The Ciseal Blog

Photo by Timothy Buck on Unsplash

Whether it’s for a tiny New York City studio apartment or a 4,000 square foot McMansion in the far off suburbs, everybody needs furniture in their home.  Purchasing furniture is a rite of passage for every adult.  Today, the majority of us - at least in America - buy furniture from massive chain stores.  It's quick, easy, and they always have something that will work, right?  But when's the last time you stopped to think about where that fast and cheap furniture comes from?  How is it made, by whom, and from what materials?  These are questions the slow food movement has urged us to ask about the food we eat.  Isn't it time we give the same consideration to the objects that make our house a home?

Slow Food started in Italy as a response to the first McDonalds restaurant opening in Rome.  It emphasizes the mindful use of local ingredients harvested and prepared in a socially and environmentally responsible way.  Most of all, it encourages presence of mind in the creation and consumption of food in order to counteract the frenetic pace and anonymity of 21st-century life.  As Slow Food gains popularity, people increasingly support their friends and neighbors who operate locally-owned farms and restaurants.  Natural, wholesome ingredients and hand-crafted preparation bring the focus back to the colors, flavors, and textures that fuel our bodies and the community, conversation, and present state of mind that fuel our souls.  

Photo by David Hellmann on Unsplash

The Slow Food credo “Good, Clean, and Fair” has slowly begun to expand past the farmer’s market and kitchen and into other areas of our lives like fashion and home decor.  It’s super easy these days to mindlessly purchase a new sofa with a few swipes and clicks and have it delivered in two days with free shipping.  However, Slow Design is gaining traction as consumers are focusing on process, origin, and materials in ways that value the environment and the makers.  If the Slow Design movement is something you’re ready to get behind, keep reading to learn five guiding principles that will help you make more mindful decisions about the items in your home.

Take it Slow

So often, we’re urged to buy on impulse with weekly clearance sales and buy-it-now buttons.  The sense of urgency that many stores create leads to a lot of unplanned purchases, and it can be difficult to remember that shopping has a responsibility attached to it.  It’s important to carefully think about what you’re purchasing and where it will go in your home.  Think five years down the road, too.  In the moment, we don’t usually worry about whether that super cool throw pillow will still be on our couch or in the landfill in five years.  If you take it slow while shopping for your home and even make a plan and stick to it, you can love what you have more and reduce waste down the road.

Focus on Handmade

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

The main tenant of Slow Design is to consider all aspects of the product - from the raw materials to the people and processes that make the final product.  Another important tenant is to buy locally.  These two tenants work hand-in-hand to protect our natural resources, improve the environment, and support talented artisans.  When you buy from a local artisan, you can easily learn more about the materials and processes that go into the piece.  If you’re a fan of online shopping, there are ways to make sure your purchase supports handmade, too.  Sites like Etsy make it easy to shop handmade by location, and you can message the maker directly to learn more about their process.

Multi-Functional, Expandable, and Modular is Smart

Photo by Justin Schüler on Unsplash

One of the main principles of Slow Design is adaptability.  Having fewer items that do multiple things is way more sustainable and wastes less material than having one item for each task.  To add some flexibility to your home, choose furniture items that can be modified to meet future needs like a crib that reconfigures into a twin-sized bed or a shelving unit that can accommodate added storage when your needs or space expands.  Or choose pieces that adapt to different needs - like a dining stool that you can move into the living room for extra game night seating (see our Tahquamenon Stool) or a coffee table tray that also looks fantastic as a holiday centerpiece on your dining table (like our Aspen Magazine Rack).

Make Sure it's Sustainable

Slow Design makers pride themselves on the sustainable materials and processes that they make their goods with.  Sustainably harvested wood products, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, are a great first step.  In fact, all of the veneers and plywoods we use at Ciseal to make our products are FSC Certified.  Another way to maximize sustainability is to choose furniture and home decor pieces that will last lifetimes.  Quality materials and workmanship will ensure pieces will stand the test of time and hold up to daily use.  And finally, be sure you really love the pieces you’re buying.  Purchase things that you will want to keep for many years, rather than things you will want to replace in six months.  When you keep your quality furniture for longer, you slow down the cycle of unconscious consumerism that keeps buying and throwing away.

