Trending Now: Rattan Furniture

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Rattan isn’t just for outdoor furniture anymore. You might associate this material with your grandma’s house, but rattan furniture is having a moment. And we’re here for it. It’s versatile, durable and can take just about any room to the next level.

Before we dive deeper, let’s get clear on rattan. It’s not the same as wicker. Wicker is a type of weave, whereas rattan refers to the actual material itself, a flexible, fibrous plant. We’ve long used its pliable stems to make furniture because it’s both lightweight and durable. Today, not all rattan-style furniture uses actual rattan – but we’ll forgive it because the whole point of synthetic rattan is to protect the natural environment in which rattan grows.

If you’ve been looking for furniture that packs a punch aesthetically but doesn’t add a ton of visual weight to your space, rattan is for you. Let’s look at some of the various ways you can use rattan furniture to set the tone of a room.

Rattan furniture in the bedroom

Like we said, rattan is versatile. That’s why you can use it just about anywhere in a bedroom, from the headboard to the accent chair to the table. Here are some different ways you can incorporate this material in any bedroom in your home.

In a tropical bedroom, the Curved Rattan Bed is a no-brainer. Image: Anthropologie

If you want to add an eclectic feel to your bedroom, the Kubu Rattan Woven Headboard can deliver. Image: Pier1

The comfy Pari Rattan Daybed creates a cozy – but still airy – lounging area in this bedroom. Image: Anthropologie

Make it extra fun to get ready with the Ria Leaning Rattan Mirror, which includes a place to hang extra outfit options. Image: Urban Outfitters

Pair your leaning mirror with the matching bed. With a low profile, the Ria Rattan Bed invites you to lounge. Image: Urban Outfitters

Rattan furniture in the living room

Maybe you’re the type of person who has a set style you follow in your living space. Or maybe you’re the kind of person who pulls from various influences, from traditional to mid-century to eclectic. Either way, rattan can serve you. Because of its vintage roots and natural feel, it works in a wide variety of living spaces. Check it out.

Rattan doesn’t just work for boho spaces. It can be ideal when you’re looking for a modern edge, as exemplified by the Tiered Rattan Pendant. Image: Anthropologie

The inviting Noelie Rattan Lounge Chair offers welcoming seating when you invite guests over. Image: CB2

If you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room, look no further than the Natural Rattan Fallon Cocoon Chair. Image: Cost Plus World Market

Rattan is more versatile than you might think. It gives the Reflect Rattan Credenza texture and warmth. Image: CB2

If you’re looking to add seating without adding visual weight, an airy rattan piece – like the Pari Rattan Chair – is a perfect fit. Image: Anthropologie

Rattan furniture in the dining room

The dining room is an interesting space to design. You want it to feel both structured and comfortable. It’s a place where you might serve an elegant, multi-course extravaganza or enjoy a cozier meal like spaghetti. Rattan works in either setting – and everywhere in between. Its carefully woven, sculpted feel is elegant but its natural fibers can help add a sense of casualness. When you want your dining room to make a striking statement without feeling stuffy, this material can deliver. Here are a few examples of it doing exactly that.

The Maluku Natural Rattan Dining Chairs give a dining room table extra texture. Image: Crate & Barrel

Make it easier to entertain at your next dinner party with a compact and mobile bar set up on the Kali Bar Cart. Image: Pottery Barn

Traditional rattan meets modern design in the Haylee Mono Rattan Chair. Image: Urban Outfitters

Rattan can help you bring the outdoors in. These Cinta Wicker Dining Chairs add an earthy feel to an already eclectic dining space. Image: Pier1

Rattan doesn’t have to be in your face. In the Marte Dining Chair, it’s a subtle element. Image: Urban Outfitters

What do you think of rattan furniture? Would you add it to your house? If so, what room would you choose? We’d love to hear in the comments!

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These 4 Living Room Trends for 2019 will Inspire your Next Home Design Project

Every year, new trends hit the interior design landscape and 2019 is no different. In particular, this year there is an emphasis on  living room trends. We’ve decided to take a closer look at them today. Read on to learn about these new living room trends and tips on how to make these looks work in your home. Believe us when we say that you’ll fall in love with these popular design statements.

The bolder, the better when it comes to furniture colors this year. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Colorful seating

If there’s one trend this year that’s totally eye-catching, it’s the colorful seating trend. These days, sofas, accent chairs and barstools all come in an array of bold shades that we haven’t seen in a while. In particular, jewel tones – such as ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue – are the hues that are turning heads.

