Pantone announced recently its color of the year for 2018 – and it’s Ultra fun! The color, Ultra-Violet 18-3838, is another bold choice for Pantone©, following 2017’s “Greenery” choice. A modern purple with a strong blue base, it’s full of mystery and creative expression. An intriguing mix of warm reds and cool blues, it’s…
Pantone announced recently its color of the year for 2018 – and it’s Ultra fun! The color, Ultra-Violet 18-3838, is another bold choice for Pantone©, following 2017’s “Greenery” choice.
A modern purple with a strong blue base, it’s full of mystery and creative expression. An intriguing mix of warm reds and cool blues, it’s contradictory nature is intriguing. Purple hues have long been considered mystical, often loved by those who push the boundaries of originality.
It “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at the Pantone Color Institute. So, why Ultra Violet? With the state of our world, Pantone listed several reasons for their selection, including is ability to energize, refresh and heal, (think amethyst crystals), and inspire creativity and originality. “It’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” explained Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone.
So Ultra Violet in design? It’s not something we’ve seen much as we watch deliveries go out daily, although every now and then we’ll see a pop of this hue. It’s not likely that we’ll see it much in large doses in interiors, but you never know – wouldn’t a tufted sofa in a purple velvet make a statement? We do know that pops of it are fun and inspirational, whether it with an accent chair, rug, or accessories. Let the color pop against grey or neutral tones, or rock it out with other bold tones of red, blue, and yellow.
How do you Ultra Violet?
However it is used, be creative, or let a Smithe designer show you how to best introduce into your home!
What do you think of this color? Tell us in the comments!
You heard right – it’s not too late to order CUSTOM upholstery in time for Christmas! Hoping to have a new furniture by Christmas, but fear you’ve missed the deadline? Our Quick Ship Custom program has you covered. Choose from 42 frames which include a variety of sofas, loveseats, sectionals, and chairs. And, everything…
You heard right – it’s not too late to order CUSTOM upholstery in time for Christmas!
Hoping to have a new furniture by Christmas, but fear you’ve missed the deadline? Our Quick Ship Custom program has you covered. Choose from 42 frames which include a variety of sofas, loveseats, sectionals, and chairs. And, everything is bench made in the USA! To top it off, delivery is right around 2 weeks. How much more fun will your holiday party be with brand new furniture to show off!?
The styles range from clean and casual to Mid-Century Modern. We’ve got 20 gorgeous fabrics to choose from, and some frames even let you select the cushion core that fits your lounging and entertaining preferences.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can have in your living room in just 2 weeks from ordering:
This clean mid-century modern frame is stylish and comfortable
Michael. Solid, stable, strong, but light on his feet and quick with an invitation to relax; Michael is our kind of guy. The long, uninterrupted seat creates an expansive look while the tufted back adds a little dash of eye candy. The Michael is available as a sofa, apartment sofa, or chair.
The Lily Sofa is clean and fresh, a great scale for any family room
Lily. Our modern interpretation of a 1960s vintage inspiration: timelessly cool, artfully tailored and delightfully detailed. An original take on a classic contemporary theme, the Lily is available in a sofa, loveseat and chair.
With its deep seating and plush cushions, you’ll just melt into the Grace.
Grace. Grace is an unbelievably comfortable piece, the kind you sit “in” rather than “on.” And if you really want to feel like your resting on a cloud, you simply must check out the Feather & Down cushion options. Grace is available as a sofa, chair and a half, and a sectional.
A little retro, a little rock and roll – the James Collection has it all.
James. The James is known for its signature tufted back and seat cushions, clean track arms, and tapered legs. So easy, yet so sophisticated, is sure to be the life of the room. The James is available as a sofa, apartment sofa, chair, and sectional.
So, what are you waiting for? Check these frames out here, or head into your local Walter E. Smithe location for all frame and fabric options. Order today and enjoy by Christmas!
