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Daylighting: Enjoying the Positive Effects of Natural Light in Your Home

Tuesday, May 16th, 2017

High windows, when properly situated, can provide ample lighting during the morning. Featured here is the beautiful Hooker Furniture Dining Room Elixir Round Dining Table 42in.

With regard to architecture, daylighting makes reference to the utilization of natural light. Whether this natural light is brilliant or an overcast illumination, either is used to support the visual needs of the occupants of a home.

Most daylighting purists argue that the natural light should be the primary illumination source during the day. It must also be able to create thermally and visually comfortable lighting that’s linked with the scenic beauties outdoors. Others simply view natural lighting as having a home that has windows with a view.

Efficient and Productive Lighting

Daylighting is highly regarded for its health and aesthetic benefits. A lot of researchers and designers agree to this. Daylit habitats are also believed to increase the productivity of its occupants while also upping the comfort in the home.

As if these weren’t good enough benefits, you can also enjoy visual and mental stimulation which are essential in regulating the human circadian rhythms.

The use of natural light also leads to a substantial amount of energy savings. Buildings’ electrical light consumes roughly 15-percent of all the U.S.-generated electricity. This information is according to the U.S. Department of Energy also the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Did you know that homes that have been fitted with daylight-sensing controls reduce their energy consumption by as much as 20% to 60%?

Natural Light and Your Mood

The natural lighting level in the rooms in your home can truly affect your mood. These rays contain vitamin D which is also an added benefit. This vitamin makes people feel more positive. Brighter rooms, therefore, make us feel a lot happier, more vibrant and alive.

When adding a light color to your ceilings or when you use a glass pendant lighting fixture, the room will surprisingly feel lighter. Glass doors also let in more natural light, therefore, polished floorboards and the rest of the rooms look instantly more energetic.

Begin planning your rooms especially the ones that are too dark. Of course, you cannot just allow every room remain brightly-lit all day. There must also be areas where shadows play an interesting contrast so that your home will retain its character.

Who says bedrooms have to be dark? Let in a generous amount of sunlight during the day. Featured here is the Lazarus Queen Headboard from the Meritage Collection of FFDM.

Decorating Dark Rooms

It always pays to make good use of mirrors. The shinier the surfaces, the more light will be reflected off of them. This means you have to learn to effectively use brass lighting (this is so in this 2017), gold doorknobs, brass candelabra, silver photo frames, and such.

You can also install mirrors directly opposite to one another so that they would bring about infinite reflections on both sides.

Adding a mirror at the end of a limited hallway will make the space appear much longer. You can also create the look of a larger window by placing a mirror that’s as big as the window opposite it.

Conclusion

If you are designing or about to renovate your home, be sure to check how the windows would relate to the movement of the sun throughout the day. The windows that face south have a steady supply of daytime warmth and light. Even during the winter, you are sure to find a generous amount of light there.

North-facing windows admit the softer, more indirect lighting. These windows offer very little to zero glare. The rooms is that area are also not able to maintain the warmth during the colder seasons.

The west and east-facing windows are able to funnel the light during the mornings and the afternoons, respectively. These windows might cause some glaring so learn how to angle the windows where natural light is easier to control.

Balance is the ultimate solution that you would need in order to utilize natural light effectively. Remember that anything excessive – even natural light – is never good.

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Shabby Chic This Spring 2017

Monday, May 15th, 2017

Lexington Dining Room Oxford Square Arm Chair 4011-463-201511

The design term known as shabby chic was first mentioned in the ‘80s. It’s a term that is being attributed to Rachel Ashwell, an English interior designer. It first graced the pages of The World of Interiors and has since become a renowned trans-Atlantic feature.

Shabby chic is the marriage of country style British and the lovely chateau of France. This style emerged from the posh ‘80s when a lot of the interior design trends progressed to the charm of English homes. Pretty soon, shabby chic went global and homeowners were going gaga about it.

