Apr
22

Danish furniture has become synonymous with contemporary furniture over the last several decades. Some of the most elegant modern furniture on the market today is of Danish design. Not only do people associate the classic modern lines and look of this furniture with Danish craftsmanship but the general quality of this furniture makes it one of the most popular styles of furniture on the market today. And, this popularity is showing no signs whatsoever of fading.

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Danish furniture requires no ornamental scrollwork or bright and bold patterns. It’s simplicity and sleek design is part of its appeal. One of the things that you will immediately notice about this furniture is its use of wood in combination with other materials. The other thing you will notice is that it is built for comfort and functionality rather than for looks.

While the furniture does have a modern and often sleek look to it, there is purpose in the modern lines that goes far beyond appearance. Most Danish furniture is designed with the human body in mind. The form of the furniture is meant to conform to the contours and shape of the human body. Not only does this furniture offer superior form and comfort, you will also find that it is very beautiful for the very simplicity of its design.

Some of the most elegant things are really quite simple. A simple, single strand of pearls is one of the most beautiful and elegant jewelry pieces a girl can own and yet there is no real adornment, no fancy settings. The simplicity of the strand is what makes it so beautiful. The same principle holds true for Danish furniture. It doesn’t have to extensive patterns, scrollwork, or complicated lines. The mere simplicity of this furniture is a significant component of its beauty. The superior comfort is vital to its appeal. The combination of the two is the reason for its unsurpassed popularity over the better part of the last century.

With furniture lines for the home office to the home theatre and everything in between, Danish furniture makers have been quite busy. The fact that they continue to remain ahead of the trends and demands of the public is almost uncanny. The makers of this phenomenal furniture also have the ability to improve upon existing concepts and make them more comfortable while retaining the overall look and appeal of the furniture they are improving all the while continuing to create new and innovative furniture as they go.

These talented craftsmen do not limit themselves to copying and improving works of others, nor do they find themselves above it. If something works with the body they are perfectly willing to adopt and adapt the new technology to increase the performance and comfort of their furniture. If it looks good but isn’t comfortable, they can adopt the look and find ways to increase the comfort. I applaud their efforts at creating furniture for the human form. The Danish furniture makers are modern miracle workers if you ask me.

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Apr
21

When decorating in a specific period style, adding the correct type of reproduction lighting puts the finishing touches on a room. With many styles from various time periods to choose from it pays to do a little homework to make sure you choose the right lighting.

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When choosing reproduction lighting to capture a specific time period for a home or building there are a few things you should consider. If the décor has to be accurate to a time frame find out the age of the home or building and the style of décor that was popular during that time. Since you want your lighting to be functional, as well as decorative, you’ll need to pay attention to how much traffic will be going through the area and how much lighting you’ll need.

Once you discover what time period your décor will reflect you’ll need to find out what type of lighting was used during those years. If you are decorating within the time period before the 1800s you’ll be looking for a candle type of reproduction lighting, as that was the only lighting available then. Between the years of 1800 to 1880 candles were still predominantly used with a few gas burning or kerosene light sources. It was not until 1880 that electric lighting sources came into use so keep that in mind when choosing your reproduction lighting.

Now that you know the basic type of lighting used, let’s move on to style. American vintage is a catch all category for many types of fixtures that don’t fit into one distinct style or period. If you are decorating in the teen years to 1920s you’re reproduction lighting needs will probably land in this category if they are not distinctly of another style. This type of lighting tended to copy other designs from various periods but with slight alterations to fit the décor of homes at the time.

Art Deco décor began in the early 1920s and lasted until the 1930s. This modern type of style was popular in the US and Europe and can be recognized by its distinctive sharp, clean lines and angular symmetry. A popular style from this period is a slipper glass fixture, a lighting style in which fixtures were designed with molded slipper glass. If choosing this type of lighting its advisable to seek out an expert in this model as it is one of the more difficult to reproduce properly.

The Craftsman décor era in the early 20th century was an attempt to get away from the frilly details of the Victorian Era. Reproduction lighting from this time period will focus on simplicity and usability of the piece. The style will reflect clean, straight lines with square tubing and bodies. Most of these pieces are made by hand hammering copper or brass.

With many eras and styles to choose from it can seem like a daunting task to choose the correct lighting fixtures. Do your homework and get to know the period you’re decorating for and you can be sure you’re adding the right final touches with your reproduction lighting.

