A Day At The Museum

December 18, 2015December 10, 2015 | stephanievierra

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by art and all it’s splendid forms. There are no rules you have to follow and no limits to what your imagination can create. Hawaii has always been a breeding ground for creativity and art thanks to it’s natural beauty.

It’s interesting how when most of my friends and I were little kids, museums were one of those field trips we hated going on because we thought it was sooo boring. Now as the years go by, myself and my millennial generation are starting to embrace art and culture with open arms.

For over a year now, on my way to work, I’ve driven past The Honolulu Museum of Art. The other week I finally decided it was time for a visit, so I enlisted the help of my fellow Red Knot ladies to take a field trip with me. After a short walk just a few minutes away from Red Knot’s downtown location, we arrived at our destination.

The outside is just as stunning as the art within. There are a few courtyards throughout the grounds styled after the collections that surround it. Our favorite was definitely the Chinese courtyard with a Koi pond in the middle.

The art itself is organized by the different continents and cultures; we opted to start off in Europe and make our way over to Asia before taking a walk through the Contemporary art collection (very in sync with the Red Knot style). Each collection had its own unique style that made it beautiful – while much of the European art had a soft and ethereal feel to it, a lot of the Asian art had more vibrancy. My personal favorite was the 17th and 18th century European collections – particularly the portraits. The museum also had great furniture pieces scattered around that definitely caught the eye of us Knotzillas!

Museums like this one aren’t just a place to see art. It’s a way to explore history and time travel through the vision of these artists. Make sure to grab a map before starting your journey for easier navigation through each collection, especially if you want to view something in particular. It can be easy to get lost…although some people probably wouldn’t mind that!

We took a quick stop by the museum shop and picked up a few things to commemorate our visit before sitting down for a delicious lunch at the Cafe. Admission is $10 for adults to the museum but it’s free if you want to just stop by the shop or cafe, which I would definitely go to again! If you’re a fan of collecting postcards like I am, they have a great selection designed with some of the pieces featured in the museum.

If you’re interested in art, history, or even just some time to yourself to reflect on life, I would definitely recommend stopping by The Honolulu Museum Of Art.

If you can make it any time before April, I’d also recommend you take a look at their new exhibit Harajuku: Tokyo Street Fashion. Our uber fashionable team leader wouldn’t let us leave without taking a peek and it was definitely worth the extra stop after our lunch.

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Storage Wars

May 29, 2015 | honeyaubrey

We are in a day and age when we own so much stuff. Really- so. much. stuff. It can get overwhelming and stressful. When you have so many things and you don’t have a clue how to organize (or hide) it, it looks undefined and messy. Yikes! However, finding the right storage solution can help maximize storage, as well as living space.

It’s possible to de-clutter your home and get organized with the help of some of these fun storage ideas–

KERA SIDEBOARD

http://nyekoncept.com

Sideboards are not just for dining rooms anymore. This elegant sideboard from Nye Koncept made of Walnut wood veneers feature extra large storage compartments that can accommodate even the big things. Use it to fill an entry way, an empty wall (it’s 83″ long!), or in your bedroom as it can accommodate tabletop accessories, dining ware or clothing.

BESTA BURS TV CONSOLE

http://www.ikea.com

Are you a gamer or music/movie fanatic? This modern and eco-friendly TV console from Ikea (it is made of melamine and honeycomb structure recycled paper filling) is the perfect place to store your video games, DVD collection, and other techs and wires you may have lying around. The console features two spacious drawers to help organize your entertainment system. Let the pop of yellow be your main focal point, not all that mess!

BILBAO COFFEE TABLE

www.redknothawaii.com

No one will ever know that your coffee table can… hide things. Particularly this Bilbao round coffee table from Red Knot. It adds a transitional look to any space with its mixed media feature- brown wood finish and chrome base. The 4 storage spaces helps you keep things organized and clean.

3-PIECE STORAGE OTTOMAN SET

http://www.wayfair.com

Stylish? Check. Functional? Check. Multiple pieces & one price? Check! This 3-piece ottoman set from OSP Designs by Wayfair comes in a variety of vibrant colors to choose from. Includes one storage bench that fit two smaller ottomans, and the two smaller ottomans also opens to reveal storage capabilities. Made of faux leather, the seat is comfortable and is a great multi-function seating/storage option.

