Wood Furniture Guide

This article is provided by Stephanie Lego - take it away Stephanie!  Hi all.  Today, I'm here to discuss wooden casement furniture pieces!

Wooden furniture has been used in homes for centuries, and it is as popular now as it’s ever been. Over the years, wood has been used not only for furnishings but also for flooring, building ships, and constructing houses. Its reputation stems from its strength; it is a hard-wearing, durable material that won’t break easily. Not only do these pieces last well, but they can also add a touch of class and elegance to a home – they come in many different shades, can be painted any colour, and are adaptable to whatever style your home may be decorated in.

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees such as oak, mahogany, teak and walnut and are generally sturdier than softwoods. They are often more expensive, but you get what you pay for; oak furniture and walnut furniture are compatible with many different finishes, creating a smoother, glossier look.

Teak furniture is also extremely strong and resistant to rotting.

Softwoods, on the other hand, come from coniferous trees – including cedar and pine - and are generally more affordable and thought to be more environmentally friendly. Pine is one of the most popular softwoods, as it can be painted or varnished easily to create different styles.

It is generally advisable to go with dark wood if the rest of your décor is light, and light wood if the rest of the décor is dark; too many dark colours can make a room dull and depressing, whereas too many light colours together can give the room a washed-out look.

Solid oak furniture is popular for its strength and durability. You can get oak furniture to suit any style – traditional, rustic, antique, contemporary and modern. There are also many different kinds of oak wood, from reclaimed and reproduction, to weathered and limed finishes if you want a more vintage look.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Trend Spotting - Bag O' Beans

OK, now for something fun!  I asked the talented Sophie Tardiff if she would put together some thoughts on a trend she is seeing in the interior design world.  Sophie is a writer and marketing guru, and she really has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge trends.  Sophie take it away . . . 

Hello Musers.  I am thrilled to be with you today talking about trend spotting.  When Mandi ask me what trends I was seeing in the interior design world, the first thought that came to mind was bean bag chairs.  While we all know they are amazingly comfortable, the bean bag chair is making a huge come back.  

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They’re soft and conform uniquely to your posture in any way you want to sit or lie on them. They’re like no other piece of furniture. 

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Comfort aside though, it can be easy to think of them as only for the playroom or child's bedroom.  What isn’t obvious is how chic they can be in the right setting.  They also come in so many different forms making them really versatile. Traditionally, bean bag chairs only came in spherical shapes which could be quite limiting. Nowadays, this is no longer the case.

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Square bean bag chairs can be morphed into body pillows, armchairs, or stools. Bean bag ottomans can be sprawled out to create sofas for several people to lounge on. Teardrop bean bags give more back support to emulate an armchair style.

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Different styles of bean bag chairs allow you to emulate existing furniture, which can eliminate an awkward juxtaposition if you intend to put them into a room with actual sofas and armchairs. Again, this is important for obtaining a chic result.

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The other thing to consider is colour and fabric choices. Stark black and white rooms work well with bean bag chairs in a solid bright color to create major impact in a space.  Flat fabric textures work with subdued leather couches, while bold glossy faux leathers can work in a retro 60’s style décor. Warm colours and rough spun fabrics give off a bohemian vibe. 

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You simply have to think outside the box and consider making an old favorite part of your current decor.  

Thanks Sophie for sharing your insight on a current trend!  Now let's get out there and take charge of our Monday!  M.

New Sponsor - 2dplan

OK, I first want to thank you for all the comments yesterday on the "top sheet" debate.  I loved reading them all and had no idea that many of you were already doing this.  I am not sure I want to give mine up yet, but the comments certainly gave me lots of food for thought!

Now, for today's post . . .

Please say Hello to my newest blog sponsor - 2dplan.  When I came across this website over the summer, I immediately wanted to share it with you.  If you love redesigning your spaces.  Or if you would like to redesign your spaces, but don't know where to start, you need to check out this product. 

It's called 2dplan and provides the graphic tools necessary to create a totally new furniture layout for your space.  What's great is you can create the space without moving a single piece of furniture to determine if you will like the new design.  Then, once you're satisfied with the layout, you can call in the hubby to give you a hand on moving everything. 

  When I first started working as an interior designer, I quickly realized it was so much easier for my clients to understand my vision for their space, if I included a diagram of the new furniture placement.  It isn't enough to show a client fabrics and new furniture pieces if they don't understand what you would do with the pieces.  Also, I find that once I go over the plan and the client has time to sit down and look at the new layout out and how the pieces relate to each other,  they begin to get comfortable with my vision for the space.  So, I always to include a diagram in every design plan I complete for a client. 

So, if you are like me, a small business owner who works from home but insists on producing a professional product at an affordable price, you should consider this software.  But, 2dplan isn't just for interior designers.  They have software that would be very useful to architects, landscape architects, and those in the construction business who are looking to market their properties in an effective way.  

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Also, this would be the perfect Christmas gift for any young person who is considering going into a design field - as well as those who are just graduating with a degree in the same.  

The software is super simple to navigate, and there are programs designed specifically for each category of design.  There are also tutorials on each software program for you to "try before you buy."  Additionally, 2dplan gives you a free downloadable sample of a few of their symbols all of which are very professional.  If you have time this week, please go on their website and take a look.  At the very least, it might inspire you to re-arrange your space!!  

Find of the Week - Custom Canvas Artwork

Look what came in the mail yesterday!!  Megan at Easy Canvas Prints asked me to do a product review of a custom canvas. I loved the idea and decided to focus on creating something for my son's bathroom.  He has a couple of pieces of original artwork from school; but the space really needed something to pull it all together.  

