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Making Statement Piece Work

Tuesday, September 20th, 2016

FFDM Antebellum pieces are great choices for a statement piece.

FFDM Antebellum pieces are great choices for a statement piece.

Many people are given the useless advice to play it safe or go neutral when it comes to choosing their furniture. Not a lot of folks dare to take risks in accessorizing or changing up. Still fewer are those who are willing to break some design rules and purchase statement pieces that anchor the rest of the pieces in a room.

Statement Piece Shouldn’t Go Over the Top

There are things to consider when you want to effectively use a statement piece. Of course you wouldn’t want to go over the top with your furnishing. Pick a classic style with a bold pattern or color, even the most dramatic shape that you could find, if you want to play up the rest of the elements.

In adding a statement piece, be sure to stay within the boundaries. You can follow trends, even do it your own way, but just make sure that it’s not some crazy fad that would go away in the next few months. Classic styles include striking patterns, different wall color, and interesting textiles.

The Statement Piece Does Not Compete

It is not right to have many competitive elements inside a room. Apply the opposite of the neutral furniture-bold accessory rule. This does not equate to having every piece of accessory in a neutral color. A lot of statement pieces inside a single room can make it look unbalanced.

The Statement Piece Is a Guide

Use the statement piece as a guide when you are out to stylize the rest of the room. If you picked to use a strong pattern, then find shades of the same color elsewhere. This should help you tie things all together. On the other hand, if you pick a solid color in a bold hue, then find complementary tones. These should harmonize the elements and could make your statement piece pop.

Statement Piece Must be Stylish

Always consider the statement piece’s style. Don’t make the room look like it’s too staged, though. Just incorporate enough pieces that pick up on the pattern, shade, shape or style of your chosen statement piece.

Would you even dare look away if you lay your eyes on this Hooker Furniture Dining Room Studio 7H Cinch Round Dining Table?

Would you even dare look away if you lay your eyes on this Hooker Furniture Dining Room Studio 7H Cinch Round Dining Table?

Statement Pieces Elicit Second Look

A statement piece almost always never fails to get a positive response especially when it is displayed correctly in a room. Guests stop to take a second look at a beautiful piece, even a third or fourth glance if you were able to get a piece that naturally grabs attention. A bust stationed in the middle of the foyer could do create wonders.

Use Statement Furniture

Making any piece of furniture as a statement piece is not ordinary but it has worked for many designers. It is a versatile way of upping the look of your bedroom, the living room, or that contemporary kitchen.

Pick the style and aesthetics for the final look then find the best chair that would fit into that image.

Use Statement Art

Art is the most used statement piece in the world so you might as well use it to your advantage. Bring in a piece of art that is big enough to be noticed. There are many ways that you can introduce art into you home, especially the living room. Bring in a provocative piece of art, place it on an unusual spot, then shine a magnificent piece of light on it.

This should get the best first impressions ever.

Collections As Statement Pieces

Collections are wonderful things that you can place inside the living room, dining room or the kitchen. Just like art, collections already have a proven visual impact on a lot of people. Hobbies and knickknacks can provide a loud, collective statement piece in your home.

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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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Posted in Color Schemes, Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

The Colorful Sofa as Subject and Your Home, the Canvas

Tuesday, July 5th, 2016

BLOG 4. cynthia rowleyNeutral colors are often the go-to color when people invest in large upholstered pieces. This often makes sense since neutral hues are easier to harmonize, in short, they are the safest choice. Add to this the fact that the sofa is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture that you buy, and you would understand why most people opt for the safer options. On the other hand, wouldn’t it be nice if your living room didn’t look just like the rest of the neighborhood?

The Story of the Navy Blue Sofa

Consider a bright navy sofa. This can easily become the star of your living room flooded in white. There are many other rich hues in stock. These can also be customized, with so many fabrics to choose from these days, you’re the master when it comes to the final design of your furniture. So, going back on that navy blue sofa, why do you think it can work inside your living room?

The white background works as the canvas to the star of the show – the unique, colorful sofa.

Making the Teal Sectional Legendary

A compact home is the perfect setting for a teal sectional. This will provide ample seating for a small family. A darker color on a jewel-toned fabric is the right material for wear and tear as well as gazillions of spills that could happen in a family that has kids and pets.

