Living Home Furniture

Five Decor Ideas to Brighten Up the Living Room

<div class="autopin-wrapper" id="desc_img_2">
<a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/"><span class="spanhov" id="mf80"></span><img alt="Urban_home.jpg" id="ed-img" src="http://images.idiva.com/media/content/2014/Sep/urban_home1.jpg" title="Urban_home.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="mf82">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf83">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most
 Indian homes in metropolitan cities are comparable to 'storage' units, 
in that they are small and space comes at a premium. In order to make 
sure that you maximise the limited space you have at home, while giving 
it a modern, sophisticated look, you need to plan for your furniture to 
be a part of the solution, as in it <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">maximises </a>your space without eating 
away too much of it. And here's how you need to do it...
</div>
<div id="mf92" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf93" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong id="mf94">1) Avoid <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">cumbersome </a>furniture:</strong> 
We get it, your old living room set is a precious heirloom that you do 
not want to get rid off. So you will plonk it in the middle of your tiny
 living room and let it hog all that prime real estate. When space comes
 at a premium, you need to know how to utilise it well. Step one in this
 process is getting rid of cumbersome furniture and switching to more 
modular, space efficient furniture. Say goodbye to heavy cabinets, store
 your <a href="http://idiva.com/topic/books" id="mfa32" target="_blank">books</a>
 on weighted bookshelves you can mount on walls. Switch over to an 
LED/LCD television set that you can mount on brackets in the wall. Think
 minimal, think multipurpose.</div>
<div id="mf95" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf96" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong id="mf97">2) In the bedroom:</strong> Master 
bedrooms are getting to be a bit of a rarity in today's day and age. The
 couple's bedroom, needs to be distinctive and different from other 
rooms, and furniture could play an essential role on this process. For 
instance your old 4 poster bed needs to give way to a sleeker, new space
 saving avatar. Storage needs to be in the form of modular cabinets and 
multilevel storage is always more preferable as stacking stuff really 
helps save space.</div>
<div id="mf98">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf99" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong id="mf100">3) <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Kitchen </a>storage:</strong> Most modern
 kitchens are tiny and therefore this is one of the rooms where space 
really needs to be optimised efficiently. If you keep your kitchen 
island efficiently, you could easily have wall mounted modular storage 
areas, for your spices and masalas. For your cutlery and crockery, 
ensure that you have easy to reach modular storage systems which add a 
bit of pop to the kitchen and also make the best utility of the space 
possible.</div>
<div id="mf101">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf102">
</div>
<div class="autopin-wrapper" id="desc_img_4" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="spanhov" id="mf104"></span><img alt="urban_home_1.jpg" id="ed-img" src="http://images.idiva.com/media/content/2014/Sep/urban_home_1.jpg" title="urban_home_1.jpg" /></div>
<div id="mf106">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf107" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong id="mf108">4) Ideas for the kids bedrooms:</strong>
 Designing a kid's room could be a challenge seeing as to how the room 
needs to grow and evolve with them,their changing interests and more 
importantly their ever increasing need for space. For starters pick up a
 bed or a double beds that needn't be changed every so often. Then think
 of workstations that are geared to serve your kids' needs of computing 
and storing <a href="http://idiva.com/topic/books" id="mfa34" target="_blank">books</a> and <a href="http://idiva.com/topic/accessories" id="mfa35" target="_blank">accessories</a>. Last but not the least vertically stackable system of drawers, or modular cupboards for toys, clothes and other knick knacks.</div>
<div id="mf109" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf110" style="text-align: justify;">
Here are a few last minute pointers to help you optimise your space. <br id="mf111" />●	Lighter modern furniture<br id="mf112" />●	Stacked is the way to go<br id="mf113" />●	Whenever possible use Murphy beds or the like in all your bedroom's<br id="mf114" />●	Go in for modular options wherever you can<br id="mf115" />●	Remember to go in for modern colours in your furniture to optimise and accentuate the look of your home</div>
<div id="mf116" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div id="mf117" style="text-align: justify;">
The above tips will come in handy to anyone planning to 
purchase and furnish a new home or someone who is looking at revamping 
the look, feel and vibe of their home. Do let us know your feedback on 
the contents of this article in the comments section below...</div>

Five Decor Ideas to Brighten Up the Living Room

Most Indian homes in metropolitan cities are comparable to 'storage' units, in that they are small and space comes at a pre...

