What is Wool?

To put it simply, wool is the soft hair that grows on a goat, sheep or another similar animal. This ‘fur’ can be curly or wavy in nature and is woven together to create various textiles including fabric for clothing or upholstery for furniture. Wool is extremely versatile and it can also be used for other textiles such as throw rugs or carpeting.

Wool is an ideal material because it is extremely durable. It can be used and abused for years without fear of any damage. Though to be fair, just as with any material, it does eventually break down; though wool does have a longer lifespan than most traditional fabrics, carpeting and furniture upholsteries.

Finally, wool can readily absorb a number of different dyes. This makes it extremely easy to color to match different home decor looks or fashion trends.

How Can I Incorporate Wool Into My Home Decor?

As mentioned earlier, wool can be used for a plethora of household needs, not including fashion. Wool throw blankets can be great for tossing over the back of a sofa. Wool upholstery can be great for furniture that gets a lot of wear and tear and wool throw rugs or carpeting can also be great for families that give their flooring a lot of wear and tear.

You can also find or create your own throw pillows, wool covered frames for your wall decor to add visual texture or even wool covered vases or other home accessories which again, add plenty of visual texture to your existing home decor.

How Do I Properly Clean and Maintain My Wool Fabric or Upholstery?

With furniture, always start by vacuuming regularly to remove crumbs and other debris. For throw pillows and other home accessories, you can also use a vacuum with an attachment to help remove stray hairs, pet hairs and dust. Regular maintenance is key for ensuring that your wool lasts for many years.

Next, consult the manufacturer’s tags for exact instructions on how to properly clean the wool. In many instances, you will need to have your wool upholstered furniture or other wool item professionally cleaned. This could possibly mean hiring a professional upholstery cleaner or bringing in your blanket, pillow or other item into a dry cleaners for a professional cleaning. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Now that you know all about wool decor, take a look at our wonderful selection of home accessories to complement your space!

Blending Bold and Neutrals

One of the biggest home decor trends this year is the blending of bold hues with subtle neutrals. A particularly hot color combination is the use of a warm beige tone blended with the Pantone Color of the Year, Tango Tangerine (though any preferred tangerine hue will work). You can include these colors in everything from your wall art to table decor.

Jewel tones, including rich purples, sapphire blues and marvelous rub reds, are also perfect for this particular color trend. Jewel tones are, in and of themselves, a 2012 trendy color palette, so blending them with a neutral mixes two different home decor trends together for a truly stylish and up-to-date look.

Monochromatic Color Schemes

Monochromatic color schemes, in which a single color in a number of different shade variations is used, are a great way to go bold. They’re unexpected, especially if you opt for a non-neutral hue. Popular colors that work well with monochromatic color schemes include blues, reds, purples and oranges. Other hues to consider include turquoise blue, tangerine, orchid purple and poppy red, which are particularly popular hues for 2012. Occasionally, under the right conditions (and often with the help of a home decor professional), colors such as yellow can work.

Not ready to be so bold? Consider creating a monochromatic color scheme using variations of white and ivory, gray or beige. Green is also a great choice, as it comes in a plethora of choices from earthy green to lime green, making it easy to find the right hue for your home decor.

The Black Accent Wall

Black is a neutral, so in theory, you could add this particular hue to just about any space successfully. With this in mind, consider adding a black wall to your decor to make a big splash. You don’t necessarily have to use solid black paint, either. For example, consider wallpaper that features black and dark charcoal gray stripes, which softens the look while still creating a dramatic backdrop for your furniture and other home accessories.

Go Bold, or Go Home

Going “bold” isn’t necessarily all about color. It’s about taking new chances with your home decor. Perhaps it means including a funky new piece of furniture or changing out your wall paint in favor of new wallpaper. It could mean changing your home decor style from traditional to eclectic and so on and so forth. ‘Bold’ is a perception, so always keep that in mind. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Can’t get enough bold decor? Then check out our large selection of wall art to help enhance the look of your space!

Typically made from oak, wood, maple or cherry, wood flooring is durable, recyclable, renewable and looks so elegant and chic. If you love wood, you could even go a step further and find home decor pieces that incorporate wood, such as light fixtures, furniture or even wallpaper. Be creative and have fun when it comes to your flooring options.

