4Oct2017
Design Trends, Home Styling Tips
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October 4, 2017 /
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Blue Home Décor: Our Favorite Looks

Take a peek at True Blue, our October magazine (download it here), and we promise you won’t feel blue in the least. Our designers captured some pretty cool blue moments—from the Baldwin settee on the cover (love the Greek key nailhead trim) to our sumptuous Monikka bedding (p. 22—be still our hearts!). Blue is widely considered the world’s favorite color (go on, Google it), and we know that in home décor, blues of every stripe just never seem to go out of style. Join the navy? We’re in. Reach for the sky? We’re up for it. Take a powder? We love all the baby blues. In fairness to fall, we can appreciate its fiery reds and glorious golds, but give us any hue of blue—in any season—and we’re down.

Here are some of our favorite looks!

8Sep2017
Behind The Design, Design Trends
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September 8, 2017 /
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We’re so in love with these pressed botanicals, we decided to repost this again for everyone to enjoy!

Julie Franklin’s classic botanicals are naturally lovely. Natural, because they’re made from genuine sprigs, leaves, and stems—and lovely, because the artist chooses the delicate specimens carefully, then preserves and presses them herself.

Julie started gathering flowers and leaves in her native Georgia with her cousin, a botanist who collected specimens for research, and soon learned how to preserve her pretty finds. First, she places a fresh botanical specimen between leaves of paper in an old-fashioned wood press, then hand-tightens the press as the specimen dries. When the press is opened, it often reveals exaggerated curves and colors—unexpected beauty captured in two dimensions.

We frame Julie’s botanicals in our New Jersey workshop—as befit these distinctive works of art. Our artisans mount a pressed specimen onto deckle-edge archival paper, along with an identifying card, and float it in a solid wood frame with an aged gold fillet, under museum-quality UV glass. Our botanical collections include 26 unique specimens set against a white background, and 12 set against black. Hang them alone, in pairs, or in groups to create a stunning gallery wall.

 

4Aug2017
Design Trends
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August 4, 2017 /
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It’s a classic. A perpetually fresh color scheme that bridges periods and styles. The go-to color story in every clever designer’s toolbox.

Black and white is a high-contrast combination that’s potent enough to carry a room. It’s also a foundation on which virtually any palette can rely. Think black and white graced with silver or gold (got glam?); or black, white, and green (hello, farmhouse chic); or black and white with yellow and red (Ethan Allen | Disney, anyone?).

Black and white has a checkered past (the checkerboard floor pattern dates back thousands of years). It also has a solid future in our book—and a simply enchanting presence.

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen: Garden City Design Center

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Paige Elizabeth Mongar

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Natalie Lemier

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Britney Whitney

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

2Aug2017
Design Trends
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August 2, 2017 /
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We’re still holding on to every bit of summer, including all things coastal. Take another look at our sea life inspired accents that can work in any room, all season long!

Sea life is a natural curiosity. It’s dimensional, otherworldly, intriguing—and it’s been inspiring artists since the first clam washed up on shore. From coral and critters to shells, starfish, and sand dollars, there’s a virtual sculpture garden under the sea. For those of us who don’t see an underwater expedition in our futures, we have the next-best thing: enchanting accents that capture the beauty of marine life.

 

Who knew that shells, starfish, and sand dollars could look so good on land? Independent artist Dawn Wolfe did: She meticulously glued them to a six-ply indigo mat to create a contemporary design she calls Shell Circle II.

Create a curated tablescape with these oddities under glass. Something of a cultural obsession in nineteenth century England, fascinating sea creatures like these were displayed by collectors, scientists, and hobbyists under glass cloches like these.

A simple shell collection is transformed into a work of art: the Mia table lamp adds texture and an instant beach house vibe to any room.

This statement piece will steal the show wherever it is displayed. The molded Gold-Plated Clam Shell captures the artistry of the real thing with its dramatic gold interior finish.

This whimsical Oedipus table lamp is crafted in a multi-step process: First, a potter throws the body of the lamp, which is then left to partially dry. Next, a second artisan creates the octopus directly on the lamp, building up the clay to give it texture, shape, and detail. Finally, two glazes are carefully applied, and the piece is fired. The result is stunning.

Staghorn coral is a favorite among underwater photographers—with good reason. We’ve captured its beauty in this meticulously detailed poly resin cast of a coral branch; it’s finished in white for a contemporary feel.

