February 14, 2010
Stunning Furniture to Make Your Room Shine
It’s often reported that the average person spends about one third of his or her life sleeping. But add in other activities and we actually spend much more than that in the bedroom. Style and comfort, then, should be a top priority. Fortunately, thanks to modern materials and designs (not to mention what we sometimes don’t like to admit: good marketing), any style imaginable can be delivered.
There’s the classical American Colonial look, the opposite of the current modern furniture style. Though “four poster” these days brings to mind images of rock bands, it also refers to the classic bed style. Stunning headboards are carved from exquisite oak or maple. To complete the American Colonial look, add a cloth canopy and draperies.
It is surprising that the post-Revolutionary style of ordinary merchants now is the style of the elegant and well-heeled bedroom of today. Whether a chest that can be used to store a thick down comforter or a bureau that matches your American Colonial style, this style reflects our historical heritage.
Asian designs became popular around the turn of the 20th century and continued on to the present. The hallmarks of the style — efficiency and minimalism — are the epitome of modern elegance. They also make possible a range of colors that few other choices can encompass. The Asian color palette has gorgeous hues such as beautiful reds, vibrant greens, and the colors of the sun and sky. Today we see Asian inspired designs like the noguchi table in the modern realm as well.
An armoire of slick black lacquer, inlaid with mother of pearl is one possibility. But even a simple jade or ceramic bowl on the dresser used to hold jewelry and coins can add a touch of Asia to the bedroom. The result is both cool and hot, both sexy and stylish. This yin and yang effect of Asian bedding and furniture brings into an intimate area all the exotic and stylish attributes that culture is famous for. A set of satin goose-down pillows in Mandarin red is sure to be both comfortable and visually stunning. An area rugs in matching design to keep the feet off that cold hardwood floor is both stylish and practical. That’s the Asian way.
Swedish and Scandinavian design gained popularity in the 1950s. That choice remains equally popular today. And who would question why? Swedish design features clean lines and gorgeous yet simple elegance.
The hallmarks of Shaker style are reflected in this design, it’s main features simplicity and peace. In this tumultuous era of living, this style is appreciated and valued. Additionally, it reflects the simple lines and somewhat “futuristic” design of modern high tech. That integrates the bedroom style perfectly with other parts of the house while it provides a place of rest and quiet. What more could you ask for, to have the best of both design worlds?
No matter the style you choose, it is easier and easier to find gorgeous furniture and accents to set off your design. Considering that you spend about one third of your life in your bedroom, it makes sense to invest in beautiful furniture and accents.
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February 12, 2010
Design Options for an Optimal Room
Sleeping comprises about one third of the average persons life, reports say. But consider everything else done in the bedroom; that’s a lot of time! Shouldn’t it, then, be a stylish and comfortable place to be? Fortunately, thanks to modern materials and designs (not to mention what we sometimes don’t like to admit: good marketing), any style imaginable can be delivered.
There’s the classical American Colonial look, the opposite of the current modern furniture style. Though “four poster” these days brings to mind images of rock bands, it also refers to the classic bed style. Stunning headboards are carved from exquisite oak or maple. To complete the American Colonial look, add a cloth canopy and draperies.
It is surprising that the post-Revolutionary style of ordinary merchants now is the style of the elegant and well-heeled bedroom of today. But whether it’s a chest containing a down comforter or a chest of drawers that matches the rest, this style says ’solid American values’.
Asian designs became popular around the turn of the 20th century and continued on to the present. For good reason: they incorporate ancient elegance with modern esthetic ideas of efficiency and minimalism. They also make possible a range of colors that few other choices can encompass. Bright reds, sea greens and the colors of the sun and sky are all part of the Asian palette. Today we see Asian inspired designs like the noguchi table in the modern realm as well.
A classic piece is the black lacquered armoire, with mother of pearl accent. But even a simple jade or ceramic bowl on the dresser used to hold jewelry and coins can add a touch of Asia to the bedroom. The result is both cool and hot, both sexy and stylish. By integrating the concept of yin and yang, Asian bedding and furniture brings both an exotic flair and cultural elegance associated with Asian culture. What could be more comfortable than a set of pillows in Mandarin red stuffed with goose down? An area rugs in matching design to keep the feet off that cold hardwood floor is both stylish and practical. That’s the Asian way.
In the 1950s Scandinavian, Swedish in particular, became all the rage. That choice remains equally popular today. It’s not hard to see why. The simple elegance and clean lines of a Swedish bed frame and chest of drawers performs a double service.
It harkens back to an older style such as that of the Shakers, suggesting simplicity and peaceful living. That’s always appreciated in these hectic modern times. But it also is an echo of the high-tech look that dominates computers, stereo designs and much more today. That integrates the bedroom style perfectly with other parts of the house while it provides a place of rest and quiet. What more could you ask for, to have the best of both design worlds?
