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May 10, 2010 on 8:14 am
Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong. ~George Carlin Good point, George. Add to that the recent economic climate and its no wonder “staycations” will be a continuing trend this year. These mini stay-at-home vacations can be as simple as pitching a tent in the backyard for the kids, to taking day trips to a museum or art gallery. The goal is to create a kind of resort at home, away from the stresses of work and traffic hassles. Here are some simple ideas for creating a fun, relaxing backyard staycation: Stay relaxed: Create an outdoor living area that you and your family will enjoy. Think of how you will want the space to feel. Do you want casual come-as-you-are charm or formal by invitation only sophistication? If vacation time to you means lying on an outdoor chaise lounge with a good read, with the cabana curtain flapping in the soft summer breezes, then be sure to create a relaxing retreat area with this in mind. Stay playful: If your staycation includes young children, create space with room enough for good old fashion play. Have plenty of sidewalk chalk, skipping ropes and bubble blowing wands around and let the little ones use their imagination. Or put up a net for volleyball or badminton. Give the kids plenty to do and they’ll be the last ones to feel cheated by not spending long hours on a plane or in the car traveling to faraway vacation spots. Stay together: Take advantage of the time away from outside routine work duties to spend some quality time together as a family. Enjoy dinner on the deck or patio and then pull out the board games. Later, gather everyone together for an outdoor movie night. Let the kids invite a friend or two. Even if they’ve seen the movie before, there’s just something special about watching a movie outside under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn! Whether your vacation dreams include sleeping next to a tree or backyard barbecuing with friends and family, a staycation is a great option for getting some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Now’s the time to get your backyard “staycation ready” and we’ve got plenty of outdoor bar, dining and seating possibilities to choose from.
May 3, 2010 on 9:59 am
Black is not a color. ~Edouard Manet According to physics, there is no wavelength that corresponds to the color black. In fact, science tells us that black is actually the absence of color. Still, from the perspective of the human eye, we’re content to call black a color. Moreover, from a decorating standpoint, black furniture and accents are considered powerful and stabilizing. Enter wenge. It’s not really black and it’s not really brown. You may have heard it pronounced ‘when-jay’ or ‘when-gay’. If you’re one of those people who thought wenge was an actual wood species, you’re right…and for those of you who consider it a wood color or finish, you get a gold star, too. Wenge is both the name of a wood and a popular wood finish color for today’s contemporary furniture. The Dark Wood of Africa This special wood has been used for centuries to make ceremonial masks and carved statues. Today, it’s primarily used for hardwood flooring. Since it can be shaped beautifully using a lathe, this hard wood is also used to make musical instruments and walking canes. The heartwood or middle woody core of wenge has distinctive dark streaks which is what gives the wood its mystical allure.
The Dark Color of Wenge The furniture industry describes it as almost black. For you coffee drinkers, think espresso, rather than cappuccino. Either way, it’s a delicious dark wood finish that has captured the imagination and hearts of many designers and contemporary furniture buyers. Our selection of modern furniture has a wide assortment of cool contemporary looks in gorgeous wenge finishes. If you’ve always shied away from dark wood finishes, it’s time to put your bashful ways behind. You say you’re ready to buy a gorgeous piece of contemporary wenge furniture? We knew you wood!
April 21, 2010 on 3:45 pm
So this is the year. You’ve decided to spruce up your surroundings and create your own backyard oasis. You want to show off your gourmet cooking skills while entertaining guests in a picturesque outdoor setting. First Course Outdoor fireplaces remain a popular way to add extra warmth and atmosphere to outdoor settings, inspiring everyone from the outdoor grilling aficionado to the eager and soon-to-be expert marshmallow roaster. Second Course Everyone knows that ambiance can make or break even the best restaurants; use lighting to create the mood. Wrap tree trunks, patio railings or columns with white Christmas lights for an interesting, subtle effect. Dessert What if you don’t have a particularly attractive view? Create one with imaginative landscaping or some interesting object d’arts. Plant a fun pink mosaic tiled flamingo in the garden or add texture and bold splashes of color with mosaic planters and urns filled with fragrant flowers. You can’t go wrong with a fountain or water feature. Al fresco dining isn’t just about eating outdoors. The fresh open air encourages healthy appetites and before you know it you are appreciating a slower, relaxed pace to life. It’s really about creating a feast for all the senses. Buon appetito!
