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Bureau: Short History and Interior Design Uses

Monday, June 5th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Arabella Ten-Drawer Dresser

The modern bureau – also known as chest-of-drawers is a case that is fitted with two, three, or even more drawers. Any chest that contains drawers should be automatically referred to as a chest not of but with drawers. It is from chests that modern pieces of chest-of-drawers come from.

In the 16th century, bureaus were made with little tills which are also called drawer boxes. These are enclosed receptacles inside the bureau’s body. It was a step in fitting a bigger drawer to the entire bottom part of the joined chest.

Even when drawers were added, many kept their lids on the top; not till mid-17th century that these pieces appeared in which the pretense of the furniture piece being a chest was finally abandoned.

The birth and development of different kinds of furniture is far from absolute. There isn’t one history that can be attributed to the bureau. It has many origins like drawers and cabinets.

Bureau: A Clearer Ancestry

What can be best declared as the lineage of bureau is the case of highboys, lowboys, tallboys and those that are referred to as chest-on-chests. You might be interested to know that the boy suffix is a French word corruption for the term for wood which is bois.

Every single one of these is a true blue bureau. Beginning with the bureau on a stand, lowboy that has been used as a table or desk, and many other uses wherein the bureau was fitted with a number of drawers.

The highboy, on the other hand, is the taller version of the bureau, where extra drawers have been added. This is a grander furniture piece that was thought of more as a separate unit though it has two sections.

Just like any other type of furniture, the bureau varieties are defined by their specific uses. The chiffonier is generally tall and narrow and used by ladies in keeping their needlework as well as small pieces of clothes.

The lingerie bureau often has seven drawers which were created for all the days of the week. This is also sometimes referred to as semainiers which is the French word that means week.

Other styles are defined based on the style of period from which they have come. The breakfront or serpentine or the Federal and Sheraton.

Decorating with the Bureau

Whether you choose to use the bureau in the living room, hallway, or the bedroom, this lovely piece of furniture is a custodian of sorts. Even people who do not bother themselves with organization do not even have to worry about things getting lost if they have a bureau or chest of drawers.

Do you want more drawers for your baby’s clothing? Then you’ve found the perfect furniture piece in the bureau. Pick which size you want and how many drawers you will need.

The narrower ones can also be freestanding cabinets inside the bathroom. These can be suitable homes for those baskets that will hold extra towels and robes.

When placed on the entryway, this is the perfect welcome that you can give to your friends and visitors. There are hundreds of styles to choose from so you won’t have to worry about finding the right look for you. If you love all things traditional, then go for wood, bamboo and other rustic bureaus.

The color brown with ornate patterns is acceptable.

For a modern approach, use glass, metal and plastic. These materials represent modernity plus they offer straighter lines. Find the pieces that are most suitable for your taste and the style of your home. Also, check for smart construction where the bureau has quality mortise-and-tenon joinery.

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Why A Glass Top Table?

Friday, June 2nd, 2017

FFDM Deco: Transparences Glass Top Cocktail Table

There are many different kinds of tables these days. In fact, there are thousands in the market that picking the best one becomes a real challenge. To make this decision-making a whole lot easier, here are some summer hot tips –

Create an Illusion of Space

Primarily, having a glass top table is amazing because it can easily create an illusion of a more expansive space. This means that a small room could appear bigger and airier than it actually is. For instance, if you fused your dining room and kitchen into one space, then the glass top table will definitely be able to help.

Embrace Versatility

A dining table with a clear glass top is the most versatile piece of furniture in your dining area. This can accommodate just about any kind of interior décor.

The glass top table looks great with vintage pieces inside traditional homes. It also is a welcome feature inside contemporary spaces.

Be Unforgettable

If you are aiming to create an unforgettable setting in your dining area or kitchen, then you should seriously consider buying a glass top dining table. These days, this is no less than one of the most stylish and elegant interior design solutions in the industry.

You can combine elegance with ultra-sleek contemporary design. Don’t think that glass tops are exclusively for modern settings anymore. They can also look amazing in traditional atmospheres even in futuristic, high-tech ambience.

You can combine glass with just about any material – chrome, wood, leather, and thicker or thinner types of glass. The beauty of glass these days is that they can now be bought with tint. Manufacturers have come up with the widest range of tinted glass options so you are likely to find the tint that suits your personality and style.

