Posted on August 23, 2011
If you've ever been to a friend's home that is long on seating and short on table space in the living room or great room, then you know how important coffee and end table sets are. These little beauties not only give you a place to set stuff, like a table lamp and your remotes, but they can also help set the style of your room and really give it personality.
Too often, coffee and end table sets are an afterthought. While some people like to buy the pieces individually, usually a coffee table first, then the end tables, you can also purchase them as a matched set.
Coffee and end table sets come in all shapes and sizes as well as styles. This can make shopping for them a bit of an adventure, since there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from.
One of the great things about going with coffee and end table sets is that you don't have to be an experienced designer to make sure they all match or at least complement one another. Usually they are all the same design, just different sizes.
If you are a bit of a novice in selecting furnishings, this can be a real godsend. Usually all you have to do is pick a style (transitional, contemporary, modern, rustic, etc.) and then focus on the color of the wood or finish.
Here's a little tip in that regard. If you have wood accents on your upholstered pieces, you want to pick the same type of wood, stain or color for your coffee and end table sets. This will ensure that they look like a family of pieces, rather than having something stick out like a sore thumb because it's the wrong color.
As far as the coffee and end table sets themselves, you need to pay particular attention to the size of the pieces. These sets come in all sizes and shapes and you want to make sure that the ones you fall in love with don't overwhelm the room or look Lilliputian next to your mammoth sectional.
Beyond style and size, you really want to think about features. While you wouldn't ordinarily think about a piece of furniture as having desirable features, coffee and end table sets can have an endless array.
For example, you can get coffee and end table sets that are long on storage as well as style. Many coffee tables come with storage space inside, accessible either by doors or through a lift top table that cantilevers up and out from the coffee table itself. The same is true of end tables. Some have shelves, others have a single drawer while still others have several drawers, allowing you to keep things out of sight and out of mind when not in use. These are perfect for families or people who have pets. When company comes over, just store all the toys in the drawers and doored units of your coffee and end table sets.
Posted on August 22, 2011
For centuries, Indian wooden handicrafts have retained a traditional place in ancient scriptures and mythology. There have been instances where instructions have been found in holy books on the process to manufacture wooden doors. Wood from India has especially been used for making utensils in several parts of the country and they are still used at many places for that purpose.
The famous walnut wood from Kashmir that is mostly used for carving small book racks, bowls, trays and numerous items of conventional use, have earned recognition and fame all across the world. Examples of Indian woodwork, influenced by ancient architectural styles, are in demand globally. There is also the famous sandalwood work of Karnataka which is recognized all over the world because of its distinctive smell. It is used for manufacturing intricate and eye-catching craft work. Another fine example of Indian wooden handicraft is the sandalwood hand-fan. When used, the fan spreads the fragrance of the wood all across the room. Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, the red sandalwood variety is used by Indian furniture manufacturers for carving idols, deities, figurines, statuettes and dolls. Particularly valuable are the trinket boxes that are carved out of rosewood and ebony. These are mostly manufactured in northern India.
The western state of Rajasthan, known all over the world for its majestic forts and palaces, is considered to be the hub of Indian wooden handicrafts. The state itself boasts of a rich tradition and culture. It has gained all the more recognition for creating fascinating and native handicrafts. The woodcraft of Rajasthan is especially famous for the state's distinct art and design forms.
A very popular type of wooden handicraft of this western Indian state is the puppet. Wooden puppets are an integral artwork form of the famous Rajasthan handicrafts. Long strings are usually attached to these puppets which move and dance when the strings are pulled. There's a narrator who tells a story, mostly pertaining to history or mythology. This is a very popular and ancient art form, still very much on display in the state. It's a native form of narrating a story and extensively used to entertain tourists to Rajasthan.
Wooden handicrafts of Rajasthan, also sometimes made by Indian furniture manufacturers, are usually characteristically colorful. They carry intricate craftsmanship as well. Wooden candle holders, blinds, toys etc. are widely manufactured in Rajasthan. Interestingly, sandalwood too, is often used for manufacturing such objects. Desert caravans manufactured from sandalwood are attractive show-pieces of this place. In fact, key chains, trinket boxes and other similar items, manufactured from fragrant sandalwood, are hugely popular all across the world.
Indian wooden handicrafts made in Rajasthan, are not merely restricted to gift items. The state's creative domain has extended its influence over furnishings and furniture as well. Inlaid brass sheet wooden furniture is a signature woodwork style of this state. People here love to flaunt wooden coasters and trays on their dining tables that are handcrafted exclusively by skilled artisans.
Posted on August 21, 2011
There are many things to look forward to in the summer - the weather, the beach, vacation and of course, the possibility of falling in love. There is something about the summertime that makes people want to fall in love. Maybe it's because the warm weather keeps people out longer, inspires them to flirt or just generally makes them a bit sexier. Perhaps it's the tans, the liberating clothes, or the saltwater hair, whatever it is, it makes us all hopeless romantics.
Romantic summer must-haves:
Fashion is as important to summer as anything else. From denim shorts to bright coloured maxi dresses, espadrilles to big beads, it's everything you need to be hot and gorgeous all summer long. There is something about white lace though that just feels so romantic. Perhaps it's the creaminess and the sandy colour it turns when dragging along the beach, but white lace is something every girl should have in her summer wardrobe.
'Love and Summer' by William Trevor, 'Too Much Happiness' by Alice Monroe, 'Love' by Toni Morrison, these are all wonderful books to bring to the beach with you. They will suck you in and entertain you while you lay back and relax in the sun. They are wonderful love stories that will help you escape your world of singleness, if that's what you're looking for.
- Somewhere to rest outside:
One of the nicest parts about summer is the ability to doze off outside in the middle of the afternoon. It's warm enough that you don't even need a blanket. Whether you're on a boat or in your garden you should have some sort of chaise lounge to take a little nap on. Collapse on an outdoor couch, love seat or hammock with your summer love and let the sun kiss your skin while the wind keeps you cool while you sleep.
If you want to experience summer love you have to be open to it. Those who are in the mindset to go out and enjoy their summer, meet new people and try new things are the ones who will probably find love. Be a bit adventurous with your time this summer. Plan a camping trip with friends, take a road trip to the beach for a day or so, explore new parts of your city and take in a festival or two.
With the right environment and the right mindset, you may end up finding love this summer after all.