For first time homebuyers, the high cost of a mortgage can be daunting. If you’ve been out looking at properties, you may have realized that you cannot have your dream home in your ideal location.

But what if you could? You may be able to have the perfect home in the right location if you are willing to invest in a fixer-upper. Here’s what you need to know.

What You Will Need

Buying a home that is not picture perfect will save you money, but you must try to make a sound investment. You want to make sure that the house does not have structural damage that will end up costing you more than you saved.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself first:

• Do you have a strong relationship? According to this article from BobVila.com, renovations and home buying can put a strain on a relationship, especially a new marriage.
• Do you have any DIY skills? While it’s perfectly fine to contract all your work out, it might actually cost you more than you’ll save. Don’t invest in a fixer-upper unless you have both the skill and time to do the minor updates, like painting and landscaping.
• Do you have the right tools? A fixer-upper may come with some unforeseen “small” issues to fix, so you should have the right tools for each project, such as drills, sanders, jigsaws, etc.

Lifehacker has more advice on what to look out for when choosing your fixer-upper property.

Budgeting for Your Home

First-time homebuyers have plenty of planning before getting a mortgage. Start by learning your credit score to determine the range of your loan approval. Get an idea of your budget by totaling up all your income and assets. Then, deduct your monthly expenses. Now, consider how much upfront budget you have for down payment, closing costs, lawyers’ fees, and moving costs.

Remember, if your house is larger than where you now live, your monthly utility bills may be higher. You may have homeowner association fees, and you will have regular maintenance costs. If this sounds daunting, read this post from Trulia to make sure you are ready to buy a home.

Finally, it’s wise to get an idea of local home prices. Homes for sale in Troy, MI have a median listing price of $350,000. Consider how much extra you’ll need beyond your mortgage for updates and renovations.

Remember, you can’t add the cost of major renovations into a standard mortgage. You can only get a loan for your home’s worth. According to Interest.com, there are two programs available that may be able to help: Federal Housing Administration's 203(k) mortgage and Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation mortgage. Each has different requirements, so read the article to discover if you qualify.

If you don’t have immediate repair needs and are shy on budget, you can save up for them as you go along. But beware: Older homes can have more problems. This writer at Apartment Therapy shares how the budget she saved from buying a fixer-upper went right back into basic repairs directly after moving in.

Tackling Repairs

Prioritize repair projects by what needs to be done to make the space livable and what can be done after you move in. For example, outdoor work and renovations in spare or duplicate rooms (like bathrooms) can be done while you are there.

Think about seasonal needs too. For example, if winter is approaching, make sure your home has working heat and adequately sealed doors and windows. Do major renovations and any structural work, such as roofing, before you move in if possible. Finally, design elements, like paint and details, should be done last.

Buying a fixer-upper for your first home can seem daunting. However, with proper planning and a realistic budget, you can build your dream home and save money along the way.

This article was written by Bret Engle from DIYguys.net.  If you're interested in learning more about how to do your own home repairs and updates, be sure to check out their site.  They have a wealth of knowledge in their blog.  Thanks, Bret!

Japan

Interiors inspired by Japan always feature colorful painting, low furniture and wooden pieces are usually made with unfinished woods. Homeowners adopting Japanese interior style are the ones who use sliding panels instead of walls to divide their space. Potted plants and ceramic vases are used to decorate the house. This overall interior trend is known for its simplicity and symmetry.

India

Indian styles homes use brightly colored textile for pillows, rugs, furniture, throws, towels, bed linens and furniture pieces. You would see houses adopting this style usually decorate with greenery in colorful pots and vases that sit on the floor as well as statuses. Dark wood is this style favorite where it is used to make furniture, frames, trays and mirrors.

Italy

This is a grandeur style that usually features sculptures and graceful statues, often depicting children, musicians, and beautiful women. Furniture pieces would be decorated with exquisite carvings covered with gold or bronze. This trend also used luxurious linens such as (brocade, silk, velvet) and rich finishing.