Rachel Ashwell moved stateside when she had to open her first Shabby Chic store in 1989. This Santa Monica shop took on the world of interior design by surprise. It is nearing its 30th anniversary in 2019. The design, by itself, now has a following of its own and it’s only the business model that needs a makeover.

Constant Revamp

The shabby chic style is in constant need of reconditioning, mixing and matching. It also pays homage to mending and making do with what’s existing. But you don’t have to strip your current furniture of its paint just so you can achieve the shabby chic style.

Nowadays, there are a lot of shabby chic furniture pieces in the market. While these furnishings are practically new, they have the lived in or worn appeal. In fact, shabby chic is also now infused with some rustic elements such as the 18th century Shaker style.

Shop for Shabby Chic

When looking for the perfect pieces for your shabby chic home, be sure to find the ones that look vintage. Take a careful look at the paint finish, look for the ones that have a distressed look. This means that the lower layer of paint has been exposed to suggest wear and tear.

You don’t have to reuse or recycle furniture that is already frail. Find the hottest ones in the market. Blend both fresh and new as well as pretty florals and antique lace. Shabby chic is mainly English so go ahead and set up your dining area for an afternoon tea. If there are tea stains, don’t hesitate to show ‘em.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Three-Drawer Chest

Shabby Chic Rooms

Shabby chic is a style that keeps living on. If you want to make it your own, then you can begin in your kitchen. None can be a more sophisticated color for your kitchen walls than the lovely gray. All the country elements would feel right with this hue.

After the kitchen, you can go on to the attic. Here, you can set up a unique bedroom complete with painted rough floorboards with white walls. Just add a charming Persian rug and you’re done.

When it comes to the dining space, it would be nice to begin with rustic walls. Use paneling and other elements that look vintage.

As for the bedroom, you can prominently display your furnishings with the distressed look. Even out-of-season cushions and sheets can be used as a display. Just wallpaper your armoire with the same wallpaper on your bedroom walls.

If you love colorful spaces, then have the shabby chic reinvented with a Boho twist. If you’re aiming for this, make sure to veer away from white and work on pastels instead.

All in all, shabby chic is far from shabby. This is a design that will surely add elegance to any home. It is popular so you also won’t worry about being out of style. Shabby chic pieces are very easy to find. This is added great news since there are hundreds of options to choose from.

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Your 2017 Summer Home

Saturday, May 13th, 2017

Summer Home Collection by FFDM: Featured here is the Poster King Bed.

Okay, so spring is about to come to an end and summer is just about to break forth. The summer home can be a place relaxation, reflection, retreat, quiet and peace. While this is the case, it can also be the hub of exciting activities especially since summer is the season for water sports and vacations.

Summer Is Bright

Summer is a season for bright color trends or it can simply be white. A warmer weather spells moments when people would spend more time cleaning and uncluttering.

A pure white color palette is clean, crisp and refreshing. Bathrooms and kitchens could use white on tiles and cabinetry. Say no to clutter and oversized furniture.

No to Patterns, Yes to Tonal Palette

Say goodbye to energetic patterns. Summer is the time to embrace tonal palette with very minimal use of patterns. People are going to be busy this summer so you must be able to create a place of calm and relaxation.

Your body isn’t the only one that should rest this coming season. Your eyes must also be able to rest as they behold the design elements in your home.

Swap throw pillows or curtains with busy patterns with elements that are more solid and textured. Remember to keep your colors within the same hue family.

Display Spirited Sculptures

Add a different level of appeal in your home by displaying a statement sculpture. This is an ideal trend during summer because is spells a carefree and whimsical attitude.

Summer is all about having fun and celebrating. Pick a sculpture that will surely magnetize the visitors’ eyes.

Paint the Concrete Tiles

These are quickly becoming more widespread. These tiles often show intricate patterns and they are sold in a number of stores.

These tiles work best inside a traditional setting but with the right elements, it can also be used in a modern setting.

