Furniture
Archive for the ‘Furniture’ Category
Looking for a Brownstone Furniture Dealer in Orange County?
We are proud to announce Christopher James Interiors is now a dealer of Brownstone Furniture in Orange County. We love this collection of furniture and the diverse styles that are offered, from modern and transitional, to rustic and classic. We think you’ll like it too! Here are some of our favorite pieces from the collection…
Treviso Two-Door Accent Chest
This chest makes such a great statement! It makes for a beautiful entry piece. This chest looks like it’s painted silver, however, it’s actually crafted out of German silver. This is not a finish, but an actual cladding of metal, meticulously nailed to the surface of the piece.
We recently used the Treviso two-door accent chest from Brownstone Furniture in a bedroom design and used them as nightstands along side the Palmer Canopy Bed in the driftwood finish. The pale pink grass wall covering is from Phillip Jeffries.
Atherton Onyx Bed
This bed is another one of our favorites. It has a transitional look, allowing you to mix it with modern and traditional furniture. The headboard is upholstered in a washed burlap and also comes in a lighter teak finish. The benches at the foot of the bed are the Atherton Onyx Bench which come in a black and white chevron fabric.
Harrison Bookcase
This bookcase has such a clean, modern look. You can use several together to create a larger bookcase if you have a large wall you want to showcase books and accessories on. This bookcase comes in three different colors…chestnut brown (walnut and mahogany wood), driftwood and mink (sandblasted teak wood).
Ibiza Chair
This chair is streamlined in design, yet remains relaxed and comfortable with a natural khaki linen fabric and solid oak wood frame. It comes in two finishes, driftwood and sepia. The Ibiza chair goes great with the Atherton Teak or Saratoga Dining tables also from Brownstone.
Tangier Herringbone Accent Chest
This herringbone chest is hand crafted using buffalo bone and is truly a work of art. Another statement type piece for that special place. The bone is cream and gray and the frame is aged iron.
Marcel Cocktail Table
The Marcel table is made with solid reclaimed elm wood. The intricate pattern of the top further enhances the beauty of the reclaimed wood. This table has a modern yet rustic look and goes great in an industrial style loft or a beach house.
Marcel Chair
This classic European style slip covered chair is offered in two linen options, natural with a brown bottom border (shown above) or in a solid pewter without a bottom border.
If you are in Orange County, let us know and we can help you with any of these highlighted pieces or any items from the Brownstone collection.
Images via Brownstone
In case a thorough or partial living room makeover is on your list of changes for this year (and it definitely should be), you will have to make quite a few tough choices and decisions soon. But what if you are still uncertain as to what and how to modify your living room to make it more appealing? Fret not – we have five suggestions here on how to spruce up your living room décor and turn your family’s favorite room into a place of relaxation, style and comfort.
1. Define your Living Room with an Area Rug
If your living room floors are bare or you have old, shabby carpeting that has lost its appeal, add an area rug to freshen up the ambiance and organize the space into visually separate units. A carefully selected area rug will freshen up the room far more efficiently than a handful of colorful accessories – and the best thing is, you can use it even if you have wall-to-wall carpeting. Depending on the room color scheme, you can buy a tasteful monochromatic mat in a light tone that will instantly brighten up the atmosphere. If you want to add visual interest and liven up plain décor, however, pick an area rug with a geometrical print with shapes in contrasting tones.
2. Add Style with Modern Window Blinds
Another easy trick to revamp your living room look, modern window blinds will add a note of style to your décor while at the same time keeping out intense sunlight and nosy parkers. On top of boosting privacy and creating a snug atmosphere, contemporary shades and blinds are much easier to maintain and they also have a longer lifespan than regular curtains and drapes. In case you are not sure as to which type would go best with your room look (e.g. Venetian blinds, Roman shades, vertical or horizontal blinds), you can find discount blinds online and pick window shades that complement your room in terms of colour, texture and furnishing materials.
3. Add Something Living
A popular 2015 décor trend likely to hang around in the year to come, use of living elements such as potted plants, terrariums, flowers and herbs will add a fresh note to your living room. On top of its stylistic features, plants are also an extremely healthy addition to any indoor area as they release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, thus improving the quality of the air you breathe and boosting your focus and mental capacities.
