Living room furniture design trends: Tables with copper tops

Tables with hammered copper tops meld this year's top design trends of metallic materials and artisan craftsman-like quality. Gold and silver metallic finishes—matte or shiny—have been in the spotlight for the past few seasons, due, in part, to the increased popularity of contemporary furniture. Chunky, tapered or U-shaped silver legs stylishly support sleek, leather sofas and trendy accent

Divine Design: Cramped kitchen gets lofty new look

Cal is an animation artist, director and teacher — and a first-time homeowner. Two years ago, he moved into his home, a 1920s semi-detached unit that was owned by an 80 year-old woman who hadn’t changed it much in her 60 years of occupancy. The ground floor was dated, dingy and full of cramped rooms, which was less than ideal for a 20-something guy who works from home and entertains a lot.BEFORE:

Finnish design stars in home art, accessories

With a third of its mass sitting above the cold confines of the Arctic Circle and a population of only five million, Finland would seem an unlikely wellspring of world-renowned product design. Yet some of the finest creative talent and most enduring examples of 20th century craftwork came from the tiny Northern European country. Names like Saarinen, Aalto, Wirkkala and Marimekko are synonymous

Furniture design trends: Well-worn finishes

Finish fashion continues to favor well-worn effects. Some of the markings are achieved in the finishing department, while others are earned naturally over time. What's new now? Powdery colors, reclaimed woods and lustrous gold touches. Striking gold As on fashion runways, gold will continue to add sparkle to home furnishings this year on upholstery, casegoods and occasional pieces. "Gold

Furniture Tips : Teak Care

In clean air untreated teak weathers to an attractive ash gray, but where most boats live, the assault of modern-day air pollutants quickly turns bare teak nearly black. Scrubbing tends to leave behind an unattractive mottled look, neither golden nor gray. Most boatowners eventually find themselves unhappy with either look and decide that