The Emerald Bug: Catch up with the Color of the Year

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony." - Pantone on Emerald, Color of the Year for 2013

Emerald Green is Pantone's color of the year, and in our research, we have developed a new-found appreciation for this rich and lively shade.  We're taken with how it demands one's attention, yet still gives a sense of elegance and calm.

Green is a commanding color, but it can just as easily evoke the serenity of nature found in quiet pastures or majestic forests.  This brilliant hue has captured our imagination and stimulated ideas on how to best utilize within the realm of home decor.

Photo via Bird and Branch Redesign.

 

The remarkable green curtains shown in the above dining area create an allure that's uniquely memorable.  Such an arresting color can be wonderfully matched with neutral shades such as grey, beige and subtle gold, which can lend a space an instantly balanced ambiance.  The striking accent chair conveys a refined grace with its marbleized upholstery in radiant shades of emerald green.

Photo via Savannah Collections.

A splendid Italian marble top table such as the Waterford Coffee Table above enchants with lustrous detail.  It's a marvelous way to incorporate this gorgeous color into your home.

A luxurious dining room designed by Baker Furniture creates a more tranquil setting using green throughout the walls and dining chairs, but with softer shades of emerald.  A glistening gold chandelier brightens the room while flattering the serene greens.

Photo via Willard & May’s Front Door Pinterest Board.

A warm and cozy living room such as the one above incorporates various hues of green, with a rich emerald sofa, green walls and lush accent pieces.  This eclectic mix stands out with its contrasting textures and patterns throughout.  A wonderful and fun way to enhance your space and invigorate the senses!

Home Office Space: Design Tips and Inspirations

Photo via Showcase Kitchens & Baths.

Home offices have steadily gained momentum as more people choose to work from home.  However, we believe that having your own office at home should entail more than just a desk with a computer.  Not only can a home office provide a comfortable environment for work, but with key design elements, may also function as a source of inspiration and quiet retreat. 

We've gathered a selection of wonderfully designed luxury home office spaces ranging from traditional to contemporary:

Photo via Savannah Collections.

This Princeton Executive Desk by Savannah Collections carries all the refined air of an academic study.  Finished in a rich Cherry Mahogany, the top provides a beautiful contrast with its inlaid black leather desktop.  Gold accents grace the hand-carved design, creating a hint of understated charm.

 Photo via Savannah Collections.

To complement the desk is the Princeton Wall Unit/Bookcase.  This awe-inspiring wooden bookcase provides ample storage for your treasured book collection or precious keepsakes, and are protected behind tempered glass doors.

For a different kind of traditional office style, the Henredon vignette below showcases a beautiful study with an oval table and a pair of sleek chairs.  The elegant bookcases on each side of the mantle provide a space for displaying books and treasures.

Photo by Beth Singer

The charming contemporary office below will sure to inspire the imagination.  With its delightfully paired black desk and wall unit, beautifully accented with shades of green to brighten the space, this office is calming as is stimulating to the senses.

Photo via Vanhomy.

Photo via Home My Design.

If your dream of having an even bright office space, a white desk against white walls and colorful accessories can awaken the senses and may just be the push needed to help you tackle those long office task lists.

Alternately, if creating a serene ambiance within your home office is your goal, it can be as simple as keeping your decor to the bare essentials.  A minimalist style can create a tranquil work area, so that you can better focus on important projects.  A clean and simple design can foster a clearer state of mind known to increase productivity and help generate ideas.

The exquisitely curved, white desk below is both arresting and clean in design.  We love the natural wood storage area and its unique rounded ends.  A matching storage component behind it, and minimal decor and books add a touch of warmth to the room, while complimenting the peaceful theme of the space.

Photo via Pampai

Photo via Architecture Art Designs.

We hope these luxurious home office ideas have given you as much inspiration as they have given us.  In the end, your office space should afford a place that meets your daily work-style and needs.  Calming or stimulating, dark or bright, the most vital ingredient to the perfect home office or study is that you are absolutely in love with it.

The Allure of Distressed Furniture

Distressed wood furniture has become an increasingly sought-after decor feature over the past few years.  This laid-back, unfinished look of intentional imperfection brings a rustic quality to wooden furniture.  This instantly gives a refreshingly relaxed and comforting ambiance to any room in the house.

This popular design element on luxury furniture conveys a more subtle elegance that requests a quiet admiration.  Many enjoy the appearance of distressed finishes for its unique style and character.  Purposeful indentations, rubbed-off paint, and softly weathered finishes are just a few distress elements to create that well-worn, loved and antique appearance.

The Hatfield Living Room set pictured bears a softly distressed Alabaster finish with delicate wood carvings throughout.  The light wood finish adds a serene touch to this set, while soft, alternating shades of taupe and beige on accent pillows and cushioning provide just the right amount of cozy charm.


These detailed and refined features generate an aesthetic that will have you feeling like you've just chanced upon a cottage in the English countryside.

There are various styles to choose from within distressed-style furniture that it may be a challenge to choose which piece to go with.  From modern to traditional, look to renowned quality in brands such as Marge Carson and Restoration Hardware. Whatever style you prefer, distressed finishes brings an unforgettable charm that will lend your home an air of imperfect beauty.

