To Sectional or Not to Sectional

December 11, 2015December 10, 2015 | honeyaubrey

– that is the question.

For most furniture shoppers, this is one of the most common questions one ponders before finalizing their living room seating of choice. Different factors come into play when making this decision such as looks, size, room layout, comfort, lifestyle and personal preference.

Let’s take a crash course on sectionals – defining common terminologies and identifying their pros and cons. When we’re done you’ll be well on your way into making the right decision to sectional or not to sectional.

SECTIONAL 101

RandallSectional

sectional
[sek-shuh-nl]
n. a sofa composed of several independent sections that can be arranged individually or in various combinations.
(www.dictionary.com)

Sectionals come in a variety of shapes- L-shape, U-shape, or semi-circular.

SectiionalsModular

In regards to design, there are two types – stationary and modular. Stationary sectionals are the most common. They are a set shape, and are locked in place by hooks or latches. The pieces cannot be separated besides for moving purposes. Modular sectionals have pieces with finished edges, offering endless configurations and each section can be setup as a standalone piece. They are basically big comfy lego blocks.

BASIC LINGO
Chaise – An extra long seat offering full leg room (great for lounging)
Corner Chair – A sectional piece that looks like a wedge intended in to be placed in a corner
Armless Chair – A single seat sectional piece with no arms
Ottoman – A footstool without arms or back. Primarily used as a footstool but in modular sectionals can be used as a seat or table.
RAF – (Right Arm Facing) When facing the piece or section, your arm is on the right. i,e. RAF chaise means the chaise is on the right when you are looking at it.
LAF – (Left Arm Facing), opposite of RAF 😉

AugustusSectional
Photo by Rogi Ramil, Red Knot Aiea

PROS
*Multiple seating looks cozy and inviting.
*Creates a nice setup to watch television without craning your neck (having a sofa and loveseat will do that to ya!)
*Offers lots of room not only for the whole family but also for guests and entertaining.
*The chaise is a great place for lounging, cuddling, sleeping and videogam-ing. 🙂

CONS
*Some sectionals (stationary) only have one configuration, which limits future rearranging plans.
*They can take up a lot of room visually and physically.
*The stationary sectionals also limit furniture add-ons.
*The wedge and corner seats can be awkward.

SOME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
*Does my space allow for the size and flexibility of a sectional?
*Where is it going and what will it be used for? (Family room? Parties?)
*How many people do you need to accommodate?
*Am I planning on moving homes in the near future?

So now the last question is … sectionals – yay! or nay?

Furniture Shopping 101

November 13, 2015 | stephanievierra

Since Red Knot first started, we have always believed that this store had a little something for everyone; we’re more than just a store for “young” people. We are a store full of fun, modern, and transitional pieces perfect for people of any age. We can’t ignore a huge part of our demographic though. Red Knot is the perfect place for those who are buying their first pieces of furniture because of our affordable style.

Shopping for furniture for the first time can be very daunting. It’s one of the first steps to becoming an independent adult and can sometimes be a challenge when you don’t know what to expect. Thankfully, here at Red Knot, we have a great team of professionals to help make your first time just a little bit easier. I asked my team members to help me out on what they think are important tips for shoppers to remember when buying their first pieces of furniture.

Jake Javier

Get as many measurements as possible. Knowing just how much space you have is vital to your shopping experience. Not only get measurements of your room but also the pieces of furniture you might already own so you know right away what will work and what won’t. You don’t want to fall in love with something, plan your whole room around it, and then find out the piece isn’t going to fit.
Pick a theme, color, and a style that you want with in your space. Showrooms can be overwhelming with the many options they offer, so narrowing down what you’re looking for can help make shopping go a little quicker.

Tobias Vidaurri

Do your research. Be knowledgeable about the basics of furniture (i.e. types of wood, fabrics, quality) so that you know what to look out for when you’re shopping.
Ask a team member for help. Now that you know the basics, you can ask your team member to help teach you about the pieces they have in their showroom. Not at all furniture is created equal and your team member should be able to help you find what works best for you.

Alex Takeda

Consider setting up an appointment. Here at Red Knot, you can either call or go online and schedule an appointment with a team member of your choice. This is a great way to communicate early on and save time by going over your needs and wants before you even come in to the store.
Figure out your budget and consider any financing opportunities. Furniture is a big investment so it’s important to know what your budget is and whether or not you can be flexible with it. There are often financing opportunities you can take advantage of if necessary.

