Moroccan interior design, home decor and Moorish architecture
by David Calvin
plug itthe Moroccan home is a palace of the imagination and a poetic harmonizing between man and the natural world. Walls borrow their hues from the earth and desert sand - muted reds and honeyed yellows. Tedelakt, the ancient technique of rendering smooth waxed surfaces using a colored limestone paste and black soap, give walls and floors all the appearance of clay ceramic. Interior structuring takes on organic shapes. Bends and arches complement geometric zellige tiles and curvilinear vases, set with fresh roses from the garden. Floaty, gossamer curtains in place of doors give a pleasing open feeling to the living space, while allowing breezes to circulate freely.
The Moroccan home is a unique blend of African, Berber, and Islamic aesthetics. Plush cushions in richly textured fabrics are set upon carved ebony-stained pine and cedar moucharabi furniture. Casting the afternoon sunlight in abstract patterns are pierced metal and brass lamps standing on tables or hanging overhead. Seating, tables, and accessories throughout the home are patterned and shaped by beautifully crafted hexagonal, octagonal and arched forms. The total effect is a private visual playground and a welcoming museum-like showland that is at once masterful and inviting.
The scents of cedar and roses eddy with the aroma of lamb and apricots. Guests have arrived with a tap-tapping of a brass knocker on a heavy wooden door. The setting sun fires the purple-pink of jasmine and bougainvillea in the garden outside, as Tajine simmers a last few minutes in the oven. Domestic architecture in Morocco varies greatly according to regional climate and personal wealth. There are the simple stucco constructions of the poorer townsfolk, and there are villas of such magnificence as to lure the wandering soul across several continents for the mere occasion to stand enchanted outside their gates.
In Moroccan homes irrespective of means the blind indented arch is a most charming feature, one whose inspiration is taken directly from the mihrab, or prayer niche constructed on the qibla wall of the mosque. The interior courtyard, or riad, is another characteristic element of Moroccan architecture and of Islamic architecture in general.
Situated most often at the center of the home, the riad is a tool for privacy and practicality. Since often the main door off the street opens onto the courtyard, visitors are directed from the patio into a salon used especially for entertaining - and this without ever passing through other the living areas of the home. The riad allows for plenty of light and needed shade, since the sun's rays and also cooler air can permeate the whole of the dwelling, while at the same time the harsher elements of wind and direct sunlight are kept out.
Interior decor is essential to Islamic architecture. Vaults, cupolas, and arched doorways are principle features which serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. In some village homes, recessed walls and benches set in cement stucco offer simple detail.
More elaborate elements may include geometric and floral motifs carved into wood beams or plaster walls. Ceramic tile, known as zellige, is also used, and may be applied to any and all surfaces, and not limited to walls, floors, roofs, and ceilings. Creative and surprising patterns, molded organic materials, and the intriguing lines of Moroccan structural motifs make the Moroccan home an extraordinary visual playground. Imagine coming home after a long day's work and slipping into a living room oasis where you're bathed in soft reds, yellows and oranges while resting on a plush cushion, next to a set of mini palm trees, breathing in the scent of Jasmine incense, listening to light jazz flutes. Selecting Moroccan furniture isn't just about functionality anymore; it's about creating a comfortable habitat where you can relax, de-stress and enjoy your downtime.
Finding the right lighting is the key to creating an ideal atmosphere. As early as 5,000 BC, the Chinese have been building homes in correlation with the sun to provide optimal light, warmth and energy. Historically, Morocco has hosted groups of diverse people from all directions - Phoenicians and Carthaginians from the East, Sub-Saharan Africans from the South, in addition to Romans, Vandals and Andalusians from the North. This Diaspora of culture comes together and can be clearly seen in these colorful Moroccan lamps and lanterns.
What makes Moroccan lamps truly unique is that they're not mass-produced in a sterile factory -- but rather, each shade is made of sheep or goatskin and is then dyed and stretched over a solid iron frame, where it is hand-painted with a needle in brilliant colors, in the decorative tradition of Henna tattoo artistry. Dating back to the Bronze Age, Henna design mimics the Henna plant, which has a plethora of long, thin stalks and tiny blossoms. Much like the tattoos, the lamp designs showcase fluid black lines and shapes, outlined by tiny dots.
Moroccan lamps, varying in shape, size, color and mood offer the opportunity to turn your living room into a stunning art museum. The African Berbers were primarily an agricultural people, so the curved "Berber" floor lamp is painted with a classy, simple style in neutral colors. Tall, slender styles like "The Pharaoh's Light", "Red Sun" or "Orange Magical Arabian Nights" capture one's imagination, while dazzling with dancing patterns, vibrant colors and swaths of vacuous space that instinctively pulls the eyes toward it in wonderment. End table lamps like "African Sun" or "Fez Sun" provide multifunctional use, emanating a soothing glow, while the glass top holds a piece of art, a plant or a tea set for entertaining guests. When you behold a piece like "Ocean Sun," breathing moonlight into the room with its purple hues and oceanic design, you know that this lamp is not just for providing light, but is a piece of art that will compliment other furniture and themes in the room.
Moroccan lanterns made of stained glass resemble the sort of Church decor that pervades the Holy Land. The shapes range from a rounded hot air balloon design, to a diamond-shaped street lantern style and they can be hung from the ceiling or mounted on the wall. Traditionally, the stained glass panes are subtle, soothing colors - an olive green, a periwinkle blue or a hint of gold. Handmade and framed in black wrought iron, Moroccan lanterns can bring that one unforgettable, warm summer night into your home.
Moroccan lamps and Moroccan lanterns will add an air of magic to any room. When paired with Moroccan rugs, plants and other Moroccan furniture, these handmade Moroccan lights really put the finishing touches on a relaxing, unique escape.