Go Boho Chic

Midcentury furniture is slowly making a comeback in homes. Designers now mix Midcentury and Modern pieces together with Moroccan or Bohemian-inspired pieces.

Trendy Pools

One of the biggest trends in the past years are pool parties. These are no longer just for the suburbs anymore. Swimming pools are now being integrated to outdoor spaces – no matter how small.

Even small outdoor spaces can be opportunities to create a sense of relaxation and intimacy.

Still from the Summer Home Collection, here is the lovely Landscape Mirror made more summer-y by the rooster figurines and other colorful elements.

Muted + Natural

Summer is setting the path for muted palettes and fresh materials. Organic shapes are also in according to some well-known designers. Anything that’s breezy and bright will never feel boring. So go ahead and embrace this trend and painting your walls with a neutral hue. Sand hue is perfectly embodied in Sonoma Clay 1242 by Benjamin Moore.

Pop a Little Color

Summer bring with it a lot of bold sounds, flavors and sights. Don’t fear bright and bold colors this upcoming season. Those who shy away from the boldest trends might as well use small pops.

A wonderful example of this is when you use a red chair and let it sit in a mainly neutral room. The color is just enough to be noticed but not in a way that’s intimidating.

Another way to bring the color in is to let in the yellows, blues, oranges, and reds of Mother Nature. Sandy hue is also appropriate for this season.

Brass Is Trendy

The year 2017 is a wonderful year for the reintroduction of brass. Use this lovely metal in interior finishes. Go ahead and be obvious with nautical elements. Let go of your non-metallic furniture knobs and replace them with brass instead. A white dresser would surely be noticed once you install brass knobs.

Finish the look by adding lamps, your collections, knickknacks, and a mirror.

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The Home Office of an Executive

Friday, May 12th, 2017

Biltmore Collectors’ Room at two different angles. 

Is your home office designated for running your new business? Or is it a place for the random telecommute? It could also be the nook for organizing your week as well as planning how to pay your bills.

You deserve a lot more than the usual desk and chair for your home office. A home office – your home office – should reflect who you are and it must also be comfortable enough so that you can expect a lot of productive days ahead.

Pick the Perfect Location

You are likely to spend countless hours in this home office so never be frugal with the space. Rather than keep a rarely-used guest room, it is best for you to set up a spacious home office instead.

Think also of the amount of foot traffic that would flow into your home office. How skillful are you in terms of keeping distractions at bay? If you’re not that good in shutting out noise and other distractions, then it is best to find an area that shuns these interruptions.

Form + Function

The desk, chair, storage units and shelves should serve your requirements and not the other way around. Think of the workflow and the stuff that you need within your reach especially during the work hours.

Find pieces that are both functional and beautiful. These pieces must complement all the other rooms in your home. These should not spell characterless.

If your home happens to have a traditional décor, then go for warm and soft, comfortable chairs. A loveseat would be an awesome seating unit for your visitors. A contemporary home, on the other hand, can feature metal furniture or artistic pieces.

The Chair as an Investment

You will be spending many hours in your office chair so make sure that you invest in an ergonomically-correct seat. This means that the chair offers lumbar adjustment for both depth and height. The backrest must be about 12-19n inches in width.

Consider this home office chair as an investment.

The Home Office Palette

Don’t automatically resort to beige. You would need a hue that will turn the cogwheels in your mind. For a few people, this is cheerful orange or the exciting tone of lime green. Still, others require a calming shade such as sea foam blue or botanical green.

The Home Office View

Be sure to position your chair and the desk at an area that is more interesting than the back of a building or a blank wall in the room. Even when you love the wall color, refrain from positioning your office furnishings in front of a blank wall.

It is important that you are able to look at a scenic view as you go about your day. The natural light offered by an open window is most ideal. If you happen to have a windowless home office, then at the very least, hang a lovely picture right above your desk. Also, be sure to position your chair right across the door.