Anson Barros

Watching out for your needs vs wants. We get it – shopping is so much fun and everyone can get a little ahead of themselves. It’s important to understand the difference between what you want and what you need. For each item you’re considering, look at the pros and cons it offers so you can find a way to fulfill both.
Take a look in person, especially when testing out sofas, chairs, etc. It’s one thing to look at an item online and it’s another to actually test it out in person. Testing out different sofas can help you determine what your personal comfort level is and how to find the right piece for you.

Stephanie Vierra

Never impulse buy furniture. I always tell my customers that it’s so important to make sure you really want a certain piece before making the commitment to buy it. Again, buying furniture is a huge investment so make sure what you’re getting is something you can live with for all the years to come.
Give yourself time to shop, especially if you’re looking at a specific deadline of when you’ll need furniture. Sometimes pieces are out of stock and you’ll need to wait for it to come in. Sometimes you’ll end up wanting to special order something. It’s also great to be able to look at more than one store to make sure you know all of your options. Give yourself time to have options or you’ll end up having to settle for something you don’t absolutely love.

Rogierick Ramil

Mix and match what you already have to compliment what you’re going to get. Some of us are fortunate enough to be passed down pieces from family members and friends. Who can pass up free furniture? Pick out pieces that compliment what you already have in your home to save money on having to buy new pieces.
Check the stock availability with your team member. Popular pieces tend to sell out quickly and the reality of living in Hawaii means that shipments can take awhile to get here. If you need something by a specific date, be sure to discuss that with your team member so they’re able to assist you better.

Micah Eugenio

Shop big pieces first like your sofa, bed frame, kitchen table, etc. and then finish with smaller items like occasional tables, wall art, and accessories. Once you have the bigger items selected, you’ll be able to find out how much space you have left to accessorize.
In furniture shopping, you need to be optimistic and have a plan B. Whatever the case might be for not having your first choice, keep an open mind on other options that work for you.

Honey Millon

Design your space to tell a story; let your space show a history about you, what you value, and what inspires you. Regardless of what it is, anything that you purchase should always have meaning to you. Find pieces that show who you are and can help turn your house or apartment in to a home.
Invest in an interesting piece of art. They make great conversation starters, brain teasers, and aha! moments. Think the Mona Lisa smile and the effect it has on the viewer to this very day. Even just one piece of art can be the finishing touch you need to make your place truly feel like home.

Cleaning Windows and Glass

August 28, 2015September 8, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Achieving a streak-free look when cleaning windows, mirrors and glass furniture around your home can be a bit challenging. Sometimes it is frustrating to see cloudy streaks especially after you just cleaned them! However, with the right cleaning solution, tools (and attitude), you can get your glass effortlessly sparkling clean.

THE (CLEANING) SOLUTIONS

Choose ONE of the following:
-Mix one part vinegar and four parts water
-Mix 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon vinegar.
-Mix 1-2 teaspoons of dish detergent in a large bucket of warm water. Add ½ cup of vinegar for excessive grime.
-If you have glass cleaner, dilute it using distilled water. Tap water has minerals that may leave streaky deposits on glass and mirrors.

THE TOOLS

-Squeegee – the best cleaning tool for glass windows as the smooth rubber blade allows for streak-free cleaning
-Microfiber cloth – soft and lint-free, won’t leave residue like papertowels
-Newspaper or an old t-shirt – they don’t leave lint and make great buffers and polishers after wiping the glass. Old t-shirts are absorbent and don’t worry, the ink on the newspaper will not transfer onto the glass.
-Cotton swabs- for those hard to reach areas, such as corners and edges.

THE TRICKS

-Pre-clean mirrors that have an accumulation of dust and dirt. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
-Clean from top to bottom. Always begin at the top and work your way down to avoid drips.
-Wipe glass surfaces in a circular motion, then vertical strokes and lastly, horizontal swipes.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

-For glass or windows with hard water stains, use pure white vinegar (do not dilute)
-The best day to wash windows? On a cloudy day, because the sun’s heat can dry windows too quickly causing unwanted residue and streaks.
-The best way to spot streaks? Dry the inside of the window the opposite way you dried the outside. For example, dry vertically inside and horizontally outside.
-Windows should be cleaned thoroughly, at the very least, twice a year.

References:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/5-tips-for-cleaning-glass-without-streaks.htm

http://www.topcleaningsecrets.com/house/how-to-clean-glass-and-mirrors.html

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/1298133

http://housekeeping.about.com/od/bathrooms/tp/10-Glass-Cleaning-Tips.htm

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-mirrors/

A Few of Our Favorite Things

August 13, 2015August 13, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Red Knot has the most amazing things, from little gadgets to home decor accents- some that you might not find anywhere else. This week’s post, we take a cue from Oprah as we share a few of our favorite things.

Click on each photo for description and pricing.

Thinking of a way to add excitement to the bedroom in a subtle way but not sure how? Sleep artfully in our witty pillowcase sets including our Tonight/Not Tonight pair. Great addition to any bed set, these 100% organic cotton standard pillowcases just might help you get you lucky tonight! $32

Made in the USA, these canvas flasks and wine canteens are BPA free and leak proof. They can easily be rolled or folded when not in use. Print designs are fashion forward and styles come with an optional shotglass! They are perfect hydration “bottles” for hiking, camping, backpacking, biking or any activity that basically ends with an ‘ing that will require frequent water breaks. OK, we take that back, you can definitely use it while relaxing. Hawaii locals, there is a limited edition print of our State flag! $20 – $28

These trays are yelling “Let’s part-aayy” colors. High gloss and vibrant, they square away drinks and snacks all the while being the talk of the party. Choose from solid colors or pattern play. $29

These crystallized glass knots are so much fun to look at. Every piece is unique, and makes great décor in any table top or bookcase. They’re interesting and add little bit of color as they come in a variety of hues. Finally, we can find red knots at Red Knot! $24 – $34

Petite yet stylish, these wall-mountable ceramic planters add visual appeal on blank walls. Create a living work of art by filling them with dried or silk flowers, even a small potted plant. Wall vases are available in 3 colors. $32

Simple but colorful, these small bowls are wonderful to add to any dinnerware set. They are the perfect size for desserts (let’s all scream for ice cream), can be used as a rice bowl or for a variety of side dishes, and of course a good size for a healthy serving of soup. Buy in multiples or mix and match designs! $8 each.

These beautiful decorative faux potted plants will make you think of traveling the European countryside. Provence, France, anyone? Available in green and purple rabbit ears, sage and lavender potted plants. $36

Modern, minimalistic, functional. This awesome wall clock is a must-have for those who love simplicity and function. The adhesive feature allows you to place your numbers anywhere. Designed for contemporary spaces- hands are chrome plated, and the numbers are aluminum. We receive so many great compliments about our wall clock on display at our Honolulu store, we’ll ensure you the same will happen in your home. $89

Add Mid Century Modern style to your cocktail hour or tea time with this chic serving cart. Rolling cart is decked out in a sophisticated dark brown wood finish and architecturally-sloped chrome support beams. Cart features top tray, bottom wood shelf, divided compartments for wine bottle storage, and a rack for hanging glasses and stemware. $149

We hope that they too, become your favorites!

Work It!

August 7, 2015August 6, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Millennials are a generation of hard-working and creative individuals. As part of a new breed of the workforce, working from home is not a big deal to us. I don’t mind, I really enjoy it. Not only has it become universally acceptable but it is also a huge trend in home design. Therefore, it is important to create a functional, pleasant and inspiring home office where your ideas and dreams turn into reality.

As nice as it sounds, you do not need a spare room to set up a work station in your home. Especially for small spaces, you can utilize areas such as an empty corner or hallway, a closet, stairway landing, and unused space between rooms, or other areas you may not have noticed!

Images courtesy of Google Images & Pinterest

One thing to remember is that whether or not you will be working from a spacious home office space or just a corner nook, the heart of your work remains the same. Personalize your work space to be as creative as you are and indulge in sleek designs that is stylish, yet professional.

We’ll show you how!

THE BASICS

First things first. The key pieces of a home office (or any office) is a desk, chair and shelving. They transform any space into an efficient work area.

DESK
The desk is your focal point, so select a desk that is beautiful but also functional. The style should complement the surrounding areas of your home, it should not feel dull and overbearing. If your house is traditional, choose wood or veneer tops and for modern spaces, use high-gloss surfaces and metal furniture.

CHAIR
Pay attention to ergonomics. When working from home, most of your time is spent sitting. So it is even more important to choose a chair that not only looks good, but feels good. Sitting on an uncomfortable desk chair can not only affect your back, but also your mood and overall productivity.