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Apr
20

When decorating a home in a period style using reproduction door knobs adds the perfect finishing touch. Thanks to talented craftsmen there are many styles and finishes of reproductions available to suit your décor and personal taste.

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Knowing the style of the period you’re aiming to capture is your first step. For example, if you are decorating with a Victorian décor you can choose from high end cut crystal octagonal door knobs or similar glass knobs if budget is a factor. If you like bold statements, glass reproduction door knobs in vibrant colors such as cobalt blue or emerald green are available. For those who love antique details try a solid cast bronze door knob with intricate carvings.

Brown or white porcelain reproduction door knobs with a black shank are well suited to a Colonial, Federal or Victorian décor. For a Modern or Art Deco style try a solid cast brass reproduction door knob in an angular sea shell motif, very popular during the Art Deco period. Just be sure to do a little research to confirm that the style and finish used is accurate to the period you want.

The budget is often a consideration when buying accents for your home. If money is an issue you can achieve the same look with a good quality, but less expensive line. The reproduction door knobs in an economy line will likely be stamped brass or brass plated. If money isn’t an issue go for the studier, heavy forged brass knobs. These will not only be more durable but you will have options when it comes to finishes and it will likely come with a high quality lock or latch.

Once you find the perfect reproduction door knobs you will have only one more, albeit very important, factor to consider. Reproduction door knob sets usually come in two styles; a conversion door set or a mortise lock set. If you are installing your door knobs in a new, pre-drilled door you will need a conversion door set to get the right fit. If there is existing hardware on an older door you will need to determine if you have a mortise lock or tubular latches.

Modern doors use a cylindrical door latch that is installed into the edge of a door and is operated by a knob or lever via the spindle. A mortise lock is an old style box lock that is installed into a pocket located in the edge of the door. A Mortise lock has both the latch and dead bolt in one unit so you will need to make sure you order the correct type of reproduction door knobs to fit this type of door.

The perfect door knob can make or break the fine details when decorating in a specific period style. Get it wrong and your door knobs will clash but do a little research and you can add the ultimate finishing touches to your door with the correct reproduction door knobs.

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Apr
20

It’s all in the details, and using the right reproduction drawer pulls can put the perfect finishing touch on that period style desk or cabinetry. From classic Victorian bail pulls to modern stainless steel handles, there’s no shortage of styles to adorn your drawer fronts.

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Before you set out to purchase your hardware there are a few terms you should become familiar with. When finding the correct size of reproduction drawer pulls the term “boring size” refers to the measurement from the center of one hole to the center of the other from which the pulls are attached to the drawer. Different types of drawer pulls are measured depending on their style. Those pulls attached by two small round circular bases will have sizing refer to the width of each of the washer’s diameter. A reproduction drawer pull with a full back plate will be measured by the dimensions of the plate.

Style is an important factor when choosing your reproduction drawer pulls, since you will probably be aiming to recreate a certain period’s décor. For a Victorian theme brass pulls work well, usually with ornate detailing on the face plate of the drawer pull. Try a flower motif or a Greek inspired design to add a touch of class to your drawer fronts. Glass knobs of various colors are also available but if you’re looking for a truly elegant style the pendant-like drop pulls are an excellent choice.

Cast iron reproduction drawer pulls fit well in the Arts and Crafts style of décor. Look for drawer pulls that are black and have a very simple, rustic design. Brass can also work for this style but pay close attention to the detailing on the face plate. Too intricate a design will end up looking more Victorian than Arts and Crafts. If you want to play it safe stick with a plain wooden drawer pull and stain it the same color as the drawer fronts, or black for a contrasting look.

To install your drawer pulls you must first take into consideration the distance between the two mounting screws. If you are replacing an existing pull try and purchase reproduction drawer pulls that are the same sizes and will utilize the same holes when being mounted. Also, be aware that when purchasing your drawer pulls, especially from the Internet, some dealers get their supplies from Europe and, therefore, will list measurements in centimeters instead of inches. Be sure you know whether the measurements you’re looking at are imperial or metric to ensure you get the right sizing.

Choosing the right drawer pulls might take a little forethought and research but if you’re aiming for a certain style the extra work will be well worth it. Know your period décor styles and double check those measurements and you can make any drawer front look amazing with the right reproduction drawer pulls.

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Apr
18

In a kitchen or bathroom, adding rustic door hardware is a great way to add a rustic touch without going to a great amount of expense or hassle. Rustic door knobs and drawer pulls can be found at almost any hardware stores in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. There are almost as many drawer pulls and door handles on the market as one person could possibly imagine, if not a few more than most people can imagine.