April 8, 2010 on 11:15 am
Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” ~Robin Williams When you look out at your backyard or deck do you feel like celebrating or going into permanent hibernation? Maybe it’s time your backyard had a mini facelift! Every well planned party starts with a guest list. Make a list of the things you want to invite into your outdoor space this year. Here are three things that made our list: Invite Beauty
Butterfly Bush Invite Comfort
Outdoor Modular Seating Invite Warmth Fire Pit Whether you decide on creating a special new space with some great outdoor furniture or you want to concentrate on growing a garden this year, you’ll find that a few little touches are all you need to smooth out winter’s wrinkles. Party on, Spring!
March 8, 2010 on 4:26 am
Have you ever heard of Feng shui aspirin? That’s what Feng shui practitioners often call a mirror. Mirrors can be very useful as Feng Shui remedies in many different situations. In Feng Shui philosophy, the mirror serves three purposes: expansion, reflection and deflection. It’s great to know that our wide selection of unique and decorative mirrors can help with all three. Expansion Place a mirror on a wall and a sort of magical vista opens up. We look into the mirror and see beyond the immediate plane and enter a virtual reflective space. This literally relaxes our eyes and relieves stress. Symbolically, the mirror expands our mental vision and lets us perceive ourselves and our lives in a new way. According to Feng Shui, smaller spaces mean limitations. We are not free to expand into more abundant, fuller lives. That’s why, mirrors are often used as a remedy for small spaces- they visually and metaphysically expand that space and remove restrictions. Small entrances in your home can signify that you are having a hard time making your way in the world. Expand a small foyer or entrance by using a decorative mirror, like our Shiva Mirror. Let’s say that your entrance forces you to make a sharp turn to the left. This can block progress in your career or other areas. The solution? Place an eye-catching, contemporary mirror like the Burst Mirror on the blocking wall (the wall that makes you turn) and you create a virtual window that lets you “see through the wall.” Open up narrow passageways by placing a mirror on one or both opposing walls. This makes the space feel wider. In Feng Shui narrow passageways constrict energy and correspond to the lungs and restricted airways. Reflection Along with creating virtual windows through walls, mirrors can draw certain objects in (reflect) or push things away (deflect). Use mirrors to add positive energy to your space or reverse any negative chi there might be. When you place a mirror up on a wall, always pay attention to what it is reflecting back to you. The Feng Shui belief is that a mirror basically doubles whatever it is reflecting. If you’ve got a beautiful Vishnu mirror on the wall across from a messy desk filled with unpaid bills, you’re symbolically doubling the mess and debt! Let’s say you have a mirror that reflects a framed family vacation photo. In this photo everyone is relaxed and having a blast. That means that metaphorically, the mirror has to double your family’s relaxation and happiness. Here’s a Feng Shui tip: the stove symbolizes prosperity. Hang a mirror above the kitchen stove and reflect or double the number of burners. You just doubled your prosperity! Deflection Mirrors can also deflect or bounce back negative energy. The rule of thumb for attracting or repelling energy is this: if you intend to attract positive energy, place your mirror inside the home. To deflect bad or sha chi, a mirror is hung on the exterior of your home. (If you live in an apartment, hang a mirror inside a window, with the reflective surface facing out.) When using Feng Shui aspirin, it’s important to keep in mind that it is your intention which determines success. Say you decide to place a classic Brahma mirror in your hallway to expand the space. If you intend to truly experience that expansion, you will! Still need a remedy? What are you waiting for! We’ve got a medicine cabinet full of stunning Feng Shui aspirin ready to soothe away your decorating aches and pains.
February 8, 2010 on 4:59 am
Time for bed. To a child, it’s likely these three words are the top most dreaded words in the English language. Unlike tired and weary parents, most children are not big fans of bed time. It just doesn’t jive with their boundless energy and joie de vivre. If you want them to head for bed walking less like they have cement shoes on, maybe it’s time for a new bed. From a child’s perspective, beds are basically boring. That is, unless they can double as a submarine, castle, puppet theatre or the secret headquarters of a secret organization (no, they’ll never tell!) Let’s take a look at the selling features of the Arizona Bunk Bed from a child’s point of view. Airtight submarine? Check. Puppet theatre potential? Yes, yes! Along with space saving, Arizona bunk beds have practical features that adults like, too: Solid Construction and Safety: Built with eco-friendly hardwood, they have a non-toxic, high build finish that keeps its glossy look over time. There are 26 steel reinforcement points and mortise and tenon joinery, a guarantee of strong, angled joints. Matching guard rails for top bed safety are included. Versatility: A 14 piece slat kit that leaves room for under bed storage drawers or a trundle bed. (Translation: a brand new three-man submarine!) Three Wood finishes: Choice of the Antique walnut (shown), Carmel latte or Natural maple means it can be easily matched with other bedroom furniture. In children’s rooms wood finishes don’t have to be exact matches, but keeping in the same tone works best. There are many options to bunk beds that you may not have considered. Twin over full bunk beds add a whole new dimension to spaceship adventures while providing a good night’s rest for larger and smaller members of the galaxy. Our Columbia Bunk Bed goes beyond your child’s imagination and gets them dreaming with a versatile design that can be converted into a twin/twin, twin/futon, twin/full or even full/full bunk beds. At bedtime, if your children still hate to hear the three dreaded words, it might be time to buy a bunk bed. It may not convert them from the reluctant sleeper group to the blatant pro-bedtime camp, but chances are it will open up a whole new world of bunk bed adventures…and no matter how old you are, those three words are never ever dreadful.
