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September 2nd, 2010
 Istanbul Wall Hanging by Cooper Classics Despite what the popular phrase turned title-of-this-article may convey, we won’t be discussing financial matters today. Instead, we’re going be a bit more literal and head East for some design inspiration.
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the 5th largest city in the world, has a rich and intriguing history that has affected (and continues to impact) every product that hails from it.
With the territory being the center of numerous empires and world powers, the region became a crossroads of the world and people traveling from near and far left their mark. This is evident in the art and culture that stems from here.
The Istanbul Wall Hanging by Cooper Classics is another example of charming art inspired by the popular city.
This piece incorporates floral and geometric motifs onto a circular wall hanging that stretches an eye-catching 30-inches in diameter. It has been appropriately coated in an aged-bronze finish to add to its authentic feel.
Cooper Classics is a third-generation furniture company that excels in the creation of wooden furniture and other accent pieces.
At $212, this great accent piece is a steal that will endure for many years to come. Seems like we discussed money after all. However, at such an affordable price, we’re hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us.
Posted in Accent Furniture and Design
August 26th, 2010
 Bi-Cast Leather Sectional Sofa by Wholesale Interiors If you’re not already familiar with the term, attached-back sofa, then chances are high that you have a rather perplexed look on your face right now. It’s understandable. Attached-back sofa isn’t exactly a clear designation of what it refers to.
It sounds like a bit of a misnomer, as it’s fairly obvious that the back of a sofa would be attached to the base. It would be a bit difficult to utilize the sofa without it, right?
Well, the attached-back sofa actually refers to the upper cushion on a sofa or chair and whether or not you’re familiar with the term, you’ve more than likely seen them or already have them in your home.
That cushion is sewed, fuzed (or however else a manufacturer chooses to attach it) to the body of the furniture.
An attached-back sofa or chair presents some advantages as well as disadvantages. It is ultimately determined by the material or upholstery and the wear-and-tear the furniture is exposed to.
Materials like leather are easily cleaned and require little maintenance. Various upholsteries, however, may need to be cleaned more often. This is especially true of the furniture is used often and there are young children around and the “wonderful” surprises that often accompany them.
Having the cushions attached is also a great way to help ensure they maintain their structural integrity for years to come.
It is not uncommon to see, as is the case with the Bi-Cast Leather Sectional Sofa by Wholesale Interiors, all of the cushions attached to the body of the sofa.
So as in many cases, figure out what would best fit your needs when you’re shopping for your next sofa or armchair.
Posted in Furniture Constructions and Terms, General Home Design
August 24th, 2010
As you are well aware, all wood is not created equal. More importantly, all materials that appear to be wood aren’t exactly what they’re made up to be.
Being structurally sound, there is nothing inherently wrong with composite woods. It goes without saying, however, that the durability and natural appearance of composite woods and other materials cannot compare to the wholeness of hardwoods.
While there is a vast amount of hardwoods from which furniture is constructed, we’re going to focus on three common, preferred varieties:
Cherry
A popular choice among novice and experienced furniture purveyors alike for its warm glow, highly visible grain and its characteristic luster. While numerous parts of the plant are used in a variety of ways, cherry wood is most often used to construct cabinets, furniture, musical instruments and more. Cherry wood that has been immediately processed and put to use tends to be lighter than the ‘cherry’ look people come to expect. This rich, darker color will appear as the wood ages a bit. This process can usually take a year or so.
Oak
Two types of oak that are popular furniture options are the red and white varieties. Both types are located heavily throughout the Eastern United States. Oak is a hardy wood that is prized for its strength as well as natural, moisture-resistant qualities. This wood is naturally light in tone, however it is not uncommon to come across dark brown variations.
Walnut
This wood is prized for its hardiness and overall versatility. Commonly seen in the construction of furniture, this wood takes to staining extremely well and is often used as a veneer because of it.
Many times, the choice whether or not to purchase furniture constructed solely of hardwoods is not so much a matter of preference as it is a matter of expense. Quality hardwood furniture can be found for reasonable prices and if chosen properly, will be a purchase you will enjoy for many years to come.
