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

www.tailbase.com

Geometric Patterns

Geometric Patterns:

Geometric patterns are said to be all the rage in 2017. Although they began making an appearance in 2016, this pattern will surely be the front-runner this year. As you know art, fashion, design and beauty share common tendencies when it comes to the popularity of trends. It goes without saying that trends are cyclical, and therefore geometric patterns have reappeared because the 70s are back, but with a modern twist! Contrary to what some may think, geometrics are not strictly for modern homes, but have also made their place in a variety of different styles. Let’s take a look at how you can include geometrics in your home.

Poufs:

A really great way to accent a home with geometric patterns is with the use of poufs. Take one or a few to really dress up the space. Aside from being an accent, poufs count as multifunctional pieces because they can act as a footrest, additional seating or even a coffee table! Sounds like a great bargain!

Wall Art:

Geometric patterns have never looked better on paper. Although it’s a quite popular choice for wallpaper, some may find it too overwhelming. So how can you include this trend in a way that will not bury your walls? Wall art of course! Opt for chic framed art that uses intricate geometric patterns and hang them on a wall that can use some sprucing up. Check out the Odelia trio, which is a great organic take on modern abstract art.

Rugs:

Another fun way to include geometric patterns in your home is with a great area rug. From trellis to an alluring Moroccan design, invigorate your space with a fresh pattern that provides a rich contrast with your flooring. Whether you decide to opt for a more neutral pattern or brighter colors, either option will definitely add visual interest and depth to your space.

All in all, aim to choose geometric designs that will give your home a curated look. Each piece should be selected as though your room was carefully assembled, in order to avoid it being too overwhelming. 

Content provided by: @tailbase

www.tailbase.com

Green, Green & More Green

Green, Green & More Green!

From the runway straight to your home, green is making an entrance into 2017 and becoming one of the most prevalent colors yet. With endless tones and styles to choose from, green can easily be paired with any style preference. Unlike fashion, the world of home décor may hold onto a trend for quite some time, so no need to worry about green being pulled out from the home anytime soon. When green is incorporated into your furniture, it adds a touch of sophistication to your space, as it seems to restore new energy. Let’s take a look at how Pantone’s color of the year has made its way into your home.

Green seating:

The urban design of Ashley’s “Gavelston” dining chair features beautiful textured green upholstery that will surely make a statement in your dining room! Along with the espresso wood finish, this dining chair embodies the beauty found in natural aesthetics. Without having to look after plants, bring the same effect of freshness and rejuvenation into your space.

Green Rugs:

Sink your feet into a gorgeous “Caci” green shag pile rug that will have you feeling comfortable and delighted. The choice of color, along with the style of the rug is enough to make quite the statement! If you’re really feeling wild, then you may want to sport the crisp lime and cream “Kerry” area rugin a beautiful Moroccan trellis design. Without a shadow of a doubt, this rug rolls out refreshment and hits bullseye when it comes to being on trend.

Green Table Lamps:

Brighten up your room with the organic-inspired style of the “Sheaon” table lamp. The understated chic ceramic lamp features a rich green and a subtle-shaped base, topped with a textural linen-colored shade to capture the essence of elegance. There’s no denying that it’s timeless!

Including green into your home is definitely a wise choice! What are your thoughts on this color trend?

Content provided by: @tailbase

www.tailbase.com

Simple Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Home

By Mikes Furniture

Pet-Proofing Your Home:

A house is just not the same without a four-legged friend. Although pets are loyal companions, many people are reluctant to own one for a fear of ruining their home and furniture. Yes, there are a number of things that come with the package such as hair, drool, odors and scratches. However, pet-proofing your home is a great solution to maintaining your home, so you don’t have to compromise your desire to add a furry member to the family. Here are some easy tips you should swear by:

1)      Choose the right fabrics – Obviously, leather or “pleather” is an easy-to-clean solution. Just give it a quick wipe down! Another benefit for this type of material is that it is not one to attract fur. It can be quite durable; however your pet’s nails should still be trimmed to avoid scratching. Another resistant material is velvet. Unlike other fabrics, it’s not looped together, so claws will not get caught!