4. Use Art to Create a Focal Point in the Room
Transform a plain wall into a focal point in the room by decking it with artistic details such as paintings, vintage mirrors or inspiring photos. Accent walls offer an affordable and easy way to add visual interest to your living room, and they also allow you to be creative and add a personal touch to your space.
5. Improve Lighting
Make the year ahead a time of light and positivity by upgrading your living room lighting. You can do this by adding a chandelier to your shabby chic room, installing dimmer switches or getting a couple of vivid lampshades. When choosing new lamps, go after the ones with sturdy bases and colourful shades that will create a romantic ambiance and add vibrancy to the room.
If you feel like your home could use a change, you are probably right. Do not start the year to come with old décor – the biggest changes start off small. A living room makeover may be the easiest way to kick off 2016 with a fresh attitude to life.
About the Author
Amy Mia Goldsmith is a literature graduate from Melbourne with a lot of different interests in life. She and her husband love DIY projects and design. You can also contact her at her Twitter account.
Images via Houzz
Bedding Ideas to Make Your Bedroom Design Comfortable and Modern
We love beautiful beds as they are the focal point in every bedroom design. They have a romantic allure that just makes you want to stay in bed all day long. But what makes a bedroom enticing? Is it the décor of the room, the ambiance, the bedding, or maybe all of these? Experts would say that the most comfortable beds have the softest bed sheets, and they couldn’t be more right. We all love to cuddle up in a cashmere blanket on a cold winter evening don’t we? Here are some bedding ideas you might want to consider to spice things up in the bedroom.
Choosing the Best Bedding Materials to Create a Beautiful Bedroom Design
Everyone makes compromises in life, however when it comes to selecting items on which you spend nearly one third of your existence, there can’t be any compromise in quality. Investing money in top quality bedding may seem like the most expensive deal, although as far as a perfect night’s sleep is concerned there’s no such thing as expensive bedding. The most important aspect that sets the quality of bedding set is the material.
There’s no secret that Egyptian and Pima cotton are the finest as far as comfort is concerned. Obviously, in case you can’t afford the finest type, feel free to check out additional varieties. You are advised to avoid synthetic materials though because they could be harmful to the skin, causing allergies.
Go Bold in Your Bedroom Design
Deluxe bedding means modernist designs and colorful accents. The bed is the first thing people see when walking into your master bedroom or guest room. It has to look impeccable, and ultimately feel comfortable. For a bed to make you think of comfort and relaxation it has to appear enticing; it has to make you feel calm and happy in an instant. Quality materials and a warm combination of colors can make that happen. Select textures and hues that you absolutely adore, and make sure to opt for groovy fabrics and interesting covers.
The finest, most luxurious linens are ideal whenever you want to create layers and add a little exotic sophistication into the mix. It’s key to have seasonal options, and layering is the best alternative. For example, to make things appear more varied you could swap them periodically, or switch duvets for quilts when it’s too cold.
Choosing the Right Pillows
Prior to deciding on a pillow, assess the shape of your head. Lift the head, straighten the spine, look forward and feel your neck’s base with the fingers. Medium thick pillows are perfect for concave shapes of the spine, while if you have a flat back you should go for a softer pillow. The main benefit of an excellent pillow is its capability to support the cervical spine and head when you sleep. People suffering from back pain should have a harder bed as well as an orthopedic pillow and mattress. The height is determined by the shape of your body. Wide shoulders and a longer neck ought to have higher pillow to fit the frame.
Qualitative, Extraordinary Blankets
Before investing in a blanket make sure it preserves warmth. It has to be air-penetrable and water-resistant. A duvet for example, is an excellent choice. It is lightweight, comfortable and it absorbs sweat really fast. However you should be careful as it becomes damp just as fast thus triggering allergies. Square-stitched duvets made of duck down or goose materials are ideal; of course, there’s a more expensive alternative called eiderdown, although very few can afford it.
