10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers

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architecture, Art, home, kindness, lifestyle, people, singapore

Buy the art that you love, then boost its impact with decor

Pangaea June 9, 2011

Artists get into a real tizzy about the subject of people looking for art-to-match-the-sofa. Coming from a background as an artist, I always encourage my interior design clients to select art first if they don’t have any so they feel free to buy what they love and not worry about what it goes with. And then we can plan the decor around the art.

I’m sure I’ll get an irate artist or two commenting here. I’ve spoken with some artists who feel the art completely stands on its own and should have nothing to do with the decor. Here’s the simple fact. No matter how irritated artists get by the subject of art-matching-the-sofa, your art will always look better and have greater impact in the space when the decor supports the art. Here are techniques you can use in your decor to support your art and make it even better.

1. Repetition of color and line. This art is so well supported by this room. The strong black-and-white graphic image is echoed in the black-and-white upholstery with lines that are similar to the curves in the woman’s face. Even with the bright yellow accents in the room, the art is still the standout.

Repeating color from the art increases its impact in the room. Here, the green bed pillows pull their color from the art. Without them, the art doesn’t feel quite as strong. Try it! Put your finger just over the pillows in the picture. Having that bit of green on the bed to echo the color visually strengthens the art.

The undulating lines of the vases on this table pick up the shapes from the painting and increases its visual interest.

There are a lot of ways to repeat the lines in art. This dining table emulates the curves and the color of the center of the painting. The floral display brings in more of the color.

2. Balance of color. This art has a lot of black with just a little bit of red. The black sofa with just a little red pillow keeps the same balance of colors as the art. Carrying that balance of color though the furnishings spreads the influence of the painting.

3. Multiple works of art. Combining multiple works of art by the same artist or that have a very similar style creates greater impact. Here the art above the fireplace and the red painting on the wall work together to contrast their strong horizontal and vertical lines, balancing each other and drawing your eye first to one, then the other, and back again. Together they create a stronger look than each would have by itself.

4. Furniture placement. Placement of your art is important, but so is the placement of your other furnishings around the art. This painting would have looked great on the wall all by itself. But the wavy bench underlines the painting and gives it emphasis, the same as underlining a word in a sentence.

5. Reflection. Through the placement of mirrors on the wall and ceiling, walking down the hall you get this painting repeated in reverse and upside down. It’s a pretty dramatic way to get you noticing the reflections then studying the painting to see how it looks when it isn’t turned upside down and backwards.

Craig Denis

6. Restraint: Sometimes you can support art by just exercising some restraint and letting it be the star of the room. The quilt behind this sofa is extremely detailed and really invites inspection. By keeping the sofa, chair, wall color, lampshade and rug in a monochromatic scheme, the designer gives your eye someplace to rest. In this case, because of the level of detail in the art, picking up colors and shapes in accessories would actually distract.

The green slash of color in the painting is only repeated in the wall of the dining room visible through the arch … and nowhere else. It has more impact than it would if accessories all over the room picked up the color.

Hire a local handyman to help you hang your art and install wall displays

450 Architects, Inc.

7. The color palette. Going beyond just picking up a single color from a painting, this room has used all of the colors in the art for the room’s entire color palette. This artwork is by the homeowner, so she was able to surround herself with colors that she loves. The rug seems to pick up all of the colors of the painting on the left. I wonder if it is custom or just a very lucky find?

Praktyczne i Piękne

8. Style. The art above the stairs is contemporary, with clear and bright colors. The yellow open stair treads feel just as fresh as the artwork and complements it beautifully.

Elliott Kaufman

The style of the artwork is soft and serene. The style of the decor complements it beautifully with the same muted color palette and soft velvety textures.

Imagine Living

9. Humor. I have to confess that I’ve bought plenty of art because the subject made me laugh out loud. In my own entryway I have a large portrait of my husband making a funny face. It stops first time visitors in their tracks when they see it, then gets a belly laugh, and the conversation gets off to a great start.