Decide That it’s an Ongoing Project

Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash

We all know of someone who moved into a new place, furnished it within a month, and then realize their house doesn’t feel like home, so they continually discard and replace things in a never-ending cycle of mindless consumerism.  Then there are those who see their home as an ongoing project that will never be complete.  To cultivate a home that reflects you and your life instead of passing trends, be sure to take it slow.  You will have empty space and blank walls (designers cleverly call it “negative space”), and that’s ok because you know that you’re leaving those areas open for treasures you have yet to discover.  So give yourself permission to slow down and carefully consider the things that will truly make your house a home.

Exposed plywood walls are definitely not for the faint of heart.  Even the biggest plywood fans (ahem, us!) can see the benefits of being prudent with the warm wood tones and grain patterns.  Too much can feel like a cave, but with the right complements, exposed plywood looks fantastic!  If your space has the clean lines and plenty of natural light to pull it off, we think the exposed plywood look can be gorgeous!  Here are some ideas for how to make plywood look great.

(Fox Lumber NJ)

The most important decision to make is the plywood variety or species.  This determines the final look you’re going to get.  If you’re after a bold, warm, wavy grain pattern with lots of contrast, rotary cut fir or pine are the way to go.  Birch, ash, or maple plywood in a flat cut or plain slice cut will offer a lighter, cleaner, more uniform look.

After deciding on the look you want and the variety of wood, you will want to decide on the grade.  Plywood grade ranges from A - the cleanest, easiest to finish, and most expensive, to D - which has lots of knots, and will require lots of sanding and layers of finish, but also least expensive.  If your budget isn't too tight, you'll likely want to get Grade A or AB Sanded Plywood.  It will save you a lot of time and effort sanding and finishing and pulling slivers out of your fingers.  For the budget conscious, BC plywood is a solid choice because it is a lower price point and it has a sanded finish on one side.

(Remodelaholic)

If you haven’t noticed, plywood is kind of our favorite material.  One reason we love it is for it’s efficient use of the trees it is made out of.  Between hardwood and plywood, plywood is by far the more sustainable option because It’s the most efficient use of the tree.  Plywood utilizes the entire tree trunk with no off cuts and very, very little waste.  You can’t get much more efficient!  If you’re curious about how plywood is made, check out some of our favorite process videos below:

We had an absolutely lovely time at this past weekend’s Renegade Craft Fair at Detroit’s Eastern Market.  It was a rare sunny and hot September weekend in Detroit, and the crowds were happy to soak up the sun while perusing the handmade goods.  From the unique, handmade vendors to the delicious food trucks and the super amazing DJ, the fair was a wonderful time!

The feedback we got on our brand new furniture was great!  I had just finished the bench, lounge chair, ottoman, and cocktail tables the night before, so I was excited to see what everyone thought of them.  It was an overwhelming positive response!  People would consistently catch a glance of our booth and be drawn by their delighted eyes directly over for a better look.  The comments of “absolutely gorgeous,” “so unique,” and “I’ve never seen anything like it” were music to my ears all weekend.  I may make a few tweaks to the new designs, but they will be in the shop soon.  Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know when they’re released.

Photo: Renegade Craft Fair

Our display of furniture was brought to life by Electric Pink Crafts’ bright and beautiful pillows, blankets, and rugs.  Thank you so much, Julia, for creating some gorgeous textiles and letting us borrow them for the fair!  Be sure to check out Julia’s shop - her textile designs are perfect complements to our furniture.

It was a wonderful fair overall.  I loved meeting some of our Instagram fans and talking with people who learned of us for the first time at the fair.  Thank you to everyone who came out!  And a big thank you Dan & Jen for all of your help preparing for the fair and helping to man the booth!  