Posted in Furniture Constructions and Terms, General Home Design
August 18th, 2010
 Flea Market Whether it’s hand-me-downs, old furniture you found on the edge of the curb in front of someone’s house or a vintage flea market find, the challenge is always finding a way to make your new acquisition feel like it was tailor-made for you.
Sometimes, all the furniture needs is a thorough dusting and/or cleaning.
This could be a quick fix or a lengthy process depending upon the age of the furniture and how it was maintained by its previous owner(s).
If the furniture is worn down to a point where cleaning is not enough, getting it up to par could require making structural adjustments, reupholstering or re-staining the furniture.
At times, the furniture could be in a suitable condition, but it is just missing the right complimentary pieces to make it fit your niche. This could include appliqués, accent pillows and more.
This will serve as an introduction to a number of articles covering a varying number of ways to make furniture that you stumble upon fit your style and home’s personality. Be sure to stay tuned for more.
Posted in General Home Design
August 18th, 2010
 Drummond 3-Panel Etched Copper Screen by Ultimate Accents Welcome to the third and final installment of our mini-series, The Great Divide. In it, we’ve been covering room dividers and the various uses for them in the home.
In case you missed it, check here [The Great Divide - Part 1] for the first installment in the series and her [The Great Divide - Part 2] for the second installment.
Whether purely aesthetic or strictly for practical purposes, a room divider can be the essential accent piece for your home.
If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble across a room divider that will meet both needs.
The Drummond 3-Panel Etched Copper Screen by Ultimate Accents just happens to be such a divider.
Although this room divider is constructed of solid, opaque panels, the elaborate etching creates an artistic impression and stifles any apprehensions the idea of having a a solid panel room divider can present.
The solid panels create an immediate and effective sense of privacy, which makes it inherently useful in developing two separate areas out of the same space.
This room divider’s panels are framed in a rich, cherry stain. Being framed is a copper-tinted plank that has beautiful, ornate etchings of floral motifs.
All in all, room dividers can be practical, playful or both. The key is just spending enough time searching for the solution that is right for you. There is definitely one out there for you.
Posted in Accent Furniture and Design, General Home Design
August 16th, 2010
 Arlington Headboard by Hillsdale Have you ever considered the power of lines? No matter how basic or intricate an image, design or pattern might be, it inevitably started with a simple line.
Regardless of it was straight, angled, jagged or circular,the line is the underlying standard in almost everything we do.
The Arlington Headboard by Hillsdale is a fitting example of how a few simple lines can take on a more powerful appearance if they are properly arranged.
The arching lines, semi-circles and other geometric shapes formed creates an elegant backdrop to the one place where we spend the most of our lives: our beds.
The headboard incorporates some common metalwork features (including ball castings and twisted spindles) to serve as an understated points of interest. The bronze finish adds a touch of class to an already refined product.
If you’re looking to make a design impact in your bedroom, but aren’t the biggest advocate of bulkier bed frames and headboards, then the Arlington Headboard by Hillsdale is hands-down the best option for you.
It’s minimal construction and silhouette profile almost demands attention with its subtlety.
Posted in Bedroom Furniture and Design
August 15th, 2010
 Jade Chest by Butler Appliqués? They’re everywhere. When it comes to art, crafts and furniture construction, everywhere can be taken literally.
An appliqué is an artistic element that is adjoined to the surface of another object.
This often seen in fabrics. For example, a felt flower pattern sewed onto a dress would be an appliqué. it’s of similar material, but there for purely aesthetic purposes.
Appliqués in furniture include carved wood ornaments on the top of bedposts, other materials attached to metals and wood, etc.
The Jade Chest by Butler is adorned with carved resin appliqués on the drawers, the apron and the upper corners.
Almost any ornamental accent piece that is not vital to the construction of the furniture can be viewed as an appliqué.
Whether you refer to them as decorative accents, embellishing ornaments or appliqués, a rose by any other name is still a rose.
