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History and Future of Woven Furniture

Monday, July 10th, 2017

Biltmore Collection’s Trellis Wicker Ottoman

Has it ever come to your attention just how beautiful chairs with woven seats are? These seats come with the most intricate patterns and complex lace type so that they are not just beautiful, they are also durable enough to sit an adult. Or you might have noticed the rocking chair in your grandma’s porch – isn’t it the most interesting woven piece?

There are furniture caning projects but what’s more interesting is the history of wicker itself. Wickerwork has been mentioned in many ancient societies, hence, one can deduce that it is as old as some of the primitive societies. Potawatomi Indians have this mythical creature – an old lady – who lives on the moon and knows how to weave baskets.

Weaving is very much a part of many cultures all over the world. These days, modern wicker furniture pieces are just an interesting extension of the basket weaving techniques back in the day.

The earliest evidence of wicker furniture production was during the Sumerian civilization, about 4000 B.C. Sumerians depended on wicker for their transportation, shelter, floors, clothing, utensils, and furnishings.

Ancient Romans were also found to have owned pieces of wicker furniture. It was the Egyptians, though, who had a more sophisticated design for their wicker pieces.

What’s great about the modern pieces today is that they come with the advantage of technology. Machinery and tools also greatly reduced the labor plus they it upped the efficiency of wicker making. The weaving techniques remain the same, though, which is an advantage.

Orient Express Furniture OutdoorPatio Loom Outdoor Dining Arm Chair 6809KD.PLA/SGRY/GT

American Wicker

One of the earliest pieces of wicker furniture that were found in America is a baby’s cradle. This was believed to have been brought by the Pilgrims. Baskets and other wickerwork were eventually made in colonial America. Its use for other furniture and decoration was yet to be discovered during that time, though.

Chinese trade greatly influenced American wicker industry. Peacock chairs and Chinese fantail were brought by traders. Since these were novelty items, the English and the Americans were enamored by the said pieces.

Rattan was eventually imported to England where the shiny skin was stripped off as the reeds were used in weaving seats and backs for chairs.

Victorian Wicker

Between 1860 and 1880, Wicker was introduced in the creation of lovely Victorian furniture. At first, the move was greatly experimental both in production and technology used. It was Cyrus Wakefield who took the red weed that was being thrown and used it in creating a new material.

Wicker Today

If you’re thinking of dressing up your patio, then what better way is there than wicker furniture?

Wicker furniture offers a natural, rustic appearance which is most suitable for outdoor pieces.  It is also a wonderful choice for people who would want a greener piece for their home.

Wicker is also durable and safe to use. The quality of the wood makes it one of the most durable materials for outdoor use. It can also be woven easily with the application of a small amount of heat.

Wicker is also easy to maintain. It may not be weather resistant but with diligence in cleaning and keeping it away from the rays of the harsh sun, you can have this furniture piece for a long time. also, make sure that you cover it with a tarp when it is raining so that the piece remains dry, beautiful and durable.

Intensive cleaning involves a damp sponge – that’s as far as you could go. Just do this weekly so that the wicker furniture piece will retain its brilliance. Be sure to dry it out prior to placing back the upholstery as well as the cushions.

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Accent Furniture (and How to Make the Most of It)

Monday, July 10th, 2017

FFDM Summer Home Collection’s Accent Cabinet

Accent furniture is that piece that stands as it beautifully complements a room and its contents. This term is in reference to this furniture’s role which is to emphasize or stress something. If you have a furniture piece that is more than functional, then it can be referred to as accent furniture.

Accent furniture is almost always a decorative piece, too. There are even some homeowners who do not have a practical need for some pieces in their home, yet, they invest in them because they excite their senses and the pieces’ accent color is just too difficult to ignore.

When you are considering the kind of accent piece that you would finally take home, you must think of ways to go about with this decision. You must prepare to invest if you to achieve a home that delights.

Begin with the Entryway

Remember that the entry sort of sets the tone for your home. This is, therefore, the best place to first use an accent piece. An accent chest, for example, is a wonderful piece to begin with. Any piece that is gilded, painted or has ornate art will also work well.

Find a chest that has a bold color or one that has an interesting geometric shape.

Accentuate with Tiny Tables

Find small tables as they are one of the greatest pieces to accentuate a space. Find pieces that are inlaid, painted or uses unconventional materials. Pieces with bold hues or lines are also amazing choices. Be sure to pick tables for their unique look.

