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The Art Space: Making Quirky Work

Thursday, March 24th, 2016

 Accessories Uttermost Amadahy Metal Wall Art 13931

Accessories Uttermost Amadahy Metal Wall Art 13931

Picking an artwork for your home is an exciting adventure but many people seem to be daunted by it. To be successful in bringing home a piece of art that you want, you have to first know what you really want. You also have to consider how it will fit into the current interior design and whether your art space wouldn’t look odd.

Know What Is Available

Shop around before you pick and bring home any artwork. Apart from museums and galleries, check out also the local exhibitions, non-profit galleries and public spaces displaying art. Libraries and the internet also supply a huge variety of fine art.

An advantage in using the Internet, though, is that you can specify the kind of art that you are most interested in. This can range from impressionism, abstract, cubism, photography, sculpture, etc.

Art That You Prefer

Accessories Uttermost Bronze Figures Art Set2 35236 displays the beauty of the human form.

There are many other places where you can search for art. There’s Asian art and self-representing artists, even ripoffs but, of course, it would be wrong and tasteless to go for the latter. Check out contemporary art as well, not just the traditional art pieces. Read about the artist’s background and dare to ask once you meet up. Perhaps you’re dealing with the seller so make sure that this person knows what he is talking about. If he cannot tell a Van Gogh from a Picasso then your conversation would be pointless.

What you like or don’t like will eventually become apparent once you get to visit different galleries. Take your time, breathe, and enjoy.

Consider Your Home Space

It is also crucial to consider the size of the art that you will bring home with you. Even if you like a piece that much, if you don’t have ample space to accommodate it in your home, then your investment would be a total waste. Also, if you insist on using huge artwork for a small room, then the two aspects won’t be in proportion.

Bolder art also asks for a bigger room so make sure that you measure how much space is still available in your home. You might end up with a pricey painting just sitting on a corner if you don’t do your measurements well.

Accessories Uttermost Bronze Figures Art Set2 35236 displays the beauty of the human form.

Accessories Uttermost Bronze Figures Art Set2 35236 displays the beauty of the human form.

Consider the Color of Your Home

Another aspect that you need to consider is your home’s current color or theme. It would be wrong to bring home colorful art when the rest of your home has bold, bright colors already. It is wrong to look for a precise match for your art. Pick one or two of the same hues so that you convey that the painting does belong to your home and not bought just ‘cause.

See how you can harmonize the art pieces that you are going to buy with the paintings and other artworks that you already bought in the past. Contemporary arts should go with contemporary pieces.

Should the present colors clash with your painting preference, then just place the art on an easel or a pedestal; this is an effective way to tame it and not allow it to clash with the rest of the present environment.

Hang Art Properly

The basic rule when hanging anything on walls is that they should be at eye level once hung. Sculptures may sit on a table, a pedestal or sit on the floor. This rule can serve as your guideline, though, so feel free to experiment with the different pieces that you have considered. It is up to you if you would want to hang a special painting on the ceiling of your bedroom so you can gaze upon it while you relax.

After hanging the paintings on your art space, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sit down and enjoy these works of beauty.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Asian Two-Door.One-Drawer Hall Chest: Sometimes a beautiful furniture can also be a work of art.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Asian Two-Door.One-Drawer Hall Chest: Sometimes a beautiful furniture can also be a work of art.

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What to Do With That Blank Wall: From Boring to Stunning

Thursday, February 18th, 2016

 

BLANK WALL. ffdm american cherryIf you can visualize a blank wall as a canvas where you can unleash your creativity, then there is no way that your home could have boring walls. An artistic mind can easily make blank walls burst to life, thus, making a house a home and not an impersonal or sterile place. The walls of your home can serve as a place for your decorative accessories. They can even be a place where you store some stuff.

