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.

The New “Kids” On the Block

July 24, 2015August 4, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Oh, you know…. Since last week’s post about staircases, the 90’s nostalgia is still lingering.

Back to the present, Red Knot has gotten some fun new things on the floor and we’d like to share them with you, as well as ideas on how to incorporate them into your home.

Introducing…

The Cowhide Rug

If you have already rejected the notion of incorporating animal skin as part of your home décor, you may have to reconsider. Cowhide rugs are not as cruel as they look. They are stunning accent pieces and can be paired with either an eclectic or traditional design, depending on how they are integrated into the space. They are stain-resistant and soft to the touch. Cowhide rugs can be used as a focal point by selecting a contrasting color of your current color pallet. Brown cowhide makes a space feel inviting and white gives an elegant and luxurious feel. Cowhide rugs add texture and layers to an otherwise monotonous space. Pull colors from the rug with the rest of the room for a cohesive look. If you want it as a stand-alone piece, place it in a corner, with a chair, end table and lamp for a cozy reading area. Interesting fact – cowhide rugs are baby and kid-friendly as they are naturally soft to the skin.

***

Zuo Modern Dining Chair Collection

A fresh new look on mid-century modern, Red Knot welcomes an expansion of our dining furniture from ZuoModern.

Trafico Dining Chair
A striking balance of black leatherette upholstery and chrome give the Trafico side chair a sleek appearance. Almost like a high-end car interior, the chair has a fashion-forward look that epitomizes modern sophistication. Available in black and white.

Nitro Barstool
With its padded rolls and adjustable height, this bar stool looks as funky as it is functional. It has a chrome base with footrest and leatherette wrapped seat. Chair height can be adjusted anywhere from 30.5″ to 40.5″. Available in Gray and Brown.

Criss Cross Dining Chair & Counter Barstool
The Criss Cross side chair brings a modern and edgy vibe to any dining space. Chrome legs exemplify sleek minimalist style, while the woven seat back offers a cool detail from which the chair gets its name. With two height choices, the Criss Cross works in any décor setting, modern or transitional. Dining chairs are available in white and black, and counter stools are available in brown and black.

***

Migration Glass Coffee Table

Give your living space that extra oomph! This fascinating coffee table is not one to miss. Made entirely of tempered glass shaped into a triangle, this coffee table is a thing of beauty! The all-glass look gives you a blank canvas to work with, so decorate your tabletop depending on the trends, holiday season or your mood. The more splashes of color around it, the better. The Migration Coffee Table is sleek, sophisticated and modern. What else could you possibly ask for?

***

The Teak Stool

As a subtle response to our high request for teak here at Red Knot, we brought in the super teak stool. It’s more than just a stool. It’s a chair, it’s a table, it’s an ottoman! The intricate design of the stool can be an accent piece by itself. It looks like a big piece of log made of smaller logs. It can be whatever you want it to be. Well, almost. You can use it as an end table, an extra sitting space or foot rest, or an interesting art piece that makes for great conversation starters. Just think, your puzzled guests looking at it, saying, “Really, what is this?” It also makes for an interesting glass coffee table- just add glass.

***

The Colorful Glass Lamps

Photos by Red Knot Team Members Stephanie Vierra & Anson Barros

These cylinder glass lamps speak for themselves. If you need a pop of color in the form of something simple and universal, here they are. They radiate an energetic vibe without overwhelming the room. Use as singles or multiples to pull color from accent pieces (as pictured). Available in yellow, lavender, teal and frosted glass.

In a couple of weeks our wonderful buying teams are off to market again. I wonder what awesome things they will be bringing back to Red Knot!

Stepping up

July 17, 2015July 16, 2015 | honeyaubrey

BeautifulStaircases — *Images Courtesy of Google images and Houzz*

Staircases make me think of how grand a home can be. As a millennial growing up in the nineties it also makes me think of nostalgic moments in film where the beautiful heroine makes an unforgettable entrance down a staircase. Rose Dawson in Titanic, Cher Horowitz in Clueless and Laney Boggs in She’s All That. Staircases can visually enhance a home’s décor, while providing functionality. Let’s not forget it’s also a confidence booster for anyone who needs to make a grand entrance.

The sky is the limit when it comes to staircase style and design. Let’s look at the different types of staircases and their qualities.

