Light is a key component to a room as it can effect and change the appearance of it, so a centre piece to any room is the window. Therefore, it should look as good as the rest of the room, blinds can do just this.

Blinds are very common in both traditional and modern homes and come in a range of colors and styles designed for all types of windows whether they be large, small or sliding glass doors.

Most commonly used for sliding glass doors or tall windows, the vertical blind is highly beneficial. They are fairly inexpensive and come in a wide range of styles and colors to fit with any theme.

They are easily managed and cared for because they are made up of vinyl vanes. They are fitted using an easy to attach bracket so installation is quick and simple, the vinyl vanes can also be cut to fit the size of a window perfectly.

However, the true benefit of vertical blinds is that they allow superior light control.

Unlike other blinds, the vertical blind opens horizontally as oppose to opening vertically. When fully open they let in a lot of light which is great for making a room feel light and airy. When the blind is closed it blocks out light which can make a room feel cosy at night. They also tilt to adjust the amount of light you desire in a room.

The vertical blind is a great addition to a large or small room!

[image title="vertical-window-blind" size="medium" id="2912" align="none" linkto="viewer" ]

Source: Blinds

The LoJo Ball is a newly designed piece that takes the bean bag to a whole new level. It has a unique style and is a must have for all modern homes!

The LoJo Ball acts as a decorative piece when not in use and can, in addition, be used as a stool or foot rest but can also be unzipped to become a stylish, comfortable chair, a fantastic alternative to the average chair.

It is made of beans to comfort your bottom and has a simple inflatable piece to comfort your lower back. It is easy to inflate and comes equipped with a hand pump as part of the package. Ideal for watching T.V. Or reading a book.

Great for any room including the living room, family room, kids room or sitting room. It comes in a variety of styles and colors which means it fits in with virtually any decorative theme imaginable within a modern home.

Plus, the LoJo Ball is continuously developing and more and more styles and colors are becoming available giving you more choice! And if that isn’t good enough, they are said to be releasing a new outdoor design so not only will it catch the eye of your house guests but also the eye of onlookers too!!

Sure to be a must have in any home. So why not set the trend?

Source: LoJoBall

Since the original chaise lounge was designed by La Corbusier in 1929 it has inspired other designers to develop similar items of furniture. Now in the modern day, the most popular chaise lounge available for modern homes is the adjustable chaise lounge. Many of the modern pieces follow the same guidelines inspired in the original design but has been altered to follow the era of the new modern style that it is now famous throughout many homes.

Often made of leather with chrome/ metal frames, the adjustable chaise lounge is a great contemporary piece and a must have for your home. As the name implies, it has an adjustable back to give complete comfort for the individual. It reclines gently and easily so that you can choose to lay or sit in this stunning state of the art piece of furniture.

Great for relaxing indoors and out! In addition, it comes in a variety of colors so will fit well with any decorative theme which makes it perfect for virtually any room in the house, including the master bedroom, kids bedroom, guest bedroom, family room and living room. A great alternative to the average lounge or chair!

Source: GarboContemporaryFurniture

Do you often have a lot of house guests over? Do you have guests that come to stay but don’t have anywhere for them to sleep because you don’t have a guest room? And finally, do you have a modern home? If so then here is the answer to your problem!

The convertible sofa is an idealistic piece of furniture for those who lack space or have little or no guest bedrooms. It is not only a sofa (great for you and/or your family when you have little or no guests) but it also converts into a large seating area (providing additional seating) or bed (giving your house guests somewhere to sleep).

It is simple and easy to use and can conserve space and act as a sofa when not reclined. This style of sofa is a very popular piece in modern homes and it comes in a variety of styles, colors and materials so will fit well with any decorative theme. It is, in addition, a nice alternative to standard chair seating for your guests as it is far more comfortable.

Stunning to look at and highly practical, the convertible sofa is perfect for contemporary / modern homes. A perfect addition to any living room or family area!

Source: Daybeds

Do you have a small home? Small kitchen? Little space? If the answer is yes then this product is perfect for you! This contemporary piece of furniture fits in well with the modern home theme because it is minimalist and unique.

The folding kitchen/bar table is highly useful because it easily folds away when not in use and so solves all issues there is with lack of space. It benefits from an easy folding mechanism which is what makes it simple to fold away neatly when not in use.

It comes in various colors and materials, the most popular being a chrome stand with acrylic top which fits with any modern day theme/style and is a highly versatile piece of furniture as it can be used for display purposes in the larger modern homes.

The table can benefit many individuals such as those working from home or students as it can be moved easily around the home.

Source: Funkylifestyles

This piece of furniture is ideal for modern home décor as it is both modern but with a retro twist taken from the sixties at the same time and so gives a whole new look to the average home.

Here are the advantages of the ball chair:

• The piece is shaped to mould to the shape of your bottom, making it comfortable to sit on.

• It is coated with a high quality gloss and the bright outrageous colors that this type of chair is available in, such as; fuchsia, red, orange and green, makes this chair very eye-catching.

• If you are looking for a less outrageous color then it is also available in black and white, so it suits all needs and themes.

• It is also available in granite and special addition styles as shown in the image below.

• The ball chair is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use as it is made from recycled ABS (polythene), making it strong and durable. Perfect for the kitchen, kids bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms and more.

Overall, The ball chair is perfect for giving the average modern home a kick of color and individuality!

Source: Bodieandfou

Image Source: Sawitfirst

The key to having a modern home is to have the right furniture to match the theme. However, many modern homes all look the same but if you want a modern look with a unique style then the sleeping pod chair is a great addition.

Made of fibre glass, the sleeper pod chair is shaped like a ball (or pod) cut at a diagonal angle, giving it a very unusual look and is a great substitute for the average chair. It has a retro appearance which is why it makes it ideal for giving a unique look to the modern home.

Given it’s name for being so comfortable that you can sleep in it. When it is not in use it acts as a decorative piece and when in use is a good relaxing seat. Perfect for the living room, family room, master bedroom or kids bedroom. And, in addition, It comes in a variety of colors so it will fit with any decorative theme.

Sure to be a highly talked about piece amongst your family and friends.