Amazing Options

A wonderful side to having hundreds if not thousands of options is that you get to choose the size or shape that you want. So go ahead and look for square, round, oval or rectangular shapes. If you’re not satisfied with the basic shapes, then search for abstract shapes.

Abstract glass top tables would wonderfully fit into a high-tech environment. The size depends hugely on the model of the table. There are tables that were manufactured for two persons only and there are those that can serve a lot more.

Minimal Maintenance

Glass surfaces are easily maintained compared to wood and other non-water resistant materials.

You won’t have to worry about spills with glass top tables. Their surface also won’t tarnish or fade with time. This means that your glass top table will look as good as new throughout the years.

Glass top tables don’t need a replacement unless, of course, when they’re damaged or when you finally grow tired of their look.

Durability

Tempered or safety glasses are now available in the market. This wonderful technology is brought about by producing glass in high temperatures then cooled off in specific conditions. Such glass tops are unlikely to get broken or scratched. And since you practically have a damage-resistant furniture piece, it is a safe piece to use inside your home.

Define Who You Are

If you want to add a touch of personality in your dining room or kitchen, even inside the living room, then the glass top table is a wonderful piece to use. You can just feature your book collection, knickknacks, and whatnot atop this interesting table.

Since it’s summer, you can also place a vase of flowers or a tray or bowl of fresh fruits. Think of interesting decorative pieces for your living room center table, too. A framed photograph or two also won’t hurt.

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Why Designers Love Bamboo

Thursday, June 1st, 2017

Palm Island’s Beachcomber Bamboo Dining Arm Chair

If you will ever travel to China, you will observe that the materials and crafts used in furniture making and the arts are made of endemic stuff such as porcelain, silk, stones, clay and bamboo. Bamboos, in fact, have an awesome amount of uses in the textile industry, art, calligraphy, paper making, and furniture manufacturing.

Bamboo grows in abundance in China especially in the eastern and southern parts of that country. This is no less than the largest type in the grass family. It is characterized by its woody, long stems.

These are the very properties that make bamboo a mainstay in Asian craftsmanship. For over a millennia now, bamboo has been known for its tensile strength. Compare it with steel and it automatically becomes a great competitor.

Bamboo is so limber that it will only split under a massive amount of force. Yet you can strip it and be woven to create the most beautiful furniture, bags, chopsticks, flutes, and just about any other work of art that you can think of.

Industrialized materials may become quite boring. If you’re one to feel that way, then the bamboo or Asian-inspired theme is a perfect getaway for you.

Tommy Bahama Home Living Room Hibiscus Round Accent Table 593-953 is an interesting addition in this summery living room. 

Rediscover Bamboo

Since the late 1800s, the British have been using bamboo to manufacture bicycles because of its strength and tubular shape. It is no surprise, therefore, that the furniture industry also loves this material.

Furniture artisans and interior designers, these days, prove that bamboo still has a home even in a contemporary home. This material has been used in the creation of both large and small furniture. The great news is, it is also sustainable so you won’t have to worry about Mother Earth being hurt in the process.

Since it is eco-friendly, you won’t feel guilt in using it in abundance in your home. So go ahead and use it as a decorative panel or screen. These work wonderfully in any space that you can think of. They also come in different styles, shapes and sizes.

For the ultimate natural look, use mature bamboo canes as an assembled room divider. This floor to ceiling wonder will surely be the subject of many convos with your friends.

Bamboo may also be used as green blinds. These window shades will have a delicate and natural appearance. And since they are known for their durability and resilience, you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon. Also, you get the added benefit of having light control.

Bamboo can also be a natural accent. A bamboo-framed mirror, for instance, is a surefire eye delight. How about a bamboo coffee table? These pieces are all that you would need to make the room more interesting. They are also the pieces that will totally revamp your interior design.

If you have light-colored walls, then you can effectively use bamboo flooring to frame this fresh look. This should open up the living areas further. Just be sure to consult with an eco-friendly interior designer so that you can ask about the right kind of treatment for such kind of flooring.

As for the kitchen countertops, who can stop you from using bamboo there? Whether you are trying to achieve a cozy farmhouse or a natural culinary space with stainless steel pieces, bamboo will find a home in your kitchen.

The goodness of bamboo does not end yet. Its sensational yet serene look can also give your bathroom the needed facelift. In 2015, bamboo was such a huge thing in bathroom design. It hasn’t stopped in being popular especially in homes that would want to infuse a spa-like serenity inside their bathrooms.