12:07 PM

Picture a brighter living room

<div class="inline-content inline-photo inline-photo-normal horizontal-photo modal-0">
  <img class="zoom-in" data-hi-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/09/03/LocalLiving/Images/Housecalls25-21409784545.jpg?uuid=heF33DO8EeSfTSQQPLi3Qg" data-low-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_400w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/09/03/LocalLiving/Images/Housecalls25-21409784545.jpg?uuid=heF33DO8EeSfTSQQPLi3Qg" src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/09/03/LocalLiving/Images/Housecalls25-21409784545.jpg?uuid=heF33DO8EeSfTSQQPLi3Qg" /><br /> <span class="pb-caption">Caroline Brearley’s living room. (Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post)</span></div>
<div class="inline-content inline-photo inline-photo-normal horizontal-photo modal-0">
<span class="pb-caption"> </span> </div>
<div class="sublabel">
THE CHALLENGE</div>
<div class="sublabel">
 </div>
Arlington
 resident Caroline Brearley would like to finally hang photos in her 
living room, but indecision on furniture placement has kept the walls 
bare for six years. Brearley, who is willing to part with much of the 
existing furniture, wants storage solutions for two young children and a
 fresh coat of paint.<br />
<br />
 <div class="inline-content inline-photo inline-photo-normal horizontal-photo modal-1">
  <img class="zoom-in" data-hi-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/06/LocalLiving/Images/BrearleyLiving.jpg?uuid=Z_U85E12EeSqXnFT5GagLQ" data-low-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_400w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/06/LocalLiving/Images/BrearleyLiving.jpg?uuid=Z_U85E12EeSqXnFT5GagLQ" height="414" src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/06/LocalLiving/Images/BrearleyLiving.jpg?uuid=Z_U85E12EeSqXnFT5GagLQ" width="640" /><br /> <span class="pb-caption">The solution. (Julius Goyanko/For The Washington Post)</span> </div>
<div class="sublabel">
THE SOLUTION</div>
<div class="sublabel">
 </div>
Designer
 Danielle Gray adds color to the neutral space and arranges new 
furniture for a cheerful, relaxed and kid-friendly space. Gray, of Gray 
Livin’ (202-681-2086, <a class="show" href="http://www.graylivin.com/">www.graylivin.com</a>), is based in the District.<br />
<br />
 Styled with framed photos and wicker baskets, <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/"><b>a </b> </a><b><a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">bookshelves </a>do double duty as toy storage and display space</b>.<br />
<br />
  <b>Pale gray walls </b> <b>unify the space</b> <b> and make orange and blue accents pop. </b>Try Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl.<br />
<br />
  <b>Define the living and dining areas </b>with different but coordinating rugs.<br />
  <b>The smaller sofa and recliner </b>are better scaled to the space. A dark indigo fabric for the recliner adds extra color and can hide stains.<br />
<br />
  <b>Dress up windows and add privacy</b> <b>with a neutral curtain. </b>A wavy pattern is fun but subtle.<br />
 <div class="sublabel">
SHOPPING GUIDE</div>
<div class="sublabel">
 </div>
