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.

How to Dress Up Your Bed

April 23, 2015April 24, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Monacointeriors — *Image Courtesy of Monaco Interiors*

There is so much more to your bed than just being a place to relax and sleep in. Since you spend about one-third of the day in bed, it should be an intimate and beautiful sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate after a long day. In addition, beautiful bedding enhances your sleep as well as your mood. The challenge is creating enticing, much envied looks that you see in magazines, Pinterest and showroom floors.

Here are some tips to help you create your dream bed…

LAYERED COMFORT

decorny_bohobed — *Image Courtesy of decorny.com*

Dressing up your bed is all about layers. However, your bed should be a balance between fashionable and cozy. Choose a great base for your bed by buying the best mattress you can afford. If not, you can update an old mattress by adding pillow toppers or a feather bed to make it feel like new.

THE SHEET SET

Sheets can be easily changed at any time, so have fun with this. The sheet set generally includes pillowcases, a fitted sheet and flat sheet. You can choose solid colors, or coordinating patterns with the rest of your bedding.

ALL COVERED UP

Modern-bed-with-Mid-century-style_decoist — Image Courtesy of decoist.com

There are several options for bed covers. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your bed cover is the type of sleeper you are and the weather if it makes a difference. Summer months in Hawaii gets very, very hot! A quilt can be used as a bed cover, or an additional layer for warmth. It is made with three layers with a middle layer being thin cotton lining. Quilts are usually designed and sewn together with many pieces of cloth, although modern quilts can be solid colors. A coverlet, or comforter, is large enough to cover the whole mattress, sometimes hanging low enough to cover the boxspring and bedframe. It also has three layers- a woven top, a layer filled of material including polyester batting down feathers, wool or silk, and a final backing. A duvet cover is constructed shorter than a coverlet. It is designed for smaller mattresses (European), or for platform beds. It is like a giant pillow case as you can fill it with cushion in cooler months. If you wanted to, you can use it entirely as a single covering for your bed. If you’re in the mood for a DIY project, you can create your own duvet by stitching two different fabrics back to back!

PILLOW TALK

Selecting the right bed pillows is very important as it gives that luxury of making a bed much more inviting. They serve a functional purpose and make fabulous accent pieces. The pillows do the most talking, telling you to come on over!

Is there a science behind arranging pillows for aesthetic purposes? See the visual below created by Marissa Waddell Interiors for ideas on how to arrange your pillows:

Rule of thumb in pillow sizes is from back to front it should be biggest to smallest. Vary the sizes of the decorative pillows in sizes, colors and textures, while keeping the overall look from getting too busy. Highlight the decorative pillows either by choosing a different color/texture from the sheet set, or pull colors from around the room to create a cohesive look, but at the same time giving them a decorative purpose.

COLOR STORY & PATTERN PLAY

nate-berkus-bedding — *Image Courtesy of bedroomfurnituredotcom*

Play up the color schemes with bright colors and patterns either for a casual or boho look. For a fluffy, I’m-sleeping-in-the clouds feel, go with all white in various textures. You can also offset this with a highly patterned coverlet for an artistic feel. For a modern room choose color palettes in shades of grays and whites, with strong accents of color such as red and violet. Textured decorative pillows (neckrolls, bolster and boudoir) can bring a bit of whimsy. Think faux fur, embroideries, appliques, burlap, etc. Pops of color and texture on your bed add layers and personality to a sleek and monotonous room.

FINISHING TOUCHES

nicespace-me_modernbed — Image Courtesy of nicespace.me

For a final touch, add a throw to your bed spread. You can simply fold the throw blanket, just lay it over your bed or drape the throw on the bottom corner.

Another thing to remember is to dress up your bed like you would dress yourself! Let it be an expression of you!

Choosing That Perfect Rug

April 17, 2015April 17, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Image Courtesy of http://www.decoratorsbest.com

Area rugs are the essential decorative accessory in a room. It is a functional piece (protects the floor and your feet) while enhancing design elements to the space. The styles, colors and materials to choose from are endless! Sometimes it can feel like it’s tricky business when it comes to selecting that ideal rug, but it’s a lot simpler than you think.

There are several main elements to keep in mind during this process. Finding the right rug can create a space to perfection but the wrong one can make it feel unfinished, awkward and even uncomfortable.

Color, size, texture and materials are some things to carefully consider. Read on for tips on mastering the challenge of choosing the perfect rug.

Image Courtesy of http://www.obeliskhome.com

COLOR

Color and style choice is important as it sets a mood and creates a story or relationship between your room and the rug. About one-third of a room’s color is dominated by the color of the floor covering, so a rug will seem as one of the largest pieces of “furniture” in the room. Plan your color scene depending on the colors of the rug.

