Friday, August 26, 2016

What's Your Style: Cottage Chic from Stanley Furniture

Do you like straw hats? Did you have slipcovers before they became a thing? Do you prefer hydrangea’s over long stem roses? You might like cottage style. Cheerful and laid-back, cottage styles is warm, welcoming, comfortable, cozy, and casual — perfect for the way you really live. The Cypress Grove Collection by Stanley Furniture puts a contemporary spin on cottage chic. A bedroom is the perfect place for the calm, cozy, quiet charm created by this style.

baers furniture cottage style bedroom

Airy Palettes

Once upon a time, cottage style was synonymous with shabby chic, but no longer. With colors as soft and clean as cotton sheets fresh from the clothesline, cottage style is clean, crisp, and personal. No bright pink or emerald green, but a gentle mix of white, ivory, and cream. Hints and layers of pale pinks, greens, blues, and lavenders are acceptable, but don't combine too many pastels. For a cleaner look, stick to one or two shades.

Fabrics

Fabrics are a defining element in cottage style, natural materials and textures such as cotton, burlap, and linen bring the look down to earth. Vintage fabrics add visual interest to pillows and quilts, but go easy on the floral prints, they can make the room feel fussy and overdone.

baers furniture wooden details cottage style

Wood Details

Wooden details are an important element in cottage style and headboard is a perpetual favorite. It’s easy to install and can add instant warmth and character to a room. However, it can make a bold statement and a little goes a long way. Another option is a paneled headboard with a subtle honeycomb-style inlays. The glazed white parchment finish of the Cypress Grove Cottage Style headboard by Stanley Furniture give the room the light feel that is a hallmark of cottage chic.

Rustic Flooring

Rustic flooring is common in classic cottages, no wall-to-wall carpeting or shiny vinyl. Stained, painted, stenciled or pickled wood is the standard, but brick and stone are also acceptable. Rug materials should be kept simple — sisal or braided cotton that complement the neutral palette.

Collections Rule

All those collections you’ve been saving over the years will have their heyday in cottage style. The collections that tend to populate cottage rooms work because of their sheer numbers — this is not the time for a less is more approach.

Visit a Baer's Furniture showroom near you to see the entire collection. Read about the new Baer's Furniture store opening in Central Florida.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Bachelor Chests Add an Antique Flair to the Bedroom

Whether you prefer mid-century modern, shabby chic, eclectic, traditional, industrial, or just about any other style – with perhaps the exception of minimalism – adding a piece of antique furniture will give any space an extra dash of style. For instance, when styled right bachelor chests can add a little antique flair to your bedroom.

You might be wondering what a bachelor chest is, and isn’t it the same thing as a nightstand or night table. Bachelor chests are defined as relatively low, small, and shallow chests with three or four drawers. Dating from the late 17th century, early models also included a hinged top that could fold out and make the chest a small writing desk. Although the term has come to mean any small chest, and they are often used as nightstands, the bachelor’s chest was originally a multi-use piece of furniture with just the right dimensions and functionality for a gentleman living in tiny bachelor quarters.

Bernhardt salon silver nightstand

Traditional Lines with Modern Style

You can find many pieces that will help you add some vintage or antique flair to your bedroom, but the bachelor chest’s size and functionality make it an ideal accent piece. It won’t overwhelm your overarching style and with so many to choose from, you are sure to find one that goes well with your existing design. The eclectic accents and traditional shape of the Salon Drawer Nightstand from Bernhardt make this chest the perfect addition to your bedroom décor. The traditional lines set off by the chic silver leaf finish give you a pleasing combination of traditional and modern. Minimal accessories such as a framed picture and metal reading lamp let the piece shine.
Hooker Furniture bachelors chest True Vintage

Completely Traditional and Functional

If you really want something more traditional, look for a chest that has dovetail drawers, a white-washed finish, and classic motifs. The aptly named True Vintage Bachelors Chest by Hooker gives you the best of both worlds with vintage appeal and modern convenience. Antique silver drawer pulls, a clip for your phone cord, and three plug outlets make it both functional and stylish. Vintage accessories such as white porcelain vases and silver trinket boxes really bring the style home.

Tommy Bahama bachelors chest tuckers point

Light and Tropical Blend

If you favor a casual, tropical style, you can still add a little antique flair to your bedroom. With its woven raffia drawer fronts and crisp white frame, the Tuckers Point Bachelors Chest by Tommy Bahama gives you a taste of the lush landscape and pastel homes found in Bermuda. Drawing on elements from Moroccan, British, and European design, this chest will easily blend in with your current décor. Brightly colored accessories and natural materials help create a harmonious design.

Stylish Storage

Traditional dressers and armoires are often considered essential for the bedroom, but bachelors chests can be a welcome twist on a familiar theme. If you already have a complete bedroom set, you can increase your bedroom’s style potential by mixing it up with a chest that draws on industrial influences, mixes metal and wood, includes vintage touches, or metallic finishes. It’s up to you, just keep in mind the wood stains and colors that are already prominent in your room to avoid clashing. You want your style to stand out – in a good way.

If you are looking for bachelors chests to add antique flair to your bedroom, visit the Baer’s Furniture showroom near you. You’re sure to find a piece that will add a little extra style and storage to your bedroom.

Congratulations to the new Baer's Furniture CEO Jerry Baer.