I love eclectic pieces of furniture rather than matched when I decorate my own home. Sometimes I paint these finds and other times I strip the original finish and create a custom wash .
We recently had to replace this green washed oak dresser in our summer house when we relocated it to our newly renovated master bedroom in town (that will be another post).
We bought this gem at Habitat for Humanities Restore for $20 dollars when it passed my husband's structural integrity test being pronounced solid and square with good sliding drawers. Sometimes being married to a wood worker can become tiresome. I liked it because it had great lines.
The walls of this bedroom have been Ben Moore Revere Pewter for ten years. I wanted the ocean view to be the focal point so I choose a colour for the dresser that was just a little darker than the walls.
I sanded liberally and primed with Ben Moore Advance Primer. The colour is Ben Moore CSP upper west side (Aura). I love this gray as much as I love Revere Pewter. I think Revere Pewter is the perfect gray so that is quite a standard to match. I'm still debating painting the legs. They blend in with the floor and the tips are gold. My current feeling is leave them because gray would accentuate the gold tips.
I have to admit that the knobs and handles purchased at Home Depot cost 4 times the price of the dresser, but they were a must to keep the mid century modern feel of the piece.
Showing posts with label furniture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label furniture. Show all posts
Friday, August 24, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Make mine bleached
I have a love affair with wood, but I don't like the golden wood tones that come along with wood that is clear coated or lightly stained. Do I have lots of golden wood tones in my home?
Yes, history looks after that because my home was built in the 80's when oak was the standard for hardwood floors and furniture. When all your furniture is handmade with love, it's difficult to get rid of it, so I accept my golden tones as period pieces.
As I've renovated the upstairs portion of my home, I moved to natural maple flooring which is about as warm as I can stand. This beautiful cardboard/ brown paper bag colour is very popular right now, and it is a warm tone that isn't too overwhelming. The great hardware makes this chest look distinctive and sophisticated, but it's not mine!
When I designed my summer home, my mantra was think driftwood. Everything there is new, but looks bleached and old!
There are alternatives for people like me - naturally weathered wood, bleached wood, wood that has whitewashes or gray washes. These tones seem to go so much better with today's modern interiors. Let's explore the options....
When you make your own furniture you have more options to get the look you want. This new bed made from oak doesn't have a hint of yellow or orange in sight. I controlled the warm tones by using a greenish grayish wash before the final semi gloss clear coat. The old mid century modern dresser was stripped and treated in the same way, but I rubbed more of the wash off so the two pieces didn't look like a perfect match - I like harmony with variety.
This is another example of a washed gray finish that allows the wood grain and imperfections in the wood to shine through. While it is more traditional in design, the overall look of this piece would allow you to use it in most rooms. Give chests like this a chance in your bedroom, bathroom, hallway, foyer or living room .
This traditionally designed sideboard made from mango wood could be used in any room decor. Mango wood is a hard, dense wood that has been seasoned and kiln dried. If left unfinished it has hues of green brown and yellow which can be interesting . Because mango is quick growing, hard and harvested after the tree has stopped giving fruit, it is considered the wood of the future.
I'm in love with the cool tones in this room, buy I would like to see a little more variety in the various wood tones used. The bench could easily be removed and then the sideboard which is beautiful, could shine.
Everything here is light and airy. The floors seem to go on forever. It is truly a room that would let you breathe. If I built a new home this would be my floor choice.
White always looks so fresh when paired with bleached or toned wood. You have to be careful when you choose lighter woods because they are easily overwhelmed by stronger colours.
Yes, history looks after that because my home was built in the 80's when oak was the standard for hardwood floors and furniture. When all your furniture is handmade with love, it's difficult to get rid of it, so I accept my golden tones as period pieces.
As I've renovated the upstairs portion of my home, I moved to natural maple flooring which is about as warm as I can stand. This beautiful cardboard/ brown paper bag colour is very popular right now, and it is a warm tone that isn't too overwhelming. The great hardware makes this chest look distinctive and sophisticated, but it's not mine!
When I designed my summer home, my mantra was think driftwood. Everything there is new, but looks bleached and old!
There are alternatives for people like me - naturally weathered wood, bleached wood, wood that has whitewashes or gray washes. These tones seem to go so much better with today's modern interiors. Let's explore the options....
When you make your own furniture you have more options to get the look you want. This new bed made from oak doesn't have a hint of yellow or orange in sight. I controlled the warm tones by using a greenish grayish wash before the final semi gloss clear coat. The old mid century modern dresser was stripped and treated in the same way, but I rubbed more of the wash off so the two pieces didn't look like a perfect match - I like harmony with variety.
I'm in love with the cool tones in this room, buy I would like to see a little more variety in the various wood tones used. The bench could easily be removed and then the sideboard which is beautiful, could shine.
