The Ciseal Blog

Detroit is a big city - maybe not so much population-wise anymore, but in terms of area, Detroit is huge!  Most are surprised to learn that the entire cities of Boston and San Francisco as well as the borough of Manhattan can comfortably fit within the land area of the City of Detroit.  That’s not including the sprawling suburbs which stretch the concrete landscape tens of miles outside of the city limits.  The car culture is certainly strong in the Motor City, and sprawl is just one way that’s manifested in Southeastern Michigan.  But where can the nature lover go when the endless miles of city and suburb get to be too much?  Here are some of the best parks and trails in the Detroit area for when your need for nature beckons.

Belle Isle

Photo: Indianvillage-wnfga.org

Starting in the heart of the city, Belle Isle is one of Detroit’s oldest parks.  The island in the middle of the Detroit River and abounds in natural wonders.  You can go for a swim, rent a kayak, check out the beautiful aquarium, oggle at the vintage yachts at one of the nation’s oldest yacht clubs, take a peek in the Conservatory, explore the wooded areas and trails, or watch the sunset over the skyline of Detroit.  There are so many things to do on Belle Isle.  It’s truly an oasis in the city.

The Riverwalk & Dequindre Cut

Photo: Detroitgp.com

Over the past few years, the city has revitalized the riverfront and turned it into a beautiful promenade that connects multiple parks along the Detroit River.  The Riverwalk currently stretches for almost five miles along the Detroit River, and soon a new stretch will open to create a continuous path all the way to the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle.  Starting at Atwater Street, the Dequindre Cut is a rail trail that heads Northeast from the Riverwalk and stretches 2.5 miles to Eastern Market.  The graffiti on the overpasses along the trail is definitely worth renting a bike or lacing up the shoes for a short run.  Plus, at either end you have delicious food and drink at Eastern Market or Atwater Brewery - you can’t go wrong.

Lakeshore Drive

Photo: Mapio.net

Just outside of Detroit, Lakeshore Drive offers spectacular views of both million dollar mansions and Lake St. Clair.  Going for a bike ride or run along the shore is a must for any architecture fan.  The route stretches about three and a half miles from the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and ends at the War Memorial.  Along the way, Albert Kahn-designed mansions will make you drool, and constant lake views on the other side will bring you back to reality.  It’s fun to venture into the neighborhoods, too, and see some great examples of Colonial and Tudor Revival and even some International Style homes.

River Rouge Park

Photo: Detroit1701.org

I’d be remiss to not include Rouge River Park on the list because of the impressive revitalization effort of the Friends of Rouge Park.  It’s located about 14 miles outside of downtown (I mentioned how large Detroit is, right?) near the absolutely gorgeous Rosedale Park neighborhood (which is worth a visit as well).  It is much more natural than the previous parks with secluded, natural trails along the river that feel like you’re in the wilderness rather than inside the limits of a major city.  The park and trails are really well maintained and kept super clean thanks to the Friends of the Park.  There are also monthly events in the park like fun runs and 5Ks if you’re a runner.

Paint Creek Trail

Photo: Paintcreektrail.org

Metro Detroit has 13 beautiful Metroparks which dot the suburban landscape and ensure you’re never too far from nature.  In addition to the Metroparks, there are numerous Rail Trails, and one of the best is the Paint Creek Trail.  The Paint Creek Trail runs from Rochester about nine miles to Lake Orion.  It’s a well-maintained limestone path with pretty views of the creek and surrounding wooded areas.  Plus, there’s a year round Cider Mill at about the halfway point if you need to replenish your carbs.  The Rochester Riverwalk, the Clinton River Trail, and the Macomb Orchard Trail intersect it, leading to even more ways to get away from it all.  It’s a bit outside of the Downtown area (about 25 miles North), but it’s one of the best maintained and easily accessible trails in the area.

There are many, many more parks and trails in Metro Detroit, so you’re never too far from being immersed in nature.  I’d encourage you to step outside of the concrete jungle every once in a while and find your favorite park to get away from it all.

I wrote previously (My Journey From STEM to STEAM) about my past in engineering and how learning Industrial Design has changed my perspective on product development for the better.  I talked about how important it is to include Art and Design in our increasingly technology-focused education system.  Having both parts of the product development process under my belt now, here are three lessons I’ve learned for why STEAM is the path to a more wholistic future:

Find the right questions in order to fully understand the task at hand.