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The right rustic door hardware can change the look of your entire network of cabinetry. It’s amazing the difference something as simple as a door knob or drawer pull can make in the look of a room. With a rustic style of décor you will want to choose hardware that is sturdy and low maintenance. I say low maintenance because who wants to spend all their time polishing door knobs, drawer pulls, and faucets. If you select finishes that don’t require polishing you have a better chance first of all of achieving the rustic look you are hoping for and secondly, do not require daily polishing in order to maintain their good looks. Not that there is anything wrong with shiny door knobs and drawer pulls, they just aren’t very rustic.

You might think it’s such a small thing, and really it is. But it is the small touches such as rustic door hardware that can make all the difference in the world when decorating. The little things are the subtle reminders that bring warmth and confirm that great care was taken in selecting the perfect touches for a room. They are also reminders to the guests in your home that no small detail was left unnoticed by you the home owner. There is very little that I find sadder in a home than neglected hardware. It provides a sense that the cabinetry (a very expensive piece of your home I might add) is an afterthought and takes away from the warmth that you are going for in a rustic styled room.

You may find that my insistence on rustic door hardware seems a little strange, however, one of the first things someone sees when knocking on your door or entering your home is the door hardware. It makes a first impression that can’t be unmade. If you are going for a rustic feel within your home you don’t want to set the stage for modern décor at the front door. You also don’t want your guests to get mixed signals if you can avoid them. We all want our homes to be safe and to buy the best hardware available in order to make that happen, but by shopping around and asking questions, it is often quite easy to find the perfect hardware that will actually suit your decorating needs at the same time.

With any home, or any decorating style, it is always the small touches that make the greatest impact. The little things that others will notice (trust me, there is always someone that notices) that make such a large impression on not only your home, but your personal style and taste as well. The attention to detail that you provide in things such as rustic door hardware says a lot of good things about you as a person.

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Apr
13

Using reproduction cabinet hardware can give existing cabinets a makeover or put the finishing touches on a handcrafted piece of furniture. Reproduction hardware comes in a variety of styles from Victorian to Modern with many variations in between.

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When you’re looking to add reproduction cabinet hardware to your cabinets to achieve the look of a certain time period you have to first get acquainted with what was popular during that time. The Early Colonial period, from 1607 to 1830, saw cabinet hardware without elaborate details. Most pieces were made from iron during this period but reproduction cabinet hardware of today can also be made from stainless steel with a black powder coating.

Cabinet hardware from 1789 to 1865, known as the Federal Age, brought designs into the home such as cornice moldings and Greek inspired architecture. Reproduction cabinet hardware from this period is created mainly from brass. Cabinet knobs were made from porcelain and a classic rope design adorned rosettes and edges of the hardware.

The Victorian era, from 1837 to 1914, started an explosion of creativity and designs became more intricate. Many pieces were also created out of brass but the details were much more elaborate. The patterns of this type of reproduction cabinet hardware should be more complex and you’ll have the choice of an antiqued or highly polished finish for this type of décor.

The years from 1830 to 1920 ushered in the Arts and Crafts era. Decorations returned to a more understated style. The materials used were usually copper iron or forged brass, which were hand hammered to create the hardware needed. Reproduction cabinet hardware should be dark in color and finishes should consist of oiled bronze or antique brass.

Lastly, there is the category of Modern reproduction cabinet hardware. This period is from 1920 to 1960 and saw many new innovations in hardware occurring. Chrome and nickel plating were used during this time and designers began using processes to chemically age metals and powder coat brass. This means a larger selection in styles and finishes that will be suitable for decorating cabinets during this period.

Now that you have an idea of the period style you need, you’ll need to choose exactly what type of reproduction cabinet hardware you want. Cabinet knobs are the usual choice, which are available in styles such as glass, brass, cast iron, wood or porcelain. As a decorative alternative, cabinet latches are both functional and lend character to your cabinets. These are mounted on either side of a locking cabinet door and are available in either turn style or slide style and suit almost all periods from Victorian to modern.

The right hardware can take otherwise plain cabinets and turn them into reproduction masterpieces. Get to know the style of the time period you’re decorating in and add that extra touch with the right reproduction cabinet hardware.

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Apr
12

Whether you use it to hold an entertainment center or your wardrobe, you will be happy with an unfinished armoire. These handsome pieces of furniture, once restricted to the bedroom, are now found throughout the house. They are made from many different woods and produced in a variety of styles.

