Matching Flower Arrangements To Your Home Decor
By Liztiany Zakaria
Whatever your home decor style is, flower arrangements can enhance it. There are various kinds of arrangements that can suit your interior decor, be it country, tropical, contemporary, english or oriental.
Let's look at how to match flower arrangements to your home interior design.
Contemporary
Contemporary design focuses on light and space. This is a good point to remember. To create contemporary design in your home, always emphasize on these two factors.
Balance between natural colours and bright colours are usually associated with this design. And, the shapes in a contemporary design is defined.
Flower arrangements to match this design is the easiest to work with. Apart from flowers, plants can be used to enhance the design, too.
English
English design accents are like printed floral fabrics and wooden flooring and furniture. When you enter an English-styled room, you can feel a sense of romance.
Which is why romantic flowers are suitable for this design. Flowers like roses, hydrangeas, gardenias, tulips are suitable for this design. On the other hand, I think greeneries or plants are not suitable.
Country
Decorating a country-styled home with flowers is rather easy. Country homes must be associated with wooden furniture and earthen colours.
For country homes, dried flowers wreaths and arrangements are best. In the kitchen, you can also decorate with fresh sunflowers or dried vegetables.
Arrangements in wicker baskets are also suitable for country style. The guide to decorating a country home is to use flower arrangement with 'fresh from the garden' look.
With that, you could not go wrong.
Tropical
Tropical inspired homes are very famous in the Asian region. Exotic wood and teak furniture are elements of a tropical home. Not much colours are involved and usually the home has an outdoor feeling and very airy.
To match this style, use tropical flowers like orchids, proteas, heliconias and birds of paradise. These flowers will certainly complete your tropical home with elegance.
Using plants and greeneries also help. Oil palm trees and ferns are good choices.
Oriental
Oriental homes are either Japanese or Chinese inspired. Japanese home accents are like tatami mats and bamboo sliding doors. Ikebana arrangements is most suitable for Japanese style homes.
For Chinese styled homes, there are usually heavy carvings in the furniture. Rosewood is most commonly used in their furniture. Bonsai plants will complete your Chinese styled homes.
Liztiany Zakaria is a flower arranging hobbyist who does flower arrangements at leisure to decorate her home. She also contributes flower arrangement ideas for special occassion gifts at her website http://www.flower-arrangement-advisor.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liztiany_Zakaria
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thomas Chippendale and His Legendary Chairs
By Martin Swinton
Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality furniture in their day. Today, they remain extraordinary examples of antique furniture. Chippendale style, ball and claw and ladder backs, there’s lots to know. Here’s your guide to one of the world’s most celebrated chairs.
Who is He.
Thomas Chippendale (1714-1779) was an English furniture maker in the mid 18th century whose work was influenced by English, French and Chinese furniture design.
A Book Made Him a Household Name.
In 1754, Thomas Chippendale published the first of three editions of his book, Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director. It put him on the map. This illustrated directory showed examples of the furniture that Thomas Chippendale could make for his customers. Wealthy clients could see illustrated examples, pick out the designs that they liked which would be handcrafted in his workshop. At the time, Thomas Chippendale probably didn’t expect that this book would become so widely copied for so many years by other furniture makers. It continues to be used today.
A Claim to Fame.
Thomas Chippendale was the first non-reigning monarch to have a furniture style named after him. Before Thomas Chippendale, furniture styles were named after reigning Monarchs such as Louis XIV, George I, Queen Anne.
Chippendale versus Chippendale Style.
Anything made by Thomas Chippendale’s workshop in England is a Chippendale. Furniture made incorporating the features used by Thomas Chippendale is Chippendale-style. American Chippendale refers to Chippendale style furniture that was made in the US – mostly in Philadelphia.
Chippendale Style Particulars.
The style reflected elements of the Rococo, Chinese, Gothic and Noeclassical styles. Deep hand carving was prevalent. Common motifs were of shells, lions, masques, eggs, darts and scrolls.
Favorite Wood.
Mahogany was preferred choice of wood for Chippendale style furniture. Solid wood; not veneers was often used because of the detailed carving involved.
A Lesson in Legs.
There are six basic style – lion’s paw, ball and claw, the late Chippendale, the Marlborough, the club and the spade. Early Chippendale furniture used the cabriole leg which is a serpentine style ending with a lion’s paw, ball and claw or the club. The late Chippendale, Marlborough and spade were straight legs and appeared later in the period.