Use these tables anywhere in your place from the bedroom, dining room, living room to the kitchen.

Go Large and Bold

Accent pieces may also be huge and imposing depending on what piece you need in a space. An armoire can be the co-star inside the bedroom. The china cabinet can take center stage inside the dining room. The busiest home office can have an executive desk.

If the rest of your furnishings are muted, then you can freely look for an imposing, ornate piece.

The dining table is a natural accent furniture. Pick a table that grabs your attention because of its color, materials or finish. There are many styles and sizes to choose from. Find the piece that complements the other dining room pieces.

Chair with Style

Chairs are also wonderful accent pieces – at least the right pieces are. When you pick an accent piece, again, this has to have a bold profile. It can also have a unique upholstery or color.

The accent chair can also be the perfect contrast for your other furnishings. Having two different styles in one room can have awesome results. Traditional furnishings, for instance, can find a breath of fresh air in a contemporary chair. You could also go the other way around where the rest of the design is contemporary while the accent chair is a historic looking piece.

Tips in Choosing Accent Pieces

Now that you know that not all furniture pieces are meant just to function, here are some tips in choosing the versatile pieces that will make your house a home –

  • Remember your personality. To add a pop of color, you might as well make a statement with the hue that you like the most.
  • An accent furniture can also be used as a storage unit. Inside the ottoman can be a place for your magazines and books. The accent chest can also be a place to tuck your shoes.
  • Spruce up a nook or corner with an interesting accent furniture. With it, you can say goodbye to awkward corners.

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Carpet Appreciation and Maintenance

Sunday, July 9th, 2017

The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Fair Oaks King Upholstered Bed sits beautifully on the lush bedroom carpet and a unique area rug just on its side. 

Carpets have come a long way from the time when woven wool was used in the 1700s. Thanks to the power loom of Erastus Bigelow, the world has now more woven carpets to enjoy.

If you haven’t decided to use a carpet yet, it would be best to take a look at the benefits. Primarily carpets are used to protect the surface of your flooring. Whether you decided to have wood or stone installed, your flooring needs all the protection that it can get. Having a carpet does not just beautify the place but also helps it protect your feet and the flooring from having more scuffs and dents.

There are literally thousands of carpet designs and colors in the market. Your ultimate choice, therefore, should represent who you are and what truly personalizes the living space.

The carpet can serve as a neutral foundation or if it’s interesting enough, it can also serve as the focal point. If you choose to do the latter, make sure that you pick a carpet with bolder patterns, interesting texture, and brighter color.

Did you also know that studies have proven how people with asthma or other allergy problems have improved symptoms when the carpet was installed in their homes? This means that carpeting can also improve the indoor air quality.

The newest carpets have low VOC-emissions. They act as passive air filters that can trap pollen, dust and other harmful particles. These are then removed from the breathing zone.

Of course, carpets also provide warmth and comfort. They also soften one’s fall or slip as they are also the best cushions for your feet.

Last but not the least among carpet benefits is noise reduction. Just imagine all the speaker phones, TVs, and modern sound systems in your home. Without carpeting, the sounds that these create will not be reduced.

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Biltmore Select Bidjar Rug 1773RS Regal Blue

Professional Carpet Cleaning Tips

Despite your family’s best efforts to clean up after spills, accidents, and drops, the carpet will eventually succumb to damages. If you want to clean up your carpet in ways that professionals do, then learn some tips –

  • Should your carpet sustain a spill or stain, make sure that you blot it with a sponge, paper towel or a clean cloth. Blot it so that the sponge will soak up the liquid. Rubbing the liquid in will only result in more particles seeping to the carpet fibers. As you keep doing this, you could end up with damaged carpet fibers.
  • Club soda is also effective in cleaning up wine and beer stains. Just be sure to clean it up correctly. Use the soda on a cloth then blot the stained area. If this still does not work, then mix a part of white vinegar with a part of water. Use a handheld sprayer to shoot onto the area.

Let the solution sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. A sponge could then be used to soak up the liquid. As soon as the stain is gone, be sure to rinse the previously stained spot with warm water.

  • Believe it or not, shaving cream does work. It will be able to remove just about every type of stain. Just apply it directly to the stain on your carpet then allow it to set. Blow the set away using a dry white cloth afterward.

Cap your carpet cleaning with shaving cream by spraying the area further with a mixture of one part of water and one part of vinegar. Again, using a clean cloth, wipe away the solution.

