PLAYING WITH COLOR IN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

"  In the twilight rain
    these brilliant-hued hibiscus -
    A lovely sunset "

                           ~ Bashō

Modern design in 2017 is anything but tepid. Everywhere you look, designers are using lush, vivid jewel tones for everything from accent pillows to accent walls. A logical extension of the current emphasis on natural materials in home décor, jewel tones add a pop of color that brings to mind the glory of a sunset or the subtle glint of a precious gem. And the perfect counterpart to dramatic colors is the elegant, understated note of minimalist furniture.   

When wielded with restraint, the season's new “it” colors – deep emerald tones, rich ruby reds, passionate purples, and sumptuous golds – create the perfect backdrop for modern décor. It's quick and easy to change the color of an accent wall or buy new pillows or throws, and high-quality furniture with clean, timeless lines will always blend seamlessly with a new color scheme. Investing in gorgeous, heirloom pieces is always a good strategy. Change the colors your home every season, or whenever the urge strikes, without having to replace your main focal pieces. 

Since 1963, the design bible for fashion designers, graphic artists, and interior designers has been the Pantone color matching system – an enormous book of color swatches. The books change constantly, adding colors as they cycle into vogue and removing colors from the spotlight when they begin to appear dated or overused. If you're looking for fun new colors to try, their online resource (pantone.com) is a great place to start! Pantone describes their fashion color choices for Spring 2017 as a “mixture of vitality, relaxation, and the great outdoors.” 

THE OBVIOUS PLACE TO PLAY AROUND WITH LUXURIANT COLOR IS THE LIVING ROOM.

One group of furniture that would lend itself perfectly to your Spring project is our Elan Sleek Excess Sleeper Sofa. This masterpiece of understated elegance commands enough visual weight in the room to offset any color choice you want to try. It is available in four absolutely gorge colors, any of which would be fun to play off as a neutral against a jewel tone background: Begum Dark Brown (a fun, slightly nubby texture), Mixed Dance Natural, Classic Grey, Vintage Velvet Blue and Vintage Velvet Mauve. We also offer alternative versions of this very desirable sleeper sofa: the Elan Deluxe Excess and the Elan Deluxe Quilted.

Another great place to experiment with color is the dining room. Even if you prefer the simplicity of relaxing neutrals in your main living spaces and bedroom, the dining area is a place to entertain friends and family and bold, bright colors do a great job of sparking conversation and energizing a room. 

ELOQUENT DESIGN WITHOUT SACRIFICING COMFORT. 

One example of a dining set that would work perfectly in this context is our Curzon Dining Room Collection. A masterpiece of sculptured design, the under edges of this gorgeous table are sculpted into unique angles and carved with a solid wood design in two chic colors: Cathedral Ebony and Teak. Cathedral Ebony creates a darker, dramatic flair that would complement perfectly a lighter, more vivid wall color. The natural Teak is a lighter, softer shade of wood that brings to mind the timeless appeal of mid-century pieces and would complement any color, especially deeper, richer tones. This amazing table spans 84 inches in length, providing comfortable seating for eight. The support stand is a work of art in its own right: a cleverly crafted, chrome wire frame sculpture that is as sturdy as it is lovely.

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FINDING PEACE THROUGH MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

"Body, air, and mind
    the gust of a breeze, like breath 
    Mindfulness the prize" 

Mindfulness techniques have been around for a very long time. Buddhist monks first developed the practice about 2500 years ago, as a tool to attain enlightenment and inner harmony. Early mindfulness endeavors were designed to further spiritual and intellectual development and unlock human potential. 

Meditation is not complicated, but the skills needed to achieve a quiet mind require many hours of practice to master. There are a number of basic techniques, and if you find that mindfulness works for you, you may wish to consider taking classes at a yoga studio or meditation center. For now, focus on learning one method. Begin by meditating for 10-15 minutes every day, increasing to 30 minutes as you become more comfortable with the technique. Eventually, you may wish to meditate for an hour a day.  

THE SPIRITUAL TRINITY OF MEDITATION

There are three main elements of this simple approach to mindfulness: body, breath, and thought. To center the body, set up a meditation space that will be conducive to concentration. Choose one corner of a room where you can sit quietly without being interrupted. Meditation mats are a perfect way to designate a specific area as your mindfulness space. You can also light candles, if you like, to be reminded of life's impermanence. Or you can decorate your space with photos and mementos reminding you of what is most important to you. Turn off your phone, and face away from distractions like TV screens or computer desks.  Although if you need to balance the harmony of your zen space take a look at some of our meditation furniture  to help you begin your practice.

Begin by sitting comfortably. A meditation cushion is ideal for mindfulness practice. These are designed for sitting on, or for placing in the small of your back. The Zafu cushion is specifically constructed to help position your body into proper alignment. Rest your hands on your legs, with the palms facing upward ready to receive energy (you can also face your palms downward, if you need to feel more grounded.)

Allow your eyes to rest where they will, but don't think about the objects in front of you. Begin to focus on the second aspect of meditation, breath. Breathe slowly and deeply, anyway that comes naturally to you. Focus on the journey of your breath: how the air enters your lungs, travels through your body, and is released. Don't try to control your breathing, just try to relax.

As you focus on breathing, you will notice that thoughts pop unbidden into your mind. You may have worrying or stressful thoughts, or you might simply be distracted by details of your environment. When you feel your thoughts becoming disordered, make note of the fact that you are thinking, then focus on your breath again. Your goal is not to completely empty your mind; your thoughts are a part of who you are. Acknowledge your thoughts, and return to your breathing. Be aware of yourself and how you exist in this moment.

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