Seat Selection.
Chippendale style chairs were wood, upholstered or caned.
Chair Back Choice.
Upholstered, rail backs, ladder backs, rung back, splat backs, carved backs, ribband backs. The chair backs are one of the most definitive parts of the chair that typify the style. Ribband backs are carved to look like bow. Very few were made in the 18th century because it required expert craftsmen and was very time-consuming. And very few survived passed the 18th C. Most ribband back chairs around today were made in the 19th and 20th centuries.
What to Look for When Buying.
Look for original condition. Repairs and replacement lower the value. Actual pieces from Thomas Chippendale’s workshop are rare indeed. Make sure the provenance is strong documented when a dealer says it is a Thomas Chippendale versus a Chippendale style chair. Keep in mind that very few ribband back chairs survived from the 18th century. Be wary when someone tells you that they have one.
Reproductions Versus Antiques.
You can tell modern reproductions from the real thing by looking closely at the carving. Is it uniform in depth and symmetrical? If so, it’s a modern reproduction. Antique Chippendale’s would be hand carved which is irregular in depth and never exactly symmetrical because it’s virtually impossible for even a master artisan to achieve it.
Pricing.
Any Chippendale 18th century chair whether it was made by Thomas Chippendale himself or one of his contemporaries will cost several thousands of dollars. If it’s not in that price range, it’s most likely not 18th century. Even high quality modern reproductions can be pricey.
Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Swinton
By Martin Swinton
Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality furniture in their day. Today, they remain extraordinary examples of antique furniture. Chippendale style, ball and claw and ladder backs, there’s lots to know. Here’s your guide to one of the world’s most celebrated chairs.
Who is He.
Thomas Chippendale (1714-1779) was an English furniture maker in the mid 18th century whose work was influenced by English, French and Chinese furniture design.
A Book Made Him a Household Name.
In 1754, Thomas Chippendale published the first of three editions of his book, Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director. It put him on the map. This illustrated directory showed examples of the furniture that Thomas Chippendale could make for his customers. Wealthy clients could see illustrated examples, pick out the designs that they liked which would be handcrafted in his workshop. At the time, Thomas Chippendale probably didn’t expect that this book would become so widely copied for so many years by other furniture makers. It continues to be used today.
A Claim to Fame.
Thomas Chippendale was the first non-reigning monarch to have a furniture style named after him. Before Thomas Chippendale, furniture styles were named after reigning Monarchs such as Louis XIV, George I, Queen Anne.
Chippendale versus Chippendale Style.
Anything made by Thomas Chippendale’s workshop in England is a Chippendale. Furniture made incorporating the features used by Thomas Chippendale is Chippendale-style. American Chippendale refers to Chippendale style furniture that was made in the US – mostly in Philadelphia.
Chippendale Style Particulars.
The style reflected elements of the Rococo, Chinese, Gothic and Noeclassical styles. Deep hand carving was prevalent. Common motifs were of shells, lions, masques, eggs, darts and scrolls.
Favorite Wood.
Mahogany was preferred choice of wood for Chippendale style furniture. Solid wood; not veneers was often used because of the detailed carving involved.
A Lesson in Legs.
There are six basic style – lion’s paw, ball and claw, the late Chippendale, the Marlborough, the club and the spade. Early Chippendale furniture used the cabriole leg which is a serpentine style ending with a lion’s paw, ball and claw or the club. The late Chippendale, Marlborough and spade were straight legs and appeared later in the period.
Seat Selection.
Chippendale style chairs were wood, upholstered or caned.
Chair Back Choice.
Upholstered, rail backs, ladder backs, rung back, splat backs, carved backs, ribband backs. The chair backs are one of the most definitive parts of the chair that typify the style. Ribband backs are carved to look like bow. Very few were made in the 18th century because it required expert craftsmen and was very time-consuming. And very few survived passed the 18th C. Most ribband back chairs around today were made in the 19th and 20th centuries.
What to Look for When Buying.
Look for original condition. Repairs and replacement lower the value. Actual pieces from Thomas Chippendale’s workshop are rare indeed. Make sure the provenance is strong documented when a dealer says it is a Thomas Chippendale versus a Chippendale style chair. Keep in mind that very few ribband back chairs survived from the 18th century. Be wary when someone tells you that they have one.
Reproductions Versus Antiques.