The difference between my engineering education and design education was in how success was achieved: Success in engineering school depended on memorization and repetition of “what to know” and “what to think."  Success in design school depended on critical thinking and creative interpretation to discover “how to know” and “how to think.”  That ability to think critically and creatively interpret situations is the key to our new technology-driven economy.  Critical thinking is how we discover the root problem that needs solving.  Creative interpretation allows us to see new ways of using our knowledge of how things are to imagine new possibilities for how things could be. 

Develop a solution that appeals to our emotions.

McMansion Photo: McMansionHell.com

What happens when you strip all form from your values and just focus on function?  We’ve all seen the bland, soul-sucking Soviet apartment developments of the Cold War.  Nobody deserves a life so void of beauty.  On the other hand, what happens when you strip all function and durability from your values and focus exclusively on form?  I give you McMansions - ginormous homes built in the US during the real estate boom which consist of questionable material quality and all of the “house” design elements ever imagined literally stuck onto the front of the building.  There is obviously a need for both imagination and prudence to create appealing, functional, and progressive products, which leads into the third lesson.

Collaborate to bring to life beautiful and durable solutions that improve our lives.

This is where both the engineers and the artists need to get their hands dirty.  Together.  STEM is certainly valuable, but when we place too much importance on these fields, it creates a rift between the “implementers” (STEM people) and the “designers” (Art people).  I saw this rift first-hand throughout my engineering career.  Some engineers will tell you that they don’t have an artistic bone in their body.  They don’t understand why designers fuss about shape, color, material, and proportion so much when those things don't serve a real purpose.  On the other hand, some designers will claim that they can't possibly understand the complexities of engineering a product.  They are happy to drop off a thoroughly impossible design on an engineer’s desk and tell her to make it work.  They have no idea what it will take to bring this product to life, and then get angry when engineering changes their design beyond recognition.  We would all be better off if more implementers had (or at least appreciated) the creativity, imagination, and empathy that comes from learning to create art.  And likewise, if designers approached their work with the practicality, knowledge, and prudence that comes from learning how things work.

Our innate talents and interests are unique to each one of us.  It’s a shame that children like me who have artistic talents are being led to believe that they have to leave their eccentricities behind in order to get a “real job” in science or technology.  On the flip side, it’s no less shameful for kids interested in science and technology to see their achievements limited because their education only included what’s safe, familiar, and known.  Perhaps by adding the “A” (Art) to STEM curriculums, the technology leaders of tomorrow will have a deeper appreciation for finding the right questions, developing emotionally appealing solutions, and collaborating to bring to life products that improve lives.  That would truly be an awesome future!

Welcome back to the final article in our series on Mid Century Modern design.  In the first article, we explored how Mid Century design got it’s start and defined some of it’s guiding principles.  If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out here: What is Mid Century Modern.  In the second article, we shared why we love Mid Century Modern design and some of the reasons why it inspires us every day.  Check it out here: Why We Love Mid Century Modern.  Today, we’re closing out the series with some practical tips for adding a little Mid Century Modern style to your home.

Last week, we learned about three features of mid century design that make us swoon: nature, simplicity, and color.  Your home doesn’t even have to be in the Mid Century style for any of these tips to be applicable.  Mid Century design has enjoyed it’s long run of popularity precisely because it works so well with other styles.  The simple shapes, nod to nature, and bright colors can add functional beauty to any room regardless of if it’s in a victorian, a craftsman or a proper mid century modern abode.  Here are some practical ideas for adding some Mid Century style to your home through the use of nature, simplicity, and color.  And, no, an Eames lounge chair and Noguchi coffee table are not required.

Nature

Photo: Midwestliving.com

Mid Century architecture often features large windows, but even if your house is more mid century modest with smaller windows, you can still reap the benefits of nature.  Make your windows a focal point as much as you can by keeping the drapes and dressings light and streamlined.  For the rest of the room, choose furniture and decor that’s made from natural materials like wood, stone, leather, ceramic and natural textiles.  Pieces that are inspired by nature, like our Aspen Magazine Rack, are perfect for bringing in a natural touch while keeping it modern.  To finish it off, bring some nature indoors with green leafy plants like fiddle leaf figs, cacti, and succulents.

