Trend Alert: Live Edge Wood

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Over the past few months, we've worked on several different home renovations. Mid-century modern, modern traditional, eclectic, they've all had their own style. But one thing we've noticed in common is live edge wood. We've spotted benches, dining tables, and shelves, as well as end tables. Live edge pieces are incredibly versatile elements of a design, mixing utility and artistry; they can work just as well as statement pieces or as more subdued components of a more cohesive style.  

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Normal timber is surfaced on all four sides – the wider top and bottom surfaces, as well as shorter side surfaces. Live edge wood skips a step. Depending on the effect the furniture maker wants to get, only one or two of the surfaces are planed. The remaining surfaces are left in their raw, “live” state, with minimal sanding and light finishes added. 

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Live edge retains more of the character of the original wood. Bark from the tree, knots, irregular grain patterns, holes bored by insects or man-made materials, damage and re-growth from floods or fires, what others might consider “imperfections,” are put on full display. When incorporated into a piece of furniture, it transforms the natural characteristics of the wood into a work of art.

We’ve seen live edge pieces pop up in projects with a variety of aesthetics. The most obvious is rustic farmhouse, a style that already has an ample use of wood and wood products. We’ve also seen live edge featured in industrial and ultramodern homes and renovations. With the number of woods available – cedar, pine, oak, cypress, and more – as well as the availability of finishes, live edge pieces could potentially work in a full range of styles. 

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Industry Ed with Richard: Cabinet Lighting

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I wanted to take a moment to talk about cabinet lighting. It’s a trending technology in the interior design industry and is becoming increasingly common in requests I get from clients. Obviously, lighting cabinets makes it easier to find things in the cabinets, drawers, etc., but new inset LED lighting also takes away the need to do a light baffle. This creates a cleaner look for the client.

Interior lighting (as opposed to exterior lighting) can be broken down into three main types: task lighting, functional lighting, and accent lighting. Knowing about the different types of lighting can help you and your client make an informed decision about installation in and around their cabinets.

1) task lighting

• illuminates an area where a task is performed.
• could be the lighting under cabinets that runs over a food prep area or near a sink
• allows someone to see what they are doing when they are doing it

2)  functional lighting 

• allows someone to move freely through a space
• this could be lighting on the ceiling that generally illuminates a room
• this could also be lighting along the floor that shows furniture or changes in flooring type
• most used lighting in a home

3)  accent lighting

• lighting that isn’t functional or task lighting
• could be used to show off a piece of artwork or furniture, or in libraries to accent books
• adds drama to a space or sets a mood

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In-cabinet lighting has a wide range of uses in many different areas of the home. Of course, the kitchen is the most popular area for cabinet lighting – partially because the most cabinet space is in that area – but there are also applications in the living and dining room areas, bedrooms and bathrooms. Wood-Mode Cabinetry has some great videos on incorporating cabinet lighting in wet bars, bathrooms, and bedrooms. I myself like to incorporate them in bedroom closets, where lighting along shelves or racks makes it easier for clients to find their clothes or shoes necessary for the day.

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When thinking about incorporating cabinet lighting into a project, you need to consider shadows and light reflections. Shiny cabinets or busy backsplashes can reflect a lot of light, which can detract from the overall look of the space. Also, a person standing or moving in certain areas can create shadows across workspaces. You want to get an even coverage across an entire area. Always place lighting to avoid shadows and reduce reflections. Choosing wall-washing or wall-grazing angles for your clients’ projects can help eliminate some shadows and reflections.

You also need to consider the intensity of the light. Most designers are careful to avoid lights that are too bright or too cool. Overall, we, as humans, tend to prefer warmer light. LED lights have progressed far beyond light bulbs and allow for a full range of light intensities. The warmth or coolness of the lights will depend on the cabinets used in the project, as well as the surrounding areas.

Cabinet lighting has been around for a while in a different form, but strides in technology have made them much less expensive and more eco-friendly than they used to be. With companies like Wood-Mode building them into the cabinets, they are even becoming easier to install. Lots of trends come and go, but I envision that cabinet lighting is one that is here to stay.

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The Season for Front Porches

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The front porch is easily the most important aspect of your home's appearance and the impression it has on the onlooker. At Ourso Designs, being natives of the south, we LOVE our front porches! There are just a few elements that make up a great front porch.

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1. Lighting

Like every interior space, exterior spaces also need a layer of lighting. General lighting is important; after all, you want to be able to see on the porch. Next, a couple sconces or a center lantern are great for accenting. Finally, task lighting is essential for highlighting important areas of the landscape, like plant arrangements, trees, or lawn fixtures.

2. Seating

The secondary purpose of the front porch (aside from it's utility purpose to provide shelter) is to be inviting. Seating affirms that inviting impression. Another advantage is it gives you (and any guests) an opportunity to relax in an area of your home that lends a different view.

3. Plants

Also like most interior spaces, exterior spaces benefit from the addition of plants. Potted plants can act much like accessories. Like layering fabrics and patterns, its important to have plants of different shapes, sizes and textures on your porch.This will create a pleasing overall aesthetic.

4. Color

Finally, color! Many add a pop of color by painting the front door an eye-catching color. Not a fan? That's okay! There are other ways to incorporate color: in your plants' pots, the plants themselves, and seating and seating accessories (pillows/cushions), just to start. Another option is to incorporate an outdoor rug. "Color" doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be bright; producing contrast among existing materials is just as effective as having a bright red door. 

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