This teal furniture can also serve as the focal point of any neutral room. This hue can also be repeated on window treatments and throw pillows.

An Azure Sectional as the Defining Feature

A room that is painted in white and absorbs a great deal of daylight can allow a huge volume of any bold colored furniture piece. It is easy to be visually successful if the rest of the room is whitewashed. Don’t think that the sectional in bold color such as azure would overwhelm the living room because it would never.

Knowing where to place the azure sectional will make it a shoo-in as the focal piece. Just be patient, you would soon get the hang of using a more colorful furniture piece.

Orange Cushions for the Cautious Ones

When the biggest and most colorful furniture pieces don’t work for you or if they are too bold, you can begin your transition to the colorful world of interior design by using some accent pieces first. Rich orange throw pillows will surely be a good addition to a neutral-colored sofa. Pair the sofa with the traditional furniture pieces and appliances plus some accents that may or may not be orange.

It’s really up to you.

This setup works because the rich tones of the throw pillows will create a warm glow that none of the other design elements will be able to provide.

BLOG 4. cynthia rowley againPurple Is Sophistication

Purple is not a usual color that is used in many upholstered pieces. In a home office or a guest room, this color could work very well when used appropriately.

Purple is equal to sophistication and class. Pair it with warm taupe and you’re in fashion heaven.

A purple sofa can be surrounded with other pieces that have purple undertones. These will make the sofa color pretty much leap out.

Chocolate Velvet Is Rich

A chocolate velvet furniture does not stray too much from neutrals. It can blend beautifully with just about any kind of wall, ceiling or floor. And since it is basically brown, it is also easy to accessorize. It can also match golden tones in many accessories.

Pair this lovely piece with neutral throws and surround it with wood tones to complete the look.

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What Makes a Modern Home?

Thursday, June 16th, 2016

1586-90001-BLK2 The Poet Eight-Drawer Dresser

1586-90001-BLK2 The Poet Eight-Drawer Dresser

Modern design embodies a lot of elements which is why it is not easy to define it. In the most basic terms, though, this is the reflection of modern art movements inside homes. There are different central features and design themes that can be considered modern.

Modern designs were society’s objection and rejection of the ornate styles like Renaissance, Gothic and Victorian. Furnishing designs that you could include are Art Deco, Mission Style, and Shaker.

Modernism Means Clean, Straight Lines

Modern design – since it was designed to become the antithesis of complex themes, heavy textures, wood tones and carvings – is supposed to have nothing but linear designs. If anything geometric is to be placed, then it has to be controlled and scarce.

Modern furniture and other design components include clean lines with no frills. It differs from contemporary design which can include sweeping lines and curves. The lines in modern design are more crisp and sharper.

Materials that you could pair with your furnishings include oversized tiles, sanded wood flooring with minimized grain and smaller shelves and bookcases. The open space layout is most welcome as is the lack of molding and trimming on doors, windows and walls.

Say Hello to Metal

Stainless steel and chrome are two of the biggest elements used in modern design. In fact, a modern home would be less, well, modern in the absence of metallic pieces. Stay away from traditional metals, though, such as wrought iron. Instead, go for the cleaner, most polished metals.

For your home to be considered modern, be sure to use a lot of stainless steel and chrome. Have the exposed chair frames and table legs covered with any of these two metals.

Chrome is also used extensively in other home components such as doorknobs, faucets, lamps, cabinet handles and railings. It is known for its polished beauty and a slightly blue undertone.

Less Is More

Modern homes are also minimalist homes. The basics of being a minimalist are the absence of complex details, less color, and just the right amount of textiles. Even in the absence of a lot of things, it is safe to say that minimalist homes are well-planned homes. They are actually comfortable since all are streamlined for efficiency.

The minimalist and modern approaches share one other great aspect – zero-clutter. Clutter could mean different thing to different people but if you want the modern design, then just retain the essential pieces. This means saying no to pottery, vases, trinkets, and a lot of throw pillows.

Necessities are books, keepsakes and electronics. While these are still needful, they are almost always kept out of sight through proper storage.