Source: Sawitfirst

Image Souce: Fatfurniture

Probably given its name for sharing its appearance with a half cut bubble, this contemporary piece is no ordinary chair, it is, in fact, a very unique and unusual appearing chair because, unlike normal chairs that use chair legs to stand on, this hangs from the ceiling, kind of like a swing, allowing it to hover above the ground. Therefore, giving a sense of floating when sitting in it.

It is built up of an acrylic or steel frame and usually comes with leather fabric cushions for comfort, (great for getting cosy in!) It can be hung virtually anywhere within the home and will give a unique look to any room within a modern home, whether it be the living room, family room or kids room.

A highly individualist piece of furniture that is sure to catch the attention of your house guests.

Originally designed by: Eero Arnio

Source: Sawitfirst

Mission style furniture is an American art form that is popular not just as a collector’s item but also a contemporary furniture design. The origins of this style are little known, but the most often told story is that mission style furniture was developed by the congregation of a San Francisco church around 1890.

The priests had no money, thus they came up to building the furniture themselves, and began constructing pieces which resembled the furniture found in Spanish mission points of Mexico and in the southwestern frontiers of the United States. The term ‘mission style furniture’ was hence given to this particular style of furniture.

Mission style furniture became popular in the United States during the period from about 1890 to 1914 and was a branch of the Arts and Crafts movement. The movement emphasized the value of preserving the man-made furniture, and was a contrast to the more glamorously styled furniture of the Victorian era.

Manufactured goods during the period were mostly of poor design and quality, the Arts and Crafts movement hence encouraged the rebirth of individual craftsmanship. Mass-produced goods were then replaced with intricate objects created by talented hands, and this furniture mirrored the ideas of the movement.

Mission Style is Elegant, Practical and Natural

Mission style furniture was and remains to be simple, elegant and practical, and molded from natural, unpainted wood and other earth materials.

Mission style furniture suits best for homeowners who want a serene and simple air on their surroundings. It takes you away from the hurly-burly of the city life, and leads to a more peaceful atmosphere close to earth’s natural beauty.

Original mission style furniture was constructed exclusively of weathered oak. It is made up of straight lines, and mortise, and dowel joinery, this style was set free from elaborate ornamentation, and the design was limited to large nail heads, or hand-hammered copper appliqués and simple cut out patterns for decoration.

Clean Lines and Earthy Colors

With lines that are clean, modern mission style furniture features fine joinery work, with butterfly joints and corbels and usually made with quarter-sawn pieces of oak.

The colors present in mission style furniture are dark. Thus you may use shades of earthly colors such as chocolate browns, reds, and burnt yellows on your furniture. The walls are thus painted with some blend of these hues, in order for the mission style furniture pieces to glow, and as well as add drama to the entire space.

Accent pieces such as night stands and wooden stools will be placed around the home in a mission style design. Other pieces such as blankets and pillows in rich colors give a punch to the mission style furniture.

The furniture pieces are made to be simple. The pillows on the other hand add a bold touch. Angular clocks, centerpieces, ornaments, as well as kitchen dishes contribute to the beauty of mission style furniture. These are hence displayed throughout the home in order to bring unity to the overall design.

Mission Style & Contemporary Interiors

Mission style furniture works well with contemporary design, as both themes focus on the pieces’ functionality. Mission style tables are made with appropriate drawers to fill up storage, and do not carry elaborate carvings and contours to maintain the functional value of space.

Modern mission style night stands are made of thin steel and are placed on ideal positions where you can easily use them. Mission style furniture as well promotes cleanliness and keeps things uncluttered.

Accessory Ideas to Complement your Mission Style Furniture

Paintings and other wall pieces make a more comfortable feeling on your mission style furniture. These add cheer and gaiety to and hence lessen the stark and silence in the home.

Accessories which showcase a mission style are bronzes, wood boxes and vases in free-flowing form. Pottery is also recommended. Area rugs meanwhile help flourish mission style flooring. Rugs and carpets in shades of deep red, green and blue set the frame of mission style furniture from a top view.

Finally, the windows should give an air of freedom by using light material for drapes and curtains. Earth colors such as off white, cream and grass-green are recommended for they let the breeze come in. Other window adornments may comprise of wooden blinds, as well as beautiful stained glass lamps with geometric designs.

White bedroom furniture can create a heavenly atmosphere. With it, you can reflect your reveries well and think clearly enough because of the clarity of the ambiance. It also creates a warm and relaxing mood that can be compensating enough after coming from a hard day’s work.

White bedroom furniture produces the following effects:

Cleanliness – White bedroom furniture maybe simple to look at, yet no one can deny the fact that it represents cleanliness. Setting them up maybe challenging to a decorator but when matched with other colors, the plain style can be toned down.

Elegance and Class – Although white bedroom furniture can look so much plain; a creative mind, however, can make it look elegant and classy. It holds to be one of the most practical furniture pieces to suit everyone’s personal space. This is because the color is flexible enough to match and compliment other colors.

Illumination – Dark walls and drapes may keep the room from natural light, and they may look too strong to the eyes without the presence of proper color blending. By placing white bedroom furniture such as couches, end tables and others on the darker sides of the room, you will be able to lighten them up.

Such sides can be lit and a warm and inviting atmosphere can be created. If you are only using lampshades to illuminate your room, the white theme can be very helpful. Although not all light from lampshades work well with white bedroom furniture. By careful consideration, one can come up with the appropriate matches.

Dramatic Aura – Lighting the bedroom must do more than just dispel darkness. Most bedrooms benefit from a blend of functional and decorative lighting. White bedroom furniture then helps functional light to give the whole room its purpose, while at the same time maintain the dramatic effect especially when placed in the dark, bold patterns that seek special attention.

Space – The décor of your room produces a major effect on how spacious it looks. Not only that, the color you use will also create a big impact when it comes to this matter. White bedroom furniture can make the room look wider and more spacious. Therefore, it is very much advisable to small-sized bedrooms. With it, such rooms will look much bigger. It can also lessen the feeling of crowdedness. White drawers and cupboards therefore give the available space which you can use for storage, such as books, magazines and collectibles.

Accentuates – White bedroom furniture can accentuate your room. Laminating your floor with a white material will not just create an atmosphere of comfort. It can also bring about functional advantages compared to ordinary floors and other types of floors as well. It is recommended to have floors laminated in white to make the bedroom more spacious than it really is.