Work with an artist to create one-of-a-kind portraits

This large painting of a boy picking his nose is pretty outrageous. The chair below it is pretty outrageous too, with the wild contemporary print on a traditional chair style. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your art and decor. It doesn’t need to be serious all the time.

10. Lighting. Most people realize that putting a spotlight on your art will highlight it and make it stand out. But in this room the lighting increases the impact of the art by the shadows cast. Using lighting to enhance your art is another big subject, so I’ll have to go into that in another Ideabook.

Combine techniques. Using a combination of the above techniques creates a very strong design. This room is so expertly done and supports the art so uniquely. The large black rectangle of the art is found in the shape of the pillows and again in the pattern in the rug. Notice how the art is not centered behind the sofa. That staggering of rectangles is picked up in the pattern of the rug — in the placement of the pillows to one end of the sofa — and again in the off-center placement of the coffee table. It combines repetition of color, repetition of shape, and furniture placement to add emphasis.

This room also employs a few techniques. The sculpture in the corner and the painting share several colors so they work beautifully together. A very subtle touch is the shape of the black chandelier repeating the curves of the women’s bustiers in the painting. Subtle, but very effective.

What ways have you found to enhance the art in your home?

www.centrepiece.com.sg / email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

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I need you to bloom for me, please.

Tags

Art, beauty, design, flowers, fun, home, lifestyle, nature, peace, people, singapore, USA

It is always sunny in Singapore. We do not have the seasonal changes of Winter to Spring, so styles in clothes or fashion does not differ too much in-between seasons.

However, we do not have to be boring with the home decor during this “spring” time.

So… I am hoping that one of you will be buying into these “BLOOMS!”

 

Contact us at info(at)centrepiece.com.sg or text: 90305057.

www.centrepiece.com.sg

Showroom sofa to clear in Singapore.

Product Details

Make a statement with this sofa, measuring 2 mtr X 97cm in depth. It is the only piece and being a showroom piece, it has to be tip-top condition.

Only 9 months in our showroom but we need to clear it for new arriving designs.I am sure it will be right at home with your style and you need to be fast to get it!

UP at SGD $1800… Offer price at $990!

Contact 90305057 immediately before it is gone.

www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

How a Few Throw Pillows Can Change the Look of Any Room

There’s no easier and less expensive way to refresh your living room or bedroom than updating your throw pillows. It’s a great way to embrace the latest home decor trends without fully committing to Ikat print or an orange chevron design.

 TAMMY VALENTINEJUL 17, 2013

 Singapore homeowners can add a touch of Peranakan charm without going overboard by using some great throw pillows. There’s no easier and less expensive way to refresh your living room or bedroom than by updating your throw pillows. It’s a great way to embrace the latest home decor trends without fully committing to an ikat print or an orange chevron design. Decorative pillows are relatively inexpensive, especially if you revamp your old ones.

One pillow placed in a chair or on a sofa can change the look of a whole room. Pillows can create that pop of colour you need in a room or serve as a transition accessory to pull together different colours or styles.

Reflect Your Personality

If you have a wild side and like cow skull prints, find throw pillows decorated with these designs. They’ll work well in a teen’s bedroom; depending on your design theme, you could also use them in your living room. Show your love of Singapore with decorative pillows for living room. Embrace Hawaiian chic style with banana leaves pillows or styles with accents of pineapples. Throw pillows are a great way to show your personality or interests in your home decor, no matter what your style is.

Placement matters when it comes to decorative pillows. Pillows propped up across the back of a day bed create seating. If you move them to one side, you’ve converted your day bed into a sleeping area. You can create more comfortable seating on benches or in a breakfast nook with some larger pillows against the wall. Large floor pillows are perfect for extra seating in a kid’s room. Children and their friends can use them while watching you tubes or playing video games.