Modernism Is Bold

Many homes designed in modern styles make use of neutrals, black and white. Yet this does not mean that you should shun using brighter colors. You can break the monotony created by the neutrals by setting up focal points. The primary colors are often used sparingly.

Hang a colorful wall art, a bold-colored sofa, brightly-colored pillows, or an accent wall.

Modernism, Modern You

In essence, all the things that you see in modern design are the result of modern thinking. Modernists were allergic to excessiveness, too much intellect, and cultural norms. They wanted to push off boundaries with regard to creativity and culture.

The modernists’ movements also included saying no to organized religion and the belief in a god. To them, modern norms had to be created and more suitable norms be instilled, hence, the birth of futurism, cubism, Neo-Dada, Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, and others.

To the world they shouted – Make It New. So, are you ready to apply what you have read?

7067-001CR Wallis 2 Cushion Sofa

7067-001CR Wallis 2 Cushion Sofa

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Geometry on Upholstery: Make a Statement or be Beautifully Subdued

Tuesday, May 17th, 2016

This Cynthia Rowley ensemble incorporates geometric patterns among neutrals, dark hues, metals and colors.

This Cynthia Rowley ensemble incorporates geometric patterns among neutrals, dark hues, metals and colors.

Isn’t it a designer’s job to keep an eye on the latest trends? The answer here is no. As a homeowner, it is also your responsibility to be abreast with the latest when it comes to interior design trends. What are hot right now are geometric patterns with these popping more and more in many modern homes. There shouldn’t be any reason to shun this bold style. As long as it is done correctly, following the trend can be a wonderful way to boost the look of any room.

A Blast from the Past

Here’s great news about trends whether relating to fashion or the interiors of a home – they share common properties. So whether these existed in the ‘70s or are contemporary, you will soon see something common in the geometric patterns that were used in homes then and now.

The popularity of geometric patterns, or any other interior design trend for that matter, comes back in a circle. It is a cycle that can be reinvented in every new decade. Try to look through pictures from your childhood. What was considered chic then are often not too different from what we consider to be stylish nowadays.

It won’t be a stretch to notice that geometric patterns have just returned. Just keep an eye on the simpler and bigger patterns, though, as these can give your place a more refined ambience. The traditional look has always been able to evoke the ‘70s vibe. If you want this retro look in your home, then consider the thinner stripes and shapes.

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture: 1118CR Delancey Club Chair

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture: 1118CR Delancey Club Chair

Visually Stimulating

Achieving the look of a home that seemingly leapt off an interior design magazine is not impossible. All you need is to add something that will make the place more visually interesting.

So what’s geometry got to do with visual stimulation?

A lot, actually.

There is nothing more boring than looking at walls upon walls of neutral paint and rows of boring furniture. As far as adding visual interest, you should consider using patterns in your design. geometric patterns create visually enticing rooms as they move the eyes from the boring stuff and, inevitably, towards them.

To choose the right kind of geometric patterns, you have to know what color scheme you have to work on. Make sure that you use the correct size of print which won’t overwhelm the room’s size or the design which you are trying to set up.

Cynthia Rowley 1102CR Perry Chair

Cynthia Rowley 1102CR Perry Chair

A Dash Is All It Takes

Having a great interior design is all about knowing the elements that would work together. Harmony, after all, is a major concept that you have to master when it comes to interior design.

Would you be using geometric patterns as a dominant element or would they play an accent role? It will be overwhelming to have an entire room filled with geometric patterns. While it is not your desire to bore your visitors or loved ones with neutrals, it is also not good to resort to too much activity by bringing in all the geometric patterns that you could find.

Geometric Upholstered Furniture

The applications for geometric patterns are actually limitless. The great thing about them, too, is that every piece will comfortably fit in any kind of design. Blending with the room features is also not difficult.

So as not to overwhelm, you can have the geometric patterns on your upholstered furniture. This is the safest and most stylish way that you could incorporate this design element to your home. Being more powerful in your design is also easy; all you have to do is to seek out the bolder geometric patterns and you’re on your way to create a

 

 

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Entry Way Styles: Making a More Welcoming Threshold

Saturday, April 30th, 2016

 

FFDM Vintage Classics features this wooden piece complete with mirror and other interesting accessories to welcome your guests.

