Color We Love – Green!

March 27, 2015March 27, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Here at Red Knot we do color. Lots of color! And since spring is in the air, we are celebrating one of our favorite colors by going (bright) green!

A mixture of yellow and blue, the color green is a secondary color on the color wheel. Since yellow is a warm color and blue is a cool color, green is considered the color of balance. There are more shades of green more than any other color – the range is almost infinite.

Green can look completely different depending on the balance of yellow and blue. The brightness can be muted by mixing in white or gray, but can be turned into a dramatic and more masculine hue by mixing in black.

Physically, green is believed to mentally soothe and encourage relaxation. The color works beautifully in spas, doctor’s offices and health clinics. It is the most restful color to the eye optically because of its neutral spectral wavelength. It is also the color used for night-vision goggles because the human eye is most sensitive to and able to distinguish the most shades of that color. Psychologically, green is believed to alleviate depression and reduce nervousness and anxiety. No longer just a color, the term “green” is universally associated with Mother Nature and the mentality that we should be taking care of our environment.

Don’t be afraid to use green when it comes to home furnishing and design. Because of its placement in the color wheel, green can match virtually anything. It can be a pop of color in a room through accent pieces, but it can most definitely be the focal point of the space as well!

Some of our favorites here at RK are below.

Did you know that traffic lights ALL over the world are green?

So don’t stop, and go… green! 🙂

Let’s Talk Texture!

March 20, 2015 | honeyaubrey

In home furnishing, there are different types of textures and textiles. Below are some of the industry’s basic textures and some FYIs to assist you in making the decision between one or another.

COTTON
Cotton is the world’s oldest and most used fiber, making up 50% of the textile industry. It is highly versatile, being available in a huge range of different colors and prints. Cotton is a plant-based fiber and varies in thickness and length depending on the species of cotton. Organic cotton can be used in upholstery fabric and is considered renewable resource.
DURABILITY: Cotton fabric is absorbent, breathable, soft to touch and static resistant. Upholstered cotton will feel good against your skin no matter the temperature or the humidity. It is also cost efficient.
DRAWBACKS: Cotton is not wrinkle resistant, and prone to shrinking (when wet) and stretching. Cotton is highly vulnerable to sunlight, causing it fade over time. It is also prone to staining because of its great absorbency characteristic.
CARE: Always blot spills immediately. Do not rub! Spot clean with a damp cloth or sponge, and let air dry. Keep out cotton from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

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POLYESTER
Unlike cotton, polyester is a man-made fiber. Microfiber, a fabric popular in the home furnishing industry, is made of 100% polyester. It has a suede-like texture, almost like a rich, velvety feel.
DURABILITY: Known for its durability, polyester has high strength, excellent resiliency, and a high abrasion resistance. Low absorbency allows the fiber to dry quickly. It is resistant to shrinking, stretching and creasing. Unlike cotton, it is resistant to sun-fading. High-resiliency helps to prevent the saggy look some sofas get as they age. Microfiber is water repellent and handles spills well by keeping them on the surface rather than soaking them in.
DRAWBACKS: Polyester is a product of the petroleum industry- it is not considered organic or from renewable resources. It is vulnerable to high temperature, heat and burns.
CARE: Clean with a soft cloth, water and mild liquid soap. Because of its weakness to heat, avoid removing cushion covers and putting them through the drier. Also avoid other heat sources such as curling irons or lit cigarettes from coming in contact with the sofa.

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LEATHER
Leather is a natural product, made from animal skin. It is the most expensive cover used in upholsteries. Leather is luxurious, sophisticated and eludes an aura of prestige. It will never look dated and over time will develop character, a great advantage when it comes to longevity and value. There are upholsteries that are matched leather (100% leather on the seating area and vinyl on sides and back) and all leather (seating area, sides and back are 100% leather).
DURABILITY: Leather is exceptionally durable and long lasting- the longer you have it, the leather will become softer and more comfortable. It will even develop it’s own patina. It is resistant to tearing and easy to clean. Leather does not attract or collect dust and is resistant to dust mites.
DRAWBACKS: Leather adjusts to your body temperature, so it gets really sticky and uncomfortable in hot weather conditions.
CARE: In general, leather sofas are easier to keep clean than fabric. a regular vacuum and a damp cloth is all you need. Proper conditioning will also help to protect and prolong the life of your leather upholstery.