For more information on Moroccan interior design, Moorish architecture, arabesque arts and crafts, Moorish lighting, Moroccan furniture, Moroccan homedecor, Moorish wood lattice screens moucharabieh or mashrabieh, please contact:
Saint Tropez Boutique 25 evelyn way San Francisco, California 94127 Phone: (415) 513-5920 Email: sales@sainttropezstone.com Website: http://www.sainttropezstone.com http://www.sainttropezboutique.net
2008-05-06
Sleigh Bedroom Furniture - An Option For Young And Old Alike : Furniture store
Sleigh Bedroom Furniture - An Option For Young And Old Alike
by Cordell Coleman
plug itSleigh bedrooms are the perfect solution for your personal space. They are versatile and attractive, and available in a surprising variety of styles. Of course beds, play are a vital role in your bedroom redo, and all beds have come along way since their beginnings, and they are continuing to evolve as a result of developing new styles, one example is the sleigh bedroom.
In ancient Greece, beds were crude structures of wood available only to the very wealthy and royalty, and definitely not the most comfortable items around. In many cases, the bed was more of a status symbol, because pallets of straw on the floor were often a more restful place to sleep. Unfortunately, for the people of Greece, the sleigh bedroom was not available, but things did begin to improve, and during the Renaissance age was born a time of lavish beds with extremely ornate woods and massive sizes. The mattresses had evolved as well into what was commonly referred to as a "feather tick", which was basically an oversized pillow, a very cozy alternative to the straw mattresses that preceded it. The only problem with the feather tick was the need to refill and clean it out. This was an enormous task consisting of removing all of the feathers and re-stuffing it, as you can imagine this was a very messy process. The Renaissance bed's where a stark contrast from the early settler's beds living in the New World in very small quarters sometimes encompassing only one room. The small quarters required very compact beds to fit in their homes. In fact, some of the beds used could be folded away or stored with pulleys to provide more living space during the day.
Fortunately, the selection for boudoir furniture, including the sleigh bedroom has increased dramatically since the early days, and our bedrooms have increased to unheard of proportions. The expansion of our homes, especially the master bedroom, affords the perfect scenario for creating an oasis in your own private room.
Sleigh bedrooms are an excellent solution for anyone who enjoys redecorating. The style of the bed with its sleigh shape and high headboard and low footboard adorned with graceful curves is perfectly suited to many decors. Because sleigh bedrooms are so versatile, you can revamp your room without the costly expense of purchasing new furniture.
You might be surprised to discover that the sleigh bedroom is available in more than just wood; they are also available in metal, including brass. In addition, the wood stains range from very dark to very light. The styles are just as vast from modern to antique reproduction. In fact, the same bed with the same stain could easily move from one extreme to the other seamlessly.
For instance, contemporary sleigh bedroom combined with sleek curtains, and accented with simple black or chrome lamps with clean lines and additional black, chrome or red accessories will create a very contemporary bedroom. Add modern art to your space with vibrant colors within your color palette containing varied shapes to complete the look. This same sleigh bedroom placed in a decor with rich colors, beloved family heirlooms and treasured antiques will make an amazing statement of the past, flowing perfectly from old to new.
In the same way a cottage sleigh bedroom would work in a country cottage room, filled with fresh flowers, traditional brightly colored quilts and quaint baubles; it would also work just as well in a beach themed room with light blue or green walls and sheer curtains and crisp linens. Decorate the walls with black and white photos of fishing villages or boats to provide a more modern take to the traditional theme.
It is the versatility that has made the sleigh bedroom so popular. Since the mid-19th century it has become one of the most popular styles, especially in America. This may be attributed to the surge in home improvers, who enjoy redecorating their space, and appreciate the furniture for its ability to work with so many decors.
Because the sleigh bedroom is available in some many styles, there are looks that are more suited to a particular venue. The Diana sleigh bedroom for example is best suited for a French country or vintage style. To achieve a French country room is very simple use a simple color on your walls, such as a light blue or green, then choose two additional coordinating colors in a lighter and a darker shade for accents. Toile is a standard in any French country room, try placing toile curtains or toile bedding in your bedroom. Accessories should be kept to a minimum and be simple in nature. For additional character to the room try stenciling a border of fleur-de-lis along the walls of your room.
Incorporating a sleigh bedroom into your child's room, a guest room or even a lake house is the perfect way to add elegance and charm. The lines of the furniture evoke richness, without being ostentatious. In fact, during the holidays a sleigh bedroom is perfect addition to complete your winter retreat, just through a throw that evokes the festive season onto your new bed and watch the children gather round looking for Kris Kringle.
Whichever model you choose you can be sure of the craftsmanship and beauty in your new furniture, and whether your décor is contemporary or country or changes from day to day, there is a perfect sleigh bedroom to fit your needs, so enjoy the fun of happy decorating for years.
by Cordell Coleman
plug itSleigh bedrooms are the perfect solution for your personal space. They are versatile and attractive, and available in a surprising variety of styles. Of course beds, play are a vital role in your bedroom redo, and all beds have come along way since their beginnings, and they are continuing to evolve as a result of developing new styles, one example is the sleigh bedroom.
In ancient Greece, beds were crude structures of wood available only to the very wealthy and royalty, and definitely not the most comfortable items around. In many cases, the bed was more of a status symbol, because pallets of straw on the floor were often a more restful place to sleep. Unfortunately, for the people of Greece, the sleigh bedroom was not available, but things did begin to improve, and during the Renaissance age was born a time of lavish beds with extremely ornate woods and massive sizes. The mattresses had evolved as well into what was commonly referred to as a "feather tick", which was basically an oversized pillow, a very cozy alternative to the straw mattresses that preceded it. The only problem with the feather tick was the need to refill and clean it out. This was an enormous task consisting of removing all of the feathers and re-stuffing it, as you can imagine this was a very messy process. The Renaissance bed's where a stark contrast from the early settler's beds living in the New World in very small quarters sometimes encompassing only one room. The small quarters required very compact beds to fit in their homes. In fact, some of the beds used could be folded away or stored with pulleys to provide more living space during the day.