<b>Furniture: </b> <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/axis-ii-2-seat-sofa/s220978" title="www.crateandbarrel.com">Axis II two-seat sofa in Theater Gunsmoke </a>($1,899) and <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/wyatt-40-media-console/s667659" title="www.crateandbarrel.com">Wyatt 40-inch media console </a>($599) both from <a class="show" href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/">www.crateandbarrel.com</a>; Cooper coffee table ($299,<a class="show" href="http://www.iometro.com/living-dining-room/coffee-tables-end-tables/cooper-coffee-table" title="www.iometro.com">www.iometro.com</a>); <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Brook </a>recliner in indigo linen with black finish ($1,279, <a class="show" href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/brook-recliner/furniture/category/living-room/chairs-chaise/224070" title="www.ballarddesigns.com">www.ballarddesigns.com</a>); Ideal white chair ($80,<a class="show" href="http://www.cb2.com/ideal-white-chair/f9347" title="www.cb2.com"> www.cb2.com</a>).<br />
  <b><a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Accessories</a>: </b> <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/safavieh-wyd376/silver/101WYD376G-2309.html" title="www.rugsusa.com">Wyndham rug in silver</a> ($324 for 5-by-8-foot rug) and <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/safavieh-mtk751/grey/101MTK751K-2306.html" title="www.rugsusa.com">Montauk rug in gray</a> ($76 for 4-by-6-foot rug), both from <a class="show" href="http://www.rugsusa.com/">www.rugsusa.com</a>; <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/cotton-canvas-printed-window-panel-scribble-lattice-b901/" title="www.westelm.com">Scribble curtain panels in Feather Gray</a> ($49 per 96-inch panel), <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/wrh-gemma-orkin-afghan-pillow-cover-t1258/" title="www.westelm.com">Gemma Orkin Afghan pillow</a> ($24), <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/capiz-orb-pendants-w872/" title="www.westelm.com">capiz orb pendant in medium</a> ($199) and <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/glass-jug-table-lamp-mercury-w984/" title="www.westelm.com">mercury glass jug table lamp</a> ($169), all from <a class="show" href="http://www.westelm.com/">www.westelm.com</a>; <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/cheetah-colorful-pillow-cover/" title="www.potterybarn.com">cheetah pillow cover in Twilight Blue</a> ($27) and 18-inch <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/down-synthetic-bedding-pillow-inserts/?pkey=e%7CFeather%2BPillow%2BInserts%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C48%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Pillows" title="www.potterybarn.com">feather insert</a> ($14) both from <a class="show" href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">www.potterybarn.com</a>; stainless steel spheres ($15-$30, <a class="show" href="http://www.cb2.com/stainless-steel-spheres/f3192" title="www.cb2.com">www.cb2.com</a>); woven <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">rectangle </a>basket ($34 for medium, <a class="show" href="http://www.wisteria.com/Woven-Rectangle-Basket-Medium/productinfo/T11027" title="www.wisteria.com">www.wisteria.com</a>).

