have them fastened above your bed. Make the Thomasville Bedroom Keenan Bed more interesting with classic books for a headboard!

Hang ‘Em

Right above your traditional bookrack, it would be nice to hang and display your books. Give each book a peg (which doubles as a bookmark) and clip them onto a wood attached to the wall. The more colorful the books are, the more exciting this hanging rack gets.

EnLIGHTened Reading

Isn’t it a lovely thing to be able to read your favorite novel before you go to bed? Or you might fancy curling up in your reading chair right by your reading nook.

No matter, it pays to have good lighting when you are reading, right? Then why not take your reading to a whole new level by stacking books and putting the head of a reading lamp at the top? The books act as the base for your lamp which will make your reading moments a lot more motivating don’t you think?

A Book Wall

You can also repurpose one wall of your living room by turning it into a glass wall with lined bookcases. Imagine the oohs and the aahs that you will get from your neighbors as they see your collection of books now turned into an accent wall.

From the inside, all you see is the traditional bookcases lined up one after the other. Outside, you will see an exciting wall filled with lots and lots of books.

Maitland-Smith Accessories Cast Brass Impala Bookends 1254-351

Book Staircases

A good book should always be within reach so why not maximize that area under the stairs? Each step can be installed with a plank where you can place your books. Be sure to include a theme whether it is by color, pattern or topic.

A unique pair of bookends will also make this book staircase a lot more remarkable.

Place these lovely Uttermost Accessories Kelda Black Ceramic Vases S/2 18730 atop your book end tables.

Book End Tables

Side or end tables are made to balance the look in a room. This is especially true when this pair of furniture piece sandwiches a major furniture such as a bed or a sofa.

End tables can also function as a place to set your beverages when you are entertaining guests in the living room or to hold stacks of books.

Rather than be confined to these kinds of end tables, why not create a stack of books and let these become the end tables? Top the look by placing marvelous ceramic vases on your unique end tables.

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High Styling with Ceramic Vases

Friday, May 5th, 2017

Go intricate with the Uttermost Accessories Pajaro Ceramic Vases S_2 19843.

There are many homes all over the world that place a huge value over ceramic pieces. These decorative items are used to beautify many homes. There are also ceramic dishes and building materials as well as flooring tiles.

Ceramic has a lot of advantages over other materials. First, ceramics are easy to maintain and is compatible with just about any lifestyle. Ceramics are also relatively inexpensive. Depending on their application, these are a lot less expensive than hardwood flooring.

When used as dishware, though, ceramics are considered as top dollar design, meaning, you won’t have to worry about quality issues for a very long time because you invested on quality material.

Ceramics also tend to hold color quite well compared to stone or cement. Paint will also adhere well with ceramics more than any other decorative material. This means that you can enjoy your painted ceramic vases for a very long time. It is because of this that many decorative art pieces such as vases, figurines, decorative pots and lamps, are made of ceramic.

Ceramic may be highly fragile yet it can handle extreme heat or cold. This is why ceramic dishware and casseroles are highly-valued.

Ceramics are also highly useful in areas that have high moisture. So say yes to ceramic in the bathroom, outdoors and the kitchen. Ceramic flower pots hold the most amount of moisture for the soil, thus, indoor plants will thrive more when planted inside a ceramic pot.

Ceramic Vase Benefits

Ceramics are non-metallic and inorganic materials. There are many types but let’s talk of clay-based pieces here. These are used in creating mugs, flatware and vases.

Glazed ceramic vases has the same chemical stability as that of a glass vase. Glazing is, in essence, a thin glass coating over your ceramic decorative piece).

Ceramic vases are lighter than glass. It is a wonderful thermal insulator because of its porosity. It is also a wonderful choice for applications that require good insulation, longevity, and resistance to extreme temperature changes.

Or go simple with the Uttermost Accessories Pio Industrial Ceramic Vases S_2 20144

Decorating Your Ceramic Vase

  • If you’re into minimalism, then why not go for ceramic vases painted white? Nothing can be simpler than these.
  • You can also look for ceramic vases with graphic yet graceful lines. These curves create a more interesting visual treat compared to simpler designs.
  • The more unique the design, the better. Find ceramic vases with out-of-this-world designs. These will easily become conversation starters.
  • A cluster of grapes will also make a ceramic vase more interesting. If fruits don’t interest you, then have flowers placed in them instead.
  • Have you seen Japanese ceramic vases anywhere? They can be simple with straightforward designs or you can get those with intricate paintings of cherry blossoms, koi fish, etc.
  • You can also make the ceramic vase as your DIY project. Just get a plain, white ceramic vase and paint to your heart’s content. You could do abstract art or be a Pablo Picasso with your cubism art. You can also boast about your newest project to your friends and relatives when they drop by and pay you a visit.
  • Smaller ceramic vases can be filled with flower buds. These are unique centerpieces for your dining table or that table on your breakfast nook.
  • A ceramic vase can also be the home for a fascinating shell collection. Instead of storing your prized shells where they could break, why not display them by gluing them onto a ceramic vase? Use powder blue paint to highlight this attention-grabbing piece.
  • Lastly, if you want the traditional ceramic vase with flower, then go for it. What matters is that you place this pair onto a table or area where it would grab the most attention or where it can offer the most impact in terms of design.

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Console Table: Creating Impressions That Last

Thursday, May 4th, 2017

This console from FFDM’s Cachet collection is an intricate yet exciting piece that will welcome guests on your entryway.

The console table is a piece that’s commonly found on the entryway. And since it is on the first part of your home where visitors pass through, this is that area where first impressions are made. This means that you have to be extra careful when choosing your console table.

The best console tables are those that successfully mix function and style. These aren’t just tables that you throw your car and home keys onto. A mirror could even be set up above a lovely console table and this can give an interesting reflection of a stylish lamp or some of your prized family photos.