Fortunately, the selection for boudoir furniture, including the sleigh bedroom has increased dramatically since the early days, and our bedrooms have increased to unheard of proportions. The expansion of our homes, especially the master bedroom, affords the perfect scenario for creating an oasis in your own private room.
Sleigh bedrooms are an excellent solution for anyone who enjoys redecorating. The style of the bed with its sleigh shape and high headboard and low footboard adorned with graceful curves is perfectly suited to many decors. Because sleigh bedrooms are so versatile, you can revamp your room without the costly expense of purchasing new furniture.
You might be surprised to discover that the sleigh bedroom is available in more than just wood; they are also available in metal, including brass. In addition, the wood stains range from very dark to very light. The styles are just as vast from modern to antique reproduction. In fact, the same bed with the same stain could easily move from one extreme to the other seamlessly.
For instance, contemporary sleigh bedroom combined with sleek curtains, and accented with simple black or chrome lamps with clean lines and additional black, chrome or red accessories will create a very contemporary bedroom. Add modern art to your space with vibrant colors within your color palette containing varied shapes to complete the look. This same sleigh bedroom placed in a decor with rich colors, beloved family heirlooms and treasured antiques will make an amazing statement of the past, flowing perfectly from old to new.
In the same way a cottage sleigh bedroom would work in a country cottage room, filled with fresh flowers, traditional brightly colored quilts and quaint baubles; it would also work just as well in a beach themed room with light blue or green walls and sheer curtains and crisp linens. Decorate the walls with black and white photos of fishing villages or boats to provide a more modern take to the traditional theme.
It is the versatility that has made the sleigh bedroom so popular. Since the mid-19th century it has become one of the most popular styles, especially in America. This may be attributed to the surge in home improvers, who enjoy redecorating their space, and appreciate the furniture for its ability to work with so many decors.
Because the sleigh bedroom is available in some many styles, there are looks that are more suited to a particular venue. The Diana sleigh bedroom for example is best suited for a French country or vintage style. To achieve a French country room is very simple use a simple color on your walls, such as a light blue or green, then choose two additional coordinating colors in a lighter and a darker shade for accents. Toile is a standard in any French country room, try placing toile curtains or toile bedding in your bedroom. Accessories should be kept to a minimum and be simple in nature. For additional character to the room try stenciling a border of fleur-de-lis along the walls of your room.
Incorporating a sleigh bedroom into your child's room, a guest room or even a lake house is the perfect way to add elegance and charm. The lines of the furniture evoke richness, without being ostentatious. In fact, during the holidays a sleigh bedroom is perfect addition to complete your winter retreat, just through a throw that evokes the festive season onto your new bed and watch the children gather round looking for Kris Kringle.
Whichever model you choose you can be sure of the craftsmanship and beauty in your new furniture, and whether your décor is contemporary or country or changes from day to day, there is a perfect sleigh bedroom to fit your needs, so enjoy the fun of happy decorating for years.
Tuscan furniture for your home to have a simple and civilized look : Furniture store
Tuscan furniture for your home to have a simple and civilized look
by Adam Peters
plug itThis article tells us about the Tuscan theme for furniture, its evolution and different patterns or colors used in this theme and further can be used to give an elegant appeal to your room.
Tuscany is always mistaken by public to be French for some reason rather it is Italian. As the theme of Tuscan means furniture and its very uniquely and clearly Italian.
The theme of furniture is a broadly based one and it depends on the style and architecture of a region called Tuscany of Italy. This place which is in the Northern part of Italy surrounds the town Florence and is well known as very simple and rural region and also as a home for great art of renaissance period. This theme of furniture depicts this duality in which it mostly consists of some simple folk parts mixed with items painted by hand and also a traditional veneer with a very graceful look to the theme.
The basic or primary material for the Tuscan furniture theme is wood and others like chestnut, cypress, fir and poplar being general choices. This theme also uses a bit of iron, leather and metal having worked into the patterns or designs. In this respect, Most of the times, it resembles to the Spanish theme of furniture. Thick red and cool blue are the most commonly used colors. These colors depict the combination of both classy and rusty look which is the feature of the theme.
Many design come with straight lines which is common in a traditional Roman and Italian architecture. There is a vast difference from the ornate or showy theme that had marked the theme of renaissance although both existed together in the area for hundreds of years. If a glance at a piece gives you a civilizing and simple feeling, then what you are looking at is a piece of Tuscan.
Florence city, which is in the center of the Tuscan area, is known as home for several of the best arts available in the world. Furniture shaped at this region is however called a Tuscan theme; extensive creations are found at Florence. These are very expensive; however have the basic styling and lines. Rustic style of theme is mostly seen on the Country side of Tuscan. The pieces are very simple in terms of its design, but they also hold the theme’s unique marks.
Migrating in mass by Italians to America has got the Tuscan furniture them around the start of 20th century. This theme signified the knowledge they had for their complete life and this was long before the main Tuscan furniture theme was manufactured in the US. Areas with good number of Italian people still have this theme as one of the popular ones. The traditional or the older look and also the charm of this theme have made it a famous choice for decoration not only for a single room but for the complete home. Market is always flourishing for reproducing the pieces of Tuscan. Tuscan pieces are made available by the growth in the international market by having them produced through the descendents of the real craftsman present worldwide.
by Adam Peters
plug itThis article tells us about the Tuscan theme for furniture, its evolution and different patterns or colors used in this theme and further can be used to give an elegant appeal to your room.
Tuscany is always mistaken by public to be French for some reason rather it is Italian. As the theme of Tuscan means furniture and its very uniquely and clearly Italian.
The theme of furniture is a broadly based one and it depends on the style and architecture of a region called Tuscany of Italy. This place which is in the Northern part of Italy surrounds the town Florence and is well known as very simple and rural region and also as a home for great art of renaissance period. This theme of furniture depicts this duality in which it mostly consists of some simple folk parts mixed with items painted by hand and also a traditional veneer with a very graceful look to the theme.