Ciseal's Aspen Magazine Rack

Simplicity

Photo: blog.froy.com

Whether you’re designing the overall feel of a room or looking for one piece of furniture, you can use this concept of simplicity as a guide.  For example, a relaxing and inviting seating area in your living room focuses the attention on conversation and connection.  For the individual pieces of the room, look for furniture and decor items that have clean lines and that serve a purpose.  Our Alden Table is a shining example with it's strong, clean, simple lines and purposeful functionality.  Keeping extra elements to a minimum and making sure they all have a purpose brings negative space into the design, opens up the room, and allows each element to shine.  

Ciseal's Alden Table

Color

Photo: apartmenttherapy.com

Ciseal's Michigan Left Table Lamp

Welcome back to the second article in our series on Mid Century Modernism.  In the first article, we explored how Mid Century design got it’s start and defined some of it’s guiding principles.  If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out here: What is Mid Century Modern.  Next week, we'll provide some tips for adding some Mid Century style to your home.  Today, we’re going to share why we love Mid Century Modern design with some of the reasons why it inspires us every day.  

As we learned last week, Mid Century design has been around for quite a while.  Most of the time, styles are cyclical with trends coming and going as the newest shiny object grabs our attention.  The strange thing about Mid Century design is that it’s never really gone away.  It’s had it’s ebbs and flows, certainly, but since it’s birth in the 1940s we’ve seen Mid Century elements incorporated into our living spaces quite consistently.  Why do we love it so much?  

Nature: The Foundational Element

Photo: Mosaikdesign.com

Nature’s calming influence permeates Mid Century design to it’s core.  Large windows and sliding glass doors connect the indoors with the outdoors making it easy to enjoy nature right from your living room.  Just like Mid Century design, simplicity and color are foundational elements in nature, too.  Next time you’re in awe of a landscape, step back and appreciate the shapes and colors that bring it all together.  Why we love nature: Nature’s clean lines, simple shapes, and bold colors are the perfect inspiration for a cohesive Mid Century room.

Simplicity: Focus on Function

Photo: Caterpillar House

Looking at the clean lines and simple shapes of Mid Century architecture and furniture, you can see that 'less is more’ is a guiding principle.  When the ornate embellishments and excess stuff are stripped away, function becomes the focus of attention.  Why we love simplicity: In a busy world with so many things constantly trying to get our attention, a simple, functional room with clean, geometric furniture can be an oasis.

Color: Let’s Have Some Fun

Photo: Nestmodern.com

Simple, clean shapes are super functional, yet they do lack interest.  I mean, I love me a clean-lined mid century credenza, but a room full of simple geometric shapes leaves me wanting a bit more.  This is precisely where color comes in - to add a very necessary layer of interest to the room.  In the beginning of the Mid Century era, bright, cheerful colors communicated a fun, optimistic feel which was a welcome change after the Second World War.  Why we love color: It’s usually that bright, cheerful, colorful element in a room that instigates a joyful smile.

Mid Century Modern design has been a part of our interior designs for well over half a century and it’s showing little sign of going away anytime soon.  The connection to nature, clean lines, and bold colors are now timeless design elements.  Be sure to check out the last part of this series: our tips for adding some Mid Century style to your home.

Here at Ciseal, our focus is on making Mid Century inspired furniture, lighting, and home decor for the modern day.  In this series of blog articles, we’re going to dive into defining Mid Century design for your home, share why we love Mid Century, and provide some tips for adding some Mid Century style to your home.  This week, we’re kicking off the series by exploring a question we get asked quite a bit: What is Midcentury Modern?

When you hear “Midcentury Modern” what do you think?  Is it the set of Mad Men?  Maybe it’s your parents' or grandparents’ dated furniture and decor.  It could conjure up images of bright colors and earthy wood tones.  Or tacky wood paneling and a well-past-their-prime shag rugs.  Mid Century is such a broad category, and everyone seems to have their own definition and interpretation - which we love!  

Most homes that are considered Midcentury Modern were built between the 1940’s and 1970’s, but modern interpretations continue to be built today.  The originators of the style were modern architects including Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer who fled Nazi Germany for the United States before World War II. Other influential designers include Ludwig Mies van der Rohe who was the Architecture department head at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Frank Lloyd Wright students Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, and Cranbrook Academy of Art Alums Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen.