  • If you happen to have a chewing gum on the carpet, then don’t keep tugging at it. Get it out by getting some ice cubes. Freeze the gum by dabbing it with ice cubes for about 30 seconds. When frozen, use a spoon to lift the hard glob.

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Designing with Turtles: The Feng Shui Lucky Way

Saturday, July 8th, 2017

Maitland-Smith Accessories Young Penshell And Brass Turtle 1054-530

Chinese mythology dictates that the unicorn, phoenix, dragon and the turtle are some of the most sacred animals. Of these, only the turtle is a real animal. Turtle is a term that is in reference to both those that live in water and tortoises which live on land.

The turtle lived long enough on earth so it is a default symbol of endurance, longevity, and wealth.

The word honu in Hawaiian depicts sea turtles and it also denotes long life. This gentle animal has been around for approximately 200 million years which makes them older than mammals, birds, and other reptiles.

Since turtles have lived for a very long time and they rarely die from any illness, they have been believed to be somewhat supernatural. Many Chinese temples actually worship turtles.

The Feng Shui Turtle

It is believed that turtles are guardians of the compass. Called the Dark Warrior, the turtle which has a snake wrapped around its neck is the ruler of the North.

The so-called Feng Shui turtle enhances energy and is believed to protect the house.

If you want to make the most of this luck enhancer, then there are a few guidelines that you need to know. It is a turtle that is not the same as all other turtles because the Feng Shui turtle is used specifically as an auspicious symbol.

The Feng Shui turtle works well with the Feng Shui frog. These symbols are related to money matters. Frogs are believed to be lucky when placed in front of homes. The turtle, though slow, represents wealth energy that is slow to leave the household.

The turtle must be placed at the back of your home. Yards, decks, and patios are the best places to put a live turtle or decorative pieces. Choose three pieces that will have their eyes looking away from the house. They should not be looking at the garden, terrace, the interiors of your home, or the patio.

The efficiency of turtles is increased when four red dots are painted onto the back of the head of each. Red is a powerful color that is also associated with wealth.

Growing Income with the Turtle

The turtle’s corner of the Pa Kua or bagua is the corner where income is earned from a business or a job. Turtles and tortoises attract good fortune through income generation. They are also believed to protect the home from malevolent forces.

Since the turtle also represents longevity, its power can be applied in one’s tenacity to win the race. Remember Aesop’s fable where the turtle patiently walks as the hare even makes fun of him? This turtle can empower the homeowner to keep going with his business or job endeavors.

Placing a live turtle or even just an image or figure on the southeast corner of your home will help you grow more money. If you have investments, you are sure to grow them as you place the turtle on the wealth sector.

Putting the image of a turtle on your office will also help boost recognition at work. Make room for career opportunities because there will be many. Put a Chinese coin inside the turtle’s mouth so that more money will arrive.

Placing even just an image of a turtle on the living room’s north sector increases your income generating activities. You can also look forward to job promotions as you use this celestial symbol of power and wealth in your home.

What’s good with the image of the turtle is that it can also help you have better health and relationships. Just place the turtle on the East sector of your home to add these benefits.

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Bed Bench: A Bed’s Best Buddy

Friday, July 7th, 2017

This bedroom would have appeared incomplete minus this Vesper Bed Bench from FFDM’s Cadence Collection.

A bed that sits at the foot of your bed – also known as a bed bench – is the best companion that your bed could have. It is luxurious to say the very least. If you think that your bedroom is missing a thing that will make it more functional and dramatic, or if you feel that it seems empty that it needs a boost or an extra storage room, then you could consider investing in a bedroom bench.

There are many styles to choose from including Chinoiserie, French Empire, Hollywood Regency, Mid-century Modern, and garden benches. The bedroom bench is an accent piece that can highlight the other furnishings in the bedroom especially the bed. It can also provide extra storage.

Bed benches can also take the place that is often occupied by the footboard.

What designs or uses can you have for your bed bench?

Wild Print

You can add the right amount of animal print inside your bedroom. Don’t make it look like the African jungle, though. Be sure to use an upholstered bench with zebra or tiger print. This should be enough to emphasize your standout personality.

Add Glamour

One way to add glamour to your room is by using a tufted bed bench complete with acrylic legs. To up the luxurious feel of the bedroom piece, use interesting finishes and textures.

Adding glamour could also be the simple addition of another texture or material. Two to three ottomans can also be used as a unique fusion that creates a bed bench, of sorts. Plus, you create an interesting geometrical pattern inside your bedroom.