The basic or primary material for the Tuscan furniture theme is wood and others like chestnut, cypress, fir and poplar being general choices. This theme also uses a bit of iron, leather and metal having worked into the patterns or designs. In this respect, Most of the times, it resembles to the Spanish theme of furniture. Thick red and cool blue are the most commonly used colors. These colors depict the combination of both classy and rusty look which is the feature of the theme.
Many design come with straight lines which is common in a traditional Roman and Italian architecture. There is a vast difference from the ornate or showy theme that had marked the theme of renaissance although both existed together in the area for hundreds of years. If a glance at a piece gives you a civilizing and simple feeling, then what you are looking at is a piece of Tuscan.
Florence city, which is in the center of the Tuscan area, is known as home for several of the best arts available in the world. Furniture shaped at this region is however called a Tuscan theme; extensive creations are found at Florence. These are very expensive; however have the basic styling and lines. Rustic style of theme is mostly seen on the Country side of Tuscan. The pieces are very simple in terms of its design, but they also hold the theme’s unique marks.
Migrating in mass by Italians to America has got the Tuscan furniture them around the start of 20th century. This theme signified the knowledge they had for their complete life and this was long before the main Tuscan furniture theme was manufactured in the US. Areas with good number of Italian people still have this theme as one of the popular ones. The traditional or the older look and also the charm of this theme have made it a famous choice for decoration not only for a single room but for the complete home. Market is always flourishing for reproducing the pieces of Tuscan. Tuscan pieces are made available by the growth in the international market by having them produced through the descendents of the real craftsman present worldwide.
2008-04-13
What You Need to Know About Modern Furniture Reproductions
What You Need to Know About Modern Furniture Reproductions
by Seb Perez
Being a fan of modern design for about a decade- I’ve come across different perspectives on this issue of the reproduction. Personally, I feel that If I had the discretionary cash-such as if I had a net worth of over $1M, I would buy mostly originals (unless I had young children). I’ve heard some designers and corporate execs from design manufacturing firms argue that the “licensed†versions are the “true investment which will maintain and appreciate in value. They’ve argued, somewhat ridiculously I believe if you can’t afford the licensed version-then don’t but it at all. How preposterous-especially for those of us who are not pulling a corporate exec’s salary! Here’s my take on the investment issue.
The investment perspective: If you have the disposable cash to pay $2,200 for an Arco Lamp-it might be a wise investment. Maybe. It’s generally accepted that paying extra for a licensed copy will continue to appreciate in value. There is truth to this but I like to dig a little deeper since this is considered to be one of the main reasons why I should “invest†in a licensed reproduction rather than a copy. It is true that the original will likely appreciate over time however at first, just like a new car driven off the lot, its value will drop. In other words, the same lamp you just bought for $2,200 ($2,354 with 7% sales tax), if you turned around and sold it on eBay-you might get $1,700 for it. A loss of $654-a 27% loss and not a very good return on your investment. Thankfully however, it will rise in value after that initial drop at the approximate rate of inflation all other factors such as supply and demand remaining equal. At a 7% inflation rate, it would take almost 4 years to recover your initial cost. However, wouldn’t the same rate of inflation apply to any asset maintained in good condition and still in demand such as my Arco reproduction purchased for $499? Wouldn’t the savings I realized also appreciate at the same rate in my IRA?
I own reproductions that look fantastic and getting “ewws†and “ahhs†from friends and family for years. My “Nelson Bench†is still holding up my 100lb Plasma TV, my “Saarinen†Marble top table is still an eye-candy for my eyes and a nice place to eat on as well. The ebony finish is still on the base and the glass is still in one piece on my “Noguchi†coffee table. My “Arco†lamp is still lighting my workspace as I write this-and I haven’t so much as needed to change the bulb yet. The combined money I saved by buying good quality reproductions (several thousand dollars by my estimate) is still in my bank earning me interest (actually I probably spent it on my last trip to Cancun) instead of paying some high salary corporate exec (these designers aren’t around anymore). It’s a personal choice but, I ask myself would most buyers really feel better knowing that only a mere 7% of their $8,000 investment in their sofa went to the actual material/labor of a product, while the other 93% went to the licensee's yacht payment -- all for the sake of loyalty? And, if the quantifiable differences between licensed and non-licensed products are marginal, (which in some instances, they probably are, not to mention the cases where the unlicensed versions trump the licensed versions), to what then does a buyer owe his loyalty? It's a fair question, at least in some cases.
