Design Inspiration

April 10, 2015April 10, 2015 | honeyaubrey

As you already know here at Red Knot we have an undeniable love for design. Through our blog we are able to share with you tips and inspiration to bring out your inner creative and design-savvy dweller. Truth be told, we also have our list of favorite blogs we frequent- they, too, inspire us with extraordinary ideas and amazing designs that stir our minds, we couldn’t wait to share them with you!

Apartment Therapy

An essential blog for resources in home improvement and design tips. The site feature topics in homekeeping, DIYs, renovation, tech, and entertaining. The site is updated frequently with posts from different parts of the world. Apartment Therapy is mostly pictorial, with lots of jaw-dropping photos of interiors all the while providing practical home décor ideas. Founder Maxwell Ryan was known as the “apartment therapist”, described as “one part interior designer, one part life coach,” who would visit his clients’ homes to help them make their spaces beautiful, organized and healthy. In their mission statement they believe that “a calm, beautiful home is linked to happiness.”

Centsational Girl

“Fabulous, for less” is Kate Riley’s motto in her blog, Centsational Girl. Centsational Girl is an incredible resource for design, home improvement and DIY projects and how to bring affordable style to your home. The best guide for designer style on a budget, you will find tips, tricks and tutorials on designing your home in the most creative and inexpensive ways through furniture makeovers and craft projects. Kate shows you how “fix up your place and with finesse, one do-it-yourself project at a time”. Browse the Project Gallery for article archives, the Style Files for inspiring home improvement and interior decorating ideas, and Kate’s other site, Best of DIY for over 1,000 DIY projects.

Design Milk

“Always fresh + never sour, Design Milk fills your thirsty cup to the brim with design finds from around the world.” An incredible go-to resource for information about art, architecture, interior design, home décor, fashion, and technology. They have a number of regular columns and features that make interesting reads such as Design Store(y) (inside look at a retail design shop), Skim Milk (minimalist design) and Where I Work (offices and tools to help unleash creativity of top designers) to name a few. In their Interiors page, there are a pages of eye-candy photos of striking and much coveted spaces.

Savvy Home

The Savvy Girl believes in the notion that the decorating is an ongoing adventure. Influenced by a love for the coastal lifestyle, Savvy home was founded in 2010 by Gabrielle Savoie out of a beach apartment on the coast of South Australia. It is a great source for décor inspiration, expert tips, shopping and décor services. The site features blog posts on interior design, entertaining, travel and house tours. You can also purchase featured furniture and accent pieces in their Shop page.

Remodelista

Remodelista is one of the best home and design websites to visit. They have design perspectives from all over the globe, from here in the U.S to Australia to Europe and Asia! Talk about online globe-trotting, visit their Travel category for exquisite interiors throughout the world! Their Home Inspiration category feature blog posts with amazing inspiration for the home, where you can find art and decorating ideas, color palettes, and home accessories in a range of styles- modern, rustic to minimalist. In the Experts category you can browse a selective listing of design firms and design professionals. You can get remodeling advice from DIYers, remodelers, and architectural enthusiasts.

Designing Small Spaces

April 3, 2015April 3, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Decorating a small space can be tricky. It’s important to understand the key factors and the common misconceptions when it comes to decorating small spaces. Get inspired and learn how to make the most of your small-space situation with these top tips and design ideas.

Tip #1
KNOW YOUR STUFF!
There are a few things you need to know before you get started. First is the measurement of the space- by knowing your dimensions, you will know your space limitations. Also, determine the purpose or function of the room. Who will be using the room, for what, when, and how? Is it a playroom for the kids, will it be a home office, a family or guest room? It’s also important to understand the traffic flow of the space as it relates to adjoining rooms, doorways, windows, etc. One way that you can take all of these elements into consideration – size, purpose of the room and traffic flow- is by designing a room plan. Eventually, you will need a visual of the space you are designing, and it makes it easier to work with once you have a sketch of the space. Know that at Red Knot, we offer a service that allows you to create a room plan with one of our team members to make your furniture shopping much more fun and enjoyable!