If you’re going to embrace the colorful seating trend, there is one thing that you need to keep in mind. Whichever item of furniture you choose to make colorful, it needs to be the statement piece of the room. Be sure to balance out the bold hues by using lots of neutral tones in the other areas of your design. Neutral shades will give the eye a place to rest and help keep the design, as a whole, from feeling overwhelming.

Everything gets a splash of color this year, even the ceiling. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

Statement ceilings

Statement ceilings have fallen in and out of favor over the years and it looks like they’re set to make a big comeback. However, this time, the trends are skewing darker than they have before. There’s an emphasis on dark browns, blacks and grays that hasn’t been as prevalent in the past. We have to say that we’re loving it.

However, you should not let those colors be the only ones in your design roster. The key, here, is that you incorporate colors that you’ve used in other applications throughout the room, much like you see in the picture above. In addition, you should also consider using materials beyond paint. Wallpaper or temporary wall decals will make a fine statement on your ceiling.

When it comes to art, make it big. Image: ImageFlow/Shutterstock

Large-scale wall art

In 2019, artwork is also set to make a big splash. In particular, we’re seeing an emphasis on large-scale prints. Just like the color trends that we’re seeing this year, current wall art styles are big, bold, and in-your-face. These days, it’s not uncommon to see prints that take up the better portion of an entire wall as the focal point of the room.

If you’re worried about picking a piece of wall art that works, take a look at our artwork sizing guide. However, conventional wisdom states that artwork should take up four-sevenths of the wall on which it is placed. To figure those dimensions, start by measuring the length and width of the wall. Then, multiply each number by 0.571, which is four-sevenths as a decimal.

Take seating arrangements to the next level. Image: United photo studio/Shutterstock

Purposeful arrangements

The last trend we’re talking about today is purposefully arranging furniture. Gone are the days where it’s acceptable to shove a couch up against the wall and leave a cavern of space in the middle of the room. The coming year will be all about creating room layouts that make sense from a functional standpoint, as well as looking aesthetically-pleasing to the eye.

In terms of what constitutes a functional layout where living rooms are concerned, it’s all about creating an inviting seating area. Start by adding an appropriately-sized area rug to help ground the space. This also adds more visual interest to the room. Then, arrange your seating around a central focal point like a fireplace or television.

What do you think of these living room trends for 2019? Let us know in the comments.

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25 Gorgeous Minimalist Fireplaces to Keep You Cozy This Winter

Minimalist fireplaces prove that function can follow form and still, well, function. Image: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

In the winter, having a fireplace is a little slice of heaven. When the sun sets behind the horizon, it invites you to grab a cozy throw, a book and a mug of something warm. The only problem with having a fireplace is that it can take over your room’s design. That is, if you let it. Fortunately, modern and minimalist fireplaces are delivering design-savvy homeowners and renters an alternative to the stodgy hearths of yesteryear.

If you’re looking for a fireplace that will meld with your design vision, rest easy. There are a wide range of indoor varieties. You might want something larger-than-life that completely defines your living space. Or you might want something that will play nicely with the other elements in the room. If the latter speaks to you, read on. We’ve lined up 25 gorgeous minimalist fireplaces that will keep you warm all winter long.

White minimalist fireplaces

When you have an intriguing, textured element in the room, your fireplace can take a comfortable back seat. Image: Folds Inside Ltd

Setting your minimalist fireplace on the floor gives you maximal ambiance will freeing up more wall space for art. Image: Shinberg Levinas Architectural Design

This room blends a lightly textured rug, floating glass coffee tables and the streamlined fireplace to create a decidedly airy feel. Image: Michael Downes – UA Creative

In an all-white living space, a simple, architectural mantel is all you need. Image: Designer Premier

Unobstructed sides are a major trend in minimalist fireplaces – and for good reason. They help the design feel light and give you better access to your cozy fire. Image: The Interiors Project

Interesting architectural details – like this art cutout – help root minimalist fireplaces in the space even while leaving room for other elements to play. Image: Clark | Richardson Architects

The shape of the fireplace mirrors the shape of the high-impact table behind the couch, drawing the eye to it without detracting from its intricate detailing. Image: NICOLEHOLLIS

Dark minimalist fireplaces

Adding a fireplace to an accent wall doesn’t have to mean losing the impact of the accent. Image: Stephenson Design Collective

