Doze off in style

September 25, 2015September 21, 2015 | stephanievierra

We spend about a third of our life sleeping – that’s an average of 8 hours a day or 229,961 hours in a lifetime! Unless you work from home, your bed is a piece of furniture that gets used the most. At Red Knot, we offer a few different options when it come to styling up your bedroom.

Let’s start with the Nevis. It’s one of our most popular bedroom collections made in Indonesia with solid tropical mahogany and eastern ashwood veneer. All of the drawers feature full extension, ball-bearing glides for easy access to all of your belongings. The floating platform bed frame works great in the middle of a room or under a window. One of the amazing features of the Nevis bed – the convenient storage on either side of the bed. It’s an added benefit for those with smaller spaces.

* Red Knot tip: For those who love this bed frame but want a headboard: try a headboard wall decal! They’re cost efficient, easy to apply/remove, and come in many different styles.

Next up is the Element collection. Also made in Indonesia, this collection is made of solid tropical mahogany and mahogany veneer. It also features ball-bearing glides and similar clean lines. What sets the Element apart is it’s clean design without any hardware or handles on it’s drawers. This hardware-less design provides a clean palette for your modern bedroom decor and it helps to keep you from getting caught on anything!

* Red Knot tip: This particular set is great for the minimalist at heart, but to spice things up a bit you could decorate the headboard by draping some sheer cloth on either side or hang lights along the top for a little bit of sparkle!.

If the Nevis and the Element had a baby, it would probably look like our Icon collection. The Icon is an imported collection crafted with melamine over MDF in a rich coffee finish. With aluminum and chrome accents both on the bed frame and the drawer hardware, it’s low profile creates the illusion of a larger space.

* Red Knot tip: For those with small spaces, give the illusion of a bigger room by hanging your curtains higher than just your window height. By bringing your curtains closer to the ceiling, it adds the illusion of height within a small space.

If you like the Icon, but just want a fresh light color? Look no further! Coming soon to our stores is something we all have been waiting for: a white bedroom set! Please give a big warm welcome to our new Bellmar bedroom collection. Sister to the Icon, the Bellmar boasts the same stylish features but without the glass paneled drawer accents.

*Red Knot tip: White bedroom furniture can give a modern, clean look to any room. However, be mindful of using too much white as it can make your cozy room feel a little cold and one dimensional. An easy way to break up all of that white is to layer on colorful accessories.

Wanting a mid-century modern vibe? The Palisades collection is a modern take on this popular trend. Similar to the Element, it has a clean facade without any hardware for drawer pulls. The legs taper out to give each piece a mid-century modern look. However, it’s best feature is the white upholstered headboard which gives it a soft, luxurious feel.

* Red Knot tip: Put away all of those pillows and let your headboard shine through! Historically, headboards were used to isolate us from the cold, they’re now used as a focal point of a bedroom while adding a decorative element.

Last, but certainly not least (and definitely my favorite!) is our Cornith bedroom collection. It’s constructed from Javanese hardwood with English dovetail joints. The Cornith is the only all solid wood bedroom collection at Red Knot and it’s affordable price tag makes it an absolute steal. With it’s gorgeous design and solid wood craftsmanship, what’s not to love? My fellow Red Knot team members would describe the Cornith as rustic, yet still refined and I would have to agree.

* Red Knot tip: One feature to note about the Cornith dresser is that it has 9 equal sized drawers. This is actually a more modern concept that is hard to find in a lot of traditional pieces. Have fun styling this collection by playing up accents with metal or chrome. The contrast between the natural wood and metal or chrome creates an interesting juxtaposition that will keep the room from feeling too rustic.

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?

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.

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.

A Holiday Recipe – Red Velvet Christmas Fudge

December 19, 2014December 18, 2014 | honeyaubrey

One of the best things about the holidays is it’s the season to indulge and satisfy your sweet cravings. Never mind your diet, leave that for your New Year’s Resolution 😉

A recipe that we’d like to share is the perfect dessert for a holiday get together. Festive and absolutely delicious, not to mention also very simple to make.

