May 25, 2013

Chinese buffet: a multi-functional piece of furniture

Chinese furniture: hall chest, buffet, breakfrontCombine the timeless beauty of Asian design with a functional piece of furniture such as a buffet or breakfront and you have a classic combination that will enhance any home’s design.

The purpose of a buffet is to provide storage for table linens, dishes and flatware in the dining room. The top provides additional space for serving dishes during a meal or celebration. Many buffets offer specialized features such as a lined silverware drawer, hanging units for stemware, expandable tops or surfaces that can handle heat such as a marble or granite top.

However, if space in your dining area is limited or you need a piece that is multi-functional, a small chest of drawers, hall chest or breakfront will serve the purpose just as well. These items will not have the special features of a buffet but they will provide needed storage and serving space. To protect the finish from damaging hot pots and moisture, place protective pads under the dishes or elevate items on a cake plate or tiered stand.

While buffets and chests come in many different design styles, Chinese design will add a touch of Eastern flair to your dining room regardless of your design preference. The simple lines work well with traditional furniture and the glossy black finish enhances a contemporary space. To achieve this eclectic look, seek out those pieces that feature elements of Chinese design that include:

• Shiny brass accents such as door hardware and hinges.
• A beautiful and glossy black lacquered finish
• Simple lines
• Ornamental accents that include carvings, inlay and other decorative touches
• Artistic designs that celebrate the Chinese culture such as pagodas, cherry blossoms, bonsai trees, birds and flowers

Your buffet can be used as a space to hold additional dishes during a sit down meal or it can be set up to handle a full buffet. For added visual appeal, vary the elevation of dishes by using tiered cake plates or stacked dishes. You can also “hide” bricks, books or boxes under the tablecloth to create different elevations for your food display.

A Chinese buffet is the quintessential multi-tasker. You will enjoy the beauty of its unique cultural design and also appreciate the additional storage and serving space it provides during the holiday season or anytime you are entertaining a large group of people.

Warm up a contemporary home with modern rug designs

contemporary, modernism rugs | Home Fashion MagazineHomes that feature contemporary or modern design can often appear cold and uninviting. Warm up these chilly spaces with a modern rug design that becomes artwork for your floors.

The birth of a design style

A quick history lesson shows us that contemporary and/or modern design was born out of the Modernist movement that took place during the late 19th and early 20th century. Familiar names such as Picasso, Miro and Matisse, along with architects, writers and designers rebelled against the traditional and conservative values of the time that were expressed in architecture, literature, art and design. This revolt led to the experimentation with design that resulted in avant garde buildings, abstract art and the use of geometric shapes and bright colors that we associate with contemporary design today.

Warm up a contemporary space with rugs

A modern or contemporary home often features smooth surfaces, straight lines and the use of reflective finishes such as metal and glass. While beautiful to look at, these interiors can appear cold and lifeless. The simple addition of a contemporary rug on the floor visually warms the space, adds a bright pop of color and introduces the geometric shapes that are associated with modernism.

These rug designs might include a collection of colorful circles that add movement and softness to the sharp angles of a modern home. The primary shades of red, blue and yellow, softened with a light shade of gray, add a real punch when placed against a stark white background. An abstract artist such as Dutch painter Pieter Mondrian introduces us, through his contemporary paintings, to graphic lines and colorful cubes or blocks of color. This artwork can be interpreted and woven into a contemporary rug design that will enhance the linear design of many contemporary homes. If you are looking for a simple design that will not compete with your art collection or beautiful furniture, a simple border rug will work. Border rugs are most commonly found in rectangular and square shapes and feature a solid color border surrounding a contrasting solid color interior. For example, a black border might be placed against a white background for a crisp black and white contrast. The options are endless…bright red border against a yellow background, green border with a black background; the choice will be determined by your own personal design preferences.

