January 30, 2018
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January 19, 2018
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Purple Passion: How We’re Styling the Pantone Color of The Year
Ultra violet is one of the hottest colors in the world right now. It’s on trend in fashion—think Donatella Versace’s nod to the late artist Prince at 2016’s Milan Fashion Week. It’s also at the cosmetics counter—remember when Rihanna kicked off a purple-palooza with her Fenty Beauty purple highlighters last fall? And it’s all the rage in home décor, too; Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet, a purple with gorgeous blue undertones.
Purple is a declarative statement; after all, no one ends up wearing purple by accident. We’re boldly going with purple in all kinds of spaces, from bedrooms to living rooms to dining areas. Check out our inspiration shots below for some great ways to incorporate this rich color into your own home.
Royal weddings. Purple is the color of queens and kings and weds beautifully with other royal hues. Our Ripple pillow, which we’ve tossed on our Allistair bed, pairs a rich, warm port with a royal glimmer of gold. Our Caprice lamp in deep plum bridges our artwork’s warm purple hues with the ottoman’s cooler violet vibe.
Complementary combos. Our globally inspired Suzani Print II pairs tangerine and eggplant, highlighting the red undertones in each for a vibrant pop of color.
You can also see how beautifully purple pairs with the light goldenrod color in our custom window treatments above and golden toned throws.
Accent marks. You don’t need a splashy shade of purple to make a beautiful statement. A lavender pillow on a sofa or dining bench stands out beautifully against a neutral room palette.
Unexpected upholstery. A purple sofa may be too much, but our gorgeous Anton ottoman upholstered in an amethyst velvet adds just the right amount of color, texture and function to any space.
Get more ideas from our January 2018 magazine photo shoot, and show us how you’re incorporating purple into your designs by sharing your photos on Instagram and tagging them #EthanAllenDesign. You may be featured on our website!
January 12, 2018
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The right mattress just may put your sleep problems to bed.
Sleep is good. Good sleep is better, according to the folks who study zzzs for a living. Experts agree it’s the quality of your sleep that matters—not just the number of hours you spend in bed with your eyes shut. Bad for you: tossing and turning, waking up frequently, and feeling decidedly unrefreshed in the morning. There are dozens of science-backed ways to improve sleep—from adjusting the thermostat to hitting the hay in sync with your circadian rhythms—but sometimes the fix is as simple as finding the right mattress.
How to choose the best mattress for you?
START IN THE MIDDLE—the middle of the mattress, that is. We carry the most common construction types: traditional innerspring, gel/memory foam, and hybrid, which can be any combination of innerspring coils, gel, foam, and/or latex.
- Innerspring. Steel coils or springs at the core of the mattress provide body support while balancing weight distribution. An innerspring’s comfort level (and cost) may depend on the shape, design, coil gauge and number of coils in a mattress.
- Gel/memory foam. An example is our Luna mattress, featuring cooling gel and air flow vents for improved circulation and body heat dissipation. An interlocking foam core keeps motion transfer (and partner sleep disturbance) to a minimum.
- Hybrid. An example is our Stellar mattress, designed with a combination of innersprings and gel-infused foam to provide mid-range firmness.
BE FIRM—OR NOT. Comfort options generally range from firm to ultra-plush, and your choice is largely a matter of preference. But there are a few things to consider:
- If you like extra back support from a mattress that holds its own so you can rest comfortably on top and not “sink in,” choose a medium-firm to firm mattress.
- Choose plush for the perfect balance between a pillow-like mattress and one with just a little “give.”
- Go for the ultra-plush if what you’re after is a cloud-like feel, with extra “give” that allows the mattress to conform to your body.
TAKE A TEST REST. After you’ve found a mattress that meets your criteria, lie down. If possible, you (and your sleep partner) should try out a store sample, stretching out for at least 10 minutes, to see how it feels.
DON’T GO IT ALONE. If the mattress you’ve chosen requires a box spring for support, be sure to buy a new one, as warranties often only cover mattress and box spring sets.
By itself, a new mattress can’t guarantee a good night’s sleep (babies are still gonna cry and heavy meals before bedtime are never a good idea), but it can improve your odds! Take our Sleep by DesignTM survey for more on choosing the mattress that’s right for you.