Picture a brighter living room

Caroline Brearley’s living room. (Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post) THE CHALLENGE Arlington resident Caroline Brearley...

12:01 PM

Ellen Pompeo Unveils Her Home's

<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been one busy year for actress Ellen Pompeo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The "Grey's Anatomy" star and her husband, music producer Chris Ivery, not only <a href="http://www.today.com/parents/ellen-pompeo-secretly-welcomes-second-daughter-husband-chris-ivery-2D80190884" target="_blank">welcomed their second daughter, Sienna May,</a> earlier this fall, but they are now unveiling their <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Los Angeles home's</a> transformation for <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/celebrity-homes/2014/ellen-pompeo-los-angeles-villa-article" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975172-pompeo-family.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br />
<div class="credit">
Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Pompeo
 and Ivery purchased the 16,000-square-foot home in 2009, and it came 
with asbestos, lead pipes and a handful of other issues. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975129-living-room-after.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br />
<div class="credit">
Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div>
<div class="credit">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I
 love a project," Pompeo told the magazine. She joined forces with 
designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard to transform the 1930s villa, and five 
years after buying the property, the labor of love is complete. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975173-daughter-bedroom.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br />
<div class="credit">
Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div>
<div class="credit">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The
 remodel was extensive and included enlarging the windows to maximize 
the home's stunning views, reconfiguring the layout, and adding 
finishing touches like a Carrara-marble backsplash throughout the 
kitchen and decking out two colorful rooms for baby Sienna and her 
5-year-old sister, Stella Luna. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975130-nursery.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br />
<div class="credit">
Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div>
<div class="credit">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Everything
 has been done before," Pompeo said about the home's reinvention. "So 
the question becomes, "How do you take something classic and make it 
fresh for a new generation?" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With an all-new take on the 80-year-old home, it would appear Pompeo has succeeded in doing just that. </div>
<div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975174-ad-november-2014-cover.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br />
<div class="credit">
Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>See more of Ellen Pompeo's home in the November issue of Architectural Digest.</i></div>