You can tell modern reproductions from the real thing by looking closely at the carving. Is it uniform in depth and symmetrical? If so, it’s a modern reproduction. Antique Chippendale’s would be hand carved which is irregular in depth and never exactly symmetrical because it’s virtually impossible for even a master artisan to achieve it.
Pricing.
Any Chippendale 18th century chair whether it was made by Thomas Chippendale himself or one of his contemporaries will cost several thousands of dollars. If it’s not in that price range, it’s most likely not 18th century. Even high quality modern reproductions can be pricey.
Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Swinton
Home Decorating with Asian Decor and Asian Furniture
By Dave Poon
One of the recent trends in home decorating is the influence of the Far East. With its simplicity and attention to space, this lends itself well to our hectic Western lifestyle. A lot of the elements of Asian home decorating can be trace back to two schools of thought, one originating from China and the other from Japan.
Feng Shui is a Chinese concept of space and object placement. Feng Shui associates the home with both health and prosperity. There are various rooms in which Feng Shui is more prevalent. The kitchen is one of them. Couple this perspective with the role of the kitchen as "the heart of the home," and you can see that any feng shui in this room can have a significant impact on your family. A few things you can try are to place Buddha statues at strategic places. Buddha statues are known to add vibrant chi power to your home. Especially the Laughing Buddha statue. Buddha statues can be made from various stones. Jade as well as bronze are the most popular choices. Quan Yin is the female version of Buddha.
Common Feng Shui gifts include Chinese dragons. These dragons are said not only to provide powerful chi energy, but also keep evil spirits from entering your home. For better wealth, riches and prosperity, one can turn to Chinese Feng Shui money frogs. These frogs are made from either jade or agate. They symbolize fortune and good luck with your hard work and clever mind. If you’re looking for a healthier frame of body and mind, an Asian Feng Shui crystal globe might be your answer. This is one of the most commonly used cures and produces amazing results. When sunlight hits these crystals, beams of colored light radiate in all directions activating chi energy, and can also be used to slow down chi. Incidentally, various Asian animal figures such as jade horses can also be used to the same effect.
The Japanese perspective of home decorating and home furnishings is quite different. Rather than concentrate on objects to attract or repel energies, the Japanese focuses on spatial matters. It uses room dividers known as Shoji screens to separate form and function within a living space. A single Shoji screen can transform a dull square room into practical, attractive living areas. These oriental screens are often made with rice paper and can have vibrant colors or symbols. Some common designs are bamboo tree shoji screen, cherry blossom shoji screen or Geisha shoji screen. Light also plays a vital role in Japanese home design. Japanese lanterns are known for their boxy shape which reflects strength and substance. The thin rice paper allows ample light to shine through while displaying the intended images, much like the way silk paintings are. In fact, Japanese lanterns are sometime made from silk.
We hope you enjoyed our brief tour about Asian décor and Asian furniture with a Chinese and Japanese flair.
Dave Poon is the owner of My Asian Decor. We take the mystery out of Oriental and Asian home decorating. Stop by and learn about Feng Shui and how to use it at your home. We offer the most unique selection of Shoji screens and Buddha Statues anywhere. Come visit us at My Asian Decor.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon
By Dave Poon
One of the recent trends in home decorating is the influence of the Far East. With its simplicity and attention to space, this lends itself well to our hectic Western lifestyle. A lot of the elements of Asian home decorating can be trace back to two schools of thought, one originating from China and the other from Japan.
Feng Shui is a Chinese concept of space and object placement. Feng Shui associates the home with both health and prosperity. There are various rooms in which Feng Shui is more prevalent. The kitchen is one of them. Couple this perspective with the role of the kitchen as "the heart of the home," and you can see that any feng shui in this room can have a significant impact on your family. A few things you can try are to place Buddha statues at strategic places. Buddha statues are known to add vibrant chi power to your home. Especially the Laughing Buddha statue. Buddha statues can be made from various stones. Jade as well as bronze are the most popular choices. Quan Yin is the female version of Buddha.
Common Feng Shui gifts include Chinese dragons. These dragons are said not only to provide powerful chi energy, but also keep evil spirits from entering your home. For better wealth, riches and prosperity, one can turn to Chinese Feng Shui money frogs. These frogs are made from either jade or agate. They symbolize fortune and good luck with your hard work and clever mind. If you’re looking for a healthier frame of body and mind, an Asian Feng Shui crystal globe might be your answer. This is one of the most commonly used cures and produces amazing results. When sunlight hits these crystals, beams of colored light radiate in all directions activating chi energy, and can also be used to slow down chi. Incidentally, various Asian animal figures such as jade horses can also be used to the same effect.