Let the Light Into Your Bedroom

White windows can let the natural light in and are the focal point of the bedroom. Window covers add style to the bedroom since they do not trap the light from coming in. Just like the white floor, white windows can make the room look functional during the day. White curtains and draperies may come in bold, lively patterns depicting pizzazz; however, they will still bring a fresh and calming effect as they allow light and fresh air to freely circulate inside the room.

Like the saying goes “You can never go wrong with white”, it’s the same with white bedroom furniture. You do not have to worry about adding white bedroom furniture to your old ones because it blends well with them. The designs of white bedroom furniture, too, lean towards simplicity with elegance. They never contradict the style of your old ones.

If you’re planning to get one but worried that white bedroom furniture will cost you a fortune, you don’t have to be. There are ones available at a bargain price. You just have to be creative on where to look. Flea markets are also a good source of white bedroom furniture.

Is it a chair? Perhaps a chaise lounge? No wait, it’s a small sofa!

The Transformer chair is one of the more unique pieces of furniture you could select for your modern family room, living room or sitting room.

Fold it into a comfy sitting chair when you want to curl up and read a book.

Or, make it into a nice love seat for two.

Utilitarian in function and bold in lines and form, this chair is sure to draw attention and comments from your house guests.

Designed by: Roel Verhagen Kaptein

Source: YankoDesign

A sofa isn’t cheap, so if you decide you don’t like the upholstery later, it can be a costly mistake.

A good quality leather sofa will last longer than fabric, but knowing something about leather will help you avoid overpaying for a cheap one or getting imitation leather when you thought your were getting the real deal!

Here are our tips on shopping for a leather sofa:

Know Your Leather Grades

The least expensive, bonded leather is made from scraps of leather that are bonded together to form a single piece. It may look like a single piece of leather, but will not have the strength and quality of a true leather hide.

Split grain leather is a step up from bonded. The hide is split into the inner and outer most layers, with the inner layer being called split grain. Since it is one piece of leather hide, split grain is higher quality than bonded and will often have the label “genuine leather.

Top grain leather is made from the outer most layer of a hide, and will be sanded or processed to conceal imperfections. Top grain is stronger and a higher quality leather than split grain because the outer layer is the most durable. Top grain leather may have texture applied during manufacturing to give it the look of an exotic alligator, ostrich or other type of skin.

Full grain leather also comes from outer most layer of the hide and is the highest grade available. Unlike top grain, it is not sanded or processed, which leaves the natural grain and markings of the hide intact. Full grain leather offers the most premium durability, strength and beauty of the leather.

There are also variations in how manufacturers prepare and finish the leather. An aniline dye offers the best finish to protect your leather sofa from scratches, stains or fading. Semi-aniline finishes will have less of this protective coating. Pigmented leather is usually made from a lower grade hide treated with surface color and may be stiffer than a higher quality full grain aniline leather.

Pick a Style That Matches Your Room

Be sure to measure your room and door openings and determine the placement of your sofa before you go shopping and take a drawing of the room with the dimensions with you. You don’t want to find the perfect sofa and then get it home and find it doesn’t fit through your front door or that it blocks a doorway!

A Sectional unit can have the advantage of various configurations to work in your room, or you might select a smaller sofa and matching love seat or sofa to better fit your space.

Color is another big decision. If you are selecting a high quality full grain leather sofa, you might select a more natural finish and color that best shows the full beauty and texture of the leather.

Most retailers offer free swatches you can take home to get a sense of which color works best with your wall paint, other furnishings, accessories and art work.

Of course, you will also have style and shape to consider. Do you want a sofa with modern lines to match your contemporary decor? Or do you prefer the more shapely and curvy traditional shape?

Shop Around for the Best Value

The best thing is to go to shops and try sitting in a bunch of sofas to get a sense of various comfort, style and finish options. Will it be comfy to lie on and take an afternoon nap? Will the family be comfortable together watching a movie on the flat screen? Will the dog or cat scratch the full grain leather? If so, you might be better off with a top grain or split grain leather sofa that you don’t have to worry so much about being trashed by kids, pets or guests.

Be sure to ask sales people questions about frame quality, construction and warranties. A solid hardwood frame will generally make your leather sofa last much longer than lower quality frame materials. Another thing to look for is that some manufacturers use a different grade of leather on the sides or back.

Once you find the manufacturer, style, color and other details you want, you might consider shopping around online for the best price. While you’ll have to pay shipping cost, you could still save money. Shipping cost, warranty and return policies vary greatly with online retailers, so be sure to compare before making your purchase.

Don’t forget to factor sales tax and delivery costs into your budget. You could also save money by borrowing a truck from a friend or neighbor and save on delivery cost! Buying a new leather sofa can be fun and taking time to shop for the right one will give you comfort and style that you will enjoy for many years.

Retro furniture is typically defined by American 1950s and 1960s styles and nostalgia, which are typified by the use of chrome, cracked vinyl, Naugahyde or other simulated leather, wood veneers and Formica, bright plastics and similar materials and finishes.

Vintage Furniture Designers

Furniture styles in the home during this era can range in quality from junky mass-produced items, to extremely high end collectible modern furniture pieces designed by the likes of famed designers like Pieff, George Nelson, Robert Heritage and Merrow Associates in Great Britain and Europe, as well as American designers like Hans & Florence Knoll, Milo Baughman, Charles & Ray Eames and many others.

These designers eschewed fancy ornamentation and highly decorative designs in favor of geometric shapes, clean lines, functional use and modern forms. You can learn more about many of these well known mid-century furniture designers over at r20thcentury.com.

Thanks to the post war American manufacturing boom, affordable mass-produced retro style furniture is still widely available in specialty furniture shops, garage sales and online at eBay and other Internet sources.

The more sought after designer retro furniture however, has become quite collectible and so original pieces will often fetch extremely high prices at auction.

A number of designers and manufacturers also offer reproduction items so you can get new, modern furniture with that 1950s or 1950s retro look without sacrificing comfort and features.