Blank Wall Decorating Ideas

  • If you live in a place where rules prevent you from permanently affixing decor on the walls, then you should consider the washi tape pattern. Your dorm or apartment will never look boring again once you use different patterns and colors with your washi tape. If you get bored with the initial style that you used, then just switch to another look. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.
  • Even the smallest of areas such as an entryway or a nook will look more exciting when something exciting is placed there. Why not have ornamental sconces installed on the walls? These will instantly add that needed sparkle in a usually dim hallway or corner.
  • If the walls of your kitchen need sprucing up, then go ahead and frame your favorite photographs. Hang the frames on your new kitchen photo gallery; this is something that your friends will enjoy looking at. This is also something that will spur conversations during dull evenings.
  • Speaking of frames, you can also frame old maps and use them as framed art on your blank walls. Destination spots such as Paris or London will be interesting maps that you can hang on an otherwise uninteresting wall.
  • Accessories Uttermost Powell Wooden Wall Clock 06344

    Accessories Uttermost Powell Wooden Wall Clock 06344

    Still on framed stuff, why not hang framed chalkboards? These are not just decorative pieces but they can also serve as a spot to write your messages to family members or where reminders can be posted.

  • An alternative to chalkboards are corkboards. You can use one wall to install your corkboard on and right beneath it would be your workspace. Just like the chalkboard, the corkboard will serve as a holding spot for memos, photos and cards.
  • A mirror is also a powerful statement piece that you can hang on a blank wall. Notice how the beautiful mirror balances the American Cherry drawer from FFDM (feature photo). Smaller spaces tend to look much more spacious when mirrors are installed. Fill a gap on the wall by hanging a fine-looking mirror.
  • Decorating an empty staircase wall is as easy as hanging rustic wood baskets. Check out some rustic pieces in our line of accessories to beautify this part of your home.
  • Wallpapers can be quite tedious to install so if you feel that it would take much time to have a room installed with this wall cover, then just opt for the easier option – make a photo collage. Cover a single wall with family photos. This will be a beautiful alternative to a painted focal wall.
  • Blank walls can also be the place for shelves to rest against. Some shelves, especially when carefully chosen, can add character to a room.
  • Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Iron And Brass Wall Sconce 1900-004

    Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Iron And Brass Wall Sconce 1900-004

    And what is a living room wall without an eye-catching clock? A clock can be a lovely piece of artwork and an elegant accessory that can serve as wall decor. An expansive wall should have an oversized clock. Look for designs that convey a timeless elegance.

  • Dress up empty walls by putting wall decals. Bare walls will be automatically transformed into chic canvasses as you apply colorful wall decals.
  • Wall-mounted candleholders will also look great on a bare wall. Flank or separate them, it all boils down to your preference. One thing is certain – that blank wall will never be unexciting again.

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Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Wall Design | No Comments »

3 Hot Ideas on Sunroom Decorating

Tuesday, February 16th, 2016

 

FFDM’s RayLen Vineyards Collection: This wooden artwork was crafted by master artisans.

FFDM’s RayLen Vineyards Collection: This wooden artwork was crafted by master artisans to satiate the most discerning tastes.

The sunroom – not every home in the country has one. It is a place where a family can gather to bond. It can also be the perfect setting for bookworms who enjoy daytime readings. To others, this place is perfect for al fresco meals. If this unique room happens to be sitting in your home and you don’t know what to do, here are some sunroom decorating tips that will surely help –

Outdoor Patio Uttermost Preserved Boxwood Garden Urn 60113 is a perfect addition to the lovely sceneries offered by a sunroom.

Outdoor Patio Uttermost Preserved Boxwood Garden Urn 60113 is a perfect addition to the lovely sceneries offered by a sunroom.

Know Your Sunroom Decorating Needs

Again, there can be different purposes for the sunroom. If this is a place that comes next to your living room when it comes to places where the family bonds, then find a couch that accommodates everyone. If it is a place for reading, then a cozy chair right next to a lovely lamp would suffice. Cushioned dining chairs are not just perfect for dining but will also double as seating during moments of deep family conversations.

If you have a sunroom that is constantly flooded with sunlight during the day, then you have to consider what sort of furniture you will need. Find a comfortable sofa, leather chair and a wooden coffee table. Use earthy materials since the boundary between the indoors and the outdoors is, in essence, not seen.

There are sunrooms that come with various points of entry. If some of these entries are not used regularly, then use the space for a different activity zone. Most parts of the sunroom could be used as a second living room but with proper division, you can also set up a stylish place for outdoor eating.

If the sunroom is protected from the harsh elements, then you can already use indoor items like stereos, lamps and a flatscreen TV. Your friends and family members are sure to be drawn into your sunroom as you bring in units of entertainment such as your DVD player.