A blanket made of wool comes with many benefits too. The fibers are resistant, thus creating support for your muscles, black and joints. Wool is an excellent material type for both the hot and cold seasons. In terms of design, you have many options available. You are advised to opt for warmer shades that are similar to the rest of your bedroom design. Burgundy and gold are killer combinations; they’ll give a royal allure to your bedroom thus making it appear luxurious and comfortable.
There are so many ideas one can use to make their beds cozy, modern and beautiful. Use the ideas we mentioned above, stay focused on quality materials and pick warm colors. This way you’ll have the best bed and sleeping in it will become a real pleasure.
By Daniel Lewis and VanessaArbuthnott.co.uk!
Images via Houzz
The Latest and Greatest Home Decor Trends
It can be difficult to keep up with the current home décor trends. The good news is that certain tendencies are timeless. Would you go for ageless styles over seasonal ones? Here are 10 home decor trends that will help you make the smartest choices for your home.
Wooden Wallpaper
In 2010, wooden wallpaper was in high demand. The pattern is both serene and alluring. Classic, symmetrical and simple, this décor idea will instantly transform a boring living room into a revolutionary space. The trend is ideal for people who want to give their homes a cottage-like feel.
Midcentury Starburst Mirrors
Starbursts mirrors are one of the most used home decor trends. They add a touch of vintage to a room but without making the space appear old-fashioned. There are numerous styles and designs you can go for. Even the simplest, most conventional model will transform a dull hallway into a beautiful environment.
One of the Best Home Decor Trends are Butterflies
Butterflies are not just for kids’ bedrooms. This insect choice can fit into the most sophisticated dining rooms too. Nature-inspired décor items will never go out of style and one of the most popular home decor trends currently being used. There are so many chic ideas you can consider, such as butterfly paintings or 3D butterflies for the bedroom.
Minimalistic Accents
Whether it’s 2010 or 2015, it’s never too late to abide by the principle “less is more”. Keep your living area’s design as simple as possible, and don’t overcrowd your shelves with all sorts of accessories. Stick with furniture elements that are proportional and thus your home will look organized and stylish.
Accent Coloring
Colors that are in trend change from season to season. It’s always a good idea to spice things up in the home and insert color combos you’ve never had before. Instead of buying an orange couch or painting the walls in pastel blue, why don’t you consider accessories to add a pop of color? Throw pillows, new curtains made of the finest curtain fabric, rugs and flower pots are a better choice.
Functional Furniture
In a magazine every angular chair looks trendy and innovative. However, it is not comfortable and you probably won’t even use it; not to mention that in 6 months it won’t even be in trend anymore. The exact same thing goes for unconventional coffee tables, which are too delicate to be used. It’s ok to want to have a stylish living room, but you need items that are both appealing and functional.
Focus on Comfort
Comfort is a fundamental factor when purchasing furniture. If you are compelled to replace a couch just because it’s not relaxing, then that piece is not timeless. Make a smart investment and go for a couch that looks good, but feels good too.
Quality over Quantity
It’s nice to have plenty of shelves in the kitchen or living room, but that doesn’t mean you should fill them with all sorts of objects. Choose your accessories or art pieces with extreme care. Shop for less and focus on a nice simple collection of objects paired with books. This way your home will have a modern, chic allure rather than a chaotic look.
New Curtains
If you want to add freshness into your home but you don’t have a big budget, you can always change the curtains. Stick to timeless palettes of gray, black, white or red. These can have discreet patterns and prints too. It is equally important to select a good quality curtain fabric. This way they’ll last longer.
Durability
Whenever we choose to redecorate our homes, it is important to consider elements that can stand the test of time. Focus on durable items that you can use over and over again, and avoid low quality items that scream kitsch. Shop wisely, invest in well made accessories, and your home will look trendy without forcing you to spend a fortune.
Do you think it’s time to give your home a makeover? Are you bored with the current décor? Using some of these home decor trends will add style to your interiors without breaking the bank. Seasonal flowers, rugs, linens and accessories are everything you need to transform a dull home into the chicest, most elegant environment.