STORAGE/ORGANIZATION
Speaking of mood and productivity, I believe a cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. Organization is key. Creative people work better in spaces that are clean and not overcrowded, as disorganization can create mind-blocks to new ideas. Too much stuff can get congesting, and I’m not one to enjoy brainfarts when I am working. Use artsy bookcases and filing cabinets to store files and documents. If you’re short on space, build up a great wall vertically using floating shelves as they are easy to install. Choose baskets, boxes and organizers in fun colors and prints to add a pop of quirkiness in a dull space.

THE ADD-ONS…

LIGHTING
Ideally, you should situate your home office as close to natural light as possible. But even with natural light, you will still need additional lighting for the night hours or wee hours of the morning. Say, if you’re still up at 1:30am trying to finish a blog post by deadline, *ahem*. Try adding on table lamps as they have endless design possibilities. Task lamps make great choices for a smaller work space as they don’t take up to much visual room.

ACCENT PIECES
Let decorative details steal the show. Add something to your home office that would inspire you to keep going. A family photo, a wall art with a quote or your goals, or a picture of a place you would like to visit. Live green plants on your desk can create a break from being indoors, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to water them. In addition to being an elegant touch, a luxurious throw and pretty pillow encourages you to work harder so you can take breaks! In your home office, you can take a nap and no one will ever know! Having stylish accent pieces that are personal to you creates a balance between being at home but allows you to have a professional atmosphere to apply serious work ethics.

Whatever type of work that motivates you to design a home office space, remember that it is your home and your working environment. Let it reflect you and all you need is a little inspiration to get you going!

Here are ours, at Red Knot:::

**Chanella Office Desk, $399
**Dalino Office Desk, $349
**Johnny Wall Unit, $449
**Plump Office Chairs,$99
**Pinnadel Swivel Stool, $99
**Lucca Wall Unit, $699
**Lightbulb Blow Table Lamp
**Colorful Hourglass, $39
**Bookends, $79

Setting The Bar

July 31, 2015July 30, 2015 | honeyaubrey

The busy modern lifestyle has got us multitasking, with very little time to spare. It’s no wonder that in the past few years, there has been an increasing trend in home bars. The perfect home bar is no longer just the place to serve cocktails, it’s where you can also relax. It is great for entertaining and is the ideal hangout spot with friends when late night club and bar hopping is no longer an option. They allow you and your guests to enjoy a bit of bubbly fun in the comfort of your own home.

Let’s look at features and current trends in designing a home bar.

+Stools
Like any other seating areas, your stools must be comfortable. This is where the party chatter happens. Stools must be stylish, yet relaxing. Standard barstools are 30” high, and counters tools are 24”. They come in different finishes and styles, ranging from all wood to upholstered in leather or fabric, to low back to backless seats. If you’re unsure of the actual height of your bar table, consider adjustable swivel barstools as they have gas lifts that allows height adjustment, such as these Nitro Bar Stools from ZuoModern.

+Storage
Another important feature of a home bar- storage space as much as possible. This is to store your wine, alcoholic mixers, glasses, etc… Old armoires and bookcases make for awesome bars. Just a little paint here and there, and walaa! you got yourself a shabby chic home bar with a lot of drawers and shelving.

+Glassware
Home bar design is not complete without a variety of glassware, a blender, and other bar tools. Glam up your bar with beautiful glass decanters. Be creative when selecting trays and coasters!

+Accents
Add conversation pieces on or around the bar to add personality. Interesting wall art or tabletop accessory will bring up the mood and encourage guests to have something to talk about.

If you don’t have the room for a sideboard or server, a mini bar or a bar-cart will do.

Create a home bar that fits your space best and then fill it with the best mixed drinks of your choice.

Speaking of, we’re sharing a favorite cocktail perfect for the summer- Tequila Sunrise, recipe courtesy of Drink Mixer.

2 msr tequila
orange juice
2 dashes grenadine syrup

Pour tequila in a highball glass with ice, and top with orange juice. Stir. Add grenadine by tilting glass and pouring grenadine down side by flipping the bottle vertically very quickly. The grenadine should go straight to the bottom and then rise up slowly through the drink. Garnish stirrer, straw and cherry-orange and enjoy!

*photos courtesy of Houzz.com & Google Images.

Celebrate Independence from Ugly Furniture!