Scotland

Patterned materials are often used for furniture pieces as well as dark leathers. Fireplaces are often present in houses with Scottish interior styles whether it's a real one or a painted fireplace on an accent wall. Homeowners looking to execute the Scottish way in interior design should opt for a well-lit room through the use of colorful fabrics, candles and fireplaces.

United States of America

American houses are famous for their floor to ceiling windows that give panoramic views and allow more natural light inside the house. Such style fancy light-colored fabrics that radiates simplicity and elegance. Vases and jars are used to decorate the house, however, they mostly found filled with sand or stones rather than greenery. Throws and cushions are usually scattered all over the furniture pieces in an uncluttered yet appealing way.

United Kingdom

This style favors lamp, candle and fireplace light rather than its natural source. Houses with UK interior design feature built-in hardwood shelves for books, ornaments or platters...etc. Bold patterns are mostly used for furniture and curtains. The kitchen is the masterpiece and the family-sized dining area is where all the focus is.

France

Candelabras and chandeliers are often used in this interior design trend for they add glamour and elegance to any space. Walls are decorated with large mirrors, tapestries and artworks. Baroque-style carvings inspired by the Romans are usually found on furniture and wall decor such as mirror frames. Often walls are painted with white or blue colors.

Mexico

When in Mexico, colors are dominant whether on walls, furniture, rugs, throws and pillows. This style isn't afraid to use so much colors for colors are the secret to a happy home. Wooden furniture are also found carved and painted.

Morocco

Moroccan style decor is into cool and calming palettes of sea, blues of sky or greys with plenty of neutral shades. This style is all about geometric patterned soft furnishings. Tile patterns combined with tactile textures are the way to go if you want to implement this style of decoration in your house.

Sweden

Swedish style decor is balanced simplicity where spaces are usually uncluttered. This style radiates simplicity in every corner from its soft furnishings and rugs to windows and shades that allows more natural light inside the house. What is even more fascinating about this style is that most spaces would be found highly-personalized where there are little to no distractions whether telephone, television or computers.

Egypt

Egyptian style is known to be expressive and dramatic through the use of pieces that add an antique chic and elegant touch to any space. Egyptian interior style is rich with colors and a style that love to mix between black, gold and yellow. Egyptian statuses will also add to your house's entire style. All shades of yellow color, from desert sand shades to golden-yellow color tones, are excellent for creating Egyptian interior in any space.

China

Chinese style has a way in evoking  an image of serenity and tranquil calm. This style is usually accompanied with colors like pinks of cherry blossoms, ravishing reds and luxurious purples. And for a more traditional Chinese look, use ornate rugs for they are perfect to complete the look you aspire for.

About the Author:

Jamie Moulton is a senior content curator at JustProperty.com, a leading real estate portal in the MENA region, headquartered in Dubai, UAE.  Thanks, Jamie!

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Perhaps possessing the most beautiful, lush leaves on this list, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is certainly a photogenic plant.  It starts out as a bush, but can grow into a lush tree (a small one - don’t worry) if trained properly.  Fiddle Leaf Figs enjoy bright indirect light, moderate amounts of water, and an occasional leaf dusting to keep it looking sharp.  This is a relatively forgiving plant, so it’s great for beginner plant parents.

Spider Plant

Spider plants are great air purifiers plus they’re super easy to take care of.  It prefers bright indirect light, and moderate amounts of water.  Watch the leaf tips - if they start to brown, then try watering with some collected rainwater (or melted snow) because they can be sensitive to the added fluoride in tap water.  A pro tip for cat owners - the Spider Plant is non-toxic and harmless, but it is mildly hallucinogenic to cats.

Snake Plant

The Snake Plant has beautiful, tall leaves and it loves all kinds of light conditions - low, bright, indirect, fluorescent, all of the lights!  It requires very little water, so it’s perfect for the forgetful plant owner.  It is awesome at converting CO2 to O2, so if you’re in the market for an air purifying powerhouse, this is the plant for you.