Clean Lines and More Patterns

You can also emphasize the clean lines inside the bedroom by investing in a mid-century bed bench. For a more interesting depth, you can have a printed fabric placed on the bed that has the same fabric as the bed bench.

The color used on both can also be used on your bedroom’s Roman shade.

The Ultimate Footboard

When you’re debating whether or not a footboard is really necessary, think whether you would like a softer appearance. If this is your preference, then you can go straight to having just the bed. If you like a more finished look, though, or a more classic appearance, then the added bed bench can easily serve as the footboard.

The footboard personalizes your bedroom. At times, it is an issue of how tall you are or what interior design you actually went for. Your bedroom will also look more tailored if you use a footboard to complete the look.

Footboards, along with bed cradles, are things that you can attach to a bed that will keep the blankets as well as the sheets from touching your feet and legs. The footboard will also serve as the fence for your feet.

Bed Bench Buying Guide

Now that you know the benefits of having a footboard, in this case a bed bench, it is now time to find out how to shop wisely –

  • For extra storage space, find a bed bench that comes complete with drawers. You can even use a chest as a footboard and in both cases, you can have storage for quilts, sheets and extra pillows.
  • The boudoir bench can be upholstered with velvet to make it look more elegant and luxurious. Wrought-iron pieces with ornate designs would also do.
  • Mission style bed benches can make use of wicker basket weave underneath the metal frame to casually add décor while also adding extra storage space.
  • If your bedroom also serves as your home office, then you can have the bed bench serve as a filing cabinet.

Whatever use you prefer for your bedroom bench, what matters is that it is comfortable and is not just an additional decorative element in your place of rest.

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Desk Job: 8 Hot Tips in Buying the Right Home Office Desk

Friday, July 7th, 2017

The Hooker Furniture Home Office House Blend 60in Peninsula Desk comes complete with open shelving for easy storage.

So, you’ve finally taken the plunge and you’re now embarking on your home office career. This is an exciting phase in your life since you no longer have to dream about working from home but get to actually do it.

Don’t just window shop for office furniture anymore. Sooner or later, you just have to begin shopping for the right office furniture.

When you’re deciding what sort of office desk you will have for your home office, it helps if you search online. You will find hundreds of options there and if you don’t have any idea yet on what type of desk you are actually looking for, you need to learn which features to look for.

Here are the leading desk features to check –

Height

The desk often comes with a standard height and this works well for many people. This height must be set at about 29.5” which is sufficient for a 6’1” male. This can be a little too high for some people. To check what height is right for you, sit on a chair and have it positioned in front of the office desk that you are planning on buying.

Find someone who will measure the vertical distance for you. Take the distance from your elbows down to the floor. This should be your preferred desk height. If you’re unable to find one that’s good enough for you, or if you are shorter or taller, see how you can find a desk that is adjustable. There are computer desks that have adjustable heights.

Finish

The home office may be just a work area for you but this should not automatically be a default office setting. There are many styles of computer desks that are both functional and attractive. Choose from the many materials such as glass, wood, plastic, metal, or even wicker.

You can also invest in a writing desk that looks sophisticated enough for your home office. Buy one that has a classic design so that its style will transcend time.

Cord Ports

A lot of office desks, these days, is the home for a computer whether it’s a desktop type of a laptop. Even when you are going to use the desk as a writing desk, you would want to have one that readily comes with a cord ports for all those power cords and cables.

Cord ports are those holes at the back of the computer desk which allows cables to be routed safely.

Keyboard Tray

Have you observed how quickly a desk space can easily get cluttered? The fewer stuff you place on top of the desk, the better. It would also help if your office desk has a keyboard tray which will free up a lot of space for your other office stuff.

As soon as you’re done typing, you can just tuck the keyboard tray underneath the desk once more.

Thigh Clearance

While it is necessary to have ample storage space for a lot of your office stuff, make sure that the desk drawers do not impede your underneath work surface. A lot of people have a small clearance from their thighs to their forearms, a two-inch work surface would suffice.

Check the edges of the office desk as well. Rounded edges should be preferred.

Or you can have a writing desk: Featured office furniture is the Hooker Furniture Home Office Big Sur Writing Desk.

Now here are some shopping tips –

Dirt-Cheap Doesn’t Spell Best

Expensive executive desks are pricey for a reason. Durability and classiness are characteristics that you need to invest in and you don’t find those in second-hand shops and very rarely in estate sales.

