Fill your house with art (and gorgeous vintage furniture!)

My recent purchased sideboard and favourite artwork in our house

 

One of the great things about my job is that I get to meet so many different people in very different houses. This week I picked up a wonderful 1960s McIntosh sideboard and another British-made mid-century desk from a lovely couple in Aberdeen - with a wonderfully eclectic interior. As soon as I arrived I was taken back by the vast amount of original artworks that filled their home. These people clearly were true collectors with great style and taste! Visiting their house also made me re-think my own wall space and where to place artworks. I have always had this idea that a room can only handle one very large piece and a few other smaller pictures on other walls, but the walls in the house of this couple were filled - wall-to-wall - with paintings and it actually looked good. "Just fill it!" the lady said when I told her my dilemma of having too many artworks and not enough walls. I think I'm going to take a leaf out of her book. After all, being surrounded by art can only be a good thing for mind and spirit.

I have made a collection on Pinterest of beautiful rooms filled with art and pictures, combined with iconic Danish furniture, to share this idea with you. What do you think, a winner?

A wall covered in small pictures http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416041063896/

Amazing art in this bedroom http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416041063901/

Art, sideboard and great books - what more do you need in a room? http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416041063902/

Ceramic objects, another love of mine! Great display http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416041063891/

A wonderful monochrome palette http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416041063892/

Great splashed of colour and art display http://pinterest.com/pin/25473554114710163/

http://pinterest.com/pin/229894755948987319/

Who needs a TV when you have this to look at? http://pinterest.com/pin/273030796132204724/

Who says large artworks are only for museums? Fabulous. http://pinterest.com/pin/273030796131276801/

I like how this artwork has been hung to the right rather than centrally. Great wall colour too. http://pinterest.com/pin/273030796130992110/

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New Book: Color Recipes for Painted Furniture

I recently received a copy of Annie Sloan's new book, Color Recipes for Painted Furniture, 40 step-by-step projects to transform your home out by Cico Books. The book presents some pretty inspiring projects that demonstrate easy ways to upcycle and revive old pieces of furniture with just a tin of paint in most cases. Working with her own range of decorative paint, "Chalk Paint", Annie offers up projects in Swedish County, Boho Chic, French and Modern Contemporary styles covering tips and techniques including distressing, color washing, gilding, decoupage, stenciling, dyeing fabric with paint and creating limed oak and faux marble effects. She also demonstrates how to darken and lighten colors, and explains how to get colors you love in a really uncomplicated way. Check out a few images from the book below: (Photography by Christopher Drake)

working with paint colors section

gided headboad - swedish country style section

sanded kitchen chairs - country style section

copper leaf bath - boho chic style section

A great resource book for the do-it-yourself set with over 200 images on lessons and inspiration from Annie Sloan's own renovation and redecorated farmhouse in northern France.  Annie Sloan is one of the world's most respected experts in the field of decorative painting, and this book is a definite must-have if you're thinking of dipping into a little decorative paining soon.  Visit Annie's blog and other links below for inspiration, ideas and techniques.

Youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/AnnieSloanOfficial
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/anniesloanhome/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSloanHome
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnieSloanHome
Blog: http://anniesloanpaintandcolour.blogspot.ca/

The book is available through Amazon here: Color Recipes for Painted Furniture and click here for a list of Canadian stockists for Annie's paints and supplies.

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Technology In The Workplace

Technology plays a huge role in the efficiency of any modern business. Empowering your office with power ready products will surely improve your productivity and workplace functionality. Knowing the benefits of a technologically advanced office and the key products that will help you bring your place of business into the modern world will put you ahead of the competition.

In today's world, anything with a screen is being mounted ergonomically in the workplace. The ability to adjust screens while simultaneously creating more work surface is just plain smart! Products like dual screen monitor arms are a great way to share what you've viewing with guests while increasing your own computing speed. Just swing the screen and guests can see what you see! Another key benefit of this technology is speed. Let's say for example you're writing a memo and using multiple websites for reference information. The modern technology applied in articulating monitor arms allows you to look at both simultaneously.

look for tablet mount solutions to be popping up more often then ever. With the popularity of products like the iPad, it's no surprise manufacturers like ESI Ergonomic Solutions have applied their monitor arm science to the world of tablets. Any high tech office furniture of the future is sure to have a variety of screens mounted for simplistic adjustment capabilities and ergonomic functionality.