Pillows Rule in Bedrooms

Bedrooms are the place to go crazy with pillows. This is more popular for expatriates in Singapore. But the locals are catching on to this styling of the bedroom as the spending power increases. Some new throw pillows placed against your pillow shams will create a whole new look. Provide options in the master bedroom or guest room with a variety of pillow shapes and sizes to provide extra comfort.

The latest trend in decorating your bedroom with throw pillows is not to be too obsessed with matching the bedding. Choose a coordinating pattern or contrasting or neutral colour to create a new look in your bedroom. If you are not able to decide, speak to Vince who is always ready to give you some ideas on what is best for your décor.

If you don’t want to sleep with your throw pillows, place a plastic bin under your bed to stow them. If you can create a little extra room in your cupboard, have a hamper that can be used just for pillow storage.

Versatile Style

Where you place pillows on your sofa depends on your style. Go traditional by placing a throw pillow or two at either end. For a modern decor, prop up a pillow in the middle of each cushion. On long sofas, arrange your decorative pillows in angled layers across the back on one side. Throw pillows give you the flexibility to easily change the look of your home.

Want to know how a customised cushion can change the look of your home? Text Vince 90305057 for an appointment at our factory space now.

www.centrepiece.com.sg

Here are some keys on how to make a decision without regret.

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Art, best materials and fabrics, centrepiece, comfort sofa, expatliving, furniture, home, love, singapore, sofa

1. Have a Life Vision

A life vision should be the foundation and reference point for every decision you make. In your deepest dreams, how do you envision your life in all areas — career, relationships, finances, lifestyle, etc.  What core values define this vision for you? Make a point of writing down your vision and the values that define it. Refine the vision over time as necessary. Then when a big decision comes along, you can use this vision as a guide.  If you deviate too far from the vision, it will cause you eventual pain and regret. Evaluate your choices based on your vision. Which one is in closest alignment with your vision?

2. Evaluate the Pros and the Cons

Consider the possible positive and negative aspects or consequences of your decision. Write down a list of pros and cons for each possible alternative. Then prioritize these points with the most important considerations at the top of the list. What are the possible implications of the cons? Do they outweigh the pros? Can you live with the potential negative fallout or consequences? What could you do to mitigate the fallout?

3. Phone a Friend

Carefully select two or three trusted friends whose opinion and judgment you value. Tell them about your life vision, show them your list of pros and cons and ask for their input about your decision. Someone who is removed from the turmoil of the decision and who has a different perspective can help you see things in a clearer light. A personal coach also can help you gain clarity around your decision by asking you pointed questions related to your motivations, feelings, and desires.

4. Invoke a Higher Power

Go to a quiet place. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes. Go within. Pray or meditate (or whatever feels right to you) and ask for guidance. Your own inner wisdom and intuition will often rise to your conscious mind when you calm the mental chaos of over-thinking your decision. Imagine yourself in all of the possible outcomes and pay attention to how you feel. Keep a pen and paper handy to make notes about your feelings after reflection. Give it a few days. You may be surprised that the answer presents itself unexpectedly.

5. Try the Coin Trick

I love this idea because it puts you in touch with you real desires. Grab a quarter and assign one decision choice to heads and the other to tails. Flip the coin and before it lands, pay attention to side you hope it lands on. If there are more than two choices, balance each choice against another using the same trick. More than likely, this immediate reaction is what you truly want to do. Something in your heart is pulling you in that direction. Examine this result carefully, because even if the choice conflicts with all of the practical considerations, you may be dishonoring your deepest desires.

6. Research and Experiment

Do the work to gain as much knowledge as possible about the options. Research, ask questions, talk with people who have experienced each scenario. If possible, experiment with the alternative outcomes. If you are considering a move, spend a good amount of time in the city you are contemplating. If you are exploring a job opportunity, ask to spend a day or two shadowing someone in the office. If you are thinking of ending a relationship, test some time apart before you make your decision.

