Tags
Follow Us On The Web!
Archive for February, 2012
So Many Coffee Tables, So Little Time…
Where should I start?
A new coffee table is an easy way to update a room and introduce a statement piece or transitional element in an otherwise traditional room. Depending on the size of your room and your furniture arrangement, there are various shapes–squares, rectangles, rounds–or finishes–glass-top, mirror-top, wood/painted, any combination of the above–to choose from. Selecting a size and shape can always be an issue, but a good rule of thumb is to know the length of your sofa and then take about one-half to two-thirds of that measurement. For example, a sofa that is 90″ long should have a coffee table ranging anywhere from 45″ to 60″ wide. As far as height goes, typically it is best if the table top falls a couple inches below the height of the seat cushion.
I’ve figured out the size…now what?
Your furniture arrangement can influence the shape of the table you choose. Sectionals, L, or U-shaped arrangments look best with square, round, or large rectangular-shaped tables; using these shapes allows for easy access to the table surface from any seat. Just think how uncomfortable it might be for your guest to reach over another guest when you’ve chosen an oddly sized coffee table! Rectangular-shapes are also great to use in front of a sofa with two chairs on either side, in between two sofas facing each other, or in between a sofa with two chairs opposite.
Finishing up!
Finish-wise, there are so many options to choose from, but you’re finally at the point where you can have some fun.
Glass-top…think light and airy. Visually, a glass-top doesn’t take up much space, so if you are pressed for room, this might be your solution, and, if you have a great rug beneath it, you won’t obscure the view.
Mirrored…a reflective surface is great because it reflects light and isn’t as visually ”heavy” as something like a dark wood coffee table might be. It can also add a glam touch to any living space.
Wood-top…will ground your arrangement. Not only is it rich looking, but the types of wood and wood finishes are endless.
Any of these are often combined with metal, painted or wood accents, you just have to figure out what combination works best in your room.
If an actual coffee table isn’t for you, an ottoman is a great substitute. Not only are they a little more informal looking, they’re great to use for additional seating in a pinch. For example, these ottomans done in antique Oushak rugs are a wonderful addition to any room. Just remember to make sure the surface is somewhat flat…that way you can still put a great tray and some books or a throw on it when not in use.
How to accessorize…
Accessorizing a coffee table can be tricky, but placing items like coffee table books, boxes, flower arrangements or trays will not only look amazing but add a personal touch; think of accessorizing your new table as a way to showcase items or collections that are special to you. Symmetrical or otherwise, small groupings of similar items on one large tray with a stack of art books to the side are an easy way to complete your look. Consider placing a seasonal flower arrangment at the center of the table for a punch of color and a hurricane on either side. Experimenting with different heights, textures, and colors will not only fill your afternoon with fun, but your new, fully accessorized coffee table will be the focal point of your next party. Don’t forget, if you have any questions or need some advice, feel free to stop in…we’re here to help!
Change the look of your room – Accessorize it.
Do you have the basic pieces for your room but the room still feels unfinished? Perhaps you want a new look but don’t want to invest in new furniture right now.
Accessorizing is a great way to update or finish a current room in your house. Adding lamps (instead of using the overhead lights all the time) adds warmth to a room. Artwork and mirrors anchor a space and give it visual interest. Pillows add color and texture. Books, picture frames, plants, bowls, candlesticks and/or boxes add personality and intimacy.
Adding a few new elements can change a room you once dreaded into one of your favorite spots in the house.
If you already have a rug, use that as a jumping off point for color and style. If you don’t have a rug, check out an earlier blog post here about choosing one and its impact on a room.
The wonderful thing about accessorizing is that you can use what you already have and add what you don’t have over time. Do you have a favorite print or oil painting in the hall? Move it over your sofa and give it new life. I’m sure you have family photos in a box somewhere, buy some new frames and arrange them on your end table.
Different colors and accessories give a room its own personality.
In the following photos you will see how adding different accessories to the same space can alter the feeling of a room.
So take a look. Hunt through your house for some inspiration and begin the process of transforming your space into something you love.
An unfinished space waiting for love.