Ellen Pompeo Unveils Her Home's

It has been one busy year for actress Ellen Pompeo. The "Grey's Anatomy" star and her husband, music producer Chris Ivery...

11:41 AM

Have a living room like Olivia

<div style="text-align: justify;">
When we last saw Olivia Pope, she was on a plane headed for parts 
unknown, but we hope she returns to Washington D.C. in the season four 
premiere Thursday night so that we can see more of her gorgeous 
apartment. We especially covet the living room, where she cozies up on 
the sofa with a (very) generous glass of wine after a hard day being the
 fixer extraordinaire — and the president’s mistress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lucky for us
 and the rest of the Gladiators out there, the set and production 
designers of “Scandal” — production designer Corey Kaplan, set decorator
 Barbara Cassel and production assistant Sandie Bailey — are sharing the
 inside scoop on how they designed the space for Liv so we can recreate 
it in our own homes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>The mood</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The key 
to the space is all about comfort, Kaplan says, “a place where you can 
take your shoes off and feel safe. We didn’t want the apartment to be 
large, so Olivia can cocoon in her space.”</div>
<br />
<div class="art large none">
<img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld)
" src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906858876-131408-0540.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /><div class="credit">
 </div>
<div class="credit" style="text-align: justify;">
This comforting cocoon is achieved by a neutral color palette. The living room walls are painted with <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/nantucketgray" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore’s Nantucket Gray</a>, while the sofa, two chairs and bench are upholstered in various shades of white and ivory to mimic Olivia's wardrobe. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Olivia’s comfy sofa is a custom piece from the <a href="http://www.ciscohome.net/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Cisco Home furniture line</a>, The Beaumont, but if shelling out dough for custom furniture isn’t in your budget, you can get the look with the <a href="http://www.la-z-boy.com/Product/5215-3632/Talbot-Casual-Sofa/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Talbot Premier Sofa</a> in Vanilla from La-Z-Boy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Don’t
 think too much when you shop for your couches,” Kaplan. “Use your gut. 
Think simple, the accessories will spice up the room — pillow, blanket, 
standing lamp.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/"><strong>Architectural elements</strong></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
 amazing architecture of the living room is based on the glamorous El 
Royale apartments in Los Angeles, a rococo-style building that set the 
standard for vintage Hollywood architectural elegance and prestige. The 
designers selected the place because it's classic, stylish, beautiful 
and elegant — all words that would also describe Olivia Pope.  </div>
<br />
<div class="art large none">
<img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld)
" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906858877-131408-0528.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Get the look by 
adding similar architectural elements in your home — arched doorways, a 
mix of woods and plaster details. The set designers suggest checking 
out <a href="http://www.rejuvenation.com/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Rejuvenation</a>, <a href="http://www.restoration.com/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Crown City Hardware</a> and vintage salvage yards for carved corbels and other elements to bring in that same feeling. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Pops of color</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Relaxing blues accent Olivia’s living room, adding interest without upsetting the dreamy vibe.</div>
<br />
<div class="art large none">
<img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld)
" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906859476-131408-0209.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /><div class="credit">
<br /></div>
</div>
The subtle patterns in the drapery and rug add small amounts of color to the room, as do the custom throw pillows.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can get the look of the teal armchair with the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/stratford-chair-and-ottoman/furniture/category/living-room/chairs-chaise/12156" target="_blank">Stratford Chair</a> in Queens Velvet Teal from Ballard Designs and add a bit of color with a <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Dakotah-Pillow-Polyester-Accent-Pillow-305871-305888-VPS1111.html" target="_blank">Dakotah accent pillow</a> from Wayfair or in a <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/solid-silk-hand-loomed-pillow-cover-light-pool" target="_blank">Solid Silk Hand-Loomed Pillow Cover</a> in light pool from West Elm.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Tables</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Avid
 watchers of “Scandal” may have noticed that some living room items have
 changed slightly as the show was filmed on location in season one and 
moved to a set on season two. One of those items was the coffee table. 
Designers needed a larger piece that would accommodate Pope's lifestyle,
 which often includes a bowl of popcorn and extra-large glass of wine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Get the look of the coffee table by giving a coat of matte gold paint to the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/andrews-coffee-table/304832" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Andrews Coffee Table</a> from Ballard Designs. Just don’t forget to add a heaping bowl of popcorn and large glass of wine on top.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The “Scandal” designers purchased the side tables from <a href="http://www.bassman-blaine.com/" target="_blank">Bassman Blaine</a> in the LA Mart, but you can snag a similar look with the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/willow-round-mirrored-accent-table" target="_blank">Willow Accent Table at Pottery Barn</a>. Top them with the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Safavieh-Safavieh-Amy-1-Light-Gourd-Table-Lamp-Set-of-2/23625998" target="_blank">Safavieh Amy Gourd Table</a> Lamps from Walmart to mimic the ones Liv has from the <a href="http://www.pasadenaantiquecenter.com/" target="_blank">Pasadena Antique Center</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Art and accessories</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While
 the overall look of Olivia’s apartment is clean and simple, carefully 
curated accessories and personal items pepper the space while abstract 
paintings in muted colors, like “Orange Trees” by artist Nancy Crawford,
 decorate the walls.</div>
<br />
<div class="art large none">
<img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld)
" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906858878-131408-0570.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /><div class="credit">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Books, flowers, and other small objects are used to elevate Pope's appearance as a sophisticated and well-cultured woman. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Get
 the look by displaying minimal collected trinkets and pictures on 
tables and bookcases, or fake the globe-trotter mementos with décor 
items like the <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Buddha-Bookend-Set/2684479,default,pd.html?cgid=sculpture_art_figurines#nav=top&start=1" target="_blank">Buddha Bookend Set</a> from Pier 1 Imports or the <a href="http://www.birchlane.com/Birch-Lane-Tracery-Vase-BL3169.html" target="_blank">Tracery Vase</a> from Birch Lane. </div>