7. Don’t Look Back

If you have done the work, honored your vision, examined the pros and cons, sought guidance, done your due diligence, and connected with your intuition, then make your choice, take the leap and don’t look back. There are millions of paths we can take in a lifetime, all leading to different opportunities and potential consequences. You won’t have a guarantee, but you don’t need one. Uncertainty is part of the adventure of life. Once you are on this new adventure, have confidence that you made the best decision with the information available, and move forward with a spring in your step. There is something good to be learned on every path we follow.

The ability to make a decision is the fuel for personal and professional growth. If you enter a decision with the knowledge that uncertainty is inevitable, and you accept you must decide in spite of uncertainty, then you will never get stuck.  By taking the steps outlined, you empower yourself to make an informed and thoughtful choice, leaving little room for future regret.

By Barrie Davenport

BUT SERIOUSLY… if you are just thinking of getting a custom made sofa or to decide on the best fabrics to upholstery your favourite armchair? Just go with your fancy and decide whatever you want… we will help you along the way:P

www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

Or Text Vince chiang at 90305057 for an appt.

Does the furniture have sentimental value?

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Art, cars, chair, custom made sofa, expat living, expat singapore, expat sofa, fabrics, food, home, marina bay sands, MBS, rolex, sentosa, singapore, singapore sofa, sofa, sofa maker

One of our customer found an antique rocking chair 25 years ago in the attic of an inn his parents purchased. He’s dragged the chair with him to every home and apartment he’s lived ever since, through four or five different moves, says his partner, Leslie.

 “Over the years, it got in worse and worse shape,” Leslie says of the chair, which deteriorated with torn corners, worn padding, spots of discoloration, scratches and a ripped back.

 He thought about throwing it out, but his partner became attached to the chair. So he decided to repair and reupholster the piece of furniture instead.

“I wanted to fix it up for him as a Christmas present. I also got sick of 15 years of throwing a blanket over it whenever anyone came over, because I was embarrassed.”

 He spent SGD $1250 with us to repair the piece of furniture and learning the chair likely originated from the late 1890s, he says.

“It’s an incredible amount of money to spend on one chair, but it was old, an antique, and the quality of the work that was done was excellent,” he says.

 Consumers might want to consider keeping and repairing worn pieces of furniture they’ve become attached to, such as antiques or furniture passed down from parent to child.

If a consumer gets rid of a piece of furniture they inherited from a grandparent or parent, they might regret it.

 “There’s no price to sentimental value, so if your furniture means something to you, think hard before deciding to replace it,” he says.

 

Even if the furniture doesn’t have sentimental value, consumers might simply like their favorite sofa or stuffed chair, either because of comfort or style. Consumers should consider replacing worn fabric on couches they find comfortable, and that fit with the overall style and décor of their home.

When you have decided on this, contact us for an estimated quote via email: info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg or whatapps images and size to: 90305057.

 www.centrepiece.com.sg

Reasons for reupholstering

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Art, bankers, custom made sofa, doctor singapore, expat singapore, expatliving, fabrics, furniture, home decor, housing expats, interior design, luxury, singapore, singaporelawyers, upholstery

You may want to leave your sofa the way it is for as long as you can, but when is it time to give it a face lift?

TYPE:

Your sofa could be an antique piece of furniture or one that carries a sentimental value. This type of sofa is hard to replace as it has unique craftsmanship and features that modern furniture lacks. Many of such sofas come with either plain or elaborately carved frames made of durable wood which is not only valuable but also irreplaceable.

Quality:

The quality of your sofa is another factor that deserves consideration. If you have splurged on your sofa but need to cover an unmovable stain, it is logical to get it upholstered instead of replacing it with a new one. Usually, older furniture is considered high quality as it has heavy hardwood frames, high density foam, horsehair or cotton padding and eight-way, hand-tied coil springs that enhance its durability and increase its value. On the other hand, newer furniture of good quality contains a built-in mechanism made of hardwood and has solid features like maple framework and eight-way hand-tied springs.

