Organic Materials

Organic Materials

Nowadays the term organic has also made its way into interior design. So what exactly is meant by this so-called emerging design trend? Basically, anything made from natural materials can be considered “organic”. However, the trend goes beyond just using natural materials – entails a specific green lifestyle & design choice. In other words, there is more to the furniture, fabric & flooring in this type of home than just looking “natural”. They must be chemical-free. Some popular organic materials include hemp, reclaimed wood, sisal, natural stones and recycled glass. Let’s take a look at the top picks for your home;

Rugs:

Check out this braided beauty! The Dismuke rug is a handwoven jute and cotton rug. This weave features a tapestry of earth tones that is reminiscent of nature itself. The fact that it is handmade has a lesser impact on the environment, rather than if it was manufactured. Also, another benefit of using a natural rug is that you’ll avoid breathing the chemical particles that form when a synthetic rug is exposed to the sun.  

Poufs:

The versatile pouf has been a favorite for quite some time. Round out your space with the casually hip Dilip pouf. This piece features a cable knit cover crafted of natural jute. Its feel-good texture makes it a versatile spare seat, ottoman or end table; the perfect all-in-one eye candy.

Wall Art:

Paint a picture of easy relaxation in your space with the Odus wallart. The weathered plank-style layout features natural and black undertones, making it a very cool understatement. This charming piece will surely deck your walls with knockout style!

Now that you have the facts about natural materials not only being a highly sought after trend, but also beneficial to your health, will you opt for this green lifestyle?  

Content provided by: @tailbase

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Pet Proof Your Home in 5 Ways

By Mike's Furniture

You love how the right furnishings turn a house into a home. Yet it just doesn’t feel like home without the company of four-legged friends. Seems like you’re being forced to choose? With a bit of pet proofing, you, your pets and your style can cohabit beautifully under one roof.

Tips for Pet Proofing Your Home

 #1 Take a hard look at your floors.

Polyurethane-finished wood, vinyl/laminate, stone, tiles and concrete all make for easy cleanup  of hair, hairballs and pretty much anything else your pet can dish out. Be proactive. To prevent scratching, keep your pet’s nails trim. Vinyl/laminate floors don’t scratch easily but many pets find them uncomfortable and slippery. Maximize your style and your pet’s comfort with area rugs.

 #2 Choose easy-care materials.

Fido or Fifi love to join you in bed? Rest easier with a machine washable duvet cover, rather than a comforter. Or, put down a blanket or throw to give your pet a designated place to crash, be it on the bed, sofa, chair or elsewhere.

Say No to…

Anything delicate (e.g., silk or linen)

Velvet — It’s a pet hair magnet.

Button tufting — Pets might be tempted to pull on the buttons, and the deep crevices can trap fur.

Wicker — It’s the ultimate cat scratching post.

Loop pile — Though a very tight woven loop might work fine.

Say Yes to…

Leather/faux leather — It’s tough and resilient (any scratches you might encounter can add to the distressed look).

Like colors — If you have chocolate lab, for example, a brown sofa can make fur a lot less visual.

Synthetics — Opt for synthetics that are easily cleaned with a damp sponge and touch of soap. Faux suede is especially popular for this reason, whereas wool will attract and grab pet fur, making for stubborn cleanup.

Slipcovers — A chic slipcover that’s easy to get on and off can save the day. Blankets and throws also do the trick.

ScotchGuard® — Before you settle in, give your furniture investment that added layer of stain protection.

#3 Groom your pet regularly.

Combing and brushing your pets, especially during shedding season, is good for them and your furniture. Regular doggie baths and nail trims for cats and dogs help keep fabrics fresh and free of snags.

#4 Spoil with toys.

Without toys to play with, pets might look to your furniture as the next best thing. For those with an itch to scratch, a heavy piece of leather or jute slung over furniture might well suffice.

#5 Splurge on your vacuum.

Good vacuums don’t come cheap but they pay for themselves over time. One with strong suction and a pet tool pack can really cut down on your cleanup time.

Have any pet-proofing tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below.

Content provided by: +Tailbase & Ashley Furniture

www.tailbase.com

Get Crafty: DIY Decor with Squash This Fall

By Mike's Furniture

Who said decorating your home for fall had to be expensive? Check out some thrifty DIY ideas with the use of squash to add a touch of autumn in your home. Time to roll up those sleeves!

Antique your butternut squash:

There is something about decorating a home with antiquities, as it adds instant history and soul. If you have a fondness for antiquities, then this is the project for you!

For a dark & rich aged-look, use dark wax. You can purchase some Minwax Stain at your local hardware store. Apply the stain to your squash and try not to spread it evenly, in order to achieve a distressed look. Make sure it dries in a well ventilated area, free of humidity or cold. Once it is dry, feel free to add some finishing touches like hemp string that you can tie to the stem. If the mood strikes, you can go a little wild and add some artificial leaves along with your string. Voilà : the perfect antiqued squash for your home. Fall, come on in.

Pumpkin vases for your table escape:

Here`s another idea to jazz up your home for fall; pumpkin vases! Make a beautiful, yet simple table escape that is not only quick, but easy on the budget. First, hollow-out your pumpkin. Do not carve a large piece off the top, but just enough to slide a tall glass inside the opening. Then, spray paint the pumpkin white to soften the look of its deep orange coloration. You can also choose another muted color such as a pale blue or mint.  The idea is to tone down the color of the vase and draw the attention to the bouquet.

Once the spray paint has dried thoroughly, slide the tall glass through the opening of atop the pumpkin. Add some water to the glass and put together a beautiful fresh arrangement with flowers of your choice. If you prefer a low maintenance vase, then synthetic flowers are your thing. Don`t be afraid to use multiple colors, as it will add more character. There you have it, your very own pumpkin vase!

Content provided by: +Tailbase 

www.tailbase.com

5 Trendy Materials For Fall 2015

By Mike's Furniture

Leaves are falling and nights are getting chilly; these are the cue to autumn! So it is time to invite fall indoors and create a warmth atmosphere at home while enjoying sunset hues from your windows. Certainly, we all have started to cozy up at home but how could we bring comfort into our house during this season?  With sensory and tactile materials that will make our house look trendy!

Here are our 5 trendy materials that can set up a perfect fall atmosphere in house:

1. Wood. Even If you do not have hardwood floor you can still add some rustic accents in your living room!

2. Wool. Worsted or knit, wool is a natural décor fabric for this sweater chilly season. Woolen rugs under a coffee table, throws or pillows can make a great difference on a couch.

3. Velvet fabrics. Have a craving touch for velvet!

4. Ceramics. Get pumpkin center table on your dining room to stay in the fall mood.

5. Our final trendy touchy material is animal fur leather!

 Content provided by: +Tailbase 

www.tailbase.com