English Ivy

English Ivy has very distinctly shaped leaves that look lovely as they hang down from higher perches.  It is a very forgiving plant which prefers drier soil, so make sure the top of the soil is dry before watering.  It’s a fan of all kinds of light and won’t mind an occasional cold draft (how very English), which makes it one of our favorite winter pick-me-ups.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is a very popular house plant because of its gorgeous flowers, beautiful foliage, and superior air cleaning abilities.  If you’re a fan of low maintenance and forgiveness, then the Peace Lily is the house plant for you.  Peace Lilies will droop when they want water, so you never have to wonder if it’s thirsty or not.  It loves the gamut of light qualities from low to bright, but is not a fan of direct light.  Just keep your Lily away from windows and you’re golden.

Rubber Plant

Rubber Plants have big, green leaves that add a lush freshness to your winter home.  Like most houseplants, Rubber Plants like moderate watering and bright indirect light.  It’s a nice and easy plant to care for, and other than an occasional dusting of it’s leaves, it’s happy just to be inside brightening your home.

Weeping Fig

If you keep your home at about the same temperature all of the time, year-round, then the Weeping Fig is your best plant friend.  This plant does not like change - don’t change the temperature too much, and don’t move it around your home and you’ve got a happy camper in the Weeping Fig.  It likes bright indirect light and moderate water.

Bird of Paradise

As far as flowering house plants go, the Bird of Paradise is one of the most beautiful.  Year round, it rewards you with lush foliage, but it really puts on a show when it blooms.  Bright light is what this plant lives for, so don’t hide it away in a corner.  It goes somewhat dormant in winter, so it requires less water than in the summer months when it drinks up plenty of water.  This plant can grow to over 5 feet tall in the right pot and conditions, so make sure you have the space or are prudent with trimming.

Boston Fern

The Boston Fern loves a humid environment, but don’t let that deter your in the winter months.  A bit of misting from a spray bottle will keep this plant happy through the drier months, and be sure to keep the soil moist.  It will tell you it needs more humidity when it’s leaves begin to yellow.  It grows best in bright, indirect light.

Jade Plant

And for those of you who just can’t seem to keep anything green alive, the Jade Plant is for you.  Jade Plants are succulents - meaning they thrive on very little water.  They are dormant in the winter, so you can let their soil get pretty dry in between waterings.  In the summer time it will require more water.  Their leaves will let you know if they need more water - full, glossy leaves are happily watered.  If the leaves start to spot or begin to fall off, then you need to water the plant a bit more.  In spite of the little water they need, Jade Plants manage to grow as happy-looking, cheery house plants.

Now, a lot of house plants are moderately toxic to pets, so if you have furry friends you need to train them to stay away from the plants or keep the plants out of reach.  For the more stubborn or slow-to-learn pets, stick to only non-toxic plants like the Boston Fern and Spider Plant.

As a general rule for most house plants, they like bright indirect light.  Most of the plants on this list require moderate water which means watering 1-2 times per week depending on the plant, how much you water at one time, and the relative humidity in your home.   I like to set a reminder on my phone for once every week to keep me on top of my plant watering.  If you’re not sure if it’s time to water yet, stick your finger in the soil about one inch deep.  If it’s dry then give it some water, if it’s still moist, then hold off on the water for now.  Another indication of when or how much to water is the plant’s leaves - if they turn yellow or brown it’s due to under or over watering.  If you’re ever in doubt about a symptom or need more info on when to trim, fertilize, re-pot, or anything else, just google your plant’s species and you’ll find plenty of help.

Making Midcentury Modern by Christopher Kennedy

I love giving an receiving books as gifts - especially beautiful books that inspire me to change things up a bit and try new things.  Making Midcentury Modern is a gorgeous book filled with beautifully styled Midcentury inspiration.  It’s perfect for the Midcentury fan who doesn’t exactly live in their Midcentury dream home yet, but who loves to add some Midcentury style to their home anyway.  The ideas in the book are fresh with a thoroughly modern take on Midcentury's design principles.

Travel Posters by Charley Harper for the National Park Service

A great graphic print with bright colors and geometric shapes add a midcentury twist to a gallery wall or stand-alone as a statement piece.  These travel posters for the National Park Service by the famed illustrator Charley Harper are geometric, bright, and incredibly detailed.  These posters are the last of the original stock, so they will sell out!