January 3, 2018
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Warming Trend: Throw Blankets You’ll Love to Cuddle Up With
We know it’s not like this everywhere, but in the Northeast, which all of us at HQ call home, it’s bone-knockingly, teeth-chatteringly, take-your-breath-away cold. As we write this, it’s warmer in Anchorage than it is here, and not by a little bit. It is, no joke, warmer in Antarctica right now. Can you forgive us for breaking out the blankets and wanting to hibernate until spring? Here are a few of our favorite throws – cozy, of course, and so cute, they’re perfect on that comfy sofa no matter what the thermometer reads!
A luxurious faux fur adds texture and richness to any room. You’ll love the soft feel and warm taupe color of this extraordinary faux mink. It’s made in the U.S. and pairs beautifully with our Faux Fur Mink Pillow. This throw becomes a conversation piece in any room—and the perfect way to wrap yourself up in lavish comfort.
Herringbone Knit Throw, Black/White
Drawing inspiration from menswear styling, this graphic black and white herringbone knit throw is a real standout. Its handsome pattern is accented with ivory fringe at each end. A soft blend of wool and acrylic, the gently brushed throw is ideal for snuggling on a chilly night.
Nothing compares to the comfy feel of your favorite chunky knit sweater—until now. Our wool/acrylic cross knit throw is beautifully crafted and generously scaled for supersize coziness. It’s made from a loosely spun yarn which gives the throw added texture and character. It’s perfect for snuggling up on a chilly evening with a great book—this throw is sure to keep you warm.
December 29, 2017
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6 Inspiring New Year Resolutions for Your Home
It’s nearly New Year’s Day, which means it’s resolution time! We asked some of our team members here to share their “home goals” for the new year. Some are big picture game-changers. Some are small steps that can make you feel good all day. We hope they inspire you to make some of your own!
SHAWN LANG, Consultant/Lifestyle Blogger: “My New Year Resolution this year is pretty simple but important: I vow to make my bed every morning. And not just throwing the blanket over with the sheets all crinkled up underneath. I’m actually going to make my bed just as I do when guests come over: Perfectly. The way I see it, it’s the first accomplishment of the day! Getting it done will give me the motivation to accomplish other projects throughout the day. And nothing beats coming home to a freshly made bed where you can relax with a good book.”
MISSY GRASSO, Senior Designer: “My place is a tiny apartment on a working farm. I love it. It keeps me in balance, which is really important if you work three jobs, like I do! When I moved here three years ago, I didn’t take the time to reorganize my life, and it’s about time I did. So, I resolve to get organized, especially with my finances, to get a laptop (my phone’s just not cutting it), and despite lack of space, to find a filing solution. I’m looking forward to feeling like things are under control and living happily in my tranquil haven!”
MARIA LAPIANA, Copywriter: “Like a lot of people, my New Year Resolution is to clear the clutter; specifically, the clutter on my dining room table. Most of the time it’s piled high with mail and miscellany. It’s also a way station for pretty much everything that’s on its way into or out of the house. The mess is controlled chaos, but it still drives me nuts. So in 2018, I’m going to give it a clean sweep. Or a sweep. At least a dusting… Well, I’ll do my best. After all, how hard can it be to move everything to the kitchen counter?”
LAURA CHAPMAN, Senior Director of Design: “I may finally alphabetize my spice rack, but it’s not certain. I like the thrill of the hunt when seasoning my food, and it makes my mom and mother-in-law crazy when they visit, so the chaos may be worth keeping!”
KAREN PEASE-MARINO, Senior Art Director: “We recently downsized, so my resolutions involve two spaces in our new home. The first: to make a collage of art, mirrors, and found objects on our blank dining room wall; I have all the pieces – now it’s time to get them up there. The second: to set up my studio. I’m planning to write a children’s book about extreme poverty in Africa, and my goal is to have it finished by June. I don’t need much – just a place for my computer, a table to work on my collages, and an “inspiration wall” for swipe, African fabric swatches, beads, quotes, and any other forms of inspiration that get my creative juices flowing.”