The soft glow of this streamlined fireplace design also highlights the warm tones in the stone wall. Image: SKG Designs

Minimalist fireplaces let the view shine. And with a view like this, why would you choose anything else? Image: Bacic Group

When you have an architectural element meant to draw the eye up, keeping the fireplace minimal ensures it doesn’t get weighed down. Image: Lango Works

Glass-enclosed minimalist fireplaces

A simple glass cutout helps this fireplace shine even in the midst of so many other visually interesting elements. Image: Pixers

Glass on either side of the fireplace connects the living and dining spaces. Image: JAWS

A glass-encased fireplace inset in a heavy, dark wall gives this dining room a cozy but elevated feel. Image: Swiss Milk Studio

This minimalist fireplace serves as a way to connect the living area to the space beyond – even through a towering wall of concrete and wood. Image: Rustic Fire Place

Minimalist fireplaces in the bedroom

A fireplace nestled among your dresser drawers adds warmth without limiting your storage options. Image: Krista + Home

If you like a streamlined aesthetic in the bedroom so your mind can drift off to sleep undistracted, minimalist fireplaces are for you. Image: Tierney Conner Architecture

Alternately, minimalist fireplaces also work well in darker, more moody spaces where you don’t want to disrupt the feel with too much light or warmth. Image: Ownby Design

Traditional fireplaces often feel masculine, but this simple and bright alternative helps the room establish its feminine air. Image: The Cross Decor & Design

Mixed material minimalist fireplaces

In a room where multiple shades of grey are at play, the black of the fireplace also provides an anchor. Image: Design 2 Finish

A floating row of cabinets, an inset for firewood and a textural accent wall all complement the fireplace in this room. Image: J.E Keating + Associates

The small black inset of this minimalist fireplace breaks up the creamy expanse of concrete in this space, adding character. Image: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

In this living room, the simplicity of the extremely minimal fireplace helps balance bright accents. Image: LEIVARS

This backlit, white expanse proves that the space above minimal fireplaces can be simultaneously sleek and also visually captivating. Image: Barc Architects Ltd.

What do you think of the minimal fireplace trend? Would you add one to your home or apartment? Let us know in the comments.

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Freshome’s Tips on How to Entertain at Home

You’ve got the cake and champagne. But what else do you need to entertain at home? Image: Danenberg Design

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Whether you’ve lived in your house for years or are just moving into your first apartment, planning to entertain at home can be a big undertaking. You want your house or apartment to look its best and your guests to feel comfortable. You can cook and clean and still be left feeling like your space isn’t ready. But don’t panic! We’ve got you covered.

Our Freshome team has a very wide range of experience when it comes to entertaining at home. We all love home design and enjoy freshening up our spaces for guests, but we also know that breaking our backs to get ready for a party just isn’t worth it. So without further ado, here are our absolute essentials for when we entertain at home.

The right pans, knives and lighting set your kitchen – and you – up for success. Image: Twelve Chairs

In the kitchen

Although guests won’t spend much time in the kitchen, most parties start there. Setting yourself up to cook without any issues makes hosting much easier. Here are a few kitchen items that our Freshome team leans on when we get ready to entertain at home.

Good knives

Any chef worth their salt will tell you that their #1 must-have item is good knives. And we agree. When you entertain at home, the last thing you want is to end up with a tomato mush or behind-schedule bake because your knives weren’t up to the task. If you’re ready to upgrade your current set, this 3-piece one from Williams Sonoma is a favorite of ours.

Good pans

Whether you’re roasting something in the oven all day or just frying up a quick appetizer, the right pans make all the difference. A good pan distributes heat evenly and helps your cooking along. The wrong pan can ruin a dish – and make cleanup a total headache. At Freshome, we agree that every kitchen needs a non-stick frying pan and a cast iron skillet. If you’re hunting for some for your own kitchen, Williams Sonoma has a Calpahlon Elite Nonstick Essential Pan that cooks like a dream and makes cleanup a breeze.

Good lighting

When designing your home, you probably think carefully about the type of lighting you’re going to install in the main rooms where you’ll entertain. But don’t skip your kitchen just because it might have less foot traffic during parties. Ample, comfortable lighting makes spending time in the kitchen prepping for a major luncheon or dinner party much less tiring.