 

·  Marge Carson

·  Henredon

·  Century Furniture

How to Find the Right Sofa

When you’re looking to buy a new sofa, the various options available can be somewhat overwhelming.  Whether you're looking for a luxury sofa with traditional design, or a more modern or contemporary piece, you'll have a better chance at successfully finding the right sofa with just a bit of planning before beginning your search.  With various factors to consider, we’d like to offer a few tips to make the decision-making process easier. 

Frame Construction
A sofa's frame provides the foundation and support and should be one of the first factors to consider when buying a sofa.  A high quality sofa should sit squarely on the floor without any wobbling.  This indicates that joints are sturdy and will last a long time.  You'll also want to ensure that the wood used is of high quality and if possible, opt for furniture constructed with kiln-dried wood to prevent any warping or expanding due to moisture or changes in climate.

Cushion Style and Filling

Ensure that the cushioning throughout is firm yet pliable, and regains its shape after pressing down upon it and let go.  Down-filled cushions are optimal, though are generally cost more.  Conforming to one's body, down-filled cushions are comfortable to sit on, though they may need to be fluffed up and turned regularly to preserve their form and shape.
Also check that a tight back sofa's cushion has no hard spots and sofa-bed cushions fit snugly in place.  For optimal comfort, choose a seat with depth depending upon your height.  The taller a person is, the more seat depth would be needed.

Sofa Arm Style

There are several styles of sofa arms from which to choose, such as curved, traditional rolled, straight, or even armless sofas.  Whichever your preference, check to see that the sofa arms are securely joined to the frame and are well-padded.

Fabric

Another point to consider is the kind of fabric to look for on sofas.  From the cushion of the sofa bed to the accent and support pillows, you'll want to have the highest quality in textiles and upholstery.  Any materials used should be carefully considered according to your lifestyle.  For instance, if small kids will be around your sofa, you may wish to avoid smaller designer elements such as beads or sequins.  Realizing these details beforehand may help prevent any potential issues later on.

Sofa Body
From sofa-beds to sectionals, there appears to be as many sofa body styles as there are types of fabric.  Take some time to browse various styles to get a better feel for what size, shape and style you'll need.

Savannah Collections' Santa Barbara Sectional Sofa above provides plenty of space for a relaxing retreat, with generous support and accent pillows for a cozy and luxurious setting.

If you're looking for a leather sofa, the Henredon Leather Sofa shown above defines elegant comfort with its tufted leather seating, gracefully rolled arm rests, and nail-head accents.

The Perfect Sofa

We hope that these tips and ideas will provide a solid basis for your search in acquiring the perfect sofa.  Since your sofa will stay with you for a significant period of your life, you'll inevitably want to ensure you can enjoy your investment for as long as possible.

The Ideal Breakfast Nook

A breakfast nook is often desired for its distinction as a special gathering place for the most important meal of the day.  Customarily designated in a small, recessed area near the kitchen, the nook should be as warm and inviting as the food that's served on the table.

Breakfast nooks in an ideal place for sitting down to a more intimate meal, or having a quiet moment with a fresh cup of coffee while reading the paper.  However you’ll decide to use this space, there's the undeniable appeal of being more casual than a dining room setting, and yet still has an endearing charm as a place to share heartwarming meals with family and friends.

The following are a few ideas on how to best utilize your space when designing the perfect breakfast nook.

Photo via Decoist.

Choosing the right table.  Searching for the perfect breakfast nook table involves knowing how many people you wish to seat.  Integrating a bench-style seating area can be an attractive and efficient way to incorporate more seating space.  You may also wish to include a few additional side chairs as needed.  You'll also want to consider how much space you'll need, and if you desire a luxury table or a casual one.

Keep a clutter-free environment.  One way to start the day off stress-free is to keep any unnecessary items off the breakfast table and surrounding area.  A pile of bills, junk mail, and keys can produce unwanted mind-clutter in the morning, and keep you from appreciating your unique space.  With such a small area to begin with, reducing the amount of items on your breakfast table can maximize your enjoyment.

Photo by Coco+Kelley

Ensure that you have sufficient lighting.  Natural light is preferable, and most built-in alcoves are already situated near windows, which creates an impression of more space.  Also, taking in the a little sunshine while every morning can make a huge difference in starting your day off right.  Never underestimate the benefits of natural sunlight!

Keep things simple.  As breakfast nook spaces are typically smaller than an average dining room, you'll want to be more selective with your decorative items.  A clean color palette and minimalist patterns will help to create a relaxing setting.  A bright flower arrangement in your preferred vase can serve as the perfect accent that appeals to the senses and adds a breath of calm to the setting.

Photo via Savannah Collections.

Bring a layer of depth with key accent furnishings.   An area rug within the breakfast nook gives the space a sense of warmth and cozy charm.  If space allows, a small accent table can be used to hold decor items and help keep the breakfast table clutter-free.

Photo via Lonny.

Add a touch of dramatic flair to inspire your mornings.  Dress your breakfast nook with long, flowing curtains or hang a vintage or modern chandelier to make a statement.  Whatever your preference, your special nook should inspire and create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Photo via Lonny.

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