Make Comfort Your Priority

Office productivity comes where the office setting is comfortable and inviting. Find office furniture that is cozy but, more importantly, buy a bean bag or an office couch where you can crash when you feel that you need to take a break.

Lighting and Color Matter

Invest also in great task and ambient lighting. Make sure also that during the day, the office is bathed in natural light.

As for the office color, choose wisely. You may love scarlet but this is a room that’s not too good for it now.

Blue is the best calming color.

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Color 101: Handy Paint Guidelines for Walls

Thursday, July 6th, 2017

(The Last of a Six-Part Series)

The perfectly painted walls served as the beautiful backdrop for this Hooker Furniture Bedroom Woodcreek King Mansion Bed.

Painting your home’s walls is the most basic way to freshen up your entire place. This can be a tricky task, though, as it can just as easily turn into a nightmare. Here are some tips on how you can keep your sanity as you try to update the look of your home –

Practice and Be Patient

Interior house painting is a very popular DIY (do-it-yourself) activity. With this said, you can have this become a home activity or a project with your friends or office buddies. There isn’t a more affordable way to freshen up a home than to put on a new coat of paint together with your friends.

Painting is not difficult, in fact, you don’t need to have specialized training just to be able to do it. Any person who is able-bodied should be able to paint a room but you must have a bit of practice prior to the real project. Also, you need a lot of patience in order to finish the task.

Surface Prep

Successful paint jobs are successful because they began correctly. You need to properly prepare the surfaces that you are going to paint. This means you will have to sand, scrape, patch and then fill each hole that you could find.

Search also for dents, cracks and surface imperfections. This is not the fun part of your painting activity, in fact, it can be the most tedious part though it is a crucial part that you cannot ignore.

No amount of paint, no matter how pricey, will hide a cracked or pockmarked surface. Don’t think also that a thick coat will be able to hide imperfections – it won’t. It will only highlight the unprepared surfaces.

Primer Tinting

Priming the walls and ceilings is also mandatory when you need to paint over a wall with a darker color or a new drywall.

‘Wanna know why it is smart to first prime before you paint any wall surface?

Primer paint serves as a blocking stain from bleed through. It also allows a single-coat coverage for your main paint and, most importantly, it lets the paint adhere more, thus, peeling and blisters are greatly reduced.

A professional painter will tint right to the finished color. He does this by mixing topcoat paint to the primer. This will enhance the hiding capability of the top coat on the primed surface.

There are also paint nowadays that have primers. Nothing can cover as well as a dedicated primer, though.

Choose Canvas Over Plastic

Drop cloths are always plastic – you may have heard this a lot from your friends and relatives who finished their painting projects. While canvas is more expensive, it is better to have it because it is rip-resistant and highly durable.

Canvas also absorbs paint drips more than plastic cloths which can even contribute to accidents when the drips cause a slip.

Use an Extension Pole

Where needed, that is. Don’t risk using the stepladder, instead, invest in a telescoping extension pole. There are some that are even 18 feet long which can extend to 36 inches when fully extended.

Look for one that has that nonslip grip and metal core.

When You’re Done Painting

Once you’re done painting for the day, but would still need a few more surfaces the day after, be sure to roll off excess paint then wrap the brushes with food wrap. Double up so that you will seal off air completely.

This actually works in keeping the paint from drying off, thus, it would save you a lot of time from laborious cleaning of paint brushes.

The next day, remove the plastic wrap and you’re good to continue.

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Color 101: Inspiring Color Palettes

Thursday, July 6th, 2017

(Fifth of a Six-Part Series)

Distressed Furniture Is In: Stanley Furniture Dining Room Buffet 007-21-05

If you are looking for motivation, then there are a lot of colors to choose from. Green is at the very top of this list, though. It is an energetic yet relaxing hue that is, perhaps, the strongest color to pick. If you could compare green to a musical sound, then it would have to be the deep bass notes that resonate and vibrate with confidence.

Green is also used for therapy.

Red is the second most motivating color because it is dynamic and intense. You will surely notice red – no one can help it. It is the color used on the gods of war. Red is also a color that evokes activity and achievement.

The last of the triad is the color blue – specifically cool blue. Blue is the color of heroism. It is ethereal and inspiring because it denotes the heavens and all its celestial splendor.

Blue – just like red – also demands growth.