Owning a pet can provide many benefits such as mental, emotional, and physical. Millions of people across the globe enjoy the ownership of a beloved fuzzy friend. Walking your dog, listening to your contented cat purr and enjoying the companionship of a pet adds a little light to your life. Pet-proofing your space can be exciting and fun. There are several things you might want to consider to protect your belongings and furniture as you step into pet ownership.

Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered furniture by far can suffer the most damage from a pet. Beds, chairs, and couches are among the most popular upholstered items that your pet will want to sit or lie down on. If you don’t want your pet on your furniture, it is best to teach them early on. If you are allowing your pet on any furniture, there are some protective measures and fabrics to consider that can make them more pet-friendly and yet provide some protective measures on your items to help make them last.

Fabrics such as indoor-outdoor fabrics are great because many of them are waterproof, or consider pleather/leather, microfiber, or canvas. Canvas slipcovers a great idea because they can be easily removed and washed. Microfiber is easy to clean, and hair can be brushed or vacuumed off easily. If you aren’t looking for new furniture, try some of these ideas to protect what you already have.

Upholstery Applications

An easy way to help protect your furniture is to use an application such as Scotchgard. These usually come in a spray can, and can be applied to most upholstered furniture. You may want to test a small area to see if it changes the color of your fabric. It provides a type of stain repellent, and it can also help repel water or any other liquids. You simply spray it on your furniture and wait for it to dry. Make sure to read the label to see if your type of furniture can be covered and if it is pet-friendly.

Slipcovers

Slipcovers are a stylish and convenient way to protect your furniture from pet damage. Slipcovers come in different styles and many colors to suit your taste. Some simply tuck in around the edges and cushions as a sheet would, and others are heavier duty and can be laid over the furniture and then fastened with ties it has attached to it. Many slipcovers can be purchased that are water and stain proof and in a variety of materials. They can be easily removed and washed for a quick cleaning.

Repairs

Severe damage from bites or scratches to your upholstery can be fixed. You can take it to get the area reupholstered professionally, or you can do it yourself. There are many upholstery kits available online that can help you repair the area. Or, you can purchase patches that can be ironed on can be done for large fixes, and smaller holes can simply be sewn. If the damage is too obvious, a slipcover can help protect and prevent further damage.

Pets often don’t know the rules for furniture. If your items are damaged, your pet may suffer from separation anxiety while you’re gone. Try getting your pet its own soft bed, and keep their nails trimmed. Scotchgarding or covers are great ways to dissuade pets from chewing or scratching and can help protect your things while keeping your pet safe. You can also try toys to keep your pet occupied or gate off an area away from the furniture while you’re not home. Pets and furniture can coexist if training and some pre-planning are done.

A big thank you to Sarah Jones - the author of the Crazy Pet Guy blog for writing this post.  Sarah has had problems in the past with training her pets. But by understanding what they need, she learned how to train them and care for them better.  As dog lovers, we're big fans of Crazy Pet Guy.  If you love your pet, be sure to check it out!

The most common objection I hear about modern design is that it’s too sterile, cold, and soul-less.  It breaks my heart because that couldn’t be further from the truth.  The feel of a modern room that’s done right is relaxed, refreshing, and welcoming.  To achieve that easy, livable feel, check out these tips for creating a welcoming modern space.

Simplicity

The first tenant to modern design is to declutter.  Too much stuff creates an anxious feel to a room, so don’t follow through on the urge to add more things.  One focal point - like a couch - and then some secondary chairs and a coffee table are all you need, really.  Keep the lines of your bigger pieces clean and resist the urge to add layers of pillows, piles of knickknacks, or tufted everything.  Just go with what’s necessary and you’re golden.

Photo: Nielsen:Schuh Architects

Space

Modern is family friendly!  Modern open layouts encourage families to gather together and actually communicate with each other with spoken words instead of texts.  To achieve this openness in any space, avoid furniture that makes the room feel smaller than it is - like over-sized couches or high-backed chairs.  A smaller-than-desired room can be opened up by judiciously using clean-lined furniture and lighter colors.