FFDM Vintage Classics features this wooden piece complete with mirror and other interesting accessories to welcome your guests.

Do you believe that you’ve only got one chance to make a good lasting impression? This means you have to make the entry way as welcoming as possible to all of your guests. The entry way reflects who you are as a person. This should be a place where comfort and happiness fuse as people walk through the first door of your home.

Here are ways to set the tone for the rest of your place –

Layer the Light

A beautiful lantern can make a huge difference in a relatively small place. The entry way can also be the perfect place for a table lamp or a beautiful wall sconce. There are various lighting options for different moods.

Iron sconces can add a unique sense of style in a place where an added glow is much welcome.

A fabulous pendant lighting fixture can also make a huge difference. Actually, it can make or break the look offered by beautiful doors and carvings. This is not a usual fix that homeowners do to their entry ways, however, this is a spot that you need to spend more time and money on.

Vintage lighting will give the area a distinctive appeal. If you have an old home with equally old wiring, make sure that you commission a competent electrician to update the wiring systems for you. After the rewiring project, you can already spruce up the place with a new paint job or by adding interesting accessories and furnishings.

Highlight the Art

In many apartments, entry ways are quite small but this does not automatically mean that you can no longer make a statement. Your home’s entry way can still be chic if you hang the correct kind of artworks.

Install a statement mirror or a geometric rug to warmly welcome guests. Let them feel that they are welcome in your home and that they are about to see a stylish dwelling.

Your statement piece can be one unique piece that is an heirloom. Or it can be a piece of furniture that is newly-bought yet has the features of a would-be heirloom.

Hooker Furniture Accents Fretwork Mirror spells rustic especially when paired with the wooden Asian sculpture.

Hooker Furniture Accents Fretwork Mirror spells rustic especially when paired with the wooden Asian sculpture.

Correct Scaling

That grand foyer with a small table is a rather saddening state to be in. A beautiful, spacious entry way must have a fabulously large console table, a huge mirror, and a bench. Sconces should be present not just to welcome guests but more to highlight the beautiful architectural structures and beautiful furniture pieces.

Accents such as bins of flowers, an umbrella stand, and throw pillows will add a dash of personality to a usually regular-looking entry way.

Style Extension

The entry way must show your visitors what they would see inside your home. If you used rustic textures in your entry way, then these must also be seen in other rooms.

Set the tone at the entry way.

A Rug Is a Must

Sometimes, the entry way dimensions can be a tad trickier for rug placement. The floor is a wonderful place to put color, pattern and softness. Since the entry way has high foot traffic, find a rug that can sustain this kind of traffic.

Be Bold, Dazzle ‘Em

Primary colors can offer an awesome entry way to any home. Nautical style can be started with a basket of oars right by the entry way. Geometric rug in bright colors spells playful and unique.

Architecture needs to be respected. You can still show your personality through wall covering. Wallpapering is a classical take on beautifying the walls yet it comes with a modern twist. You might also have an art collection that can be highlighted by the right wallpaper.

 

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Floral Upholstery: Emboldening Homes’ Interiors

Wednesday, April 20th, 2016

 

Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Chair 0102-10 showcases floral fabric fused with the beauty of wood.

Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Chair 0102-10 showcases floral fabric fused with the beauty of wood.

One of the most noticeable comebacks happening in interior design these days is the return of strong patterns and prints. Large scale designs are being paired with oversized florals as well as the trendiest colors.

Let’s begin with poppy which is a bold floral design that is printed digitally to a linen or poly-linen base. This is a great choice for cushions and upholstery. It is also a fashionable material for drapery.

Natural fibers continue to be featured on many furniture showrooms – and for a good reason. The trend proves that organic looks will remain and that eco-friendly lifestyles are here to stay.

Falling In Love with Florals

Stanley Furniture Bedroom Chaise Banquette 222-23-72 shows shabby chic perfection.

Stanley Furniture Bedroom Chaise Banquette 222-23-72 shows shabby chic perfection.

And so it happened – you have fallen in love with the beauty of floral upholstery and fabrics and now you are wondering how you can bring it home. Floral prints can be too loud, others may say, but this is only if you are not careful.

So what should you do?