Utilizing the latest technology in your conference room will ensure you're meetings run smoothly and professionally. The latest powered conference tables for sale provide the ability to plug any number of devices directly into the table surface without mess wires running all over the place. An optimized conference and boardroom area with full power capabilities is perhaps the best way to see modern office technology in use. Rest assured, you'll be seeing mobile TV cart and stands designed for flat screen monitor arms and simplified movement. No more bulky carts with huge televisions for your office!

While the latest electronics are being released to consumers, top office furniture manufacturers are in a preverbial arms race to discover the most effective ways to incorporate these products into the workplace. Those popular abbreviated terms like LED and LCD are showing up in furniture descriptions on a consistent basis. In addition, adding modularity to the workplace also incorporates smart technology that should not be overlooked by any modern business.

The latest modular workstations offer businesses the ability to reconfigure, grow, and adjust their office desks to meet their personalized needs. New and customizable casegoods furniture lines like the Global Zira Furniture collection offer a seemingly limitless selection of professional components to design incredible furniture configurations. The multi user workstations of the future will incorporate an open desking style pest portrayed in lines like this to promote team interaction and group collaborations.

To wrap things up, technology is going to improve your office. Before you know it you'll be working faster with far less effort. New products are being developed on a daily basis to ensure you have the most effective work day possible. Business owners will delight in the efficiency modern technology creates for their employees. Needless to say, the future is now!

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Popular Discount Office Chair Manufacturers to Consider When Shopping

Finding a good deal shouldn't come at the sacrifice of good quality. When it comes to office chairs, there's no difference. Often, discount seating solutions can be found that offer high end ergonomic attributes and excellent comfort. You just have to know where to look! This article highlights top chair manufacturers you'll definitely want to bookmark if you're on the hunt for new office chairs on a budget!

You'll be hard pressed to find better chairs at a lower price than those manufactured by Offices To Go. This fast growing chair and furniture provider prides themselves on quality. Made to the same standards as their sister company (Global Total Office), OTG seating comes with the same great factory warranty with even quicker ship times.

Top Offices To Go chairs include the 11730B model contemporary black leather swivel chair with chrome frame as well as the 11648B office chair, perfect for modern conference seating applications. Looking for guest chairs for your executive office or reception area? No problem! Models like the 11820 wood guest chair make a great fit for traditional or modern waiting areas. Two rich wood finishes are available to match the soft black luxhide seat upholstery. Needless to say, if you're in search of professional seating at everyday low prices, OTG is definitely a great choice!

You don't have to be the boss to sit like one! While that may not be the official slogan of Boss Office Chairs, it definitely could be. This line of high quality business seating is designed around providing superior comfort at industry low prices. Innovative products like their new heated office chair are priced at the highest end of their product spectrum. Models like the B9331 high back executive chair priced at $186.99 fit just about every budget! You'll be hard pressed to find in stock office chairs with the same quality at even twice the price!

Finding office chairs under $100 might seem like a daunting task. However, if you're familiar with the Flash Furniture brand you'll be at no shortage of options. This rapidly growing brand is setting the standard for what to expect out of an ergonomic chair without breaking your bank account. Flash chairs offer the perfect combination of modern style, comfort, and quality that should not be over looked by home or business chair shoppers.

One area where Flash has truly made in impact is the conference room. Take the 9826H high back white leather office chair for example. Priced higher than most in their repertoire, this is still one the most popular Flash models at only $172.99. These modern ergonomic seating solutions offers a polished chrome frame, European styling, and built in lumbar support. The Dual wheel carpet casters make for smooth mobility while the integrated rear seat bar acts as the perfect coat rack. Talk about versatility! If you haven't heard, white leather is in! This neutral canvas will match existing or new conference room furniture of any color to perfection. Still not satisfied? Flash offers nearly 500 additional models priced in the same ball park to meet your specific taste and price point.

Woodstock Marketing is a relatively new brand that strives to blend the retro and modern seating world together. With rock and roll inspired chairs like the Hendrix, Joplin, and Baez, you'll be at no shortage of coolness at work! The Sweetwater Chair is a big favorite of industry professionals and interior designers alike. This red office chair is accented with a white frame and user friendly features for days! Several different color combinations are available including black for those in search of a more simplified look. No matter the Sweetwater model you choose, you'll enjoy excellent functionality and usability sure to provide long lasting comfort. At a price of only $237.99 these popular mesh office chairs are truly an excellent value.

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Stylish GSA Office Furniture Solutions

If you work for a Government entity, you enjoy the ability to purchase your office furniture and seating on active GSA discount structures to ensure a fair price and value. Unfortunately, finding quality products for every room of the office can be a chore. Especially when you're required to purchase GSA approved items! This informative post highlights and reviews stylish GSA furniture and chair solutions you'll love.