Photo: Mapos

Warmth & Comfort

It’s easy to assume that a simple and open space will be cold and stiff, but that’s not the case.  Textural rugs, soft pillows and throws add a warmth that makes it easy to cuddle with the dog and binge on Netflix.  Warm wood tones and lush, green plants add a natural element that will make the room even more inviting.

Photo: Amy Hilliker Klebitz

Color

Bold, bright colors are where modern design kicks it’s shoes off and has it’s fun.  Color helps people to relax in a room, so don’t be afraid of a few bright pillows here and there.  The more colors the better!  As long as the colors you choose have the same tone, they will work together - trust me.  

Photo: Baxter Design Group

We were super excited to see our Ray iPad stand used in a scene on Queen of the South on the USA Network.  Queen of the South is a dark, gritty drama that tells the powerful story of Teresa Mendoza, a woman who is forced to run and seek refuge in America after her drug-dealing boyfriend is unexpectedly murdered in Mexico.  If you're a fan of the show, you probably spotted the Ray in season 2, episode 8, in the scene at 8:52 into the episode.  We love seeing our stuff out in the wild!  Feel free to let us know if your eagle eye sees our products in a show you love.

Photo: The Red List

Eero Saarinen is one of the most well known mid century designers - and for good reason.  The Finnish-born Saarinen is regarded as one of the masters of American 20th century furniture design as well as architecture.  He’s best known for his neofuturistic style, and his designs feature beautiful, bold curves and a pioneering use of materials.

Photo: Architectural Association Collections

Saarinen started out designing furniture after receiving first prize in the “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition in 1940.  He collaborated with Cranbrook Academy of Art student Charles Eames to create the chair in the photo above. His innovative, swanky furniture designs have become iconic for their curvy, mod lines and bright colors.  

Photo: Knoll

His most famous furniture designs are both chairs: the Tulip Chair and the Womb Chair.  In these chairs, Saarinen used fiberglass which was a new material for furnishings.  Saarinen’s furniture designs and his innovative use of materials are continuing to inspire other designers to push the envelope of what’s possible to this day.

Photo: The Red List

He’s probably best known for his bold and beautiful furniture designs, but his work as an architect is equally prolific.  His most recognizable building is probably the St. Louis Gateway Arch.  He’s also responsible for the TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport in New York.  His architectural designs showcase his neofuturistic expressionism in their physics-defying curved concrete shells and sweeping staircases.

Saarinen is one of the Mid Century masters for good reason.  His work achieved timeless appeal because of his innovative use of materials and vibrant, bold use of color and line.  At the same time futuristic, organic, and enveloping, a Saarinen-designed chair or building is as engaging today as it was 60 years ago.

It seems like wide open floor plans are everywhere you look these days.  They’re perfect for entertaining and keeping an eye on the family, right?  But what about those of us who can’t simply take a sledgehammer to our walls and create a wide open spacious living space?  Never fear - landlords, structure, and budget issues don’t have to get you down about your small enclosed rooms any longer.  Here are 5 tips to make your small space feel grand.

A Bold Focal Point

In a small space you’re working with a clearly defined limit - the walls.  Everything within those walls will naturally compete for attention with each other.  One way to make the small space feel more expansive, interesting, and dynamic is to create a bold focal point.  Your focal point could be an architectural feature like a fireplace or picture window or you could create one with a bold, bright couch.  Once you have your one focal point, resist the urge to add any more bold pieces to your small space.  They will only create a dissonance that will make the space feel even more enclosed.

Furniture That Fits

Today more than ever there is so many furniture options available for small spaces.  Sometimes referred to as apartment-sized furniture, these couches and chairs are just as stylish and comfortable as their bigger brothers, but sized just a bit smaller so they don’t overwhelm smaller rooms.  

Cut the Clutter

Small space veterans know to keep the knick knacks to a minimum to minimize the visual clutter, but lets take it a step further - what else can you remove?  In a small dining area, backless stools or a bench instead of dining chairs will help the space feel more open.  Smaller living rooms can be both clear of clutter and the life of the party if you’re doing it right.  Folding chairs and stools that can be packed away when the party’s over are a small entertaining space’s lifeblood.  By the way, if you’re looking for some fabulous stools for dining or packing away, be sure to check out our Tahquamenon and Interlochen stools.  They’re so choice.