January 10, 2010 on 11:55 pm
Mother Nature really goes all out at this time of year, drenching the great outdoors in glowing hues. Cooler weather has us planning cozy nights by the fire and lazy Saturday morning sleep-ins under toasty warm covers. Does fall have you hunting for pre-hibernation fabrics? You might want to consider green…not the color, mind you… but the earth-smart way of dressing your bed in eco-friendly linens and blankets. Why not celebrate the autumn season by buying new bamboo sheets in gorgeous earthy colors, like sky, grass, sable, hemp and lotus. Natural fiber bamboo sheets feel luxurious and quilted bamboo coverlets and shams top them off nicely, while adding a fresh dressed sparkle to your bedroom décor. If you love the idea of eco-friendly bedding, here’s a look at why bamboo ranks as one of the best natural fibers for feathering your nest:
Bamboo Bedding Natural bamboo sheets are considered better than cotton because of their ability to adjust to body temperature. Millions of tiny micro gaps in the fiber make it more breathable than cotton. That means you’ll warm up faster on those cool fall nights without overheating and in the summer months, you’ll stay cooler longer. Bamboo throws, sheets and blankets are also naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, which means they keep their fresh feel and smell between washes. Considering that bamboo wicks water 3-4 times better than cotton, it’s no wonder it is fast becoming a fabric favorite for yoga and other sportswear. People enjoy the soft feel of bamboo and appreciate its durability along with the fact that using bamboo products won’t harm the environment. So, go ahead and take the plunge. Fall into autumn on irresistibly soft-as-silk bamboo solid color sheets and assorted bamboo solid color bedding.
December 12, 2009 on 6:30 pm
Small spaces can be oh-so-comfortable but if your cute little abode is cramping your style you may find these practical decorating tips helpful. Unclutter your space. Does all your stuff overshadow your favorite furnishings and decorative pieces? Remember the golden rule: If you don’t use it everyday, you probably don’t need it. Take out things you don’t use daily and put them in storage. When you need something, you can dig it out. After about three months if you haven’t gone looking for an item, give it away or sell it. Make use of natural light. Light gives the impression of open space, so don’t cover windows with heavy drapery. Try a simple sheer window covering. If the room faces a blank, windowless side of the building next door, consider foregoing draperies altogether. To keep things light and airy, use clear acrylic and glass pieces. For contemporary chic, try the Discovery Coffee Table or try a wood and tempered glass top table like the Wingnut Coffee Table. Either way, you’ll get a look that doesn’t visually take up valuable space. Everything in its place. When it comes to small living spaces, everything needs its own special place. Proper storage is simply a must. Make an effort to find the perfect “home” for each item and you’ll won’t end up feeling frustrated with a lack of space. Create a place to reflect. Use an eclectic grouping of mirrors or place a large mirror on the wall opposite a window to reflect light and make the room appear larger. Need some artwork? Choose a decorative mirror like the Bang Mirror or the captivating mosaic rendition that only the Reflect Mirror can offer. Choose versatile furniture. Whenever possible choose furniture that has multiple purposes, is easily moved and creates visual space. For example, choose a sleeper sofa without arms, like the Chrystie Convertible Sofa. Sectional sofas, like the Applewood provide the ultimate in comfort while taking up half the space that a sofa and chairs would take. For small dining areas, opt for a dining room table with folding ends. An entryway can be brightened up with a simple chest of drawers like the Waverly Dresser, providing a precious storage solution and a handy surface for keys, gloves and other what-have-yous. Add a lamp for extra lighting. Using furniture creatively makes a small space as decorative as it is cozy. Remember, living in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t get full sized enjoyment from living there. Follow these easy tips and with a little imagination you can create a very special space.