Benjamin Moore announced its color of the year, and boy, is it RED HOT. Caliente to be exact! Quite the contrast from last year’s rich purple hue Shadow, and the understated Simply White from the year before. Caliente is bold and seductive, radiant, and full of energy. Caliente (AF-290 for those of you pulling out your paint deck) is…
Caliente AF-290 from Benjamin Moore – 2018 Color of the Year
Benjamin Moore announced its color of the year, and boy, is it RED HOT. Caliente to be exact! Quite the contrast from last year’s rich purple hue Shadow, and the understated Simply White from the year before. Caliente is bold and seductive, radiant, and full of energy. Caliente (AF-290 for those of you pulling out your paint deck) is a bold yet warm tone of red, strong and reassuring.
Our Summit Dining collection is warm and welcoming accented by Caliente tones
Based on color theory, red is known to be an emotional and stimulating color. People automatically associate red with love or hate, but it can also trigger other emotions such as passion, hunger, desire, and happiness. Red has been shown to increase enthusiasm, stimulate energy, increase heart rate, and boost confidence. Red signifies change and strength, a reason Benjamin Moore gave for selecting this stunning hue.
A pop of Caliente spices up any room!
So, how can you spice up your home with Caliente? Look no further than the front door to make your entrance the boldest on the block. Take it inside and pair it with trendy golds to get a glam, sexy look. Or, tone it down with subtle grays or neutrals to bring out its warm undertone. Spice up your kitchen or eating area with a splash of Caliente, whether it be on an accent wall, or simply bringing in some of the hue with table linens and accessories.
Timid about jumping in fully to this bold color? Start off with some red accessories – pillows, throws, tabletop items, and art. See what it triggers for you in your space.
Roll out the red carpet…or area rug in our case…2018 is going to be Caliente!
How will you use Caliente in your home?
“ Hot, passionate, and sexy, this is one of our most beloved reds. With a hint of orange, caliente has lots of personality and is the perfect hue for you if you are drawn to the warmer tones of red.” – Benjamin Moore
Written By: Caitie Smithe Your favorite chair needs a teeny table to rest your martini on…or whatever your favorite drink may be! Wonderfully petite in size, we just can’t have enough martini tables in our life. Smaller than your standard end table, they tuck into small spaces and provide just enough tabletop space – a…
Written By: Caitie Smithe
Your favorite chair needs a teeny table to rest your martini on…or whatever your favorite drink may be! Wonderfully petite in size, we just can’t have enough martini tables in our life. Smaller than your standard end table, they tuck into small spaces and provide just enough tabletop space – a small-yet-mighty addition.
The “Spot On” Martini table is a fun brassy accent that can be easily tucked in.
Don’t be afraid to go with a bold martini table- their small size allows for a great opportunity to get away with using an unexpected finish or material like rose gold, acrylic, or petrified wood – the possibilities are endless. Like the perfect jewelry, they can add just the right touch of personality to any space. Tuck one between two chairs as well for an intimate conversation over cocktails.
Available in many designs and sizes, these accents are very on-trend.
Check out a few of many martini tables that we adore, along with Walt’s martini recipe – a Smithe family favorite! Which one is your new favorite?
Luxe Martini Table
Lumiere Accent Table
Opal Martini Table
Metal Tray Chairside Table
Jet Set Martini Table
Walt’s Martini
Add a tiny bit of dry vermouth in the bottom of a glass, and swirl it around to coat the inside of the glass.
Shake the glass hard into the sink to get most of the vermouth out.
Fill with ice and your favorite gin or vodka. Add blue cheese or jalapeno olives. Cheers!
Jet Set Martini Table adds a little bling to your favorite corner nook
Caitie Smithe is a designer and stylist, working out of our Oak Brook showroom. In addition to working with clients, she partners with our merchandising team to scout industry trends and influence how those are represented across our product offering.
