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The Different Faces of Modern – Sophisticated Modern

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Today’s last installment of our Friday series is intended for those of us who like the idea of modern style but would like something a bit “warmer” and not so stark. One could argue that this might be considered more transitional style than modern, but I’m still following the basic principles of modernism, where form is function; there’s no decorative detail; and profiles are cleanly geometric, angular or asymmetrical. While minimalist (part 1) can have a space age, futuristic appearance and ultra modern (part 2) can still feel sparse, sophisticated modern expresses “feeling;” bares a little soul. Sophisticated modern furniture might stick to the sleek, crisp lines of the other faces of modern design, but it has something else – an unusual curve, a surprising twist of metal, the unique use of a specific material – that catches the eye and deems it visually pleasing.

Sophisticated Modern in the Bedroom

The bed sets the tone of the room. It’s typically the first thing you see upon entering the bedroom. Since it is center stage, it’s important to choose one in a style that perfectly expresses your personality and lifestyle. Because the bedroom has evolved from just a place to sleep to a sanctuary that refreshes and renews, the bed, and the other bedroom furniture pieces you select, should reflect the other roles (hanging out with the kids Sunday morning; a quiet place to read; somewhere to stretch out propped up by comfy pillows when last-minute proofing a proposal) the room plays in your life.

The Lifestyle Solutions Knotch Modern Wood Cappuccino Platform Bed 5 Piece Bedroom Set is definitely a fine example of sophisticated modern. The furniture pieces have a rich warm wood finish that can be adapted to both a neutral or bold color scheme when you’re dressing the bed and accessorizing. The headboard of the platform bed has the appearance of recessed panels, but is actually a set of built-in shelves. The open design of the nightstands and the absence of a footboard give the bedroom set a less solid appearance.

While there could be several convincing arguments that the Modus Leather Upholstered Rumba Low Profile Sleigh Bed is more transitional in style, it qualifies as sophisticated modern for several reasons. This platform bed has virtually no decorative detail; the lines are clean; and an old form (sleigh headboard) is adapted in a new and surprising way.

The Curt Christian by Martin Madison Wood Panel Bed 5 Piece Bedroom Set shouts sophistication. And what says “modern” more than a dresser or nightstand with brushed metal drawer fronts?

Sophisticated Modern in the Bathroom

A growing interior design trend is to transform the ordinary bathroom into one’s own personal spa or a bathroom one might find in a high-end or boutique hotel. A well-designed, well-organized space helps us to prepare ourselves, both mentally and physically, to face the day. Sophisticated modern for a bathroom décor makes perfect sense.

While borderline ultra-modern, the Nameek’s Concept One 27″ Single Bathroom Vanity Set shows a distinct sophisticated modern style. The subtly patterned doors make this vanity luscious to look at.

While displaying contemporary sensibilities, the Ultimate Accents Contemporary 3 Piece Double Bathroom Vanity has design acumen that can only stem from sophisticated modern. The crackle glass vessel sinks and the textured finish of the wood cabinets will certainly lend your bathroom a truly modern look with that special touch of spa.

Sophisticated Modern in the Dining Room

When a modern dining table with a unique design is perfectly matched with dining chairs crafted from space-age materials, the result is a dining set that is bold, cosmopolitan and edgy in a sophisticated way.

Definitely with a nod to Art Deco (another sub style of modern), the Somerton Manhattan Modern Art Round Pedestal Dining Table is sophisticated modern at its best. The interlocking circles that make up the table’s pedestal base is visually striking. While the button-tufted backrest of the dining chair is decorative, it is so much an integral part of the design that it contributes to this dining set’s classic modern flair.

Highly polished metal accents and a round glass tabletop make the Steve Silver Matinee 48 Inch Round Glass Dining Table thoroughly modern. While the wood legs in a dark cherry finish, a definite contemporary style trait, in this context, give this table an understated chic.

Sophisticated Modern in the Living room

Because modern design arose in the second half of the twentieth century in resounding protest to the traditions and social trends of the past, it reflected the new technologies, materials and philosophies of the Machine Age. Vinyl, microfiber and other space-age fabrics including plastics are popular upholstery materials for sophisticated modern living room furniture. Leather, of course, is also welcome.