By Alfred Stallion and VanessaArbuthnott.co.uk
10 Stylish Home Decor Trends and New Decorating Trends for 2016
Six Great Places to Find Modern and Contemporary Furniture in Orange County
Transforming an average home into a modern masterpiece is easy as pie in Orange County, California. The city boasts bountiful contemporary furniture and lighting stores and there are plenty of firms in town that specialize in interior design consulting. If you are looking for a new accent table for your living room or completely redesigning your home, the following six companies are some favorites in the Orange County region.
Metropolix Contemporary Furnishings
Metropolix Contemporary Furnishings is one of the most popular local furniture stores, located in Laguna Hills. This company specializes in unique contemporary furniture and home accents including sofas, beds, windows and door furnishings, coffee tables, desks, and chairs, each one with a touch of class and comfort. One of the aspects of Metropolix that customers love so much is that they supply furniture made in the USA that can be custom-sized with your choice of hundreds of fabrics. Shopping here, you can be sure that you will have a unique and personalized accent for your home.
Cantoni Modern Furniture
Cantoni is another favorite modern furniture store. Located in Irvine, California, Cantoni boasts ever-changing showrooms of contemporary furniture and home accents that are sure to open eyes. Almost everything you are looking for can be found in this store, from kitchens to bedrooms to living rooms, and more. Not too sure what you’re looking for, or maybe completely overwhelmed by the countless options? Never fear, Cantoni has interior designers working specifically to help you design the interiors of your dream home.
Uni-Lite Lighting
If you are looking for the perfect lighting accent for your home, explore Uni-Lite Lighting’s 32,000 square foot business in Anaheim. Specializing in indoor and outdoor lighting for both single rooms and entire homes, Uni-Lite is a local favorite for finding modern light accents that also serve as conversation pieces. This company has gotten to know the interior design trends in Orange County over the past forty years and have supplied their products not only to homeowners but also local architects and businesses.
Living Spaces
Irvine is one of ten places in southern California where you can find Living Spaces. In addition to selling both modern furniture and classic furniture, Living Spaces sells unique accessories to liven up your home or business. What makes a shopping experience here so special is how customer-friendly the business is. When you visit the store you receive a free cup of Starbucks and can leave your kids in a supervised play room while you shop. Online orders offer you same-day delivery for furniture you just can’t wait to see in your own home.
Plummers Furniture
Plummers is yet another marvelous contemporary furniture company in Irvine. They supply furniture and accessories for indoor and outdoor use, either in the home or at the office. Their unique products have a fresh, fun, and relaxing appeal to consumers, which has helped the company become one of the best locations to find contemporary furniture in Orange County. Fun fact: Plummers has installed solar panels at their warehouse in Petaluma, and they boast the fact that they use recycled wood and sustainable supplies in many of their products.
Pal + Smith Furniture
Pal + Smith may provide some of the most exceptional contemporary options for interior design in Orange County. Located in Costa Mesa, the company has pushed the boundaries of modern furniture for the past thirty years. The bold colors and unique shapes of their furniture are bound to start conversations. Among many other major style magazines, Elle Décor recognized Pal + Smith in October 2011 as one of “The Best New Stores.” If you need help deciding the best combination of pieces for your home, Pal + Smith offers hourly consulting for interior design as well as a multitude of other services.
These six companies provide some of the best contemporary furniture in Orange County. If you still aren’t quite sure where to start when designing or redesigning your home, you can contact Christopher James Interiors, one of the leading interior design firms specializing in finding the best accents for your home. Regardless of what vision you have for your interior, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in Orange County.
How To Incorporate The Elements Of Feng Shui Into your Home
Incorporating Feng Shui into your interior design brings balance and good fortune to your home. More than just picking attractive furniture and decor, the placement and arrangement of furnishings and accessories, as well as deliberate color combinations, can make a significant difference in the “Qi” or energy of the room.
However, you still want to make sure that your Orange County home is visually appealing and functional, so you will want your Feng Shui interior design to balance the basic beliefs of the Eastern practice along with modern tastes.