ILENE DORENBOSCH, Design Manager: “A good friend breeds golden retrievers, and as of Christmas, we have a new addition to our family! Our new little girl joins Cassie, our beloved 12½-year-old Golden – it’s been a long time since we’ve had a puppy in the house. Our dog-driven New Year Resolutions are to give Cassie as much attention as the puppy, to make sure we don’t leave socks and anything that can be eaten within puppy reach, and to not argue about who will get up in the middle of the night to take the puppy out in the winter cold. We’re so excited for the sound of little paws running through the house again!”
We at The Daily Muse wish you a safe, happy, and prosperous new year.
December 26, 2017
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On With The Show! How To Style an Open Display Cabinet
Display cabinets offer a creative and sophisticated way to showcase your style and interests, and they add lots of personality to your home. Go beyond traditional curio cabinets or glass door styles and choose open display cabinets; they offer an updated, casual feel that complements many of today’s lifestyles.
Here are a few ways to put your best style on display, right out in the open.
COLLECT YOURSELF
Mix and match your favorite curiosities or unique accents to create a curated look. Treat each shelf as a little vignette, combining artful pieces, books, and other decorative objects you love. Be sure to create a focal point in each space, playing with various heights and coordinating colors for balance. Love the well-traveled look? So do we! Decorate your display cabinet with treasures you’ve collected from your travels and globally inspired accents from our latest look, Passport .
Our Ming display cabinet, decorated with hand-sculpted vases and accents inspired by faraway places, becomes the perfect setting for an intriguing showcase.
GET ECLECTIC
Incorporate a variety of pieces into your collection, but choose a common theme for your cabinet, such as color, subject, type of piece, or material—this helps you avoid a cluttered look. Hand-painted porcelain jars and vases or ceramic platters make stunning choices. If your style leans more on the contemporary side, display one distinct piece per shelf to create a striking art gallery effect.
This themed display of dinnerware and entertaining pieces in our Christopher china and buffet cabinet makes a perfect complement to everyday dining style.
DO IT BY THE BOOK
If you have a ton of books lying around or in boxes, pick your favorites and display them for all to admire. Coffee table books are the best choices to create this look, and they make great conversation pieces! When arranging your books, play with proportion. Stack them vertically or horizontally, or organize them by color to create a curated look.
Unique artwork and dazzling silver accents add visual interest and dimension to stacks of books.
Whatever your style, opt for pieces that speak to you and you won’t go wrong. If you’re not sure where to start, just talk with one of our design pros. They can help you find pieces to complement your personal treasures or build your collection entirely from scratch, and their help is always on the house.
December 12, 2017
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Celebrate the season, farmhouse style
Think “farmhouse style” and a simple, country look comes to mind: A home filled with lovingly used and pleasingly mismatched pieces. It’s a look both humble and inviting, intentionally flawed, forgiving, and easy to love. Decorating farmhouse style is authentic, making it perfect for this, the most wonderful time of the year.
SET THE TABLE
An actual farmhouse table (like our beloved Miller, with its hand-distressed, plank-effect top) is the perfect foundation for country style in the dining room. Everything about this tablescape is unfussy yet elegant, from the scalloped white plates to the striped linen hand towels that double as napkins.
GO LIVE
Bring a holiday tree in from the great outdoors and use natural greenery whenever possible. Make place cards pop by tying tags to a few winterberry branches.
SHOWCASE YOUR COLLECTIONS
Display similar things together, tucked in amongst greenery, holiday ribbon, and other decorative elements. No collection? Start one for next season! Take advantage of post-holiday markdowns on snow globes, angel figurines, and stylized trees.
THINK VINTAGE
The past is great inspiration for decorating farmhouse style, but you don’t have to go antiquing unless you want to. Our Kata bowls are true found objects, cleaned and retreated for you, perfect in their unique imperfection.
CELEBRATE THE DIFFERENCES
Farmhouse style resists the urge to make everything matchy-matchy. Our Windsor-style Gilbert chairs, finished in charcoal, look striking against the Miller table‘s rye finish.
