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Thursday, February 25th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Corsica Dark Queen Panel Bed 5280-90250.
The French Mediterranean style came from the countries situated at the north of the Mediterranean Sea. These countries include Greece, Spain and Italy. This is a style that is referred to today as Spanish modern.
Mediterranean furniture pieces range from the mere functional to the most formal. Most of these pieces are short and have ornate legs and feet. The wood used is often heavy and burnished. The walls of Mediterranean homes are often textured, with the bullnose edge being a common design on fireplace mantels.
Mediterranean Colors
The hues of these regions echo the beauty of the sky and the sea. Depending on the region, though, the hue could be lavender, a cool yellow, or the warmer terracotta.
Stucco finishes and tiled roofs dominate Mediterranean style houses. Spanish histories display a lot of these as do other states with warm climates.
Influences come from Italy, Portugal., and mainly Spain. Other countries from the Mediterranean regions also have some design contributions.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Corsica Dark Round Dining Table with 1-18in Leaf 5280-75203
Mediterranean Architecture
Architecture under this style that is found in North America was quite popular from 1918 till 1940. The designs echoed the beautiful haciendas of New World Spain. Features included arches, red tile roofs, and plaster made to look like plastered adobe. Various homes in Florida and California were built in this style.
Pretty soon, developments from other European nations were already found in Mediterranean houses. Influences came as far as the Balkans and France. Cypress, Turkey and Lebanon provided the Asian inspiration together with North African nations like Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
These days, a lot of the ornate homes that fuse the different countries’ elements are categorized as Mediterranean or Neo-Mediterranean. Other features include courtyards, terraces, porticos, stucco finishes, and balconies.
During the 1920 till the 1930s, many Hollywood movies featured Mediterranean settings. Celebrity magazines also plastered stars living in Tudor, Spanish colonial or castle-like dwelling places. These years saw the peak of construction of Mediterranean houses.
Home building was dampened by the Great Depression, though. Following the Second World War, the focus was turned to stucco tract housing. In the 1960s, though, Mediterranean homes had a marvelous comeback. The rest of the United States, mostly those from the South, embraced the Mediterranean look.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Corsica Metal Floor Mirror 5480-90009
Famous Mediterranean Homes
Some of the homes that are immediately thought of when the word Mediterranean is mentioned are the Frances Marion and Fred Thomson house; the Smith-Heberton house; and the house of Fred C. Aiken.
These homes had one or more of the key features of a Mediterranean house. The red tile roof which was copied from the Mexican and Spanish missions were made of bricks and clay pots. The half tubes were able to shed water effectively.
The stucco walls are next which protected the exterior walls from extreme temperatures which are common in Mediterranean climate. Arches are also features that go back all the way to the Roman times. These self-supporting structures are also found in beautiful Mediterranean homes. Just imagine the architectural magic of these arches and you are sure to marvel. Every stone depends on the keystone at the top of the arch, with side columns having their weight distributed on the sides then downward.
Tiles are also common, especially the mosaic tile designs. Bring this same beauty into your own floor or your kitchen backsplash. Simulate the look of a lovely mosaic tile with a stenciled mosaic border on the walls, floors or on your furniture. Wall textures can be layers of glaze and paint or sand-textured.
Mediterranean accessories include filigree light fixtures, burnished bronze urns, and wrought-iron fireplaces. Heavy wooden doors complete with ornate carvings welcome the visitors of every Mediterranean-inspired home.
Tags: French design, French Mediterranean, Greek design, Italian design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Mediterranean interior design, Mediterranean interiors, Mediterranean style, natural stone, Spanish, stone, wood, wood elements
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Thursday, February 25th, 2016
The Wesley Allen Bedroom Dawson Complete Bed CB1053 features the ornate designs that were distinct features of Art Noveau.
Art Noveau became fashionable around 1890 till the First World War. This style was a reaction to the 19thcentury designs showing so much of history, especially Neo-Classicism. Art Noveau pushed the idea of design and art being crucial parts of everyday living.
Artists, from then on, did not overlook the simplicity in everyday objects. To them, aesthetics were added to make the functional more visually pleasing. New Art is Art Noveau and it was applied in all forms of art including architecture, applied art, fine arts, and decorative art.
Art Noveau was partially rooted to the Industrial Revolution, also the Arts and Crafts Movement. It also shows Japonism influence especially the Ukiyo-e prints brought about by great minds like Hokusai and Hiroshige.
Celtic designs were also common.
After the 1900 Exposition Universelle held in Paris, France Art Noveau spread across the European continent, even to Australia and the U.S. The Italian name for it in Italy is Stile Liberty, in Austria it is known as Sezessionstil, and in America it is called Tiffany style.