Below are a few tips on how to improve the energy in your house and bring luck to your life, while adding the decorating flairs and touches that gives your home personality:
Position Furniture Carefully
This tip is both practical and feng shui-related: careful positioning of furniture improves the energy’s flow throughout the room. Furniture should not prevent free passage through the room as this blocks both your daily path and the Qi from flowing naturally. Ideally, seating areas should be flush with a wall, instead of facing a walkway or another room.
Separate Work and Rest Areas
Avoid setting up a work office in your bedroom. The energy of a work space will prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep if it is set up in the bedroom.
Lighting
Light plays a major role in feng shui, as it is a major source of good energy. Soft lighting is linked with positive energy which wall sconces provide. Without proper illumination, carefully picked color combinations, decor and furniture may not be as effective for a feng shui lifestyle. Our eye tends to be drawn to where the light is shining, so by spotlighting certain objects and areas, you are able to support your intentions. Avoid dark corners, which can absorb and stall the flow of energy, by filling them with a source of soft light.
De-clutter
Clutter is considered to be a major burden in feng shui. De-cluttering is believed to be absolutely fundamental to ensuring balance in the home, as clutter blocks the flow of energy. On a practical level, clutter can lead to increased stress levels.
Remove clutter from all rooms in the house. One of the best places to start is the bedroom, where you want the most relaxation as possible. Create a “keep”, “relocate” and “trash” pile for all the items littered on the surfaces and floors of each room. Then, relocate the items to their proper locations, and throw away the trash. Organize the “keep” items into drawers, shelves or labeled boxes for easy access.
Mirrors
A key accessory in feng shui interior design, mirrors are believed to reflect positive energy and prevent the flow of negative energy. Placement is key, however. Avoid putting a mirror facing the front door, as you don’t want to bounce the positive energy entering the house to creep its way out. Mirrors should also be used sparingly (if at all) in the bedroom. Bedrooms are considered calm spaces with more yin energy; mirrors bring a lot of yang energy, canceling out the calming yin needed in the bedroom.
Live Plants, Fresh Fruit and Cut or Potted Flowers
Indoor plants, floral bouquets and fresh fruit all generate positive energy. Potted plants also represent earth and wood elements (two of the five elements needed for harmony and balance).
However, you should avoid using dried flowers. Dried flowers are considered sources of bad energy in feng shui as they represent something that is dead. Throw away all dead or dying plants, including wilting flowers. The exception is if the dried bouquet is a keepsake from someone dear to you, then the energy associated with it is positive.
Add a Water Feature
Considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, it is important to incorporate water elements in your feng shui decorating scheme. A water feature is an eye-catching way to add two of the five essential elements of feng shui (wind and water). Whether you choose a water fountain, a water wall or a fish tank, a water feature is a soothing focal point to any room, promoting relaxation. Be careful not to add water features to the bedroom as it can introduce the element of worry.
Mix Up Your Shapes
Each shape represents a different feng shui element: square (wood), round/oval (metal), striped and floral (wood), wavy (water) and pointy (fire) shapes all need to be present in your accessories and decor to ensure balance. Mixing and matching is not only an excellent way to bring harmony into your living space, but it also adds depth and dimension to your interior design.
Choose Colors Carefully
Intentionally choosing the right colors for each room is key in feng shui, as each color and color combination represent different types of energy. Green is linked with hope and nature, yellow with power and red is considered auspicious. Orange helps create an atmosphere of ease and promotes conversation in large groups of people, making it an ideal color for living rooms and other areas where you plan on hosting guests. Blues and greens can also help promote a calm atmosphere, which are perfect for bedrooms and other locations designed for relaxation and rest.
With these simple feng shui tips, you can improve balance and harmony in your home and life all without having to invest in crazy interior design schemes or busts of Buddha and other auspicious statues. Just keep in mind the importance of the flow of energy and incorporate a few well-chosen and well-placed accessories to fully reap the benefits of feng shui.
Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer, yoga enthusiast and business owner in the Los Angeles area. In addition to incorporating feng shui into her yoga and meditation room, she also includes the elements of feng shui throughout the rest of her home. Follow her on Pinterest today!