Coasters by Ciseal

If your Midcentury modern giftee takes good care of their well-curated furniture, they’re going to want some classy coasters to protect their fantastic furniture finds.  This set of four coasters adds a classic Mod bent plywood flair to any room - Midcentury or not.  

Wake Mug by Samantha Nichols

Who doesn’t look forward to a deliberately slow morning?  Slowly sipping on coffee or tea, reading a much loved book, snuggling with the dog…there’s nothing better.  Mid-Century style is keen on intentional, simple, beautifully restrained home goods, and this mug exhibits those qualities perfectly.  It’s the one they’re going to reach for on those easy Sunday mornings.

Starburst Clock by George Nelson for Vitra

George Nelson’s famous starburst clock designs are a welcome addition to any Mid Century space.  Not only are they practical, but the bright colors, earthy wood tones, shiny metals, and geometric shapes add that fun Midcentury vibe to any room.

Pineapple Cocktail Shaker by W+P Design

Midcentury style and cocktails are a match made in heaven.  The Mod bar isn’t complete until it has a signature cocktail shaker, and this pineapple shaker by W+P Design is where it’s at.  It’s a smart and stylish addition to the home bartender’s tool kit.

Graphic Print Throw Pillows by Alexander Girard for Vitra

Midcentury style thrives on a mix of patterns and textures.  Add that comfortable, chic, and eclectic vibe with one or more of these pillows with Alexander Girard’s bright and graphic designs.  

Quilt by Haptic Lab

Winter nights require a cozy bright throw to warm up with a snuggle.  This throw by Haptic Lab is the perfect gift for those Great Lakes Midcentury Modern fans.   

Traverse Table Lamp by Ciseal

Brighten their decor with a mid-century style table lamp.  This distinctly Midcentury tripod table lamp adds an extra glow to any corner of the home.

The Runwell Turntable by Shinola

You can’t get much more Midcentury than an evening listening to records.  This modern turntable by Shinola adds a bit of sleek style with the classic combo of wood and metal.  Add a couple of favorite albums and you have everything needed to create a cozy, relaxing evening.

In case you missed it, mass-produced, ubiquitous gifts are completely passé nowadays.  Hand crafted, small-batch, sustainable and reclaimed are the new ideals.  So, steer away from the superstore aisles or gift card kiosks and give an intentional and memorable gift that’ll be treasured for years to come.  This gift guide isn’t simply a checklist of things to click on and buy - it’s an invitation to get to know the people who passionately make their products by hand.  Put some wonder and whimsy back into the holiday season with these 10 shops who hand craft their beautiful goods right here in Michigan.

McClary Bros.

Drinking Vinegars, more commonly referred to as "Shrubs," are a Colonial-era drink mixer that are seeing a resurgence.  McClary Bros. vinegars are hand-crafted in small- and micro-batches to showcase the fresh flavors of the season.  The result is a refreshing, exciting mixer that’s perfect in a cocktail or shrub soda.  Their Detroit Fig Leaf, Michigan Beet & Carrot, and Michigan Saskatoon are Ciseal’s favorites.

Electric Pink Crafts

We partnered with Julia of Electric Pink Crafts at the Renegade Craft Show in Detroit this year, and could not have been more impressed.  Electric Pink creates pillows, rugs, blankets, and table runners in deeply hued, vibrant colors and patterns.  Check them out if you’re looking for a unique, expertly hand crafted textile.

Detroit Denim

Detroit Denim jeans are like no other.  They use US-sourced selvedge denim to create jeans that are of impeccable quality.  Each pair is made entirely by hand out of the finest quality components.  Their shop also includes aprons, totes, and belts, so you’re sure to find the perfect gift.

Mutual Adoration

All of Mutual Adoration’s goods are handmade using reclaimed wood from Detroit.  Their picture frames, mirrors, trays and coasters all contain a bit of Detroit history.  They’re the perfect gift for the discerning Detroiter on your list.

Abigail Murray Studio

Abigail Murray creates simple, utilitarian forms with complex surfaces of found and created textures. She explores ideas of pattern, layering and light referencing the repetition and precision of technology while delighting in the subtle imperfections of the entirely handmade.  Her clean and modern bowls, cups, and vases will no doubt become those special pieces that put a smile on your face every time you use them.