Posted in Furniture Constructions and Terms
August 14th, 2010
 Florence Double Chaise by Caluco In the heat of summer, it seems we’re always searching for more ways to not only enjoy the warmer weather, but to be more comfortable while doing it.
While there is little you can do about intense temperatures, the Florence Double Chaise by Caluco can take care of the need to be more comfortable.
Inspired by, and aptly named after, the natural and artisan-rich region of Florence, Italy; in Tuscany.
The Florence Double Chaise is constructed of cast aluminum and triple-polished in a powder-coated paint to ensure against scratching and flaking and virtually guarantees years of durability.
You and a partner aren’t the only ones who make a perfect pair. Couple the Florence Double Chaise with the Cantilevered Umbrella, both produced by Caluco, and the two of you can enjoy long evenings under the sun, even if it isn’t Tuscan.
Like two puzzle pieces, they’re always different in one way or another, yet they always fit together. The Florence Double Chaise allows for the backs to be adjusted individually. So each of you can relax together, but in your own way.
Feel free to swap the blistering heat of summer for the sweet bliss of unhindered relaxation with great outdoor furniture like the Florence Double Chaise by Caluco.
Posted in Outdoor Furniture and Design
August 13th, 2010
Tired of looking at the dented, scratched and gashed furniture in your home? Or maybe you have some old, slightly banged-up furniture with some potential for greatness in the attic or the garage.
So naturally, you’ve been contemplating whether or not to get rid of the damaged furniture.
Well, maybe you’d be more inclined to keep it if you realized how easy and inexpensive it can be to repair it. Most of the dings can be fixed with a few simple materials, a little bit of time and even less elbow grease.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Drop cloth
- (2) Towels
- Sandpaper (varying grades)
- Stainable wood stain (matching, of course)
- Piece of unbleached muslin, or similar cloth
Step 1
Place the furniture that you’re going to be working on in a well-ventilated area that won’t be in in the way for another day or so.
Step 2
With a wet cloth, clean the area around the damaged areas you’re going to be working on of any dust, dirt and other impediments. Let it dry completely.
Step 3
Using a putty spreader, apply the wood filler into the crack, indention, etc. Don’t apply too liberally though because you don’t want to make too much work for yourself when the filler dries. Let the filler dry completely.
Step 4
Using the coarse grade of sandpaper, sand the dried wood filler down until it is level with the surface of the furniture itself. Then using a fine grade of sandpaper, smooth the surface of the wood filler as much as possible in order for the wood stain to be successfully applied.
Step 5
Thoroughly mix the container of wood stain. Gather the piece of muslin into a loose ball and dip into the container. Working in a circular motion, evenly apply the stain to the area. Then use a dry area of the cloth to remove any puddling that may occur. Allow to dry. Repeat until the stain matches seamlessly.
Step 6
Enjoy your revived furniture!
Posted in DIY (Do It Yourself) Furniture Design, Weekend Warrior
August 12th, 2010
 Circa Iron Base Round Lamp Table by Ultimate Accents In the off chance you don’t have wrought iron somewhere in your home, you’ve undoubtedly come across it at one point or another and can easily recognize it when you see it.
Wrought iron is actually a combination of iron and carbon. This is what gives the metal its almost grainy texture.
Wrought iron gained popularity during the 1800’s because it was a strong, yet easily flexible metal to work with. This led to it’s production in swords, shields and other common metal applications.
Although wrought iron is still the accepted industry term, what is used in its place is actually a mild form of steel.
‘Wrought iron’ can be seen in a number of furniture applications, from patio furniture, fireplace screens and tools and accent furniture like this Circa Iron Base Round Lamp Table by Ultimate Accents.
These items are still said to be made of wrought iron because that is what they were traditionally made of.
Actual wrought iron is relatively rare and seen mainly in restoration projects.
It’s flexible and rustic nature gives an elegant, ornamental nature to whatever it may be applied to. Wrought iron makes incorporating old-world charm into your home in a relatively inexpensive way.
Posted in Furniture Constructions and Terms, General Home Design
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