The Japanese perspective of home decorating and home furnishings is quite different. Rather than concentrate on objects to attract or repel energies, the Japanese focuses on spatial matters. It uses room dividers known as Shoji screens to separate form and function within a living space. A single Shoji screen can transform a dull square room into practical, attractive living areas. These oriental screens are often made with rice paper and can have vibrant colors or symbols. Some common designs are bamboo tree shoji screen, cherry blossom shoji screen or Geisha shoji screen. Light also plays a vital role in Japanese home design. Japanese lanterns are known for their boxy shape which reflects strength and substance. The thin rice paper allows ample light to shine through while displaying the intended images, much like the way silk paintings are. In fact, Japanese lanterns are sometime made from silk.
We hope you enjoyed our brief tour about Asian décor and Asian furniture with a Chinese and Japanese flair.
Dave Poon is the owner of My Asian Decor. We take the mystery out of Oriental and Asian home decorating. Stop by and learn about Feng Shui and how to use it at your home. We offer the most unique selection of Shoji screens and Buddha Statues anywhere. Come visit us at My Asian Decor.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon
History of Chinese Furniture
By Yee Lee Wong
In ancient China, people used to sit or kneel on straw mats on the floor. Starting from around 471 to 221B.C., beds and mats came into being. Then people started to move their daily living from the floor to somewhere of raised heights. From then on, straw mats were used mostly on beds and couches.
Not only chairs and stools, various designs of furniture has arrived its summit in the Ming and Ching dynasties. In Ming dynasty, smooth, flowing lines and elegant ornamentation were the motifs at the time. In Ching dynasty, furniture design turned to richer ornamentation together with more coordinated engraved details. And in more modern days, most Chinese furniture designs are heavily influenced by the above two periods in history.
Since furniture has come in being, wood has been the major material used. With China 's rich forest resources, it is nothing surprising. There are two main materials being used, lacquered and hardwood. Besides, bamboo and rattan furniture is also common in areas of warmer and sunnier weather.
The most frequently used woods in high quality furniture are huganhuali mu (yellow flower pear wood), jichi mu (phoenix tail or chicken wing wood) and zitan mu(dark-purple sandlewood).
Huanghuali mu was often used in both Ming and Ching dynasties. Huanghuali mu is one of the world's most precious woods. It can reach up to 36 meters tall with a diameter of 1 meter. This wood is commonly found in Thailand , Burma and Vietnam . In ancient China , Huanghuali mu and Zitan were as precious and costly as gold and gem. Jichi mu is a kind of very hard wood. It is often found in Burma , Thailand , India and Vietnam . This type of wood is of even more rarity than both Huganhuali and Zitan. Its name came into being due to its feather-like pattern which resembles that of birds. Zitan mu is an extremely hard rosewood. This type of wood is just so hard and dense that it sinks in water. It is commonly found in America , Africa , India , Vietnam and Burma . It is said that it is very difficult for it to grow bigger than a diameter of 7 inches. That is why it is very difficult to get big trunks from this tree. It has a tree trunk of yellow color. But with enough exposure in the air, the yellow will change to dark red. It gives off fragrant smell and it is one of China 's medicinal herbs. With a chair made of Zitan, people will receive good medicinal treatment by sitting on it.
For a long time, ancient Chinese furniture has been treasure of furniture aficionados. However, not much of what was produced in ancient China was kept because a piece of good work was not rated valuably. It was not until Ming and Ching dynasties that good pieces of furniture were valued and treasured by people. Even in the two periods, most furniture was either destroyed locally or looted by invaders from the West. In fact, similar situation lasted until recent China during the Communist revolution when communal chaos destroyed cabinets, chest and chairs for fuel and any possession of quality would be considered against the government at the time.
As a result, apart from the few items which managed to escape with their expatriate or diplomatic families to places like Hong Kong or to the West, a limited collection can be found in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Palace Museum in Beijing .
In fact, with ancient Chinese furniture gaining more worldly attention and international status to its high quality and worth, prices of a true piece can command up to as much as one is willing to pay.
With increasing worldwide attention and appreciation, Chinese furniture is gaining its international position.