Don’t get me wrong, I sincerely appreciate their contribution to art and design but, nowadays I’m more concerned with whether the Phillips light bulb I buy will give me what I’m looking for at a price I like than whether Thomas Edison is still getting his share of proceeds. All the patents on their designs have expired and the actual designs of most pieces are now in the hands of the public domain. The “Consâ€: Selling “unlicensed†reproductions off as “licensedâ€. I personally despise dishonest salespeople proportionate to the amount of damage their lies can do. For example, if I buy a “widget†at an electronics store and the guy told me the batteries were included-and I get home and they’re not-I’m pissed but I’ll get over it, maybe even still buy from their store if it conveniences me. However, if a doctor tells me or leads me to believe that surgery will alleviate the pain in my knee and after the surgery, the limping and the rehab-it still hurts- then I REALLY feel betrayed, angry and violated (sorry I’m getting a little of topic). Point is that I personally don’t condone any dishonesty in this industry. Most of the people that I meet that have a mutual affinity towards MCM (mid-century modern), know all about the licensed and unlicensed reproductions. Every customer I’ve ever dealt with knew they were buying a reproduction. I suspect there are dealers who may be selling the fakes off as originals but, personally I think the line is pretty clear between the two. In addition to the occasional dishonest dealer posing fakes as authentic there is the bigger issue of the varying quality and materials being used in unlicensed reproduction:
Quality variation: The variance of quality with the unlicensed reproduction is undoubtedly a subject of considerable concern since not all reproductions are created equal. This is why the franchise principal is so successful- you always know what you’re going to get even if it’s a nutritionally void 2,000 calorie burger or a ridiculously over-priced cup of coffee. At least you know what you’re gonna get and you can depend on that. People like that and are willing to pay for it. When you buy a licensed reproduction-you know what you’re gonna get- at least most of the time. However, once you step out of the fancy Designer Furniture stores and decide to buy a more affordable unlicensed reproduction-it’s no longer a sure thing as to what you’re going to wind up with. I’ve come to find that there are good reproductions and poor ones just as there are unscrupulous dealers and those with integrity and good decent knowledgeable service. I have found reproductions of an “egg†chair that had its upholstery start to unglue itself, the legs broke off and the foam core deformed easily. Other items may be lopsided and something is skewed, the measurements are off, the material choices are poor quality, the steel rusts, the fabric tears, the plywood shows saw marks on the wood. I have seen other reproductions that are virtually unidentifiable from the licensed version and will maintain their look and feel for many years to come. In my opinion, it is of critical importance when considering the purchase of an unlicensed reproduction to carefully inspect personally (or by knowledgeable friend) the quality of the stitching, the symmetry of the lines from 360 degrees, the quality of the steel and all other materials used, the reputation of the dealer (you should always check the betterbusinessbureau.com for complaints) to name a few. I believe with a little know how and caution, you can find the look you’re after without having to break the bank. You don’t have to be made of money anymore to have a great looking home. I hope that you consider our reproductions in your quest to decorate your home with affordable Mid-Century Modern Classics.
Sebastian Perez, Owner- NJModern, LLC WWW.NJMOD.COM
Sebastian is the proprietor of NJModern Furniture in Palisades Park, NJ and has been a fan of Modern Design since childhood. He has traveled the globe in search of the finest in craftsmen and materials and compiled the very best affordable Mid-Century Modern Design Furniture. We hope you enjoy our article.
Sebastian
WWW.NJMOD.COM
by Seb Perez
Being a fan of modern design for about a decade- I’ve come across different perspectives on this issue of the reproduction. Personally, I feel that If I had the discretionary cash-such as if I had a net worth of over $1M, I would buy mostly originals (unless I had young children). I’ve heard some designers and corporate execs from design manufacturing firms argue that the “licensed†versions are the “true investment which will maintain and appreciate in value. They’ve argued, somewhat ridiculously I believe if you can’t afford the licensed version-then don’t but it at all. How preposterous-especially for those of us who are not pulling a corporate exec’s salary! Here’s my take on the investment issue.
The investment perspective: If you have the disposable cash to pay $2,200 for an Arco Lamp-it might be a wise investment. Maybe. It’s generally accepted that paying extra for a licensed copy will continue to appreciate in value. There is truth to this but I like to dig a little deeper since this is considered to be one of the main reasons why I should “invest†in a licensed reproduction rather than a copy. It is true that the original will likely appreciate over time however at first, just like a new car driven off the lot, its value will drop. In other words, the same lamp you just bought for $2,200 ($2,354 with 7% sales tax), if you turned around and sold it on eBay-you might get $1,700 for it. A loss of $654-a 27% loss and not a very good return on your investment. Thankfully however, it will rise in value after that initial drop at the approximate rate of inflation all other factors such as supply and demand remaining equal. At a 7% inflation rate, it would take almost 4 years to recover your initial cost. However, wouldn’t the same rate of inflation apply to any asset maintained in good condition and still in demand such as my Arco reproduction purchased for $499? Wouldn’t the savings I realized also appreciate at the same rate in my IRA?
I own reproductions that look fantastic and getting “ewws†and “ahhs†from friends and family for years. My “Nelson Bench†is still holding up my 100lb Plasma TV, my “Saarinen†Marble top table is still an eye-candy for my eyes and a nice place to eat on as well. The ebony finish is still on the base and the glass is still in one piece on my “Noguchi†coffee table. My “Arco†lamp is still lighting my workspace as I write this-and I haven’t so much as needed to change the bulb yet. The combined money I saved by buying good quality reproductions (several thousand dollars by my estimate) is still in my bank earning me interest (actually I probably spent it on my last trip to Cancun) instead of paying some high salary corporate exec (these designers aren’t around anymore). It’s a personal choice but, I ask myself would most buyers really feel better knowing that only a mere 7% of their $8,000 investment in their sofa went to the actual material/labor of a product, while the other 93% went to the licensee's yacht payment -- all for the sake of loyalty? And, if the quantifiable differences between licensed and non-licensed products are marginal, (which in some instances, they probably are, not to mention the cases where the unlicensed versions trump the licensed versions), to what then does a buyer owe his loyalty? It's a fair question, at least in some cases.
