Showing posts with label solutions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solutions. Show all posts

Monday, October 7, 2013

The Ottoman: The Little Black Dress of Furniture

"An ottoman or upholstered stool is like the little black dress of furniture. It becomes what you make it. Some furniture is designed to fade into the background, but an ottoman in an interesting fabric or an unexpected color can wake up a room, even a more subdued fabric or silhouette can be personalized with intriguing trim or nail heads.” -Reyna Moore, Norwalk Furniture

You already have a nice couch...there's no room for new end tables and more pillows are out of the question (you have way too many!). Often an overlooked piece of furniture, an ottoman can add interest as well as function to a room.  Because it is typically a smaller piece, it's a safe way of adding a great pop of color or pattern to a room without committing to a large piece of furniture in trendy tomato red or citrus green. And, like the "little black dress," it can be adjusted to fit any occasion. Ottomans can double as seating and storage OR it just becomes a secret weapon when your house is overflowing with guests and the side table turns into a soft seat or even a bed! Ottomans can also be very convenient coffee tables...put your feet up to watch tv or have a nice metal tray to put drinks on (no worries about water rings and coasters!).

Check out some cool rooms using ottomans for storage, seating and fun!



Table OR Seat: Uno Storage Ottoman- Round by American Leather
 
 

A Sculptural Seat: The Maxwell Ottoman by American Leather


 
For clean lines AND storage, try the Linden Storage Ottoman by American Leather
Picture by mixandchic.com



 
A soft, tufted statement...check out the Columbus Ottoman by CR Laine



 

An Elegant Bench, Table and Storage: The Henley Bench Ottoman by Norwalk



 



And here's a few of our staff favs:

Seriously- It's a bed. The Shuffle Ottoman Sleeper by Comfort Design

 


Avery Ottoman by Norwalk
 
Tray Top Ottoman in leather (and 3 sizes!) by Precedent


 
Bench Ottoman by Precedent


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So, when you are looking to add a little something fun to your house, don't overlook the ottoman- it can be anything you want it to be!

-Team CC






Monday, September 30, 2013

What's Your Design Style?

Welcome to the Creative Classics Design blog! This is our perspective on styles, trends, design tips and how-to's. We hope you enjoy the journey with us and please comment on our entries! We love feedback! And of course stop by our store, Creative Classics, in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
 
So what's the best way to get started?? Get to know what YOU like and what YOUR style is. Do you like comfy cozy or prefer clean lines and crisp edges? Do you embrace color or prefer a neutral palette?  Below is a little cheat sheet on some basic design styles....and it's okay if you are more than one!
 
Quincy Sectional by American Leather
Contemporary:
 
White, Gray, Beige= 90%
Pop of color=10%
Clean Lines
Less is More
Bright Accent Colors (in moderation)
Oversized Art
Strong Linear Features- Horizontal and Vertical
Funky accents: Orchids, Sculptures, Statement Pieces 
 
think: Art Gallery, Vodka Martini - 1 Olive
 
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Garrison Chair and Chichester Sofa by CR Laine
 Traditional:
 
Prints, Prints, Prints (Floral, Plaid, Stripes)
Soft Lines, often plush
Colors are varied; range from warm beiges to rich jewel tones- full room color (no pops of accent)
Refined
Balance and Symmetry
Darker woods
Crown Moulding and Frames
Classic Accents: Oriental Rugs, Chandeliers, Tailored Drapery
 
think: Southern Living Magazine (and pretty much any room in it), Sweet Tea in Fine China
 
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Chester Sofa by Precedent
 
Transitional: 
 
 The love child of Contemporary and Traditional
Neutral Palette: Creams, Whites, Beiges, Grays, Soft hues
Mixture of Antique style pieces and simple lines
Equal parts warm and cool (brass nailheads on a white leather club chair)
Understated Patterns
Layers of Textures (chenille, leather, tweed)
Simply Framed Art work- organized
Updated Classics: Refined Wingback chairs, tufting but not overstuffed
 
think: Elle Décor, Trendy Hotel Rooms and Handspun Chocolate Milkshakes
 
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Interiors by Aspen Leaf Interiors
Try the Savoy Sofa by American Leather
 Rustic:
 
Leather, Nailheads, Animal Hides (faux is fine!)
Wood- lot's of wood
Comfy, Cozy, Overstuffed
Neutrals and Earth tones
Exposed Rafters and Stone Fireplaces
Woven Textiles, Geometrical Patterns
Heavy Furniture- Sturdy, Sometimes Masculine,
 
think: Colorado Lodge with Spiced Apple Cider
 
 
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Try the Luxe Sofa by American Leather

Ecclectic:
 
Funky
Personalized with Artifacts
Mixture of Styles, Fabrics and Themes
Playful and Whimsical
Comfortable and Relaxed
Sense of Familiarity
Bold Colors and Patterns
  
think: The Cool Girl's Apt in Every Movie; Moscow Mules in Tin Cups 
 
 
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All ideas above are based on personal thoughts, online research-- sources include: houzz.com; Wikipedia.com and our vast experience in the furniture industry!
 
Thanks for stopping by!
-Team CC