21Aug2017
Home Styling Tips
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August 21, 2017 /
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As carefree summer gives way to fall, the kids transition from all-day play to schoolwork squared. Suddenly you’re knee-deep in books, binders, backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils, and permission slips. One thing is sure: The house needs organizing (and quick). Looks like clearing clutter is your first assignment of the new school year. Luckily, our Ethan Allen | Disney collection has you covered! From cubbies and craft tables to desktop caddies, we offer dozens of ways to restore order to places where kids’ stuff tends to multiply—mudrooms and playrooms included.

A NO-MESS MUDROOM. We call it a fun and functional storage solution of epic proportions—and we designed it just for you. In black and white with accents of bold yellow and bright red, our Mickey Mouse Colorblocked Cubbies do more than hold jackets, hats, backpacks, gym bags, and boots. This piece cheers up an entryway in a flash.

ON THE WALL. It’s bright, fun, modular storage for the kids’ room, playroom, kitchen, hub, hall, or anywhere you need it. Our WOW organizers can be mounted directly to the wall with ease—or group a few together and stand them on a counter, desk, or table.

NEVER FELT SO GOOD. Our Fantastic Felt baskets provide the perfect storage space for pillows, blankets, toys of all sizes, clothes, books, and so much more. Clever zippered corners let these baskets fold flat for easy storage when they’re not in use; available in small, medium, or large. Add a Felt Desk Caddy (with sturdy spinning base and four spindle rods), which is designed to hold small Fantastic Felt holders.

ONE SMART DESK. There’s no getting around homework, so why not do it in style? The Animator’s Desk features three drawers and three cubbies for filing stuff, a corkboard back for pinning stuff, and a roomy hutch with a charging station. Available in Snow and Mouse Grey, we give it an A+ in both functionality and stylish good looks.

11Aug2017
Behind The Design, Room Design
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August 11, 2017 /
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Farmhouse style has been a mainstay of interior design forever—or at least it seems that way! It’s easy to see why: It’s homey, relaxed, and authentic. Every region has its own take on it—from ranch (think Texas) and plantation (Georgia) to homestead (New England). There are style subsets, too, from traditional to Tuscan. With so many ways to crush on farmhouse style, it’s no surprise it’s branched out far beyond the countryside. Julie Goss, a designer in our Vienna, Virginia, Design Center, recently helped a downsizing couple furnish a new home in farmhouse style—in a penthouse in the heart of Washington, D.C.

We caught up with Julie, one of our Design Stars, recently and asked her to share her story.

EA: A farmhouse and a penthouse are as different as any two homes can be! How did you make the space into something it’s not?
JG: The architecture was on our side: wood floors, French doors, nice ceiling height. It was neutral enough to let us move it in the direction we wanted.

EA: What was the look your clients were going for?
JG: Traditional farmhouse with a black-and-white color palette. The wife is an avid photographer, so we needed to “hide” a home office in plain sight, which we did with two Sayville double-door cabinets that flank the fireplace, and the petite Turner desk in another corner. It’s the perfect blend of style and function, in a space where every inch mattered.

EA: What existing pieces did they want to incorporate?
JG: There was a long list: a sofa, trunk/coffee table, a drop leaf table, ladderback chairs, an art collection, and lots of antiques.

EA: What do antiques bring to the design table?
JG: I love working with antiques. They deliver an extra layer of character, texture and history. Things that are handmade bring soul and make a space special. Antiques can be integrated into any type of project. I especially love to juxtapose them with very modern or tribal pieces. Antiques wake it all up.

EA: How did you embrace farmhouse style with the new pieces?
JG: We chose styles that are relaxed and eclectic. Twin Devonshire swivel gliders in a bold check add style without overwhelming the space. The neutral rug gives the room a cozy, cohesive feel. Many of the accents feel vintage, so they blend right in. The weathered iron armillary, which was designed to impart a feeling of age, is a perfect example.

EA: The space is lovely; was there one secret to its success?
JG: The black and white color palette was the “special sauce” here. It’s timeless; it works with every style: traditional and modern, casual and formal. By keeping to a disciplined palette, we could make the space feel modern. Sometimes it’s daunting to bring in so much black, but it was needed to make the white pop. It turned out to be a very airy, open, and happy space. They love it!

7Aug2017
Company News, Home Styling Tips
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August 7, 2017 /
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This spring, designers Kate Marchesini and Andrea Pinto from our Somerville, New Jersey, Design Center participated in the area’s prestigious Mansions in May Showhouse and Gardens to benefit the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center.

The designer duo had the honor of transforming the Grand Foyer of the historic Alnwick Hall  – The Abbey mansion into an impressive statement of modern glamour.  Check out how they reimagined the entranceway of this spectacular estate—and steal some of their ideas!