All these – and more – can be yours if you decide to redesign your home with bamboo this summer.

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The Summer Ready Interior Design

Thursday, June 1st, 2017

This Glass Top Table from FFDM’s Summer Home Collection reflects what summer should be – light and super laidback.

It is almost summer! This is an exciting season for a lot of people because this is the time to get out and do some physical activities, get lots of doses of Vitamin D, and have picnic with friends and loved ones. This is also a wonderful time to redecorate your home.

Go, Go Green

Summertime is the best season to store those heavy rugs and just enjoy your bare hardwood flooring. Use a lot of flowers and greeneries so that your home will have a more casual, airy, and bright feel.

Let’s Party

Summertime is also the time to invite guests over and enjoy the breezy atmosphere on your deck or that long, unused area by the pool.

Have bunches of flowers displayed, set up those lanterns and bring out buckets upon buckets of ice. You are set to enjoy a lot of fun moments with your loved ones so better prepare.

Say your backyard isn’t that huge to accommodate a lot of chairs and tables, then just have these pieces moved to the grassy lawn. Don’t hesitate, just do it. This should show how casual and laidback your personality is.

As for night get-togethers, you can take advantage of the hot summer evenings by adding patio lanterns, graphic-patterned placemats and napkins for a more breathtaking outdoor dining.

Prep the Bar

Oh, the bar would really, really, really be busy this summer season. So go ahead and stock up on spirits. Whip up mojitos and your fave mai tai and entertain your guests with ‘em. And while you’re at it, why not stoke the flames of the fireplace nearby. Add a coral replica near the fireplace for a more coastal feel.

Embrace the Cottage Look

Imagine coming in to a cottage-ey entryway. Set up a wooden credenza in that area and display your summer-themed items such as green bottles, vintage fan, cute sailboats, pitchers and pictures of the beach.

Place a bowl of fresh fruits on that credenza to complete the look.

Uttermost Living Room Minkah Small Bench 23627: Who says exciting hues have to end in spring?

Everything Bright and Colorful

Have your tongue-and-groove paneling whitewashed. That should give the room an airier, cleaner look. Add some of the most colorful throw pillows that you’ve had in storage to up the summery mood in the living room.

In the bedroom, pair white bedding with wood bedframe. This is a lovely look for summer. Just add a colorful throw pillow plus a bouquet of freshly-picked flowers and you’re good.

Think sunny.

Swap the graphic, bigger pieces with vibrant-colored dishes and fresh flowers in glass vases. Find hues that are light and soft, even shimmery.

Yes to Nautical

What could be more summery than those nautical stripes? They are basically screaming summer.

Those striped slipcovers paired with a striped area rug should give your feet a more relaxed, nautical feel. Of course, have the furniture ensemble in white or varnished wicker to achieve a more relaxed look.

Easy-Breezy Color Palette

Say yes to a lot of grays and pale blues, none of those heavy, dark hues for now. Use white slipcovers during the entire summer season. Bleach them and use ‘em. They will even help you double the lifespan of your precious sofa.

Find an Ikat-patterned furniture piece to make the space more interesting. Ikat is an awesome dyeing technique to create unique textile patterns.

 Mind the Coffee Tables

Be sure to decorate your coffee tables with things that remind you of summer. Pepper ‘em with fresh roses, your seashell collection, even an interesting sea fan.

Go Bohemian

The vibrant colors that are distinctly bohemian are perfect for your summer interior design. Mix flowers, patterns, hand paintings, and other cheerful stuff.

Bohemian is not chaotic, okay. This is just a place where the artistic mind could have a free rein. This is a spot where you’re not afraid to mix hues and brighten things up a bit. And, yes, this is the perfect look for your summer interiors.

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Is Your Home Prepped for Summer?

Wednesday, May 31st, 2017

The warm colors in this bedroom make the Summer Home Platform King Bed and other pieces look more inviting.

So, it’s time to say goodbye to spring and welcome the lazy, hazy summer days. When done in advance, you will surely reap the blessings of prepping early. Well, how do you update your home’s interiors?

Light and Bright Does It

In updating your home to a more in season look, be sure to look for summery colors and any light and bright accessories. Put away anything that induces heat or even makes you think of heat. Store the heavy rugs, fire logs, turn off the heaters, replace the draperies with sheer curtains and keep away the thick blankets.