The envy of most design bloggers, herringbone wood floors are beyond gorgeous. This type of flooring is more commonly found in European apartments; so if you’re stateside, you’ll have to have them professionally installed. It would be worth the effort, since herringbone wood floors also come off as being causally elegant.

If you’re feeling really bold and adventurous, why not paint your wood floors? This color combination of teal, red-orange and pink, along with the interesting furnitures, is perfect for any kid’s (or playful adult’s) room.

Wood flooring in the bathroom is a gamble, since it’s more likely to warp when wet. You’ll need to be especially diligent about keeping it dry. But, with proper treatment and a few area rugs, your wood-floored bathroom could be as chic as the one above.

This impossibly chic living room is made even more so when coupled with painted white floors. It also has this lovely mix of antique and mid-century modern furniture; the antique velvet Louis XIV chair, the vintage gilded picture frames with wall art and antique silver candlesticks look modern and fresh, thanks to to a pair of bright white Barcelona Leather Chairs.

Now, if you don’t have wood flooring, but want the look, you can always do a faux-bois treatment. French for ‘false wood,’ faux-bois is extremely popular these days. This black-and-white, hand-painted treatment takes the look from natural and elegant to fun and graphic.

This rustic dining room is pitch perfect with its mix of antique furniture and industrial pieces. The maple wood plank floors have been left totally naked. Coupled with reclaimed chairs, the wood table and DIY pendant lights, this homey dining room is a perfect example that you don’t actually need to treat or paint your wooden floors for them to be stylish.

Famed decorator Miles Redd once said, “If you want the look, paint it.” While it’s definitely true for floors, if your home has been blessed with beautiful flooring, no need to break out the paint or stains. Sometimes it is nice to let the natural beauty of wood flooring stand on its own. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Whether you’re going for a modern or rustic look, wood floors bring that organic touch to any interior space! Discover stylish home accessories and decor that will complement your wooden flooring!

Coffee Tables

Rectangular coffee tables are extremely traditional, but in the 2000s they were given chunky lines for an updated look that was more modern and stylish. Unfortunately, the rectangular shape is out and round is in (but not for all of your furniture, just for your tables!)

When shopping for a new round coffee table, you’ll find that there are actually a wide number of options out there. The global look is extremely hot right now, especially with furniture, so don’t be surprised to see round coffee tables with ornate carved legs or tops. Of course, there are also clean lined, modern looking round coffee tables too. Keep your eyes open for the right round coffee table to compliment the home decor of your living room.

Round Dining Tables

There is no piece of furniture as important in the dining room as the dining table. Round dining tables can be a bit tricky, however. If you’ve got a large family, then an average 4 person round dining table might not work for your space. Furthermore, even if you happen across the right 8 person round dining table, would it fit in your existing space?

Be sure to measure your dining room area and find a table that fits not only your needs, but also your lifestyle. Unlike the coffee table, round dining tables don’t work in every situation, as there are a number of factors to consider, not just your existing home decor or table decor but also the size of your dining room and the average number of people using your dining table.

Round Accent Tables, Side Tables and Night Stands

Though it may seem like round side tables, night stands and accent tables would be trendy, they’re not nearly as trendy as the round coffee table or the round dining table. These furniture pieces are few and far between, so if you’re interested in a round side table, accent table or night stand, then keep your eyes peeled. Square and rectangular versions are still very trendy right now.

That being said, there are small side tables and accent tables made from plastics and ceramics that are growing in popularity. For these looks, be sure to check out online retailers, who are the most likely to have one of these furniture items on hand. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Now that you’re ready to take on the round table trend, grab from one of our large array of oval mirrors to amplify your interior style!

The family tree is the perfect way to add a healthy dose of personalization to your home. People all over America are looking to return to their roots, and this means getting back in touch with their families.

If you’re looking for an easy solution to recreate this look, check out online retailers for wall decals. Wall decals are easy to apply. Once you’ve found the right wall decal, you can take one of two routes. First, you can complete this wall decor using customized wall decals with the names of your family members. If you’re looking to go even more personal, then you can attach framed photographs of each family member to the family tree. You could even mix and match for a custom look if desired.