The Global Furniture USA Alexander Tan Leather Sofa looks comfy and inviting, just as at home in a contemporary environment as a modern one. But it’s the arms that make you look again. The bold curves of the armrests are emphasized by the dark mahogany wood veneer inlays, giving it its sophisticated modern distinction.

Even though it is made of a dark stained wood, the tiered repetition of its elliptical shapes gives the Abbyson Morgan Ellipse End Table a trendy modern chic.

There is no mistaking the minimalist origins of the Adesso Regency Modern Black Coffee Table. But what makes this coffee table sophisticated modern is the rounded corners, which adds another dimension to its basic geometric shape.

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Speaking with a French Accent – The French Country Living Room

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

French country style is ideal for a living room because, while it has strong ties to more traditional formal French styles like Louis XIV and Neoclassical Empire, it possesses a casual charm that reflects the colors, sights and sounds of life as it lived and celebrated in the rural areas of France. It echoes the seasons and the timeless dance between the people and the land. By mixing the old with the new – the antique table that was handed down from great-great grandmother and provides a stylish resting place for the oversized blue and white porcelain vase rescued from a flea market – you will create a room with a chic, rustic appeal that perfectly reflects your lifestyle, personal tastes and individuality.

SEI Fireplace

The focus on French country interior design is on comfort, while still maintaining elements of casual elegance and relaxed sophistication. So naturally a common focal point of a French country living room is the stone fireplace. There are several great things about the Southern Enterprises Slate White Corner/Flat Fireplace: it can be placed flat against a wall or adapted for use in a corner of a living room; it is an electric fireplace; and it has dark slate accents that bring natural organic elements into a living space common to French country style such as stone, cane and wrought iron.

The way in which French country approaches the use and arrangement of individual furniture pieces also serves to make this style comfortable and inviting. While furnishings will complement each other, they don’t tend to match, as in the three-piece living room suite (sofa, loveseat, armchair) often found in North American homes. This gives a living room an overall relaxed look and feel. It also allows for a more flexible and conversational seating arrangement.

Start with an oversized sofa, preferably with rolled arms and a wide enough seating area to which you can add at least one or two layers of accent pillows and still be able to sit comfortably. The decorative pillows should be chosen with texture and shape in mind; cotton stripes with nubbed wool; solid colors with toile. The Simmons Upholstery Bixby Sofa in Peat has the obligatory rolled arms, a pillow back with accent cushions and wood bun feet. A couch with a skirt instead of legs would also be an alternative choice for a French country living room. Metal legs are good too, especially if they are antiqued or rustic-looking. But do avoid a sofa with more contemporary style legs of polished chrome, steel or nickel.

Coffee tables, end tables, side tables, console tables or any other kind of accent table or occasional table you select for your French country living room should be made of either wood with a distressed finish or of metal and glass or stone. If you choose the metal and glass option, again pick rustic as opposed to contemporary – anything with wrought iron, brass or copper legs, frames or decorative accents are perfectly acceptable construction materials for a French country interior design.

The Magnussen Aidan Round Wood Cocktail / Coffee Table has a richly layered finish with soft wood tones that enhances its round profile and uniquely shaped legs. It will definitely lend an old-world charm to your room.

Since elements like terra-cotta, marble, slate and even ceramic tile are popular materials for tabletops or decorative accents, the Steve Silver Valencia Cocktail Table is ideal for a French country living room. The metal base includes scrolled legs and has a distinctly rustic metal finish.

The Butler Specialty Artists’ Originals Round Wood End Table displays another distinguishing characteristic of French country furniture: wood is commonly hand-painted with a floral or fruit motif.

FrenchPalette

French country wall colors (shown here from Sherwin-Williams) reflect the brick of a wall in the old part of town or the crate of tomatoes sold in an open air market; the mustards and golds of autumn leaves; the brighter yellows of butter, lemons or the sun.

Accent chairs and armchairs play an important role in French country design. Placed singly or on either side of a bombe chest or wood console table, you create a comfortable place to sit and read or to chat with a friend while sipping a cup of tea or café au lait. You can even pair two totally different accent chairs together, like the Powell Furniture Belvedere Accent Chair and the Klaussner Furniture Bellavista High Leg Reclining Chair as long as they are comfy and a great place to relax for a fair period of time.

The Pulaski French Floral Bench is classic French country with its lovely hand-painted floral designs, sleigh-style rolled arms and oval decorative panels. It would be a wonderful piece to put in a hallway that opened into the living room, if not the living room itself.

