The Call of the WILD!

5/16/12 12:29 pm

 

Meeeeowww! Animal prints have been a long time favorite (in moderation!) Today we’ve collected up a group of purrrfect animal prints to accent your home. Our design experts recommend limiting your wild tastes to one or two items per room. They mix seamlessly with all styles of furniture and make a great contrast or “show” piece. Check them out!

  1. Hooker Furniture Melange Zebra Mirror - $506
  2. Momeni Serengeti 04 Rug in Giraffe Brown – from $119
  3. Dozydotes Cup Holder Kids Recliner All Cheetah - $149.99
  4. Surya Cosmopolitan 8865 Rug – from $50
  5. Surya Square Decorative Pillow PG59 – from $33
  6. Powell Classic Seating Parsons Slip Over in White and Onyx Tiger Stripe – $65
  7. Surya Duke 1002 Rug – $740
  8. Baxton Studios Modern Classics Le Corbusier Chaise Pony Hide by Wholesale Interiors – $1058
  9. SEI Giraffe Faux Leather Storage Ottoman – $89.99

Shop the best in animal prints at FurnitureCrate.com with Free Shipping and No Tax* everyday! (prices subject to change, view website for current sales.)

 

Leave a comment

Getting Your Outdoor Spaces Ready for Summer!

5/11/12 7:48 am

Presently, as I write this, I’m sitting on my patio under a blue sky and green leaves. Two lawn mowers hum in choreographed repetition off in the close distance, and the the cars that pass sounds as much like waves crashing on the shore as the twinkle of an ice cream truck sounds like childhood. When you live in a part of the country where days like this are outnumbered by days spent under gray, damp skies, you have an amplified appreciation for outdoor living. It’s something you get excited for, and it’s something that you want to make the most of. What’s your outdoor space like? Are you ready for the beautiful days of summer? This time of year, as outdoor parties and activities are right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor living experience. Here are some great items that will keep your deck or patio looking it best during this beautiful time of year.

For all of those back yard barbecues and cocktail parties, you’re going to need a place for your guests to sit and enjoy themselves. The Biscayne Oval Outdoor Dining Table in Rust Brown from Home Styles gives you the beauty of ornately designed pieces without the high costs. For more intimate gatherings, the Zuo Modern Railay Pub Table will give you a stylish place to enjoy a romantic evening.

Bring the beach to your backyard with the Tahiti Natural Bamboo Tiki Bar Hut from Endless Summer Sun and enjoy the convenience of the lower recessed mixing counter and classic professional bar for all of those summer parties.

Summer is the perfect time to inject color into your outdoor area. To compliment your Adirondack chairs and the beautiful flowers that line your yard, consider a colorful round coffee table from CR Plastic Products. To satisfy a more contemporary outdoor area, look to the to bring panache and grace to your summer nights.

Take time this summer to enjoy yourself and your outdoor space. Is your deck or patio in need of a makeover this season? Stop by FurnitureCrate and peek through our inventory to find just what you need to make the most out of your space this summer.

Leave a comment

Baby, Baby, Baby, oh!

4/10/12 12:54 pm

Pink Products

Today we added a new member to the FurnitureCrate.com team! To celebrate we’ve added some really pink picks to our post today! Kids furniture is always so much fun with bright bold colors, patterns and influences. Shop these choices to add vibrant flair to your children’s spaces (or your own, we are all kids at heart!)

 

  1. Rizzy Rugs Straw Shag Rug ST1007 – from $88
  2. Handy Living Nate Set of Chairs in Micro Megenta – $279.00
  3. 4D Concepts Just For Kids Girls Pink Twin Headboard - $139
  4. Dozydotes Contemporary Rocker Kids Recliner in Hot Pink – $199.99
  5. Lambs and Ivy Lollipop Jungle Plush Pink Monkey – $32
  6. Avenue Six Curves Tufted Round Ottoman in Pink Velvet – $99
  7. Tween Nick Bikini Bottom Drawer Chest by Nickelodeon Rooms by Lea – $682.50
1 Comment

This – is Bananas!?

4/4/12 1:41 pm

BananaB-A-N-A-N-A-S. This furniture is Bananas! Last week we were glad I didn’t say Bananas, but this week we are!

Banana Leaves are used to create great woven furniture and accessories each unique and woven by hand. This week I’ve put together a BANANAS list of tropical inspired pieces with woven accents. Enjoy!