Elements of contemporary rug design

When it comes to choosing a rug design for your home you will want to look for specific elements of contemporary design that will allow you to remain true to your design style and, at the same time, add comfort and color to your home. Modern design elements include:
• Bright saturated colors
• Bold and graphic lines
• Geometric shapes and patterns such as circles, triangles, squares and rectangles
• Stark contrast in pattern and background i.e. bold colors against white or white patterns against a black background

The addition of a contemporary rug to your home’s interior design will visually and physically warm the space, absorb sound and create a comfortable spot to rest your weary feet.

How to introduce fall into your shabby chic decor

white pumpkins pink flowers arrangementsWhile whimsical jack-0-lanterns and unique gourds are associated with the harvest season, pumpkins are not just for Halloween as evidenced by this very feminine and romantic floral arrangement. The unexpected color palette will add a touch of shabby chic décor to your fall decorating when used as a centerpiece for a dinner party or a pretty addition to a guest room.

This all pink floral arrangement features a unique bouquet of pink hydrangeas and lisianthus surrounding petite calla lilies in an eye popping fuchsia, all accented with beautiful greenery. In this example an artificial white pumpkin was used as a vase but you can substitute real pumpkins for a more authentic look. Other fall flowers can be used to create this look including pink ranunculus, roses, mums, gerbera daisies and dahlias.

Is it chic to be shabby?

Autumn colors most often include warm shades of rust, gold and brown that is not always conducive to shabby chic decorating. However, with a little imagination you can turn your home into an autumn wonderland with beautiful fall flowers and unique containers that coordinate with your home’s décor and celebrates the season.

• For a traditional fall look, choose pumpkins and gourds in muted colors such as pale yellow, white and soft green. These can be displayed alongside your floral arrangements or hollowed out and used as containers for flowers.

• Weathered and worn items are a hallmark of shabby chic design and work well when incorporated into fall decorating. For example, a rusted tin pail can hold a large bunch of sunflowers. An antique child’s wagon filled with pots of colorful mums and placed in the front yard creates a warm welcome for your guests. Group a collection of old bottles in your windowsill and pop in a single rose or gerbera daisy for a simple floral display.

Is white appropriate after Labor Day?

White is a staple in shabby chic design and certainly feels warm and inviting even after Labor Day. You can warm your home with the addition of white fall decorations that celebrate, rather than detract from, the romantic look and feel of shabby chic décor.

• White pumpkins in assorted sizes can be arranged on a fireplace mantel, placed in a large willow basket or grouped together on the table.

• The days are getting shorter and candlelight is always inviting. Hollow out the center of several small white pumpkins and place a tea light in them to add a romantic glow to your home.

• Use small white pumpkins as place cards at your next dinner party. A ribbon of raffia tied to the stem can hold a note with each guest’s name printed on it.

• For a monochromatic bouquet, arrange all white flowers such as mums, daisies and roses in a large white pumpkin and place it on a round mirror to reflect the beauty.

All of these arrangements can be created with natural or high quality, artificial flowers and pumpkins.

Unique fall decorations in these unusual color combinations are also an economical choice as they can be used throughout the fall and will compliment your holiday and winter décor as well.

Vintage Light Bulbs | A Re-Use Christmas Gift

lightbulb_vintage_christmas_ornament200In today’s renew, reuse, recycle climate it is difficult to throw anything away, even a burned out light bulb, without experiencing some sort of guilt. But there are many fun ways to turn a burned out incandescent bulb into a beautiful holiday ornament or Christmas gift.

Paint, glitter, beads…oh my!

All it takes is a little bit of craft paint, some glitter and a few beads to turn an old bulb into a thing of beauty. Be creative and let your inner artist shine through by painting zigzags, circles and other simple geometric designs onto a painted surface. Attach some colorful beads with wire and you have a one-of-a-kind ornament to give as a gift.

The shape of the bulb is perfect for a Santa Claus or friendly snowman. You can even add pipe cleaner antlers to create Rudolph.

Personalize

Add a simple monogram for a truly personalized gift. You can download any font type you choose and use as a template on your painted light bulb. Make one for each member of the family, pets included, and create a namesake tree, give one to the teacher or use as your “secret elf” gift at work.