Homey Home Office Accessories

If you’re not going for a contemporary look, then you must enhance the comfortable look and feel in your home office. Look for a rarely used mug and have it hold your favorite pens and pencils. Use a decorative waste basket, hang a bulletin board that’s wrapped in fabric, and conceal all utilitarian bookshelves.

If you can, invest in a more rustic bookshelf. Be sure to hang framed family photos or inspirational prints on the office walls.

A home office that does not have much square footage, could make good use of horizontal and vertical organization. Use a basket to file your papers, notes and mails. As for to-do papers, designate a lovely drawer.

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The Antebellum Architecture and Interior Design

Friday, May 12th, 2017

FFDM’s Antebellum Collection: Side Table

If history were to be the basis for the definition of Antebellum, then it is that period when civil war was at its peak and when it ended in 1812. This also includes a brief part of the after-war era till the 1789 adoption of the Constitution.

Cotton plantations were quite profitable during this time. The South enjoyed this cotton boom and their economy soared.

The Industrial Revolution started with the New England textile industry. This was brought about by Samuel Slater who was an apprentice in one of the biggest textile factories in Britain. He was the first to open the fully-mechanized mill.

There are many other historical happenings that affected the characteristics of anything considered to be antebellum.

Antebellum Architecture

Antebellum architecture focuses on the elegant and huge plantation homes in the South. Antebellum is the Latin word for before war. These days, it is used to define the style of a house or even furnishing style. But if we would have to be technical, it represents a historical place and time.

Southern architecture is hugely inspired by whoever inhabited the land – the French, Spanish, Native Americans or Creoles. These entrepreneurs dominated the Southern economy and also the architectural features of many homes.

A great many antebellum homes are in Classical Revival, Greek Revival, Federal Style or French Colonial in symmetry and form. Just take a careful look at the boxy balconies, pillars and columns and you’d know that you’re looking at an antebellum home.

Antebellum homes also feature the most opulent details such as –

  • Gabled roofing
  • Evenly-spaced windows
  • Balanced façade
  • Wide balconies
  • Covered porch
  • Grand staircases
  • Central entryway
  • Cupola
  • Formal ballroom

Are you picturing the home in the movie The Sound of Music? That’s actually already pretty modern. The home in Gone with the Wind is more like it.

The American antebellum represents everything that’s grand, stately and powerful. It reflects the idealism of the rich plantation owners of the South. Here are some of the best and well-known examples of Antebellum homes –

  • The Oak Alley Plantation from Vacherie, LA
  • The Belle Meade Plantation from Nashville, TN
  • The Longwood Estate situated in Natchez, MS
  • Long Branch Estate located in Millwood, VA.

Most of these homes were damaged during the Civil War and also during Hurricane Katrina.

FFDM’s Antebellum Collection: Landscape Mirror

Stylizing the Antebellum Home

So, if your home has those wide, spacious porches, extensive grounds and huge rooms, then you are blessed. You probably own a Southern plantation home. You can begin looking for the best paint colors, cabinetry and lighting fixtures to decorate your home with.

Begin with styling the Antebellum porch.  Nothing can offer a more relaxing vibe than to have this classic porch transformed into an easygoing area. Install lantern-style fixtures and ornate yet still laidback furniture pieces.

Blue green is the most apt color for porch ceilings. This is because it was originally considered as a means to ward off evil spirits. White paint is also the look of antique. Just like every Farrow & Ball color, white can change with the light. So this can appear off-white, pale gray, cream, even yellowish.

Speaking of light, you can use pendant fixtures, still in lantern style.

To complete the look, install also a ceiling fan or two.

As you go indoors, expect to find coffered ceilings. If these are not installed in your current home, then don’t fret ask a professional to do everything.

Having a luxurious flooring is also a must. As much as you can, save the original floors. If that’s no longer possible, it would be nice to have a reclaimed heart pine installed as your Antebellum home’s new – yet old-looking – flooring.

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Gray Interiors: Neither Detached Nor Unemotional

Thursday, May 11th, 2017

Arabella Collection by Hooker Furniture showcases the beauty of gray.