4 Summer Decor Tips to Give your Interiors a Fresh Look
Hello Christopher James Interiors readers. My name is Edward and I am excited to be guest blogging for you all today. Now that summer is finally here it’s time to let the warm summer air in. Spring is behind us, so why not let the bright friendly vestiges of summer enter your home? When you’re decorating for summer, you’ll want to keep a few details in mind to achieve a fresh look for your DIY summer decor.
Add Color to Your Summer Decor Interiors
It’s all about color…pale blues, whites, greens and vibrant colors. Since you can’t go repainting your house multiple times per year, an easy way to influence the general color scheme for the season is to go with neutral colors in your furniture and walls, and to accent it variably depending on the season. Or if you’re bold enough, just go for it and paint your walls a bright color like the brightly painted orange living room below. I like to hang up summertime artwork with bright framed art prints, or do something as easily as switching out decorative pillows on my couch, using a pale green table cloth, or hanging up lighter linen summer curtains.
Plants
Another item to consider in your summer decor is, of course, living and growing things. Before it gets warm go and make starters for all your garden plants and place them strategically around your house to add a splash of green near your windows. In addition, you can hang plant baskets from the ceiling that will eventually have greenery spilling down over the sides in a very aesthetically pleasing manner. If you’re not sure what you’d like to plant, place a pot near a window and simply toss seeds or food waste in there while you’re cooking to see what germinates. I’ve accidentally started kiwi plants, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all of which make for some fairly attractive plants while they’re still young.
Lighting
One important component that tends to be forgotten is the lighting in your home interiors. In the winter you’ll have heavy curtains shut tight to hold out the chill and your lighting will be artificial or from your fireplace. In the summer, it’s time to let the sun shine in. Get rid of any heavy curtains and replace them with light, more permeable looking ones. If that’s not an option just open them up wide. Remove any obstructions that keep the light from entering the room. If you have small windows or not very many of them you can make the most of the light you do get by placing mirrors opposite your windows to reflect and spread the light into the space more effectively.
Furniture
To create a bright open feel, open up your floor space by rearranging your furniture. To maximize your floor space and get that wide open feel, position your furniture up against your walls, facing inward. Additionally, using glass tabletops or décor items like vases will help to limit the sense of obstruction you feel from the things that are placed in the middle of the room, while also helping to further reflect and refract incoming light to brighten up the space.
I hope some of my tips will inspire you to create a bright new look for your rooms. Let me know what you’re doing in your home to create a light and summery feel. I’d love to see what influences and inspires you, so send in your photos and comments! Have a great summer!
Edward is an art and decoration enthusiast as well as an online publisher. He writes on topics of art, history, design, and home decor.
Summer Decor Interiors
Your source for modern upholstered furniture in Orange County
If you are looking for modern upholstered furniture in Orange County you have stumbled upon the right place. Christopher James Interiors has a large selection of modern upholstered furniture that can be customized using your own fabric or selected from our vast collection of fabric options. We can resize items for you so they fit perfectly in your space. We’ll even come to your home to consult with you and guide you step by step of the way to ensure proper scale and size of your furniture. You’ll also be able to view fabrics in your current surroundings to make sure what you are ordering is exactly what you want. We offer upholstered headboards, beds, custom upholstered sofas and couches, sectionals, dining chairs, occasional chairs, lounge chairs, benches, ottomans and barstools. Here’s some of our favorite items….
Modern Upholstered Furniture – Beds and Headboards
The Davide Bed has a modern tufted headboard surrounded by a wood frame. The chrome legs give it another modern touch.
The Hunter Bed has a modern design and is available with storage drawers in the bed platform. The photo shows the bed in a striped fabric bordered with leather and accented with nailheads.
Modern Upholstered Coffee Table Ottomans and Benches
The Eastwood coffee table ottoman has a very modern look with a beautiful detail on the top. Put your feet on it to kick back or place a tray on top to set drinks on.
Modern Upholstered Occasional Chairs
The Kinetic Chair has a very modern design with chunky wood arms and legs. We love the contemporary and modern lines of this chair. Upholster in leather or fabric and choose from several wood finish options.
Let us know what you think of some of our new designs.
To view more of our large selection of modern upholstered furniture you can visit the products section of our website.