2)      Color coordinate your furniture with your pet - Although this may sound kind of funny to some, coordinating your furniture with your pet’s fur color makes for a great camouflage. A little tone on tone is pure genius!

3)      Groom your pet – Regular grooming will avoid tumbling fur balls – the vacuum is definitely your friend. Also, a little bathing can avoid a certain stench!

4)      Protect your furniture – Embrace two things; throws and rugs. A beautiful and durable throw blanket is a great protection for your sofa. If you choose a stylish one, not only will it enhance the room, but it will maintain your furry friend’s favorite seating area. As for your gorgeous hardwood floors, there are always rugs! Choose a rug that is preferable low pile, so that their claws won’t dig into the looped strands. Ideally, you should have a rug in the areas they choose for rest – living room, bedroom, office and staircase.

Although these restrictions may seem like a lot to some, if you’re an animal lover, you’ll find a way to make these restrictions work for you, and with style! 

Let Passion Come Into Your Home with Orange!

By Mikes Furniture

Is your home in desperate need of a dose of energy? Then raise the temperature with a passionate orange! It will surely transform your home into a vibrant space and create an atmosphere full of warmth. Here are some nifty ideas on how you can give your bedroom and/or living room a boost of vitamin c with the use of accessories;

Decorative pillows: Add spectacular style to your room with beautiful decorative pillows. Toss a blend of interesting prints and various textures. They will add that final touch you are looking for to you sofa or bed.

Frames: Don’t be afraid to frame your memories with trendy designs and a pop of color. Only a beautiful frame will do justice to your favorite photographs.

Candle holders: Illuminate your room with romantic candle holders. A dramatic design will only enhance how the room is masterfully lit.

Lamps: Are you looking to brighten a surface on your room? When selecting a lamp, be sure to choose one that will blend with the style represented in the room.

Rugs: Besides the delightful feeling for the underfoot, an area rug will add a sense of elegance to the room, almost as if it were framing it. Pick an alluring design to complement the style of the room.

Throws: Throws are a great addition to any room, as they add a sense of comfort. They come in a variety of textures and colors.

Remodel your room and give it a high energy spirit without having to repaint your walls or change your furniture. These passionate accessories will do the trick! Besides, you know your home is in good hands when its décor is similar to some of Pantone’s latest color trends for this spring. Passionate seems to be a cross between peach echo and fiesta red. Orange you glad it’s passionate? 

Content provided by: @tailbase

www.tailbase.com

7 GREAT REASONS TO USE AN AREA RUG

By Mike's Furniture

It’s amazing how much an area rug can transform a room. If you’re looking to roll out big style—for a modest outlay of cash—opting for an area rug is a good way to go. When shopping for the right area rug, choose one that’s roughly the same shape as the accompanying furniture. Cluster the furniture around it or on top of it, place a table, desk or bed at its center—and you’re good to go!

Why are area rugs so great? Because area rugs…


Tie together a room’s color scheme. An area rug works as well, if not better, than art or throw pillows to unify your color schemes.

Anchor furniture. Area rugs make a room look connected and cohesive. In living rooms and family rooms, use an area rug that’s big enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture. If it’s too small to do that, center the rug under your coffee table. 

Are inexpensive “artwork.” Bringing color and graphical elements into a room, area rugs help create a dynamic gathering place. Certain area rugs, such as handwoven style rugs, can also be hung on a large wall, at a fraction of the price of large-scale artwork. 

Add warm, comfort and safety. Especially if you have solid-surface floors, such as hardwood, concrete or tile, you can appreciate the cushy relief area rugs bring to your space.

Work everywhere. Be it in the living room, bedroom or dining room, area rugs feel right at home. As a rule of thumb; use an area rug under the largest piece, or group of furniture, in a room to anchor the space.