Using the socket as a “neck” paint the bulb to represent certain members of the family. For example, add a beard and a bald head for grandpa, eyeglasses for Dad, curly hair, blue eyes, freckles etc. Attach a ribbon to the top as a hanger.

Paint a bulb to look like something important to a friend or member of the family and add their name. For example, paint a tennis racket for Mom who plays every Tuesday. Dad will enjoy a baseball ornament with his name on it and if Billy is the next David Beckham create a soccer ball ornament for him. You get the idea.

Family fun night

What with sports, music lessons, sleep overs etc. it is difficult to get the whole family together for an evening. But the kids will be excited to stay home when they get to participate in a craft project. Cover the table with an easy to clean vinyl cloth and spread all the supplies out. Let the kids choose their idea but be careful when little ones are handling the light bulbs. Now paint, glue and decorate away. Not only will you be creating beautiful ornaments and gifts but you will create special memories at the same time.

Christmas is a time of giving and what better way to give back to Mother Earth than by recycling and repurposing old items like burned out light bulbs.

Bringing Outside Gardens Inside With Terrariums

It is possible for you to enjoy the lush greenery of plants all year long through the use of indoor gardens, sometimes called terrariums.

A terrarium is defined as a small enclosure in which certain plants (and small animals) can be raised. Over time they actually create their own little weather system that makes it possible for the plants to receive the correct amount of moisture and humidity. Most indoor gardens are kept in a glass enclosure to allow the plants to receive proper light for growth and also make it possible for you to view and enjoy the garden. You might consider using fish bowls, glass bell jars, a dish with a cloche (clear glass cover) placed on top, an aquarium or other discarded glass pieces. Vintage iron furnishings with glass sides can house many plants and create a beautiful focal point in your home. An old metal birdhouse can be turned into an indoor garden with the addition of some glass sides and a removable top. Just be sure that your garden has a lid that can be removed to adjust humidity levels inside the enclosure.

Choosing the correct plants for an indoor garden is important and should be based on the amount of light and humidity that is available. Some species to consider are:

Moss
• Ferns such as the delicate looking maidenhair and asparagus fern
• Ivy
Succulents like the jade plant
• Household plants like philodendron and begonias
• African violets for sweet color

If unique and exotic is what you are seeking there are many species that can thrive in a terrarium setting.

• Consider the carnivorous Venus fly trap for a truly unique plant.
• The cobra lily will add an interesting shape to your indoor garden.
• In spite of the name, the rattlesnake Orchid is a beautiful plant.

For proper growth your terrarium should have a bottom layer of rock and gravel for drainage, a layer of moss to prevent soil from accumulating in the drainage area and a top layer of soil. It is important that your plants get along. If they are not compatible i.e. needing the same amount of light and humidity as well as type of soil, then your indoor garden will not survive.

If you have done your homework and chosen the correct plants, soil and enclosure your indoor garden will require minimum care and provide you with years of year round beauty.

Rail and Nautical Ship Industrial Salvage

The railroad has always held a romantic allure for many. The sound of the train’s whistle in the distance and seeing the tell tale red light of the lantern on the caboose as it sped by made many young men dream of hopping a train that would transport them to a faraway place someday. Those lanterns that disappeared in the distance so long ago have become a popular item for history buffs as well as collectors.

Add a touch of Railway history to your home décor

• Hang these lanterns outdoors and enjoy the red glow from the colored glass
• Place a pair of lanterns on your fireplace mantel in a casual family room
• This is the perfect accessory for a lake or mountain cabin
• Place one in the bedroom of that future Henry Flagler you have in your family and let him dream of traveling the railways
• If you are lucky you may run across a salvaged signal light that features red and blue glass lenses. This would be the perfect gift for the railroad buff or frequent traveler

Sail the High Seas with nautical industrial salvage

Just as many young men dreamt of escaping on the railroad others dreamt of sailing the seas to exotic ports of call. Nautical salvage comes in the form of many items found on large passenger ships and includes:

• Passageway lights to rewire and use as porch and deck lighting.
• Large deck lights
• Old signal lights that make interesting shelf décor
• Lanterns that were used on the decks can be used as backyard décor and are the perfect accessory for a beach house or on your own yacht

Many of these fixtures have interesting metal bars protecting the glass. They are most often found in copper and brass that offer a beautiful shine and patina. You can also look for other nautical salvage that includes compasses, portholes, ship’s wheels, bells and the popular glass floats and jugs entwined with rope.

