The Core of Great Decor

The Good, the Bed, and the Ugly.

kerrkm — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:26:19 +0000

If you want to find out a person’s true nature, look at their bedroom. Unlike a living room, dining room, salon, or the like, a bedroom is set back from the public’s view. For this reason, you can feel safe to really open up and be yourself when decorating one. A teenager’s very identity is often wrapped up in his or her bedroom décor. Those who dorm away from home try their hardest to infuse their bedrooms with a little piece of themselves. Adults also enjoy expressing their own unique personality within the private walls of the bedroom. And what do most people notice when they first walk into a bedroom? The bed! After all, isn’t it called a ‘bed’room? A bed is often the largest piece of furniture in a room. Even a smaller bed draws the attention of an onlooker. The material a bed is made of, the style in which it was crafted, and, of course, the linens that you choose all establish an ambiance that becomes your room’s essence. With the hundreds of combination options out there, it can get overwhelming. Here are a few ideas that you can use to create the perfect room.

The Material:
Wooden furniture encompasses two worlds: class and friendly comfort. A nice honey Pine wood bed is tasteful, and yet familiar enough to allow you to feel relaxed, as well. For the rustic, out-doorsy type, authentic log furniture is the only way to go. Log beds create a cozy atmosphere and a homey feeling all around.
Wrought-iron bed frames are also very popular. These pieces invite a more stylish look than the wooden items. Intricate designs and ornate extras often adorn these fashionable beds. Wrought iron comes in a variety of styles and colors to allow you more versatility in your decorating.
The Style:
A canopy bed adds dimensions to your room. It can create a magical, almost royal, atmosphere that exudes privacy and serenity. A canopy is a great way to shut out the rest of the world, and meditate on your own thoughts.
A loft bed is an excellent idea for a dormitory or other small bedroom areas. Loft beds are smart, neat, and practical because they are constructed so the bed is raised up high above the ground, allowing you maximum floor space for living, furniture, and storage room.
If you have more than one child in a room, a bunk bed creates a fun and practical bedroom layout (just don’t let them fight over who gets top bunk!) This is the ultimate in stackable furniture!
For studio apartments, a day bed or futon would fit right into the artsy motif. These comfortable beds double as couches! At night, remove the back pillows, and you’re ready for bed. When not in use, simply return the pillows to their side and backboard positions, and voila! A hassle-free bed and couch all in one!
Once you’ve decided on a bed, the curtains, dressers, night tables etc. will all fall into place easily. The focal point will give you the starting place that you need to choose all the other details. So next time you’re redecorating a bedroom, make your life simple, and start in the right place!

Valentine’s Day: Home Décor Tips You Will Just Love!

kerrkm — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:05:39 +0000

Decorating your house with Valentine’s Day sentiments is a great way to spread the love throughout your home and family. Here are some quick and easy DIY home decor tips that you can use (and don’t worry if your living room color scheme doesn’t work with these shades, it’s only one day a year!)

<3 A red ribbon is an easy way to create sentimentality (and it doesn’t even make a mess!) Wrap around the banister, tie around a plant or stuffed animal, or weave through the bars of a piece of furniture, and presto. The house is already starting to feel more festive.

<3 Heart-shaped balloons will literally fill the air with love, friendship and good cheer.

<3 Candles are an instant mood enhancer. Use a variety of colors and sizes to really light up your flame! Scented candles really add to the ambiance.

<3 A tip for the guys: Buy a stuffed animal, heart-shaped pillow, or anything soft that you know she’d like, and place it inconspicuously on the couch, recliner or bed for a sweet and romantic surprise.

<3 A bouquet of red/pink and white flowers* (no, it doesn’t have to be roses, although, they are symbolic-see below) arranged neatly in an attractive vase can be placed on the table for a fresh look and sweet feelings.

<3Red roses say “I love you”, and, when mixed with white, symbolize unity. Pink ones speak of appreciation and admiration. Here’s something exotic. Yellow roses with red tips mean friends who are falling in love. Choose your flavor!

Parents, children, and lovebirds alike can enjoy these subtle sentiments of love and affection. Happy Valentine’s Day!

(*A decidedly unromantic tip is in order here. Flower petals sprinkled across the bed or sofa may seem like a nice idea, but think again. Petals easily run and smudge leaving permanent stains on your furniture or linens. You’re better off with a pleasant CD and some candles!)