Those who are a bit more creative may want to look at other options. In general, this type of wall decor is relatively inexpensive; though depending on what look you are going for, it can get a bit pricey. With that in mind, why not create your own wall art using colorful scrapbook paper? You could easily cut out circles or squares and add photos of the family to create a modern, whimsical and artsy look.

Another option includes creating your family tree entirely out of just the names of your family members. This creates a clean but personalized look. Depending on your budget, you may want to invest in shelves to display photographs of the different people in your family tree. Don’t be afraid to mix and match frames, or if possible, have your family members pick out a frame that best represents their personality for a truly custom look for your family tree wall art.

Just remember, if you’re planning to sell in the very near future, you may not want to put the time or effort into putting up this type of wall decor. While it is a fantastic and trendy idea, it is a personalized look that your realtor will likely ask you to remove. If you’re not selling, then don’t be afraid to go all out for this trendy wall decor look. After all, no one can mimic your family true. It is yours and yours alone! Images 1| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Did you enjoy our post? Check out more lovely wall art and home accessories today!

Shades of Green

When looking for the right tone of green, there are two ways you can go that are particularly trendy in the home decor world. First, jewel tones have been popular in the past few months and will likely continue to be popular throughout the rest of 2012. With that in mind, emerald green and citrine green are both perfect hues that compliment the gray and green color scheme.

On the other hand, you can stray away from jewel tones toward more refreshing tones of green for your home decor. This includes mossy greens, grass greens, forest and foliage greens and so forth.

Shades of Gray

With gray, you can’t go wrong. Gray is the new neutral to hit the scene, so the home decor world is currently overwhelmed with a wide array of colors that are being deemed as ‘trendy.’ Shades of gray to consider include charcoal, slate, soft light gray, brown gray or blue gray. You will find that gray can also have warm or cool undertones, so take your chosen shade of green into consideration and mix and match with grays until you find the right hue to compliment the look.

With this color scheme, don’t be afraid to add in a third color to the mix to help keep things lively. White is a great choice, though a brown, yellow or blue can also compliment this color scheme.

Home Accessories and Decor

Apothecary jars are continuing to be popular through 2012. For this particular color scheme, opt for clear jars or jars that feature a blue or green tint. Apothecary jars come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one to compliment your scheme. Plus, apothecary jars make great table decor and you can fill them with other objects to create additional visual interest in the space.

Other table decor ideas include matte ceramics, which are also very trendy this year. White and yellows, greens and blues are all great choices; as well as hammered metal bowls, wood bowls and so forth.

For wall art, things could be a bit more tricky. However, whenever you’re choosing wall art, you should opt for pieces that compliment your space but also pieces that you enjoy looking at. If you don’t love your wall art, don’t put it up. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

What are your favorite colors of gray and green and how can you integrate them into your home for a trendy upgrade? Just stroll through the great home decor and accessories collection at Arcadian Home and get stunning ideas!

Stripes: What to Look For in Home Decor

The size and coloring of stripes can actually vary greatly. While there is no “right” and “wrong” when it comes to stripes, there are a few trends. For example, currently stripes that reflect a nautical inspired influence are extremely popular, as home decor trends in 2012 are focusing a lot of beach, coastal and nautical inspired looks.

Another popular look for stripes is the collegiate striped look, which are similar to the striped polo shirts you might see at any popular mall-based teen clothing store. (Remember, interior design and home decor trends tend to trickle down from the fashion runways).

Though these are two popular, trendy options, they’re not the only options out there. Look for wide colorful stripes that are broken up with thinner white stripes, or chunky stripes in white and another color. Don’t be afraid to opt for trendy hues, such as turquoise or tangerine, which are very hot for 2012, especially in home decor.

Other trendy hues that will make a splash as stripes in everything home decor and table decor include citrine yellows, soft grays and nautical navy blues.

How to Use Stripes in the Home

As expected, there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to use stripes in your home. You can use stripes on your ceiling (which is very trendy right now) or stripes on your floors or your walls. If you’re not interested in painting or investing in a rug, then consider adding stripes through a few fluffy throw pillows on your sofa.

Other home accessories that look great in stripes include bedding, furniture upholstery and table decor such as vases or charger plates.

Remember, stripes come in a variety of widths and colors. Don’t be afraid to find stripes that you’re most drawn to, stripes that compliment your existing home decor. Stripes are a timeless look and you don’t have to have the trendiest of the trendiest when it comes to this home decor look. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Can’t get enough stripes? Why not pair your striped decor with one of our oval mirrors for a stylish contrast?!