Asia Dragon is now offering its wide range of furniture design both in our website and our shop, The Oriental Centre, located in Headrow Centre, Leeds . As complement, we also provide home furnishing products, ornaments, accessories, clothes, kimonos and etc. Kindly visit our homepage or visit our shop in person and you will be surprised.
This article was produced by Asia Dragon. Visit us at http://www.asiadragon.co.uk where you will find authentic Oriental furniture, including Indian furniture, Chinese furniture plus Oriental rugs, soft furnishings and home décor ideas. Our Asian furniture and home furnishings are available in both traditional & contemporary styles. We also feature calligraphy, Chinese art and ornaments, Chinese dresses, fashion accessories, and Japanese kimonos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yee_Lee_Wong
By Yee Lee Wong
In ancient China, people used to sit or kneel on straw mats on the floor. Starting from around 471 to 221B.C., beds and mats came into being. Then people started to move their daily living from the floor to somewhere of raised heights. From then on, straw mats were used mostly on beds and couches.
Not only chairs and stools, various designs of furniture has arrived its summit in the Ming and Ching dynasties. In Ming dynasty, smooth, flowing lines and elegant ornamentation were the motifs at the time. In Ching dynasty, furniture design turned to richer ornamentation together with more coordinated engraved details. And in more modern days, most Chinese furniture designs are heavily influenced by the above two periods in history.
Since furniture has come in being, wood has been the major material used. With China 's rich forest resources, it is nothing surprising. There are two main materials being used, lacquered and hardwood. Besides, bamboo and rattan furniture is also common in areas of warmer and sunnier weather.
The most frequently used woods in high quality furniture are huganhuali mu (yellow flower pear wood), jichi mu (phoenix tail or chicken wing wood) and zitan mu(dark-purple sandlewood).
Huanghuali mu was often used in both Ming and Ching dynasties. Huanghuali mu is one of the world's most precious woods. It can reach up to 36 meters tall with a diameter of 1 meter. This wood is commonly found in Thailand , Burma and Vietnam . In ancient China , Huanghuali mu and Zitan were as precious and costly as gold and gem. Jichi mu is a kind of very hard wood. It is often found in Burma , Thailand , India and Vietnam . This type of wood is of even more rarity than both Huganhuali and Zitan. Its name came into being due to its feather-like pattern which resembles that of birds. Zitan mu is an extremely hard rosewood. This type of wood is just so hard and dense that it sinks in water. It is commonly found in America , Africa , India , Vietnam and Burma . It is said that it is very difficult for it to grow bigger than a diameter of 7 inches. That is why it is very difficult to get big trunks from this tree. It has a tree trunk of yellow color. But with enough exposure in the air, the yellow will change to dark red. It gives off fragrant smell and it is one of China 's medicinal herbs. With a chair made of Zitan, people will receive good medicinal treatment by sitting on it.
For a long time, ancient Chinese furniture has been treasure of furniture aficionados. However, not much of what was produced in ancient China was kept because a piece of good work was not rated valuably. It was not until Ming and Ching dynasties that good pieces of furniture were valued and treasured by people. Even in the two periods, most furniture was either destroyed locally or looted by invaders from the West. In fact, similar situation lasted until recent China during the Communist revolution when communal chaos destroyed cabinets, chest and chairs for fuel and any possession of quality would be considered against the government at the time.
As a result, apart from the few items which managed to escape with their expatriate or diplomatic families to places like Hong Kong or to the West, a limited collection can be found in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Palace Museum in Beijing .
In fact, with ancient Chinese furniture gaining more worldly attention and international status to its high quality and worth, prices of a true piece can command up to as much as one is willing to pay.
With increasing worldwide attention and appreciation, Chinese furniture is gaining its international position.
Asia Dragon is now offering its wide range of furniture design both in our website and our shop, The Oriental Centre, located in Headrow Centre, Leeds . As complement, we also provide home furnishing products, ornaments, accessories, clothes, kimonos and etc. Kindly visit our homepage or visit our shop in person and you will be surprised.
This article was produced by Asia Dragon. Visit us at http://www.asiadragon.co.uk where you will find authentic Oriental furniture, including Indian furniture, Chinese furniture plus Oriental rugs, soft furnishings and home décor ideas. Our Asian furniture and home furnishings are available in both traditional & contemporary styles. We also feature calligraphy, Chinese art and ornaments, Chinese dresses, fashion accessories, and Japanese kimonos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yee_Lee_Wong
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