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WOOD
Wood has many uses and purposes, and is a favorite choice in home furnishing. They are divided into three types- hardwood, softwood or engineered wood. One of the factors determining the quality of your furniture is the type of wood. There are also wood veneers. A veneer is a thin piece of premium, high-quality wood over a lower quality piece of wood.
DURABILITY: Hardwood (deciduous trees) includes oak, mahogany, cherry, teak and birch. These are the most durable as they have strength and stability. Softwood (coniferous trees) includes pine and redwood. They are easier to carve and craft. Engineered wood includes plywood and particleboard/fiberboard. Plywood will have 3-5 thin pieces of wood glued together, and particleboard is created from milled lumber. They are less susceptible to splitting or warping. Veneers are used even in expensive, high-quality furniture so don’t be fooled by the term.
DRAWBACKS: Hardwood is not easily carved or crafted. Softwoods are more prone to scratches, marks and dents. Engineered wood does not last as long as hardwood. Fiberboards will soak up water and other liquids causing it to swell. A wood veneer is so thin that it is limited to the number of times an item can be refinished.
CARE: Dust thoroughly using a feather duster, lint-free/microfiber cloth or terry towel. Do not clean wood with water, or use all-purpose cleaning sprays. Instead, use a paste or wax that is made specifically for wood furniture. For slight scratches, use a felt-tip touch-up pen to fill in scratches.

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MELAMINE
Melamine is plastic resin created with formaldehyde and hardened through a heating process. It comes in a large variety of colors and patterns, and is applied to wood or particle board to make melamine furniture.
DURABILITY: Melamine is flame-resistant and is used in aprons, thermal liners and firefighters’ uniforms. It has a very smooth texture and will not scratch as easily as a veneer. It is also environmentally friendly as most melamine is used over particle board, a recyclable material.
DRAWBACK: Melamine is flat and cannot be curved at all.
CARE: Remove all dust thoroughly either using a duster or a damp washcloth. Use mild soap and water as your homemade cleaner solution- avoid using household cleaning products. Use a sponge to wipe down sprayed solution, then a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe away your cleanser. Clean once or twice a month.

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LACQUER
Wood furniture takes on a different look and protection with lacquer finishing. Lacquer is a type of sprayed-on finish giving furniture a smooth texture and high-gloss look. Lacquer is often mistaken as a trait of modern furniture, but it actually originated in East Asia hundreds of years ago.
DURABILITY: Lacquer finish does not turn yellow, unlike shellac or polyurethane. It also last longer without flaking or chipping.
DRAWBACKS: Like any varnish, lacquer finish is vulnerable to scratches. Select lacquered furniture that requires little to no day-to-day use of its tabletop.
CARE: Clean with liquid soap and warm water, and dry with non-abrasive cloth.

Let’s talk about the L word

February 6, 2015 | honeyaubrey

It’s love, actually…

L-O-V-E, love.

Love is a universal word that has multiple meanings. It is an emotional state, a feeling that is so much more than we can ever explain. To some, it is complicated and undefinable. Love can be felt toward a person, an object, or an action. For most of us, we have the biological wiring to love and the need to be loved.

The official definitions of love (from Merriam – Webster) include:
(1) a strong affection for another person
(2) a warm attachment, enthusiasm or behavior
(3) the object of attachment, devotion or admiration

Here at Red Knot our most prominent form of Love is definition #2. This kind of Love happens all day, everyday. We have a LOVE for great design. We have sincere enthusiasm when it comes to stylish home furnishing and décor. Our brand is a reflection of our passion. We are dedicated to finding and sharing creative and inspiring pieces at affordable prices that you, our customers, will admire and love.

The only way we do great work here at Red Knot is by loving what we do.

Red Knot loves great design. Great design = Enthusiastic customers = Customers love Red Knot

So you can see that yes, love is interconnected and does make the world go round! 🙂

Last thing – here’s a little secret about love and home design —

“Live with what you LOVE. Never settle for what you kinda like, over what you absolutely love.”

Painted Rattan

January 16, 2015January 15, 2015 | honeyaubrey

He-ello color!

Rattan and wicker furniture are making their way back to being fun and trendy again! We’re not talking about your Great-Aunt Anne’s patio furniture. We’re talking bold, striking, and stylish indoor wicker and rattan furniture. Yes…for the living room, dining room, even the bedroom.

You must think we are completely out of our minds, but let us share with you the features of painted rattan and why they work well indoors. After seeing photos of the home decor ideas we have below, you just might be swayed.

Rattan pieces can go well with any taste of design. The different textures add an organic, durable and timeless look. It can be incorporated into a shabby chic, tropical or coastal setting but can also switch from traditional to a whimsical environment. Furthermore, wicker designs made of synthetic materials can create unusual shapes and innovative styles. Like any accent piece, a pop of color will add an element of surprise. You can bring out your inner rebel by mixing and matching colors and styles. In our world, it’s perfectly OK to have yellow rattan dining chairs with your sleek Calem glass-top dining table.