 

 

27Jul2017
Design Trends
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July 27, 2017 /
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Only a few of us have the luxury of a water view, but that doesn’t mean we can’t go a little coastal now and then. There’s just so much design inspiration in the place where sea meets shore! From natural elements and weathered textures to shells, sand dollars, and sun-washed finishes, it’s easy to fall in love with such a relaxed vibe. We did.

Driftwood-inspired accent pieces bring the ocean home. Minetto wood pendants are handcrafted in Thailand of bleached bauhinia wood that has been weathered to reveal its beautiful texture. Available in three sizes, our hand-lathed Demira white candlesticks feature a chic, variegated pale wood tone with a dry finish. For a whimsical, summery touch, prop a pair of repurposed, limited-edition Oxton Oars in the corner.

Look skyward and relax. This elegant Cloudscape Ochre giclée on canvas is designed to soothe the senses and create a calming aura in any space, no matter the style. We’ve enhanced its natural notes with a weathered barnwood-style frame in white.

Add texture and movement to your room—as well as illumination. Our Seagrass table lamp is woven by hand over a metal frame.

The Acacia base of our one-of-a-kind Aspen table lamp has been washed, sanded, and treated by hand to reveal the wood’s unique texture.

Decorating tip: Collect beachy found objects like seashells, starfish, or sea glass and display them in a grouping using our Apollo apothecary jars.

The perfect spot for a seascape vignette: the Gosman side table, featuring a classically turned pedestal base and a lovely, textured finish.

The rushes that are used to make our Bailey Island and Flo baskets are harvested as they have been for generations—by hand, with scythes and knives—and then dried in the sun. Each basket is an expression of the great skill of the artisan who made it, and no two are the same.

17Jul2017
Design Trends
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July 17, 2017 /
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We love white in any season, but especially in summer when it’s a wardrobe essential (if not a uniform). In the home, summer whites are crisp and radiant (think pure white slipcovers or just-laundered bedsheets). They’re essential for everyday living—just like a breath of fresh air!

Here are some of our favorite fresh summer whites picks:

 

Be a light sleeper. Switch up your bedding with a white matelassé coverlet or quilt. It’s a simple move that will lift your spirits and lighten the overall feel of your bedroom.

 

Make yours modern. An heirloom-inspired bed like Quincy takes a modern turn when painted white. Hand-embroidered Giorgina bedding adds charm.

 

Turn the table. With the look of a flea market find, the Vienna round pedestal table in Brie (a perfect weathered finish!) is well crafted and liltingly lovely.

 

Come into bloom. This enduring White Hydrangea watergarden captures the beauty and spirit of our favorite fluffy blooms—and looks gorgeous all year long.

 

Go coastal. The base of our whitewashed Seneca lamp is covered with hand-woven natural seagrass for an easy, breezy, beachy attitude.

 

Cover up. A white cotton denim slipcover lightens any mood. Here our classic Bennett sofa gets a relaxing “makeover” in the blink of an eye.

 

Update a classic. We simplified the traditional Windsor chair for our Ethan Allen | Disney collection. White paint makes the Steamboat chair even more modern.

*For more beautiful inspiration, check out our Muses book here.

 

 

6Jul2017
Design Trends
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July 6, 2017 /
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Blue and white. It’s a beloved combination with a rich history and global appeal. Think Chinese porcelain, delftware from Holland, French toile, Laura Ashley anything—and crisp, coastal interiors everywhere. You can’t help but appreciate blue and white for its versatility. We love blue and white for its “anything goes” charm, so throughout July the Daily Muse will be celebrating this primo palette, featuring Ethan Allen designs as well as rooms our readers have shared with us. Stop by often to discover new ways to use blue and white in your home.

 

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Brittany Whitney

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Natalie LeMier

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Lorraine Wong

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Annette Nielsen

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Jessica D’Arpino

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Kellily Johnson

Ethan Allen Style Team

30Jun2017
Design Trends
June 30, 2017 /
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It’s summer at last. The holiday weekend kicks off the season with a bang, and we’re off—let the vacationing begin! But wait: does the thought of heading to the airport or spending endless hours in the car give you the blues? Declare your independence from tourism and give a staycation a try. We’re not in love with feeling the summer blues, but we sure love looking at them. So chat with friends and family on your porch. Entertain on your patio. Relax in your pool—and let your imagination do the traveling.

These staycation inspirations will transform your blues into bliss…

Relax at a Resort. Curl up with a good book or soak up some sun at a resort of your own making. The Millbrook chaise creates the perfect poolside spot, right in your own backyard.