World War II was important to the style because it necessitated experimental technologies and materials like plywood, steel, and aluminum which went on to be used extensively in buildings and decor after the war.  According to Sian Winship, president of the Southern California Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, “The birth of midcentury modern was after the war. The houses had open floor plans and giant sliding-glass doors, which encouraged people to go outside and be healthy. In a traditional home, the window height is 4 to 5 feet, and you can’t see out as a child. With these walls of glass, children became engaged and open-minded because the environment stimulated the senses in a different way.”

Photo by Midwestliving.com

The ultimate goal of Midcentury Modern design is to inspire and encourage us to explore the world around us in new ways. At it’s roots, Midcentury Modern architecture utilizes four key elements to blend our interiors with the world around us:

1. Extensive glass: Large windows and sliding-glass doors drape the outside walls of Midcentury homes to allow natural light to flood indoors.

2. Open design concepts: Midcentury Modern homes will have partial walls, small sets of steps between rooms to create split-level spaces, and cabinets of varying heights to create defined areas in otherwise open spaces.

3. Simplicity of form: The flat planes and geometric lines of Midcentury houses create low, sweeping flat or gabled rooflines, repetitive linear patterns in support beams and posts, and brick- or stone-clad chimneys that anchor the design.

4. Connection with nature: Midcentury rooms have a connection to nature through expansive windows or multiple access points to draw the residents outside.

A few famous examples of Midcentury Modern homes include:

Stahl House - Case Study House 22

Eichler Homes (there are a lot of them!)

Farnsworth House

So, that’s your primer on how Midcentury Modern came to be and how it’s defined.  Next week we’re going to explore the specific reasons why we here at Ciseal love Midcentury design.  You can read that article here: Why We Love Mid Century Modern.

Photo: Houzz 

Designing a room is like a balancing act.  Line, shape, form, space, color, value, texture: all of these elements work together to create a cohesive design.  It’s easy to consider the shape and color of the various pieces you include in a room, but when you throw some texture into the mix you really make the room sing.  Here are four ways to bring in some texture and add depth to a space.

Walls

Photo: Houzz

Floors

Photo: Houzz

Hardwood and tile provide their own natural texture and make open spaces feel even larger.  To define different areas of your space for relaxing or dining, look to soft, textural area rugs.  Classic midcentury rugs range from white shag to colorful geometric shapes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style.

Furniture

Photo: Houzz

Textures are easy to mix with furniture.  Look to leather, wood, glass, plastic, fiberglass and upholstery to enhance your space with different textures.  For example, combine an upholstered couch with a leather and wood lounge chair with a molded fiberglass Eames rocker and a wood and glass coffee table.  

Fabrics

Photo: Houzz

Pillows and throw blankets add the finishing touches to a well rounded room.  That’s especially true when you have a furniture set that has matching textures.  Bright, textural pillows and soft, shaggy throws bring a variety of textures to your space.  Plus, they’re easy and inexpensive to change out if your style changes.

Natural wood is one of the basic tenants of midcentury modern style.  All along the spectrum from blonde birch to dark walnut, the warmth and varying grain of natural wood furniture brings natural beauty indoors to our favorite living spaces.  In midcentury spaces with pops of bright color and graphic patterns, the neutral tones of wood furniture help to bring the room together.  Here are 5 wood furniture pieces that will bring that midcentury touch of wood to any room in your home.

Fast Freddy Bench by Jory Brigham Design

Whether you need a quick seat at the foot of your bed or a statement for your entryway, a midcentury-inspired bench is just the thing to bring in some wooden warmth.

Soto Concave Lounge Chair by Joybird

It’s easy to make a statement with a wood midcentury lounge chair or two.  The wood arms and legs add a natural, sophisticated look to your living room, office, or bedroom.

Coleman Stool by Greta de Parry Design

By blending graphic, angular legs and a warm wood seat, midcentury inspired stools add a distinctive warmth to your kitchen.

Berkeley Bed by Hedge House

Minimal and modern simplicity is all you need for a good night’s sleep.  Bells and whistles need not apply.  

Pontiac Table by Ciseal

Add a versatile side table next to your bed, beside your couch or between a couple of the lounge chairs above.  The natural wood tones are sure to add a relaxed feel to any room.