November 8, 2009 on 3:18 am
Aside from the traditional home furnishings and commercial seating available in the market, bar stools offer a fresh alternative as a seating arrangement for a space. Available in a wide variety of great designs that can range from conventional to modern; the barstool makes a suitable furnishing for any individual who is looking to spruce up their look. For example, if you have a flair for the contemporary, a barstool such as the concerto would fit the bill rather nicely. Probably the most important determinant when choosing bar stools is its height. These stools are manufactured in a wide range of heights but the most common height would probably be the bar or counter height. In choosing a bar stool, you must also consider the type of space or setting you will be putting it in. Is it for a commercial business, patio, restaurant or home use? If you want your commercial space to have a more modern feel to it, then a matrix bar stool might just be the one you are looking for. Style is also a very important factor in choosing a bar stool for your space. If you’re looking more at stools with clean lines and minimalistic shapes, than a contemporary bar stool is the one for you. Knowing the look you’re after or the design style you’d like to incorporate also helps to narrow down your choice. As there are many types to choose from, bar stools are also featured with a variety of frames. These will include wood, plastic and wrought iron. There are also stools made out of bamboo that can greatly enhance your tropical theme. But if you want to have a more fun and modern look then you might want to opt for a carafe bar stool which can instantly liven up a place. It is available in a leather seat with many color choices. To create a great look for your space, achieving the right height for your bar stool is imperative. Therefore, it is essential that you determine first if you want a short height, bar height, counter height or custom height bar stool. Remember that seat heights will usually range from 18-36 inches and can be stationary or adjustable. You must also determine if you want a barstool that is round, rectangular or square-shaped. It is advisable that you don’t choose the pinch barstool when a traditional theme is the look you’re after. Your final decision must be dependent not only on what looks great but what best fits your space. Aside from the different styles available, bar stools also have numerous features to choose from. You can find stools that are folding, swivel, ladder back, armless, and backless to name a few. The decision will depend on your personal preference and style. Bar stools can really achieve wonders for your space. Not only is it a functional piece of furniture, but it also showcases your personality and style. With the vast assortment of styles available, it is not hard to find bar stools that can fulfill your individual design needs and artistic preferences.
October 6, 2009 on 5:27 pm
Club chairs can most definitely be a wonderful addition to any home or space. It embodies a touch of class and elegance as well as reflects a calm ambiance to any room. Apart from giving a luxurious appeal to any type of space, they are also known for being extremely comfortable making it quite a popular choice in making any kind of area have a stress-free feel to it. Chairs like these are basically relaxing chairs meant for people who want to talk, sit and relax for hours. They are designed with broad armrests, deep seats, sustainable frames and supple finishes. Probably the most popular type is the leather club chairs. This remarkable furniture is able to blend in with any home or space décor making it a fashionable option for many homeowners and club owners. It gives a trendy look and in this vastly conscious era, it has become a must-have accessory for many homes. There are many varieties of club chairs that are made out of leather. They are enclosed with soft stuffing which grants complete comfort to anyone who sits on it. It is a great item for any home or space as it provides complete relaxation especially after a tiring day at work. It also comes in natural and classy shades such as a black leather club chair that can be ideal for any area in your house. Leather club chairs can easily be maintained but it should still be properly taken cared of to ensure that it will last for many years. One important tip you can take into account in taking care of these chairs is that it should be placed away from the sunlight. In this fashion, it will be able to retain its shine and attractiveness. On the other hand, if you choose to use upholstered chairs rather than the leather ones, then keeping it always clean is a necessity. Chairs such as these will most likely absorb oil from clothes overtime. Therefore, it is imperative that it is appropriately cleaned or you can have it professionally taken cared of. Club chair leather seats can be used anywhere, whether it’s for your dining space, bedroom or lounge area. You can place it inside your bedroom or study room to increase your seating options. It can also be good furniture placed inside a small library where you can enjoy its relaxing features as well as the unique ambiance it creates. If you are looking for a stand out piece that compliments your sofa then this item might just be what you are looking for. It has a versatile quality as it can be casual enough for any family room as well as appropriate enough to be placed in offices like a fortress armchair that can provide a classic and innovative style to any office space. A club chair is perfect piece for any home or club space. It gives the owner a chance to experience a feeling of coziness and comfort. These chairs are great accessories as they can both be a trendy and functional piece in any type of space. |
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