Clean Up Your Freezer

Be sure to leave some room in the freezer for all the ice cream that you’re gonna enjoy with your loved ones. To allot space, of course, you also need to chuck out any icy buildup, leftovers that have been unnoticed for the longest time, and ground meats.

As soon as the fridge and freezer are clean, go ahead and stock up on burgers and frozen goodies.

Party on the Patio

Think of all the patio parties that you will host this summer! Make sure that the blender is functional and ready to churn those mojitos and margaritas.

Invest in recipes of different mock cocktails and the real deals. Do not forget to bring out those accident-proof dishware from the drinking glasses to the serving trays. Check also the other outdoor entertainment essentials such as – ice cold drinks, finger foods, coolers, umbrella, pool floats, grilling baskets, pitchers, and your apron.

Check the Indoor Airflow

Prep and check your air-conditioning units. Ensure that you will have a cooler summer with a unit with lower energy output. You may want to check the air filter first. Clean any dust or debris around the exhausts and the vents then wipe off any dirt on the main unit.

Be sure to test the unit after you clean it. If you think that your HVAC isn’t working properly, then consider calling a professional. They will be able to test the unit as well as your air ducts for probable leaks.

Do these early on so that you won’t spend your summer days sweltering in the summer heat.

Build a Summer Stock

This is also the perfect time to stock up on summer essentials. It’s time to fill your medicine cabinet with aloe, sunblock, insect repellents, and migraine pills.

As for your linen closet, be sure to store a lot of fresh and fluffy picnic blankets and beach towels. Prep also the outdoor sports items like badminton rackets, croquet, basketball and baseball gears.

Check also your shed for those stored summer sports gears, hose, lawnmower and other gardening tools. Place these upfront, in an easily accessible area. This is so you won’t spend the time rummaging through your shed during the summer.

Summer Home Oval Cocktail Table is light-colored; perfect for the easy, breezy atmosphere of summer.

It’s BBQ Time

It’s also the perfect season to display those muscular arms as you hold barbecue parties. Clean your barbecue grill using soapy water (be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions, though).

After cleaning it up, heat it up then let it run on high setting for no less than 10 minutes. Allow it to cool down before you wipe the grates using just a thin layer of cooking oil.

Sure, your barbecue grill may not be as shiny as when it was new but you will surely hold a lot of successful barbecue parties with it.

Bug Off

Summer can also mean the appearance of bugs. This is because bugs migrate to a warmer area when they need to wait out the cold months where they were originally from. So, expect more bugs.

Prepare for their onslaught by setting up a barrier. Begin with pest control or just seal off your doors, windows and gaps. Check out the Internet for options on insect barriers.

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Create Inspiring Banquette Dining

Wednesday, May 31st, 2017

The Vera Banquette from the FFDM Textures Collection.

What is referred to as banquette seating are those benches that are often found inside restaurants. These are, basically, upholstered benches, nothing more but these, like booths, are a great way to dine cozily. The great news is that this setup has now moved into many kitchens and family rooms in many residences. ‘Want to be the first to know how to set it up?

Banquette History

Many furniture historians trace back the origins of banquette to 15th century in France. The word is derived from the Germanic equivalent of bench.

What’s amusing is that there were secret passages found underneath banquettes in many castles and palaces.

In American homes, banquettes only began to appear in the early part of the 20th century. Various kitchens were then infusing the table to post-colonial kitchens. They served as work surfaces more than a seating unit.

When the kitchen was no longer just a place for servants, the table became a place where families gathered to talk and dine informally.

The Banquette Design

A banquette can easily become the focal point in a breakfast nook, kitchen or even a multi-functional space in your home. This can also be traditional or modern according to your design taste. You can include this in your furniture investment the moment you’re ready to have banquette seating in your home.

The formality of banquette design is appropriate also in the dining room. The bench could have upholstery complete with a fabric that coordinates with the rest of the design elements. If you want it to have very little maintenance, then find a fabric that is washable and easy to clean.

If you have small children or pets at home, then consider investing in a banquette fabric that cleans easily. As much as possible, have the removable cushion type as well as washable slipcovers.

The bench can also be paired with some freestanding chairs. This way, you expand the banquette setting from two to three seats to as many as needed.

When setting up the bench, make sure that the ones seated there will be able to get up and get out of the area with ease. Of course, we wouldn’t want anyone crawling under the table during dinner.

The table that is paired with the banquette can match its style or it can also be purchased separately. The trestle table is the best option for a banquette. Pick the one that has a pedestal support at the center so that free movement and legroom are supported.