Tip #2
DON’T BE FOOLED BY MISCONCEPTIONS
There are some myths of do’s and don’ts when designing small spaces.
a. MYTH- DO select only light colors such as whites, creams or light beiges because it gives a sense of spaciousness into the room. TRUTH- It’s okay to use color to give the space life and personality. Yes, lighter tones enhance airiness, but using pops of color add personality to the décor.
b. MYTH- DON’T use bold prints and textures. TRUTH- Like colors, adding a graphic print will add depth and personality. Without texture, the space gets very boring. Using bold pillows and rugs can pull a room together and make it complete.
c. MYTH- DO keep an open concept approach. TRUTH- It’s best to identify areas within the space to have purpose. If not, the space will look messy and undefined.
d. MYTH- DO place furniture against the wall. TRUTH- Putting furniture against the wall constricts the space, making it seem smaller. If possible, pull furniture away from the wall as it creates depth and sense of larger space.

Tip #3
THINK OF DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAXIMIZE SPACE
In a small space, make room for function. Choose pieces with multifunction capabilities. Consider versatile pieces such as futon sleepers, storage bed frames, convertible dining tables and nesting tables to name a few. Choose flexible furniture that allows you to change the layout of the furniture. Being able to move things around makes you feel less beholden and cramped.” Organization through vertical storage and bookcases not only hide clutter and but also makes the ceiling appear higher! Small furniture emphasize that the room is small, so go bigger with your furniture selection. Furniture with big statements make small rooms feel more spacious. Larger furniture will trick the eye into thinking that the space is larger.
While doing so, keep in mind to keep the silhouette of the furniture slim. Select upholstery with thin arms, dining table with slim legs and case goods with simple, clean lines.

Remember that tiny spaces don’t have to sacrifice comfort or style. You don’t have to decorate a small space based solely on function. Be creative- let the room, no matter the size, reflect your personality and your style!

Last Friday, Red Knot had the opportunity to be featured in Living808, where we shared some tips on how to design and maximize small spaces. To view: how-to-decorate-and-maximize-a-small-space-in-your-home

Come visit us at Red Knot and we’ll help to decorate your space!

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! 🙂

Spring Break!

March 13, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Everyone loves to dream about their next vacation.
Whether you’re looking for a blast of sunlight to recharge or some outdoor winter fun. Let’s say yes to a full week rejuvenation with our destination picks for an unforgettable Spring Break.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS
The Bahamas is known for its breathtaking beaches. Nassau, its capital city, is a popular destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and of course, beach activities. Things to do: Boat trips, snorkeling, guided tours and shopping in busy Bay Street. For James Bond fans, visit the British Colonial Hotel, where they filmed two of the Sean Connery-era movies. Fun Fact: As part of its rich history, Nassau was a home base for pirates for many of years and yes, that includes Blackbeard.

*****

PHILIPSBURG, ST. MARTEEN
An island on Northeast Carribean, St. Marteen (or St. Martin) is divided between France and the Kingdom of Netherlands. Phillipsburg is the Dutch Capitol with old renovated buildings and typical Antillean architecture. Things to do: Soak up the sun in their sugary white beaches such as the Great Beach Bay and Orient Bay. For shopaholics, visit Frontstreet and Backstreet, the main streets that are crammed with retail shops. As a leading duty-free port, St. Marteen offers over 500 duty free shops for up to 50% below U.S prices. Love butterflies? Experience the dazzling world of St. Marteen’s Butterfly Farm. Fun Fact– At 37 square miles, St. Marteen is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two countries – the lack of conflict creates an unusual serenity which makes it even more appealing to visitors.