A living room is an integral part of your home in which you spend time with your family and friends so it needs to be decorated perfectly. Following are some wonderful living room ideas that will help you achieve your ideal living room: Color Scheme and Theme It is very important to pick a theme…
A living room is an integral part of your home in which you spend time with your family and friends so it needs to be decorated perfectly. Following are some wonderful living room ideas that will help you achieve your ideal living room:
It is very important to pick a theme when decorating your living room. It also helps in picking out new furniture so that you may achieve your desired results. You can also change the color of your walls to match your theme and preferences.
Make a list of all the things that you need in your living room like a couch and a coffee table. You can purchase one long couch and a smaller on and then place them perpendicular to each other. Coffee table can be used as a center piece of your living room. You can put all your necessities on like magazines and books.
You should measure and confirm the actual length and width of your living room before purchasing furniture. Decide where you want to place each piece of furniture and take measurements of that particular area. If you are planning to buy a bookcase then you need to take the measurement of the ceiling as well.
Do not overcrowd your living room. There is no need to fill up the whole space with lots of furniture as it will make the room look awkward. Invest your money on less but high-quality pieces that will make your room look better.
Once you have purchased the essentials now is the time to add an extra flavor to your dining room with the help some smaller but useful decorative items. Search for the best artwork for the walls and decorate your mantelpiece with candles, figurines, and photo frames. You can also purchase an extra lamp to provide additional lighting.
Display artwork on the walls to enhance the outlook of your living room. You need to hang the artwork at the right height to look perfect. The height for hanging artwork in galleries and museums is such that the center of each piece is 57 inches to 60 inches from the floor. You should bear this in mind that the average human eye level is 57 inches so you should hang your artwork at the same height.
Any living room is incomplete without a proper focal point. You can choose your favorite mantel or art piece as a focal point. Focal point plays a lead role in making the room look beautiful. It is a main center of attention. Make your focal point more prominent with the help of secondary items. Fireplace and lightening collectively are a very ideal focal point for the living room.
Do not forcefully try to fit a piece in your dining room just because someone special gave it you. Display your best collectibles that suit the theme of your dining room and fit in perfectly.
Dining Room Decor A dining room is a place reserved for hosting and gatherings so it should be given a lot of attention when you are planning to renovate your home. Following are some dining room décor ideas: Dining Table Choose a dining room tables that fits perfectly in your dining room. If your family…
Dining Room Decor
A dining room is a place reserved for hosting and gatherings so it should be given a lot of attention when you are planning to renovate your home. Following are some dining room décor ideas:
Choose a dining room tables that fits perfectly in your dining room. If your family is small then you should opt for the extendable dining room table so that you may increase the capacity of the table when required. When choosing a dining table do not go for the conventional style tables instead opt for white or light oak table that can bounce back light inside the room and give a refreshing new feeling. Most people choose oval or sometimes rectangular tables but you should not go for them instead you should choose round dining tables with a round shape that have the capacity to seat many guests. The most durable dining tables are available at smithe.com.
Dining room lighting needs to be perfect if you want your dining room to look wonderful. Choose dinner party lighting as they give a festive touch to the dining room. You can put modern/antique chandeliers and wall light fixtures on dimmers to make a soft pleasant glow. You can then let the candle lights or table lights to close down the height of the room, make the space peaceful and the table a center of attention. Table centerpieces like traditional flower display, wild flowers in jam jars and pumpkins are also a good option to make the table center of attention. Don’t forget to update the upholstery on the chairs in a certain pattern that picks colors up from the window treatments, napkin rings, and the wall art. You should select a vivid or bold pattern to seek the attention of the onlookers.
You should keep the colors and patterns consistent throughout the dining room. Avoid using many different colors in one space instead you should try to keep things consistent and interconnected. If you are interested in wall art then handle all the framed images with light colored mounts. When painting the dining room choose the colors that do not draw the attention away from the dining table. Ensure that all the wall lights or window treatments you have should let the natural daylight come which you can use throughout the day. Choose a color that goes well with the dining room in both daytime and nighttime. It is often seen that a color that is convenient at night can become inconvenient in daylight.
The dining room is a place of feasting and hence it is all about food so make the food focus of the room by putting a beverages fridge and console table to display the dishes. Always put some fruits in a basket and place them on a dining table as they give a good look to the table.