Achieving a French country look for your living room is not difficult. With a few choice furniture pieces that look like they have withstood the test of time; a color palette captured from spending a sunny day in the orchard and a few pastoral prints on the wall in carved frames and accent pillows piled on the sofa, you will have an enchanting and inviting living space that possesses an old world charm you and your friends will appreciate for years to come.

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Decorating with Club Chairs

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

There is something about a club chair and its distinctive shape that adds instant panache to any room’s décor. No matter the style of the club chair – modern, contemporary and even traditional – profiles and lines are clean, whether gently curved or more angular. You can punch up a room’s interior design with the careful and well-thought out placement of one, two or more club chairs to create a focal point that will also serve to boost the seating capacity of your home.

Even though club chairs emerged in the second half of the nineteenth century, their low-back and overall roomy design still has a timeless appeal. No matter what style you have chosen for your home, you will be able to find a club chair that will perfectly suit your personal tastes.

There’s no mistaking the distinctive modern style of the Eurostyle Leonardo 1 Armchair in Black Leather and Chrome, with its starkly straight lines and the use of materials like metal and leather.

Still modern style, the Global Furniture USA 757 Series Sofa Chair in White Leather pairs leather with wood rather than with metal.

At the opposite end of the style spectrum is traditional. The Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Lancaster Leather Chair possesses a relaxed traditional style that could also work well with a transitional or even country décor.

If you prefer a more formal, traditional style, choose a club chair like the Distinction Leather Stratford Chair in multiple finishes, complete with bun feet and a tufted, wingback.

Contemporary style offers you a wide range of options, from simple to sophisticated. The Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Furniture Leather Chelsea Deco Leather Club Chair (multiple finishes) has a casual chic that would fit in well with a contemporary designed den, family room or living room.

Incorporating a club chair into your décor is simple and easy.

  • Decide where you would like to put a club chair. Then determine how many you will need for each room: you might want to put one in a corner of the den but two would look better by the fireplace in the family room.
  • Because you will most likely be adding them to a room that has already been decorated, make sure that the club chairs you are purchasing for a particular space will match the existing style.
  • Take measurements: keep in mind that club chairs tend to be roomier than a standard armchair or accent chair.

Because they are built for both comfort and style, club chairs can be a viable alternative when decorating a room that is too small or is awkwardly shaped. Where a sofa or even a loveseat just might not fit, a pair of comfy and inviting club chairs like the Klaussner Furniture Jeeves Chair could provide the ideal solution.

Create the ideal reading corner, a cozy place to curl up with your favorite book or the current bestseller. Start with the Distinction Leather Brooke Chair and the matching Distinction Leather Brooke Ottoman.

Add a floor lamp to increase the functionality of your club chair. The Quoizel Floor Lamp has a comfortable traditional style that would be perfect for a more classically styled décor, while the Fangio Lighting Floor Lamp with Table is definitely more formal.

Get closer to a fireplace with a relaxing club chair. Fireplaces and club chairs are just made for each other.

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The Different Faces of Modern – Minimalist Living Room

Friday, February 26th, 2010

While modern style can be somewhat easily defined as form is function, since its first appearance in the second half of the twentieth century, it has evolved to include a range of degrees if you will, from minimalist to something that closely resembles contemporary or transitional styles. In other words, when choosing modern style for your home, you can decide how little or much. Some of us find true modernism too stark, while for others, it is that very starkness that is so appealing – the clean, sharp lines and angular profiles that create a spare, uncluttered environment which sets the stage for a busy, modern lifestyle.

When decorating a living room in modern style, furniture defines interior space by using geometric form and neutral palettes. A sofa like the Wholesale Interiors Baxton Studio White Convertible Sofa is very minimalist, every line is straight and the profile is simple and spare.

If you prefer something less leather-look, go for sofa upholstered in neutral fabric, like the Innovation USA ILS04 Sofa with Arms.

Metal, glass and plastics are common construction materials. The Innovation USA 7″ Combination Coffee Table with Chrome Legs is definitely modern, with its metal tabletop, high gloss finish and polished chrome legs.

Wood in lighter finishes or that has been bleached or molded, is another popular construction material for modern living room furniture. The OFFI Scando Coffee Table in Walnut perfectly demonstrates form is function; it’s asymmetrical profile serves as a make magazine holder.

