Doorway to Design
Posted on September 24, 2010 by brandaid in Furniture Market
By definition, a door is “a usually swinging or sliding barrier by which an entry is opened and closed.” By design, a door is much, much more.
For centuries upon centuries, architects have designed and redesigned the door. Moreover, they have used elements of door design as influences for their other works. Like these architects, our Drexel Heritage design team was also inspired by the many doors, like the ones below, that they saw along their way to the renowned furniture trade show Maison et Objet in Paris.
So now we ask you, readers – how have you used doors to add a little flair to your home? We really like how these designers restored old barn doors and used them in their homes. But we’re also thinking doors aren’t just for doorways anymore. We’re big fans of converting old, weathered doors into beautiful desks like this one. Or if you’ve ever wanted to turn your old back door into a headboard, here’s a little how-to.
If you’ve got a fetish for doors like we do, we want to hear from you! Tell us how you’ve fixed up or recycled an old door in your home to add a little DIY style.
The Quintessential Palette
Posted on September 10, 2010 by brandaid in Color Forecasting
The use of blue and white has recently been flooding design magazines and interior retailers, being referred to as “the quintessential American palette.” Just Google “blue and white interior design,” and you will become overwhelmed by the search results. This color scheme has inspired many, and it’s safe to say that it’s an American trend here to stay.
So why are these seemingly plain colors taking rooms across the country by storm? In our opinion, it’s this very simple use of color in a room that can effortlessly inspire both a sense of calm and creativity among its dwellers. So whether it’s a pop of blue against a cool palette of white or cohesive shades throughout, we love our blues and whites!
You can find these blue and white furniture pieces in our d emporium collection.
Lighten the Load with Airy Accessories
Posted on September 8, 2010 by brandaid in Trendy Tips
“It’s all in
how you arrange the thing….The careful balance of the design is the
motion.”
Andrew Wyeth, one of the
best-known 20th century American artists, expresses his need for balance in
mastering his art. Our designs are inspired by this same concept of beauty.
An
intriguing way to strike balance in a room is to tie in heavy elements with
other complementary heavy elements, and then to “lighten the load” of the room
with airy pieces such as small tables, shelves and bright accessories.
In this Drexel Heritage room, our designers
were able to achieve balance by pairing heavy elements like our handsome brown
Hexham sofa and burnt orange Ludlow chair with the stained wooden paneling
throughout the room, and then using lighter items such as our Parisian glass
top table and white vases to create contrast.
With a little planning, you can strike a beautiful balance between
feminine and masculine, effortlessly creating your own room of cohesion and
serenity!
Family Room Touchdown!
Posted on September 3, 2010 by brandaid in Trendy Tips
Break out your old college tees, sweatshirts and pompoms because college football season is here! As your family and friends gather around the TV to cheer on your favorite teams (or perhaps sneer at each other in friendly but fierce competition), here’s a play-by-play on how to make your family room or den the next best place (besides the stadium, of course) to catch your team in action.
The Hail Mary
Every football fan knows there is one essential rule when it comes to deciding where to watch the game – comfort. With cushy couches, like our Holloway Sofa, you’ll not only be putting your friends and family at ease, but you won’t be compromising your sense of style. Your friends will hail you as the queen (or king) of comfort!
The Triple Option
Arrangement, arrangement, arrangement! The arrangement of your couches and chairs is very important in creating the right kind of atmosphere for football viewing. You will want to provide plenty of options for your fans. Truth be told, no Michigan fan wants to sit next to an Ohio State fan.
The Option Run
Be sure to remove breakables from the viewing area before the game starts. Your more invested football fans will need the option to run around if they must, and besides, you never know what sore loser is going to break a vase.
The Screen Pass
Also make sure in your arrangement of furniture that everyone can see! You’d surely hate to miss that awesome play in the fourth quarter because a fair-weather fan had to make a bathroom run and passed the screen. Take a look at some of our entertainment centers. They make for the perfect spot to place your television.
The Power Run
Good food will attract football fans from all around. Before the big game, be sure to make a power run for food. Whether it’s pizza, nachos or even these fabulous football-themed cupcakes, stacking your coffee table full of tasty treats will keep your fans from missing any of the game.
The Safety Blitz
Want to blitz those spills? Leather furnishings provide the comfort football fans will fight for, and they are easier to clean after an accidental spill or the tip of a chip bowl. Check out our Benjamin Chair in leather; it’s one of our favorites!
Touchdown!!!
With these tips, all of you design mavens will turned your living rooms into football havens. So now all there is to do is kick back, relax and enjoy this football season! GO TEAM!