It's tough to find the perfect office chair and then discover it's not GSA approved. No need to fret! Familiarize yourself with the Global Total Office brand. This full service GSA seating provider offers ample solutions with an abundance of trend setting style! Models like the Alero Office Chair are designed with ergonomic attributes in mind. This line of mesh back office chairs combines practicality and functionality in a versatile package that's not too over the top.

How about your conference room furniture needs? In addition to GSA office chairs Global provides an excellent selection of budget friendly GSA conference tables for spaces of any size. Models like the GRT8WLTM provide a modern look with the use of durable metal legs. A variety of surface shapes and finish solutions are available for this Alba Conference Table sure to impress. In addition, small meeting tables are also available for breakroom applications, bistro, and cafeteria use. The best part of all, this reputable brand is full service. This means you can cut down on the number of deliveries to your secured facility. Enjoy all your GSA office products from one source like Global and enjoy the time saving value you deserve.

Finding quality office storage products can be a tough task for any business. Finding solutions with GSA approval for specific applications can be even harder. Thankfully, manufacturers like Datum Filing Products offer durable solutions sure to last a life time. Units like the BFC-4 model small file cart provide just what you need for your records department. This popular model holds ample file and includes file dividers for better organization!

Larger areas can make use of Mayline File Harbor Cabinet solutions in a variety of sizes to meet there individual records needs. These space saving GSA file cabinets are a great way to improve the look, versatility, and organization of any government entity. No matter the size of your filing needs, awesome products are available for your space. Utilizing brands like those mentioned above will ensure long lasting quality and warranted products you can trust!

When it comes to GSA approved furniture, perhaps no item is more difficult to find than the office desk. With the popularity of ergonomic workstations, we thought we'd combine the two and highlight an awesome solution you'll surely love! The electronic office desk from Ergonomic Concepts offers a height adjustable workstation that's all about business. This line of GSA desks offers modern style, choice of frame and surface finish, and a host of matching ergonomic products to accent the already stunning looks.

Still need more? You got it! No GSA Office Furniture configuration would be properly complete without adding ergonomic office accessories for an effective work day. That being said, you'll be hard pressed to find a better line of GSA workplace accessories to compliment your professional furniture than those from ESI. This brand offers extensive office lighting solutions for under mount and desk top applications. In addition, ESI provides heavy duty monitor arms for any number of screens you desire. It's no secret that keyboard trays are a great way to improve efficiency, and ESI has your needs covered here as well. Don't forget the details that make the difference when laying out your GSA furniture and seating needs!

The Training room is an essential space for any Government entity, and Mayline took GSA training tables to a whole new level with the release of lines like Sync, Flip N Go, and Encounter. Whether you prefer modular training tables or fixed leg variations, you'll be at no shortage of solutions for your multi purpose area. In addition to a host of GSA Mayline Furniture, you'll be able to easily accent your modular training furniture configuration to provide a well rounded look to be proud of. The Mayline brand is all about quality and professionalism. Two traits essential for any organization buying on GSA. Trust us, you'll love this industry leading office furniture provider.

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Revamp of two wing chairs...how to give a tired piece of furniture a whole new life

At a house clearance recently people were trying to sell off a pair of very old and tired wing backed chairs. As they were from before 1950, they didn't meet fire regulations so if no one would buy them, they would end up in the skip....charity shops don't take them! Luckily me and my side-kick Debra from Willow Cottage came to the rescue and took them off their hands.

A few weeks later and this is the result. I choose a charcoal deep grey velvet for the inside and a grey and mustard yellow printed 'stamp' fabric for the outside of the chair. Debra selected a 100% wool tartan material to cover the whole of her chair. Initially meant to sell them on to our customers, we both love the chairs so much that we are just going to keep them all to ourselves! (*but do let us know if you want your own chair revamped like this!)

This is what I did to mine...

Charcoal velvet and stamp fabric, plus grey painted legs

 And this is what Debra did to hers...

100% Scottish wool

Good results or what? Incredible how they have both turned out and funny to think they were once a matching set...