No matter the style you choose, it is easier and easier to find gorgeous furniture and accents to set off your design. Considering that you spend about one third of your life in your bedroom, it makes sense to invest in beautiful furniture and accents.
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November 16, 2009
Making the Most of Your Modern Sofa
Gone are the days of the overstuffed and drab living room sofa. Today sofas are no longer just a comfortable place to rest your weary bones and watch a little TV. Modern sofas serve as focal points, functioning as virtual works of art and a vital component of the living space.
Your mother’s couch is no longer in vogue, now the age of the modern sofa has begun. Give up all your deep set assumptions and embrace the new way of furniture with Alphaville Design. Sofas are now more fashion forward than ever with their kaleidoscope of colors and modern shapes.
Sofas are one of the biggest elements in a room and should be the starting point of any design inspiration. The style of a sofa makes a dramatic addition to a simple room and reflects the vibe of the entire room. Nowadays there’s so many styles, sizes, colors, shapes and modern furniture patterns of sofa that it can be extremely overwhelming. But there are a few basic principles that must be followed in order to make a perfect selection.
To start, the size of a sofa is critical making a great impression. An error that befalls many choosing furniture is picking a sofa that is too large for their space.This makes your room look smaller than it already is and gives off a cramped and restricted sensation. Be sure to take careful measurements so the modern furniture that you choose will fit in the intended space.
Color is another important aspect of choosing your sofa color. When you buy a sofa you’re likely to have it for many years to come, so choose a color that will hold up well to the wear and tear of life. If you buy a white sofa today, consider how much care it will take to keep that sofa pristine year after year. Also don’t be afraid to buy a sofa in a bright color, modern furniture comes in so many shades that you can find the perfect sofa guaranteed.
Vibrant red sofas make a strong statement and give off a stylish vibe. No need to restrict yourself to neutral tones. Be sure to choose neutral tones of area rugs and wall hangings if you opt for a bold sofa, so as to offset the look. Following this list of simple tips, you’re sure to locate a sofa that fits your personal style and lifestyle needs.
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November 4, 2009
Gorgeous Bedroom Accents for Your Home
If you’re a decorating enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to know that though you’ve picked out bedding and furniture, your bedroom decorating is not yet done. There’s an array of items that can form a secondary theme, or flesh out the first one. Nelson bench are an obvious choice for your secondary theme. A stylish throw rug next to the bed, especially on hardwood floors, makes for a nice accent. They’re functional while also completing the look of the room. They can be used to cover a high traffic area between an attached bathroom, as well.
Cloth wall hangings are a design element that brings color and design upward in a room. Whether a simple yarn abstract or an elaborate scene, such hangings have been a popular addition for a thousand years. Images such as hunting scenes or pastoral pastures can combine with furniture and bedding to contribute to a beautiful design.
A wide array of lighting fixtures are available to illuminate both your modern furniture and your wall hangings. The simple pole lamp has become popular in the past 20 years and the style options available today are unlimited. But track lights, hanging lamps and much more can fit the bill, too.
Depending on your existing lighting configuration, you may either accent one part of the room or create a primary source of illumination. Using creativity with shadows and light, you can create a mood for any occasion. For those who like another source of heat, or just an attractive decoration, a bedroom fireplace may be just the thing. If you think they’re all small or just decorative, think again; they’ll effectively heat a room in the coldest of climes. Of course, if heat isn’t your main concern, a smaller fireplace with give you all the style without the higher heating bill.
Fireplaces for the bedroom can run on propane, special lamp oil-type fuels or even be simulated using electrical displays. They may be a modern, slender brick that gives a Scandinavian look. Or, they can provide a traditional American colonial accent that provides the perfect complement to that oak four-poster.
Storage and closet organizers have expanded the usable space by making every cubic inch count. Modular designs allow for implementing more as needed. Movable shelves, a area rugs, wire racks and a thousand colors and patterns make it possible to find the one just right for your bedroom. Plastic, metal, wood or composite material options give you a choice perfect for your circumstances.
Bookshelves are another popular choice. Models are available that can be placed into the wall, similar to a bathroom medicine cabinet without the door. Or, the more usual type can be placed on L-supports. One interesting newer design hides the supports by using rods that insert into the shelf itself, while going into the wall in an L-shape behind the drywall or paneling. Don’t let the decorating fun stop when you’ve arranged the bedding on that perfect piece of furniture. Select a few gorgeous bedroom accents that will finish off your stylish bedroom.
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October 25, 2009
Glass Coffee Tables 101
A glass coffee table is a piece of modern furniture that can serve many purposes. The noguchi table could be used just to place magazines and remotes on, but why limit yourself? Imagine a modern coffee table as the centerpiece of your room or a place to gather and work. Think of the vast variety of thing that you can achieve with this piece of modern furniture.
You have many different ways to use the coffee table as center piece in your living room. Consider putting a gorgeous flower arrangement atop the table. You could also use a second layer of glass to make the coffee table into a photo album by place the photos between the two pieces of glass. A candle on a small mirror is an easy centerpiece option. Silk flower petals around the candle create an elegant look to any room. By using a little imagination, you can create a lovely centerpiece for your glass coffee table.