Comfort level and stability:

The comfort level depends on the softness or springiness of sofa seat, its height, its material, the width of the seat, the height of the headrest and its stability. If you feel safe and enjoy sitting on your sofa all these while, upholstering it may seem more sensible than replacing it if the fabric or leather is stained or discolored due to age. Feeling comfortable also translates to accepting your sofa as a distinctive part of the room.

Cost:

As a general rule of thumb, reupholstering a piece of furniture costs about 50-65% less than purchasing a brand new designer one. However, the percentage depends on the type of fabric to be replaced and any structural repairs needed to be performed by an upholsterer.

Of course, if your sofa is from IKEA, COURTS or mass produced, it may not make much sense to get it upholstery as it may cost you more than buying a new furniture from them. Perform comparison shopping by asking for quotes to gauge the cost of upholstering in order to determine whether upholstering is a better option.

If you like us to give you an rough estimate of the cost to reupholstery your sofa. Do sent us some photos and the sizes of your sofa to get an online quote.

Email: info(@)centrepiece.com.sg

or whatapps your images/sizes to Vince @ 90305057

Jan. 13, 2016

By Emmie Sahlan, Angie’s List Contributor

Say it like it should.

It is the weekend again. On certain time of the year, sometimes we catch ourselves staring into our house and the watches the trees outside our windows. Wondering… what am I feeling today? If I know, how can I say it out.

And so we tried communicating our heart to the empty armchair across us.

Somehow, it does not response.

Somehow, the feelings in our heart gets stronger.

So strong that we felt like we are part of the chair that people sits on.

Then suddenly, in our thoughts… we learn to look deeper in our feelings and noticed a gimmer of hope.

So we throw in the towel and quit feeling sorry for ourselves. It is okay to feel lonely. It is okay to feel like nobody understands us. It is just okay to be with ourselves and listen to our heart speak to us.

So say it like it should. Go and have a conservation with yourselves about your love for yourself and be your own best friend.

Dare to speak up to yourself!

Be clear about what you like and tell us at centrepiece furnishing. Upholstery your couch if you like so you will have a renewed, recharge area of your home to call your own.

http://www.centrepiece.com.sg

 

Designer Style for your Home Office

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Art, auston, centrepiece furnishings, custom made sofa, interior design, modernize, sofa, sofa maker, texas

Home offices and workplaces within the home have become more and more commonplace. As mothers take on part time jobs at home and the rise of freelancing, creating a comfortable and functional home office is a top priority. Choosing the right decor will make your office nook a place you want to spend time in and will improve your overall productivity. Making an organized home office with designer style doesn’t have to break the bank. Just follow a few tips from the pros to make your home office designer chic.

Via Modernize

You can go for a simple and modern look by choosing white as a base color. Incorporate clean white walls along with pure white chairs, frames etc. Pick just a few select pops of color to add interest to the pallette. Designers all over the country have chosen the all-white office as a tried and true. It creates a bright and simple office that is easy to organize and looks sleek and fashionable. The fresh color will brighten up a dim room and get you motivated first thing in the morning. It is a favorite of fashion forward designers. Take cues from this artsy office featured on Modernize that uses bright white with a few cool teal accents. 

Via Modernize

Make an interesting office that clients are sure to comment on by stocking your shelves with things representative of you or your work. Displaying a prized collection on your office shelves will make your workspace a place of pride. You can show off your record collection or professional awards on a shelf behind your desk. Designers love to incorporate personal mementos into the offices of their clients. Creating a personal feel inside of your office will inspire you to bring your own personality into your projects.

Via Modernize

Make organization a priority in your new home office. Choose a color scheme and stick to it with your organizers. By tying everything into one color scheme, your office will look clean and put together. Even the smallest things make a huge difference. From storage bins to staplers, do your best to stay with your chosen color. Choose a bright color like orange to make your office a spunky place or stick with classic black for a more sophisticated arrangement.

