Creating Custom Furniture

Do you have an empty wall that is screaming for a console but just don't know what to get?  While many retailers have great options, if you can't find what your heart desires, consider getting a piece custom made.  We do this more often than not for clients, whether it be because we can't find the right size, or a certain finish, custom furniture is a great alternative!  When working with a designer, you will get a better price than just walking in off the street, but the prices aren't as scary as you may think, and they quality is usually far more superior than a retail store.  Plus you are supporting local craftsman, win win right?  

Let's talk about some of the elements to your custom furniture piece to really make it your own.  

Wood Species

Walnut: my favorite species! Walnut is characterized by its beautiful cathedralling and warm caramel color.  Not a very hard wood, so make your to consider that!  Character grade has more knots and is lesser priced than select grade walnut.

Alder is often used because it is fairly inexpensive and accepts stain very well.  Knotty alder is more rustic and busy with knots, clear alder gives a more uniform look.

The unique grain pattern of Curly Maple, also known as Tiger Maple, offers beautiful patterns which makes it an ideal choice for distinctive furniture pieces.  This wood is also strong, heavy and hard.

Teak is a great option is you like a more modern, contemporary look because of its straight grain.  It has a warm color and is very durable.

We can talk later about hardware and legs in a part 2 post of Creating Custom Furniture.

Photo Credits: http://takeovertime.tumblr.com/post/41687728895/rypen-modern-credenza-in-solid-natural-walnut, 

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/joystyle-interior/item/wonder-dk150-b-al/, http://www.custommade.com/modern-coffee-table-bench-in-curly-maple-cherry/by/josephmurphy, http://www.creamandchrome.co.uk/product/vintage-1950s-daybed/, 

Bohemian Design Defined

I have come out publicly as a "modern farmhouse" girl.  But if I had to choose a close second, it would definitely be boho interior design!  Maybe that's because I'm slightly on the messy side ("slightly?!" Eye roll from my dear old grandma).  But it's true, bohemian design relishes imperfections and life as it unfolds.  It is all about patterns that you love, not just what works into your perfectly well-planned scheme.  It's about displaying art and artifacts that tells stories of your life journey.  Now with that being said, I can't exactly dole out the rules of achieving the look, as it would be a bit of a contradiction.  I can however, point out some common themes of this lovely look. 

First would be to mix it up with pattern.  I always try to get a good variety in when go a little crazy on pattern.  Mix up oversized prints with small and everything in between.  Also get a good variety of types of pattern, like not all florals, or geometric, etc.  The photos below do a good job of blending in different patterns.

It seems that most of these fabulous spaces have a Moroccan element, sometimes with the architecture, sometimes with some fabulous tile work.

Now let's talk about furniture.  Probably the furthest thing from accomplishing this look would be to have a bunch of big box store furniture.  Finishes should not match, neither should the legs on chairs, etc.  This look requires some pieces with a considerable amount of detail.  Let's look at the following pics to give you a better idea of what I'm trying to say.

Photo Credits:  http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1461663603&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=1616448&link=aHR0cDovL21haXNvbmJvaGVtZS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vMjAxMy8wOC9ib2hlbWlhbmlzbS5odG1s&frame=1&click=0&user=0, http://www.poeticwanderlust.com/, http://cdn.homedit.com/how-to-achieve-bohemian-or-boho-chic-style/, http://blog.styleestate.com/style-estate-blog/40-chic-rooftop-terrace-designs.html, http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/dreamy-bohemian-bedrooms-how-to-get-look.html, buzzfeed, 

The Art of Hanging, well, Art

Ok so anybody can stick a nail in the wall to hang a picture on the wall, right? Maybe not always centered, but you get the idea.  As a designer, I've picked up a few tricks to get the most out of my walls.....

In a space that's a little on the small side, consider hanging a bunch of very similar pieces of art to help fill the space and make it feel larger.  

Ok the next photo is a little overkill in my opinion, but still not bad to look at.  I think the antlers and branches on the table are a bit distracting from the simple symmetry that could've been created.

Ok let's talk about gallery walls, which could be related to the topic above.  But the vignettes above are simplified to not overwhelm an already tight space.  A gallery wall really has no rules.  I like to get a good mix of art, like maybe an abstract, some photography, mixed with some words.  I sometimes like to lean all these different art pieces on a ledge for a super casual look.... See below

So maybe you don't want to go quite as casual as the photo above.  You can still create a killer gallery wall!  Aside from mixing up the type of art, throw in a clock or mirror.  Be deliberate about how you're going to handle the frames and mattes.  They don't need to all match, but make sure there isn't just one odd man out.  Ten black frames and one wood frame might look like a mistake.  Just be aware of the details because they really do make all the difference

Now that I've gone on about clusters of wall art, let's take a minute to talk about negative space.  When you have a well accessorized room, it's important that your eye has a break.  I truly believe negative space can impact design as much as a decorated space.

The last thing I'd like to go over is hanging heights.  Nothing screams bachelor pad like a bunch of super high pictures (most likely of Bob Marley).  You want the art to be at eye level, but because that can vary so widely, 63" is thought to be a good midpoint for art.  There are exceptions to every rule though.  When hanging art over a console, or something similar, keep the art low, so it is incorporated with the furniture.