Bedroom Furniture Ideas

You won’t find a fancy canopy or sleigh bed in a retro style bedroom. Simple lines and geometric shapes were the style of the day in bedroom furnishings. Wood veneer materials with Rosewood were popular for beds, dressers and nightstands.

You could use a vintage chenille bedspread to cover your retro bed. For your window treatment you might try Priscilla curtains with frivolous wide ruffles and pulled back to the sides. Use a shaggy white area rug to add texture.

A great accessory item you can pick up is a reproduction version of the vintage 1950s Big Ben Moon Beam alarm clock for your nightstand.

Kitchen & Dining Room

Formica and chrome dining tables are the way to go! You can still find originals at garage sales and second hand stores or get a reproduction set in bright 1950s colors like cherry red, sunshine yellow or blueberry blue.

Since enamelware was all the rage in the fifties, try finding original items like a bread box, coffee pot or tea kettle to display in your kitchen. Add color with a nice collection of fiesta ware bowls and dishware. If you can’t find originals, you’ll find plenty of reproduction enamelware and Fiestaware items online or in specialty shops.

You can even find retro kitchen appliances like refrigerators, stoves and toasters.

To create a little wall art for your retro room, try framing some 1950s magazine ads or posters.

Sofas & Living Room Furnishings

Sofas and chairs will be low, sleek designs with mahogany or wood veneer finishes and textured fabrics or leather upholstery. A floor lamp with a chrome finish and iced glass globe for the shade will complement your retro living room decor.

If you really want to create a living room focal point that will be a great conversation piece, try using a vintage or reproduction 1950s entertainment center, featuring a radio with dials and knobs and a vinyl album record player!

You can also find reproduction 1950s phones in bright plastics, complete with a dial instead of the keypad. You might still want to keep the cordless handy for daily use!

Tiffany is most associated with the Aesthetic and Art Nouveau movements, and was affiliated with the Associated Artists, a collaborative group of designers that included Samuel Colman, Candace Wheeler, Lockwood de Forest and others.

Origins of Tiffany Lamps

Louis Tiffany was best known for his stained glass windows and lamps, ceramics, glass mosaics, blown glass pieces, enamels and metalwork.

A Tiffany style lamp will be recognized by the distinctive stained glass shade, made with pieces of stained glass soldered together using copper foil.

Associated with the Art Nouveau movement, original Tiffany lamps are one of the most important American contributions to the movement, which started in Europe during the late 19th century.

Designed around 1895 with a bronze base designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the first Tiffany lamp set an innovative and highly distinctive design aesthetic for table and floor lamps in the Art Nouveau style. Initially, Tiffany purchased many of the bases for his lamps from art pottery firms but most were cast in bronze.

Tiffany Lamp Design Patterns

Over the next twenty years, Tiffany designed various styles of lamps, of which there are seven primary categories, each defined by specific characteristics. These are the Irregular Upper and Lower Border, Favrile, Geometric, Transition to Flowers, Flowered Cone, and Flowered Globe groups.

Tiffany’s Irregular Upper and Lower Border lamps are distinguished by the openwork crown edge, which is meant to represent a branch, shrubbery or tree.

Meaning “handcrafted, the Favrile category includes the first lamps that Tiffany made with the Favrile stamp. The stamp was later replaced by Tiffany’s initials, which is one way collectors are able to determine the approximate date that a Tiffany Favrile lamp or other glass item was made.

In the geometric category, Tiffany designed lamp shades with small geometric shapes like rectangles, ovals, triangles and squares in the designs.

Later Tiffany introduced the Transition to Flowers group. This category can be further subdivided into the Flowered Cone and Globe lamp designs, with the difference being the shape of the lamp shade.

All of these table lamps and floor lamps are designed with nature or botanical themes. Tiffany commonly designed the lamp shades using natural forms like peacock feathers, spider webs, flowers, dragonflies and butterflies.

Tiffany Lamp Copper Foil Technique

Tiffany crafted his lamps using the Copper Foil method. The pattern for the lamp is first drawn on a piece of heavy cardboard. Numbers and glass colors are then written on the pattern pieces so that pieces are labeled correctly.

The glass is then laid over the pattern and carefully traced so that the pieces can be cut and grinded to the proper shapes. After thorough cleaning, the glass pieces are ready to apply the copper foil to the edges.

A copper foil solution is used to bond the glass pieces together, and then the pieces are soldered together firmly. After soldering is completed, the lamp is cleaned, giving it the final beauty and luminescent qualities intended in the design.

Original Tiffany Prices and Reproduction Lamps

Original tiffany lamps are highly coveted by collectors and the record price paid for an original one is more than $8 million USD! Smaller, less rare, original Tiffany table lamps can still be found in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 but original Tiffany floor lamps will be difficult to find under $20,000 today, and more rare models will generally be over $100,000.

While many of us will never be able to afford an original Tiffany glass table lamp, there are many reproduction lamps available on the market today, some of very high quality and can be good investments.

Many studios mass create Tiffany-style lamps using similar techniques to those of the original Tiffany Studios. With myriad glass colors and designs available in these handmade lamps, you will have fun selecting one that fits your home decor.

These reproduction table lamps will range in price from less than $100 for cheaper varieties, to well over $1,000 for heirloom handmade lamps in the more intricate design patterns.

Whether you purchase an original or heirloom quality Tiffany lamp on eBay or at an auction house or antique dealer, be sure you understand all the pertinent details and know its value.

A certificate of authenticity is recommended and you should only purchase original Tiffany pieces from a well established and trusted source. Knowing the provenance, or history of its owners, is even more important in order to be sure of its authenticity.

You will treasure the timeless beauty and quality of your Tiffany lamp for many years and it will be a focal point of your home decor admired by anybody who appreciates the artistry and superior craftsmanship of Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Tiffany Studios.

The White brothers started their company with $275 earned working as telegraph operators and built a successful furniture company by 1886, and later the company won very large contracts with the U.S. government to help furnish hundreds of buildings needed to house workers building the Panama Canal.

As a furniture style, there are two primary types of white furniture; antique white furniture and modern white furniture. These two have almost nothing in common other than sharing the color white.

Antique white furniture is most common in bedroom furnishings; baby cribs, beds and headboards, nightstands and dressers will be the most popular antique white pieces found.