No modern living room can be without a television. The crisp, angled lines  Furnitech Classic Modern 75 Inch Wood Plasma/LCD TV Stand possesses crisp lines

Minimalist Dining Room

With modern minimalist dining furniture, there is absolutely no decoration such as molding, inlays or other decorative accents. Form speaks for itself. There should be no piece of living room furniture that does not fill a specific function.

Because there are no decorative accents, the eye is drawn to the furniture piece itself, rather than just certain aspects of it. In the Modloft Spring Dining Table, visual interest is created by the tabletop made of a combination of frosted and plain glass.

Wood cabinets are made of mahogany or other types of grained woods. Finishes can be matte, highly lacquered or anything in between, but never distressed. Doors, as in the Armen Living Travertine Buffet Cabinet are not framed and contrasting materials, such as the wood and stone, are often used to create texture or focal points.

The use of pure geometric shape makes the Global Furniture USA Triangular 5 Piece Dining Set in Dark Brown unique; classically clean lines make it minimalist.

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Making a Royal Statement – Traditional Style with a Twist for the Living Room

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Today in part two of our series, we’ll discuss how to create a regal looking living room that will be fit for royalty – and you and your family too. Window treatments should be made of richly draped fabrics such as velvets and damasks. Accent pillows and cushions will have gold braid and gold tassels. Area rugs are opulently patterned in classic Oriental style. Grand and stately, all the living room furniture in the room should be traditional style pieces that are oversized and impressive, designed to make a statement with their stunning presence. It’s all about creating a space that possesses timeless beauty combined with contemporary functionality.

Royal Colors

Royal Living

The two colors most closely associated with royalty are purple and red. Any tone of these two colors will you’re your living a luxurious feel. Jewel shades such as ruby, jade, sapphire, amethyst, topaz and emerald are also good choices for a traditional style living room, especially one with a Victorian ambience. Deep, muted shades (from Benjamin Moore) are the best for emphasizing the sumptuous wood finishes of the traditional furniture made of mahogany, walnut, teak or cherry.

 Royal Furniture

Generally, when choosing living room furniture for your castle or palace, select traditional sub styles that have a royal ring like Queen Anne, Louis Philippe and Victorian. The most recognizable features of Queen Anne style furniture cabriole legs, the pad foot and shell or fan carvings. Victorian style furniture is typically opulent, “heavy” and lavishly decorated with detailed carvings and intricate scrollwork. Louis Philippe style furniture is distinguished by pedestal bases, bracket feet, do decorative motifs and smooth lines with rounded profiles.

The Office Star Queen Ann Traditional Blood Sofa has the signature cabriole legs, rounded back and delicately rolled arms.

If you prefer the dramatic and ornate styling of Victorian furniture, choose the Distinction Leather Tufted Chesterfield Leather Sofa. It possesses classic, oversized rolled arms, tufted upholstery and bun feet.

The Distinction Leather Tufted Chesterfield Leather Sofa has the framed, “squared-off” profile characteristic of the Louis Philippe style.

The American Drew Bob Mackie Nutmeg Coffee and End Table Set definitely displays Queen Anne sensibilities, with its cabriole legs and fan motif carvings.

Should you wish to add a bookcase in the Louis Philippe style to your living room, the Louis Philippe Cherry Bookcase perfectly demonstrates cabinetry set on a pedestal base with bracket feet. Note the rounded corners of the molding.

No contemporary home can be without a TV. Give your home theater or entertainment center a touch of royalty Victorian style with the Parker House Grandview Deluxe X-pandable Plasma Entertainment Center.

Accessorizing Royally

Especially if you have chosen Victorian style for your royal living room, Victorians are well-known for their penchant for excessive accessorizing: in a well-appointed Victorian parlor, literally ever surface would be covered by doilies, embroidered runners, figurines, heavy brass or silver candlesticks and ornately decorated lamps. Large portraits or landscapes in elaborately carved wood frames would decorate the walls. However, luxurious accessorizing, although not to quite the extent as in a Victorian style living room, also applies to Queen Anne and Louis Philippe styles. When making a royal statement, layer the room’s look by including different textured fabrics; don’t forget to mix nubbed wools, course tweeds, embroidered seat cushions and accent pillows with velvets and brocades in reds purples and dark greens.