If you want to deviate from this contemporary setting, then you can always go traditional. Use the same vibe on the fixtures and finishes that has been used throughout your home. Classic furniture patterns and lines, even decorative accents such as a chandelier can do wonders.

Century Furniture Living Room Large Yew Trunk Side Table SF5637

Century Furniture Living Room Large Yew Trunk Side Table SF5637

Artwork for Sunroom Decorating

Eclectic design, say, a mixture of black and white, can be used to add a visually entertaining element. This mix can make gray walls or boring window treatments appear more exciting.

A sofa, or a paired table and chair could be the focal points in a sunroom but an interesting artwork can also offer this same level of beauty. Even the simple placement of your sunroom furniture pieces can be considered art.

If you have two entry ways in your sunroom, for instance, you can use one of them to hang artwork. Cushions can have interesting designs to make the sunroom more interesting. Use fabrics that tie together bright colors such as orange, yellow and turquoise. Consider adding a corner bench especially in smaller spaces. This bench can be outfitted with decorative pillows. A cabinet or two can be used for extra storage.

Add a decorative rug to this place and you’d be the talk of the town.

Sunroom Decorating When There’s a View

Most of the time, sunrooms are used for dining, reading and family fun moments. But what if you happen to be blessed with a sunroom that’s got a beautiful view? If you have this kind of sunroom, then it’s time to rethink of the setup that you have been planning.

Be sure to arrange the furniture pieces in a way that would allow the homeowners to bask in the sunlight. They must also have a limitless view of the interesting scenery outside. Since the beautiful outdoors will already serve as the artwork for this particular room, then all you would need are a few decorative pillows, a rug, or a simple statue. The key is to keep distractions to a bare minimum.

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Posted in Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »

Breakfast Nook: Where Cozy Dining Begins

Saturday, January 30th, 2016

 

Winners Only Dining Room 42 Inch Farmhouse Round Table With 2-8 Inch Drop Leaves 54242F. This two-seater table should look perfect on that tiny space that you’ve allocated for your breakfast nook.

Winners Only Dining Room 42 Inch Farmhouse Round Table With 2-8 Inch Drop Leaves 54242F. This two-seater table should look perfect on that tiny space that you’ve allocated for your breakfast nook.

Okay, admit it. You are one of those who run out of the door the moment you finish taking a sip or two of your orange juice. Whether you are this fast-paced person or a laidback one who loves to spend weekend gatherings with her family, then you know how important dining areas are. But the dining room can sometimes have an aura of formality, one that you might not want all days of the week. Casual dining begins with the breakfast nook.

The breakfast nook is an ideal place to spend your simple weekend gatherings as a family, also a quiet corner as you finish your bowl of oatmeal in the morning. It’s time to relax over your morning food.

The breakfast nook can come in any style that you want but there are simple guidelines to follow.

Seating and Table Guidelines

Unlike dining spaces which are more formal, you have to find a seat for your cozy nook before you shop for the right table. Traditionally, the nook is built in a corner right where two walls converge. L-shaped layouts work best.

Choose from a series of cabinetry, cushions, and seats. Carefully consider what you would place as a window seat, bench or settee.

Other choices for the nook are the regular dining chairs that can be placed against the window or a wall. Pedestal tables can effectively save space and you won’t have to worry about bumping on your loved ones’ knees as you enjoy your morning meal.

There is no one particular design that fits all types of breakfast nook. In fact, the table that you eventually pick should fit your preference on seats, the size of your family, and what shape you would want for your cozy corner.

Whitewashed pieces are great when you want to achieve a cottage appeal.

Canadel Dining Room Upholstered Seat Bench BEN89025TD-24. Choose your seating piece well since you only have a limited space to work with.

Canadel Dining Room Upholstered Seat Bench BEN89025TD-24. Choose your seating piece well since you only have a limited space to work with.

Lighting Tips

Don’t even think about mounting a light fixture onto the ceiling. Find pendant light or a small chandelier that comfortably hangs at 30 to 34 inches above the table.

Traditional spaces can use smaller chandeliers that are made of metal or wood. If you really favor the farmhouse look, then find painted or tole chandelier. Metal flowers can have a classic effect.

For a more modern look, use pendant lighting with barrel shade or an art glass.