Since white is associated with peace and tranquility, its use in the bedroom is quite logical. However, you can also find pieces like dining tables, buffet tables and coffee tables with an antique white finish. You can find antique white furniture in many different styles and designs, and it combines European and American styles.

Reproduction antique white furniture is extremely popular and can be found in many galleries and furniture boutiques. Finding true antiques in the style will require more effort and, as with any quality antiques, you will pay for the original collector pieces, although it will typically be more affordable than natural wood finished antique furniture.

Modern white furniture is another aesthetic altogether. Often used in modern and contemporary furnishings, you will see white finishes ranging from satin white to pearl, highly lacquered white to rough hewn oak with a white wash finish. White is a neutral tone that fits in well with the modernist furniture movement and aesthetic.

Since it sets a very neutral tone in a room, white furniture fits in well with any color palette and can be easily adapted as the theme, design and color palette of a room changes over time, giving it the added benefit of flexibility.

Choose any quality white furniture piece, whether modern or antique; if it has a nice form and design and you will get many years of use from it, even as other elements of the room may change or even as you move from one home to another.

When done right, a modern home décor appeals to our sensibilities with its distinctive use of bold asymmetry, polished surfaces, strong geometry, clean lines and neutral colors.

Coming from the German words for "to build" and "house", the Bauhaus school ironically had no architecture department in its initial years.

But, the Bauhaus style has since become a major influence in Modern design and architecture.

Modern Home Design

Starting around 1930, modern home design evolved out of Scandinavian modern design and the Bauhaus School of Design in Germany.

On the home’s exterior, windows are usually unadorned and seamlessly blend the interior with the exterior landscape.

Neutral colors allow design elements create the focal points, with white walls predominating. Neutral tone on tone color schemes will tend to be used with the fabrics, furnishings, accessories and fabrics.

Materials with smooth, polished finishes are common in modern decor, with polished concrete, granite or even linoleum often used for flooring. From an architectural perspective, the modern home makes splendid use of angular, geometric, shapes. Accessories and art are given importance over the architectural features, often taking striking shapes and forms meant to make a bold statement.

Stainless steel or polished metals are common accents found on furniture and in the kitchen. A lacquered finish on cabinetry is quite typical.

Emphasis of Art, Technology and Craft in Modern Design

Special artwork and accessories will often have spotlights focused on them to enhance the visual impact. Finding these centerpieces is one of the most intriguing and exciting parts of modern decorating.

The modernist innovation was meant to use radically simplified forms and emphasizes the integration of art, technology and craft. Machines are considered to be a positive element, with industrial and product design becoming important components.

Adorned or gilded carved wood and rich, patterned fabrics are replaced by the geometric shapes and simplicity of polished metal or lacquered surfaces. Modern furniture forms will be visually light as opposed to the heavier visual forms of earlier design aesthetics.

Evolution of the Modernist Movement

Before the modernist movement furniture as ornament was emphasized and the amount of time it took to create a piece typically determined its desirability and worth. Modernist sensibilities shift this emphasis to form, function and accessibility.

Whereas western architecture and furniture design historically sought to convey a sense of lineage and connectedness to history and tradition, the modern movement emphasized originality, newness, and technical innovation, speaking more about the present and future.

Modernist design evolved from several influences; innovative new technologies and manufacturing methods that brought new materials like plastics and plywood, design philosophies emerging from the Bauhaus School and Werkbund, exotic cultural influences, the Art Nouveau movement and heightened creativity of designers and artists of the era.

Modern Furniture Icons

Barcelona chair
The Barcelona chair represents the Bauhaus design movement and is considered functional art, rather than furniture only. Designed in 1929 for an international design fair in Barcelona by Lilly Reich and Mies Van Der Rohe, the chair was supposed to have been inspired by the folding chairs of Egyptian Pharaohs and Roman X-shaped footstools, and was dedicated to the royal family of Spain.

Noguchi coffee table
A multi-talented architect, sculptor and furniture and landscape designer, Isamu Noguchi (1904 – 1988), famed for creating organic modern forms, was half Japanese and half American. The Noguchi Coffee Table became famous for its distinctive simplicity. A natural and refined form, it is one of the modern classic pieces most desired.

Eileen Grey side table
This bedside table was designed in 1927 to be used as a bedside table for the guest room in Ms. Grey’s own home. Displaying an unusual asymmetry, it characterizes her non conformist design aesthetic. True to her training in the Bauhaus, the side table emphasizes utility; one can adjust the table to comfortably have breakfast in bed, which was likely the original purpose of the piece.

Victorian furniture gives your home a touch of class. Unlike other furniture themes, Victorian furniture makes you appreciate beauty, and at the same time a sense of comfort. It has also been an inspiration for other art themes, such as Art-Nouveau and the revival of the Gothic style. But even after so many changes in style and fashion, Victorian furniture remains to exist, proving itself to be timeless.

Creating a Victorian feel in your home

Victorian furniture somehow creates a dark and gloomy feeling for some. It is at most times caused by the theme’s attempt to bring back the past. The Victorian period may be long gone, but the furniture is here to stay.

If you want to make your home look Victorian, of course you have to use Victorian furniture. This kind of furniture is quite old, and some already consider it as antique. You may use antique furniture as well, but remember that Victorian furniture is heavily upholstered.

From the chairs to the sofas, cushions are stuffed to make them busty, and comfortable to sit on. Aside from furniture cushions, the pillows, mattresses and bed covers must also be puffy.

Victorian furniture is also bulky and heavy. It is made to be the focal point of the room. Most pieces are made up of hardwood, such as oak, rosewood and mahogany.

You can find intricate carvings on the arms and legs of these furniture pieces too. They usually occupy a lot of space, so situate them on the most ideal places you can think of.

Other parts of Victorian furniture meanwhile are made of metal. Drawer pulls, doorknobs and other handles on Victorian-style closets and cupboards are made of metal. Built in furnishings on the other hand are made of stone.

In an authentic Victorian home, fireplaces are made of stone, like marble. If you do have a fireplace, you can make it look Victorian not necessarily by replacing the fireplace with a marble furnishing; paint techniques can now do the trick.