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Travel blog post: colours of Cyprus

I have just come back from Cyprus and had a great time. I wanted to share a few interesting photos of things that caught my eye while walking around in various places, especially of the rich colours and patterns on buildings and in textiles. Cyprus has a rich history of different cultures all putting their stamp on the island, and of course at present it is still divided in a Greek and a Turkish part. The Greek side is more modern and developed with many large hotels and plenty of activity along the many beaches, while the Turkish side is quieter with less of that going on and more strips of beach all to yourself, though there are lots of villas being built for foreigners wanting their own place in the sun. At times it can be hard to look through all the ugly building developments, noisy bars as well as rubbish left on beaches, which unfortunately you see, but if you venture away from the beaten track you'll soon come across the real beauty and authenticity that Cyprus has to offer - both in the South and the North. A great island all around.

Beautiful colours in this carpet in  the Halan Sultan Tekke mosque, Larnaca, South Cyprus

Some true vintage furniture in Bellapais, Kyrenia, North Cyprus

Glorious bougainvillea growing in an old plastic barrel, Kyrenia, North Cyprus

Various street scenes in Nicosia

fantastic handmade lace in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Rich colours, blue paint and red geranium in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Lace shop in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Striking blue wall at the local museum of Lefkara, South Cyprus

Sunlight and shadows on a beautiful yellow door in Bellapais, North Cyprus

Great selection of carpets in the Halan Sultna Tekke mosque in Larnaca, South Cyprus

Blue, blue blue....in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Bright yellow flower and blue furniture on the beach in Larnaca

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Inspiring Office Interiors Improve Corporate Image

Creating a professional work environment with style is a real accomplishment. Visitor's often make first impressions of your business based on the furniture and decor your space offers. This article highlights several inspiring office interiors sure to impress and improve your corporate image. Enjoy!

First up this gorgeous lounge area. When it comes to waiting room furniture, perhaps no manufacturer offers a better selection of quality solutions than Global Total Office. The Citi furniture collection highlights this space to perfection. The rich black leather and tungsten legs of Citi lounge chair and sofa solution is a perfect blend of contemporary flavor. The glass coffee table pulls the whole space together and matches the seating 

Next up this high end reception furniture configuration by OFM. When it comes to the reception area, shopping for stylish reception desks is the first order of business. This piece of modern business furniture is the feature item of your welcoming area and all other products should work in cohesion with it. This well designed space is highlighted by the 55293 Marque Reception Station. This affordable curved reception desk is available in three finishes. The 55293 station is typically in stock and available for fast shipment. In addition, this area features an effective layout of bench style seating for guests. This modern solution to reception seating needs is a huge hit amongst consumers and interior design teams alike.

Next up, this high end reception furniture configuration by OFM. When it comes to any visitors space, shopping for stylish reception desks is typically the first order of business. This piece of modern business furniture is the main attraction for most areas and all other furniture should be used to accent and compliment this item. This well designed space is highlighted by the 55293 Marque reception station that's always a popular choice. This affordable curved reception desk by OFM is available in 3 attractive finishes and requires no tools for a simple installation. In addition, this stunning space is further enhanced by bench style seating that's sure to keep guest comfortable and praising your areas good looks.

This third space provides excellent inspiration for smaller office environments. For those limited on square footage, corner office desks are an excellent way to maximize your office potential. Desks like this Mira office desk configuration boast ample storage, all around good looks, and best of all, don't take up too much valuable floor space. This package is highlighted by wood lateral file cabinets both on the side of the main desk and as pedestal additions under the main station. As an added bonus, the Mira furniture collection includes a variety of matching add-on components that can be added if you move to a bigger workspace. No matter the dimensions of your space mira collection executive desks are available to meet your individual needs. This executive office furniture design wouldn't be complete without the addition of a comfortable office chair. That being said, Luxury Leather Office Chairs by Mayline won't break your budget and provide excellent support.

One popular office makeover that's getting a lot of buzz is the training room. Finding modern training room furniture solutions is becoming more and more easy with products like the Sync Table collection by Mayline. This popular and fully functional line of Mayline Office Tables provides excellent ergonomic benefits and is incredibly easy to use. This effective learning environment is highlighted by these well designed tables as well as Valore chairs with modern style. The addition of a presentation board, lectern, and wall cabinet add to to the versatility of this space without over doing it. The simplistic design and modern appeal make this work area a real winner.

Last but not least this professional conference room furniture layout by Global. This room was a must have for this article. The simplicity, modern style, and well rounded appeal were too hard to pass up. When shopping for products for this area, browsing conference tables is the best way to start. This space utilizes the rectangular conference table from Global that is available in 14 laminate options. Talk about versatile! This conference room further improves with Accord seating in a stand out white leather upholstery. The room is pulled together with contrasting wood floors and a super cool medium green paint tone.

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