It's Hip To Be Square

Everyone has a preference in terms of style. Some people like dark finishes, some like shiny, some like light colors. Personally, I'm drawn to most things that are square, or angular. I like clean straight lines. Based on my Mid Century Modern post, you've got the idea of what I prefer. To be honest, it's not so easy to write an entire blog post about a style or theme that you don't really care for.

I've compiled a grouping of some really neat square items that we carry. They're not all modern (see I can step out of my modern box). Most yes, but there's some craftsman, rustic, and traditional in here too.





In order of appearance from top left to bottom right:

Emtek Square Doorknob
Waterwood Stainless Doorbell Button
Top Knobs Nouveau Cabinet Knob
Atlas Homewares Acrylic Cabinet Knob
Top Knobs Sanctuary Cabinet Knob
Atlas Homewares Cabinet Knob
Linnea Stainless Handrail Bracket
Waterwood Cabinet Knob
Atlas Homewares Mission House Numbers
Amerock Markham Bath Hardware
Gado Gado Cabinet Knob
Linnea Door Stop & Holder

Mid Century Modern

Mid Century Modern is probably my favorite design. I love the style of houses, furniture, and decor. It's sleek, stylish, functional, and often reflects nature. Mid Century Modern is simple and bold at the same time. I'm sure most people have at least heard of Mid Century Modern, but some may not be familiar with the overall aesthetic. If you've ever seen the Disney/Pixar movie "The Incredibles" you've seen an almost perfect depiction of Mid Century Modern. Have a look at some screen shots from the movie, they've nailed the look. If you haven't seen the movie, I strongly recommend watching it. Not only is a feast for the eyes for Mid Century Modern fans, it's a great story.








Good stuff huh? When I first saw this movie, I decided I wanted a house just like this. For some, you've probably grown up or lived in a house similar to this because that was the current style. So, maybe Mid Century Modern isn't such a big deal to you. I for one, am excited about it's reemergence.

Due to the rise in popularity, a number of our manufacturers have come out with items that reflect this era. Emtek is one brand that has introduced an entire collection called "Mid Century Modern."



They've also got some pretty cool door levers and knobs that fit the Mid Century Modern bill. Below is the Bern knob:

Or how about the Hermes lever:


Really, you should go check out the rest of the Emtek Mid Century Modern cabinet hardware collection. There are some real gems that are not shown in the picture above.

Speaking of gems, look at the design on these house numbers. Both Atlas Homewares and House Art make some incredible house numbers but the design on these two are again, the epitome of Mid Century Modern.







I've shared my favorite design/style. How about you?

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Quirky Is The Word Of The Day

We all have our own quirks and silly things about us, some of the items we carry seem to fit in the "quirky" category. Now, I'm not saying they're weird or that you're weird for buying them (okay, maybe one of them is a little weird... I'll leave you to guess which one.) It's just that they don't fit the bill for being conventional.

Check out these cabinet hardware items below. Starting from the top Left is a pull by Notting Hill Hardware. They have an entire series dedicated to labeled pulls such as forks and spoons, but who ever heard of "pieces of string to short to keep?" We all have one of those junk drawers in the kitchen and what a cute way to call something "junk". The Pipe Smoking Frog by Schaub and Company is just comical. I imagine this in a study or den (or some sort of mancave.) This style frog has been around for a while, I can think of one book from childhood that has a frog who's dressed very similarly. Directly next to the frogs feet is a pewter baby face by Soko.....need I say more? OK, fine. This cherub like baby face is made from solid cast bronze and well, it wouldn't go just anywhere in ones home but I'm sure someone could find a spot for it. Perhaps Tim Burton? To the right of the baby face is a faux antler by Wilderness Treasures. These are actually pretty popular here in the Northwest, the best part about these-they're cruelty free. Wilderness Treasures has done a great job in making resin look like the real thing. The Level pull by Lewis Dolin, this is my favorite. Obviously it looks like a real level and measuring tape, and the cool thing is the measurements are correct and the level works. The not so cool thing is that you've got to have level cabinets or anyone can tell. Again, the right place for these and they'd actually be useful. I'd like to have one of these in my craft room. I wouldn't have to search for my ruler ever again.



Quirky doesn't stop in the kitchen, Anne at Home makes some cute hooks that are shaped like cowboy boots. They've even added an extra quirky twist, the boots come as a front half and as a back half like they're growing right out of the wall. The next time you're in a Levi's store, take a look around-you might see some of these.



Moving on to the outside of the house, some people don't like to get as eccentric outside of their home but just in case you're one of them, there's still some pretty fun stuff for the exterior. House Art has come out with some house numbers that come in colors like Miami Mango and Key Lime, they probably wouldn't be so funky in Miami but in Denver they might. Still, in the right setting they're pretty darn cool.



Also, for the outside of your house there's a palm tree door pull from First Impressions (hey, this wouldn't be bad with the colored numbers!) It comes in a frosted white acrylic, but First Impressions can do custom colors too. The Gecko doorbell button by Waterwood Hardware, they've paid great attention to detail and making this critter look pretty realistic. And, I bet you no one else on your block would have the steer head door knocker by JVJ.



Hardware is definitely not boring, and with any one of these pieces you can express your personality. Have fun with the things in your life, be creative, be quirky! Sometimes, it's just a lot easier to go with the flow rather than keep up with the Jones'.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”