Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Decorating With Back To Back Sofas




I have always admired the sophisticated presentation of back to back sofas. I think this particular furniture placement makes a huge statement when a pair of sofas is the right choice for your interior. You have to get creative sometimes when dealing with large rooms where multiple seating is required. With back to back sofas, you can break up the room into multiple conversation areas without it feeling chopped up and over crowded. This placement is usually associated with larger rooms but don't be misled. A smaller room can also benefit from small sofas or especially loveseats placed back to back. This look can be quite cozy. If you have never considered using sofas back to back maybe this post will inspire you.



Valentino's home via Vanity Fair Magazine

Multiple seating areas add functionality and back-to-back sofas will bring the style to any room. Remember it's not necessary to use identical sofas for a back-to-back arrangement. In fact, I prefer similar but not matchy for a more interesting look and to evoke a more eclectic aesthetic.

Rohe and Wright Builders

The beauty of placing your sofas back to back is that it can create two rooms out of one.


Two sofas might make more use of your large room by being placed back-to-back instead of facing each other. One can face the TV, fireplace, or other focal point, while the other one can anchor a seating arrangement designed for cozy conversations.

designshuffle.com

Another great  way to position back to back sofas is by placing a table between the two sofas  Opt for a long, narrow console table if space is limited. Accessorize with lamps, florals or other artwork.



Usually sofas with straighter backs are used when choosing the back to back placement, however  curves are also a lovely option.


See how well a smaller room can handle back to back loveseats. Very pretty.

via pinterest

When using a back-to-back placement without a console table, I prefer to leave at least two inches between the sofas.



via pinterest

source unknown

Back to back  sofas covered in the same blue velvet yet different in style. Be creative!


Although not my favorite choice, many like the look of back to back sofas in one single unit.
Michael Whaley Interiors, Inc.


source unknown

This is actually four loveseats set back to back with tables in between.


The back to back sofas in this colorful room have pole lamps set at each end to provide lighting.


If you have a large, long living space, placing two sofas back to back divides the room into two distinct seating areas. Don’t be afraid to place two sofas back to back to create a visual divider. I love this treatment with the console table and great lamps. Chairs can set side by side as well for a more sophisticated look.

google search

Another single unit of back to back sofas.

Catalyst Architects, LLC

Sofas placed back to back can also bring a casual feel in the right interior, especially when covered in slips like shown here.

Back to back sofas in a beautiful French setting.


In  a traditional style room, back to back sofa placement is a lovely choice.

Bunny Williams

Super for a large family room!  Get creative with your end tables  and remember they don't have to match.

Design Milieu

Great back to back sofas in a mid-century setting. Looks perfect with one large lamp!!

theenchantedhome.blogspot.co






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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Decorating With Awnings



Awnings were first used by the ancient Egyptian and Syrian civilizations. They are described as "woven mats" that shaded market stalls and homes. Among the most significant awnings in the ancient world was the velarium,the massive complex of retractable shade structures that could be deployed above the seating areas of the Roman Colosseum. In modern times awnings became popular during the first half of the 19th century and became a common feature in the years after the Civil War.

If you want to improve the curb appeal and add a sense of sophistication to the exterior or your home, residential awnings and canopies can provide an inexpensive way to beautify your home and improve the overall value. 

Awnings are not just for decoration. These accessories can provide multiple benefits to homeowners. The use of awnings can reduce the electricity used for home cooling by as much as 70 percent. Awnings can protect interior drapes, flooring, and furnishings from fading due to the harmful effects of the sun's rays, all the while lending privacy to those in the house. The key is to put the right style of awning on your house. Hopefully these pictures will help you get an idea of what your home could look like with a brand new awning.



We all know how beautiful awnings are on public buildings. This restaurants elegance is enhanced by their use.


I love striped awnings — these particular ones are outside the Hotel Lancaster in Paris.


In the past awnings, while  playing an important functional role, helped to add visual character to our streetscapes. When you look at  historic photographs of downtowns and neighborhoods with many colorful awnings, it makes today's streets often seem plain and colorless.

Charlotte Street Hotel

In recent years, building owners and others interested in historic buildings have rediscovered awnings.

Chautauqua Institution New York Photograph

ny.eater.com

Awnings offer endless possibilities for enhancing a building's beauty and decor. They add shape, dimension and color, and can be custom-designed to fit any structure's unique character and style.


And of course we are all familiar with Laduree's iconic awning.


Awnings can make particularly strong architectural statements at front entrances and facades.
Custom options for awnings have exploded in the last few decades. New fabrics, topcoatings, color printing and fabric graphics options have made almost anything you can conceive a reality.

travelandleisure.com

A "Hamptons" home decked out in green and white striped awnings.
With a simple setup, hassle-free maintenance and low installation costs, awnings provide a very respectable return on the initial investment of the homeowner.


Awnings are a great way to add detail and historical accuracy to  a period home.


Windows in Arles, Provence


They are the perfect addition to any residence, adding a fresh, exciting look to your building's outside. Even a small one adds loads of character.


Cream colored awnings on Helene Rochas's house in Paris.

via pinterest

Draw out the architecture of your building over a deck, patio, or backyard space with a custom awning.



The fact that they offer shade and UV protection, outside awnings can actually enhance your existing architecture. Consider installing custom awnings to accent  the most beautiful parts of your architecture.

gardenista.com

An awning can add extra drama and impact to any facade. This scalloped metal one proof!



Awnings were a big deal in the old days. I remember my father sold custom awnings as a secondary business. You could even have them removed and stored in the winter and then installed again in the spring.


Despite their history, usefulness, and attractiveness, awnings still face discrimination. Many homeowners are anti-awning because they say that they’re easily faded and torn, making the whole house look shabby. Our window treatments fade in time but we don't stop buying them.....why refrain from using awnings?

Besides,  new materials resemble canvas in appearance and texture but offer greater strength and durability. They dry quickly, thereby reducing damage caused by mildew, contain a UV inhibitor to reduce sunlight damage, and are coated with a thin acrylic layer that repels dirt and resists abrasions.


bhg.com

Copper awnings are always classic!


Not all awnings are fabric. There are many ornate glass and metal styles that will make your entrance look stunning. 


It is a must to decorate your exteriors, namely the entrance doors, the windows and the patio area. All these spaces can benefit from the addition of an awning.

Gast Architects

A wonderful Art Nouveau style metal and glass awning.

via pinterest

Another metal and glass awning....this one found in Deruta, Italy.


I simply adore the rustic elegance of this zinc awning!

www.harryhelmet.com

www.parisperfect.com

Striped awnings are the perennial favorite, hands down.


A great marriage.....awnings and window boxes.


Don't forget interior awnings!!! If you want to change the decor in your bedroom and are willing to try something different, consider putting an awning over a bed. Indoor awnings are inexpensive and relatively easy to make and they are perfect for giving your room a facelift. There are tutorials on  that will walk you through the steps.


via pinterest
Also interior awnings over your windows or doorways are lovely additions. Choose a striped fabric like this crisp black and white for a more classic look.

southernliving.com

I love the awnings that use spears in the design.

bhg.com

A girls room is another great place for an indoor awning.




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