By starting with this oil painting in a brushed gold frame you add a touch of formality to your room. Add brass accents, floor lamps and fresh fun pillows you get an updated, tradtional room that exudes warmth.
Using cooler colors, blues and silvers, gives the same furniture grouping a completely different feel. The mercury glass lamps and graphic picture combined with greek key pillows and simple table accessories makes this room a little more transitional and great for a beach or river home.
I love it, but what do I do with it?
Perhaps you have a beautiful console from your grandmother. You love it but can’t imagine how to incorporate it into a space in your room. It looks lonely and awkward by itself.
Add prints, a lamp, an occasional chair and some books and you have transformed a lonely corner into an inviting and warm reading area.
Or, instead of a set of prints and a table lamp, use a mirror and a floor lamp. This vignette would be equally at home in a foyer.
If you are in need of inspiration or advice, stop by The Kellogg Collection. We would love to help you fill in the holes to make your room the room of your dreams.
And, our Semi-Annual sale runs through the end of the month, so everything you might need is discounted!
Aubusson Rugs in Downton Abbey
If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you will enjoy this blog post by Asmara about the Aubusson rugs that are featured in the show.
http://info.asmarainc.com/blog/bid/52286/Downton-Abbey-s-Elegance-Accentuated-by-Aubusson-Rugs
Starting from Scratch? Start with a Rug!
Have you ever started decorating a room from scratch and ended up with pieces that you like but just don’t gel together? Most people tend to shop first for what they need the most which tends to be functional pieces like sofas and chairs. This may make sense at first but you will end up making the process harder on yourself down the road. The selection of rugs is limited compared to the endless possibilities of fabrics for your furniture – so make it easier on yourself and start with a rug!
The rug sets the foundation of the room, which is important when starting from scratch. It will determine the color scheme of a room and the color scheme will influence every other aspect: wall color, upholstery, pillows, artwork, and accessories! The rug even has the ability to guide the furniture layout of a space. When trying to figure out the correct rug size for your space, a good rule of thumb is to go as big as the room allows. Using a larger rug that fits the entire room will allow you to utilize the entire space. With all of these design factors that rely on the rug, you can understand that if you start the decorating process with the rug, everything else will fall into place. Here are some examples of how a rug can set the foundation of a room:
When designing the scenes in our stores, we always start with the rug which we display on the wall so you can see how much of an impact it can have on the rest of the furniture in the space. Here are some examples from our store scenes:
If you already have a room of furniture and are finding it difficult to find a rug that matches your current color scheme there is always the option of going neutral on the floor with a neutral colored rug as shown here:
If you are in search of a new rug, take advantage of sale prices at The Kellogg Collection through February 27th during our semi-annual sale, and again March 9-24 during our rug sale!
The Kellogg Semi-Annual Sales Event
Tomorrow, February 9th, begins our semi-annual Winter Sale with savings from 15-50 percent! Winter on the whole has eluded us here in Washington, much to our relief. The sale will run through the end of the month at all of our five locations with special finds in each of the stores. All accessories including our beautiful pillow collection are reduced 15%.
All in-stock upholstery items will be marked down 25 percent and special orders are reduced 20 percent. All case goods valued over $750.00 will also be marked down 20 percent. We have been busy the past few days putting sale prices on all our items. Look for the price marked in red to see the reductions.
As always our semi-annual sales event means reduced prices on everything in our stores. This includes Chandeliers, Curtains, Fabric, Paintings, Prints and Mirrors.
Our spectacular collection of area rugs will be reduced 20 percent with our Needlepoint and Aubusson rugs specially marked down 25 percent.
As our loyal customers have come to know, our Semi-annual Sales event is a wonderful opportunity to find some great deals. Be sure to ask to see the ” Upholstery Sales Book” at the front desk. It is full of surprises of “in-stock” greatly reduced upholstered pieces.
Lastly, our stores are fully stocked and ready for your viewing pleasure. Don’t forget about our Approval Policy. If you can carry an item out of the store you’re welcome to take it home for a day or two to see if it looks just right. We simply create a quote in your name, take an imprint of your credit card, and you’re on your way. Our customers love this option! We look forward to seeing everyone over these next exciting weeks.