If you are thinking of how to match floral upholstery with other interior design elements, then you are not alone. There are many before you whose spirits have been dampened by the wrong use of florals. And now they are still rattled by the very idea of combining it with furniture, lighting, etc.

Now, the first step is to look for graphic prints. You must start somewhere so begin with the simple prints. A single, large-scale graphic print rug can go a long way in terms of making good use of florals in your home. If large-scale prints are still bold for you, then settle for medium and small-scale prints that have been fused to make a room pop.

A floral print armchair, for instance, will balance graphic curtains and an equally graphic rug. In this case, you can afford to use neutrals in solid hues for the rest of the room.

Next, if you happened to fall in love with a bold floral sofa, then don’t rack your brains trying to find out what would go with it. Pair it with white and call it a day! White or any neutral color (cream, wood or beige would also do) for your walls and accessories would balance that big, bold floral sofa. This is the widest space that the sofa could breathe in so provide just that.

Third, find out what colors are included in your floral piece. Pull a color from the group of colors used then create a scheme from there. Just make sure that you get the exact shade used on the florals. Ask for a swatch of the floral print as you shop for other pieces inside your home.

The background hue can be used as a wall color and one of the vibrant colors can be used as solid upholstery or curtain color. Choose also an accent color from the floral hues. Use this on your pillows and accessories.

Grounding the bold look offered by florals is easy with leather. The ever reliable leather is there to provide the necessary weight in a room. Add the floral print and you’ve created a seemingly unbalanced look yet one that is beautifully grounded.

Repeating the motif for the rest of the rooms would not hurt.

Lastly, you can also go wild and pair florals with animal print, the latter being the staple piece as it can work with anything. Try animal print on a small rug or on your living room ottoman. This, when paired with florals, will be an eclectic yet glamorous ensemble. This pairing will surely alter the look and feel of any room in your home.

So go ahead, fall in love with floral upholstery. It can be bold or subdued, it’s really up to you.

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The Red and Black Living Room: An Awesome Fusion

Tuesday, April 19th, 2016

 

Flexsteel Bedroom Queen Panel Bed With Storage W1909-90QS is perfectly balanced by the red and white floral arrangement and other exciting accessories.

Flexsteel Bedroom Queen Panel Bed With Storage W1909-90QS is perfectly balanced by the red and white floral arrangement and other exciting accessories.

The combination of red and black may not be a mixture that you have given much thought in the past. You might just change your mind once you see the winning reasons why these colors can take your home at the center of everyone’s attention.

Turn Up the Volume

Upping the wow factor of your home could be as easy as choosing the red and black palette. This color scheme offers just one vibrant hue but it does not automatically mean that the other color can’t offer drama on its own.

Red or black, each of these colors can make a bold statement on its own. They can actually be used under any circumstance. So, when you are designing your living room towards a bolder look, be sure to consider this marriage of colors.

What’s a living room without these exciting Uttermost Accessories Book, Bookends, S2 19589?

What’s a living room without these exciting Uttermost Accessories Book, Bookends, S2 19589?

Who’s the Boss?

Okay, so you have finally made up your mind and are now bent on using red and black, now what? These are both bold hues so one of them has to give.

Choose which one – red or black would be the dominant color. To choose which, take a careful look at the curtains and walls of the living room. See also the floor as well as the natural light inside the room. Is your living room used generally for simple family get-togethers or more of an out-of-office venue for your colleagues?

Whichever you end up choosing as the more dominant hue, make sure that you harmonize every aspect of your design. Consider salsa red in your living room if you spend more time there and if you perceive it to be a cheerful room with lots of foot traffic.

A more subdued and relaxing living room can make use of deep rose as the central color.

Balancing the red and black palette means using complementing colors on the more dominant color. The complementary colors should be used on your accents. For instance, if you used red as the dominant hue, then you may use the quieter gray on other design elements.

Put In Some Finishes

Metals and woods in the living room can also contribute to your red and black color scheme. The use of lacquered-black wooden furniture pieces adds intensity to any living room.

Do you like the shabby chic look? Then use pale gray on your furniture while accessorizing with the more exciting red and black mixture. Remember, the color of the furniture should balance the rest of the colors and elements that you decided to use. A heavily black room, for instance, can be beautifully balanced by paler shades of red.