Ladies and gents, a recipe for Red Velvet Christmas Fudge…

INGREDIENTS

2/3 Cups Butter
1/3 Cup Milk
3/4 Cup White Chocolate Chips (Ghirardelli)
3 Cups Red Velvet Cake Mix (Betty Crocker)
2 Cups Powdered Sugar

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

Sprinkles (Red, Green, White)
Cream Cheese Frosting (Betty Crocker)

DIRECTIONS

1. Line an 8×8 pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease with butter.
2. Mix red velvet cake mix, powdered sugar, butter and milk in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes and 15 seconds. Mix and stir until texture is creamy.
3. Add white chocolate chips, microwave for 15 seconds. Stir in the chocolate chips. Microwave for another 15 seconds and stir until chocolate chips are melted and blended with the batter.
4. Pour and press the fudge into your prepared pan. If any, add optional toppings such as frosting and/or sprinkles.
5. Place in the fridge and let sit for at least 2 1/2 hours.
6. Cut into squares, share and ENJOY!!!!

How to tie the perfect knot

December 12, 2014December 12, 2014 | honeyaubrey

One way to add a personal, finishing touch to any present you give during this holiday season (or any type of gift-giving event) is by adding a beautiful bow. Don’t worry, it’s as easy as tying your shoelaces! In just a few, simple steps you’ll learn how to create the perfect knot to top that gorgeously wrapped gift.

1. Tie the first knot. When pulling on the ribbon diagonally, you will see you will have an upper and a lower part of the ribbon.
2. Create your first loop with the lower part of the ribbon.
3. Wrap the upper part of the ribbon over the top of the first loop.
4. Tuck this part behind the loop and pull through. Now you have two loops (a bow!)
5. Tighten the center knot by pulling on the loops. Adjust the loops and make sure that the loop on both sides are even.
6. Trim ribbon to desired length and style. For a double-pointed tail (pictured), fold the ribbon ends in half and cut in an angle.

…and there you have it!!!

Stocking Stuffers

December 5, 2014December 5, 2014 | honeyaubrey

Happy December, everyone!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? With the recent Black Friday weekend kicking off the holiday shopping frenzy, I think it’s on everyone’s to-do list. Here at Red Knot we offer unique gifts in home furnishing, decor and accessories. For those who start off Christmas morning with the tradition of stuffing stockings with small, humble gifts, below are some of our favorite ideas.

1. BOOKENDS, $49 (set of 2)
Love books? Or know anyone who does? This bookends set is perfect for any young professional, book-lover and aspiring writer!

2. SUCCULENT, $18
Anyone with a green thumb will appreciate how genuine-looking these succulents are. They’re so beautiful, and no watering required.

3. BATTERY POWER CARD, $39
A stylish universal charger that fit in the tiniest of accessories, even in your wallet! Available in various minimalist and patterned designs. The power card works with any mobile phone, iPod, speakers, and other USB devices.

4. IPHONE 5/5S PHONE CASE, $29
Change things up with a new eye-catching phone cover. Not only are these iPhone cases stylish, they are also shock-resistant with silicon side grips for a more secure and comfortable hold. Available in various colors and designs – some even have games!

5. COASTERS, $29 (set of 4)
A simple marbled design, yet considerably a great addition to any room in the house. Also makes a delightful birthday or hostess gift.

6. BOWLS, $8
These pretty small bowls are available in different designs and patterns. Each bowl is sold separately, although we encourage you to use your creativity and purchase a set – don’t be afraid to mix and match the designs.

7. BUSINESS CARD HOLDER, $15
Great small gift for anyone who has a business card! The sleek and modern design gives a wonderful first impression.

8. READING LAMP, $99
These little reading lamps are so fun and convenient to have. Lightweight, with adjustable arms, they are amusing, yet functional.

9. BLUETOOTH SPEAKER, $59
They say big things come in small packages, and this portable tiny speaker proves just that. When fully charged, it has seven hours of playtime, and works with all Bluetooth enabled devices up to 30 feet away. The sound of music is superior. This Christmas, let’s get lo-ud!

10. REUSABLE BAG, $10
Not all reusable bags are created equal. Our Loqi reusable bags are eco-friendly, reusable, long-lasting, water-resistant, washable and easy to store. Not to mention, stylish…very. Take your pick, there’s a lot of designs to choose from!

I hope you love these Stocking Stuffers ideas as much as we do! Now we have an early Christmas gift to you.

Beginning today, Dec.5th through Monday, Dec. 8th, Red Knot is running an accessory sale of 25% OFF ALL ACCESSORIES! How awesome is that?!

So are you ready to stuff some stockings? Come visit us at our Aiea or Beretania location and we’ll help you find your perfect gifts.