So, I started by finding a picture of him doing something he loves - skim boarding.  He does this for hours at the beach.  In fact, this past summer, I looked up from my book to see him surround by a dozen little boys.  He was teaching them all his tricks.  Too cute.  So, I snapped this picture.  

When I showed him the picture, he said, "Whaaaat?! Nooo Mommmmm.  That is totally uncool to have a picture of yourself in your bathroom!"  Well, he IS 11 years old and it's all about being cool these days.

   So, here's what I did to make it work (for both of us).  I took the original photograph and using photo editing software came up with this Andy Warhol like effect.  There are lots of free photo editing websites to make any picture look like this with the click of a button.  

The result - a piece of artwork that has some sentimental value.

  

I also think it makes his bathroom feel more grown up and not as cutesy as it once was when he was really small.  As for Easy Canvas, their website is so user friendly.  They walk you through each step to create your canvas, and then it ships super fast.  As a friend of mine once said about Zappos, "I clicked 'Order' on the computer and like Chinese take out, the doorbell rang!"  OK, maybe not that fast, but it was less than a week.

There are endless possibilities with this great product.  Here are a few images to get your brain thinking about the perfect spot in your house for a photo canvas.

I love the ferris wheel in the grouping.  Very different and eye catching.

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Love a really huge Andy Warhol too.

Here they have combined a series of small canvases to give more impact.

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And my favorite.  I saw this a couple of days ago and was totally smitten.  I have to confess, I am usually not a pink person, but it works so well in this space (along with those photographs).  It feels like such a modern take on portraits.  

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If you have time, please click over and check out Easy Canvas.  They are my newest sponsor, so please show them some love!!!  Have a marvelous weekend.  See you Monday. M.

Trend Spotting - African Pillows

Last week, I was chatting with Donna of Fabricadabra via email about some of the new things in her shop.  She mentioned some new African pillows.  Well, kuba fabric automatically popped into my brain.  For years now, it's been all the rage.   

But she was actually referring to these very cool wax print pillows.  They are created with a technique using wax to design a pattern on the fabric that is then dyed different contrasting colors.  These pillows are so intricately designed, and the vibrant colors offer real impact in a space.   Oddly enough, the Dutch have dominated the market in producing these (even regions of Africa covet the Dutch produced versions).  So, I hopped on line to take a look.  

Each one is like a little piece of artwork!  The handmade nature of the pattern gives each pillow a one of a kind feel.  These chic, hip, ultra bohemian pillows are also popping up in Elle Decor as well as a few on line magazines which makes them my trend spotting item of the week!  

Here are my favorites from Fabricadabra.

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Now, for a little room inspiration . . . 

This is the home of fashion model Eugenia.  It was photographed by the talented Ricardo Labougle.  I love the modern artwork, neutral sofa and those gorgeous pillows.

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The wax pillows really seem to work well with Scandinavian design.

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This is an image from the latest TradHome online magazine.  Love the pillows coupled with the sofa.  That one long cushion on the sofa in a fretwork pattern is singing to me!  

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This is from Lonny online magazine.  Do you see those pillows in the acrylic swing?!

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Again, the most recent issue of Lonny.  Do you see the trend?!

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This is a second shot of Eugenia's living room.  Love the purple fabric in those grayish wooden arm chairs.  

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I think these pillows look fantastic with Scandinavian design, mixed into a very neutral traditional space or anything modern, mid-century modern, etc.  For more wax pillows designs, go see Donna at Fabricadabra.  She has something for everyone.  Happy Weekend! M.

Happy Dance! New Sponsor

I am thrilled to announce a new sponsor!


Cath is a world renowned London designer who began selling English inspired vintage fabrics and wallpapers.   She founded her company in 1993 with one tiny shop in London's Holland Park which has now grown to 32 shops in the UK and a handful of others located throughout the world.  Her company now includes a wide range of products from homewares to fashion and accessories.

Many of Cath's products are totally English (i.e., the tea cozies and ticket holders) while others simply bring in a hint of the traditional flare.  So, without further adieu, here are some of my favorites from her winter collection (in no particular order)!

Tartan Day Bag


Can't you just see this bag paired with jeans and a comfy sweater for the cooler months?  Even a pair of red wellies for a rainy day. 


Tartan Large Clasp Purse

I also love this small clasp purse.  Sometimes it's nice to carry just a small purse with essentials in it rather than a huge bag.


Retro Flowers Knitting Bag

OK, I don't know how to knit, but this little bag might make me pick it up.  I think it is the most adorable thing!  The perfect size for a small project that you can take with you anywhere.


Boy's Winter Hat


No way around it - this is just stinkin' cute!



Now for a few home goods, since, after all, this is a blog about interior design!

Zoo Duvet Set

Both of my children have out grown this look, but I still love it.  The vintage feel of this fabric makes it timeless for a nursery or toddler's room.

Also, look at these amazing wallpapers for a child's room.  Either would be a fantastic jumping off point to create a very special room.  You could use this paper on an accent wall and then paint the other walls a soft color for major impact.

Vintage Car Wallpaper

For the little boy in your life!

Circus Wallpaper

This circus paper (sorry for the fuzzy image) would be wonderful for a boy or girl.

This wavy stripe has several fun colors included which coordinate with either wallpaper above, but it also has a kaki and a watery blue green stripe which add a bit of sophistication that primary colors alone can't match.

 I could see a bed skirt for a crib out of this stripe along with an accent pillow for a chair in the same space.



And last, but certainly not least, is this cool item.  Have you ever seen anything like this?  It's a linen tea towel in a can!  A can of clean it up!! Who knew?!




These are just a few of Cath's products - there are lots of others on her website.  Please click over and welcome her to the Muse!
Enjoy your day. M.