Reflection No. 1 - Federal-Style Bulls Eye Mirror

There is something stunning about the appreciation of history in design when one's personal style is part of the mix. For it was one's personal style that inspired the originator's creativity. Welcome the Federal-style bulls eye mirror. What a nod to personal style an early XVIII Century fashionable mirror can make!

If you understand the importance of your style in your home, the Federal-style bulls eye mirror doesn't have to be tucked away in a stodgy interior. And you don't have to live in a Federal-style home. For it's the use of beautiful things in an unexpected interpretation that moves a special piece to a new level of appreciation.

Don't shy away from heritage because you think it's wrong to use it in an unorthodox way, in your home. Show your designer those pieces you treasure, share your wish list even if you don't think it possible to add to your home, and most importantly visit your designer with an open mind. A Federal-style bulls eye mirror doesn't just end up in a room by accident.

We would be remiss if we didn't address authentic appreciation for history in design, in one manner that matters, when talking about the Federal-style bulls eye mirror. That authenticity is keeping the reverence of the finish. Finishing pieces that give a nod to history in design in high lacquer paint finishes is something we love. In the case of the Federal-style bulls eye mirror...not so much.

Mirror Design Tip: A mirror's placement is so important. Any mirror. A truly talented designer always considers the reflection. 

Be inspired to show your love for history, your style!

After all history does truly repeat itself. Let's build a beautiful room together.

Image Sources: Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Steve Gambrel, Suzanne Rheinstein, Pinterest, VT Interiors, Traditional Home, Etsy

Davids Event No. 1 - A Visit from the Stickley Museum

Davids is pleased to announce A Visit with the Stickley Museum coming to our Harrisburg, PA location Wednesday, November 5. Meet and Greet from 6 pm to 7 pm. Exciting and fun presentation by Sarah Lanigan promptly starts at 7 pm.

Enjoy a rare insider's look into one of America's most legendary furniture companies with Sarah Lanigan, Brand Manager and Past Curator of The Stickley Museum in Fayetteville, New York.

Images, anecdotes and historical tidbits normally reserved for tour groups and visitors to the museum come alive in this special presentation where the museum is brought directly to you.

All attending will receive a special Stickley savings towards your Stickley purchase by November 8, 2014.

RSVP by calling 233-2955 X6 or E-Mail to gracie.willoughby@davidsfurniture.com

Design Craving No. 1 - Wallpapers That Will Have You Craving an Accent Wall

So this design craving is pretty easy to understand. These wallpaper designs are making us crave an accent wall! 

An accent wall isn't just for any room. Which wall is best as an accent wall will be a logical choice in the juxtaposition of the other walls in the space. What are the architectural features in the room? Do they lend themselves to a wall treatment that highlights this feature? Will that fireplace be even more dramatic if treated as an accent wall?

Other factors to consider in treating a wall as an accent wall is perhaps the special piece of furniture that will be on a certain wall. Like that beautifully carved chest or console and the dramatic mirror that will hang above it. Or it might be where the stunning bed will be in the master suite. 

And a long hallway is given warmth and interest simply by treating the end wall as an accent wall. This would be a great application for warmer hues to pull the end wall towards the eye.

An accent wall is also a great way to introduce a dramatic wallpaper that doesn't take over the design of the room, rather creates a balance between other hues and textures in the space. Keep in mind that if the wall treatment is dramatic the things hung on this wall become much more selective. Otherwise they just disappear. 

An accent wall treatment is part of the layering in of texture, warmth or coolness, artful drama, and can be the element that pulls the space together.

The accent wall treatment can provide movement so that the room's design doesn't appear stagnant. Geometric patterns are smashing when working towards this effect. 

Careful consideration to the accessorizing of an accent wall is vital. And if wall accents such as artwork, sculptures, and mirrors are found to be the perfect accompaniment; how it is installed can make or break the marrying of these elements. For example does the mirror work best propped, hung on a wire that tilts the mirror's top into the room, or does it need to be suspended from the ceiling slightly away from the accent wall's treatment?

Have fun experimenting with color combinations, enlarged designs, texture combinations, and organic vibes when finalizing your accent wall treatment. 

An accent wall can be the best thing you will do for your space. But use caution, it can go horribly wrong if you don't choose wisely. As with any room design, it is best to partner with your interior designer to achieve the best results.