Outdoor Furniture Arbors, Trellises, and Arches

kerrkm — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:44:32 +0000

There is something almost magical about arbors. They make you feel like you have stepped straight out of a storybook, and that, when sitting under a trellis, either nothing could go wrong, or else some horribly romantic tragedy is about to occur. It is really no wonder why so many homeowners choose to enhance their gardens and patios with these beautiful structures. And the variety of unique designs makes these pieces of outdoor furniture that much more appealing.

An arbor, for those of you scratching your heads right now, is a loose structure designed to provide shade. Many arbors are also trellises, interlocking sheets used to direct plant growth in a specific direction or shape. Originally, arbors and trellises were designed to control overly exuberant plant life that threatened to overtake the garden. Nowadays, these structures are themselves a thing of beauty, often being used for their aesthetic value alone.

Another fun and charming feature of the arbor is that it literally transports you to whichever location the structure has been fashioned after. Being right at the entrance or in the center of a garden filled with lush and exotic flowers with their fragrance wafting over you in the late afternoon breeze, the arbor is in the prime location for transporting you far away from your daily chores to some distant and thrilling destination.

Choose from the many styles such as arched, pergola, or triangular roofing with beautiful latticework all along the walls. Modern, Asian, European, and English are just some of the themes that popular arbors are sporting. Find the one that feels right to you, and begin your daydreaming! Whether you are into lounge chair travel or just enjoy a fine piece of outdoor furniture, an arbor will be a lovely addition to your patio, deck, or garden furniture collection.

The History of Adirondack Chairs

kerrkm — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:50:33 +0000

Adirondack chairs are well-known and liked for their simple beauty and easy comfort, needing no extra frills to make this piece of outdoor furniture among the most worthwhile garden accessories. The chair that once sold for fewer than five dollars can now bring in two grand in the right circles. So, where did this brilliant concept stem from?

We can thank Thomas Lee for the wonderful innovation of Adirondack chairs. People of the early 1900’s wanted to enjoy the gentle air and pleasant aroma of the flowers in comfort. So they hauled their lounge chairs, sofas and loveseats out to the garden. At the end of their lovely retreat, folks would have to lug their furniture back inside to avoid weather damage or the like. Lee was spending some vacation time with his family in upstate New York, when the idea occurred to him. Why transfer indoor furniture in and out when we could just have outdoor furniture that could be left al fresco? And so, with a simple saw and minimal supply of wood, Lee began constructing what later became known as the first Adirondack chair.

Famous for its wide arms rests and slats, Adirondack style garden furniture has progressed dramatically since the early 1900’s. Chairs have expanded to loveseats, gliders, and ottomans. Whichever design, Adirondack outdoor furniture always has its back and seat smoothly inclining to its characteristic angle of supreme comfort. These chairs get their name from the rich Adirondack forest. This tells you a lot about the quality that Adirondack furniture stands for. The only thing that could possibly make Adirondack chairs any better (other than a cold pina colada and a warm breeze) is the welcome shade of a matching umbrella!

Wicker Chair Care

kerrkm — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:42:39 +0000

Who hasn’t got a couple of hand-me-down pieces of furniture sitting around? What comes to mind when you think of them? Old, second-hand, at best sentimental, and certainly out-dated. The last thing you’re thinking is profitable or antique. That’s because most of us are unaware of how valuable our old furniture is. Often the ugliest most run down pieces are actually worth several thousands of dollars. Sometimes all it needs is a quick clean up job, and bang, you’ve got yourself $800 in pocket!

Modern day wicker can hardly be deemed antique, but with the proper care the pieces of today could be tomorrow’s heirlooms. Wicker is easy enough to care for, especially the outdoor furniture models of today. These are coated with UV protection and weather proofing materials so you can leave them outside in any weather. For some of the lesser quality products, though, you will have to do a bit more work. I’m no Bob Williams, but here’s what I know.

A simple dusting every few days with a vacuum brush (or any similar short bristled brush) will take care of the majority of your problems. Occasionally, dust particles or more stubborn substances will get lodged into the wicker weave. When this happens, you can clean the wicker with a damp rag containing mild soapy water (this should be squeezed out well). For liquid spills, use a gentle hose and mild soap solution. Wicker is very delicate, and pliable when wet. For this reason, it is highly recommended to dry the furniture as quickly as possible. This can be done using a fan or blow dryer or by leaving it out in the sun or wind. It’s also a good idea to towel dry all the surface areas as soon as you’re finished cleaning. Allow a couple of days to go by before using your wicker furniture after it’s been cleaned.