We’re finally getting some warmer weather here in Michigan, and it’s about time!  With our first heat wave in full swing, my thoughts naturally turn to lazy summer afternoons spent lounging on the deck: A book in one hand and a frosty beverage in the other, the dogs are sunning themselves and quietly watching the ducks swim on the lake.  Not a care in the world, right?  Well, before the deck or patio can be enjoyed to it’s full potential it’ll probably need some sprucing up.  Lets grab some sangria and look at four ideas to create the perfect mid mod patio for summer relaxing.

Soak Up the Sun

Summer can seem like a distant memory when it’s 8 degrees outside in January, so a spot for chilling in the sun is essential.  To create your sun worshiping space, find a comfy lounge chair and pick a spot that gets plenty of sun.  A location that has a nice view of your perfectly manicured garden is ideal, but for those of us without a green thumb, add a small table to hold a couple of magazines and a margarita.

Comfort and Conversation

Deck parties are the best part of summer, but it’s kinda awkward if everyone’s standing around with nowhere to sit, right?  Find yourself a comfy outdoor sofa or chaise to anchor your conversation area and round out the seating with some colorful MidCentury patio chairs.  Add an outdoor coffee table in the middle to collect your drinks and proceed with the party!

The Perfect Entertaining Table

The nights are looooong in the summer, and deck parties require barbecue, so get yourself a decent outdoor dining table.  Your friends will thank you when they don’t have to eat their delicious potato salad on the same level as your dog.  For a dining table that will go the distance until the sun sets and beyond, go for something lightweight so it’s easy to move around the patio.  And remember it’s living outside and will get skuzzy, so maybe find one that’s easy to hose off.  

Hearty Summer-Loving Plants

If you’re someone who can manage to keep flowers alive throughout the summer, I salute you.  For the rest of us, succulents are a perfect way to bring some life to your patio.  They’re perfectly Mid Mod too with their bright colors and angular shapes.  Mix a few varieties together in a bigger pot or two or space some smaller pots around your deck to add some texture and interest.  And you don’t need to worry about watering them (well, on occasion, but they’ll be fine if you forget, I promise).

Here at Ciseal, we’re always on the lookout for new takes on Midcentury style.  It’s amazing to see well-cared-for vintage Mid Century pieces set the tone for a room.  And what we really love about Midcentury is how it’s still inspiring designers to create new works today.  When those vintage pieces coexist with modern pieces it creates a super interesting mix that pays homage to the past yet feels current. Here are some of our favorite Mid Century inspired furniture pieces designed and made by independent American craftspeople today.  

Boulevard Table by Hunt & Noyer

The first thing that stands out about the Boulevard Table is it’s craftsmanship.  This table is built to last from specifically selected quality materials and tried and true craftsmanship.  It’s safe to say that this beauty will last a lifetime or more!  The Midcentury inspired angular base creates a lightness to the design so the table doesn’t take up too much visual weight.  Check out the Boulevard Table and Hunt & Noyer’s other pieces in their shop.

Riff Raff Kitchen Island by Wake the Tree

Need a special something to brighten up your kitchen?  The Riff Raff Kitchen Island is your answer.  The bright powder coated pegboard and gorgeous black walnut island provides some cheery extra storage for your cookbooks, spoons, spatulas, colanders - all of the riff raff that kitchen’s accumulate.  It’s also a super functional option as a sideboard or buffet.  Check out the Riff Raff Kitchen Island and Wake the Tree's other pieces in their shop.

Roxy Arm Chair by One Forty Three

You had us at bent plywood.  The minimal yet comfortable Roxy Arm Chair is the perfect addition to any Midcentury inspired room.  The molded plywood seat is just like a warm hug, and that bright Pendleton fabric just looks hot when paired with the warm wood veneer.  Check out the Roxy Arm Chair and One Forty Three's other pieces in their shop.

Black Diamond Table by Alex Drew & No One

The geometric lines of the Black Diamond coffee table draw us in like no other.  The ebonized black walnut sets a graphic tone for this table that is mesmerizing from any angle.  Plus, when you combine four of them together, they create even more interesting shapes and angles where they connect.  Check out the Black Diamond Table and Alex Drew & No One’s other pieces in their shop.