Everything here is light and airy. The floors seem to go on forever. It is truly a room that would let you breathe. If I built a new home this would be my floor choice.
White always looks so fresh when paired with bleached or toned wood. You have to be careful when you choose lighter woods because they are easily overwhelmed by stronger colours.
How do you feel about bleached, washed or otherwise light woods?
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Hot seats
Dining rooms have a tendency to be formal affairs with matching table and chairs. but that doesn't mean they have to be. You can shake it up with unique styles and colours. Here are some of my favourite Wow dining "sets" from my Pinterest collection.
Make it patterned
These luxurious chairs invite you to cozy up to the table. I'm a sucker for texture, and I would totally enjoy having a meal at this table. Think of how soft the fabric would be! I like the fact that the chairs are patterned on the back and plain on the opposite side. The tufting supports the more traditional design and the high back chairs at the ends work well with the size of the space and the curves of the other chairs. The hobbled roman shade is is a soft but clean window treatment in this room. Lots of ideas to steal in this set up.
Repeated curves
Lately I'm very attracted to everything aqua. Doesn't this colour look great with dark wood? Curves abound in this room - in the draperies, the stairs, the chair arms, the vines in the carpet and in the light fixture. A soothing room all around with an unconventional chair colour.
Popping yellow
Who could ignore these canary yellow chairs? I love the way everything else in the room plays second fiddle to the chairs and allows them to be the star. I want to whisk those red flowers away though. Don't we all have our opinions about what looks best.
Serene colour scheme
This room is different in every way from the one above. I love the clean lines of the benches and chairs . Remember that you need a central leg or an X leg if you want to move easily to and from a bench style seat. Armless banquettes are the most versatile. The texture on the front of the buffet; the circular ceramic vases with twigs, and the rounded edges of the table add interesting lines and some complexity to the room. The colour and lines of the light fixture work well with everything else. Doesn't this room look serene?
Repetition of curves
More banquettes, but this time paired with patterned chairs and a curvy table. The four leg table design will make getting into the banquette a little more difficult.The arms will add to the problem. The chair shape is repeated in the mirror and the doors of the buffet. An interesting mix.
There's nothing formal about this room! It will definitely appeal to the colour and texture lovers out there. I want to see a more substantial table with all this colour, but that's just me.
How do you feel about chairs and tables not matching?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
10 Iconic furniture designs
Continuing on from my previous post, I'm exploring some of the iconic furniture styles that were designed mid century and still are sought for contemporary decor. Here are 10 of my favourites.
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair
The beautiful Womb Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen for Florence Knoll in 1948, is available in many vivid colours. This green is perfect with the pale floors and gray walls.
The Eames Molded Plywood Chair
Amoroso Design
Time Magazine called The Eames Molded Plywood Chair "the best design of the 20th century" and it continues to be a staple into the 21 century. It was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946 for Herman Miller.
Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chair
Arne Jacobsen designed this chair in 1955. The curves move your eyes in a restful rhythm and there is such softness to the overall look. I love the colour of these particular chairs and the shape has always appealed to me.
Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair
Arne Jacobsen designed the egg chair in 1958 for the Radisson Royal Hotel. I visited Prague this past summer and this was the style of chair in one of the lounges. They are super comfortable.
George Nelson Platform Bench
The George Nelson Platform Bench manufactured by Herman Miller
You see the George Nelson Platform Bench quite frequently in trade magazines . It is very versatile and works equally well as a coffee table or a bench. Place it in a hallway, at the end of your bed, in an entrance where space is at a premium. or in a living room.
Florence Knoll Lounge Settee |
Lucy Interior Design
Isamu Noguchi Coffee Table
source
This beautiful, white Florence Knoll Lounge Settee fits perfectly in this tiny space. The straight lines, tubted back and seat provide all t he detail that is needed to see why this is a highly popular design in the 21 century.
Isamu Noguchi Coffee Table
source
Isamu Noguchi tables are widely available and relatively affordable. They were in constant production from 1947 until 1973, and then returned to production in 1984, and are still available. Because of its rounded triangular shape it works well with one edge parallel to a sofa and the the other two edges facing two chairs on angles. I have also seen it used to great effect with a sectional sofa and a chair arrangement.
Wegner Wishbone Chair
Have you ever seen The Wishbone Chair in anyone's home? It is i probably the most popular Hans J. Wegner chair because its rounded style fits with so many other different styles of furniture. . This designer began his career as a cabinetmaker and then spent time as a furniture designer with Arne Jacobsen's architectural practice. The Nelson Pendant light is another iconic mid century design.