Come back next week when we will be discussing how to design a traditional style dining room that will definitely make a royal impression.

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Decorating with Red

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Red is a bold color that is rich and warm. Decorating with red takes a sure hand and a good eye. When using red as part of an interior decorating design, you will want it to be balanced – not too much and not too little. If there is too much red in the room, either on the walls or on the furniture or accessories, it can make the décor feel that it is shouting” at you, while having not enough red in the room or not incorporating it effectively will make it appear overpowered by the other elements in the room. When it works, red really makes a room stand out.

RedPalette

When a room is predominately neutral, with earth toned walls and furnishings, choosing one or two pieces of furniture that are red will automatically create a focal point in the room. Made of leather, the Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Furniture Leather Lyon Club Three Seat Sofa and the Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Furniture Leather Lyon Club Chair placed together in a living room or family room will definitely create a welcoming ambiance. The red tone of the sofa and club chair is deeper or darker in tone, which while drawing the eye into the room (focal point) they also are richer rather than bolder.

When using red as a wall color (from Benjamin Moore), you have two basic options: the first is to paint the entire room red; the second is to choose one wall and use red on that wall as an accent color. If painting the whole room red, plan on some “white space”; for example, paint the ceiling, baseboards, doors and/or windows white. Another variation on this theme would be to select a brighter red tone for all of the walls and pair it with white wainscoting or beadboard. This would be a great choice for a country, Mission or Shaker style kitchen or dining room.

If the second option appeals to you, before choosing red as an accent color, decide which wall would be best and what you would like to feature in that part of the room. Don’t forget that whatever you place near or against the red accent wall will be “spotlighted.” This may be the perfect opportunity to add an electric fireplace like the Electrolog by Dimplex Mozart Electric Fireplace in Gloss Black or the Riverside Furniture Delcastle 63 Inch TV Entertainment Wall System.

Instead of showcasing a fireplace or a specific piece of furniture, another alternative to the accent wall option is to use the space to display art work, a painting or a distinctive mirror like the American Drew Bob Mackie Signature Accent Round Mirror. This idea would work well in a dining room as wall as a den, family room, living room or hallway.

When you don’t’ want to repaint the room, you can still decorate with red by bringing the color into the room in a number of ways, specifically through judicious accessorizing. For it to have impact, choose a minimum of three items, such as red accent pillows, a red ottoman and an area rug like the L.A. Rugs Euphoria Style Crimson Frame Rug.

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From the Design Files of Heather B. – New Home Décor Dilemma

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Design Question
Room1Room2
My husband and I just purchased our first home and we would like to change the color of the walls to match our floors and furniture. Right now the colors of the walls are white. We like earth colors but we can’t decide what colors to choose.
Room3Room4
The first floor has three areas. First the den; we will convert it into an office and are going to close the den with glass doors. The furniture that I have for the office is a black leather chair and a glass and black desk. I would like to keep the vertical blinds.
Room5Room6
The second area is the living room, is a big rectangular space and I would like to have suggestions of how to set the furniture. Right now as you can see on the pictures there is a big empty space between the TV and the couches. That’s why I placed a rug in the place so it doesn’t look so empty. I’m also planning to hire an electrician to change the lighting in the living room. I want to install two chandeliers in the living room; one by where the TV is and the other one in the center of the furniture area. So I need suggestions for the lamps too.

And the third and last area is the dining room. Here I only want to change the lamp and color of the walls.

We would like to keep the same furniture but within a few months we are going to buy a new dining room set, which I also would like to get your opinion about what kind of furniture I should buy. Please give me your ideas about the colors and some decoration items. We want to buy plants or pictures to decorate it. Thank you

Design Answer

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! This must me an exciting time for you.

PaletteRoom1
PaletteRoom2

Since the space is open – you enter through the door and are immediately in the living room – you will want to choose a color that is warm and inviting. Earth tones, depending on the color family they are from, can be “cool.” I would definitely choose warm earth tones for this space. The floors are beautiful and deserve to be shown off. I would also take this opportunity to bring color into the room; not too much but just enough to give your living space some punch. Because you intend on enclosing the den/office area, you could choose two colors, one for the office and another for the living room/dining room. However, since the furniture you have selected is neutral (black leather office chair and black desk), you could very easily use one color for all three areas of the first floor. Just to give you some idea of your color choices, these shades are from Benjamin Moore.