*****

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
Reggae music? Check. Rum punch? Check. Tasty jerk chicken? Check. The sun never sets at Montego Bay, Jamaica! Montego Bay, or “MoBay” for short, is the second largest city in Jamaica. Beautiful perfect white sand beaches, backed by picturesque low mountains, MoBay is the tourist capital of Jamaica. Topping it is the laidback culture of the Jamaican people that will put your mind at ease. Things to do: Doctor’s Cave Beach, with its clear and calm waters believed to have powers of luring visitors from around the world. Hipsters and artists, check out Montego Bay’s “Hip Strip”- Gloucester Avenue. The strip is filled with art galleries, coffee shops and souvenir stores. Go bamboo rafting at Martha Brae Rafter’s Village and learn about tropical flora and fauna. Feeling brave? Visit the haunted house of Annie Palmer, The Rose Hall Great House and learn about the mistress of voodoo. Fun Fact: Montego Bay is also called “the friendly city” because of the warmth and friendliness of the locals.

*****

HEAVENLY, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Living in Hawaii, sometimes you may want to walk away from the sunny life in paradise and experience something different. Different, like, somewhere cold, where it snows, and maybe you can even do snow activities. Heavenly, Lake Tahoe is just the place. Things to do: Ride the gondola to Heavenly slopes where you can ski and snowboard, with your choice of terrain variety–more than any Lake Tahoe resort. For less or non-experienced snow-goers, classes are available. Shop at the Heavenly Village shops for fun stores like Rocket Fizz and Sock City – candies and socks for days! Walk on over to the other side of Heavenly, and there is Reno, Nevada, where Harveys and Harrahs casinos are (conveniently) located. You read that right. You can be in two states at one time! Fun Fact: Lake Tahoe is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a beauty created by nature that the Washoe Indians called it “The Lake of the Sky”. Up in the Heavenly mountains, you can see a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe.

*****

MIAMI, FLORIDA
Miami is one of the nation’s and the world’s most popular vacation spots. No wonder Will Smith wrote and sang a song about partying in “the city where the heat is on!” Besides having the largest cruise ship port in the world, Miami also has the largest collection of Art Deco architecture. She boasts more than 800 buildings in Miami Beach’s Art Deco district. Things to do: Miami offers a little bit of everything, from serene beaches to art and food festivals, to the lures of deep-sea fishing and golfing, to the trendy nightlife of South Beach. Nikki Beach Club and Key Biscayne are great hangouts, for the partygoer and the introverts, respectively. Little Havana gives you a taste of Cuba, while Viszcaya Museum and Gardens invite you to a fairytale experience with its European-style palace. For clubhoppers, SL Miami, Liv, Cameo, Skybar, and Mynt Lounge are some of their swankiest nightclubs. Fun Fact: The first suntan lotion was invented in 1944 by Miami Beach pharmacist Benjamin Green.

*****

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
What happens in Vegas, goes on instagram 😉 Known to Hawaii locals as the ninth island, Sin City, Las Vegas has evolved into one of our favorite destinations. About 40 million tourists visit Las Vegas every year, and it’s easy to see why. You can visit every part of the world without leaving the city. Things to do: Possibilities are endless in Las Vegas! Place bets on card games or slot machines, watch dazzling and jaw-dropping shows from world-renowned entertainers, performers and magicians. Party at the hottest nightclubs like the Tao and Hakkasan usually ventured by A-Lister celebs. Visit museums, watch a spectacular water-based show at the Bellagio, go hiking at Red Rock Canyon, see a man-made wonder at the Wynn, go shopping at the fabulous Fashion Show Mall– you name it, Las Vegas got it! Fun Fact: The Las Vegas strip is the brightest place on Earth when you are looking down from outer space.

Now it’s time to let yourself unwind… Where will you be spending your next Spring Break?

(Images courtesy of Google images)

Turn The Light On!

March 6, 2015March 6, 2015 | honeyaubrey

There’s something about having perfect lighting. Whether it be for photography, dinner parties, or even working from home– there are many different types of light you can use. In this post we feature the characteristics of various lighting types. Since they are all designed with a certain use in mind, let’s go over where they would work best in your home.

INCANDESCENT
The oldest form of lighting, incandescent is the most common bulb most people are familiar with. It provides a warm, steady light and is used mostly in residential applications. It is also compatible with control dimmers, timers, and photo sensors so they are also widely used in commercial lighting. Life span is between 700 – 1000 hours. Incandescent light is inexpensive to manufacture, however, it is not as energy sufficient as other lighting options. Fun Fact- Incandescent light is on its way out, as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) mandating that low-efficiency light bulbs be gradually removed from production.