Art Noveau as Style not Philosophy
Art Noveau is perceived as a style more than being a philosophy. This is a style that wanted to break free from the bonds of historicism. It sought to bring about a fresh analysis of natural forms, functions, and aesthetics. Some see it as useless patterns but once you see the art with your artistic eyes, you are bound to see a marvellous sequence that was never before noticed.
Art Noveau represents many different moods and looks. We can be reminded of the gentle breeze, of the harshness of the stormy waters, you can even just see ornate vegetation. Everything is organic, though, as this style focuses on making sense out of life’s order.
Accessories Uttermost Santena Round Metal Mirror 08133 will look perfect inside an Art Noveau-inspired home.
Art Noveau: Characteristics
If you are trying to look for a single definition for this style, then you will be looking in vain. There isn’t a single definition for it. It has, however, several distinguishing factors.
Art Noveau is all about the application of art into everyday living. No stuff is too functional or beautified.
Art Noveau also thinned the line between the principles of fine arts, decorative art and applied arts. This style is a beautiful reaction to the concise mathematical representations of the Neo-Classical era.
Art Noveau also presented a fresh graphic design language. It has gone far from the classical models that were embraced by art academies in the past. There are various stylistic interpretations for Art Noveau. There are artists that prefer low-cost materials while others give value to high craftsmanship.
Art Noveau features flat yet decorative patterns that can be employed in many forms of art. Typical elements include tendril, leaves, the curvaceous shape of a woman, and other organic forms.
When it comes to architecture, architect Antoni Gaudi from Spain exaggerated the bulbous forms. Hector Guimard, on the other hand, gave the world his stylistic Parisian Metro entrances.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Malawi 2 Light Kitchen Island Light 21248 can bring the beauty of Art Noveau to your kitchen.
Art Noveau in Interior Design
This style has two distinct looks that you need to keep in mind – the linear look propagated by artists like Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the beautiful, elongated lines. Other features include vertical lines to highlight height and the whiplash line.
Flowers, peacock feathers, spider webs, thistles, and locusts were found on wallpaper, accents and many furniture pieces. Iridescent glass, exotic woods, semi precious jewels and silver were also the distinct materials that represented Art Noveau.
Art Noveau furniture is renowned for the high-backed chairs and the glossy black lacquer finish. Conservative options included curvy shapes, floral fabrics and upholstered items. Glassworks also came in opaque matter and precise etchings. Silver and pewter also dominated much of the ornaments.
Period colors for Art Noveau are always elegant yet subtle. Say yes to sage, brown, olive, mustard, gold, shades of purple, salmon, peacock blue, and robin’s egg blue.
Tags: art, European interior design, European interiors, European style, French design, French interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Neo-Classical, Spanish, Spanish design elements
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2016
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE. Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II 39.5 Lateral File 374-10-466.
Renaissance style came into existence because of the emergence of architecture and art in ancient Rome. Though people think of the greatness of Rome when it comes to the beauty of this style, it goes without saying that it was truly born in Italy during the 14th century.
English designers embraced the motifs that they read in Renaissance books. Artisans who were in London were also influenced by this style.
Grotesque, Moresque, Myths, etc.
Grotesque is a kind of decor which has its foundations in Ancient Rome’s wall paintings. In the 15th century, many of these works of art were discovered; they featured scrolling plants, mystical creatures, figures, vases and masks.
Strapwork, on the other hand, is like the leather strips. These are daring shapes that come in three dimensions. English designs, especially during the 16th century, are laden with this style. This style is especially useful in framing motifs and architectural forms.
Moresque, on the other hand, is called such because of its link to the North African and Spanish Moors. If you see those interwoven leaves, stems or tendril patterns, then you have a pretty good idea of what moresque is.
Romans and Greeks are known for their busts. The Renaissance style is also quite popular with what’s known as the roundrel. This is a decorative motif which originated from the Roman coins.
This Universal Furniture Dining Room Double Pedestal Table 409658-C spells royalty.
But what are Greeks and Romans without their myths? The Renaissance culture in England spurred a revitalized interest in classical mythology. Paintings and prints featured these mythical characters as the motifs.
The beauty of the Renaissance style does not end with the Romans. When Henry VIII became king, he inspired the rest of Europe as he became a patron of the arts. People marvelled at his court and the many luxurious objects in his kingdom. It was because of his love for the arts why he also commissioned foreign artists to design more than 50 of his royal palaces. The beauty and splendour of his court proved just how powerful and intimidating looks can be.
One of Henry’s favorite palaces is the Hampton Court Palace located in Surrey. He did not spare any expense in developing this traditional style palace. The ornaments that were used here are indicative o the strong influence of the Renaissance. This building’s Great Hall still stands today.
Going back to its home, Renaissance style was further developed with the help of Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio. Serlio published a series of books discussing architecture and the Renaissance. Buildings of antiquity were recorded in those books, thus, promoting classical style for both the interior and exterior features.