 

  1. American Drew Ashby Park Banana Lead Bed – from $1150
  2. Padma’s Plantation Tropical Ottoman – $967
  3. Largo Palm Isle 5 Piece Glass Top Parsons Dining Set – $890
  4. Polywood Jefferson Rocker with Tigerwood Weave in Mahogany – $329.99
  5. Largo Palm Isle Daybed – $649
  6. Uttermost Knotted Rattan Hanging Shade in Ivory- $261.80
Leave a comment

Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana?

3/30/12 9:15 am

Orange, Tangerine, Reddish Yellow?

Orange is taking the world by storm! This fun accent color is a great compliment to many decor styles from traditional to contemporary. We’ve compiled a diverse list above on how you can update your home decor with this fruitfully inspired color. Orange you glad you checked it out?

  1. Zuo Modern Anime Dining Arm Chair Transparent Orange Set of 2 – $500.00
  2. angelo:HOME Pyramid Trunk in Orange – $299.99
  3. Polywood Long Island Adirondack Chair in Tangerine – $379.99
  4. Jill Rosenwald for Surya Fallon 1002 Rug – from $50.00
  5. angelo:HOME Harlow Chair in Mango Floral – $299.99
  6. SEI Round Metal Accent Table in Orange – $69.99
  7. College Covers University of Tennessee Decorative Pillow, Set of 2 – $26.95
Leave a comment

Spring Fever: the Birds & the Bees

3/22/12 9:06 am

 

The last 2 weeks of unseasonably warm weather has inspired us to put together a list of some of our spring time favorites. Shop these perfectly printed picks now just in time for spring!

Spring Furniture Style

  1. Lane Fritz Hi-Leg Recliner in Bowie Sedona - $609
  2. Surya Timora Throw in Sky Blue and Brown – $60
  3. Home Texco by Rizzy Home Decorative Pillow Pair T-2619 – $84
  4. angelo:HOME Harlow Chair in Antique Floral Bird – $299
  5. Surya Artist Studio 192 Rug – from $90
  6. Uttermost Perching Birds Mirrors Set of 3 – $1,208
  7. Avenue Six Curves Tufted Round Ottoman in Spring Green Velvet - $99

Prices are subject to change, review webpages for today’s price.

Leave a comment

Quick Kitchen Updates Without Breaking the Bank

3/19/12 10:03 am

Barstool and Counterstools

Updating your kitchen can be very expensive, but why not make a subtle change and get a whole new look without spending too much!  Many of you have breakfast bars and islands in our kitchens, why not add new (or replace old)  counter or bar stools to create a brand new look and add great seating while you are at it. Make this area the heart of the home, an area to do homework, pay bills, socialize.

Not only do stools come in a variety of styles and colors they come in different heights. Lets talk a little bit about getting the right size and spacing.

1.       Counter Height: These stools are commonly 23’’-28’’ inches from seat to ground. These work best with counters, bars and tables that are 35’’-37’’ high.

2.       Bar Height: This height is compatible with counters 41’’-43’’ high and the seats of the stools are traditionally are 29’’-32’’ inches high.

You also want to make sure that you do not overcrowd your space. Spacing is key, industry standard is that the center of each stool should be 14’’ from the side edge of the counter and 28’’ apart (measured from center-line of each stool).

From there it comes down to your personal style, taste and features. Look for details like foot rests, memory swivels (the chair returns to forward facing when you stand up), upholstery (or not) and back details. Remember you are going to be looking at the backs of the stool most of the time, so pay attention to the back detail most.

Thoughts, questions, ideas? Comment below!

 

Leave a comment

Defining your Outdoor Space in 4 Steps

3/15/12 2:42 pm

The weather is changing, spring has almost sprung! And now it is time to spring for new outdoor furniture. Here are 4 great tips on picking out the perfect patio living space, insuring a picture perfect season.

#1 Measure your Space

Start by measuring out your space; treat it just like any other room in your home, marking doorways from inside and stairs or steps down to the yard. Make sure that you account for walking space around the furniture and reclining dimensions for items like chaise lounges.  Don’t forget to look up! Make sure you have enough height for umbrellas, trellises and arbors.

When measuring for outdoor dining, keep in mind that the chair will add 24’’+ on each side of the table, not to mention an addition 24’’-36’’ for pulling the chairs out and maneuvering around the dining set.