Built in 1904, Alnwick Hall is an example of Tudor Gothic design. Its interior draws from several historical periods and boasts ornate quatrefoil ceilings with gold leafing and mahogany raised paneled walls. To complement this opulent space, Kate and Andrea conceptualized a dynamic, glamourous design, choosing stylized silhouettes and a high-fashion, high-contrast color scheme of black, fuschia, and gold.

As the first room in the showhouse, the Grand Foyer serves as a place for imagined guests to await reception. Kate and Andrea chose the rich and refined Ashcroft table in a mahogany finish to serve as a focal point. Then, they gave it a fashionable twist with a luxurious shag rug, a trio of Gavin bunching ottomans upholstered in a hot pink velvet, and dazzling white, gold, and glass tabletop accents. The designers also added the Brighton cabinet with interior lighting to display artifacts they envisioned to be of interest to the imagined guests of the estate.

The sinuous Selby wing chair in a dual Greek key and solid fabric treatment, paired with the Madeleine Trumeau floor mirror in antique gold, echoes the rich decorative motifs of the mansion while adding a fresh glamorous vibe.

To lighten up the heavy Gothic architecture in the space, the designers framed the archway leading to the rest of the home by adding overscaled panels of cream and gold wallpaper and white floor-to-ceiling drapery. The curvy Donatella console table in white and the vibrant abstract artwork add a modern, glossy pop to the traditional space.

 

You don’t have to have a Grand Foyer to make a grand style statement. Here three tips for making a great entrance of your own:

  • CREATE A FOCAL POINT

A focal point draws guests in the moment they arrive. A console table or cabinet with a work of art is a quintessential and powerful pairing. Give it your own twist with additional pieces that fit your space, such as accent wallpaper, a chandelier, ottomans, or chairs.

  • GO FOR “WOW”

The entryway is an opportunity to make a great first impression about your style—so don’t be afraid to be daring! Consider pieces with striking silhouettes, captivating color and finishes, and unexpected details.

  • INTRIGUE YOUR GUESTS

Take a cue from Kate and Andrea’s creative use of the Brighton cabinet and add intriguing accents that spark conversation. Just one small unique piece can have an unforgettable effect.

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.

Company News, Video Portfolio
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July 24, 2017 /
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ICYMI! Last month marked the introduction of Ethan Allen | Disney to China, where we have more than 70 Design Centers and the launch party was just too fun not to share!

Disney fans and special guests got together on the lawn of the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel for food, drink, fireworks, and facetime with none other than Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Some of our favorite pieces from the collection were set up for everyone to see, touch, and enjoy, and the incredibly talented Derrick Warren, a craftsman from our workshop in Maiden, NC, mesmerized the crowd by building a Bravo chair completely on site!

20Jul2017
Behind The Design
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July 20, 2017 /
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How do you pull together a variety of traditional styles to create a fresh modern look? Ask our Design Star Brittany Whitney, who brilliantly balances myriad elements to create simple, stylized interiors. The award-winning designer from our Bellevue, Washington, Design Center believes less is more, and she’s passionate about expressing her clients’ ideas in ways that free them from clutter. See how Brittany blends different looks to create a crisp, sophisticated style.

We love how beautifully Brittany balanced traditional, fashionable, dressy, and casual styles to create this semiformal living room for a multigenerational family. Facing pairs of Suzette and Grayson chairs, upholstered in a fashionable blue and green ikat and Greek key pattern, respectively, complement the sleek style of the blue Abington Leather sofa with eye-pleasing symmetry.

Brittany opted for a pair of Corbin ottomans to allow traffic flow while keeping an open visual line to the kitchen. She strikes a balance once again, trimming them in a nickel nailhead for a more traditional twist.

The streamlined Hadley dining chairs complement the kitchen’s sleek style and are dressed in a classic navy-and-white stripe outdoor fabric to add a punch of fade-resistant color. Nickel nailhead trim echoes the traditional touch on the Corbin ottomans while the green fabric on the counter stools ties to the living room’s fashionable color story.

A bedroom by the water gets a chic nautical nod with a navy blue and white palette. Brittany creates a contemporary feel, balancing bordered custom window treatments and pillows with a floral Boucle Linen pillow and Blue and White Porcelain vase.

Blue accents make simple yet powerful design moments throughout the space. A blue contrast welt on the Nassau ottoman makes a striking statement while small and large Brayton Indigo vases capture the natural daylight from the window and add a cool, luminous touch.

Brittany balances the simplicity of the office space with a blend of patterns in the Tulu rug, Stamp art, Greek key upholstery fabric, and custom striped window treatments.

 

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.

 

 

© 2017 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.