Smithshop

Smithshop is known for it’s functional and ornamental metalwork—from fine goldsmithing to architectural ironwork.  Everything they make is handmade in Detroit by a team of internationally recognized metalsmiths.  Their shop includes everything from gorgeous bottle openers to elegant jewelry and supremely useful spatulas.

Woodward Throwbacks

Woodward Throwbacks creates all of their products out of materials that are gathered from illegal dumping sites around the city of Detroit.  They keep the materials as organic as possible by simply sanding the splinters and keeping its natural form.  The beauty is in the imperfection.  Ciseal’s tip: the dogs in your life will adore their dog bowls!

Made Floral

Made Floral’s flower arrangements are spellbindingly gorgeous.  There’s both variety and restraint in each bouquet which makes you just want to stare at them into infinity.  Each of Martha's arrangements are hand crafted and natural, with the full intention of someone or something special.

LeadHead Glass

LeadHead Glass specializes in handcrafted terrariums made from reclaimed glass from deconstructed homes in Detroit.  Their terrariums are modeled after 19th Century Wardien Cases which were originally used to transport exotic plants around the world.  They’re the perfect environment to raise a mini garden in.

Ciseal

At Ciseal, each one of our products starts out as thin, flexible pieces of wood.  After applying glue to each of these layers, we press them to shape in a mold.  What comes out of the molds are modern, clean-lined products with the inherent warmth of wood.  Our shop includes home decor and desk top products, table lamps and furniture that’ll add a little mid century modern vibe to your life.

Just Add Cheese Set by Brooklyn Slate

Your dinner party host(ess) is going to love these cheese accoutrements.  The set includes a fabulous slate cheese board, crackers, jam, honey, and Brooklyn Slate’s Cheese Survival Guide with all of their best tips on tasting, serving, and storing cheese.  All they have to do is add their favorite cheeses and they’re good to go!

Host by W&P Design

There are so many great ideas in Host that your favorite host(ess) won’t be able to wait to invite you over again.  The book includes both food and drink recipes that are unique yet approachable, and the advice for creating memorable get togethers is spot on.

Ray iPad Stand by Ciseal

Make sure your favorite home cook has the perfect view of their recipe by giving them a Ray iPad stand.  This clean and modern form-follows-function stand holds an iPad or cookbook at just the right angle so no ingredient or step is missed.

Bauhaus 500 Piece Puzzle by Dovetail

The Bauhaus was the most influential modernist art school of the 20th century and this puzzle will make any modernist-loving host or hostess’ eyes light up.  After the stress of a dinner party, they’ll relish in the chance to unplug, relax, and put this puzzle together.

Rocks Cup by Pewabic Pottery

The handmade movement is going strong, and the hand wheel thrown Rocks Cup is sure to become a favorite for its one-of-a-kind charm.  These cups are perfect for testing new cocktail recipes or tried-and-true favorites.

Curly Fry Ornament by Epiphany Glass

You can’t go wrong with Christmas ornaments - especially when they’re this gorgeous! The modern, whimsical shapes of these ornaments are completely unique because they’re made by hand.  

Utilita Bowls by J Schatz

These straight-sided bowls are simple in form, but that pop of color on the inside makes them a modernist’s go-to for everything. They are great for literally everything in the kitchen - prep work, baking, Cookie Crisp indulgences, etc.

Skinny laMinx Tea Towels by Heath Ceramics

One can never have too many tea towels.  They’re used for just about everything in the kitchen.  These modern, eye catching patterns add a retro vibe that modernist hosts and hostesses love.

Geometric Concrete Planters by Mona Does Concrete

Plants add life to a room, and they’re especially appreciated in the cold winter months.  These tabletop planters come in fun geometric shapes, and they are small enough to go anywhere.