July 3, 2015July 2, 2015 | honeyaubrey

More than just a perfect day for the beach, barbecue and fireworks, the Fourth of July is an important part of American History. Every year we celebrate our nation’s declaration of independence and ongoing political freedom during this wonderful holiday.

In any type of relationships whether it is on a political, professional or personal level, if something is not going right you try your best to work through it. If it doesn’t work, it’s time to let go. Break it up, don’t be dependent on something or someone that doesn’t work with you.

In the home furnishing industry, we celebrate 4th of July by encouraging your freedom of independence from ugly furniture. Because if you don’t love it, you deserve something else. Something better. Something you love.

It’s time to say goodbye… especially to something like this…

Starting today and throughout the weekend, we will also be making history here at RK as we offer the biggest sale we ever had. EVER. The Fireworks Sale offers a savings of 10% – 15% off your entire purchase. See below for details.

If you can relate to how this young lady in our commercial below is feeling, then it’s definitely time.

So out with the old and in with the new, Mr. & Ms. Independent! We’ll see you at Red Knot! 🙂

Unplugged…

June 5, 2015June 5, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Have you ever experienced a day without technology? No phone, no internet, no social media, not even an ipod…The thought of it is just horrifying, isn’t it? Our lives are so consumed with technology, we live and breathe it, as it is literally all around us.

Is it possible? Most people won’t think so. I think nearly impossible. Technology has become an essential part of my daily routine, both integrated in my personal and professional life. Never have I thought I would go without it. Well, that is, until recently when I spent one full day disconnected from technology.

The experience of doing away without my iPhone, iPad, laptop and all platforms of social media was an in interesting reflection of my self and my surroundings.

When you strip people of technology, you see what’s left.

On a normal day, every morning the first thing that I do is turn on Pandora, my Goldfrapp station on default to wake me up while I make coffee and breakfast. Sometimes the beat to their song is strong enough to make me reminisce and feel like I’m walking down a fashion runway. A very “I’m fabulous, yes I woke up like this,” attitude. This particular morning, I could not listen to Pandora so it was dead silent and I can actually hear birds chirping. I felt a bit more tired although I appreciated the silence, so I decided to do yoga for about 45 minutes hoping it would wake me up. Not only did I feel refreshed, I felt more focused and energized. Note to self- I really should go back to doing yoga again. It was a wonderful start of a loooong day without technology.

Throughout the day there were a few temptations to look at my phone or turn on my iPad and laptop. I haven’t checked my email, and it made me nervous about what I was missing out on at work. It was my day off, but I do love my job and I like to check in here and there. Also, it made me wonder if I received any emails for a flash sale on a new pair of red pumps for HauteLook or Ideeli. I was also curious at how many hits my fashion blog had the day before, whether or not there are any offers for my Kate Spade wallet on Ebay and PM, what my sisters and brother are up to on IG, etc….But I needed to take my mind off of my phone and Apps that I frequent. What better way than by reading an actual magazine! I picked up a copy of my recent Vogue, Elle Décor and House Beautiful magazines and read…. for a couple of hours. And then…..

I had become a bit stir-crazy and began experiencing technology withdrawals. So I took a drive out to Ala Moana, where I haven’t been in forever. All I can say is, oh, lucky we live in Hawaii! Where else in the world could you live and work in paradise? It was a beautiful day, so beautiful it felt surreal. I been so out of touch with nature and where I am that I forgot I live in one of the biggest tourist destinations on Earth. People pay to come here. I live here!

The remainder of the day was spent reconnecting with my creativity as I made jewelry for a friend’s bridal party and a tulle skirt for a toddler’s first birthday. My inner domestic goddess was summoned as I did laundry and cleaned. Per Bronson’s request, I made his now favorite short ribs taco for dinner. Because of this, he totally agreed I should be off technology much more often!

Overall the day seemed longer and I did so many more things than if I had stayed home and tweaked online or on my phone. I was more focused and attentive to things that I could do, not see onscreen.

Lesson learned – For the first time ever, I disconnected from technology. Also, for the first time in a very long time, I was able to reconnect with my self and live in the now. Sometimes life can get so overwhelming that we forget to live in the moment.

Yes, technology is part of our generation, but its intricacy can be superficial stuff. Without technology to rely on, it made me more dependent on myself and my capabilities.

My suggestion? Once in a while, unplug yourself from the complexity of technology and take a moment to look at life through your own lens of simplicity.

Lifestyle