The problem with the second area of your living space, the living room, is that currently it has no real focal point. The eye wanders around the room. I can see why you have arranged the furniture the way you have, because the shape of the room doesn’t give you many options. You will have to take measurements to see if this will since it is hard to judge distances from a picture.
Room7Room8
If it will fit while still allowing you access to the home office, I would place the sofa in front of the glass doors and toward the center of the living room. Then I would move the loveseat to the wall where the sofa is now. This will make the television a focal point. Having the shorter sofa against the wall will allow you to add an end table or a floor lamp. I would select lamps that match or complement the chandeliers that you plan on adding to the living room. The shades of the lamps should reflect the color palette you have chosen for the walls.
Room9Room10
You mentioned that you will be purchasing a new dining set in the next couple of months. Since you didn’t specify, I am assuming that you are not replacing the china cabinet. If this is the case, then I would select a dining set that either matches the china cabinet in style or in color.

Since the china cabinet is predominately traditional, I would suggest either a traditional or transitional dining table and dining chairs. Something like the Tradewins French Classics Dining Table with Two 18″ Leaves, which is transitional, would work with your china cabinet.

Plants are always a great choice when accessorizing a room. House plants typically improve air quality and they also add “life” and color, especially they are flowering plants. Pictures should have some meaning for you personally and be in keeping with the spirit of the room. For example, abstract artwork in this particular living space would not be as effective as a landscape picture or painting.

Thanks for writing in. Stay tuned next Monday when we tackle another interior design question. Keep sending me those emails and don’t forget to include pictures if you can.

To view other entries in the “Design Files Of Heather B.” series, click here.

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From the Design Files of Heather B – Living Room Help

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Design Question

My living room needs some expert advice. I have a 3-seater leather sofa that is a rich burnt orange or terracotta color. There is a dark chocolate brown leather chaise lounge, a painting in a dark chocolate brown frame that has got shades of pink and orange and a dark chocolate coffee table in the living room as well. I would like to add two small grey/sage green fabric chairs with small polka dots scattered all over it in orange and light grey and putting a side table between them. I would also like to add an area rug. I am hoping that I did not make a mistake. I am just trying to move away from what we used to do before, which was to buy the whole sofa set, put a coffee table and voila! I like very cool colors (blue is really my favorite) but I have been attracted to orange for a while.

Design Answer

Palette3

It sounds like you have all of the pieces of the puzzle but you just need to tie them all together. Cool colors are a good choice for the living room furniture you have described. But because of the small gray fabric accent chairs and the fact that there is currently nothing blue in the room, I wouldn’t pick that color for the walls or area rug. I would select cool tones in more neutral or earth tones that will complement the leather sofa and bring out the pattern of the side chairs.

Neutral shades and earth tones chosen to work with the sofa will also provide a rich canvas for the chocolate brown coffee table. Any of the colors in this palette (from a selection of paint colors by Sherwin-Williams) will work well with the wall art too.

As mentioned above, an area rug should blend all the other interior design elements in the room together.

The Calvin Klein Home by Nourison Loom Select Woven Bands Area Rug Collection in Brown has warm terracotta tones that will match the sofa. It also has a hint of green that might work well with the accent chairs.

The Couristan South Beach Area Rug Collection in Sahara Tan is predominately earth toned but with hints of color that give it some texture. The geometric pattern is very contemporary, in keeping with the style of the living room.

The Brink & Campman Area Rugs- Luna Collection Stripe 90607 has a bold pattern but the colors in it are muted enough to work with the décor and the chosen color palette.

Thanks for writing in. Stay tuned next Monday when we tackle another interior design question. Keep sending me those emails and don’t forget to include pictures if you can.

To view other entries in the “Design Files Of Heather B.” series, click here.

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Amish Interior Decorating – The Living Room

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

The Amish believe that their religious principles should be reflected in all aspects of their lives, including how they furnish and decorate their homes. When the Amish make furniture, they take pride in the process, from the way the timber is cut to the finished product and all the steps in between. Again, as part of their belief system, the majority of the methods used in furniture making don’t involve modern technology. The results are handcrafted furnishings that are well-designed, well-made and long lasting; furniture that is worthy of lasting from generation to generation.

But you can easily create the look of an Amish interior design living room by following a few general principles.