Bathe your room with colors using these interesting accents: Uttermost Accessories Colorful Cows Metal Figurines, Set_3 19058.

Other Interesting Palettes

If the basic palettes are not your cup of tea, then you could gear towards the neutral hues. This can be a combination of plum, lime green, beige and grass green. Fill your home with urban contemporary textures which will show the most interesting details.

Use sleek chairs to complement the subdued colors. Wood and ceramic tiling would surely complete the urban vibe.

The cool metallic palettes are also perfect in inspiring your home. When you think of metals – what first comes to your mind?

An amazing array of shiny hues to choose from, that’s what. Don’t just settle for silver and gray – these are the usual. Remember that you would want to inspire so explore with wrought-iron pieces in black. Combine silver with black and use the color combination on your chairs. This is a look that is dramatic yet sparse.

The leading metallic colors are brass, gold, and the glistening beauty of copper, silver, and iron. Would you like a more contemporary vibe? Go for aluminum.

If you want a modern monochrome palette, then go for penguin black (D447), silvery moon (D404), Beach light (D362), Ollie (D342), or A361 which is Toffee Frappe. These hues will look perfect in your breakfast nook and other such areas.

These colors are a little plain when used alone so be sure that the area is bathed in natural light. Black and white photos on your walls will amp the drama that this color palette already started.

The rustic pale palettes include brandy cream, saddle brown, rustic taupe and Arroyo red. Other exciting tints include the Polaris, Silent Storm, Sunstone, Onyx, White Rock, Phantom, Tangy Tuffy, Frivolous Folly, to name a few.

Cottage design can be used in any part of your home. All elements on your rustic pale palette evoke coziness and comfort.

Shop for natural elements and the bare-bone type of furnishings. If not, use a sanding block to distress your furniture. You can also shop for white, distressed furniture from our inspiring collection. 

Rustic pales are also similar to pastels but they are a lot more exciting. Imagine painting your walls with pistachio green or any other pale tint of green for a cooling effect in any space.

The multi-colored palette is the last among these palette options but it is definitely never going to be the last. You can pepper your home with colors. Find inspiration from Mother Nature herself – go to your garden and observe your vegetable plots – they’re pretty colorful, aren’t they?

You can also create a colorful symphony of patterns and colors. These will look great on a white flooring and walls.

 

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Color 101: Trendy Hues

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

(Fourth of a Six-Part Series)

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Parker Striped Bachelors Chest 1586-90017-BL2

Of late, more and more homeowners have become braver and bolder in terms of their color choices. Even interior designers have experimented with different color palettes. These just prove that your home can also be dressed uniquely and in the most unexpected way possible. You could use the hottest colors right now or create a signature shade that is just oozing with who you are.

Every year, color trends are decided upon in both the fashion and design industries. These are forecasted first, then created in design studios. Pantone is an example of this. Pantone colors are the hottest in the furniture and fashion communities so it is no surprise that the trendiest styles often trickle down to homes.

Brass Is Hot: Maitland-Smith Accessories Antique Brass And Dark Bronze Finished Horse, Deep Chocolate Leather And Aged Regency Base 1054-937

The Trendy Colors of 2017

So which hues should you gear towards?

Plum is a rich hue that has made a lot of designers and homeowners drool. You can instantly glam up a space when you pair this interesting color with gold or any vibrant hue. This is unexpected hue to use inside a bedroom or a modern kitchen but it is something that you can try.

Lavender is one of the most reliable spring colors. Though it’s already summer, you can still use as an unexpected wall adornment. Do the ombre method and you’re on the right track.

Red is also red hot these days. It can be a fall color but it can also work for summer with a little adjustment on which hues you pair it with. It can be the partner of crisp white, deep blue or light gray.

Mint is one of the lightest tints of green. This can be used on retro glassware, platter, or the major furnishings against a neutral palette.

Caribbean blue is also hot. This is the right color to use this summer as it evokes feelings of seaside vacations. Try this as a bold accent or against neutral palettes. The softer shades of blue would do to fill your walls with a classic color.

Paisley is also a light tint of blue. It’s not just a term used in English design which uses boteh or buta which have Persian origins. Use blue paisley as an accent hue. Even if this was trendy back in 2015, nothing can keep this color down in terms of being loved.

Metallic colors are also hot, hot, hot! Check out weathered brass and how it can liven up your own home. The polished version of brass gives an ‘80s retro vibe that is simply difficult to ignore. Brass accents will also surely steal the show in any transitional kitchen.