The bench seat must be about 18 inches above the floor. Make room for 24-30-inch sitting space for every person. The thickness of the cushion must also be carefully thought of.

Banquette Means Freedom

Now that we have established what banquette is all about, you would surely love the freedom that it can offer inside your eat-in kitchen or your dining room. You don’t have to conform to the matchy-matchy dining chairs and table and anymore.

The banquette can fill that booth in your kitchen or can be tucked under a dining room wall. Underneath the bench, you can also have a storage set up.

The banquette is a huge blessing to a home that has a small dining area. Banquettes can optimize seating while infusing a laidback vibe.

If urban dining is your thing, then your open-space plan can easily accommodate a banquette. This is perfect for the busy lifestyle and the refined tastes of many people these days.

How about having a retro diner right in your own home? A pure white space will come to life with a colorful set of chairs and a banquette plus a black lacquered banquette table.

You see, it takes just a little creativity to set up a dining space that’s both comfy and stylish.

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Antler Decoration: It’s Not Merely Rustic, It’s a Lot of Things

Tuesday, May 30th, 2017

Campton Grove Collection: The antler decor on the wall fortifies the rustic appeal that is set for this living room.

Have you ever hunted and decorated with your own deer antlers? If yes, then you already know how special it actually is. Its natural design and hue make the deer antlers natural art pieces. Imagine yourself going through that tedious hunt, then you end up with your trophy and you celebrate with your loved ones. Just like in primal cultures, there is a wonderful feeling of power and beauty with deer antlers.

Antler Décor History

Archeology and research have proven that as far back as 10,000 years ago, primitive man was already using antlers as ceremonial or work tools and as a decorative element. The leaders of those days, supposedly, wore headdresses that might have included deer antlers.

And since antlers are a lot harder than bone, arrow heads, stone cutters and hammers could practically be made from them. The deer antler usefulness was practically abundant.

By the late 15th century, antlers were already being used for different purposes. It was also during this time that deer antler chandeliers came into existence.

Centuries later, nobles and monarchs wanted their manors and castles to be filled with antler decorative pieces. They also began to ask for furniture with elk or deer antlers. There are still a few pieces that can be seen in museums today.

In the modern era, rustic interior design calls for the most natural-looking elements. Deer antlers fit beautifully in. And just like centuries ago, a lot of people hunt then decorate their habitats with elk, deer or moose antlers. No log cabin is considered complete without this piece.

Faux It

A lot of people are manufacturing faux antlers these days. The cost of antlers – the real ones – are quite high so people are saying no to them. Antler chandeliers which are made from real antlers cost a fortune.

Thank goodness, with today’s technology, artificial or faux antlers can already be reproduced. Unsurprisingly, they look exactly like the real deal and they are a lot cheaper. When manufactured properly and maintained with care, these pieces can even become the focal points inside living spaces.

Maitland-Smith Accessories Pair Of Brass Antlers 1054-202

Decorating with Antlers

How do you actually feel about a pair of antlers as a decorative piece in your home? Well, you do not have to resort to a Wild West theme just so you can use this lovely rustic piece. Also, you don’t have to worry about the antlers still attached to the animal head.

Antler decorative pieces are so versatile nowadays. You can choose from different textures, colors and even what sort of decorative piece they are going to be.

Bookends don’t have to be made of metal or wood all of the time. Imagine having a unique pair of antler bookends for your classic book collection. What a wonderful sight it would be.

Imagine having a lamp with antlers as the lamp base. Nothing could be a more interesting lampshade or wall sconce than this piece.

How about placing a pair of antlers atop your fireplace? This is a lovely mantelpiece that would surely spur conversations. Who could resist talking about that eye-catching piece, right?

Antlers can also be installed on your wall and you can conveniently hang bags, caps and coats there. If you paint several pieces of antlers, they can also be individually framed then hung as art pieces. You would surely be surprised by the numerous options that you have for antler-inspired wall décor.

How about hanging antler wreaths on your front door? Or how about hanging a pair of antlers – still on the front door – but this time, place a few flowers on it. It is a welcoming sight to behold.

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Repurposing the Cocktail Table in 10 Incredible Ways

Tuesday, May 30th, 2017

The star of this ensemble is this Nesting Cocktail Table Center from FFDM’s Boulevard Collection.