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The versatility of an armoire makes it very popular, and can make it a very costly purchase as well. Many people prefer to acquire a unique piece of furniture and save money too by purchasing an unfinished armoire. They get better quality with this approach, as unfinished furniture is constructed from real wood, not particle board – a product made of bonded wood chips. Real wood furniture can last for decades, providing service and pleasure to generations. Particle board seldom survives more than a decade of normal use. Much prefinished “all-wood” furniture is actually made of particle board covered by a wood veneer. You can check by following a seam in the furniture all the way to the end, where the end grain should be visible. If veneer has been glued over the end of the seam, there is a good chance that you are not looking at solid wood construction. Unfinished wood furniture is typically made from high-quality kiln-dried wood that has been carefully handled and is free of knots, cracks, and other weaknesses. An unfinished armoire can give service for a lifetime.

Unfinished armoires can be given a natural finish to show off the beauty of the wood, or they can be adorned with a variety of decorative techniques. Natural finished are usually associated with traditional styling, but decorative techniques can easily create a modern look.

A natural finish requires a stain followed by a protective topcoat. Most unfinished pieces need additional fine sanding before finishing. This eliminates any surface fuzz or roughness that will show when the stain is applied, as well as removing any oils that may have clung when the furniture was touched by human hands. Use very fine sandpaper, and always sand in the direction of the grain. Then rub surface with a tack rag to remove any dust. Stains can be water-based or oil-based, liquid or gel, designed to be the first step in a multi-step procedure or incorporated into a one-step finishing project. Each manufacturer issues directions and safety warnings with its products. Be sure to follow all safety precautions and to follow directions carefully when working with unfinished oak furniture.

Decorative techniques include painting and stenciling, gilding and decoupage. The large surfaces of an unfinished armoire give the artisan plenty of space to work! If the armoire will be used as an entertainment center, the interior side of the doors should be decorated as well, since they will be seen when the television is in use.

Whether you are looking for a dignified wardrobe or a vibrant entertainment center, you’ll get what you want with an unfinished armoire!

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Apr
12

Finding a home with a contemporary fireplace can be difficult, but having one commissioned may be easier. Contemporary fireplaces can be a sight to behold – with their smooth angular lines, shapes, styles, and textures, approaching your architect with a beautiful idea firmly in place will help you get your dream contemporary fireplace.

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Fireplaces are functional by default – they house fire, which heats a home. Therefore, the contemporary style will work wonderfully in regard to the fireplace, because contemporary denotes functionality. The entire purpose of contemporary design is to have form and function, therefore a contemporary fireplace by itself will be beautiful.

First, you must select what kind of design you would like in your contemporary fireplace. There are several different styles to choose from, from inlaid in a wall to a traditional fireplace style setting. Remember, with contemporary art you’re looking at beautiful angles and lines, so having an inlaid circle fireplace may be acceptable.

To choose your contemporary fireplace style, review the rest of your room. How does it look? What materials does your room utilize? Is it heavy on any design or decoration, or does it need additional shapes to balance the décor? Look around your room at the style and shape, and use your imagination. You’ll want to make sure the shapes and lines balance the rest of the theme of the room.

Shapes are prominent in contemporary fireplace design. It’s not uncommon to find circular fireplace ‘holes’ or other similar designs. When deciding which kind of a fireplace you need to complete your room, what shape would look best? Would a circular or other oddly shaped fireplace area compliment your room nicely, or would a more traditional theme work better?

Traditional themes are still used in contemporary fireplace design. The standard mantle and frame have lasted through such a long time in history because they work! They’re both beautiful and functional, and that’s what contemporary furnishing is all about! There are many variations of the traditional model of fireplace, so by searching through all the possibilities you’ll find one you love!

In addition to design, you can also change the traditional way the fireplace ignites. Contemporary fireplaces are not bound in the mold of wood – no! You can get a fireplace that utilizes wood, gas, or electric ignition sources – thereby creating a different ambiance with each type of flame. Gas, for example, burns much hotter than wood, so if you’re in a colder climate you may want to invest in a gas system to help keep your family warm, as well as contributing to the ambiance.

As you can see, there are many different styles and forms to the fireplace. By approaching your architect or designer with a style and function before construction, you’ll be able to have the most complimentary fireplace fixtures and design possible! Utilize the internet to help find, create, and design your contemporary fireplace.