A homework center is another option for a noguchi table especially if you are an art major. Perhaps you have an art project that necessitates tracing. Just put a lamp under the table and allow it to shine up through the paper that you need to trace. This is a quick and easy solution that could have cost you a lot of money buying the fancy art supplies for doing the same thing. The smooth surface of the glass coffee table provides an excellent place to work on any project whether homework for the art major or the four-year artist.
Does your dining room table make it hard to have an intimate dinner? Witness this simple solution. Use the glass coffee table as a classy table for two. Send the kids to their grandparents, put roses in a small vase in the center of the table, use pillows as chairs and enjoy that intimate conversation by candle light as you two reconnect over a simple dinner alone. You should have no problems getting to know one another again.
See, there’s no need to just let that glass coffee table pile up with magazines and remotes. Pick one of the suggested ideas and try it out for yourself and suggest it to a friend that owns a glass coffee table. You may find that you really like one of these ideas or even thought of some new ones. Whatever you do, you will enjoy the many options available to those who own glass coffee tables.
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October 6, 2009
Retro Coffee Tables Can Revitalize Your Room
Living rooms are focused on relaxing or entertaining and typically are centered around one piece of furniture: the coffee table. In the living room, most people want furniture that is functional and comfortable, but also pieces that are stylish, fun and reflects their individuality. There are many different styles to choose from to obtain the desired look, and when it comes to the living room people often choose an Modern furniture as a hip alternative.
In the history of design, the term retro often conjures up the funky styles of the sixties and seventies; however, it falls within the style of the noguchi table that can date from the twenties all the way to the seventies. Whatever the decade, retro furniture has very recognizable traits. Its form defines retro style: clean lines, organic shapes, and modular capability. Too, because of the materials that became readily available after WWII, it often incorporates non-traditional materials such as fiberglass and synthetic lacquers.
Due to the upswing in casual styling, retro coffee tables became popular. People wanted to have innovative forms and materials that were not as formal as their parents’; they wanted a home that was more open and inviting for adults and kids alike. Designers often used different materials like plastic, steel, and plywood in their designs. Designers were able to mold these materials into new and interesting forms, and manufacturers were able to mass produce furniture yet still keep them durable.
A classic retro coffee table the Eileen gray table with a base of two pieces of sculpted wood pinned together at an angle. Harvey Probers “Nuclear Table” is a perfect embodiment of casual styling that became so popular. This table offers a variety of forms with its two half circle shapes that can be place together to form a circle, can be lined up to give an ‘S’ shape, or can be stacked on top of each other to give height. Another retro design noted for its innovation is Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Table. The signature table is defined by its pedestal base which eliminated the “clutter” of multiple legs.
Contemporary furniture produced today is often reflective of some of retro coffee tables being offered by antique dealers. For instance, Paul Frankl’s Big Foot coffee table from the 1940’s, with its amorphic shape, is reminiscent of Zaha Hadid’s futuristic designs. Whoever the owner, a retro coffee table, with its innovative forms and materials, can offer a sleek and elegant, yet fun way to liven up one’s living room.
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September 27, 2009
Buyers Guide - Modern Dining Tables
The classic wooden and formidable dining room table is still the mainstay in many homes but it is slowly being replaced by with the modern dining table. Wood is still used but glass and metal are making a grand statement in modern furniture fashion. Wood will always be a classic elegant choice for a dining table, but when it comes to modern dining room fashion no material is off limits.
Modern dining tables is made with raw industrial materials to furnish a simple yet elegant style in its designs. Glass dining tables have such a large presence that choosing a style and material can be very difficult. To assist with choosing a dining room table that’s modern and chic, here are some important guidelines.
First, the shape of the dining table.The antiquated rectangle or square table can be made into a modern statement with the use of glass or metal as a countertop. Nothing screams modern like a sleek, elegant and sophisticated glass table. But you don’t have to stick to this square sided mind set, modern furniture breaks the mold with irregular shapes and harsh straight lines. A glass table can be custom made to exactly fit into a preexisting style and room.
Another thing to consider is the material used to make the dining table. Wood can still be used for a refined modern look, as long as it highly polished and has a dark stain. Wood is not the first choice for modern design when every material know to man can be make into a showcase. One great choice is a heavy duty clear plastic table that can be molded into any shape, size and color. A clear plastic table definitely adds a fun and funky twist to the classical table. The use of metal is another hot trend in modern furniture; a slick stainless steel table gives a room a raw, unfinished look while still giving off a powerful and controlled aura. The use of metal for a dining table is intrepid and will create a very chic look.
The side of a dining table also makes a huge impact on the tone it sets in the room. A large barren table gives off a very clinical and stark feel, so be careful not to overburden a room with a large dining table. Choose one that will fit your style and your needs and one that fits the space it is in.
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