The cocktail table has had its share of not-so-wholesome reputations in the past. Hearing it, it might conjure a mental picture of a tall table inside dark, noisy nightclubs. This table, though, is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture that you can use in your home – or just about any residential or commercial space.

So, what uses are there for the adaptable cocktail table?

The Get-Together Piece

Have you ever seen those dating shows on TV? These singles events are a wonderful way to use the cocktail table. Because of its size, the cocktail table induces socialization. People would be compelled to meet and greet in smaller groups if you gather them on cocktail tables.

Cocktail tables, in essence, encourage intimacy.

The Post-Gathering Area

Your cocktail table is an awesome choice for any pre or post-gathering event. Imagine a graduation party with sets of cocktail tables with cute chairs. These tables are portable so it will allow the most interesting arrangements for your graduation celebration guests.

It is also a wonderful furniture piece for networking. Imagine setting up a business network in the most intimate possible manner. The cocktail table is the right piece to accommodate just the right amount of people without it becoming a riotous crowd.

The Speaker’s Best Friend

Cocktail tables are also great for events where people are supposed to focus on the speaker or a certain group of persons. If there is a stage performance, this is also the most wonderful option since people will not be encouraged to buzz in groups while the presentation is ongoing.

Brunches and Coffee Time

The versatility of the cocktail table does not stop with those speaking engagements or simple gatherings. It can also be a spot where you can have your precious cup of coffee during your break time. This can also be the best place to hold light brunches on those daytime occasions.

Cocktail tables do make an impression of subtlety and brevity.

I’ll Take It Standing, Thank You

The cocktail table is also a great piece for people who cannot do prolonged sitting. Prolonged sitting, after all, fosters a lot of harmful conditions especially on the spine. If you’re holding a short meeting of sorts, then just have cocktail tables set up so that guests could socialize while also remaining active throughout the session.

That Intimate Adult Night

You can also keep conversations intimate and casual when you host a game night using your cocktail table. Just lay out different games and cards as you also serve bowls of simple snacks. You can also serve beer in the most interesting glassware.

Just make sure to provide comfy seats when you host this game night since prolonged sitting can be painful on the back.

The Sushi Party

You can also entertain your guests the Japanese way. Hold a sushi party right on your cocktail table. A low table would allow all of you to sit on the floor as you enjoy the food straight out of boxes and containers. If you want the real deal, then bring out those sushi plates.

The Indoor Picnic

Who says picnics only have to be held outdoors? You can also hold a picnic as you set up a summery hue plus a touch of greeneries right on your cocktail table. Serve light salads, sandwiches and sodas. Your guests would surely feel relaxed in such an ambience.

Summer Here We Come

Add some large pillows covered with summery fabrics like nautical stripes and other sea motifs.

Cocktail Is High Fashion

If you want to add a touch of designer fashion to your cocktail table, then add stacks of your glossy coffee table books or some designer magazines. Try alternating between horizontal and vertical orientation.

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Sunroom Furniture Care: 15 Tips in Caring for Your Investment

Monday, May 29th, 2017

Orient Express Furniture OutdoorPatio Loom Outdoor Dining Arm Chair 6809KD.PLA_SGRY_GT

These days, the term home no longer just refers to the indoors but also our outdoor living spaces. From the biggest estates down to the most modest homes, it seems that every homeowner is now finding ways to go outdoors and enjoy games, meals, visits and swims there. Moonlight, the open air as well as natural light simply enhance the living experience in each home.

But what if you don’t have to totally go outdoors, instead, you still stay indoors yet the room had an awesome view of the outdoors? Would you want that kind of setup?

Say hello to the sunroom. This is that pre-fab roof and wall system that is added to a home to offer an awesome view of the outdoors as well as an extra amount of living space.

Sunrooms are often used for relaxation, entertainment, as a TV room, a reading nook, and simply an area to enjoy the outdoors. The finishing touches used will add to the beauty of this extra living space.

Wicker furniture is often used in this space to create the best place of relaxation. Actual installation can be as short as 2-3 days depending on the size of the room that you would like. Additional time is required for an added deck.

Check if you would need a building permit or a zoning approval. If you want to enjoy the sunroom during summer, then you had better start moving now.

Sunroom Furniture: Basic Care

Anyone who invested in outdoor furnishing should know that it takes a lot of time, effort, even money to maintain such an asset. Properly caring for sunroom furniture means you have to know what it is made of in the first place.