Have Some Fun

I know I said earlier to keep the focal points to one, but that doesn’t mean your tiny space can’t have any more fun.  Subtlety is definitely key, but adding interesting details in the form of wall art, throw pillows, blankets or a dynamic rug make the space more playful and distract from the room’s smaller size.

Accessorize with Glass

Glass is a small space’s best friend.  Windows and glass doors open to the expanse of nature outside and create the illusion of a larger space inside.  In the absence of huge windows or doors, even adding glass art pieces will help open up a small space.  Because light passes through glass, these pieces won’t add as much visual weight as other objects in the room.

Here at Ciseal, we are constantly inspired by Mid Century design.  Each product we design and make has a Midcentury bent to it because we’re huge fans of the clean lines, natural materials, and useful elegance of so many of the classic Midcentury designs.  The best part is when we hear from customers that they’re going to pair one of our products with one of their cherished mid century pieces.  Here are some combos our customers have created that perfectly pair Ciseal products with classic Mid Mod pieces.

Ray iPad Stand & Nelson Swag Leg Desk 

Nelson Swag Leg Desk Photo by DWR

From the elegant swag legs up to the colorful dividers, the Nelson Swag Leg Desk is the perfect pair for the elegantly functional Ray iPad Stand.  We don’t blame you if your Ray takes up permanent residence on this classic mid century desk.  Learn more about the Ray iPad Stand in our shop.

Aspen Magazine Rack & Noguchi Table

Noguchi Table Photo by DWR

It’s so iconic that it’s almost too popular for it’s own good, but we can’t help but be in awe of the simple elegance of the Noguchi Table.  Add the Aspen Magazine rack to keep that glass surface free from clutter and you’ve got yourself a perfect pairing.  Learn more about the Aspen Magazine Rack in our shop.

Mission Firewood Holder & Wegner Shell Chair

Wagner Shell Chair Photo by DWR

The Wegner Shell Chair is sometimes called the “smile chair” for good reason - it certainly brings a smile to our bent ply obsessed faces whenever we see one.  Our perfect pairing to this iconic chair is the Mission Firewood Holder which echoes the chair’s lightness, grace, and elegance.  Learn more about the Mission Firewood Holder in our shop.

Traverse Table Lamp & Finn Juhl Credenza

Finn Juhl Credenza Photo by DWR

What Midcentury fan doesn’t love a pop of color?  The Finn Juhl Credenza is one of our favorites precisely because it embraces all of the basic principles of mid century design: Clean lines, form follows function, natural materials, and just enough color to bring a smile to your face.  Pair it with our Traverse Table Lamp for a perfect pairing of functional beauty.  Learn more about the Traverse Table Lamp in our shop.

Michigan Left Table Lamp & Womb Chair

Womb Chair Photo by DWR

The Womb Chair’s enveloping form makes it one of the most perfect chairs to curl up in to peacefully read a book.  Pair it with our Michigan Left Table Lamp to provide a warm light to those pages and you have yourself a relaxing Sunday afternoon.  Learn more about the Michigan Left Table Lamp in our shop.

Tahquamenon Stool & Mid Century Desk Wall Unit

Wall Unit Photo by Old Brand New

Mid Century wall units are famed for their efficient use of space and endless configuration possibilities.  The warm woods and clean lines bring a timeless elegance to what’s otherwise a fairly utilitarian purpose.  Our Tahquamenon Stool is the perfect unobtrusive seat for when you need to sit down and go through the mail.  Learn more about the Tahquamenon Stool in our shop.

Interlochen Stool & Eames Lounge Chair

Eames Lounge Chair Photo by CCI Renovations

Who doesn’t love themselves an Eames Lounge Chair?  It’s iconic, gorgeous, and comfortable - a combo that’s not easy to achieve.  The lovely curves of the Interlochen stool perfectly play off of the leather and molded plywood combo of the Eames lounge chair.  Locate it near the entry for a useful seat to take off your shoes.  Learn more about the Interlochen Stool in our shop.