#2 Choose Materials

There are several choices in material for outdoor furniture, choose the best for your deck from the list below.

  1. Wood: Normally found made of Teak, Eucalyptus and Cedar. Teak is one of the most expensive, but is the longest lasting and patinas to a great grey color. Cedar needs annual coatings of protective oil to maintain its look. Wood is a really great choice for areas that are more protected with trees, arbors and awnings. We recommend storing these inside during harsher weather months.
  2. Metal: Wrought Iron and Aluminum are some of the most popular choices. These Metal painted sets are normally cast in a variety of styles. Iron is more upkeep with the need to touch up paint to prevent rusting, while aluminum is a lightweight worry free alternative. We recommended storing these under a waterproof tarp in the winter.
  3. Plastic: We aren’t talking about those white stack-able molded chairs, we are talking heavy duty recycled timber chairs and tables. These popular (and colorful) options weigh more than their counterparts but are perfect for breeze areas like lakesides. These require next to no maintenance, just an occasional power wash

#3 Choose a Style

Find a style that complements both the style of your home and personality. Try to blend it with the style of your home exterior though, since it is exposed most of the year. Many styles are available, from the traditional tropical to Chippendale and classic contemporary.  If in doubt, stick with the classics like garden style or Adirondack.

#4 Pick out a Color Story

Again here we suggest taking cues from the color of your home. Don’t make it too jarring if it doesn’t make sense with your classic colonial home. Use accent pieces like Umbrellas, pillows and cushion to make color statements.

Bold choices can be fun as well, so be creative within reason. So don’t be too afraid of that Lime Green, hot pink and vivid orange you’ve been eying.

With these 4 steps you will create a balanced outdoor living space that compliments your home for years to come. Let us know what you are doing to keep your home fresh below. Don’t forget to find us on Facebook and Twitter!

 

Leave a comment

Design Styles: Cottage/Country

2/29/12 10:47 am

Sometimes it’s hard to define your own personal style. There are hundreds of different options available for you, are you “French Country”? “Shabby Chic”? “Transitional Gothic”?.  At FurnitureCrate.com we’ve broken all of our offerings out into 14 furniture styles. Over the coming weeks we are going to delve deeper into some furniture and decor styles.

Country Styles

Cottage and Country furniture have been long time popular choices for many of us. But what makes furniture country? This distinct America style features classic farmhouse shapes like spindles, turned legs and whimsical cut outs, also design features like wicker and beadboard. These elements combined with a classic muted color palate of antique whites, rusty reds and natural woods help to evoke a simpler time in American history.

You will also find that many of the pieces of cottage and country furniture feature multi-step finishes, distressing and wear-through, adding to the quaint charm. When it comes to upholstered items you will find that plaids, checks, subtle florals and stripes are prominent and can be found mixed together often creating a “collected” look.

There are a couple different types of country furniture, American Country is characterized by large practical wood furniture pieces, wrought iron accents and braided rugs. English Country style finds its roots with a dark palate of deep reds, forest greens and dark woods with more leather accents. French country, which is a still popular, features a brighter set of colors with yellows and sky blues and features raw pine furniture and cane accents.

Of course you are not limited to this look, but hopefully this helps you with a jumping off point to get your country / cottage home looking perfect. For a great collection of country cottage pieces take a look at our Marketing Manager Cara’s favorite picks!

Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,

Black and White & White and Black

1/18/12 11:01 am

Camden Black and Camden White

We work with thousands of products from hundreds of brands each day but as of late there has been a strong trend in collection features emerging. Almost every major furniture manufacturer has made a “Coastal” inspired collection in a breezy white and then introduced it in a distressed black. We love the styling, with the shuttered details and plantation styled accents this style bridges the transitional styles quite well.

Would you ever consider mixing and matching the 2 collections/finishes for a different look or just keep the room’s furniture all monochromatic?

We have posted images from Broyhill Mirren Point & Mirren Harbor (bottom), Lea Kids Retreat White & Retreat Black (middle) and American Drew Camden White and Camden Black (top) for inspiration.

Retreat White and Retreat BlackCamden Black and Camden White

We love the idea of “curating” a room with collected pieces and mismatched (black and white) furniture gives off that aura easily without being jarring. Let us know what you think!

Leave a comment