Fuchsia and Sky Blue

You may see a number of rooms popping up in your favorite home decor magazines that feature fuchsia and sky blue combinations. These two tones are surprisingly complimentary, as the rich tones of fuchsia tends to compliment the clean tones of the sky blue for a stylish look. Consider using blue as your main hue and complimenting the space with a few home accessories such as throw pillows or accent chairs in your chosen shade of fuchsia for a stylish home decor look.

Gray and Green

Gray and green color palettes are popping all over the place. Since gray is the new neutral, it makes the perfect modern backdrop for a warm, earthy green hue. Plus, you can blend this color palette with other hues, such as white or black, for a truly updated look. For this look, consider this: gray walls are complimented by a black chandelier, white or ivory furnitures and green home accessories: curtains, throw pillows and perhaps a throw rug.

Yellow and Plum

Another surprising combination, yellow and plum purple is making a subtle emergence into the home decor world. This combination is bold and daring, certainly not for the faint of heart. However, an elegant velvet tufted sofa set against a crisp yellow wall: perfect for the trendy eclectic home decor lovers of today.

Turquoise Everything

Finally, another hot hue seeing a huge resurgence in popularity is turquoise blue. Varying shades of turquoise have always been hot in furniture and wall art, but 2012 has already seen a number of spaces with this vibrant hue. Plus, turquoise is a color that will blend with a number of other hues, including the trendy Pantone Color of the Year: Tango Tangerine.

Considering pairing turquoise with vibrant red, crisp white or sunny yellow for a warm, updated look for your home decor.

These are just a few of the many different color combinations that are growing in popularity for 2012. When decorating your space, color is the easiest way to add a touch of trendy so keep this in mind when looking to redecorate or remodel your space. Remember, color can be changed on a whim: fresh paint, new throw pillows and viola, a whole new space. Color is everything when it comes to home decor and interior design. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

What do you think of these color combinations? Experiment with different pieces from our home decor and accessories collection and create the perfect interior design for you!

Colors for Moroccan Inspired Home Decor

Jewel tones are key with Moroccan inspired home decor. Look for hues such as ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green and so forth. Of course, these aren’t the only colors you should be looking for when you’re on the hunt for colorful Moroccan inspired home accessories and decor.

Other colors that compliment this home decor style include beautiful turquoise blues, clean whites, linen ivories, rich mahogany browns, beautiful and elegant gold tones, lime green hues, and rich bold red hues.

Moroccan Home Decor: What to Look For

When picking and choosing furniture that features a Moroccan inspired flair, it’s not necessarily all about the pattern or color. With furniture, you’ll want to choose pieces that are inviting. The hot weather of Morocco means that a good deal of time is spent inside, so it’s no surprise that they want their interior spaces to be warm, comfortable and stylish.

Low set furniture such as tables and sofas are a great example, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be entirely contemporary in style. With furniture, no matter what height you should settle on, you’ll want ornately decorated pieces. Look for elegant and wood carvings, rich toned upholstery and so forth.

Fabric is important, from furniture upholstery to curtains, throw pillows and everything in between. Look for elegant but vibrant hues as well as fabrics that feature a sheen. With Moroccan home decor, matte finishes aren’t as trendy. For curtains, consider combining sheers with heavy drapery for an elegant, luxurious look.

When looking at home accessories, attention to detail is key. Moroccan inspired decor is all about the intricate details. Look for bright and colorful pieces that compliment your existing home decor, or for pieces that compliment the look you are going for.

This concept should apply to everything you choose, not just furniture and home accessories. You should also pay attention to the details of your light fixtures as well. Look for light fixtures, including lamps, chandeliers and even wall sconces, that feature beautiful colors or intricate cut-out details. Lantern shapes are also incredibly stylish for Moroccan inspired spaces.

Finally, no Moroccan-inspired home decor is complete without a few natural finishing touches. Remember, this style actually involves a lot of bringing the outside tropical world inside. So, be sure to include a few plants in your space. Opt for brilliant, brightly colored pots for your lush greenery to complete the look. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Warm up your interior with rich Morrocan-inspired colors and plush home decor today!