Dark and heavy kinds of fabric such as velvet are used in Victorian furniture. This kind of fabric absorbs the light and adds a gloomy and mysterious feel to your home. During the Victorian period, heavy fabrics are used almost everywhere, from cushion covers to curtains, drapes, and over covers.

Fabrics are used as an alternative for wallpaper, mainly because they keep the home warm and cozy during the cold. Victorian patterns and colors tend to be dark, rich and bold.

The patterns used in Victorian furniture are commonly bold and intricate. Like the furniture itself, the Victorian designs occupy a lot of space. Sometimes though, they create a cramped and cluttered effect.

Rich, dark colors are often used on Victorian furniture. Shades of red and blue can be found on the cushions, covers, wallpapers and curtains. They too help in blocking the light from coming in, as well as keeping a gloomy atmosphere to your home.

Keeping the Victorian Touch

The right lighting and decorative ornaments are helpful in adding a Victorian feeling to your home. Light is controlled to make your visitors notice the furnishings, so it is focused on particular furniture pieces.

You can make use of silk lampshades for lighting, or brass light stands with shades made of shell. Others try to make their Victorian home look authentic by placing candle holders on the walls-the light, of course, is now generated by electricity. Crystal chandeliers also add a sense of glamor to the room.

The floors meanwhile provide additional beauty to Victorian furniture when laid with rugs and carpets. They also act like fabric wallpaper, and insulate your home from the cold.

To maintain a Victorian fashion into your home, you must keep your furnishings well decorated. Victorian furniture is thus topped vases, jewelry boxes, and egg-shaped picture frames.

You may place old photographs of you and your family to achieve the nostalgic feeling, as well as antique porcelain sets and even a grandfather clock, if you do have one.

At most times you treat your home as a place to dwell slack in after a hard day’s work, and given so, why not make it your own personal paradise? If you aspire for extravagance, relaxation and a total island getaway, Hawaiian decor furniture would bring life to your dreams.

From the name itself, Hawaiian decor furniture comes from no less than the islands of Hawaii. Famous for its island tropics where people run to for a vacation, Hawaii showcases a truckload of ideas for you to mix and match, its furnishings and adornments can be situated at any style you want.

Hawaiian decor furniture is composed of bamboo chairs and benches, hammocks, low stools made from palm or coconut lumber. Most Hawaiian decor furniture are made to retain its natural look, thus they are highlighted with proper lighting, color and ornaments. Upscale furnishings may be made from exotic woods like Mahogany, Rattan or Wicker.

Inspired by island elements, Hawaiian decor furniture gathers the feel the sea, sand and trees. Because of this the home’s space should be fixed to be cool and free flowing.

One of the most important points in accentuating Hawaiian decor furniture is the walls. The walls of the house may be painted in many ways, depending on your mood. If you want a cool serene beach feeling, neutral shades of brown such as light taupe maybe rubbed against the wall, so as to gather a cozy flavor.

If you want a more dynamic and moving wall space, consider shades of bright yet soft yellow, and touches of blue and green. For a rather creative scenario, you may paint a beach mural on the wall, or as well purchase a ready made mural, like that of a Hawaiian sunset, and plaster it on the wall. In addition, the palm tree should always be present, as well as floral designs if you want prints.

Highlighting the effect of Hawaiian decor furniture is further developed by the floors. Flooring must be in hues of deep red-brown, sand, or chestnut colored wood floors to compliment for Hawaiian decor furniture. Rugs and carpets are also recommended, in shades of brown, ocean blue, sea green or light green.

The doors and moldings also hold significance for Hawaiian decor furniture. Doors and moldings must be painted in rich brown like oak or cherry in order to blend with the rest of the room. The windows must be made up of wooden shutters, or bamboo blinds.

You may as well add a little more solace with the help of a delicate white curtain. Window treatments contribute to a more alive and relaxing atmosphere needed by the present Hawaiian decor furniture.

Lighting and ventilation in Hawaiian decor furniture add to the aesthetic value of the room’s entire theme. Among the recommended Hawaiian decor furniture is a wood ceiling fan, especially with blades in the design of palm leaves.

Another good alternative is basic ceiling light, as the objective is to not make the ceiling light the focal point of the room. Decorative lights such as hula dancer lamps or pineapple lamps are also fun pieces for end tables.

In Hawaiian decor furniture, the bed can be dressed up in different styles. You may choose a solid color for the comforter, or opt for prints. For plain solid bed covers, add printed throw pillows, while when having printed bed sheets, like orchids or palm leaves, make sure that throw pillows and walls are in solid hues.

Wood furniture is obviously the main material in Hawaiian decor furniture. Bamboo is one of the best picks for the furniture. The objective of this theme is to bring out an open space. Thus, make sure to include the essential furniture pieces before adding other less important accents.

Other home accessories for Hawaiian decor furniture are palm plants, vases filled up with artificial orchids, wall tapestries of orchids or palm leaves, authentic Hawaiian art, and pictures and artifacts of Hawaiian heritage and culture.

You may also place your favorite beach photographs on the side tables to give the tropical effect. Or if you do have shells which you found during your past visits to the beach, you can add them up for a more impressive look.

Contemporary furniture as well gives an illusion and makes the bedroom look bigger, neat and uncluttered. Those who desire a quiet feeling for a relatively bustling environment may opt for contemporary bedroom furniture. You do not need to put so much attention on where to place the bed, or think about where the chairs are situated, where the television is, other than where they will become practical.

When choosing contemporary bedroom furniture, what you should consider is how much amount of space should be left in the middle of the room, so it would be easy for you to go to other places like the corridor, terrace or the bathroom.

Unlike other bedroom designs where the remaining space is occupied with accents, contemporary bedroom furniture retains a form of design dedicated to the space itself.

In a contemporary bedroom design, rectangular shapes are usually used to give depth to the room. This shape is seen to be highly effective, and at the same time elegant; thus taking away the emphasis for other decors.

When you speak of’ contemporary bedroom furniture, the styles and trends pertain to what are current. Your concept of contemporary bedroom furniture may come from modern, antique, ethnic, nature, technology, or just about anything under the sun; as long as it can give a blend of functionality and peace.