NEVIS STORAGE BED FRAME

www.redknothawaii.com

This versatile bed has the benefit of being able to match nearly any almost any bed decor you already have. With its minimalist modern design it looks great snuggled up to a wall or floating in a room. Built from sustainably harvested Tropical Mahogany hardwood solid wood, this simple contemporary piece will add a sophisticated look to your bedroom. This bed is available in, Full, Queen, King and California King sizes.

WALLY MODULAR BOOKCASE

http://www.yliving.com

Made in Italy, this stylish, attractive and contemporary, modular Wally Bookcase allows endless storage options. It can be used alone or in multiples to create a longer or larger bookcase. It is a great alternative to a built-in wall unit. A variety of sizes and finishes are available to meet the storage needs of your space. Perfect for the book-lover, or collectors as the shelves also make great display cases.

All That Glitters Is…

May 8, 2015May 7, 2015 | honeyaubrey

…gold… and silver. They shine, they sparkle, and yes, they’re luxurious! In home design metallics are no longer just festive accents during the holidays. Modern and chic, whether in the spring or summer, gold and silver brings a dash of style and regality like no other colors.

How do you incorporate this glitzy trend in your home? Read below for some tips.

METALLIC 101

They might be flashy, but they can also be considered neutrals because they work with any color palette. Although, keep in mind metallic tones are reflective in nature. So it’s important to allow them to be the star of their own show, and make them pop. Gold and silver can make any space gleam worthy, you have to literally, make them shine. As accessories, the most dramatic impact is done in small doses. Otherwise, it will be overwhelming. If you decide to go bigger, as in metallic furniture, then by all means go BIG! Then keep everything else neutral. Lastly, you can mix and match gold and silver. It adds texture and creates a history- a not so monotonous “I actually live here” look. Like everything else, it’s all about balance.

GO FOR THE GOLD

starburstmirror_decorpad — *Image Courtesy of http://www.decorpad.com*

Black and gold = sexy and lustrous. For fashionistas, think the LBD with a gold statement necklace. Rich gold also works well on rustic brick walls as it create a contrast of whimsy. Achieve this look by placing a gold starburst mirror against urban brick walls. For a sunny and more inviting atmosphere, play up yellow with gold. For a feminine touch, go for light gold and glass, such as our Rachel Occasional Table Collection here at Red Knot.

SEE THE SILVER LINING

AquaSilver_decoist — *Image Courtesy of http://www.decoist.com*

Silver works great with floral patterns as it softens the palette. Decorate with white tabletop accessories to enhance the silver. Cool shades of blue or white with silver and chrome accents creates a sleek and polished look, however you can warm up the atmosphere by adding warm tones of gold.

BE INSPIRED

Here are our 10 faves from Red Knot that can bedazzle any space.

1. Rachel Oval Cocktail Table, $339
2. Leather & Lace Wall Art, $549
3. Nyack 3-Drawer Mirror Chest, $399
4. Robinson Accent Table, $99
5. Silver Table Lamp, various styles – $129 & up
6. Dendrobium Silk Floral Arrangement, $79
7. Mercury Ball Decor, $24
8. Mirror Glass Tray, $59
9. Gold Star Tabletop Decor, $24
10. Silver Metal Sculpture Set, $59

As you can see, metallic furnishings and accessories give your interiors edge and glamour. So don’t be afraid to go for the gold (and silver) because it’s your home’s time to shine.

Even Your Mother Will Love Me

May 1, 2015May 1, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Mom’s the word in this special blog post featuring Red Knot items fit for mom this coming Mother’s Day. Celebrate her love for you and proclaim that she is, in fact, the best mom in the world.

Sunday May 10th, is just around the corner. If you haven’t gotten mom her gift yet, come on over and browse through our endless possibilities of gifts for mom.

In addition, starting today May 1st, until Monday May 4th, Red Knot is having a storewide sale for all accessories! 20% OFF ACCESSORIES! This includes rug, lamps, wall art, tabletop decor and other lifestyle accessories.

You know, there is a definitely a cool factor here at Red Knot that almost everything we offer, even your mother will love.

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.

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.