Don’t get me wrong, I sincerely appreciate their contribution to art and design but, nowadays I’m more concerned with whether the Phillips light bulb I buy will give me what I’m looking for at a price I like than whether Thomas Edison is still getting his share of proceeds. All the patents on their designs have expired and the actual designs of most pieces are now in the hands of the public domain. The “Consâ€: Selling “unlicensed†reproductions off as “licensedâ€. I personally despise dishonest salespeople proportionate to the amount of damage their lies can do. For example, if I buy a “widget†at an electronics store and the guy told me the batteries were included-and I get home and they’re not-I’m pissed but I’ll get over it, maybe even still buy from their store if it conveniences me. However, if a doctor tells me or leads me to believe that surgery will alleviate the pain in my knee and after the surgery, the limping and the rehab-it still hurts- then I REALLY feel betrayed, angry and violated (sorry I’m getting a little of topic). Point is that I personally don’t condone any dishonesty in this industry. Most of the people that I meet that have a mutual affinity towards MCM (mid-century modern), know all about the licensed and unlicensed reproductions. Every customer I’ve ever dealt with knew they were buying a reproduction. I suspect there are dealers who may be selling the fakes off as originals but, personally I think the line is pretty clear between the two. In addition to the occasional dishonest dealer posing fakes as authentic there is the bigger issue of the varying quality and materials being used in unlicensed reproduction:
Quality variation: The variance of quality with the unlicensed reproduction is undoubtedly a subject of considerable concern since not all reproductions are created equal. This is why the franchise principal is so successful- you always know what you’re going to get even if it’s a nutritionally void 2,000 calorie burger or a ridiculously over-priced cup of coffee. At least you know what you’re gonna get and you can depend on that. People like that and are willing to pay for it. When you buy a licensed reproduction-you know what you’re gonna get- at least most of the time. However, once you step out of the fancy Designer Furniture stores and decide to buy a more affordable unlicensed reproduction-it’s no longer a sure thing as to what you’re going to wind up with. I’ve come to find that there are good reproductions and poor ones just as there are unscrupulous dealers and those with integrity and good decent knowledgeable service. I have found reproductions of an “egg†chair that had its upholstery start to unglue itself, the legs broke off and the foam core deformed easily. Other items may be lopsided and something is skewed, the measurements are off, the material choices are poor quality, the steel rusts, the fabric tears, the plywood shows saw marks on the wood. I have seen other reproductions that are virtually unidentifiable from the licensed version and will maintain their look and feel for many years to come. In my opinion, it is of critical importance when considering the purchase of an unlicensed reproduction to carefully inspect personally (or by knowledgeable friend) the quality of the stitching, the symmetry of the lines from 360 degrees, the quality of the steel and all other materials used, the reputation of the dealer (you should always check the betterbusinessbureau.com for complaints) to name a few. I believe with a little know how and caution, you can find the look you’re after without having to break the bank. You don’t have to be made of money anymore to have a great looking home. I hope that you consider our reproductions in your quest to decorate your home with affordable Mid-Century Modern Classics.
Sebastian Perez, Owner- NJModern, LLC WWW.NJMOD.COM
Sebastian is the proprietor of NJModern Furniture in Palisades Park, NJ and has been a fan of Modern Design since childhood. He has traveled the globe in search of the finest in craftsmen and materials and compiled the very best affordable Mid-Century Modern Design Furniture. We hope you enjoy our article.
Sebastian
WWW.NJMOD.COM
Real Wood Furniture
Real Wood Furniture
by Joan Ewart
Have you been looking for real wood furniture? Do you think handmade wood furniture is a thing of the past? Well think again. Of course, you're not going to find this furniture in just any furniture store.
You can still find furniture made by cabinetmakers and craftsmen like those who made the finest furniture in the 18th Century or even stock American made all wood furniture in every type of style.
What got me started on this kick was the purchase of a home office desk at what I thought was a reputable office furniture store. The desk was delivered and I was pleased with the appearance and the size, but it wasn't 2 days until I noticed an odor in my office and my eyes started watering and burning. I also would get a headache every time I sat at my computer for any length of time. Since the desk had been delivered and put in place, I really hadn't looked at the back of it or tried to move it. When I tried to pull it from the wall I had to call my husband to help. When we got it out so we could see the back "Made in China" was clearly visible. I'm not sure what it was made of, as it was so heavy and the formaldehyde fumes were just too much to deal with, besides I felt my health was being undermined by a piece of furniture!
So much of the less expensive furniture is made in China out of materials we can only guess at and finished with who knows what. I know the desk was not made of real wood!
Now the Internet makes it very easy for customers looking for fine home furniture to find the pieces they want.
You can find many pieces of quality and unique furniture. Some custom made, others just made in America out of fine woods with hand-rubbed finishes that will not irritate or upset your health. Custom dining room tables that can fit any room, old-fashioned porch swings and rocking chairs in painted or natural finishes. As well as real wood frame sofas and chairs or primitive country furniture that rivals the Amish furniture that so many people love.
Whether you're looking for stylish, unique furniture pieces, primitive country furniture, cottage style furniture or colonial reproduction furniture, stick with American Made. You can pass it down from generation to generation and you will help the economy as well as your health! A good place to find quality real wood furniture online is http://www.primarilypine.com they ship nationwide with dependable friendly service.
by Joan Ewart
Have you been looking for real wood furniture? Do you think handmade wood furniture is a thing of the past? Well think again. Of course, you're not going to find this furniture in just any furniture store.
You can still find furniture made by cabinetmakers and craftsmen like those who made the finest furniture in the 18th Century or even stock American made all wood furniture in every type of style.
What got me started on this kick was the purchase of a home office desk at what I thought was a reputable office furniture store. The desk was delivered and I was pleased with the appearance and the size, but it wasn't 2 days until I noticed an odor in my office and my eyes started watering and burning. I also would get a headache every time I sat at my computer for any length of time. Since the desk had been delivered and put in place, I really hadn't looked at the back of it or tried to move it. When I tried to pull it from the wall I had to call my husband to help. When we got it out so we could see the back "Made in China" was clearly visible. I'm not sure what it was made of, as it was so heavy and the formaldehyde fumes were just too much to deal with, besides I felt my health was being undermined by a piece of furniture!
So much of the less expensive furniture is made in China out of materials we can only guess at and finished with who knows what. I know the desk was not made of real wood!
Now the Internet makes it very easy for customers looking for fine home furniture to find the pieces they want.
You can find many pieces of quality and unique furniture. Some custom made, others just made in America out of fine woods with hand-rubbed finishes that will not irritate or upset your health. Custom dining room tables that can fit any room, old-fashioned porch swings and rocking chairs in painted or natural finishes. As well as real wood frame sofas and chairs or primitive country furniture that rivals the Amish furniture that so many people love.
Whether you're looking for stylish, unique furniture pieces, primitive country furniture, cottage style furniture or colonial reproduction furniture, stick with American Made. You can pass it down from generation to generation and you will help the economy as well as your health! A good place to find quality real wood furniture online is http://www.primarilypine.com they ship nationwide with dependable friendly service.