Have a living room like Olivia

When we last saw Olivia Pope, she was on a plane headed for parts unknown, but we hope she returns to Washington D.C. in the season four ...

11:28 AM

Contractor Carves Fine Furniture

<div class="expand-canvas">
<span class="expand sprite"></span></div>
<div id="slideContainerDiv">
                                             
                                                <div id="slideImgDiv">
                                                    <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/"><img alt=" Contractor/woodworker David Weld’s living room reveals a variety of works in progress.  " class="galleryLink" height="440" id="fullImage" src="http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/gallery/nd6wwd-b88212174z.120141009113145000gro5gppi.10.jpg" title="" width="600" /></a>
                                                </div>
</div>
<div id="otherImages">
                                            
                                            <div id="otherThumbs">
                                            </div>
</div>
<div class="gBottom">
                                    
                                             <div id="slideInfoDiv">
                                        
                                        <div class="credit">
 </div>
<div class="credit" style="text-align: justify;">
FRED SWEGLES ,  STAFF </div>
<div class="credit" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The living room of David Weld’s San 
Clemente home looks more like a laboratory of distinctive furniture in 
varying stages of completion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The room is filled with custom pieces that Weld is making for sale to people who appreciate the natural complexions of wood.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As
 a general contractor with 25 years’ experience around Orange County, 
Weld said he has been privileged to work on some spectacular homes. As 
clients have learned of his passion for turning natural-edge wood and 
reclaimed barn lumber into fine-art furniture, those talents are 
becoming a spin-off of his trade. We asked him about it:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.ocregister.com/"><b>Q. As a general contractor, why do this?</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A. </b>I
 have enjoyed working on the most beautiful homes in Orange County. I 
have often been asked by interior designers on the jobs to create and 
customize my woodworking. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After 25 years of contracting, I enjoy
 being challenged by designing and creating unique pieces of furniture 
from raw lumber. It is a sense of accomplishment to see the finished 
product. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Q. What is most eye-catching about the furniture?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A. </b>It
 is unique, artistic, organic furniture. I use reclaimed and live-edge 
wood for most projects. Live edge or natural edge is a style of 
furniture where a craftsman incorporates the natural edge of the wood 
into the design ...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Therefore, each piece of furniture is a one-of-a-kind creation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Q. How much competition is there in the area?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A. </b>There are some, but mostly they are hobbyists. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Q. What kinds of furniture have you made? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A. </b>I recently was commissioned to fabricate five mortise-and-tenon benches for a client in San Juan Capistrano. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another client, in San Clemente, chose a blue gum live-edge slab that I had fabricated. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Q. How long does it take to craft a project, and what special skills does it require?</b></div>

Contractor Carves Fine Furniture

...

10:59 AM

Furniture Giant IKEA is Plotting Disruptions

<div class="mod-economictimesarticletextwithadcpc mod-economictimesarticletext mod-articletext" id="mod-a-body-after-first-para">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 In sync with sustainable home furnishing solutions, the Euro 29.2 
billion Swedish giant is revving up conversations around circular 
economic models. And true to IKEA's identity, Jesper Brodin, <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Global Head of Range & Supply</a>, believes that the IP of the company actually 
lies in its design while the procurement of materials can come from any 
source—of course, adhering to stringent quality standards.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 <em>In an exclusive interaction with <strong>CD, Brodin </strong>outlines
 the company's global supply chain, offers a peek into tomorrow's 
furniture and positions India as a major retail and procurement hub. 
Edited excerpts:</em></div>
<br />
 <img class="gwt-Image" src="http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo/44751719.cms" /><br />
 <strong> </strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 <strong>How is IKEA's iconic design woven to the supply chain?</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 The world is obsessed about quality and low price or function and low 
price. We need both. That means together with our supply partners, like 
the people we have been working with for more than 30 years in India, 
they are our partners in making that happen. In certain aspects, some 
things are more cosmetic, but the quest is to provide real function at 
lower prices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 So we spend our investments in R&D, product 
development, industry development, technology. What we want to do in the
 new India, and also supported by us moving into the customer side here,
 is to bring innovation technology and innovations here, build it up as 
we build up the retail side, but also look at more ambitious 
opportunities for India to become a leader in industry and export.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 Today, we are 65 per cent textile-based in India wherein rugs and 
textiles are the main trade. We see huge opportunities to develop other 
materials and technologies in India for export as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 <strong>IKEA
 seems to press the refresh button in its product range quite 
occasionally. How many SKUs does that leave the company with every year?</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 We have about 10,000 products—everything from sofas to lights. Of the 
10,000 products, we probably shift about 2,000 every year. So we have 
quite a turnaround of bringing in new designs and vitality in our 
offerings. The whole point of our stores is to have a place where you 
have instant gratification but it's also an experience in home 
furnishing. So it is both experience and shopping.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 <strong>Despite high raw material prices, expensive transport and inflation, how do you keep your prices low?</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 We work long term and the effort is to constantly bring down prices. 
Our business model is to take out unnecessary costs. We don't compromise
 on quality but try to bring in innovation and industry leadership to 
take out costs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 <strong>Give an example.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 The 
innovation is not only to take out cost but find a sustainable business 
model. An example is furniture that instead of being solid with board 
material, we have invested in huge setups where the production is based 
on density. We have made holes (in material) where you need strength and
 where there is low density, you don't need holes.</div>
</div>

Furniture Giant IKEA is Plotting Disruptions

In sync with sustainable home furnishing solutions, the Euro 29.2 billion Swedish giant is revving up conversations around circular eco...

10:20 AM