Wicker enjoys a moderate level of humidity. Too much moisture can cause molding or warping in the furniture, and too much dryness will make the wicker dry out and crack. Clean mold immediately if you find any. A good tip I saw for dried out wicker is to use boiled linseed oil. Apply as many coats as necessary until the area becomes shiny. This will indicate to you that the oil is no longer being absorbed and the wicker is sufficiently saturated.

So before you chuck that old night table into the trash, make sure you’re not getting rid of a gold mine!

Ode to My Hammock

kerrkm — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:06:13 +0000

One of my all-time favorite pieces of outdoor furniture, and I know I’m not alone on this one, is my hammock. Picture this: the warm summer air blowing gently; a faint familiar sound of nature playing softly; you laying back in the most comfortable position possible with a nice drink at hand and not a single care or thought on your mind. Doesn’t that sound simply other-worldly? Well most of the time it is. Vacation is rare, and peace and tranquility even more sparse. For those precious few gems of serenity (be it once a week, once a month, or once a year!) it’s important to maximize the experience. That’s why my hammock is where I run to whenever I do have a bit of relaxation time. There’s just nothing like the pleasure of sitting back in a hammock and allowing the scene described above to unfold around you.

Hammocks are great because there’s so much diversity within this seemingly small field of patio furniture. Solid or rope style, padded or straight up t-shirt, whatever material or color you please. Hammocks can be decked out with hammock pillows, hammock caddies, or a hammock mosquito net. You’ve got your banana hammock, your baby hammock, don’t wanna leave out Rover, so there’s the pet hammock, and the camping hammock, Let’s not even get into things like the hammock chair; the variety is unbelievable! Whatever your flavor, all these hammock inventions share the same thing; lots of room for individuality, no criticism, and all the comfort of a lazy summer day. That’s why the hammock is any leisure-seekers best friend.

Aluminum Patio Furniture

kerrkm — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:35:29 +0000

I’m dedicating the next few blogs to some incredible patio and garden furniture that I recently stumbled upon at Patioandhomefurniture.com. Aluminum outdoor furniture combines durability, elegance, and charm to deliver a splendid synthesis of patio leisure. Perks like rust-free and stainless steel hardware made these classy cast aluminum sets sound pretty good, but when I saw the various models and designs, I knew this was the very thing my backyard was missing.

Before I tell you about the various collections, each with their own individual accents and style, I’ll give a quick run through of the fantastic items you can find in aluminum (Disclaimer: Very much against my own wishes, I was forced to choose only one set. Therefore, I cannot promise that every collection will offer you the same. But if each delivers anywhere near the comfort, style, and ease that my set has, you will be a very happy homeowner!)

Basics:
The most essential piece of patio furniture, aluminum chairs provide a solution to your every need. Deep seats, comfortable cushions, wide armrests, and sturdy structure allow you to sit with comfort and ease regardless of function. Whether for dining, reading or relaxing, these fine items meet all your requirements.

Loungers are good for one thing and one thing only: lounging. Don’t even think about getting any serious work done in one of these seats. Just sit back and be overwhelmed by the immense relaxation.

An aluminum table set is the perfect finishing touch to a well-laid out patio, garden, porch, or pool deck. A nicely matched cushion to top it all off, and your outdoor furniture simply exudes class and style.

Charming:
The loveseat has certainly become one of the most adored pieces of furniture. Cozy up next to your loved one, and enjoy a few special moments together.

Rocking chairs are wonderful additions that quickly grow to be the most cherished. Lull your baby to sleep, calm the internal rush from a long day out in the world, curl up and lose yourself in the relaxing motion of these beauties.

Swivel chairs are the fun version of the classic rocking chairs. You’ll just love the versatility and motion of these cool and comfortable squatters.

Comfortable:
Outdoor furniture has entered a new era of contentment with the induction of aluminum couches. These sofas are every bit as comfortable as your living room models and just as classy. Enjoy a restful nap or entertain friends in style with these beautiful aluminum couches.

After a long day at work, with the kids, or just in the busy world, you deserve a few minutes of comfort. That’s why there’s this addition. Sit back and rest your feet on a fashionable ottoman.