The use of both rail and nautical industrial salvage as home décor is a popular way of recycling items while protecting and preserving the memory of a magical time long ago.

Create a garden sanctuary outdoor living space

What better way to enjoy the warm summer months than at home in your own garden sanctuary.

The definition of sanctuary is that of a sacred or holy place where sacred objects are kept or it can refer to a safe place to go to in times of stress. It is easy to create your own backyard sanctuary as a spot to renew and reenergize.

• Planting perennials will insure that you have living color year round. There is something reassuring in watching plants thrive year after year. You may find yourself becoming attached to certain plants and admire them for their tenacity, beauty or the feeling they give you each time they bloom.
• A comfortable place to sit and relax is important in any garden sanctuary. Place benches or comfortable chairs in several areas to allow you to enjoy the sun, shade, different plant species etc. Twig furniture is a good choice as it will blend into the background and is able to withstand the elements year round.
• The sound of water can be very soothing. Add a fountain or small pool to your garden. The sounds of the water can also block out distracting noises from traffic or noisy neighbors.
• For that true sanctuary feeling, add a steeple or cupola to an outdoor gazebo or other building. Scout your local salvage yards to find a vintage steeple. Every steeple has a story so this will add a bit of whimsy and historical interest to your garden.

It is not necessary to have a large area in order to create a beautiful garden. If your space is limited simply place your plants in pots and planters, add a small bench for seating and hang a waterfall on the wall. Even the steeple can be used in a small space as a tabletop ornament or a freestanding art object. The goal is to create a tranquil spot to escape the frenetic pace of today’s lifestyle.

Once your garden is complete be sure to find the time to enjoy the benefits an outdoor sanctuary can provide—renewed energy, reduced stress and an overall sense of well being.

Indie Green Crafting

indie green craftingThe art of crafting is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and craft fairs are popping up all over the country. But these are not the craft fairs of the 1970’s. Today’s green craft fair focuses on unique art, clothing, jewelry and home décor pieces made from recycled or repurposed items.

Indie green crafts

In today’s lingo, the word “indie” can be used to describe anything hip or non-mainstream. For example, indie music is published by independent recording companies and indie craft fairs feature arts and crafts that may be a bit out of the ordinary. In fact, Indie crafts are in a category all by themselves. You are not likely to find patchwork aprons or a macramé plant holder at an indie craft fair. What you will see are lovely jewelry and beautiful artwork crafted from bottle caps and newspapers; wearable clothing made out of plastic bags or vintage fabrics and old CD cases become picture frames or hanging ornaments. Kitchen canisters painted with country geese have been replaced by skulls and other punk icons. Hand blown glass art is always popular but at an Indie craft festival the blown glass is often a more functional item like “smoking” paraphernalia. These crafters are expert at turning garbage and cast off objects into beautiful and functional art.

Regional green craft fairs

If mainstream is more your style, travel around our beautiful country and you will find crafts as diverse as the countryside.

• Areas that are near the water have the opportunity to repurpose or recycle items associated with boating and fishing, for example. Old sails may be turned into tote bags, sturdy outdoor cushions or window treatments like those found at www.ellavickers.com. Lobster traps become unique and functional picture frames or coffee tables. (www.lobstertrapart.com) Old rope can turn an ordinary lamp into a one-of-a-kind piece of art and large rope knots make perfect doorstops.

• Mountain areas offer different opportunities for crafters. Woven baskets and hanging wall art made from dropped pine needles and adorned with naturally shed animal horns is the perfect accessory in a casual home. Discarded sweaters are repurposed into blankets and quilts; fallen trees can be turned into beautiful and functional furniture.