STRAIGHT

Straight stairs are the most standard and common types of stairs in both residential and commercial properties. The stairs go from one floor to another effortlessly and are easy to assemble. General rule is 16 steps maximum for a full flight, or no higher than 12 feet. There are various sub-models- full straight stairs, half landing stairs and quarter landing stairs. Advantages: Easiest staircase to move furniture or heavy things up and down. Simplicity of design allows easy measurement and building of rails/handrails. Disadvantages: Because of the linear design, they take up more space than other staircase models. Falls down straight staircases can also be very dangerous.

L-SHAPED

A variation of the straight stair is the L-Shaped stair. This model has a transition point where there is a landing and a 90 degree bend. It adds visual interest and can be placed in a corner of a room. Advantages: The landing gives a rest-stop for those who may get tired walking up the steps. In case of falling, the landing reduces the number of treads one can fall in a straight flight down. Disadvantages: They are more difficult to construct. Moving large items are a bit trickier because of the turn.

WINDER

Winder stairs are a variation of the L-Shaped stair. Pie-shaped steps takes place of the landing, having one narrow end and the wider end on the other. Advantages: They require little space and the compact is a popi;ar choice in modern and sustainable home design. Disadvatages: Winder stairs are generally more complicated to build and harder to navigate. In addition because there are no uniformed steps it is less safe than other stair designs.

ARCHED / CURVED

curvedstaircase_muxhome — *Image Courtesy of muxhome.com*

Arched or curved stairs add a touch of elegance. Often times this design is found in the entrance for making a grand impression. Advantages- The grandeur of the staircase design add luxury to any home, so it’s a great investment as it increases resale value of your home. The radius is larger compared to spiral stairs, so they are easier to walk up. Disadvantages- Curved stairs are the most difficult and most costly to build because of the intricacies in the steps and the railings.

SPIRAL

Spiral stairs are the most complex of all stairs. The steps circulate around a central support pole. They are made very compact, extensively used in lofts and other small spaces. Advantages- Spiral stairs can be made to fit any space. They are visually interesting and there are many styles of railings available. Disadvantages- Since the design of the stair is a space-saver, the steps are steeper than regular stairs. They are more difficult to walk up and down especially for older individuals. Lastly only one person can use the spiral staircase at a time.

What type of staircase fits your personality?

Dress Your Walls

July 10, 2015June 30, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Ever stared blankly into space? Yes, when I’m running low on caffeine.
Sorry, let me rephrase that. Ever stared at a blank space? Specifically at home, at a blank wall that is screaming for help, and the creative guru in you wonders about the different ways you can give your walls a makeover. Then literally, you are staring blankly into space with endless ideas in your head about how to turn your bare walls into instant eye candy.

Don’t settle for plain Jane and give your space a wow factor with these easy and fun ways to add texture and style to any blank walls.

PAINT

Painting doesn’t have to be just one solid color. You can do different designs such as stripes and chevron, with the help of painters tape. For bedroom walls use moody and sensual colors. For the living room, light, bright and sunny colors. Stripes create optical illusions an increase room size. And ombre is no longer just an exotic hair trend, it also works for an interesting wall color! You color schemes are endless!

WALLPAPER

Aspiring to create different looks without the labor (and unpleasant scent) of paint? Whether you’re feeling cool, glamorous or shabby chic, there are so many unique ways to incorporate wallpaper in your room. Geometric designs add a modern twist to a room, floral prints give a feminine touch, or pops of color for a casual and fun vibe. Wrap the room one pattern or create a focal point by trimming out a section of wallpaper with molding as an accent.

ART / PHOTOS

Another way to prevent a blank wall from looking empty is by filling it with a collection of artwork or photos. An oversized painting or artwork makes a statement piece in any space. Abstract paintings give life and color, while landscapes create a soothing aura against a soft blue wall. Personal photos help the space feel more intimate. For those who love order and organization, set various pictures in identical frames. For those who believe chaos is beauty, show off a collage of photos on the wall Pinterest or Instagram style– random yet stunning.

DECALS

Simple and cost-effective, wall stickers and decals are becoming more and more popular. You can find decals in almost any design, color, shape or size. They are lightweight and can be applied on any smooth surface (wall, ceiling, mirrors). Decals can be as easily removed when you are in the mood to redecorate.

MIRRORS

Mirrors make a stylish accent piece while making spaces look larger. Hanging a large mirror on a blank wall can reflect light, opening up the room while acting as a wall art. There are a lot of unique styles and DIY opportunities for mirrors. Consider arrangements of smaller mirrors, such as side by side, or by pairs.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Don’t limit yourself to just one of the above. It’s great to mix and match –turn your blank wall space into a gallery of your favorite prints, photos, and objects! Boring? Absolutely not. Eclectic? Of course, it helps give your own personality.