From metallic and fun, why not go to the more consistent yet still trendy hue that is Earl Grey. This color – even when used sparingly – lends coziness and warmth. Use it inside the bedroom as a combination of blush pink, burgundy, soft orange, or the deeper shades of lavender.

Pumpkin or the color orange is a warm hue that is perfect for summer and all-year round decorating. Use it as a major color and you can have creamy beige as accents and hints everywhere else.

Stripes and summer are synonymous. Think of beach homes and preppy habitats. Stripes are versatile and depending on the combinations, it can be classical or modern.

Coral – the burnt type – is the classic peachy shade of pink. Use it during spring or summer – or whenever you want to – it is just perfect.

Watercolor technique is also hot this 2017. It is best achieved through a structured ombre-inspired wall color or wall treatments. Use it also as a drippy pattern which is unexpected so it is amazingly unique. Go ahead and swirl and twirl.

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Color 101: The Brights

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

(The Third of a Six-Part Series)

The rich gold hue of the Cynthia Rowley Shangri-la Gilded Dining Table Base is what makes it pop from any neutral background.

Every single one of the homeowners in the world dream of having a happy home. One way that you can achieve this is to dress up your space with the happiest hues. Just think of sunny yellow, tomato red, the hot hue lime green, and much more. Just seeing these will make you want to shout awesome.

Picking bright colors is not easy, though. It entails careful planning. Without proper planning, you could end up with a room that’s overpowering. Use it properly and you would have rooms upon rooms of living spaces that simply leap to life.

The Right Doses of Bright

Bright colors are often associated with modern design. A bright interior design is unique and energizing; it emphasizes the homeowner’s style while also giving personality to the rooms.

The size of a room is one of the most crucial considerations that you need to do when you are selecting vivid hues for your modern interiors. For a small apartment, be sure to stick with colorful decorative accents only.

Remember what you learned on the first of this series? Color 101 Part 1

Let the color wheel guide you in choosing the matching hues for your rooms. Enrich your home’s colors by adding and harmonizing hues.

Led by Red

Red can be the leader color on your color palette. It is fiery, bold, enigmatic, aggressive, and even seductive and powerful. Any furnishing or architecture in red will surely catch your attention. Don’t be afraid to use this color since it has the capacity to make your space glamorous, dramatic and sleek.

The best colors that blend well with red are

White

Blue

Black

Gray

Yellow and

Dark green.

Color psychology-wise, red is indicative of passion, energy, and action. It is a warm color that can be either masculine or feminine depending on the presentation. It also signifies a leader and pioneering spirit.

Since red awakens physical movement, it is best used in areas where you would need people to be more active. The home office and living room are great space to use red in as it can stimulate and create excitement.

Wrapped in Yellow

Yellow in your room can add loads of cheer. Even a small part of the room being yellow livens up space. It is like adding a ray (or two) of sunshine so you’d be inspired to move.

Yellow is also often paired with wooden elements because the latter harmonize well with this hue. Also, none can be a more interesting textural fusion than these two.

When yellow is used on your walls, be sure to temper it with neutral pieces. Imagine a wooden bed nestled by yellow walls. That will make for a cottage-like ambiance.

Try pairing yellow with natural elements such as decorative twigs distressed wooden furnishing, or nature-inspired carpet also in yellow but in a different shade.

Upgrade the color yellow to gold and you are already exuding success, wealth and high status in society. Gold also denotes prestige and masculine energy since it shows the power of the sun.

Zen Is Green

Green is refreshing, breezy and crisp. This is the best hue to use in a tropical setting. You will immediately feel outdoorsy when you use green in any room in your home. Paint the walls as well as your cabinets with this color so you also add a tinge of daintiness.

In color perspective, green is a color of rebirth, renewal, or growth. If you want to relax, then this is the go-to color.

Versatile In Blue

Blue is a unique and versatile hue. It can energize your home office or any other room in your home. This is true for its vibrant variants such as turquoise or those that exude a Bohemian vibe.

Blue can also be youthful or relaxing. Depending on how dark or light the blue is, you achieve different emotions with it.

Blue denotes idealism, intellect, and spiritual perspective. It is the best color for religious study and meditation.

If you’re conservative but would want a bright hue, then blue is your best friend.

Other Energetic Colors

  • Orange
  • Indigo
  • Flamingo pink
  • And any combination of the bright colors.

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