Contemporary bedroom furniture seeks to go beyond design boundaries with elegant shapes, without sacrificing comfort and urbanity. Contemporary bedroom furniture as well comes in different materials such as steel, chrome, wood, glass, and fabrics like cotton, jute, organic, polyester, wool, and natural latex foam, as contemporary style now plays with eco-friendly and organic themes.

Earth tones like brown and beige of all shades are commonly used as base color from which other contemporary bedroom furniture would be spawn out of. You may experiment on different shades of the same color to enhance depth and magnitude while still maintaining a cool feel to the bedroom.

Textures are also held of utmost importance in contemporary bedroom furniture. The proper blending of stone, glass and wood furnishings add to the dimensions of the bedroom, making it look and feel more spacious.

Neutral colors, embedded on elements of black and white are also common in contemporary bedroom furniture, especially when you find beauty in the collaboration of art and architecture. Finishing with a contemporary style means furnishing a bedroom with fewer pieces and focuses on sleek qualities based on empty spaces, functional furnishings and natural light.

Dimmed lighting has also become popular in contemporary bedroom furniture. It is used to highlight specific spaces while providing a dimmer, warmer glow on the floors. Wood furniture that is polished in natural tones or metal scraps finished in bold colors are also common accents in contemporary bedroom furniture. In addition, pieces made from synthetics can also be placed to enrich the style.

You may design your bed in a simple and casual manner for beds in contemporary bedroom furniture. This may not have to call for exhibit intricate patterns like traditional or period inspired furniture. Window covers are generally plain and monotone. Other bedroom sheets are mostly straight lined and are used for filtering light.

You can shop for contemporary bedroom furniture in various furniture galleries. Contemporary bedroom furniture has been a present fad because it gives you a very warm and relaxing feel. It is also designed to complement other bedroom design styles. Most contemporary furniture bedroom sets are made to be durable and long lasting. Apart from bedroom and mattress sets, contemporary bedroom furniture comprises of side tables and couches that offer convenience.

Pictures, lamps, end tables and other decorating items found in many homes are held to a minimum as contemporary bedroom furniture that values the presence of space.

Most contemporary bedroom furniture’s colors aim to add more light to the whole room, and not blending with the room’s monotone hues. Leather covers are highly recommended on couches with dark shades of blue and green. They add a punch on white stark bedroom walls.

The look of French country furniture is inviting and fuss-free. Its charm relies on the rustic feel of the furniture and accessories and the casual combination of colors. French country furniture can work for almost anyone, on any kind of budget.

Colors that decorate French country furniture reside in all parts of the color wheel. Yellow and gold, fiery red and rust, grass green and dark green, as well as cobalt blue and turquoise tones are hence made useful in enhancing French country furniture.

Rusted furniture, lighting furnishings, and wood furniture give warm color and wonderful lines that define French country furniture. An important element found in these pieces is the use of natural materials.

Rough painted plaster walls, beamed ceilings and walls, intricate carved wood details, and woven chair seats give texture and simplicity to the look. Stone floors are as well covered with wool or cotton rugs.

A French country home is never complete without a stone fireplace. French country furniture fits into this style very well basically because people like to mix-and-match themes rather than keep the original style.

French country furniture reflects the practical working provincial lifestyle. French furniture was used for a particular purpose, thus these furnishings are made of the elements at hand, like those of pine and stone, with adornments kept to a minimum. French country furniture nowadays pays homage to these roots through its simple lines, limited decors, and natural-colored paint.

The centerpiece of French country furniture is the table. French country dining table consists of seats that accommodate six to twelve persons. French country tables are made of simple design, usually by a thick wooden plank atop pine legs and unadorned platforms. Chairs are also wood with caned seats, sometimes placed with soft cushions.

Benches are a good alternative to chairs. French country furniture includes a carved wooden cabinet for porcelain, silverware and linens. Traditional French country furniture however, did not have any cabinets or cupboards, such that a wooden cart may be a good alternative for drawers, as it is also useful for bringing food to the table.

French country furniture in the bedroom also dwells heavily on the basics. A four-poster bed is recommended and so is a large armoire to be used as a closet. Small end tables can also be added.

In modern houses, the armoire can work as an entertainment center or even a fold-away computer station. Another interesting value of French country furniture is in a hall outside the bedroom, as it is filled with colorful towels and linens.

Upholstery is often sparse with French country than with other furniture styles but chairs and sofas with wood frames and legs will feature upholstery on arms, seats, and seat backs. Fabrics colors bring to mind the sun, the sea, and open fields of flowers typical in the landscapes of Southern France. Color palettes typically include cool tones like light green, azure blue lavender, as well as warm colors such as goldenrod or deep rust.

Subtle design patterns add interest to French country furniture. Elements which are commonly used are wrought-iron door and drawer hardware, contoured chair backs and cabinet lines, and raised motifs, depicting grains such as wheat, so as flowers, and fruit.

Most French country furniture is polished a natural color, such as honey brown or light natural pine. Other tainted pieces, particularly in light green hues and white are also common. You may add color to your furniture pieces by placing wall decors like paintings, but keep them to country sceneries and light panoramic views.

French country furniture can be found in antique stores, both in the United States as well as in Europe, at auctions and estate sales, and other furniture galleries. Pre-owned French country pieces are also frequently offered on websites for auction.

Modern French country furniture can be found from a variety of furniture makers. Nowadays, many furniture shops showcase a reproduction French country furniture line, consisting of armories, kitchen and dining tables, caned chairs, and romantic beds. New pieces may lack the charm of antique pieces, but the quality remains the same and are often less expensive.

Arts and crafts furniture offers you a cozy and peaceful feeling especially when you are living in the countryside.

This kind of furniture design also helps a lot when you are located in the city; the atmosphere it provides is relaxing after a busy day, and makes you think about childhood dreams and feel very much at home.

Wooden laid-back lawn chars, outdoor benches, and cushioned divans guarded by pale shell lampshades are pieces commonly regarded as arts and crafts furniture. These pieces can usually be found in houses of wood, stone, or stucco siding, low-pitched roofing, and wide eaves with triangular brackets.

Arts and crafts architecture is very distinctive; roof rafters are often exposed and porches are made up of round or thick square columns. The house’s exterior chimney made with stone and has numerous windows. The ceilings are beamed and the entire structure is filled up with built-in cabinets, shelves, and cupboards.