Absorb sound. Especially when accompanied by an ample rug pad, area rugs do a wonderful job of buffering noise.

Move with you. Wall-to-wall carpeting might be there to stay, but area rugs are all yours to take with you should you relocate.

While machine-made rugs are the most common today, there are plenty of handwoven options that can include everything from precious oriental rugs to affordable jute styles.

A bit about area rug materials:

Synthetic rugs are mostly made from petroleum products. They’re popular for their colorful designs, durability and low price.

Wool rugs offer a step up with their remarkably soft, plush feel. Most are hand-tufted, with loops of yarn punched into a cloth, backed with latex and then sheared to produce a cut-pile surface. It’s completely normal for wool area rugs to shed a little when they’re brand new.

Jute rugs are another natural fiber area rug. These are usually handwoven. Though associated with more relaxed/casual settings, they’re a designer favorite in many interiors today because they add texture, lie flat and are easy to maintain.

Tips for keeping your area rug as good as new:

• Purchase a rug pad to reduce movement on the floor and prevent rug wear.
• Vacuum regularly to reduce dirt accumulation.
• Blot spills immediately. Avoid saturation with water. 
• Rotate occasionally to reduce the effects of traffic and sunlight.

Content provided by: +Tailbase & Ashley Furniture 

www.tailbase.com

HOMEMADE CLEANING PRODUCTS

by Mike's Furniture

Your sink cabinets are jammed with virtually every foam, spray and spritz cleaner on the market. And yet, you’re not satisfied with the results.

Time to get back to basics.

Wonderfully multipurpose, natural cleaning agents (e.g., baking soda) cost pennies on the dollar compared to brand-name products—and they work just as well (if not better).

There are endless possibilities for a green clean. Here are our five favorites:

Dispose of Odors.

Garbage disposal smelling like, well, garbage? Pour a half cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Boil a kettle of water and pour boiling water down as well. Then add two cups of ice and one cup of rock salt to the drain. Run through the disposal. Lastly, cut a lime or lemon in half, and run both halves one by one through the disposal.

Unclog Drains Naturally.

While they might get the job done, products like Drano are terrible for the environment and dangerous in contact with your skin. A natural alternative: Pour ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar down the drain. Let sit for at least 25 minutes. Pour in 2 quarts boiled water. The fizz you hear is the baking soda and vinegar working magic. If the water is still sitting in the sink, plunge it down to reveal your clean-as-a-whistle drain.

Nip Those Fleas.

Got pets? Then you know too well the dog days of summer can mean one thing: pesky fleas. Sprinkle 20 Mule Team Borax powder on your rugs/carpets and other areas where fleas may fest, such as a cat climber. Use a stiff brush to work the Borax into the rug/carpet. Let the Borax sit at least six hours (overnight is even better). Vacuum thoroughly. (A ½ cup of Borax powder will give your laundry detergent a power boost, too.)

Make That Stainless Steel Sink Sparkle.

Pour undiluted white vinegar—a gentle but powerful disinfectant—into a spray bottle. Rinse sink with water. Sprinkle baking soda over wet surface. Scrub with a soft-to-medium brush. Spray vinegar over remaining residue. That fizzing sound is cleaning in action. Rinse sink thoroughly. For even more shine, buff with a bit of olive oil, using a soft, dry cotton cloth.

Polish to Perfection.

Spare your finished wood furnishings that furniture spray buildup with this smart solution: Using a funnel, pour 2 tbsp. olive oil, ¼ cup distilled white vinegar and ¼ tsp. lemon oil (or fresh lemon juice) into a spray bottle. Shake well then spritz onto microfiber cloth and rub in evenly in the direction of the grain. Remove excess polish with a clean, dry cloth and behold the beauty of your like-new furniture.

Content provided by: +Tailbase  &  +Ashley Furniture HomeStore 

www.tailbase.com

www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com