Mag Table by Ali Sandifer

Classic Midcentury lines and impeccable craftsmanship is the name of the game with the Mag Table.  If Don Draper was designing your living room he would insist on this coffee table.  The functional magazine storage keeps the table top clean and tidy because you’ll want to admire that lovely wood grain.  Check out the Mag Table and Ali Sandifer’s other pieces in their shop.

Soren Chair by Coil & Drift

The Soren Chair’s minimal aesthetic and it’s naturally beautiful materials pay the perfect homage to it’s Midcentury inspiration.  This is a bold statement in a relatively clean-lined chair.  The wood and leather play off of each other to provide a graphic, geometric look that we love.  Check out the Soren Chair and Coil & Drift’s other pieces in their shop.

Pontiac Table by Ciseal

We’d be a little remiss to not include one of our babies on this list.  The Pontiac Table is the newest addition to our collection, and we’re quite smitten.  It sports classic Mid Century lines with a bent plywood twist that’s sure to be right at home beside the bed or next to the couch.  Check out the Pontiac Table and our other pieces in our shop.

And there you have it!  These are just a few of the independently handcrafted American made furniture pieces that we’re drooling over at the moment.  Which ones do you want to add to your Mid Century inspired home?

(Photo: Line Klein Studio)

White and neutrals are the perfect backdrop for minimalist perfection.  Take a look at those clean, modern, Scandinavian inspired homes that feel warm and welcoming in spite of the blustery darkness outside.  Done right, white walls fade away, revealing the details of the architecture and the careful curation of the things they encompass.  But what can you do when your white walls are feeling simply boring and lifeless?  Perhaps you are a color lover who rents and you’re stuck with boring white - or worse, beige - at the moment.  How do you make your white walls more clean, modern, warm and welcoming and less, well, sterile?  Lets take a look at some white-walled rooms  that have that warm and welcome feeling to glean some tips on how to make white walls feel like home.

Natural Wood Tones

Nothing warms a space like wood tones - Nothing!  Think of a forest after a fresh layer of snow.  The warm, natural wood tones of the tree trunks among all that white are what make the scene so striking.  Don’t think the warm tones have to come from just wood either - terra cotta and other pottery can do the trick too.  What you’re after is some elements to warm up the color palette and provide some much needed contrast.

(Photo: Sara Medina Lind)

Plants

The combination of green and white is as natural as a forest of evergreens in winter.  Plants add both color and texture to a white canvas, and they especially stand out in a white space.  Choose a small collection of small, medium, and one or two larger plants to vary the size and height of your indoor garden.  Succulents, ferns, clover, and  fiddle leaf figs are all great indoor plants that will add a bit of life to your white space.

(Photo: Inside Out Magazine)

Texture

When you want to create a warm and welcoming space, texture is where it’s at.  Pillows, rugs, blankets, curtains - pick ones that you just want to run your hands across.  They don’t even need to be bright or warm colors either.  Muted tones or white on white work equally beautifully when you vary the textures.

(Photo: Inside Out Magazine)

Contrast

Adding some black or dark grays to your white canvas create interest through contrast.  That contrast works by pulling your eye to different focal points around the room and as such keeps you interested.  The contrast trick works best by drawing your attention to architectural features like fabulous Eichler beams, a fireplace, window frames or even doors.

(Photo: Fog Modern)

(Photo: Inside Out Magazine)

Color

I saved color for last because it’s a touchy subject when discussing all white rooms.  Purists can feel free to gloss over this part, but sometimes color can do wonders for an all white room.  Some methods for adding color are more unobtrusive than others, so keep these in mind if your landlord’s on the inflexible side: colorful throw pillows, blankets, rugs, bedding, flowers, candles, books, and art are probably the quickest and least invasive way to add some color to your blank canvas.  Lets not stop there, though.  Changing out your boring lamp and pendant cords with bright fabric ones will create little smiles throughout your day.  