Flooring Options        

Kitchens are often installed with hardwood flooring. This is because of the heavy foot traffic that is expected in this area most days of the week. You can soften the tough look of hardwood by placing a rug that is the same size as your breakfast nook table and seats. This rug defines the area while providing your feet with a comfortable feeling as you eat your breakfast and enjoy reading the newspaper.

Find a rug that can be easily spot cleaned. You can also buy a patterned or colorful rug that can hide visible stains.

Window Treatment Selections

Even when the breakfast nook’s windows are already shady, it is still pays to have an added amount of privacy by installing minimal window treatment. Such can add color, texture, pattern and warmth to your nook.

Woven shades can filter light while not totally blocking the natural light that comes in. Add patterns by having valances, cornice boards or faux shades. Should the windows face the street, then you should find a window treatment that lets in light while not having the diners feel uncomfortable because of passersby staring at them.

Maitland-Smith Kitchen Brass Paper Towel Holder, Rooster Décor 1254-262

Maitland-Smith Kitchen Brass Paper Towel Holder, Rooster Décor 1254-262

You will also need to adjust the window treatment if your breakfast nook sits in the east. Make sure that it can protect your eyes from the glare of the morning sun. Consider louvered shutters, fabric shades or plain blinds.

Accessorizing the Nook

Say no to fussy pieces since you are just decorating a small area. Say yes to some throw pillows, bench, tie-on chair pads, tissue holder, and other simple yet decorative pieces. Personalize the area by bringing photographs and artwork.

Now that you’ve created the breakfast nook, an intimate spot, let’s hope you enjoy more cheerful mornings and create happy family memories in this area.

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Art Accessory: An Important Decorative Element

Friday, January 29th, 2016

 

Accessories Uttermost Spring Has Sprung Floral Art 34268.

Accessories Uttermost Spring Has Sprung Floral Art 34268.

There is nothing more expressive when it comes to designing a home than the use of art. Art accessory comes in many forms but one of its most beautiful forms is a painting. Vibrant colors and rich textures can be infused with other design elements.

There are many media and styles featured in famous paintings, even repros. It is easy to find some pieces that can match your chosen theme and also your personality.

Watercolor paintings work best in achieving a softer look. This medium shows multiple layers of color ranging from abstract to life-like. For added contrast and detailed shading, find oil or acrylic paintings. These, on the other hand, feature mixed colors in various textures.

Painting History

The history of this art medium goes back a long way. Every style is born from the one that came ahead of it. Each artist also adds to the achievements of the early painters and is able to influence the next generation of painters.

Paintings can be enjoyed for their sheer beauty alone. But for the keen eye, their colors, forms, lines and composition appeal to every sense. Paintings can even leave lasting impressions.

The enjoyment of paintings is not the sole purpose of this kind of art. It can be used to convey a deeper message than mere beauty. It can express the artist’s impression of persons and scenes, even events. Feelings can also be described with the use of paintings. Viewers may or may not feel that emotions that are being conveyed by the artist. One needs a discerning eye for art in order to appreciate such things.

ART. Accessories Uttermost Surveying The Kingdom Canvas Art 34283

Accessories Uttermost Surveying The Kingdom Canvas Art 34283

Painting history can be encapsulated in these periods –

  • Prehistoric
  • Egyptian and Mesopotamian
  • Aegean Civilization
  • The Classical paintings of Greeks and Romans
  • Byzantine (including the Early Christians)
  • Medieval
  • Italian
  • Late Medieval
  • Italian Renaissance
  • Florence, Rome and Venice
  • Renaissance in Flanders
  • Baroque
  • Spanish
  • Flanders
  • Holland
  • 18th century
  • Rococo
  • English
  • 19th century
  • French
  • 20th century
  • American paintings, etc.

Man has gone a long way from the time when paintings were colored animal drawings inside caves. Cave dwellers were the first known painters, with their work found inside the caves of Spain and southern France.

Even back then, these cave artists knew that they needed vibrant colors to depict their lives back then. The famous painting of the wounded bison is still in the cave of Altamira in Spain today. While basic tools were used in the beginning, eventually, man learned to accumulate more materials and even learned techniques that improved his artwork.