Living Room Uttermost Taggart Red Console Table 24379 does not need to beg for attention with its unique look and color fusion.

Living Room Uttermost Taggart Red Console Table 24379 does not need to beg for attention with its unique look and color fusion.

Just a Hint

Most of the time, when designers suggest red and black, homeowners have a tendency to wince. What they don’t realize is that this fusion need not be vibrant all the time. Don’t give up on these colors if you are the more traditional type. A hint of red – here and there – can sometimes do the trick. This is just as striking as a whole room filled with vibrant red. A simple red pillow propped against a plush, black sofa can be a simple combination that could also serve as the focal point in your living room.

The clever use of red and black can add the needed drama. The fusion can be used on the walls, floor and major pieces of furniture. If you prefer a less committed take on the red and black palette, then just use the hues on most of your accessories.

Let’s accept it –red is an eye-catching color. A red accent wall is the perfect backdrop for your beautiful black cabinet. These give the eyes a pleasant place to look at while taking the time to absorb the rest of the design elements.

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Hues, Meet This New Homeowner

Wednesday, April 6th, 2016

Living Room Uttermost Altair Red Console Cabinet 24404 is vibrant, attractive and one-of-a-kind.

Living Room Uttermost Altair Red Console Cabinet 24404 is vibrant, attractive and one-of-a-kind.

Many designers casually use the terms tint, hue, shade or tone when referring to colors. But do most homeowners actually understand the meaning of each? Or are they just different names for the same term? The painter has to know the difference in each so he will be able to communicate effectively about color mixing and his painting job in general. As a homeowner, perhaps, it is about time to get to know the terms often used when it comes to paint and color schemes.

The term hue is far from being complex. This is a reference to color more specifically the colors found on the color wheel. If you are familiar with the color wheel, then you’d know that there are three primary colors which are red, blue and yellow. The secondary colors are violet, green, and orange. The tertiary colors are those that fill in the gaps between the primary and secondary hues.

Have you noticed how black or white is not considered a color? And have you wondered further where they should be located in the color wheel? You won’t have to worry about these two because you won’t

Canadel Dining Room Arm Chair CHA5040TF has a sienna washed colored fabric.

find them on the color wheel. What you need to study are how shades, tones and tints can be variations of different hues that are found on the color wheel once black or white are mixed with any of them.

Canadel Dining Room Arm Chair CHA5040TF has a sienna washed colored fabric.

Canadel Dining Room Arm Chair CHA5040TF has a sienna washed colored fabric.

Hello New Colors

You probably love colors but very few people are familiar with the most exotic hues used in interior design. There are literally hundreds of colors that you need to become familiar with if you want to be well-versed in color knowledge. For example, there are hundreds of blue shades. Most of the time, there are even histories involved in the creation of a unique color.

Why not be the first one in your group to extensively discuss these new hues?

For the first example, there’s smalt.

Smalt is a deep blue shade that is often used in ceramics. Literally, this is glass that is made when cobalt salts a11re mixed with molten glass. This mixture creates purple undertone that is barely distinguishable. It offers a luminescent quality which is why it is best used on statement walls.

The next new color on our list is byzantium. This is a lively purple shade that is sometimes interchanged with fuchsia. Byzantium is derived from purple while fuchsia comes from pink.

Byzantium looks great with gray, black, yellow or blue.

Cordovan is a rich hue of brown or burgundy. This is often associated with leather, mostly leather sofas. The name came from Cordova city in Spain which is famous for its manufacture of fine leather.

Sienna is one of the more famous colors on this list of unique hues. It is reddish brown and is often used in earthy themes. Its name comes from Siena, Italy and is also used in reference to clay that contains manganese oxide and iron oxide.

Vermilion also comes with a bright red hue. It can also be reddish orange at times. This is a classic shade that is used on many gorgeous lamps and lacquer ware.

‘Ever heard of gamboge? This is that deep mustard yellow color that got its name from the gamboge tree. This tree secretes a mustard yellow sap, hence, the name. Imagine having a pair of sofas in the gamboge hue. It’s sublime.

