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!

   

   

 

7 key elements to get that Parisian home

Paris apartments are always an envy to many, with its effortless look that is timeless yet chic. It is on every Pinterest and inspirational boards for its unique and sophisticated style that is so appealing to many people. So here are 7 key elements to help you achieve that aesthetic. 

 1. Serene Colors

Usually, apartments tend to be a little dark especially if you do not live on the top floor. That is why many choose to opt for neutral colors to give your space much needed light. It makes the place looks brighter and calming. Usually, a splash of color here and there is all that is needed, like a navy blue throw over for your sofa or a colored accent chair to give more depth.

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2.Antiques

France is filled with so much history, from its royals to the arts, to even furniture. Mixing the old and new is such a great way to pay homage to the beautiful style of the past and giving your home a more sophisticated look. Like an antique mirror or a chair, let time age it slowly to give that old world charm.

3. Velvet

Velvet's is an easy fabric option to turn any space into a luxurious setting. Its traits exude the Parisian lifestyle of effortless luxe. Soft to the touch and inviting, it is a great fabric choice to create some depth into a home. Try it on some statement pieces like a velvet sofa would create a centerpiece to your home, or an accent chair to give some color to the room.

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4.Crystals

Adding a sense of magic to the room. Crystals are a great way to give some sophistication to your home. Adding some tall candle holders or a chandelier is the perfect way to snazz up the place.

 

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5. A touch of Baroque

Now that we mention the importance of having antiques back at NO.2, it would be even better if the antiques have some baroque influence in them. What is baroque you ask? It is a style that started in the Italian renaissance that was adopted by the French and reinterpreted into their own taste. It is a beautiful style with heavy ornate work and designs that would give your home a taste of French royalty. Try it out with small decors like trays and lamps to start!

 

6. Gold Metallic 

Gold is such a luxurious metal that is one of the key pillars of a Parisian home, it adds some color and a metallic quality to the place. Get pieces of furniture with gold accents like at the leg or detailing of the sofa, or an accent table lamp with some gold trimming to give that pop of contrast. With french white walls, the aristocrat metal really makes a striking difference when decorating your home.

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7. Decorative Blooms

Now that you have figured out an idea on what furniture and decor to put. Complete it with some decorative blooms! Nothing says a French home more than some beautiful blooms to add that bit of nature to your home. The smell of fresh flowers are such an indulgence, but if you are not quite the green thumb, opt for some decorative blooms with a spritz of perfume to let the small linger on. The best part about fake flowers is that it will last forever so you can switch your white hydrangeas for a pop of color like peonies for a change in the atmosphere.

Shop these beautiful blooms here