Photo: Taylor + Taylor

Judge It By Its Cover (Wood Furniture)

The first thing you see on a piece of furniture is it’s outer surface, so lets start there.  A gorgeous piece of furniture won’t stay that way if it scratches easily, so we’re looking for hardwoods on all exposed surfaces that will be prone to wear.  So, the top surface of a desk or console and any drawer fronts should be a wood that doesn’t scratch easily.  Oak, teak, walnut, cherry, maple, mahogany, and birch are all great choices here.  If you’re not sure, try to press your fingernail into an inconspicuous spot.  If it leaves a dent, then it’s reasonable to assume it won’t keep it’s pristine looks for long.

Many assume that veneer (a thin layer of premium wood that’s applied to the outside of a piece) is a sign of low quality, but that’s not always the case.  Veneer is often used in very high-end furniture.  What you want to look for in a veneered piece is that the veneer is applied cleanly with no bubbles below the surface or lifting corners.  And while veneered pieces can only be sanded and refinished so many times before the veneer is sanded away, it really is a simple process to re-veneer a much-loved piece if it’s solidly constructed.

Whether it’s solid wood or veneered, the structure underneath should be a solid wood or sturdy plywood.    If its plywood, look for lots of layers.  For example, a 3/4 inch thick plywood should have 10 or more layers of a solid hardwood like birch.  You definitely want to avoid any piece that has fiberboard, particleboard, pressed wood, or oriented strand board (OSB) for it’s main structural pieces.

Is It Just a Pretty Face? (Wood Furniture Construction)

The biggest determining factor of a piece of furniture’s longevity is its joinery - how the pieces are held together.  Dowels (wood rods threaded into opposing holes on adjacent pieces), dovetails (interlocking teeth at corners), mortise-and-tenon (a tapered end of one piece inserted into a hole in an adjacent piece) and screws make for solid furniture that will last.  If you lift the piece at one corner it shouldn’t twist or warp.  Remember to check that all the legs touch the floor so it won’t wobble or rock.

For furniture pieces with drawers, test each one to make sure it glides smoothly and has stops to prevent it from accidentally pulling all the way out.  The drawer bottoms will usually be thinner material, but make sure they’re solid enough to not sag under weight.  For doors, does it feel solid when you open them or do they sag a bit?  Are the hinges quiet?  If the piece has sliding doors, make sure the doors easily glide across their full range of motion.

Photo: One Small Room

The Softer Side (Upholstered Furniture)

A sofa or chair might be comfy in the showroom, but how can you tell if it will stay soft and supportive after years of Netflix binges?  If it has removable cushions you’re in luck.  Un-zip the cover and take a look inside.  If a seat cushion is just foam inside, walk away.  A quality, long-lasting cushion will have a block of foam at its core, a layer of cotton, Dacron (a polyester fiber), or down wrapped around the foam, and a muslin cover surrounding it all.  The foam on the seat cushions should have a density rating of 1.8 pounds or higher to ensure long lasting support.

Back cushions can be foam blocks (referred to as tight backs) or loose fill (shredded foam, Dacron, down, or other materials).  For loose fill, look for cushions that have baffles or compartments that keep the fill from settling at the bottom.  Either foam or loose fill can be plenty durable and it’s up to what you find most comfortable.

If you have pets, kids or rowdy friends, you’ll want to know how to clean the upholstery when the need arises.  Can you throw the cushion covers in your washer and dryer and get them back on the couch right away?  Do they have to be dry cleaned, spot cleaned, or are they vacuum only?  And are the cushions reversible?  If they are you’ll get a lot more life out of them.

Good Bones (Upholstered Furniture Construction)

Springs are the thing with upholstered furniture.  There are lots of different styles (coil, cone, grid, sinuous, etc.), but it’s really up to your personal preference.  They can all feel comfortable and last a long time, so test out the couches you’re considering and see if you’re a fan.  Be sure to sit in different spots and positions and really sink in to make sure you’ll be comfortable on the edge when your dog claims the corner seat.

To test the rest of the structure, lift the couch or chair at one corner and make sure it doesn’t twist - just like we did with wood furniture.  Then squeeze the arms and back to see how well the frame is cushioned.  

Photo: Mediterraneo Design Build, Inc.

There are certainly a lot of things to consider when buying furniture - especially if you’re looking for quality pieces that will last you a long time.  Hopefully this little guide helps you find furniture you love that lasts a lifetime!