Unique:
These tables are only for those who enjoy an elegant and charming piece of furniture. Aluminum patio, coffee and end tables are beautifully designed and crafted in an artistic and pleasing manner that is truly unique to most eyes. These tables also boast another impressive feature: a large fire pit. This is a hollowed out space built into the center of the table that allows you to create delicious barbequed food and ambiance all in one. And when you’re finished, just cover the pit and your table is restored to its usual functionality. Fire pits are also great for keeping a good supply of cold drinks handy.

Stay tuned for more on this fabulous collection of outdoor furniture!

Cast Aluminum Outdoor furniture

Sara Beth McGregor — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:26:58 +0000

Aluminum furniture actually comes in a variety of forms. Patioandhomefurniture.com has cast aluminum, aluminum swing, and all-welded aluminum furniture collections. I was amazed to see that each category had its own benefits and all contained sets brimming over with comfort and class. I’ll start from the basic cast aluminum collections and end off with the crescendo of the aluminum swing (bet you’ll be “ooo”ing and “aah”ing by the end, I sure was!)

Nassau Collection
This collection is versatility at its best. From the basket weave pattern that will match nearly any décor and setting to the back wheels, convenient for transport, Nassau has truly taken every consideration as far as comfort, style and convenience are concerned. Bronze chaise lounges are the perfect combination of comfort and class, so you can really lay back in style, and marble-topped chat tables provide an uncommonly beautiful atmosphere. Rest, dine or lounge in these fabulous aluminum wonders.

Palm Back Collection
This company makes none of the high-ended claims that are so common in today’s market. The Palm Back Collection offers, and delivers, simple sophisticated beauty from each and every item. Such ease permeates the very core of this stylish collection. What’s more, these pieces are as practical as it they are classy. Special powder coating will ensure that your set will stay pristine and rust-free forever!

All Welded Cast Aluminum: Just a further step in the right direction.

Sara Beth McGregor — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:41:28 +0000

Moving right along the site, I found myself in the next category of aluminum patio furniture; all welded cast aluminum. I learned, to my surprise, (never mind my chagrin for not knowing what this term meant) that all welded furniture has everything regular cast furniture has, and more! All welded pieces provide that much more durability, weather-resistance, and general life expectancy for the furniture. Things were just looking better and better.

Monarch Collection
You will certainly feel like royalty with the impressive Monarch Collection. The beautiful cutout sun design is regal in its own right, and angled chair backs provide comfort and ease. Enjoy a quiet afternoon with your significant other with the Monarch chat group or entertain a large group with the seven-piece set. Either way its majestic beauty and plush comfort will put you in a class of your own.

Scroll Collection
Wide and deep seats and pretty cutout butterfly pattern are just a few of the things that make this collection score high on many people’s lists. Throw a cushion on for cozy lounging or spread out while you eat a good meal (or after) with the roomy and stylish Scroll Collection.

All Welded Cast Aluminum: Just a further step in the right direction- Part two

Sara Beth McGregor — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 07:54:44 +0000

I’m a sucker for a good romance, and Casablanca is definitely one of my favorites. That might have been what got me hooked to the next collection. Or maybe it was the snazzy design, not really sure!

Casablanca Collection

“Annina: Monsieur Rick, what kind of a man is Captain Renault?
Rick: Oh, he’s just like any other man, only more so.” -Casablanca (1942)

You might say the same thing for the Casablanca Collection. It has the usual tables, chairs, and chaise lounges. It is just like any other outdoor furniture setâ€¦only more so. This circle-in-the-box pattern is definitely an out-of-the-box design. Whether in black or bronze, you’ll agree that purchasing any of these Casablanca Collection items is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Barcelona Collection

You’re really going for the gold with this outdoor furniture set. Elegant and tasteful, the Barcelona Collection has a unique style that exudes a pleasant feeling of comfort and ease. Its sophisticated style is only enhanced by the deep black and attractive bronze colors in which it is offered. Relax in the Barcelona swivel rocking chair or invite some friends over for a pleasant dinner around the five or seven piece set.

Santa Monica Collection

Now you can share “Santa Monica Nights” (with David Hasselhoff or your own special someone!) with our dreamy Santa Monica Collection. This collection boasts an exceptionally attractive design, rich with beautiful intricacy and detail. The red granite tabletop option really adds an extra dimension of elegance and charm. And something you’re sure to fall in love with are the Santa Monica glider items. Cozy up with a loved one on the loveseat glider, or blissfully glide your troubles away in the two-piece ottoman and chair glider. Either way, it can be your own little slice of heaven right in your backyard.