Accessories Uttermost Primary Blocks Wall Art S4 31303

Accessories Uttermost Primary Blocks Wall Art S4 31303

You may not be able to take home an original Picasso, Monet or Michelangelo but there are still a lot of amazing paintings to go around. These days, the canvas can be the home for odd shapes, mere triangles, circles or rectangles in your sight but their bright colors and geometric patterns definitely mean something. It may even be difficult to distinguish between sculptures and paintings these days but the purity of hues and the shapes’ relationships are still there.

Artwork, as previously mentioned, comes in many forms. Clients are most familiar with the type that they can hang on walls inside their homes or offices. The next renowned pieces are tabletop artwork and sculptures.

Don’t get confused in choosing which medium you’d bring to your home or office. Just remember to show your personality through your chosen painting. Regardless of form, your taste and style should be reflected throughout the medium.

If you were a born optimist then it shouldn’t be a surprise to find brightly-colored paintings in your home. Black and white is for the stoic ones. What you have chosen based on your personality is a surefire validation that you have selected the right piece. Your art accessory is a representation of you so kudos!

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The Mystical Splendor of Renaissance Style

Tuesday, January 26th, 2016

 

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

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

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

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

Grotesque, Moresque, Myths, etc.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renaissance and Your Home

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

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

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The Power of Pastels

Tuesday, January 19th, 2016

 

PicMonkey Collage

L-R: Accessories Uttermost Sea Fans Framed Art S_9 35239 and the Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Cutting Garden Rug 0450CS0032610 are both available at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

 

A lot of the design trends these days involve bright, bold colors. This should not be a reason for you to stop using milder, more calming colors if you really want to. If you are in a pastel mood, then there is no need to conform to the bold patterns that many modern homes use. Creativity is the key to accessing the beauty of pastels. There are so many ways that you can utilize pastels to spotlight spaces or open up dark, crammed up rooms. Creating a winning interior with the use of crisp white combined with irresistible pastels is now easy.

Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Side Chair 1053-820 at McCreerys Home Furnishings

Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Side Chair 1053-820 at McCreerys Home Furnishings

Pastels + White

Heightening the effect of pastel is as easy as pairing it with white. Many designers use soft hues as a standalone color inside many homes. Some use an accent wall complemented with any accessory that comes in the same shade.

A white room is a great playing field for lovers of the pastel palette. The secret to using pastels in a seemingly blank room is to have them as accent pieces like artwork, textiles and lighting fixtures.

Any shade of pastel can be used to achieve a soft glow. Warmth and softness is the beautiful result of cream and gold plus some light pink roses.

When the walls come in any pastel color, then you can use white textiles and furnishings. This is a powerful combo that can be balanced with the use of pastel accents such as throws and some pillows.

Pastels + Bright Colors

If white and pastels result into a crisp interior, then pastels plus some vivid colors equals awesome. The biggest trends today play up the pastel colors by adding neon and other bright hues. For instance, pastel walls can be highlighted by a neon pink cornice. Pastel blue rooms can be heightened with bright colors such as lime green or orange. And while you’re at it, check out the uniqueness of pale green, light chartreuse and lavender. These are all irresistible colors that will look hot with coral pink; light green walls can be paired with peachy sheets; modern shelves can house bright colored books.

You might wonder how two colors on almost opposite ends of the spectrum could fuse so beautifully. Pastels and bright colors are alluring because they complement each other marvellously. For instance – going back to hot pink – it can be your color of choice for the mirrors, bed, lamp and pillows inside your place of relaxation.

PASTELS. ffdm fine uphostery collectionGentle Pastels

One other approach to pastel interiors is subtlety – like really subtle. An example is a white room with silver motif. Add a dash of blue table lamp and throws and you’ve just achieved a modern room that elevates pastels without being overpowering.

Gray can also be combined with pastel colors to create contemporary look. This can be both soothing and sleek.

Going All Out

The final approach is to go all out. Use monochromatic pastel as a powerful statement on your walls, the furniture pieces, upholstery, and some of the major accessories.

If you want to use more than one pastel color in any room of your home, then be sure to put them all together in a concerted display. A single row of pillows in lemon yellow, green, lavender, or dark pink can make a room pop. A rug such as the braided area rug from Capel Rugs perfectly caps the lovely theme. This soft chenille rug comes in various colors and custom shapes.

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Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

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.

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