Furniture: Finding Your Signature Piece

By Jessica Murphy
09/21/2009

I didn’t always have a signature piece of furniture in my home. In the past, I thought of furniture as purely functional and never would have considered the possibility that it could—in some way—define who I am. But then a uniquely designed writing desk transformed my home.

The desk is made by local woodworkers from salvaged Seattle maple. Its surface is figured wood, revealing the rings and swirls of the tree’s contoured grain. A natural knot in the tree provides a place to hold my pens. And it’s most unique feature? A bullet—which the artists discovered in the tree and maintained for the piece—is lodged in the table’s right leg.

This desk is my most valued possession. It’s where I spend much of my day. It brings my character into my home.

Selecting a signature piece for your home isn’t something to do on a whim. If the piece is going to carry enough weight to make a statement about you, and be a piece you’ll want in your home for years to come, there are several important things to consider.

We Are What We Do
What is it you love to do? Cook French cuisine? Play the piano? Collect art? We are our passions, and you’ll want your signature piece to encourage and highlight your personal passion in your home.

Function or Display
Next you’ll need to decide if you want the piece to be about function or form. For example, do you want a reading chair, butcher block, or piano bench—something you will use every day? Or do you want to find the perfect hutch to display your fine ceramics, a bay window to hold the fruits of your gardening, or a bookcase to feature your library of books about Ancient Rome?

Your Home Within Your Home
When you are at home, where do you spend most of your time? Others may admire your signature piece, but mostly it will be for your own enjoyment. Consider how it will balance and complement the space.

Your Aesthetic
Know your taste. Do you like modern furnishings? Traditional? Antique? Asian influence? Because your signature piece could be a stand-alone, it doesn’t necessarily have to match your overall décor, but think twice before going with that bold and trendy upholstery. Your signature should be timeless.

Cost considerations
Looking for a custom-made piece can sometimes be pricey, but finding the right piece of furniture doesn’t have to be. Make sure that the amount you spend is in keeping with your sense of self as well. This means if you keep to a budget, be sure your signature piece stays in that budget; otherwise, you may regret the purchase.

The Designer
Whether you’re commissioning the piece or buying from a store, find out about the maker. Go with your values. My desk, for instance, was made by the woodworkers of Go Green Design, whose sustainable-design motto is: “Nature creates art. We salvage it.” They use wood that is otherwise destined to become sawdust or trash. Their ideals are in line with mine, which makes me feel even better about owning their work.

Your Story
Remember to take your time until you find the perfect piece. You may need to look everywhere—from boutiques to garage sales—before you find that perfect Art Deco wine rack you know you want. Or perhaps the piece that says “you” is closer than you think. Your grandmother’s kitchen table that has brought together generations of your family may be worth restoring and refinishing. No matter how you acquire your signature piece, you’ll want it to tell “your” story, and you’ll also want to be able to tell others the story of your perfect find.

Jessica Murphy is a freelance writer based in Seattle.

_pic">
Create the Perfect Bedroom on a Budget

By Andrea Carlos
09/21/2009

Most of us spend at least a third of our lives in our bedrooms. Accordingly, your bedroom should be a room where you love to be, an oasis from the chaos of your busy daily life, a comfortable retreat where you can put the hectic day behind you. In short, your bedroom should be a place free of intrusions where you can truly unwind and relax.

So how do you create the perfect space, especially on a tight budget? Designing the perfect bedroom does not have to be costly; nor does it require a high-priced designer. With a few inexpensive and well-thought out changes, you can transform your bedroom into a place where you can reflect peacefully, sleep well, and wake up feeling refreshed. Here are eight tips to help you create your dream bedroom:

Choose a style you love
Selecting a specific style is a great way to launch your decorating project, while making sure all the elements you choose complement each other. There are numerous bedroom decorating themes: rustic for a down-to-earth country feel, Tuscan for the look of old Italy, Zen for a serene retreat, or Victorian with all its elegant charm, to name just a few. Search through magazines to find a bedroom style that appeals to you, and then start making changes to promote the new look you want.

Select your colors carefully
Avoid making your bedroom look busy with too many colors. Instead, choose a color scheme that brings the entire bedroom together. When choosing your colors, consider what kind of feel you want to your bedroom to have. Neutral colors are soothing, whereas dark colors create a romantic mood. Bright colors stimulate the senses, and should be used only as accents. To create a relaxed feel, consider a muted shade of your favorite color – and then use patterned sheets, designer pillows, textured curtains, attractive tapestries and small accents of bright-colored wallpaper to add color and interest.

Re-arrange your furniture
The way you arrange your furniture can either enhance the relaxed feel of your bedroom, or make it feel cramped and cluttered. As a general rule, avoid blocking windows and doorways. In addition, make sure you arrange your furniture in a way that makes it easy to access your bed from both sides. If you have too much furniture for the size of your room, move that extra wardrobe or dresser to another room, or be really brave and get rid of it altogether.

Enhance your comfort
Not only do you want your bedroom to look luxurious; you want it to feel luxurious. Large beds are comfortable, so invest in the biggest one that comfortably fits the dimensions of your room. Once you’ve got a comfy bed, invest in a high-quality mattress that matches your sleeping patterns as well as your body size and support needs. Buy a cozy comforter and pillows, and the softest sheets with the highest-quality fibers you can afford. For an even more luxurious feel, add a plush carpet beneath your feet. All of these amenities will help to transform your bedroom into a comfortable and tranquil haven.

Pay attention to lighting
Move your television to the entertainment room, as watching TV in bed inhibits good sleep. Likewise, move your computer and exercise equipment to your den or family room, so you eliminate the worry of work and activity from your place of relaxation. Like a meditation room, a bedroom should be a place that calms your energy and allows you to relax and reflect without distractions. Moving electronics out of the bedroom will enable you to achieve a more peaceful haven from the stresses of daily life.

Let go of the electronics
The lighting you choose can help you establish a certain mood or ambiance. Bright lights are great for reading, searching through your closet or waking up to start your day. Yet dim lights create a romantic mood, more appropriate for lovemaking or just lying in bed to reflect upon your day. Consider adding dimmer switches so that you can adjust the level of lighting based on the mood you wish to create. In addition, install lighting at different heights in your room to add interest and give your bedroom a feeling of spaciousness. Finally, don’t forget to add some candles to the mix for an ambiance that’s both calming and romantic.

Add some character
Jazz up your bedroom with interesting accents such as curtains, lamps, mirrors, pillows, photos and art. At the same time, be sure to choose each piece with intent. Does the artwork in your bedroom match the style and colors you’ve chosen? Does it portray joyful themes that reflect what you want for yourself in your life? Is each image personally meaningful? Does it express your individuality in a significant way? Choosing the right art and accents is a fun way to express who you are, while transforming your bedroom into a meaningful, personal sanctuary that you’ll love to spend time in.

Andrea Carlos is a freelance writer based in the Pacific Northwest and co-owner of GoldLeaf Book Writers.