Via Modernize

Take a cue from the professionals and add in some bright pops of color. Nothing spices up a room more than color and this applies to even the most utilitarian of spaces. Although your office is made for work, try to make it inviting. You want to enjoy your time there, so make it interesting with some fun throw pillows or a desk made of warm cherrywood. This tropical paradise themed office feels like a vacation and makes work a breeze.

Via Modernize

No matter your space or budget restraints, you can create a beautiful home office with designer style. With these pro tips, you’ll look forward to getting into work each morning and you won’t want to leave the office again.

Do contact http://www.modernize.com if you are in Auston, Texas.

If you are in Singapore, contact http://www.centrepiece.com.sg

3 Reasons You Should Avoid Leather in Your Home

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best materials and fabrics, centrepiece, kindness, singapore, sofa, USA, vegan

Leather household goods have become somewhat of a staple for many — and even many of those people who opt for healthier, more plant-based eating still purchase leather goods, such as couches, ottomans, and the like from time to time.

While those who have fully embraced the vegan lifestyle typically cut these materials from their households altogether, it’s not always easy or practical to throw away all your current leather goods and start from scratch. But whether you already steer clear of leather or not, you can make choices going forward to stay away from this material in your home good choices. Here are some reasons why you should do just that:

1. It’s Bad for Animals

This is perhaps the most obvious reason you should avoid leather in your home materials, but it needs to be repeated. If you’ve recently started eating more plant-based and are beginning to better wrap your mind around the horrors of factory farming for animals, leather production is no picnic, either. When you choose leather home goods, you are choosing to sit on the skin of a dead animal. When you really think about it, that’s sort of weird, right? Why choose to scalp sentient beings when there are so many alternatives out there, anyway?

2. It’s Bad for the Earth

Leather processing is a complicated process, involving tanning, dyeing, finishing, and more. Involved in all of these steps is a slew of chemicals — most of which are terrible for the environment. Think polymers, resins, dyes, spewing back into the environment in the name of a shiny couch. What? As Peta explains, even the “green” leather is not-so-good:  ”Although some leathermakers deceptively tout their products as ‘eco-friendly,’ turning skin into leather also requires massive amounts of energy and dangerous chemicals, including mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, and various oils, dyes, and finishes, some of them cyanide-based. Most leather produced in the U.S. is chrome-tanned; all wastes containing chromium are considered hazardous by the EPA.” And can you imagine the health impact for workers in the leather field? Yikes!

3. It’s Bad for Your Health

Now that we’ve covered just some of the toxins used in the process of making leather for furniture and other goods, we can take this a step further and consider the health impact of leather home goods sitting in your home. These things are with you in your home day and night. If its couches, you’re sitting on them constantly, allowing your skin to touch this material made from the skin of animals and then processed with countless earth-harming chemicals until it’s soft and supple to the touch. This texture comes with a price — your health. Leather furniture can off-gas for years, as explained by Chemically Injured: “Offgassing is the evaporation of volatile chemicals in non-metallic materials at normal atmospheric pressure. This means that building materials can release chemicals into the air through evaporation. This evaporation can continue for years after the products are initially installed which means you continue to breathe these chemicals as you work, sleep and relax in your home or office.” Do you really need that constant exposure to leather toxins? Didn’t think so.

The good news here is that there are plenty of alternatives to leather for your home. The obvious choices include couches upholstered with cotton, corduroy, or linen. Many microfiber blends will work, too — just make sure they don’t include animal byproducts.

Opt for fiber-based materials, and you’ll be saving animals, the earth, and your health. If you own leather home goods right now but can’t afford to trash it immediately, that is okay, too. Consider a sofa cover until you can find an alternative, or consider expediting your new furniture hunt or garage sales. Another idea is to consider building your own animal-free futon couch with a wood frame and DIY materials like a futon cushion and cotton futon cover.  But whatever you do, don’t buy new leather furniture and home goods, for the sake of all of the parties mentioned above.

Contact or text Vince @90305057 for an appointment. http://www.centrepiece.com.sg

feedback: Justin(AT)centrepiece.com.sg