Alden Table & The Jens Chair

Jens Chair Photo by DWR

The Jens Chair is a classic design that’s become a staple in many mid century and danish modern homes.  It’s warm and inviting lines pair perfectly with the intersecting angles of our Alden Table.  Learn more about the Alden Table in our shop.

Pontiac Table & Nelson Cigar Table Lamp

Table Lamp Photo by Modernica

George Nelson had a thing for clean and simple lamps that would go on to become icons.  His lamps are elegant, yet durable enough for everyday use, and they perfectly pair with our clean and classic Pontiac Table.  Learn more about the Pontiac Table in our shop.

Howdy, bent plywood fans!  I came across this video the other day and just had to share it with you.  It’s all about how the Eames Lounge Chair Wood (LCW) came to be.  They go back to the beginning and share how plywood - normally a construction material - became a modern furniture material through the creative eyes of Charles & Ray Eames.  Then, the video goes behind the scenes and shows the actual process used to make the chairs today.  It all happens just on the other side of our lovely state in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Watching it left me drooling and excited to make some bent plywood things myself, so enjoy!

Photo: Bill Bocken Architecture & Interior Design

Sunken living rooms are a classic midcentury home feature that create a naturally cozy conversation area.  Back in the day, they were where the adults enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail and caught up on life and where the kids enjoyed story time before bed.  When you’re in one of these conversation pits, it feels like an intimate, secluded space inside an otherwise wide open layout.  But what can you do if your home doesn’t have a sunken living room?  We’ve put together 5 tips for styling your living room to create the feel of an atomic ranch conversation pit - whether your home has a sunken living room or not.

Area Rug

Photo: AA Real Estate Photography

Starting from the ground up, look for a fantastic rug to create an area of focus in the room.  Whether you have a sunken living room or not, an area rug that is large enough to touch each couch, chair, and table in your designated conversation area will tie each element together and create the cozy, intimate feel you crave.  To dial up the Mid Century feels, look for a rug with bright colors and/or a geometric pattern.

Seating

Photo: Tara Bussema

When choosing the seating for your conversation pit, start with the largest piece - the sofa.  When at the showroom, test out a few options to see how comfortable they all are.  A fabulous-looking sofa that’s uncomfortable to sit on after a few minutes will not bode well for your conversations.  Then choose an armchair or two depending on how much space your conversation area has - you don’t want it to be too full with big pieces.  If space is an issue, smaller profile chairs like dining chairs can work and still be comfortable enough for a conversation space.

Coffee Table

Photo: North Design

Like seating, a coffee table is a must-have anchor in any proper sunken living room.  The coffee table options are vast, so choose one that fits the mood you’d like to have in your conversation area.  A table with a glass top, curved lines and abstract shapes will make a smaller room feel more open, while a wood-topped table with straight lines will be more of an anchoring element and help ground a larger space.

Bold Art

Photo: Andrew Sherman Photography

Make a statement with art that communicates the feel you want to have in the room.  Do you want lively, fun, and exciting conversations?  Then go with bright, bold art pieces like abstract paintings or a shiny chrome starburst light fixture.  For a more relaxed, low-key feel, choose art pieces like landscape photographs or natural, handmade ceramic sculptures that communicate a laid-back vibe.  

Natural Details

Photo: Kirsten Hepburn

Bringing in nature is a sure-fire way to add some detail to the room and create that finishing touch that will draw your guests wandering eyes into your carefully curated space.  If you have a credenza or shelving in your conversation room, create a small display or two with some succulents, ceramic knick knacks, river rocks, or wooden sculptures.  One of our favorite pieces is the Aspen Magazine Rack.  It’s sweeping, nature-inspired shape brings just the right natural touch to any conversation area.  Organic shapes and natural colors add just enough detail and contrast to bring the intimate feel all together.