• Even city dwellers can create green crafts. Bottles, cans, wine corks, newspapers, old furniture; all of these items can be repurposed, recycled, refinished or reupholstered into something beautiful and/or functional.

Green craft fairs often donate a portion of the funds collected to a local charity, offer a clothing swap or collect food for a shelter. Even the food booths are green—no hot dogs and French fries here—look for organic, locally grown food items along with a selection for vegetarians and vegans. My how times have changed!

Italian Pottery

italian pottery containersAre you interested in creating a beautiful garden setting for your home? One way to accomplish this is through the use of beautiful, hand cast Italian pottery.

Italian pottery is most often made from terra cotta clay or ceramic and is thought by many to be the best in the world. In fact, terra cotta means “baked earth” in Italian. Only the finest clay and the best firing techniques are used. This insures that your planter, pot, urn or other decorative item will retain its beauty and last longer than a less expensive item made in Mexico or China.

How to care for your Italian pottery

For those items that are to be used in the garden, it is a good idea to store them indoors during the winter months. At the very least, place them in a covered and protected area because freezing temperatures can result in cracks and discoloring. If you live in an area with mild winters, raising the planters a few inches off the ground and/or wrapping them with bubble wrap during the coldest months can help prevent any damage from the changing temperatures.

Before storing your pots, clean them with a mild detergent and scrub brush to remove any lime or algae buildup and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away for the winter. Even the best clay can break or crack so avoid stacking your items inside each other as they may break when it comes time to use them again.

How to use Italian pottery

There are many ways to use and display these beautiful pieces in and around your home.

• Group a collection of containers on a stair way, front porch or other area in your garden. Use different sizes and shapes for interest; place flowers in some and leave others empty to create a beautiful still life.

• Choose pottery with designs and colors that coordinate with your home’s architecture and/or interior design.

• Italian pottery pieces are just as beautiful when used indoors. Group a collection in front of your fireplace or on a bookshelf to add color and interest. Use a small pot as a utensil holder in the kitchen or to hold pencils on your desk.

Your Italian pottery pieces will add a touch of world travelled sophistication wherever you choose to display them and, with proper care you can enjoy these beautiful pieces for many years to come.

Old World Home Style-Part 2

old world home designIf you are in the process of building a new home or redesigning your existing home and Old World style is your design goal, architectural salvage yards and antique stores can be great resources for authentic and unique items.

Architectural Salvage Yards and Warehouses

Items found in an architectural salvage yard have been obtained from buildings and homes that have been dismantled or partially destroyed and are often considered junk because they have not been cleaned up or refinished. However, that old adage “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” certainly holds true if you are looking to authentically recreate a specific design style. You can find old doors, iron elements that include door knockers, lighting fixtures, railings and hardware, unique window frames in arched or gothic shapes and outdoor or garden items that include benches, finials etc. Since these items have not been refurbished they are often very affordable and part of the fun is the hunt for a “diamond in the rough” that you can bring back to life yourself.

Antique Stores

Antique stores have always been a great resource for items to complement a specific decorating or architectural style. Most often you will find furniture, accessories, artwork, sculpture, and textiles that are in excellent condition and have been refinished or refurbished to bring the pieces back to their original glory. Some dealers specialize in larger items like interior doors, hinges and doorknobs, leaded and stained glass windows, fireplace tools, large chandeliers and other lighting fixtures as well as furniture. However, you will pay a premium for items that are in excellent condition; but the excitement of being able to take a piece home and use it immediately is sometimes worth the extra expense.

Old world design for the exterior of your home would include arches, pointed gothic style windows, stone exteriors, dark wood doorways and window frames and rustic iron elements used in stair railings, hinges and other hardware.

The interior of these homes often feature large stone fireplaces, distressed wood floors, iron stair railings and wall sconces, heavy wooden beams and stained glass windows. Decorative items would include rich and luxurious fabrics done in jewel tone colors like burgundy, gold and green. Heavy tapestries would hang on the wall and upholstered furniture and draperies would feature large bullion fringe.

This is a style that is certain to turn your ordinary home into an old world castle for you and your family to enjoy.