Nelson Bubble Light
Urban Homes
The first Nelson Bubble Light was designed by George Nelson in 1947. They are hanging shades comprised of sculptural wire skeletons covered in translucent plastic. There are a variety of forms including: the Propeller, the Cigar, the Crisscross, the Ball, the Saucer, the Apple, the Pear, and the Lantern which are still in production today.
.Cherner Armchair Side Chair
Rachel Reider Interiors
Do you have a favourite?
Norman Cherner designed this beautifully curved chair in 1958 and it went out of production in the 70'd. His sons started producing them again in 1999.
Do you have a favourite?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Thoughts on mixing wood tones
Wood tones are often problematic when you choose a colour scheme or new furnishings. Some people are willing to solve the problem by spending hours looking for furniture with the same wood tones. After all that work you may end up with a boring room where everything looks the same and blends into each other.
An easier and more exciting approach is to mix wood tones in your decor to provide a more layered, interesting room. You can mix tones with confidence it you stick to a few basic guidelines.
Use your floor as the constant
When choosing furniture you have to consider your floors if they are wood. They are the constant against which all other wood tones will be compared. If your floor has more that one colour you can safely choose any of those colours for other wooden furniture or accessories.Limit the number of tones
Choose one tone as the "star"
If you have various wood tones or are buying new furniture, choose one of the wood tones as the dominant one. Aim for uneven proportions. The room above is a very interesting balance of lights and darks. When the rug and chairs are included in the mix it's the cabinet that stands out the most. The dark floor is acting as a backdrop.
Separate problem tones with a rug
Sometimes you end up with all the same wood tones in a room and the only way to bring some variety is to separate the wood tones with an area rug so everything doesn't blend together. This also works when you have two different tones that don't work that well together. Separation breaks the comparison.
Balance wood tones throughout a space
A close viewing of this room shows light, medium and dark wood tones which have been connected by spreading them around the room. The dark table connects with the upholstery piece at the foot of the bed. The armoire, legs and mirror are mid to darkish and the floor is light providing good flow and contrast.
If you choose dark tones for bookshelves banking a fireplace you need to have other dark tones around the room, preferably on the opposite side to move your eye through the room.
Keep contrast controlled
Deep, dark, rich wood tones such as mahogany, cherry, and walnut will often go better with medium-toned woods than lighter ones. And likewise, lighter toned woods, such as pine and oak, will also go better with medium wood tones, rather than with dark. In other words, it is okay to use varying wood tones, but aim for a lower level of contrast. The room above has medium and dark wood tones.
Keep furniture the same tone
Houzz
All the wood tones in this furniture are medium but they do not match perfectly. When you keep your major furniture pieces in the same wood tone, you can bring in other tones through accessories. Wood frames, candlesticks, trays, sculpture, or vases are obvious choices.
Consider the colour temperature of woods
Photography: Brian Ricks
Every wood has a colour temperature that needs to be considered. Natural ash, birch and maple tend to be cooler while other woods like oak and pine tend to be very warm with undertones of orange or yellow as they age.
Some stained woods can show warm and cool tones at the same time. This is ideal because then you can mix and match the wood tones in the space. When I'm choosing flooring for a client I look for finishes that will allow me to mix both warm and cool tones.In the room above the floor actually has more warms than the shot displays.
Use paint /upholstery to mimic a particular wood tone
If you have one piece of furniutre that is a different wood tone, you can use paint, window treatments or upholstery to mimic the wood tone and spread the colour around the room. The blinds and cabinet work together.
Most of us have wood tones somewhere in our homes and any renovations usually bring this issue to the forefront. I would love to hear how you have dealt with the making wood tones work in your space.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
It's all about scale
In recent weeks I've spent quite a bit of time looking for coffee and end tables for clients. Getting the style and size right to work with the rest of the furniture in the space takes quite a bit of juggling and an understanding of standard furniture sizes.
The standard height of a coffee table is between 16 - 18 inches, but some can be as high as 21 inches. How do you know which height to choose?
The answer relates to the height of the sofa/ chair. I prefer to see the coffee table about the same height as the top of the chair cushion or one or two inches lower. The length of a coffee table is usually about 2/3 the length of the sofa not including the arms. Don't forget that you need at least 18 inches (24 is optimal) of space for your legs between a coffee table and the sofa.
The size of your coffee table should work with your sofa and other furniture in your room. It should also work with the size of the room overall. Let's check this out.
How do you feel about the coffee table choice in this lovely room? I would like to see something longer (remember the 2/3 the length of the sofa rule). This little beauty is having a difficult time holding her own with this sofa.
The soft colour scheme and small scale furnishings in this room appear overwhelmed by this large, dark, and tall coffee table, but I really like the table. Sometimes the weight of a table is influenced by the colour and material choice not just the overall dimensions. Darker colours and solid woods tend to look more visually weighted.