Are you one of the few who personally like gray interiors? This can be a difficult hue to work with and it can also be pretty controversial. Most people, though, find gray to be a depressing color. So, is gray a drab color or is it something that will turn your design positively around?

Gray Is Industrial

Gray is a hue that is typically associated with an industrial environment. To the right person, gray is neither black nor white but it can be a hue that gets attention to itself.

As you think of industrial settings, think of elements that are utilitarian. Industrial settings are most beautiful in gray.

Gray Is Popular

In the recent years, the world of interior design has seen the rise of gray as a huge part of a neutral color palette. It is also a cool color that can be paired with just about any hue. If you’re looking for a color palette that is secure, then gray should be your go-to hue.

Gray Psychology

Gray is a hue that may not evoke positive psychological feelings – if it is used on its own. With other colors, though, it is the perfect frame to an otherwise cluttered home.

Gray is also the go-to color if you want to achieve a more serious look in any room. This is the color that screams – I mean business.

Gray may be seen as an unconfident color as it is interpreted as being cocooned from the world outside. It can be a draining color if not used properly. There are many colors that you can fuse with gray which will make it non-draining.

It is believed that the colors we pick for our design palette represent our psyche. Gray interiors are seen to be a representation of the current economic situations around the globe. Subconsciously, people are protecting themselves from things that could happen that could bring about negative feelings.

Gray can be your source of calmness when you are nervous or feeling anxious. Without any color support, though, know that gray can be a color that drains positive feelings. This means that you must also be cautious in using gray.

Gray Resonates Your Personality

The best shade of gray which you picked represents who you truly are. Yellow-based grays are considered warm and homely while cool grays are often blue-based.

If you have to use gray inside the bedroom, make sure that you use the cooler tones. This is especially true when you are going to use this hue inside the nursery or a child’s bedroom. Rooms that require creativity must also veer away from gray.

The Marriage of Gray

Gray – since it does not have a personality of its own – must be paired with other colors. When you do this, allow gray to take the backseat while the other color will take center stage.

Find a color that harmonizes with gray. Since summer is just around the corner, you have to learn to combine gray with a summer color palette. Pair gray with pink, green or yellow. Red – in a watermelon shade – would also be a perfect partner for gray.

Other colors that would stand out when paired with gray are –

  • Sea foam green
  • Grassy green
  • Midnight blue
  • Sunny yellow
  • Rosy pink
  • Aqua (which is also an in color for 2017)
  • Cherry red
  • Coral and

Top interior designers have also taught us the hottest gray paint colors –

  • Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams
  • Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart
  • Chelsea Gray still by Benjamin Moore
  • Cloud by Dunn-Edwards
  • Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball.

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Contemporary Interior Design: Living, Breathing Art

Thursday, May 11th, 2017

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

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

Contemporary vs. Modern Art

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

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

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

Contemporary Lines  

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

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

Contemporary Colors

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

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

Contemporary Metal Accents

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

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

Contemporary Textures

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

Contemporary Wood Tones

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

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

Contemporary Lighting

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

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

Go Minimalist

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

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Awesome Book Displays for Your Home

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

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

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

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

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

Know What Books to Accumulate

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

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

Rare Books are a Handful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proper Storage Tips

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

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

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

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

Organizing the Bookshelf

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

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Country Style: Featuring the Cowgirl in You

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

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

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

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

Choose a Country Palette

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

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

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

Decorate the Country Style Kitchen

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

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

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

Goodnight Sweetheart Nightstand from the FFDM Humphrey Bogart Collection.

Country Flowers and Light

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

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

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

Timber Is Your New Best Friend

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

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

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

Top with Rustic Décor

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

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

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Accent Tables 101

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Poteet Accent Martini Table

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

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

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

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

Accent Table Finishes, Shapes, etc.  

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

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

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

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

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

Picking Your Accent Table

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

How to Use an Accent Table

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

You can use the accent table in these ways –

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

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