  • Handcrafted furniture made from wood – true Amish furniture is made by them and purchased from an Amish community. If this is not an option, choose living room furniture that has simple lines and minimal decorative elements and is made of wood with a matte, distressed or low shine finish.
  • Form and function – the focus of Amish furniture is on the practical and the functional and then blending these aspects with profiles that are simple yet beautiful.
  • Functionality also applies to dressing the room – when accessorizing the living room, only add “functional” items like baskets, hurricane table lamps and pillows and throws in natural fabrics that have a handmade appearance. Wall art should reflect pastoral themes and country scenes.

Amish Palette

While the typical Amish color palette does include neutral tones and earth shades, it also incorporates brighter colors that possess tints that are not as intense (as in bold-bright). This is because heritage paint colors used in Amish homes are made from natural pigments, resulting in shades that are softer. While they might not be technically heritage colors, paint manufacturers, like Sherwin-Williams, offer similar colors that can be used in Amish interior design.

Today’s living room is a multipurpose room that can fill several functions, aside from the obvious ones of relaxing with the family or entertaining friends. Furniture for this type of living space should be comfortable and practical, perfect for an Amish style living room. While Amish furniture is not truly rustic, as in knots or twigs embedded in the surface of the piece of furniture, an Amish style living room will still have rustic elements.

The heart of any living room is the sofa. The Lifestyle Solutions Fashion Hardwood Arizona Convertible Futon Frame displays all of the elements of Amish design.

The Jofran 036 Series Rectangular Wood Cocktail Table in Brown Mission Oak is a great place to put the remote, some munchies or your favorite book. It also adds function to your living room, one of the basic Amish interior design principles.

Another aspect of Amish style furniture is that it tends to be solid and oversized with square or boxlike profiles. Select end tables like the Powell Mission Oak Magazine Rack Cabinet that have a number of storage options, again increasing the living room’s functionality.

The appeal of Amish interior decorating is its simplicity and “low-tech” vibe. But even an Amish style inspired living room needs to make space for a television and its accompanying components. The Parker House Deer Creek Plasma/LCD Media System has plenty of storage to accommodate the entertainment needs of a contemporary home.

Next week in the last part of our mini series, we will be discussing how to design an Amish style dining room.

Right now, Cymax Stores is offering a really great deal on living room furniture. If your living room needs a makeover take advantage of these savings by using the coupon code SOFA10 at checkout.

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Japanese Style Living Room

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Japanese style hasn’t changed much throughout the centuries. It is renowned for its use of Zen principles to create living spaces that are harmonized and serene. Even though it has been around as long as it has, because Japanese style is characterized by a minimal, pared-down look with no architectural or decorative detail, it has a contemporary or even modern appeal.

Japanese interior design for the living room will incorporate natural materials, like bamboo and rice paper. Use of natural light is maximized. Furniture is generally low to the ground. Horizontal lines, which represent man’s relation to the earth, are very prominent in Japanese decor.

Japanese Palette

Color schemes tend to imitate nature, the grays and greens of foliage contrasted with warm wood tones. Earth tones and neutrals that give the space a calming aspect are the best choices. In keeping with spirit of this minimalist style, once the walls have been painted, plan to keep them free of framed pictures or wall hung photographs.

If bare floors aren’t an option for you, choose the L.A. Rugs Nature Style Camel Rug. The texture of this area rug has a sisal or other grass-like appearance.

The Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Furniture Leather Bradford 2 Seat Sofa has clean lines, made of an organic material and is available in earth tones and neutral colors.

The Tema Kyoto Square Wood Top Coffee Table is the prescribed Japanese style height, low to the ground. Its profile is simple and clean. Wood, of course, qualifies as a natural element.

The recessed side panels of the Furnitech Contemporary Asian End Table add subtle detail to the Japanese interior design.

The Modloft Ann 123″ Wall Entertainment Unit is “close to the earth,” designed with clean, smooth lines and keeps the room from feeling too spare while filling the space without making it appear cluttered.

Furniture pieces should be selected carefully. According to Japanese interior design, each piece should have a specific purpose and function in conjunction with the other furnishings in the room. When accessorizing a Japanese style living room, do so in moderation. You don’t want the room crowded with “non-essentials.” The overall effect should be tranquil, serene and uncomplicated.

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