Even with two tables this room does not look over furnished.
If your room is spacious and/or the furniture is large in scale, choose heavier wood tables or ones with lots of tiers or drawers.
The standard height of a coffee table is between 16 - 18 inches, but some can be as high as 21 inches. How do you know which height to choose?
The size of your coffee table should work with your sofa and other furniture in your room. It should also work with the size of the room overall. Let's check this out.
How do you feel about the coffee table choice in this lovely room? I would like to see something longer (remember the 2/3 the length of the sofa rule). This little beauty is having a difficult time holding her own with this sofa.
Grisell Navas
Don’t forget the size of the room when thinking about scale. Glass tables work well in smaller rooms because they give the impression of lightness - space is not blocked out.
Even with two tables this room does not look over furnished.
If your room is spacious and/or the furniture is large in scale, choose heavier wood tables or ones with lots of tiers or drawers.
This is a beautiful room with a colour scheme I'm partial to. Does the coffee table work for you? I wouldn't want to try to place something on the table while sitting. I'm such a stickler for function!
Friday, October 21, 2011
At Home: An ocean getaway
As a child I often imagined how a house would look on the inside as I drove or walked about the town where I lived. I'm assuming I'm no different from most people. My Open Doors series of posts will fill the need to peek inside everyday homes- not the grand designs of decor magazines, but interesting homes that are achievable for most people. Come along on a visit to my friends' ocean beach house.
After one visit to the Bonavista Peninsula , Pat and Janna fell in love with the place and purchased a typical Newfoundland outport house and began to remodel it. Remodel doesn't seem the right word though. They worked backward until they reached the original boards, removing layers of wallpaper and wallboard. I was lucky enough to photograph some of this process for my wallpaper archive which is part of an art project I'm working on. Here's what it looked like then....
And look what was hiding under the layers of wallpaper, a newspaper article about The Kennedy family. After much patience and elbow grease they were ready to simplify the decor.
They painted the whole interior white and added their personal touches. That's what makes a home in my book. I appreciate the way they have arranged/displayed their finds.
Most of the furnishings are from IKEA which is a feat when you live in Newfoundland- they have to be shipped or driven. I covet the aqua coloured lantern on the bookcase. Would they notice if it wasn't there next summer?
I love seeing the remnant of an old window (I'm guessing) above the left chair. Shutters are a very practical window treatment because these windows are visible from the street and there could be nosy people just like me hovering outside.
I call this the gallery of "Walked On" . Pat salvaged scraps of the various floor coverings from the house and framed them in simple IKEA frames. The stark simplicity of the frames show off the contents. Keeping the stairway all white further enhances the overall look of this very effective display.
The patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean has lots of beach finds. There's a wind up today.
From the kitchen looking out through the screened window. Even I would like to wash dishes here. The exterior of the house is red with a soft creamy white trim.
Pat and Janna travel all the way from British Columbia to Newfoundland every summer to enjoy life on an opposite ocean. I met Pat when she and a friend came to visit my studio/gallery in my summer house. Ever since we've been looking forward to our summer time visits. When they left this year I received a key to the premises so I could photograph.
And look what was hiding under the layers of wallpaper, a newspaper article about The Kennedy family. After much patience and elbow grease they were ready to simplify the decor.
They painted the whole interior white and added their personal touches. That's what makes a home in my book. I appreciate the way they have arranged/displayed their finds.
The accent colour throughout the house is red. What a fitting use for these cod jiggers!
Sea urchins in a bottle, beach glass, a boat and sea birds on an old trunk flanked by windows and oars.
More splashes of red against white and navy blue. The sofa is red, but it was covered for its winter rest.
Some of my favourite things in the house... the checkerboard that has two colours of beach stones for checkers, and a book about sea glass which prompted me to get my own copy. It just arrived and I'm reading every word getting ready for next summer's hunt.
Most of the furnishings are from IKEA which is a feat when you live in Newfoundland- they have to be shipped or driven. I covet the aqua coloured lantern on the bookcase. Would they notice if it wasn't there next summer?
I love seeing the remnant of an old window (I'm guessing) above the left chair. Shutters are a very practical window treatment because these windows are visible from the street and there could be nosy people just like me hovering outside.
I call this the gallery of "Walked On" . Pat salvaged scraps of the various floor coverings from the house and framed them in simple IKEA frames. The stark simplicity of the frames show off the contents. Keeping the stairway all white further enhances the overall look of this very effective display.
Upstairs hallway leading to....
..... a great desk area . Now where did they find that old map of Newfoundland that was on the school room wall in my day?
There are more rooms for another time, but I ran out of battery power before I could finish my job. Do you have any favourites?
Thanks to Janna and Pat for leaving me with the key and welcoming my intrusion.
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