The console table could also be an instrument in achieving a welcoming oasis for everyone. Just adding a glass bowl complete with fruits or floating candles atop this furniture piece can already turn the entryway into a homey area.

Regardless of your eventual choice, spend ample time in choosing the console table.

Other Areas to Place the Console Table

Apart from the entryway, you can also set up the console table in your home office. Just pick a space where you can plug in a lamp, your laptop and other gadgets and you’re good to go. Choose a console table with ample tabletop space so that you can place your laptop, notepads and other office stuff there.

Place a chair in front of the console – preferably one that has a slim design – and you have just developed a nook where you can work peacefully.

The console table is not just an entryway or home office piece. This can also be used as a TV stand. Console tables that are narrow eat up less space than the traditional media center or TV stand. Just pick a narrow yet sturdy console table, one that can accommodate a DVD player, cable box, stereo and your TV, and you’ve got yourself a unique TV stand.

You can also turn consoles into a bedroom vanity. Just hang a mirror above your bedroom console, tuck a pretty stool underneath, and voila – you have your instant bedroom vanity. Of course, do not forget to place this at an area where there’s a light source such as a table lamp.

The bedroom vanity can also be a piece where you can stash your jewelry and make-up pieces.

Another use for the console table with an open shelving is to have it as a makeshift home bar. This can beautifully showcase colorful glassware and bottles which can be accessed when you’re entertaining.

Create a startup bar where mixers and spirits can be organized. A bonus point is that the open shelving offers easy maintenance. The freshest ingredients can be placed on the tabletop when you are entertaining your guests.

The Hooker Furniture Living Room Skinny Console Table is as simple as it could get yet it is still a stimulating piece for any entryway or living room.

Decorating the Console Table

Okay, now that you know that the console table is not just a place for your keys, let’s go and decorate this important furniture piece.

The first idea is to place an interesting work of art above the console table. If you have a plain-looking console, then be sure to place a colorful painting or photograph. You can also make a stark statement by placing a framed black and white photograph of a fascinating subject. Be sure to place a lampshade or two on the side of the console.

Trophies and other achievement pieces can also become awesome console table pieces. These could also serve as conversation starters during those parties and other activities that you are going to hold in your home.

Are you a huge lover of books? Then you might as well flaunt your collection on your console. Be sure to use awesome bookends which would highlight your stimulating collection. You can also look for hardbound books with colorful spines. These can be arranged to complement your home’s design.

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Table Centerpieces – Why No Formal Table Should Go Without ‘Em

Thursday, May 4th, 2017

FFDM Viniterra Cocktail Table shows off this lovely centerpiece of thick, glass bowl with floating lotus flowers.

During formal gatherings and other important occasions, haven’t you noticed how the tables come with the most beautiful centerpieces? These can include flowers, food, candles and other decorations. Of course, the table centerpieces are based on the tastes of the person who has set the formal occasion. These can also be based on the latest fashion and accessories.

If you’re wracking your brain for ideas on how to dress up your formal table for an upcoming event, then here are some popular centerpieces that you could consider –

The Roman Centerpiece

Romans often added foliage to their tables. Other centerpieces that were popular during the Roman times were ceramic vases and rock crystal dishes. Branches and decorative leaves were also commonly used.

Centerpiece of the Middle Ages

The wealthiest people of the Middle Ages had tables that were brimming with food so there was practically no room for any centerpiece – in essence, the foods were the centerpieces. During Christmastime, however, the special food centerpieces were marzipan or pastries that were shaped like animals, decorative objects, or people.

The 18th and 19th Century Centerpieces

Service à la russe (servants giving out dishes to their hostess) were quite common during this time. They cleared more room on dining tables for decorative items. They set up mirrors that reflected the most interesting porcelain figures. Aristocrats simply loved this setup.

Vertical centerpieces were the in thing throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. These vertical table décor were made using pyramids or tiered food. These were popularly known as epergnes or molded jellies and pudding.

Flowers were added on tables in the early 19th century. By the late part of this century, foliage and flowers were fused reflecting the event theme. White flowers, for instance, were used during a winter celebration.

Candelabra were also added.

The 20th Century Centerpieces

Decorative objects slowly replaced foliage and flowers on tables during the turn of this century. These objects were, again, tied to the event theme. For example, the hostess could drape a green table runner on her dining table during Saint Patrick’s Day.

Later in this century, food, once again, became the star of formal dining tables. It was during the ‘60s and ‘70s that the flower-loving generations gave reverence to flowers and made them centerpieces once more.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Applewhite 60in Round Dining Table: Flowers will never go out of style when it comes to centerpiece materials.

Pretty Centerpieces of Today

You must first consider the size of your coffee table, center table, or dining table. The size will dictate how much decorative pieces you can fill the table with. A wide dining table, for instance, will look awkward with a single, miniature flower arrangement.

Think also about blank space. When you are designing your centerpiece, keep in mind that a lot of plain table showing could look boring and unfinished. Make room for a large statement piece when you have a wide or round dining table.

For narrower tables, use mini centerpieces or mini vignettes.

Another aspect that you can consider is the height of your centerpiece. This is what would make the table much more interesting. Tall glass vases are interesting pieces especially when you use equally interesting flowers.

Make sure also that the table centerpiece is pretty to look at from any angle of the table. The secret here is to consider symmetry and simplicity. Never forget to add table runners since these can also add to the visual interest of your formal table.

Wedding Centerpieces

What could be easier than to set up floating candles and flowers as your centerpiece? This is a minimalist approach but it is still a gorgeous setup that won’t fail to tantalize.

Another interesting wedding centerpiece is the wrapped vase. Cut huge green leaves such as ferns or hostas. Tie these to your vase using jute string.

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