Make sure you have ample – and visually interesting – seating. Image: Allen Construction

In the living room

Unless you’re hosting a dinner party and plan to gather everyone around the dining table, the living room will probably be at the heart of your event. What makes the ideal living room for entertaining? At Freshome, we love all the design details like a gorgeous rug and an interesting coffee table, but we all agree that nothing is more important than seating. Here are a few key pieces of furniture we recommend.

A giant couch

What’s the one thing a living room absolutely has to have? A couch! And if you host people regularly, the bigger, the better. Sectionals are a favorite among our team. You can’t beat that versatility! Plus, they add structure to your space, helping you define it so your guests can understand the flow of the room at a glance. When measuring for a couch, remember that length isn’t the only thing that matters. Don’t forget depth for the comfort it adds. A deep couch, like the Lounge II from Crate & Barrel, invites everyone to kick back and relax.

An inviting chair

Not everyone wants to be squished together on the couch. Providing alternate seating helps all of your guests feel comfortable – and can make your space more welcoming. This oversized Newton Grand Armchair is a great example. It gives guests the chance to establish their own space and, when you’re not entertaining, is an ideal place to cozy up. Or, if you’re pressed for space but need additional seating, something more compact that still packs a style punch, like this Fabrizzi Mid-Century Modern Chair from Target, is a great option.

An accent loveseat or sofa

Are you sensing a trend? When you want to entertain at home, prepping your living room comes down to creating enough seating to host everyone comfortably. But don’t forget the design, either. That’s what makes accent furniture a slam dunk. It adds a pop to your room and creates a place for guests to plop down. We love velvet sofas and chairs, especially in rich jewel tones. You can grab a gorgeous one from West Elm; their Drake Sofa can be made-to-order in forest green velvet.

Creating a comfortable space makes it so much easier to welcome guests. Image: Rikki Snyder

In general

While prepping your kitchen and living room gets you off on the right foot, you certainly shouldn’t stop there when you plan to entertain. Here are a few more of our Freshome recommendations.

A comfortable space

This might seem broad, but it’s really key. In the throes of designing an entire home, it’s easy to get carried away with the way everything looks and forget about what it will be like to actually live in it. Creating comfy spaces isn’t just a plus for you and your family, either. It helps your guests relax when you have them over. A soft sofa, a cozy throw and inviting colors all help to create a room where you’ll want to entertain at home.

Plants and flowers

Plants are are a great addition to any room. Not only do they add texture and vibrancy to the room, they also clean the air. If you want to add some extra wow when getting ready to entertain at home, turn to potted plants and/or fresh flowers. Anywhere you feel needs an extra pop – whether that’s the center of your dining table or a small corner of the bathroom – plants can deliver.

How do you entertain at home?

All of us are still learning. We refine our party prep after every event we throw, so we’d love to hear about your entertaining essentials. What items do you stock to get yourself and your home or apartment ready for guests? Let us know in the comments!

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Check Out The Inside’s New Katherine Carter for Homepolish Collection

The Inside is a great source for affordable home accents as well as textiles, similar to what you’d find if you work with a top interior designer. And now you can buy affordable, Mid-Century modern style pieces from one of the busiest interior designers around with the Katherine Carter for Homepolish collection.

Her top clients include Lauren Conrad and Marianna Hewitt. Her first home collection, in collaboration with The Inside, is offered in three custom prints she says were inspired by “natural textures and organic shapes in a reduced, modern palette.”

The Katherine Carter for Homepolish collection at The Inside is perfect for renters as well as apartment dwellers. The collection’s pieces are small-scale and also include removable wallpapers that are perfect for dressing up a wall and taking it down when moving out.

Here’s a look at The Inside’s new Katherine Carter for Homepolish collection:

The  Modern Platform Bed, shown in Black Sybil is $799 & up (depending on size), features brass legs. It’s also available in other Katherine Carter textiles. All images: The Inside

Katherine Carter’s Marble print is available as a 20″ throw pillow with down insert for $49.

Turned legs and tufted buttons give this 48″ Mid-Century Bench in Black Fracture fabric, $345, a vintage modern look.

A perfectly tailored Square Pouf in Marble, $249, would be perfect as an occasional table, extra seat or footstool.

The Modern Bench, shown in White Sybil, $399, features the same 70s-style brass legs as the Modern Platform bed.

The Marble Removable Wallpaper, $129 and Cocktail Chair, $399 make a great pairing in a small sitting area.

What’s your favorite piece and pattern from Katherine Carter’s new collection? Let us know in the comments.

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