Photo Credits: hgtv, http://www.dreambookdesign.com/2012/09/design-inspiration-monday_10.html, http://www.drivenbydecor.com/2014/10/gallery-wall-how-to-design-tips.html, potterybarn, http://www.highfashionhome.com/room-ideas/living-room/roman-peace.html, http://www.housetweaking.com/2013/07/11/his-hers-nightstands/, http://jennywolfinteriors.com/residential/#!/hamptons-cottage

Area Rug Assortment

There are a few things that I'm a sucker for- great lighting, wall coverings, and a beautiful area rug.  I think those three things can make or break a room.  Let's focus today on the last item, the area rug.  Do you know the difference between the different types?  Let's have a review, shall we? 

Dhurrie Rugs

These are a very affordable option and a great look.  They are a flat woven rug that come in many different styles.  So if you are budget conscious, or maybe there's an area of your home where you are height concious (maybe right under a door swing?), these could be this area rug for you.

Tufted Rugs

Tufted rugs are a great compromise because they are typically made of quality products, such as wool, but because the manufacturing process isn't too intense, they are generally reasonably priced.  They are created using a tufting gun, where the wool fibers are looped in and out of a backing into a pattern and then sheered into a cut pile.  

Woven Rugs

These are created on a loom, and because of this, they can be stocked with many different colored yarns. Both loop pile, aka berber, cut pile rugs and a combination style can be made this way. The loom is the oldest known rug making technique, and continues to be a means of creating beautiful area rugs.

Kilim Rugs

Kilims are produced by tightly interweaving the warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) strands of the weave to produce a flat surface with no pile. These rugs are not the most durable, so make sure you place them in a low traffic area.

Photo credits:  http://cdn.decoist.com/2013-10-30/eclectic-interior-design-style/, http://www.westelm.com/products/abstract-angles-wool-dhurrie-ivory-t1380/, http://www.shadesoflight.com/XH13035,  eBay, http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Tropics-Seafoam-Hand-Woven-Rug__SUTRO1004.aspx, http://blog.justinablakeney.com/2013/08/the-best-boho-rugs.html

Pantone's Color of the Year 2015

Every year Pantone comes out with their color of the year. Hello 2015, meet Marsala!

Loving this shade!  It is warm and elegant...let's look at how these spaces have integrated the new trend....

Photo credits: http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2014/12/pantones-color-of-the-year-marsala-for-your-interior-im-a-fan.html, Pantone, http://offbeathome.com/2012/08/dark-black-bedroom, architectural digest, http://feedly.com/e/UPVys9Vg, http://myoldcountryhouse.com/pantones-color-of-the-year-marsala/, 

Designing a Small Bathroom

Do you have a "cozy" bathroom that needs a little help?  Decorating tight spaces has really become a designers forte.  Whether you live in a small urban studio or a charming cottage, your bathroom can make a huge statement no matter the size.  

Be as monochromatic as possible!  Opt to paint cabinetry similar to the wall color to make it feel less heavy and imposing.  Select tile and counter in similar tones.  Let's look at these monochromatic bathrooms...

Ok that last photo brings up my next topic, the vanity.  An open, airy vanity feels great in a tight bathroom.  Pedestal sinks are also a great option, if you have a linen closet or other storage close by.  Lastly, if you choose to stick with a traditional cabinet, a furniture looking piece may feel better.  Go for smaller legs or feet rather than something heavy and blocky.

Ooh that last pic brought up another good point....the tiled wall is a great way to draw attention to the wall and make it appear larger.  Imagine that same bathroom with a small 6" backsplash that is the width of the vanity.....um no, that wouldn't have the same affect as the lovely photo above.  A tiled wall can really help fill the space out, just keep it clean.

Next piece of advice is pretty widely known, but just in case you are new to home improvement, open shelves are a fitting addition to the small bathroom.

My final piece of advice would be to select light fixtures with clear glass.

Photo credits: http://www.manybidets.com/blog/the-colors-make-a-difference/, http://www.styleathome.com/kitchen-and-bath/bathroom/5-fabulous-bathrooms/a/29257/2, http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2014/01/16/minimalist-apartment-in-brussels/#more-12998, http://newlywoodwards.com/2010/08/clean-classic-and-practical-bathroom.html, http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2014/03/favorite-things-fridays/, http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2014/01/easy-diy-floating-shelves.html, http://thespacebetweenblog.net/2014/09/25/rustic-bathroom/, http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/house-tour-neutral-pale-cottage-retreat/a/56357#ss-9ef32c83-0c08-4fa3-b08d-0ae9d48b5193-slide-11, http://www.arkpad.com.br/referencia/inter_4005-d4689, bhg.com

Crazy For Color

Did you know in times of hardship, the trend is more neutral and black and white?  And when the economy is doing better, color is in style.  Well if that's true, things must be on the upswing because color is back. As I've said previously, I'm "neutral-ed" out.  The hard thing is that all designers have been so conservative with color for so long, that they aren't as brave as they once were.  Speaking for myself, I'm ready to face my fears head on and create some fun and life in the spaces I design.  Let's look at how these designers stepped out of the box with color....

Photo credits: http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2014/11/highland-custom-homes.html, pop sugar, http://blog.homeandstone.com/2013/01/a-trip-to-emerald-city-pantones-color-for-2013/, http://deardesigner.co.uk/the-somerset-collection-from-bluebellgray/, apartment therapy, house beautiful, http://www.buzzfeed.com/emhenderson/5-resurrected-old-world-interior-design-trends, http://www.postcardsfromtheridge.com/2014/04/30-front-door-colors-with-tips-for.html