Choosing A Kitchen Design Style To Suit Your Home
Choosing A Kitchen Design Style To Suit Your Home
by Alvin Yakatori
Re-modelling your kitchen is one of the more interesting projects that you can carry out within the house. Choosing what design to go for can be a bit daunting as generally re-modelling a kitchen can be quite expensive and can be quite high pressure. Choosing the correct design style for your house is a really important thing to get right; the wrong style of kitchen design can undo any hard work done. The fashionable design style at the moment is the country kitchen design, but what is the best way to incorporate this wonderful style of interior design.
Wicker is another democratic material when it comes to chairs, depot units, or decorations. Detect the ample depot space inside the small area. A people style is also about the ease found in the familiar. Not only is this extra food preparation room but the small sink is very handy when a team is devising the feast, or the dud is melt in the main sink! Look for cop bottomed pans, cast iron skillets, and cop or distressed brass utensils and exhibit them. Hone colours the give off a farmhouse feel are red, blue, and vapidity. Glass doors cover portions of the kitchen cabinets, with curtains sometimes placed hind end the glass for a beautiful land look. Ceramic tiles and terra cotta pottery pieces are used wherever possible.
Honed ceramic tiles, with their muted, aged look, are one choice. A people kitchen designs can also use diverse types of wood that complement one another in the same way that multiple, harmonious colours are used to complement and brighten a room. Comment the ample computer storage space inside the small area. A great idea to add a personal touch to your kitchen is to put some folk pictures in the wooden photo frame and place it on the kitchen cabinet. Like if a node cherished an old homespun feeling, you know, with a wagon bicycle. For many live the kitchen has become the hub of class life not just helping as a dining area but an authority and a place where everyone can congregate. Ceramic tiles are used very sparingly in the public kitchen, principally round a kitchen sink or as a backsplash rear end a range. These high standards have set us apart as a loss leader in kitchen re-modeling.
The land kitchen style is made up of natural materials which have forever been easy to gain at relatively low cost. Kitchen design reconstruct plans often incorporate the kitchen right into the great room or home room of the home as one large open bread and butter distance. Wall hanging pots property baby willows or thirstier vines are a receive skin senses. Glass doors or inset doors help top off the side country designing. A commonwealth kitchen differs from a fixture kitchen on the style of its plumbing fixtures, ventilations, dishwashers, flooring, and refrigeration.
White, black, and stainless steel appliances can all fit the advanced kitchen dash. Kitchens today are still the most important room in your home, service as the main point of activity of your kinfolk. Although brick and tile are two of the oldest construction materials, they stay favorites among homebuilders and home improvement specialists nowadays. What kitchen contrive recast styles are right for you? While more contemporary the previous photos, this area kitchen still has old world influence. Once the food is cooked, you can pour your wine and enjoy the meal in your cozy kitchen by posing on a stool by the island. Tuscan kitchens their dish and fill them with personality and warmness. French nation kitchen including the use of large pieces of furniture made primarily of light coloured woods and can be decorated with embellished carving.
First, identify what total color you are looking for in your new kitchen excogitation remodel. This is only natural, given the different histories and environments of the areas, and that is the knockout of public kitchen purpose. Lots of manufacturers will do distressed looks for you, but you want to closely evaluate the techniques they use to make the reproduction. Unequalled rural area kitchen products to produce your special warm and inviting rural area kitchen designs with there are no place like home rural area kitchen designs products and ideas. Other kitchen pieces might let in a carved, wooden breakfront or a simple, wooden helping cart. Wickerwork is another democratic material when it comes to chairs, reposition units, or decorations.
However, if you distant wallpaper before, you know how difficult it is to move out it. The most apt colors for adorning the area kitchen are the pernicious sunglasses of green, blue, pink, brown and ashen. Featuring articles about different types of kitchen floor plans and books on home conception. Kitchen remodeling projects are pop because they can immediately increase the comfortableness and spaciousness of this important room. If you enter the house through and through the kitchen, a receive mat is a timeless classic to greet guests. For many people, the kitchen is the most pop room in the domiciliation.
by Alvin Yakatori
Re-modelling your kitchen is one of the more interesting projects that you can carry out within the house. Choosing what design to go for can be a bit daunting as generally re-modelling a kitchen can be quite expensive and can be quite high pressure. Choosing the correct design style for your house is a really important thing to get right; the wrong style of kitchen design can undo any hard work done. The fashionable design style at the moment is the country kitchen design, but what is the best way to incorporate this wonderful style of interior design.
Wicker is another democratic material when it comes to chairs, depot units, or decorations. Detect the ample depot space inside the small area. A people style is also about the ease found in the familiar. Not only is this extra food preparation room but the small sink is very handy when a team is devising the feast, or the dud is melt in the main sink! Look for cop bottomed pans, cast iron skillets, and cop or distressed brass utensils and exhibit them. Hone colours the give off a farmhouse feel are red, blue, and vapidity. Glass doors cover portions of the kitchen cabinets, with curtains sometimes placed hind end the glass for a beautiful land look. Ceramic tiles and terra cotta pottery pieces are used wherever possible.
Honed ceramic tiles, with their muted, aged look, are one choice. A people kitchen designs can also use diverse types of wood that complement one another in the same way that multiple, harmonious colours are used to complement and brighten a room. Comment the ample computer storage space inside the small area. A great idea to add a personal touch to your kitchen is to put some folk pictures in the wooden photo frame and place it on the kitchen cabinet. Like if a node cherished an old homespun feeling, you know, with a wagon bicycle. For many live the kitchen has become the hub of class life not just helping as a dining area but an authority and a place where everyone can congregate. Ceramic tiles are used very sparingly in the public kitchen, principally round a kitchen sink or as a backsplash rear end a range. These high standards have set us apart as a loss leader in kitchen re-modeling.