Still not convinced? Here’s some inspiration to get you in the mood.

Ready to break (and make) some rules by taking the so-called “traditional” outdoor furniture and elevating it to a more contemporary level?

Come shop at Red Knot and view our colorful rattan choices.

Pantone Color of 2015 – Marsala

January 9, 2015January 8, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Happy New Year everyone!

Our very first blog post of the year at Red Knot is the introduction of Pantone’s Color of 2015 — Marsala.

The hue is named after the Italian fortified dessert wine Marsala. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute expressed that the warm brown and red undertone “gives the feeling of groundedness, strength, and confidence”.

This versatile color exudes sensuality, yet it is nurturing; will make a bold statement, yet it is still sophisticated. Marsala is also appealing to both men and women. In fashion, it’s open to experimentation from apparel, shoes, accessories, to beauty palettes. In home design, it can give any space the feeling of warmth and comfort, but depending on its surroundings, it still has the ability to transform an atmosphere into modern, transitional, vintage, and even playful!

We created an inspiration board to get you in the mood and take a sip of the biggest color trend of the year!

Here are some ideas to incorporate the color Marsala into your home.

*Eisemen also stated that Marsala is “nurturing and fulfilling”, therefore it is a “natural fit for the kitchen and dining room, making it ideal for tabletop, small appliances and linens throughout the home.” Time to update those placemats, tableware, candles…

*It can also be a great color choice of paint in the bathroom, creating an elegant contrast between Marsala walls and that white sink and toilet seat.

*In the bedroom, Marsala can create a comforting and relaxing atmosphere by combining it with deep reds and browns.

*Even a small space could feel warm and cozy when Marsala is coordinated with other warm hues, such as reds, yellows, oranges and true browns.

*For a pop of color, think Marsala and turquoise! A turquoise sofa and accent chair with Marsala pillows (or vice versa), complete it with an accent rug in Marsala, teal, or yellow.

PantoneMarsala2

What do you think? Love it? We do!

Let’s Play With Color

November 7, 2014November 5, 2014 | honeyaubrey

Looking for a way to change the feel of your home, but not sure exactly where to start?

Easy.

Play with color.

Color is a universal language and is psychologically proven to affect emotions and behavior. Colors in home furnishings and decor may affect your mood. It is a powerful design tool that can make your space feel bold, cozy, cheerful, calm, playful, and even dramatic. Colors can also brighten or darken a room as well as expand or shrink a space. The color red, for example, creates a bold, yet comfortable aura. Yellow and orange makes you and your surroundings feel happy and fun. The color purple encourages creativity and imagination.

Even if color doesn’t affect your emotions, one thing is for certain: a vibrant colored piece of furniture can definitely make a statement in any space. Yes, that lime-green swivel chair in the living room? All of your friends have sat on it, posted a selfie on IG while sitting on it, hashtagged their post #iminlove #iwishihadthis #thecoolestthingever. It will definitely make a statement in social media 😉

So don’t be afraid to experiment and use color. It’s time to explore the rainbow, open your box of crayons or your paint (or makeup) palette and embrace the numerous shades of color.

Red Knot’s selection of colorful home furnishings and accents can give your space that “pop” of color you have been looking for. Take a look at some of our most vibrant pieces below:

*PURPLE TARKIO SOFA/ LOVESEAT

*ORANGE ACKERMAN BAR STOOL

*ROBINSON ROUND END TABLE

*BLOOM SOFA

*KIPP SOFA/LOVESEAT

*YORK SWIVEL ACCENT CHAIR

*DARYL DINING CHAIR

*STRYKER SPINDLE END TABLE

*JERVIS SOFA-CHAISE SECTIONAL

In love with any of these colorful pieces? What are you waiting for?

Come visit our Beretania or Aiea location and let’s play!

Allow us to introduce ourselves.

September 1, 2014 | Taryn Kabei

It’s finally Grand Opening Day at Red Knot and we can’t begin to tell you what an amazing journey it has been. Believe us, when we say there was a time when we were forced to scour mainland catalogs and endured outrageous shipping rates. It was a time when we had be happy with furniture of questionable quality. We can proudly say that time is no more. Allow us to introduce ourselves as the freshest furniture store in Hawaii. We are Red Knot.

We love visitors and our Red Knot team of professionals will work with you to create a fun, stylish, and unique room for your home. Visit any of our stores or our website www.redknothawaii.com and we’ll help you find your perfect match.