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After said maker carefully removes your foot from your mouth for you (don’t worry - they’ve been solving problems with their hands for quite a while), he or she will likely take a second to gather their thoughts and explain:

I get it - we’re a society of instant gratification.  Most of the people reading this can get just about anything we could possibly want on-demand - movies, clothes, groceries, coffee, furniture - you name it.  Is there anything you will ever need that you can’t purchase either in a store that's less than a 30 minute drive from home or online with free one- or two-day shipping?  

Our culture is entitled to convenience, and we’re blissfully unaware of what that convenience is costing ourselves and our planet.  We no longer appreciate the things that are thoughtfully and carefully created over time, we have lost the value of hard work, and we’re exhausting our planet’s natural resources to keep up with our demand to have more things immediately.  It won’t be long before our factories can produce more goods than our planet has resources for.  The mindless consumption of goods and the endless cycle of buying and throwing away will have to stop at some point.  Will it be a conscious decision or something we’re forced to do when our planet can no longer supply our demand?

Fortunately, there is an alternative model that can both improve our lives and heal the planet.  It’s a human-centered model - not in a selfish sense, but more focused on creating for each other, helping each other, and sharing with each other.  Watching out for our fellow humans becomes more important than our own immediate gratification.  The focus is on only creating what is loved and needed rather than things that we’re told we want.  This model is embodied in the hand makers of the world who create intentional, sustainable, and lasting products.  

How exactly do handmade goods benefit your life?  Here are 3 ways:

1. Handmade is the creative expression of love.  Each handmade product is carefully conceived and created by the maker.  Making a product by hand is a labor of love.  Often, these products are commissioned as gifts of love, and hopefully the receiver of the gift falls in love with the item and the love continues.  Love is present at every point along a handmade product’s lifetime.  When you feel the world needs a bit more love, how about sharing the gift of handmade?

2. Handmade brings us together.  Think about who your dollar benefits when you buy yet another quickly and cheaply mass produced product off the shelf.  Is it a CEO, a board of directors, or a bunch of shareholders?  When you buy handmade, your dollars support an artist, their dreams, and their family.  Each purchase you make has a direct impact on a person’s livelihood.  That support creates a connection between you and the maker that lasts, and it’s a connection you would never experience when purchasing a mass produced product.  No one could survive this world without the support of others, and buying handmade reminds us of that fact.

3. Handmade is alchemy.  The creation of something that didn’t exist before is a kind of magic.  What’s amazing about creativity is that each creation leads to another and another like a viral outbreak that creates an even bigger impact.  Every handmade product has creativity at it’s core.  With their daily creations, makers can spark ideas and discoveries that might even change the world.  When people make their own products the world is more connected through creative, inspiring alchemy.

Handmade is without a doubt still relevant today in spite of mass production and delivery on demand.  It expresses love, brings us together, and leads to new creations like no other form of production.  Although it does not make sense to hand make everything, more and more are embracing the shift from on-demand consumption.  The makers of the world and their biggest fans are leading us towards a more conscious, loving, sustainable, and intentional existence.

What other ways do you see handmade making this world a better place?  Let me know in the comments below.

Alexander Girard was born in 1907 in New York City and raised in Florence, Italy where he was immersed in the art and design culture.  After training at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London and the Royal School of Architecture in Rome, he moved to New York City in 1932.  It was in New York that he began his career as a designer.  He moved to Michigan in 1937 where he established a design office and retail space in Grosse Pointe.  Even though he moved to New Mexico in 1953, Girard kept his Michigan ties strong by heading the textile and fabric division of Herman Miller, headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan.

His collaborations with designers and architects such as Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and George Nelson, among others influenced a wide range of art and design fields including furniture, textiles, graphics, architecture, and sculpture.  For instance, his For Modern Living exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 1949 included the first public display of Charles and Ray Eames’ molded plywood chairs.  His collaborations helped to popularize mid century modern design and make it a sought-after style.