Your Davids Furniture and Interiors personal interior designer is available to address whether your space is craving an accent wall! www.davidsfurniture.com

Image Resources: Cole and Son, Groundworks, Carl Robinson, Ronald Redding, Thibaut, Antonio Vella

What's Your Style? No. 1 - Your French-inspired Bedroom

The Auberge collection at Davids is so French! Bernhardt describes this collection as "cozy and comfortable, yet chic and sophisticated." We agree! Take a look at this collection and how some Davids-inspired design creates a belle chambre! Ooh la la!

Design Tip: The bedroom is a perfect place for a stunning chandelier!

It is important that the design and scale of the light fixture fits

the room. Consult your Davids Interior Designer.

Design Tip: Never skimp on your bed linens! 

Matelasse is wonderful in a French-inspired bedroom.

Design Tip: Anyone can use a matching mirror above a

dresser, but why would you want to?

Design Tip: It is never wrong to design a whole room around

one inspiration item!

Design Tip: There are very few rooms where a rug isn't appropriate!

Design Tip: There is such a thing as just the right amount of pillows.

Design Tip: Shape is as important as scale.

Design Tip: Don't be afraid of a unique design element. Such as

this portiere treatment, perfect for a French-inspired bedroom!

Design Tip: Choosing the right paint color is important. So are other

wall treatments. The right wall treatment and color will make or

break a room's design.

Design Tip: Layering in accessories are a must to complete

the room. Accessories are not shelf-fillers! They are

part of the fine design of a room. Don't trust just

anyone with this!

Design Tip: Natural grass rugs are a great addition to a 

French-inspired room. And they are a necessity to layering

rugs. 

Are you ready to partner with your Davids personal interior designer to begin your French-inspired bedroom design? So are we! See you soon!

Image Sources: Available upon request. 

Davids' Designers Top Five, No. 1 - Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid

Welcome to Davids Top 5. Here is where you will find our exceptionally-talented designers providing their top 5 design tips, hints, and mistakes to avoid. This post is highlighting our designers' Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid. Pay close attention, these designers are in the know!

Michele Masley, Interior Designer, Davids Mohnton, PA location says her Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid are:

#1:  Pushing furniture against the wall

#2:  Avoid filling every corner

#3:  Avoid choosing wrong size rug

#4:  Hanging artwork incorrectly (too high or too low)

#5:  Furniture choice being too large for the room

Laurie Foster, Interior Designer, Davids Harrisburg, PA location lists her Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid:

#1:  Avoid matching everything: the design becomes static. Try using various shades of the same hue to provide depth and a relaxed feel.

#2:  Ditto for finishes: mixing light and dark can either be a dramatic statement or dial down a formal floor plan.

#3:  Avoid skimping on the quality level of your everyday sofa and chairs. The living room that gets used three times a year is where you can go for style over substance.

#4:  Avoid piece meal purchases without a room plan: that method doesn't work in your closet or in landscape design, either.

#5 It is a mistake to not address window glare: it comes from the top third of the window - either use a window treatment or a window film and make the room pleasant to be in at any hour of the day.

      

Rich Patrizi, Interior Designer, Davids Mohnton, PA location shares his Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid:

#1:  Not hiring an interior designer (!)

#2:  Not considering the style of architecture of the home or at least the room

#3:  Not developing a plan for the room that takes all elements of the design into consideration before moving forward

#4:  Not remembering to consider scale of pieces in relation to the size of the room

#5:  Not realizing the importance of lamps and accessories in the completion of the room

Janet Gaumer, Interior Designer, Davids Mechanicsburg, PA location shares her Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid: 

#1: Choosing a wrong color

#2: Buying on impulse

#3: Not using a professional

#4: Size not proportionate to the room

#5: Wrong style

Ronda Kuhn, Interior Designer, Davids Harrisburg, PA location says her Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid are: 

#1: Selecting pieces one at a time instead of looking at the room as a whole

#2: Following another's viewpoint for the room so much so that it doesn't reflect your style

#3: Playing it safe with neutrals

#4: Using pieces that are too large or too small for the scale of the room

#5: Making a purchase solely on the basis of price

Paul Snyder, Interior Designer, Davids Mechanicsburg, PA location shares his Top 5 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid: 

#1: Using underscaled chandeliers and lighting

#2: Lining everything up around the perimeter of the room

#3: Stopping with the first layer of accessories

#4: Hanging a mirror over the back of a sofa

#5: Mounting drapery on woodwork

For more information on Davids Furniture and our exceptionally-talented design staff please visit our website at www.davidsfurniture.com. Davids Furniture, your personal interior designer, and you...building beautiful rooms.