(Photo: Fantastic Frank)

A more ambitious way to add color is the accent wall.  Now, I know what you’re thinking - Trading Spaces convinced you that accent walls never look as cool as the designer says it will - like, never.  I’m in the same boat.  Believe me when I say that white walls are my go-to.  I’m the first to caution that not every room can pull off the accent wall, but I’m convinced they can provide that necessary warmth and interest to a room that’s begging for a little more.  My favorite accent wall ever is what Fog Modern did in their living room.  Their lovely Eichler had gorgeous details and furnishings, but all of the white on the walls and floors left the room feeling a little lost.  The shade of green they chose is just the right amount of color - not too bright, nut not too muted either.  It really pulls together the whole room.  I cannot believe I’m saying that I actually like an accent wall, but this one works!

(Photos: Fog Modern)

So there you have it!  White walls don't have to be sterile.  You can warm them up with natural wood tones, introduce some plants for that natural element, play with different textures, add some contrast, or break the mold with a pop of color.  Take it slow by adding a small succulent here and there or go all the way with an accent wall.  The possibilities are endless!

Photo: Laura Trevey

Coffee tables are like the catch-all of your living room.  If it’s anything like mine, there are any number of things that have landed there this week and haven’t managed to leave.  Things like old magazines, a small stack of books, empty glasses, about 8 different remote controls, unopened mail, some burned incense and a candle or two with the matchbook probably somewhere nearby, maybe even a dog toy that even the dog won’t admit to leaving there.  I have to admit, I’m a bit envious of the OCD among us who manage to perpetually keep their daily living spaces as orderly and pretty as a magazine photo shoot.  In my experience, life happens literally around my coffee table and before I know it, there’s a cluttered mess awaiting me when all I want to do is curl up with a puppy snuggle and movie night.

Fortunately, It’s easier than you might think to de-clutter life’s messes when you have the right tools.  I’ve found that grouping smaller things together get you on your way to clean, anxiety- and clutter-free design instantaneously.  

Photo: Brit+Co

To start, grab a couple of small bowls, trays, or baskets and corral your similar odds and ends in one dedicated spot.  Incense, candles, and that matchbook go in one, and all those remotes go in another.  

Next, get yourself a magazine holder (like Ciseal’s Aspen Magazine Rack), and stylishly display your to-do list of periodicals.  

Photo: Homedit

Finally, add some life to the mix with a succulent or a small vase with some fresh cut flowers.  

Need some inspiration?  Take a look at these intentionally appointed coffee tables that make decluttering a breeze:

We’re always on the lookout for American made goods to fill our homes.  The right lamp sets the perfect mood of the room it’s in, and all of the options available today make us feel like kids in the candy store.  There are so many makers out there creating quality, unique goods that we just had to share our favorites.  Here are five lamps we’re drooling over right now:

The Colony Chandelier by Worleys Lighting

The atomic-inspired glass globes bring an understated refinement to this chandelier which would look perfect in a mid century modern entryway.  We love the combination of wood, brass, and glass in this piece.  Made by hand in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Check it out in the Worleys Lighting shop.

Swing Lamp 16” by One Forty Three

We’ve been big fans of One Forty Three for years - be sure to check out their bent ply wares as well!  This wall-mounted swing lamp is one of their original designs, and the variety of finishes from metal to bright primary colors to wood mean you can get one that perfectly complements your decor.  Made by hand in Henderson, Nevada.  Check it out in the One Forty Three shop.

Alberta Table Lamp by Caravan Pacific

Each Caravan Pacific lamp is inspired by the sleek craftsmanship of the midcentury era, and the Alberta Lamp is no exception.  The Alberta melds the raw beauty of clay and wood with a modern shape and style that makes a statement.  Made by hand in Portland, Oregon.  Check it out in the Caravan Pacific shop.

Excavation DUNE Pendant by IN.SEK

IN.SEK uses their signature excavation technique in the DUNE pendant to create torn windows of sand and quartz crystal in their cast concrete shades.  The pendants cast beautiful spiral tears of glowing light around the room.  Made by hand in Brooklyn, New York.  Check it out in the IN.SEK Design shop.

Traverse Table Lamp by Ciseal

The Traverse bent plywood table lamp takes its inspiration from the gorgeous tart cherry trees found in around Traverse City, Michigan.  It features a gorgeous walnut outer layer that adds a bit of sophisticated warmth to any room.  Made by hand in Troy, Michigan.  Check it out in the Ciseal shop.

Aren't they lovely?  Each one of these lamps inspires us to spruce up our space and dream of what's possible.  Be sure to peruse each shop's other offerings as well.  There are so many American made treasures to be discovered!