
What to Keep an Eye Out for in an Antique Store

Wood furniture can be considered a prized possession in any home; it instantly adds texture, comfort, and style to your home’s decor. As a natural product, you can expect wood to have different in texture, color, and grain. Such variations are what make wood furniture pieces beautiful and unique. Have you ever wondered what wood species make for the best furnishing? Check out these five popular wood species that are commonly used in furniture:
1. Beech
Beech is a type of wood that is heavy and strong. Beech usually has a tight grain with a smooth and even texture and has a natural light color. This type of wood is often used to make furniture that requires a bit of flexibility or bending like chairs. Beechwood furniture provides a natural, organic look and it has a solid density. Like most wood furniture, beech wood ages gracefully if it is maintained properly.
2. Walnut
Formed by a beautiful, dark brown hue, walnut a very popular choice for furniture. With its distinctive grain, walnut is known for its hardness, durability and shock resistance. Authentic walnut furniture is generally more expensive than most types of wood furniture because walnut trees do not grow as often. Walnut is commonly found in furnishing that features dark stained finishes. As walnut furniture ages, you will see that it gets lighter and can turn into a rich honey hue.
3. Maple
Maple is another type of wood that is dense yet durable. This wood species is often used in cabinetry and furniture. Its straight-grain contributes to its uniform texture. Maple wood has different variations in color including reddish brown, white and lighter brown. Maple’s grain takes paint color well which is why it is used in painted wood furniture projects.
4. Cherry
Natural cherry is pricey and a trendy choice for furniture and cabinetry. It is ultra-durable, and it has a distinct yet attractive grain. Cherry has medium brown color with pink undertones and can age into a reddish brown.
5. Mahogany
Mahogany is a tropical wood species with medium hardness. The great thing about this grain is that it is resistant to moisture which means that it is less likely to warp or shrink. Mahogany has unique grain patterns that can take on swirls and other types of shapes. It is used to make more exceptional furniture pieces. This species has a light pinkish hue that quickly transforms into a reddish brown color.
Which wood species do you prefer in your home’s decor? We would love to hear your opinions below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!
Decorating can be considered a form of art. It is, after all, expressing one’s creativity through design. If you find yourself struggling for inspiration, we have seven decorating tips that can be used by a person of any skill level. Let’s take a look.
Decorating Tips for any Skill Level:
1. A Splash of Color.
Determining the color palette for a room can be a bit of a challenge. While there are literally thousands of colors out there, homeowners have the challenge of selecting just a few and making them all successful work in the design. To help beginners and even experts, we recommend building from a base color. The base color typically is a neutral, although if you feel quite confident in your designing abilities, it could be any color. Once you have chosen your primary color, you will want to elaborate off of that shade with other colors that pair well. If you find it difficult to find your base color, you can gain inspiration from the color wheel. What colors pop for you?
2. The Magnificence of Mirrors.
Mirrors are quite honestly, the best piece of decor. No matter what your skill level, you can probably agree that a mirror brings a lot to a space. Mirrors reflect natural light which in essence, brightens the area and opens up the room. When in doubt, add a mirror to the room. You may be pleasantly surprised by its effect.
3. Accessorize.
Accessories are an excellent asset to room decor. They tend to be the finishing piece of decor, but they serve a great purpose. Accessories help to build off of the current design while adding interest and sometimes, purpose. The accessories can help create a cohesive environment that projects “homey” vibes.
4. Bring The Outdoors, In.
Any design expert will tell you that plants have a lot to offer. Their green features help to add life and freshness to the space. While plants can add a special touch, be sure not to go overboard with incorporating them. It can be easy to get carried away with adding greenery, but you still want it all to flow. Try adding a plant or two in each space then build from there.
5. Flaunt It.
If you are blessed enough to have an ample amount of natural light, you should flaunt it. Incorporate sheer curtains and leave the windows open during the day to create a beautiful look.
6. Senses.
The five senses can play a huge role in your home’s decor. When people enter your space, you want to captivate their senses. Whether it is music humming in the background, a warm vanilla candle filling the air, or a cozy rug to rest your feet, senses can take your space to the next level.
7. Clear Clutter.
Clutter can completely kill a design. Be sure to have your counters clear and clutter free. This way guests will be able to see the design in its entirety.
We hope you enjoyed these seven decorating tips. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments with us in the provided section.
Have you ever entered a room and been instantly drawn to its decor? There is just something about that space, and you cannot quite put your finger on it. How does one master the art of decorating? Is it a trait you are born with having? While these questions may be going through your mind, we are here to assure you that you can master the art of decorating with our eight simple ideas. Then you too can have the space that everyone is desiring. Let’s take a look!
Simple Ideas for Decorating:
1. Your Reflection.
Mirrors are a designer’s best friend. They reflect natural light to create a more open, brighter space. Plus, you can incorporate some stylish mirrors to feature a beautiful twist on the classic look.
2. Always Accessorize.
Another easy way to add style to your space is through accessories. Chic clocks, modern art, and rustic lights are examples of accessories that can add personality and style.
3. Go Green.
Greenery can add life and beauty to your room without taking away from the other decor. You can even incorporate plants in different ways. From hanging plants to windowsill succulents, you can create a homey feel with added greenery.
4. Au Naturale.
If you are lucky enough to have it, natural light can be a considerable asset inside of your space. Not only does natural light brighten up the space, but it can help make your room feel more open and big. And in turn, a more open space feels more inviting for guests. Just be sure to use the proper type of curtains to ensure you are letting in light. For example, sheer curtains can be stylish and functional for allowing natural light to flow throughout the space.
5. Splash of Color.
While neutrals are soothing and a traditional choice, there is something special about a splash of color inside of a room. With a tasteful addition, you can add personality and style to your space just by incorporating some color. From a bold bedspread to an electrifying sitting chair, the options for adding color are endless. Just be sure to limit yourself. You want to be sure that the room is not overwhelmed by the amount of color.
6. Be Bold.
Decorating is your chance to be unique. Be bold and different with your design and let your creativity go wild. You can even gain inspiration from others through online boards, magazines, and television shows.
7. Texturized.
Texture can help add dimension to your space. You can incorporate visually stimulating pieces that have a soft or unique texture. For example, blankets, pillows, and rugs can be used for style, but they can also be used to add texture and detail.
8. Clear out Chaos.
The best way to make your design plans go the furthest is to clear out any clutter. Make sure countertops are clear off non-decorative pieces and try to keep your space clean and clutter-free.
We hope you enjoyed these tips! Be sure to check back weekly for more.