Enjoy an English Garden. View the flora while relaxing on elegant and comfy outdoor pillows (created with well-chosen, coordinated outdoor fabrics). The blue and white porcelain Pierced garden seat becomes the perfect perch for a refreshing beverage.

Float down Memory Lane. Your memories are always part of you, no matter where you travel. Our 63.25” x 43.25” giclée, Pretty Poolside, adds a midcentury modern vibe to any interior—and stirs a little nostalgia for summers gone by.

Visit a Farmer’s Market. Fresh local fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of any summer staycation menu. Our porcelain Multi-ring Garden Seat is the perfect resting spot for your repast (try them in multiples to create extra surfaces and additional seating options).

Sip Tea on a Southern Veranda. In the south, a veranda is more than a porch; it’s a complete outdoor room. Our Biscayne Collection, featuring a settee, club chair, ottoman, coffee table, and end table, creates a light yet substantial feel, anchored here by the expansive geometry of an outdoor rug.

Journey to Long Island. Your summer staycation adventure begins with a coastal vibe. Set the mood for summertime with Vintage Swimsuit I, II & III (as shown) artwork, hand-cut from a vintage-inspired Montauk paper map.

 

Lounge by the Lake. The Lakehouse chaise, showcased here in multiples with matching upholstered cushions, is the perfect expression of laidback chic. The 9′ Indigo Round market umbrellas add 64 square feet of sun protection.

Go Global. Let this Roseto Indigo fabric transport you to a bustling international marketplace—the kind that’s filled with one-of-a-kind finds. Our Outdoor Fabric collection consists of Sunbrella fabrics—the Roseto is coded for heavy use, which makes it perfect for outdoor upholstery.

Happy Feet! Happy Fourth!

28Jun2017
Design Trends
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June 28, 2017 /
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If you’re lucky enough to have a house on the beach (or just want to feel like you do), consider a classic coastal palette of crisp white with generous splashes of ocean and salt water-washed sea glass. It’s a refreshing and restful color combination—especially in the bedroom!

 

CHIC AND SOPHISTICATED. This cool and collected bedroom is just beachy! It has a streamlined elegance thanks to the Hayward bed and Heston night tables (providing a gorgeous visual and storage). It’s always a good idea to add a bench at the foot of the bed; it’s a sweet spot for a tray, folded blankets, extra pillows, or a nightgown.

THE TALL AND SHORT OF IT. Clear glass (the Heston tabletop and classic Leslie Crystal table lamp) lends a light and airy feeling to the room. It’s a thoughtful variation in scale (a tall, sculptural lamp next to a low-lying floral arrangement) that elevates this mini-tablescape. The Pocket Watch desk clock adds balance—and sparkle.

IN RARE FORM. White orchids are exotic and graceful. This lifelike arrangement’s perfect blooms capture the artistry and spirit of a natural, snow white phalaenopsis orchid. These White Orchids in a clear glass cylinder are stunning now, and promise to stay that way.

TWO EASY PIECES. Two bedroom essentials—sleep and storage—rule in this inviting guest room. The palette’s set with the diamond-tufted Alison upholstered headboard in a creamy, white linen, and the Adelaide chest in Robin’s Egg Blue. They bring an understated sense of style to the space, so bedding and accessories can shine.

PATTERN PLAY. Stay with your palette and your room will unfold beautifully. Bedding (two complementary bedding patterns: Mineral Linen Paisley and Sydney Paisley) and textural pillows reinforce the sea glass theme. Our Minerva pillow, with its subtle floral design of cotton voile ribbon, is the perfect finishing touch.

SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY. The Lindsey chest lends a vintage touch to this oh-so-simple vignette; it’s the Chambray Blue painted finish that makes it feel fresh and modern. A large glass hurricane perched on a pair of books is filled with a collection of assorted small, medium, and large handblown recycled glass balls that reflect the room’s pale blue hues.

 

15Jun2017
Design Trends
June 15, 2017 /
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Our Millbrook outdoor collection is one part English garden. One part West Indies lanai. Just perfect for a porch or patio!

Its kiln-dried, sustainable, plantation-grown teak is crafted with classic mortise and tenon joinery. We love its slatted backs, softly curved arms, and beautifully turned legs. You can choose from dozens of soft and stylish outdoor fabrics, but as you can see we’re really into blue & white. See more of our beautiful, summery Millbrook collection here.

Just an FYI…Don’t miss out on our amazing June savings! Save 20%  on your total purchase.

 

 

 

© 2017 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.