You can opt for white dining as it can give you the variety that makes breakfast comfortable and evenings dramatic. Pair a simple dining table with some vintage dining chairs, mismatched antiques like serving bowls or cutlery with modern plates always looks eye catching.
Opt for a wall treatment that tends to bring texture to the dining room. The wall treatment may include faux painting, bead board or hanging fabric as a background to the wall art.
It’s always good to hire a professional interior designer to decorate or renovate your home. Following are the benefits of hiring a professional interior designer: They are Skillful Professional interior designers actually know the art of decorating home. They have the know-how of what is good for your home. All you need to do is…
It’s always good to hire a professional interior designer to decorate or renovate your home. Following are the benefits of hiring a professional interior designer:
Professional interior designers actually know the art of decorating home. They have the know-how of what is good for your home. All you need to do is tell them what you want and they will achieve it. Interior designers are less likely to make a mistake than you due to their expertise which is why you should hire them.
Many valuable resources that are available to interior designers are not available to the public. They can improve the outlook of your home by using these valuable resources.
If you have certain ideas in your mind that will make your home look good but have no clue how to implement it then you should contact the interior designer for help. The interior designer will come up with your expectations by turning your ideas into reality.
It takes a lot of time to gather items for your home as you have to consider price and quality. It also takes a lot of effort to utilize those items to the best in order to make your home look wonderful. Interior designer knows which items are required and from where to fetch the best items.
Yes, the interior designer can save you some money. If you hire an interior designer to decorate your home instead of decorating it yourself then there would be fewer chances of costly mistakes. Interior designers can also save you some money by increasing the value of your home by decorating it perfectly.
It is very stressful to decorate tour home in a hectic routine. So you should free yourself from the stress by hiring an interior designer. An interior designer will do all the work for you with little to no guidance to make your home look wonderful.
Most of the people have no clue on which color will suit their home and they usually prefer light colors that are commonly used for the interior. The interior designer knows what colors will look good on your home. They can play with colors to give a fresh new look to your home.
Interior designers know which type furniture will suit the rooms in your home. They also have a knowhow of from where to buy the most durable furniture at a reasonable price so they will help you purchase the best furniture for your home.
Interior designers are detail oriented professionals. They take care of small details that we often overlook. They can make some wonderful additions to your home that you haven’t even thought of.
You can find the best interior designers on smithe.com.
Did you read the cover story Sunday in Chicago Sun-Times: Splash about our partnership with Jeff Lewis? Check out the article here.
Did you read the cover story Sunday in Chicago Sun-Times: Splash about our partnership with Jeff Lewis?
Check out the article here.
Chicagoings included the Jeff Lewis happy hour in this week’s newsletter! Jeff Lewis’ new curated collection at Walter E. Smithe is everywhere, and no surprise–this is a beautiful set of furniture and accessories! If you have not seen this amazing collection — come visit the Jeff Lewis Page on the Smithe.com site!
Chicagoings included the Jeff Lewis happy hour in this week’s newsletter! Jeff Lewis’ new curated collection at Walter E. Smithe is everywhere, and no surprise–this is a beautiful set of furniture and accessories!
If you have not seen this amazing collection — come visit the Jeff Lewis Page on the Smithe.com site!
I absolutely love all aspects of design. Whether designing a modern, contemporary or traditional space, my philosophy is to provide comfortable, livable rooms, with a sophisticated edge. My love for fashion, color and design brought me to Walter E. Smithe – add in my passion for creativity and you get one inspired designer! With access…
I absolutely love all aspects of design. Whether designing a modern, contemporary or traditional space, my philosophy is to provide comfortable, livable rooms, with a sophisticated edge. My love for fashion, color and design brought me to Walter E. Smithe – add in my passion for creativity and you get one inspired designer! With access to over 250 manufacturers, I can find the perfect pieces that reflect your personality and inspire you.
Check out some of Cindi’s Designs!
Contact Cindi today! [email protected]