If it is made of metal, then you also have to find out what sort of metal you will care for. If it’s wood, find out if it is untreated or varnished.

Wicker is a popular choice among homeowners because it is quite easy to maintain.

  • Be sure to clean your sunroom furniture regularly. Clean as needed or at least twice each year. Check also the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Prepare a furniture cover for your sunroom pieces when they are not in use (especially when you don’t use them for a few days).
  • Check what sort of chemical you are using and if it is compatible with the sunroom furniture piece that you own.
  • Begin only with the gentlest cleaning solution that you can find. When any of these don’t work, that’s the time that you search for a stronger solution. Again, never forget to check the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings so that you won’t cause damage to your sunroom piece.
  • More often than not, the gentlest solution is a mixture of ¼ cup of dish soap and a gallon of water.
  • The next best thing is an all-around cleaner.
  • Test the cleaning solution first on a concealed area.
  • Never use a power washer.
  • Only use a brush with soft bristles when dusting off loose dirt.
  • Use soft rags and lint-free towels in cleaning. If you really have to use sandpaper, then be sure to get the fine-grit type.
  • Always have an available supply of spray-type silicone lubricant. This is the best solution to use on glider parts, hinges, and umbrella mechanisms.
  • Always check these parts every six months.
  • Always flip the sunroom furniture so that you can check the undersides.
  • Remove any caps on your furniture so that water will not pool in them.
  • Treat wood furniture pieces. Find out if you need to use sealants in order to prolong the life of your sunroom furniture.

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The Consistent Palette: The Reliable Hues That Designers Simply Love

Monday, May 29th, 2017

The Meritage Collection (FFDM) showcases here the reliable neutral hues beautifully layered in this dining room. 

One of the biggest aspects of design that stylists stick to is the creation of a color scheme that actually makes sense. This palette may be altered slightly as the home takes on a livedin appeal but you will see that the hues throughout the home will always have a close relationship with each other. When this is achieved, then you know that the designer has done everything to harmonize the design elements in your home.

Radiant Scandinavian

Scandinavian or Nordic interiors focus on the essentials. What they offer are functional, simple yet beautiful elements. You will see plenty of sunlight, muted hues, wooden flooring and soft furnishings throughout a Scandinavian home. This is a style that has gained popularity and is showing zero signs of ever slowing down.

If you want to use the Scandinavian style in your home, be ready to embrace white as your fundamental color. This will be your base hue and you will also use it on subtle layers. Be sure to put together these layers so that they achieve a simple and easygoing look.

Say no to clutter then just use a few decorative items to personalize your habitat.

Say No to Schism with Minimalism

Taking the minimalist approach to styling your home is a technique that has been used by many interior designers over the years. This is no surprise since it is a style that is easy to maintain and it shows an uncluttered space.

When you use this approach, bear in mind that styling a home isn’t tantamount to adding stuff. In fact, you can remove clutter and just simplify. A lot of home stylists can work with the stuff that you already have. They can also help you remove items that no longer have any use. From then on, you can just simplify.

You must also be strict with your color palette if you want to live a minimalist lifestyle. Adding a lot of objects and colors is the easiest way to overwhelm your space so stick to the tones from the same color family.

Also, be sure to use simple shapes and lines, none of those geometric and heavy patterns and intricate details. Use plants and art to make the space more interesting.

Anchor the Room with Art

You can use striking black-and-white photographs as a styling element. Think of soft, muted tones or desert landscapes. Such subjects are a wonderful way to amp up the excitement in your home without you spending a lot.

You can buy original art or ask an artistic loved one to paint one on a special canvas.

Jazz Up with Plants

Have you observed that no real estate property is listed without even a slight hint of green plants? Home stylists just love to use indoor plants in brightening up homes. These green living things naturally move something within each one of us. Studies have also proven that plants can increase productivity and creativity.

Choose from succulents, cacti, orchids and peace lilies. There is an indoor plant that will be suitable to your personality as well as your maintenance style.

Matchy-Matchy No More

If there’s anything that you would steer out of, it would be the default design technique of matching design elements. A reliable color palette is neither boring nor matchy-matchy. The use of a limited color palette throughout your home will make it more unified.

Keeping your style more interesting is as easy as adding a different tone as the area differs. The same base color can also be used in every single room with the rest of the design elements taking on a darker or lighter hue.

Just create a flow from one room to the next. Be confident with the color choice that you eventually make as this whole house color scheme will surely work for you.

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