The land kitchen style is made up of natural materials which have forever been easy to gain at relatively low cost. Kitchen design reconstruct plans often incorporate the kitchen right into the great room or home room of the home as one large open bread and butter distance. Wall hanging pots property baby willows or thirstier vines are a receive skin senses. Glass doors or inset doors help top off the side country designing. A commonwealth kitchen differs from a fixture kitchen on the style of its plumbing fixtures, ventilations, dishwashers, flooring, and refrigeration.
White, black, and stainless steel appliances can all fit the advanced kitchen dash. Kitchens today are still the most important room in your home, service as the main point of activity of your kinfolk. Although brick and tile are two of the oldest construction materials, they stay favorites among homebuilders and home improvement specialists nowadays. What kitchen contrive recast styles are right for you? While more contemporary the previous photos, this area kitchen still has old world influence. Once the food is cooked, you can pour your wine and enjoy the meal in your cozy kitchen by posing on a stool by the island. Tuscan kitchens their dish and fill them with personality and warmness. French nation kitchen including the use of large pieces of furniture made primarily of light coloured woods and can be decorated with embellished carving.
First, identify what total color you are looking for in your new kitchen excogitation remodel. This is only natural, given the different histories and environments of the areas, and that is the knockout of public kitchen purpose. Lots of manufacturers will do distressed looks for you, but you want to closely evaluate the techniques they use to make the reproduction. Unequalled rural area kitchen products to produce your special warm and inviting rural area kitchen designs with there are no place like home rural area kitchen designs products and ideas. Other kitchen pieces might let in a carved, wooden breakfront or a simple, wooden helping cart. Wickerwork is another democratic material when it comes to chairs, reposition units, or decorations.
However, if you distant wallpaper before, you know how difficult it is to move out it. The most apt colors for adorning the area kitchen are the pernicious sunglasses of green, blue, pink, brown and ashen. Featuring articles about different types of kitchen floor plans and books on home conception. Kitchen remodeling projects are pop because they can immediately increase the comfortableness and spaciousness of this important room. If you enter the house through and through the kitchen, a receive mat is a timeless classic to greet guests. For many people, the kitchen is the most pop room in the domiciliation.
2008-04-10
Make space for double bed in bedroom : Home Garden furniture store shopping sale online
Make space for double bed in bedroom : Home Garden furniture store shopping sale online
by Jessica Thomson
plug itIt is very true to say that in an interior of home, furniture acquires a chief role in consideration of comfort qualities. Furniture is the primary fixation that we notice. A room without any furniture has no meaning to it.
If we think of the bedrooms, then Double Bed is the main object that acquires maximum space. If we take away the double bed from the room, it instantly starts looking spacious and bigger.
For many of you, the space in your room might not be sufficient to fit in the double bed properly or even if it fits in, the moving space would be very less and insufficient. Here are some tips that might work in creating space for the double bed in your room.
Instead of buying a full sized double bed, you can always choose a platform bed. A platform bed is the one, which is lesser in height as compared to full sized bed. It would help in creating more space in the room.
In case you are shorter in height and do not require a full sized bed, you can get the bed made on special order fitting to your requirement. This would help in avoiding the wastage of space by reducing the size of the bed.
Colors also play a major role in the spacing of your room. Cream colors and the hues of blue are one of the best combinations that make a tiny room appear bigger in size. Similarly a combination of yellow and white helps in making the room appear more spacious.
Avoid unwanted furniture in the room. A room flooded with too much furniture looks cramped and also suck up a lot of space. By moving extra furniture from the room will open spaces for the double bed to fit in.
Try to use multipurpose furniture in the room to create space in the room like sofa beds, chest with drawer, Beds having storage option, a chest that can serve as a coffee table, folding tables etc.
Large piece of furniture must be placed against the walls to avoid breaking of space in the middle.
Avoid oversized and whopping furniture in the room. They unnecessarily take extra space without serving any purpose. Rather go for small and sleek furniture that doesn't take much space in the room and also look settled.
Lastly, keep the room organized. Having too much of stuff in the room takes space and also make it look crowded. Arrange things in such a manner that makes the room appear organized.
by Jessica Thomson
plug itIt is very true to say that in an interior of home, furniture acquires a chief role in consideration of comfort qualities. Furniture is the primary fixation that we notice. A room without any furniture has no meaning to it.
If we think of the bedrooms, then Double Bed is the main object that acquires maximum space. If we take away the double bed from the room, it instantly starts looking spacious and bigger.
For many of you, the space in your room might not be sufficient to fit in the double bed properly or even if it fits in, the moving space would be very less and insufficient. Here are some tips that might work in creating space for the double bed in your room.
Instead of buying a full sized double bed, you can always choose a platform bed. A platform bed is the one, which is lesser in height as compared to full sized bed. It would help in creating more space in the room.
In case you are shorter in height and do not require a full sized bed, you can get the bed made on special order fitting to your requirement. This would help in avoiding the wastage of space by reducing the size of the bed.
Colors also play a major role in the spacing of your room. Cream colors and the hues of blue are one of the best combinations that make a tiny room appear bigger in size. Similarly a combination of yellow and white helps in making the room appear more spacious.
Avoid unwanted furniture in the room. A room flooded with too much furniture looks cramped and also suck up a lot of space. By moving extra furniture from the room will open spaces for the double bed to fit in.
Try to use multipurpose furniture in the room to create space in the room like sofa beds, chest with drawer, Beds having storage option, a chest that can serve as a coffee table, folding tables etc.
Large piece of furniture must be placed against the walls to avoid breaking of space in the middle.
Avoid oversized and whopping furniture in the room. They unnecessarily take extra space without serving any purpose. Rather go for small and sleek furniture that doesn't take much space in the room and also look settled.
Lastly, keep the room organized. Having too much of stuff in the room takes space and also make it look crowded. Arrange things in such a manner that makes the room appear organized.
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