His most influential work was probably when he served as director of design for Herman Miller’s textile division.  During his 20 years there, Girard created more than 300 fabric and wallpaper designs.  Many of these vibrant designs were inspired by his international travels and expansive folk art collection.  Girard’s vibrantly-colored and folk-art-inspired textiles helped to energize the furniture designed by his Herman Miller colleagues.  He was the first designer to see textiles as more than just functional.  He saw that the color and pattern of the textile could emphasize the clean forms of mid century design.

While Girard died in 1993, we continue to be inspired by his vibrant work.  If you’re interested in seeing his comprehensive work, you’re in luck!  The Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany is in possession of Girard’s personal estate which includes many drawings, sketches, photographs, textiles, folk art objects, and furnishings.  Pieces from the Vitra collection as well as items from Girard's folk art collection on loan from the Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe are featured in the Vitra Design Museum’s exhibition, “Alexander Girard. A Designer’s Universe,” and it’s currently on tour.  Learn more about the exhibition including upcoming tour dates and locations here.

All photos: Cranbrook Art Museum

Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

When you can find thousands of identical “handmade” pieces of furniture at big box stores it’s easy to give a cynical side eye at the mention of “handmade.”  As soon as a product is labeled “handmade,” a massive gray area emerges in your mind.  From doing everything exclusively by hand with hand-foraged materials and handmade tools to hand-finishing a bowl that was carved on a computer-guided lathe - there are many interpretations along the spectrum and it’s easy to see why “handmade” can be so confusing.  It comes down to deciding for yourself where along the spectrum you’re most comfortable.  

To discover where you stand, please feel free to ask questions like, whose hands made it, where it was made, out of what materials, with what methods, and was the maker respectfully compensated?  Any maker of handmade products should be happy to answer all of these questions and more, and if they’re not, then that’s probably a good sign to move on.  With your questions answered, you will be able to make more informed decisions that leave you feeling satisfied and proud of your purchase.

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash

For me, I find it helpful to think of handmade as craft made, and when I think of craft made, I’m reminded of craft beer - all of those tiny breweries that have emerged in the past few years who produce delicious, flavorful, and unique beers.  Craft breweries create their brews with passion and love, and that’s plain to taste in their mouth-watering products.  They may not all be focused on creating their beer completely by hand like in centuries past because of volume demands or health and safety factors, but their craft remains their focus.  It’s a responsibility to the ingredients, the process, the final product, and the customer - not just the executives and the shareholders - that set craft breweries apart from their larger corporate counterparts.  That essence is what I look for in “handmade” products for my home.  I want to know that the materials are sustainably and responsibly sourced, the methods used to make it will last, the design is something I won’t tire of, and the maker is adequately compensated so that they will be able to continue to make their lovely wares for years to come.

Photo by Raoul Ortega on Unsplash

Ciseal’s interpretation of handmade allows for the use of machinery and technology where it makes sense in improving the quality of the final product.  We don’t hand-forage or reclaim wood from old barns because our craft doesn’t really work well with those methods.  The veneers we use are sustainably sourced, and they are produced on computer-guided saws that maximize the use of the natural material.  We hand-cut each layer of veneer to shape, then the glue is brushed on by hand.  Our products are pressed to shape by using either manual clamps or a motorized vacuum press depending on the design’s requirements.  We use hand-operated power tools like saws, sanders, and drills to prepare our products for their final hand-sanding.  Then we apply a hand-rubbed finish to preserve and protect each piece.  By the time it makes its way to you, each piece has had our hands all over it.  Eventually, we will probably consider using industrial presses with machined dies to bend our plywood when our volume necessitates it, but much of our process will always remain very hands-on.  

As a small business, it’s a challenge to balance design, production, and value to our customers all while making sure the business is producing a healthy profit that will ensure that it stays around.  Someday, that balance may lead us to consider producing our products with a mass-manufacturing approach, and when that time comes we will weigh all of the costs and benefits.  For now, we will stick to our almost completely hands-on process because we love what we do and how we do it and we believe it makes our products better for it.  Thank you to everyone around the world who find value in our work the way it is, and thank you to those of you who want to see us grow into the biggest bent plywood manufacturer in the world.  We’re humbled by your support.

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.

(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)

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!  

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.