Now let’s stop staring… if your walls could talk, what would they say?

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! 🙂

(I am your) Father…’s Day

June 20, 2015 | honeyaubrey

It’s just a couple of days away.

Every year, it seems to get trickier. Sure, for the most part dad’s simpler than mom, and he probably won’t make a fuss if you get him another “World’s Best Dad” t-shirt, pen, or mug, in which this case, simple = bo-oring. Another watch maybe? How about a tie? Bleh. Same o’, same o’. Definitely not an ounce of cool factor there.

Put a little bit more effort into getting dad something unique, stylish and practical. This guys deserves a little more thought as he was probably the one who taught you how to drive, play your first ball, scared the pants off of your first boyfriend and one day (or he may already have) walk you down the aisle.

These awesome finds at Red Knot will really wow him.

Home of the Future

June 12, 2015June 12, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Last week we unplugged and disconnected from technology, finding bliss in the simplicity of life unwired. Today we are celebrating technological advancements as we go back to the future and share with you Five New Home Technologies we are kind of excited about.

Kevo UniKey

Image courtesy of www.unikey.com

For those of us who are tired of fumbling through our keys to get into our homes, Kevo eKey is the perfect solution. An ultimate convenience, a light touch of your lock is all that’s needed. Your smartphone takes the place of the old-fashioned physical key, running the app in the background so you don’t have to turn on the app to access entry. You can send an eKey to anyone, anywhere, anytime. You can also disable and delete access, even controlling the days and time the eKey will be active. If you don’t have a smartphone, a Kevo Fob is available. If you run into any technical glitch, a physical key is available as back-up.

HomeChat

Images courtesy of www.lg.com

It now possible to chat with your home appliances. Wha-at? Not kidding. And not only can you chat with your refrigerator, washing machines, etc.. they can text each other as well! All of this is possible in the new intuitive interface from LG, HomeChat. Seong-jin Jo, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance Company says, “Not only does LG HomeChat help simplify and enhance our products, they also deliver a unique user experience, adding even more value to our customers’ lives.” The smartphone app can allow user to check what is in their refrigerator without even opening the door. Very useful when you’re in the grocery store and didn’t make that shopping list! You can also text your washer to wash your clothes and ensure that laundry is done by the time you get home. If you’re going on vacation, no worries. You can instruct your appliances to go on safe mode until you return.

ELAN g1 Universal Remote

Image courtesy of www.elanhomesystems.com

When it comes to controlling technology at home, wouldn’t it be grand if there was one magic gadget that could allow you to access not just one, or few, but ALL of them? Apparently so. Through ELAN Home System users can gain complete control not just to their televisions and home theaters, but to their entire homes. The versatile ELAN g1 Series features a single hand-held remote control that can manage up to “16 zones of security, two electronic door locks, an audio/video receiver with up to 32 connected TVs, up to 24 lighting keypads, three thermostats, three IP surveillance cameras and up to 16 groups of irrigation”. This can expand depending on your home capabilities or budget. It makes me feel incredibly powerful just thinking about it.

LED Light Bulb Speaker

Images courtesy of www.sony.jp

At home, some occasions call for light… and music (at the same time). You can have the best of both worlds in a brilliant concept – the Sony LED Light Bulb Speaker, which, through Bluetooth, provides up to 360-lumens of app-controlled lighting and integrated speaker system. The bulbs’ brightness and songs can be controlled and played through a smartphone app or a wireless remote controller. The LED Light Bulb Speaker can be placed anywhere lighting is available, providing simple audio installation without the hassle and cost of a complete home renovation. It’s the perfect gadget for creating instant ambiance such as a romantic date night at home.

Tulip Shower + Bath

Images courtesy of www.designrulz.com and www.dornob.com

A luxurious space saving shower & tub in the shape of a beautiful flower? Sign me up! The Tulip, designed by Piotr Pyrtek, takes inspiration from the flower in the minimalist form of bathtub/shower. The flip-down feature makes room for lying down in the bath. It retracts to an upright position, the enclosure prevents splashing and contains steam for showering. A revolutionary home technology designed for tiny spaces, the Tulip is small but ultra-modern. The bathtub features underwater jets and massagers. Patent pending, and not yet available for purchase, but hopefully soon.