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Apr
9

With the dawn of mankind came the dawn of art. Through the millennia, we’ve found ourselves with baroque and Grecian styles, Victorian and impressionist. Modern Style, the style of shape and lines, is a minimalist style – and it is still very popular to this day.

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The Modern Style came to be in the end of the 1800s. Being highly influenced by the Bauhaus style of Germany, modern is marked by sleek lines, charismatic shapes, and fanciful textures not usually suited for artwork or furniture. Materials you wouldn’t think to be suitable for a bed, for instance, will find their way into the Modern Style and be welcome. The blend of the old and new, manufactured and organic, differentiate Modern from many of the styles we see today.

In interior design, for instance, modern furniture will be crafted from materials, such as chromium, steel, plastics, and concrete – therefore lending a subtlety of influence to the modern age.

The furniture of Modern Style is nothing short of inventive. Space constraints brought the need for furniture to be modularized, and that’s exactly what Modern did. In a time when pre-fabricated houses were destined in the future, Modern brought simplicity, elegance, and panache to design that otherwise could have been mundane and average.

Even though modern style objects can be easily mass-manufactured, when they’re assembled properly you can’t tell the difference. The reason for this is Modern is made for mass production – it’s made to be made by a manufacturer and assembled by the consumer. Therefore, Modern is a very tactile art – an art that even the consumer has a hand in creating.

Oftentimes in Modern Style objects, you’ll find they’re made of one or two pieces of material. These pieces, when fitted together properly, will be a chair. The same chair, when you look at its silhouette, will look like a wine glass. Much Modern Style objects and art work have the same duality – and serve to enlighten the imagination and senses.

After the end of World War II the Modern Style became less popular, but it still has its niche. The nineteen sixties and seventies gave way to the urban-chic penthouses of the eighties, and the rise of Modern came again with a penchant. Entire magazines cater to the Modern niche, and along with it there are a horde of collectors looking for early chairs, sofas, and other collectibles.

Modern Style is not dead; in fact, with the modern collectors it is more popular now than it has been in 20 years. With the advent of modern antiquing shows on television, a new generation is falling in love with the minimalist style and the lines, shapes, and textures that differentiate the style from the rest. From New York and Tokyo Apartments to rural abodes in southern Texas, you’ll find Modern alive and kicking in its new-found popular culture atmosphere.

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Apr
9

Rustic garden furniture has gained increasing popularity over the years. Whatever the reason for the sudden spike in popularity of rustic styled furniture for your garden, it has certainly grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade. Not only are there more styles of rustic furnishings available for your garden, there are mix and match pieces and entire furnishing lines devoted to rustic styling and utilizing natural materials.

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In fact, with the do it yourself rage in America and the fact that most of the materials are easily if not readily found in the marketplace if not online, the idea of making your very own rustic garden furniture has received increasing popularity. Not only have there been books dedicated to the very art of making your own rustic garden furniture, there are also step by step how to guides readily available on the internet. The demand for more styles and varieties of rustic garden furniture is growing along with its popularity. No one wants the same backyard as their neighbor. In fact, most of us tend to want to outdo our neighbor’s backyards; it’s the nature of the beast. We all would like to think we are giving our all to our families, our homes, our work, and our yards and gardens.

Rustic garden furniture can create an isolated feeling for your backyard which is what many of us want. As yards get smaller and private space becomes more precious, anything that can make our space seem larger or more private is a welcome addition. Perhaps that is why this style of garden furniture has become so popular in recent years. This furniture blends into the landscape which provides a false appearance of more space. It also tends to flow with the natural mood of a yard area rather than standing out. It complements the privacy of your yard by not interfering with the serenity of its surroundings. It’s only natural that a natural setting would be well served by rustic garden furniture.

Our yards and gardens tend to be our oasis from the hectic pace of today’s crazy world. We plan to spend a great amount of time there. We want to watch our kids practice ball and chase each other around carefully planted trees. We want to carve our names into those very trees and make records of our existence in this space that is so vitally important to our mental health in the grand scheme of things. The right rustic garden furniture can provide the seating from which we watch our children grow. We want those seats to be comfortable, enjoyable, and to not upstage the real show in going on in our gardens.

It really doesn’t matter what your plans for your backyard or private garden space are. The truth of the matter is that there will almost always be room for some type of furnishing to fill that space. The choice of what you fill your space with is ultimately up to you. I firmly believe that rustic garden furniture is the way to go simply because it will complement the space without competing with it.

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