Fireplaces and ceilings became canvasses of sorts to many patterns, textures and works of art.
Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II Double Bookcase with ladder & rail 374 10 225. Learning was also a huge part of the Renaissance so to depict this on your style, take home this bookcase and start displaying your most treasured books.
Styles that are related to the Renaissance is the Neo classical style. It was during the 16th century that books containing decorative motifs offered inspiration to many British designers and artists. The Classical as well as Renaissance Revival during the 19th century became quite popular as archaeological discoveries were being made in Greece and Italy.
Renaissance and Your Home
You do not need to have a degree in interior design just to use this classic style in your home. Do not feel intimidated. Just remember as you start putting the elements together that the chairs, tables, cabinets and drawers have to be ornate, luxurious yet still comfortable. Choose oak, Remember to overlay but not overdo. Say yes to a lot of brocades, candelabra, tapestries, Oriental rugs, embroidered items, and velvet.
There is still a huge difference between mess and a concoction of different arts, elaborate walls, decorative pieces and the most inspiring furniture so take it easy in designing a Renaissance-inspired home.
Tags: African, art, artwork, classic, classic design, classic interior design, classic interiors, classical design, classicism, displaying works of art, fireplace, Grotesque, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Moresque, patterns, Renaissance, Renaissance design, Renaissance interior design, Renaissance Revival, Renaissance style, Spanish, textures, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips
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Thursday, January 14th, 2016
This classic wooden drawer is from FFDM’s American Cherry Collection.
Southwestern design is defined with earth colors and the richest textures. This means that you should use more of orange, yellow, turquoise, and red clay. Clay tile roofs, terracotta and handcrafted stuff are all welcome in a southwestern home.
Upholstery for this design is chiefly woven fabrics, suede, animal hides or leather. Blankets could be made of traditional native clothing. Do not limit the use for these beautiful pieces inside the bedroom because they can also be great wall decor.
Wood furniture is a must and could also feature metal accents or a distressed finish. The accents used in southwestern environments can be anything from painted ceramics to hand-painted tiles. If you can find early pieces dating all the way back to 16th century Mexico, the better.
Tribal Design Elements
You will see a lot of Native American pieces inside a southwestern home. Elements such as latillas, vigas and other artwork are design themes that are commonly used in architecture. This style is quite earthy as well as organic as it captures the heritage of Arizona and New Mexico areas. Natural accents, colors and other elements look and feel a lot like Mexican, Spaniard, and Native American designs; open floor plans, flat roofs and courtyards, even gardens can become a part of your home.
This Hooker Furniture Living Room Covington Bogue Club Chair has the right color to give life to a southwestern habitat.
Southwestern design makes use of subdued earthy tones like tan, cream, brown, terracotta, and white. These colors are great as backdrop for American Indian-inspired textiles and accents. Azure is a famous color for windows and doors. Any color found in nature such as forest green, salmon, sunny yellow and slate blue can fit perfectly in southwestern interiors.
Southwestern furniture should be unpretentious. Say no to anything intricate. Cherry, walnut, pine, and just about any mid-tone wood would do. It should have soft leather or natural textiles as coverings. Make use of huge pillows right on the floor as well as hammocks in your courtyard. These can be alternative seats for your guests. Always remember that the rooms must be spacious or have a natural flow.
As for the walls, they are often made with the same materials as the exteriors. Mostly adobe, interior walls are roughly plastered. Others use smooth stone or stucco. If you want to add warmth and color onto a boring wall, then use hand-painted tiles. They can also be used in covering kitchen backsplash. If not, use the tiles as individual accents.
Murals are also a huge depiction of southwestern culture. Have spiritual stories or rituals painted on murals then have them installed as a statement wall.
You can also try stucco plaster then add builder’s sand to the paint. You may also use special paint effects such as suede, color washing, or faux paint.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Biltmore Select Bidjar Rug 1773RS02000300450 at McCreerys Home Furnishings
Southwestern floors are often honey-colored. Other homeowners prefer terracotta tiles. Adding visual interest on your floors is easy. Just arrange the tiles in patterns and layouts.
Parquet or light wood flooring is widely used. You can color this kind of flooring with cobalt blue or any other earthy color to make it more exciting. Carpets and rugs are valuable pieces but if you do not want these in your home, then be sure to opt for hardwood flooring.
Use brick or stones throughout your home without letting the style suffer. Use lovely rugs with traditional patterns and colors brighten up the room.
Southwestern accents are mostly paintings, candles, wrought-iron stuff, dried flowers, sculptures, pottery (the hand-painted type), and animal skins.
Learn these Southwestern design tips and begin bringing rustic beauty into your lovely home.
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