Darker colors help define a more intimate space while lighter colors create a more spacious feel. Fiery hues such as yellow, orange or red add warmth while cool colors (blues, greens) creates a calming mood. For a cohesive look, choose a rug that compliments two or three main colors in the room. If there are a lot of color and pattern going on in your space, then choosing a neutral color rug is okay, but don’t play it too safe. Choose patterns and bright colors if your primary furniture is a solid color. Geometric prints are best for modern settings while floral prints work better for a more traditional look.

SIZE

Since rugs come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, remember that choosing your rug is also dependent on room size. A rug should fit the size of your seating area. All furniture should be placed on the rug. In a living room the rug should be large enough so at the very least the front legs of the furniture are on it. In the dining room, area rugs should cover beyond the chairs. To get the correct measurement, measure the table and add roughly about two feet. You can also sit on one of the chairs and measure the distance from the table, and add it all around. In the bedroom, you want to feel the luxurious rug on your feet so that you wake up every morning on the soft side, not the wrong side, of the bed!

A 5×8 area rug is a good choice for a medium sized room, such as the bedroom or under the coffee table in the living room. 8×10 rugs work best in dining rooms and master bedrooms. Square or round rugs are great choices for square rooms, and rectangular rugs oriented in the same direction in rectangular rooms.

TEXTURE

Texture adds layers to a room so don’t overlook this aspect when choosing your rug. The way the rug feels also (literally) adds to the feel to the room. Shoot for contrast- use the texture of your existing pieces to guide you. Sleek leather sofas go great with shag rugs or rugs with fluffier pile. A soft, velvety sofa go best with hard rugs like jute and sisal. Wool rugs are elegant in texture and add warmth and definition to a room that has shiny or smooth surfaces.

MATERIAL

When selecting rugs, think practical and choose materials depending on the traffic area of the room. The material that dominates the world of rugs is wool due to its low maintenance and high durability; however some people may be allergic to the fibers. Shag rugs can become a tripping hazard for elderly people because of the raised pile. Also keep in mind the maintenance of the rug. Jute, grass and sisal rugs have interesting textures and often cost less, but they stain easily, difficult to clean and don’t last as long. If you spill coffee or red wine, it’s time to say bye bye.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Image Courtesy of http://www.arearugsclub.com

*Consider adding a rug pad, especially to flat weave rugs to add a layer of comfort.
*Place dark-colored or patterned rugs under your dining table as they are better at hiding stains.
*There is a huge misconception to buy the rug last. Big no-no. When it comes to decorative accents, choose the rug first because it is THE piece that creates a dramatic impact and ties the room together.

After finding your perfect rug, you can move on to your throw pillows, then curtains and other decorative pieces like wall art and table tops.

Wait… did someone say pillows? Stay tuned for next week’s blog post on layering pillows. Meanwhile, shop for your perfect rug here.

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!

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.”

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.

Pantone Color of 2015 – Marsala

January 9, 2015January 8, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Happy New Year everyone!

Our very first blog post of the year at Red Knot is the introduction of Pantone’s Color of 2015 — Marsala.

The hue is named after the Italian fortified dessert wine Marsala. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute expressed that the warm brown and red undertone “gives the feeling of groundedness, strength, and confidence”.

This versatile color exudes sensuality, yet it is nurturing; will make a bold statement, yet it is still sophisticated. Marsala is also appealing to both men and women. In fashion, it’s open to experimentation from apparel, shoes, accessories, to beauty palettes. In home design, it can give any space the feeling of warmth and comfort, but depending on its surroundings, it still has the ability to transform an atmosphere into modern, transitional, vintage, and even playful!

We created an inspiration board to get you in the mood and take a sip of the biggest color trend of the year!

Here are some ideas to incorporate the color Marsala into your home.

*Eisemen also stated that Marsala is “nurturing and fulfilling”, therefore it is a “natural fit for the kitchen and dining room, making it ideal for tabletop, small appliances and linens throughout the home.” Time to update those placemats, tableware, candles…

*It can also be a great color choice of paint in the bathroom, creating an elegant contrast between Marsala walls and that white sink and toilet seat.

*In the bedroom, Marsala can create a comforting and relaxing atmosphere by combining it with deep reds and browns.

*Even a small space could feel warm and cozy when Marsala is coordinated with other warm hues, such as reds, yellows, oranges and true browns.

*For a pop of color, think Marsala and turquoise! A turquoise sofa and accent chair with Marsala pillows (or vice versa), complete it with an accent rug in Marsala, teal, or yellow.

PantoneMarsala2

What do you think? Love it? We do!

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!!!