Brushed or Polished Gold? Which coffee table says you?

In order to complete the look in the living room, the coffee table are one of the few staple pieces that helps bring everything together. With such an important task, we have provided you with the perfect variety of coffee tables that would help accentuate the luxe home that you desire.

Top 4 Must-Have Decor Essentials

Ensure that you are prepared to wow your guest the moment they step in the house. Looking for the extra glam to spur your home? With our extensive collection of home decor, there will certainly be a piece for everyone to bring back home

Greek Inspired! Influencing Styles Throughout The Centuries

Greece has given us an abundance of gifts that are still renowned in the modern world, from theater to the mathematical crux of geometry. Its ancient civilization was such forwards thinkers that they developed ideas and philosophies that are being used till this day, such as the idea and model of the lighthouse or the societal idea of democracy itself!

So lets us take a look at some of the coolest things you've got to know about the Greeks and how they have influenced us here at Finn Avenue!

Architecture

Let's kick it off with a bang! Greek architecture and designs were the epitomai of what is known as “the classics”. Its influence on later style is clearly seen such as the columns linear patterns on neoclassical furniture like the King Louis XVI chair fluted legs and geometric silhouette. Or the use of the Acanthus Leaf pattern as a decorative motif that is used across the world in heavy Rococo/Baroque designs as well.

 

 

Greek Key Motif

Something that is always recognized as Greek are their geometric motifs. It is on their buildings, interiors and even artwork such as pottery!

 

Also called a meander which refers to the linear patterns that resemble the Menderes river that signifies infinity. Though plenty of other civilizations has been influenced one way or another to create similar pattern styles but it is the Greeks that use it abundantly. So much so that it influenced Europe to adapt it to their own interior and architectural style. Even modern-day interior style like Hollywood Regency has incorporated this distinct pattern in their designs.

 

Mythology

Many of you would have probably heard of the mighty heroes and the greek gods of Mount Olympus. Its iconic names are still being used today like the sportswear brand Nike which is the name of the goddess of Victory. These Greek names invoke such strong wonderment and familiarity that even some our decor were name after them! The Zeus and Leto collection showcase beautiful marble designs that is a frequent material use in Greece. 

  

We guess you can say with each style, it evolves and just gets better over time! So inject some beautiful Grecian details and design into your home and create your very own home of the gods! 

5 Places to hang your mirrors!

Mirrors do not have to be restricted to the bathroom or the bedroom! It is a great piece of furniture to add some light into any space and brighten the room! We are gonna rundown some great places to place your mirror in your home to help elevate your home!

Front door entry

Placing a mirror near the doorway is a perfect idea!

Full-Length mirrors are great for a quick twirl before heading out the door.

Or pair a mirror above a console table to touch up your hair! Placing a table below it is a great place to store your keys and knick-knacks and it creates a more cohesive image! Add some fresh flowers or your favorite scented candle to let yourself or your guest come in greeted with a wave of delight and their beautiful self.

 

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Dining room

Dining areas are not typically an ideal place to place a mirror as people can get distracted by it. But placing a mirror art like the Yves I Artsy Fretwork Wall Mirror Panel will help brighten the room but not make it too overwhelming. Or try a small mirrored tray at the center of the table and place some candles on top to create that ambient glow.

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Hallway

Usually, Hallways are dark as it does not have windows and such. But placing a mirror strategically to reflect light into the room will help inject some much-needed brightness!

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Work space 

If you have placed your vanity or study desk facing the wall, try placing a mirror on top to widen the space. It also helps give you some vision of the room, which helps add that sense of security.

 

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On top of a mantle

Most might not have a mantle, but for those who do! A mirror place on the top is a perfect place to widen the room! As mantles are usually very tall, placing a mirror on the top will give the illusion of space as well as reflect your social gatherings. And depending on your decor or if the mantle is on top of a fireplace. I will also add some significant warmth the home.

 

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These are such great tips (and excuses!) to go mirror shopping and start picking the right mirror for your home! 

Head on over to our showroom or website to view some beautiful mirrors and furniture!

#04-18, Lift Lobby 3,Apex@Henderson
201 Henderson Road, Singapore 159545

Mirrors, the luxury of the past.

Mirrors are essential to almost every urban household, it is a beautiful piece of accessory that is used throughout the world! But do you know when glass mirrors first came about it was considered a luxury that only the rich could afford at the time? And the introduction of the Venetians mirror made Venice the number one mirror manufacturer that no one could compete with for a while? Let us take a look at these luxury goods and how it has contributed to many of the royal estates in Europe.

 

 

The rise of Venice

Glass mirrors were already a thing in most parts of Europe though still something only the rich could afford. Especially mirrors with a bigger surface area as the process is made from small pieces of cut blown glass.
It was the pride and joy of the Venetian guildsman in the 15th century when they perfected the glass mirror with its unique ornate frames and meticulous process to create that everlasting sparkle. The Venetians mirrors were so beautiful and rare, it became the turning point of what a mirror is expected to be.

 

The council of 10

The secrets in creating these Venetians mirrors were so sought after, that the artisans on the island of Murano (the birthplace of Venetians mirrors) created a group called the “Council of 10” to closely safeguard its secrets and oversee the artisans well being to prevent its coveted secrets.
Paying the artist generous wages and accommodations, it is a bittersweet exchange for a lifetime of isolation on the island to make sure they won't break their solemn vow of confidentiality.
The popularity of these mirrors became is overwhelming, it became a hobby for the rich and high social classes in Europe to collect these masterpieces. As each piece is meticulously crafted, a Venetian mirror can cost as much as a naval ship!

These mirrors and Venice lace made them one of the leading exporters in Europe which lasted well over a century.
 

 

The secret is out

After close to 150 years of secrecy, in the 17th century, a minister manage to bribe a few Maruno masters to come over to France. Pretty quickly, the French honed the Venetians glassblowing technique and begin exploring and incorporating new ways to produce these mirrors such as using casting techniques. Immediately once this manufacturing process was developed, construction on the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versaille was commenced and it became one of the most iconic parts of the palace.

(Check out our previous blog post!)

This made France a direct competitor to Venice in the mirror manufacturing area. And with having their own line of mirror production, France does not have to pay 100,000 crowns (that is a lot!) yearly to Italy for mirror imports.

 

The Venetian mirror legacy

We guess one thing you can surely take from this little trip to the past is how the Venetians mirror brought about a new perspective for how we view thing. It is not only a functional piece of furniture but an artwork by itself. From palace to home, mirrors now play a huge role in bringing the illusion of space and light into the room while being glamorous and adorn as a statement piece.

A great journey from being a humble piece of vanity, to a show-stopping centerpiece. Mirrors are often underappreciated in today's society but let us all now “reflect” (Get it :) ?) on its history and respect its past supremacy as one of the most sought-after luxury goods.

Time to look at some beautifully designed mirrors with a fresher perspective!