DO SOME HOME COOKING
Embrace the farmhouse vibe and toss together this simple, delicious dessert. The scent of apples and cinnamon hot from the oven is almost reason enough to make it!
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 medium baking apples
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 stick chilled butter, cubed
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350ºF.
- Core the apples, then cut them into 3/4-inch pieces. Place the apples into a bowl and sprinkle them with the nutmeg, the cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Mix to coat the apple pieces, then spread the mixture into a baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sugar, the flour, and the salt. Add the butter and work it into the dry ingredients until crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over your filling.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the juices are thickened, the apples are tender, and the topping has turned light golden brown. Top with a scoop of your favorite ice cream and enjoy!
BE CRAFT-Y
Humble kraft paper is a perfect canvas for creative farmhouse-style wrappings. Add a little raffia or string and a sprig of berries for supremely simple and stylish packages. Remember, you don’t have live anywhere near a farm to style your home with rustic charm. This holiday season, we send you and yours good tidings of country comfort—and joy.
December 8, 2017
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How to Style a Mantel for the Holidays
If you have a fireplace—working or not—and it has a mantel, you’ve hit the holiday decorating jackpot. A mantel, or mantelpiece (or chimneypiece in England), is by definition a shelf—but it really is so much more. It’s prime real estate in any room: an instant focal point, an opportunity not to be missed.
Often, the architectural style of a mantel (and surrounding millwork) dictates how you decorate it—but not now. From candles and crystal to cherished collectibles, anything goes during the holidays.
Mantel decorating “rules” still apply:
- Choose a center of attention.
- Design with odd numbers.
- Keep scale and balance in mind.
- Add depth by layering.
- Stick with your theme.
Following these principles, we styled our own holiday mantel to show you how it’s done. Let us take you through it, step by step.
- Focus! Center a large mirror or work of art on the mantel and lean it close to the wall. For our spectacular statement piece, we chose our Aged Silver Provincial mirror; it always sets an elegant mood.
- Go green. Place natural evergreen garland along the length of the mantel, dangling some over the sides for a lush look. Drape greenery on your mirror or artwork, too—for dramatic effect.
- Add a little color. We chose sprigs of red winterberries.
- Go glam with a few metal accents. Our lovely Pomegranates (available in gold, brass, or nickel finishes) and ever-popular Song Birds add some shimmer.
- See the light. Amp up the ambience with candles in hurricanes wrapped in red ribbon. DIY tutorial: A RIBBON RUNS THROUGH IT
- Turn on the sparkle! We finished our mantelscape with mini battery-powered LED lights.
No mantel? No worries! Try this on any long-ish horizontal surface: a buffet, a console table, or the top of a bookcase or china cabinet.
December 1, 2017
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New House, New Look
Rick and Donna Devore were ready for what they call “a lifestyle change.” They’d been married for 38 years when they decided to downsize and move into a charming Victorian in the walkable city of Birmingham, Michigan. The couple wanted a new home that was casual and livable, comfortable, with coastal notes. Lucky for them, designer Michele Nestor of our Design Center in Birmingham was up to the challenge of furnishing the house from top to bottom. Michele delivered the cool look and fresh start they were after—and so much more. Take a look and see how this lifestyle change, changed their life.
November 22, 2017
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Recipe: Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Nothing beats the chilly autumn weather like relaxing fireside with a good book, a cozy blanket, and delicious apple cider. Just in time for Thanksgiving weekend, our social media team whipped up a mouthwatering Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail. It’s super simple – and you can easily leave out the bourbon for a delightful non-alcoholic beverage. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
Serves: One
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 3 oz. apple cider (local, if you can find some)
- ½ oz. rosemary simple syrup
- Cinnamon stick and fresh rosemary
1. Prepare the rosemary simple syrup:
Combine equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan, drop in 3 or 4 sprigs of rosemary, and set over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, then turn up the heat just a tick to bring the syrup to a simmer; simmer for 1 minute. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture steep, about 20 minutes. Discard the rosemary and let the syrup cool. (1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar will be plenty for multiple drinks.)
2. In a shaker, combine the bourbon, cider and simple syrup with a few cubes of ice. Shake vigorously for a few seconds and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a fresh rosemary sprig.