HALOGEN
Halogen lighting has the advantage of being more efficient and a longer life than the incandescent bulb. Halogen lights are smaller in size and are compatible with dimmers. They are more expensive and burn at a higher temperature. They emit “white light”, similar to natural daylight in which colors appear sharper. Halogen bulbs are fragile, so be careful with handling- never use your bare hands to change the bulb as the oil can shorten or even end the light bulb’s lifespan. Design Tip- Halogen bulbs are used for car headlamps and work lights. At home, they work best as under-cabinet lighting.

CFL
Fluorescent light gives a flat, cold light, often bluish and harsh and can also be loud and flickery. CFLs are the compact fluorescent bulbs- they can be used anywhere you would use an incandescent light bulb. Contrary to regular fluorescent lights, CFLs are quiet, instant-on and have warmer, color-corrected tones. A normal lifespan is up to 10,000 hours and because of the small amount of mercury contained in the bulbs, they should be recycled when burnt out. Unlike incandescent and halogen light, most CFL bulbs cannot be used with dimmers. Design Tip- Use CFL bulbs for indoor and outdoor lamps, and decorative lighting.

LED
LED light, or “Light-emitting diode,” provide only directional light, making them ideal for task lighting. They are low in power consumption and have a long life span. LEDs are small, with common colors such as amber, red, green, and blue. Many LEDs have a rated lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. Since LED is not diffused light, the bulb will not work solely for general room illumination. Because of these features, LED lights provide unique design opportunities. Design Tip- LED strip lights = unlimited DIY projects, including illuminated closet rods. How brilliant!

**images courtesy of houzz.com**

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.”

DIY – Canvas Painting

January 23, 2015January 23, 2015 | honeyaubrey

A fun & creative do-it-yourself project for artists and non-artists – Handpainted Canvases!

What you’ll need:

Canvas (your choice of size, for this one one, we used 9×12)
Acrylic Paint
Pencil
Paintbrushes (for you ladies, old makeup brushes will also do)
Scissors
Small card stock or scratch paper

Steps:

STEP 1. Create and print an image using Photoshop (or any illustration program). Use scratch paper or cardstock paper to cut any desired shape you’d like to include in your painting.

STEP 2. After printing, flip paper over and using a pencil, trace dark lines over the image and lightly shade. Remember, do not trace it on the canvas – yet.

STEP 3. Flip your paper back over, and place onto your canvas. Tape sides down for better control. Using your pencil, trace back again, this time, over the image on the front. If any, trace cut shapes onto canvas.

STEP 4. Now paint, and let your inner Da Vinci & Van Gogh take over! Remember, it’s okay for your artwork to not be excessively perfect – it’s supposed to be handpainted. You can also go back and erase pencil marks that may be still showing through. You can always go back to add shades, more colors, anything you want.

Make this is your masterpiece.

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.

Honolulu City Lights

December 23, 2014December 23, 2014 | honeyaubrey

There is something magical about spending Christmas in paradise. It’s not bitterly cold, but chilly enough to wear sweater and boots, and call it winter in beautiful Hawaii nei. Not to mention, this is the only place in the world where you see a giant sculpture of a barefoot Santa throwing the “shaka” sign, next to a cheerful Mrs. Claus (Tutu Mele) dressed in a muumuu.

The Red Knot staff visited the beloved Honolulu City Lights last weekend, joining the thousands of locals and visitors who get to experience the tropical holiday celebrations of downtown Honolulu. The event kicks off on the first Saturday of December with the lighting of the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree. Honolulu Hale features beautifully decorated Christmas trees with various themes- some elegant, some whimsical, some adorable! Photo-ops with the “real” Santa are also available. Lights, decorations and displays of snowmen, elves, Rudolf and other familiar holiday icons extend two blocks on King Street and Alapai Street. A must-see for those who love Christmas! Events run through the month of December and on till the first week of January. A joyous sight at night, the Honolulu City Lights is not one to be missed!

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

— from your friends here at RED KNOT.