Posts Tagged ‘contemporary furniture’

One of the remarkable occasions when we can loosen up and let loose in this madly active world is a simple dinner shared with family and friends. With great food, lovely conversations, cautiously selected pieces of traditional or modern furniture and treasured company, evenings just couldn’t get better. In fact, sharing these precious moments with people we value is a good way to de-stress and appreciate the fact that we can still let our guards down even though we think we couldn’t afford it anymore. Yes, chomping our favorite menu, gulping down a can of beer and letting off a big belch in front of people who think we’re cute could be some of the best dinners of our lives. The question is, how about formal dinners? What’s the whole point of complicating things at the feeding trough? Why all those spoons and forks on both sides of the plate when we could all survive with just one decent pair? Formal dinners may sound daunting, but they’re really so much fun. Just keep a few things in mind and you’ll be fine. There might be no menu and you may be stuck with very few options. Most probably, a multi-course menu has been laid out and what you have to do is just wait for it to happen. Usually, it happens during weddings, anniversaries, class reunions, and even business meetings. If you’re still wondering about that parade of spoons and forks next to your plate, just remember that each pair is good for each course, unless there will be a new pair provided for every new course served. A little courtesy will go a long way in formal dinners where etiquette is highly expected. In other words, turn off your cellphone, pager, or anything that could interrupt the meal. That table napkin should land on your right knee, not tucked under your chin. Those glasses to the top right of your plate are yours and will be good for a number of drinks from an aperitif to a cordial. If you think you’re ready for that first bite, wait before everybody else is. It is simply a basic practice of politeness to wait for everyone before partaking of a meal. Especially, the host or hostess gets things started and only then should you oblige to your first spoonful. And then mingle. Socialization is perpetually the first and last purpose for events of this type. Meet people and interact with them. Begin or engage in polite conversations and simply enjoy each other’s company. After all, these dinners are more for socialization rather than for sampling gourmet food or anything else secondary. If you’re the host or hostess, your dining room furniture is something you can’t compromise about so whether yours is traditional or casual contemporary furniture, make sure it will make you confident while entertaining your guests.

Consider your dining room and what holds it together. Yes, your dining table. That’s for the reason that no matter what else you put in that room, that table will be the focal point or center of that tiny universe right within your home. It may not have dawned on you yet but your dining table does make a difference in your daily lives. Imagine if you didn’t have it. Imagine what you’d miss – nice family dinners, parties, food! Luckily, you can get a dining table just about everywhere these days. Virtual or traditional, every furniture shop will have a nice range of dining tables for every homemaker to select from. Dining tables also come in different shapes, sizes, finishes, materials and unique features. While this is an advantage for the shopper who gets to have as many options as he wants, picking something out in that sea of choices can be confusing. Yet, with a quick guide to picking out dining tables, one shouldn’t go wrong. There are several types to think about so the first thing to do before making a buy is to determine which one you’re looking for. The Breakfast Bar is a dining table that’s smaller than the standard dining table but with some nice and unique features. If you ever saw a table with locking casters, that’s a dining table. Numerous also have racks to provide storage space. A table which you don’t normally see in a dining room is believably a Cocktail or Coffee Table. This is where you place our drinks while in the living room entertaining a guest. When you’re spending your weekend watching tv, a cocktail table is probably where you place your drinks and instant meals. It’s also smaller than the usual dining table and it comes with rollers so you get to bring it wherever you want. And yes, most people think this is the best type of table there is. Contrary to those smaller-than- typical dining tables already mentioned, a Refectory Table is all length and space. Imagine it long and rectangular and seating a large number of people. If there’s any specific necessity for you to have this type of table, just make sure you have lots of space for it. In conclusion, when you talk about dining rooms and silverware and chandeliers, the Accent Table fits in perfectly. This is a standard dining table but with just a little bit more of those ornate details to provide a touch of romance. If you’re thinking of a grand, traditional dining room, this is probably the table that fits into the picture. These dining tables can differ in many ways from visual aspect to capability and whether you get them as costly or discount furniture or traditional or contemporary furniture, you will have something you can take home with a smile.

The 1940s were a tough time for almost everyone, but not so for a little boy with a big imagination. Frank Owen Gehry, born and raised Ephraim Owen Goldberg in Toronto, Ontario, was intrigued with the most insignificant of articles, trash to most. Ephraim’s grandfather owned a hardware store that held many treasures in creating new and exciting little cities. Today, Frank Gehry tops the list as one of the most accomplished architects and designers in the world with his buildings and modern home furniture.

Gehrys architectural designs have received harsh criticism from designers who see his work as overshadowing a buildings intended use with an overwhelming nature. Others applaud the fresh, non-traditional role that a Gehry building offers to society and welcome his methods with awards and embrace his role as Distinguished Professor of Architecture at Columbia University and the Yale School of Architecture. He continues to receive many national, regional and local A.I.A. awards, in addition to the Pritzker Prize in 1989.

Structural design is not the only focus for the busy Canadian born designer and celebrity. Smaller, detail oriented pieces like jewelry, household items, sculptures and furniture also capture a fascination for Gehry. Easy Edges, was his first furniture line that was featured in 1969, made completely out of cardboard. The latest modern furniture creation is the Gehry Furniture Collection by Heller, featuring sturdy, whimsical and comfortable movable pieces for recreation, entertaining or everyday use.

Massive architectural designs by Gehry are located all over the world. A few of his outstanding creations include Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic, Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain. Seeming never to rest before beginning yet another unique design, Gehry is currently working on the Performing Arts Complex at the World Trade Center site, New York City and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PA, among several other international projects.

Frank often refers to his love of sculpting and designing furniture as his ‘quick fix’ as the work does not require the months and years of intensity in architecture. But this does not diminish the quality or thought that he portrays in every design that he completes. The Gehry furniture collection by Heller proves this by the sleek, pandemic nature of the pieces. Simple in design yet complex in presence, the modular units can stand-alone or be used in dozens of different ways as groupings.

Travel doesnt have to be a deterrent in enjoying the beauty of this master of design. An arrangement of delightful cubes and chairs on a patio or living area, dotted with sparkling, sun drenched photographs of Gehry’s fine modern furniture designs will turn your home into the trip of a lifetime.