Arts and crafts furniture pieces are often products of livelihood and cottage industries. For those who opt for a natural scenic like those of American country style homes, arts and crafts furniture suits the best. These pieces are mostly of natural materials and are handmade.

Unlike other antiques, arts and crafts furniture pieces have simple forms and little ornamentation, thus, it is not often that you can find elaborate carvings and patterns on them. Some pieces consist of copper and pewter, and are often with a hammered finish.

Other decorations found in arts and crafts furniture are passages from the Bible and other literature, stylized flowers, Celtic motifs, and inverted hearts.

Most of the influences found in arts and crafts furniture are medieval themes, as the Gothic style was revived during the movement, given that the movement’s objective was to bring man back to his artistic senses. Asian designs like Japanese art have also been incorporated in arts and crafts furniture as well. Oak is the most popular wood used in arts and crafts furniture, and cushions are made up of leather covers.

Wood grain gives an essential aesthetic function in arts and crafts furniture. The natural flame markings have a more pleasing effect, as if pointing to one upward direction. Contrasting types of wood may look most effective when laid in a good design.

To further highlight the presence of arts and crafts furniture, it is recommended to use parquet or oak boards for the floors. The flooring gives that rustic feel to the entire space. Floors are kept polished or stained to a dark finish.

You may also match the floors with natural color shades, such as cream, mustard yellow, terracotta, olive green, deep crimson and deep blue. The walls on the other hand offer a more subtle and laid back mood for the furniture pieces. The walls then may be composed of wood panels painted in hues of dull green or blue.

Arts and crafts furniture are situated best on built-in furnishings in the house, among of which being the fireplace. In original arts and crafts house, wooden mantelpieces are placed on top of the fireplace carrying an engraved message which can be a personal family motto or passages from literature.

Other materials that make arts and crafts furniture are tiles in shades of cobalt blue, green, turquoise, and red. Stained glass is popular because of its medieval touch. The windows meanwhile must have curtains and brass or wooden curtain poles. The curtains must not have frills or flounces.

You can also add wall decors and other decorative pieces to make your arts and crafts furniture more felt. Wall paintings of still art and nature give a homey feeling to your space, and so do paintings of people at work. Try canvassing at art galleries for these kinds of paintings. Meanwhile, you can dress your end table by placing wooden ashtrays or native figurines made of stone or old brass.

Arts and crafts furniture is available in furniture galleries. If you want your furniture customized, you can, have your pieces pre-ordered to add a personal touch. You may also try shopping at yard sales because sometimes these furniture pieces are mistaken to be already out of style.

And the entry hall is what most visitors will see first thing when they enter your home, so you want to make a great first impression.

An antique hall tree or replica can be an important piece of furniture in establishing a home’s decor. It can be placed either at the entrance or in a large hallway, where it will help keep personal items organized and out of the way.

Hall trees offer great functionality in the home, with hooks to hang various items like coats, hats, umbrellas, gloves and other items family members and visitors bring upon entering the home and need conveniently near the door when leaving. The hall tree mirror also makes a convenient place to check your appearance before leaving the house!

Some hall trees will have drawers for keeping handy personal items like sunglasses, wallets, money and other items. A hall tree bench is also convenient to sit on while taking off and putting on footwear and outer clothing. The bench usually has space underneath for storing shoes. Most of these hall trees are crafted from wood, often pine, oak or walnut.

If you are handy with woodworking, you can find plans and build your own, as detailed below. This is a great heirloom furniture piece to make as your next project and one that will elicit questions and admiration from your friends and visitors.

People will add a hall tree as much for its functional value as for the decorative qualities if offers. Hall trees can be superb for any back entrance, front hall, or mud room to help reduce clutter and provide a nice focal point for the space.

These elegant hall trees and entry benches will have various features and options like hooks, mirrors, and storage or display shelves. Rich finishes of hall trees could be great for decorating one’s home or the home decor. Beautiful hall trees could make a welcoming yet practical entry piece for the home.

Use your hall tree to hang coats, purses, shoes and other items all in an organized manner.

If you are looking to buy one, you will want to choose your hall tree very carefully. They come in various sizes, shapes and finishes. They need to be chosen careful so that they match the house and add charm. Pay attention to the craftsmanship, joinery and finish of the piece, which can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another.

You can choose from various styles like contemporary, casual, antique, country, hand carved and custom made. An antique hall tree can be a truly unique focal point for your entry way. You might choose a Burnham wide hall tree, French country hall tree, or classic Kingston hall tree.

Hall trees can also be personalized. Add some photographs or personal crafts or a mirror to make it look more attractive. Hand-painted hall tree are also popular.

Make Your Own Hall Tree

What you will need:

• Glass Mirror
• Adhesive for Mirror
• 200-grit sandpaper
• Miter saw
• Tack cloth and clean shop rags
• Wood glue and filler

Instructions:

• The hall tree has two sections; the hall tree bench and the hall tree mirror back component. The mirror back is made with 2- by-2 stiles for the sides and a series of 1×2 slats. There are three cross supports, which are constructed with 2×3s and support the mirror.
• Cut your slats and stiles to length on your miter saw. Remember the stiles need to be long enough to mount the mirror, so measure accordingly. Use a straight bit in your router table to create a groove on one side of 2 cross supports and put the slats into these grooves. Use wood glue and finish nails to assemble.
• Drill pilot holes through your styles into the cross supports and screw them securely using dry wall screws. Hide these screws by gluing on wooden buttons.
• For the mirror, cut a piece of plywood to size to back your mirror. Attach the mirror to the plywood back using mirror adhesive. Then attach the mirror and plywood base to the top component from behind.
• The bench is constructed like a box, using 1×12s, with a front storage opening. Cut your pieces to size. Then nail and glue these pieces together. Cut 1×3s for legs, nailing them in place.
• In order to attach the top and bottom components together, first drill pilot holes in the stiles and box from behind, then securing these with lag bolts.
• Complete your hall tree by filling the nail holes with wood filler. One dry, sand everything smooth and dust it off wit tack cloth and a damp rag. Finish or prime and paint the piece as you want.

You will enjoy your hall tree project as a family heirloom for many years to come!