Pavo is another shade of blue but it is electric blue that is closest to the colors of peacock feathers. This can be best described as the marriage of deep turquoise and royal blue. Try pavo as the color of your sofa throw pillows.

Lastly, there’s aubergine. You have probably heard of this deep brownish purple hue before. This is just like the color of eggplants. Add this to a shade of turquoise or gray and you’ll achieve a unique color mixture that will catch people’s attention.

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Gold Accents: Tough Yet Rewarding Choice

Saturday, January 30th, 2016

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Maitland-Smith Living Room Bench 4230-377 has touches of gold on its wooden frame. The animal print on the fabric makes this piece leap to life

Maitland-Smith Living Room Bench 4230-377 has gold accents on its wooden frame. The animal print on the fabric makes this piece leap to life.

The use of gold accents in interior design is not an easy decision to make. It can be a tough style to work with. You are required to understand the fundamentals of this bright and interesting hue. The good thing is, today, you’ll get that much-needed help.

First of all, you have to be confident with the idea that gold can be used sparingly. Some touches of gold on your furniture can offer great wonders.

Golden Ideas

Have you ever thought of pairing gold with black? This may not be your instinctive choice but many have found that the union of these two interesting hues can bring elegance in any room. Black and gold borders on tables can definitely spell a huge difference in a dining room.

Wallpapers with a dash of gold can also elevate the room’s sophistication. This should warm up the room and give it a cozy feeling in no time.

Gold accents can also be the glue that fuses masculine and feminine room features. Furniture frames also look classy with a hint of gold on the exposed frame or on the fabric.

Femininity is best embodied with the use of gold and white. This is a union of hues that can look great on different wallpaper designs. The bedroom can make use of this superb color application.

When it comes to coloring, blue and neutral colors will also be great bases for gold accents. Every color will surely stand out as gold frames and highlights it.

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Jenelle, Buffet Lamp 29091. This is an awesome iron lamp with distressed antiqued gold leaf. See the beauty of the equally antiqued black crackle legs and the bronze colored round bell shade.

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Jenelle, Buffet Lamp 29091. This is an awesome iron lamp with distressed antiqued gold leaf. See the beauty of the equally antiqued black crackle legs and the bronze colored round bell shade.

Go Bold

If you are not contented with mere gold accents, then you can go ahead and use gold in interior design. This is a much bolder move that you might want to think and plan about first. The first rule here is to use varying shades of gold so that you won’t be bored with the monotonous feel in the end.

Gold is also a lovely color to use during the winter months. So when the winter season comes, make sure that you go bold and give your home a touch of luxury.

Gold can be your best decor during the coldest months because it automatically brings warmth and luxury in a room.  Gold accents work best in neutral colored rooms. Yellow or ochre can be combined with gold to create a glow that works well with earthy colors.

More than wallpapers or mirrors in gold, the golden fireplace can add a shimmer that will cast a warm glow throughout your home’s interiors. This can add a dramatic effect without the hassle.

Gold is a versatile hue so go ahead and use it on your feature wall. Use it sporadically inside the bedroom since this is where you rest but, in the lounge area, it’s alright to go all out.

Gold fabric is also a great way to add opulence in your home.  Use it on your cushions, curtains, blinds or throws (but not all at the same time). Gold curtains can come with gold fitting and accessories. Trim and fringes for window treatments are also perfect in gold. And what of golden tassel tie backs? They are nothing but amazing.

‘Love tellin’ the time? You will with this Accessories Uttermost Torriana Wall Clock 06091.

‘Love tellin’ the time? You will with this Accessories Uttermost Torriana Wall Clock 06091.

Gold printed fabrics are also available to mix and match. These fabrics pair well with earthy colors like brown, beige, taupe or green. Plain and gold fabrics can ideally help in setting up the winter interior design.

Adding gold to animal prints is an effective way of telling the world that you are unique.

Lamps and light fitting are yet another basic way of adding glow to your home. Choose from the gold-colored lamps or the ones in brass. Ceiling light fitting is both modern and simple. It can also be traditionally ornate like chandeliers.

Focal features in gold are truly what they are – a focal piece.  After all, gold is an eye catching color so what better way is there than to use gold ornamental pieces. Gold accents can be wall art, gold clocks, or golden ornaments – take your pick!

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