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Elevate Your Space with Performance Fabrics: Native Citizen's Guide
Welcome to Native Citizen, where we blend curated style with functionality. As interior design experts and trusted sellers of Four Hands furniture, we understand the importance of materials that stand the test of time. Today, we're diving into the world of performance fabrics – a key element in our design philosophy. Why Performance Fabrics Matter: Durability: Designed to endure, performance fabrics resist wear and tear, making them ideal for busy households and high-traffic areas. Easy Maintenance: Spills and stains are a breeze to clean, ensuring your furniture stays beautiful for years. Style and Comfort: With a variety of textures and colors, these fabrics don't just perform well – they look and feel fantastic. Eco-Friendly Options: Many performance fabrics are made with sustainable practices, aligning with our commitment to positive social impact. We believe that you and your family should have the freedom to ENJOY the pieces in your home! Four Hands and Native Citizen: A Perfect Match At Native Citizen, we're proud to incorporate Four Hands furniture into our designs. Their commitment to quality and style mirrors our own, making their performance fabric pieces a perfect fit for our clients' spaces. How to Clean Performance Fabrics: The short answer:Blot Spills Immediately: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot any spills gently. If we want to get technical, here is the ultimate guide. When it comes to maintaining your upholstered furniture, knowing the right cleaning technique is crucial. Each piece comes with a specific cleaning code that indicates the best method to use without damaging the fabric. Here's a simple breakdown:S (Solvent): This code means you should avoid water and opt for a water-free dry-cleaning solvent instead. Before you start, test the solvent on a small, hidden section of the upholstery. If a spill occurs, blot it immediately without rubbing. For any spot cleaning, work from the edges of the stain to the center and make sure to clean the whole panel from seam to seam for an even look.W (Water-Based): If your furniture is marked with a 'W,' stick to water-based cleaning agents like shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Always conduct a pretest on a discreet area. In the event of a spill, promptly blot away the spillage. Spot clean stains by moving from the outside towards the middle and clean across the entire panel for uniform results.WS (Water/Solvent Based): This versatile code allows the use of either water-based or solvent-based cleaning products. Whether you're using upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a dry-cleaning solvent, always pretest. For spills and stains, blot immediately and clean from the outer edges of the stain to the center, ensuring to treat the whole panel uniformly.DC (Dry Clean Only): For upholstery marked with 'DC,' regular maintenance should involve vacuuming or light brushing. When the fabric requires a deeper clean, professional dry cleaning is recommended to preserve its condition.X (No Product): Items with an 'X' code should only be cleaned by vacuuming or gentle brushing. Avoid any water- or solvent-based cleaners and opt for professional dry cleaning when necessary.Understanding these codes helps ensure your furniture remains in top condition, preserving its beauty and lifespan. Always follow these guidelines to keep your upholstered pieces looking their best. Conclusion: At Native Citizen, we are creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also practical and sustainable. You deserve to have a space that meets the functional needs of the people using it. Now, you don't have to do it alone!
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Title: Harmonizing Woods in Your Space: Beyond Matching Myths
We speak with clients all the time who are over-worried about styling spaces, and making "design mistakes." The old notion that all woods in a room need to match is a myth we're thrilled to dispel. This blog explores how different wood types and textures can not only coexist but also complement each other, enriching your space with a harmonious and dynamic aesthetic. We wanted to keep this blog as a guide for anyone interested in design. (The best tip is at the end) Wood Types and Textures: Exploring a variety of wood types can significantly enhance the aesthetics of any space. Here are some additional varieties to consider alongside oak, walnut, maple, and cherry:Eucalyptus: A durable and resilient wood that develops a natural patina over time, eucalyptus brings a touch of time-tested elegance to your space.Natural Pine: Known for preserving its unique character, natural pine adds warmth with its distinct texture and care essentials.Reclaimed Wood: Characterized by the marks of time and the environment, reclaimed wood adds a story to your space, each piece unique with its own history.Teak: Ideal for outdoor furniture, teak is a durable material that ages beautifully, revealing a graceful natural patina over time.Yukas: While not detailed in the provided material, incorporating woods like yukas can introduce unique textures and tones not found in more common wood types.Veneer: Offering a versatile range of unique styles, high-quality wood veneers over solid or engineered substrates can mimic the look of rare woods without the high cost, adding sophistication and variety. Balancing Act: Mixing wood types is an art. Here are some tips to achieve balance: Consider Undertones: Woods with similar undertones (warm or cool) can harmoniously coexist. Play with Contrast: Pair light woods like maple with darker tones like walnut for a striking contrast. Unified Finishes: Using the same finish (matte, gloss, etc.) across different woods can tie the look together. Distribute Evenly: Balance the presence of different woods around the room to avoid clustering one type in a single area. Conclusion/ The Best Tip Embracing a variety of wood types and textures can transform your space into a rich tapestry of natural beauty. If you don't know what your space needs, ask! Take a pic, and come by our design studio, or fill out a contact form. We are here to help.
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Embracing Timeless Style: Why Personal Aesthetics Beats Trendy Every Time
The Ephemeral Nature of Trends vs. The Timelessness of Style In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends come and go with the seasons. One year, pastel hues may dominate, only to be replaced by bold primary colors the next. However, while these fleeting trends offer a fresh and contemporary feel, they often lack the staying power of timeless style. Timeless style is more than just a design choice; it's a reflection of personal aesthetics and a testament to enduring elegance. This post delves into why cultivating a personal, timeless style is more rewarding and sustainable than chasing the latest design trends. Quality Pieces: The Foundation of Timeless Design The cornerstone of timeless style lies in the quality of pieces you choose. High-quality furniture and art stand the test of time not just in durability but in design. Selecting pieces that resonate with your personal taste creates an environment that feels consistently relevant and inviting. Opt for furniture that boasts superior craftsmanship and materials – pieces that tell a story and add character to your space. Similarly, choosing art that speaks to you on a personal level ensures that your space is a true reflection of your identity and interests. Creating Centerpieces: Anchoring Your Space with Statement Pieces A well-chosen centerpiece can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it's a unique piece of furniture, a striking work of art, or an eye-catching light fixture, centerpieces draw attention and set the tone for the room. When selecting a centerpiece, consider its scale, color, and style, ensuring it complements the room while standing out. Remember, a centerpiece doesn’t always have to be extravagant; sometimes, simplicity makes the boldest statement. Case Studies: Personal Style Crafting Unique and Lasting Interiors Let’s explore some real-life examples where personal style has triumphed over fleeting trends: The Classic Collector: In a serene countryside home, a collector blends antique wooden furniture with contemporary art. The space, filled with pieces collected over decades, tells a rich story of past and present, creating an interior that is both personal and timeless. The Modern Minimalist: A city apartment showcases how minimalism can be warm and inviting. The homeowner's love for sleek, clean lines is evident in the carefully curated furniture and monochromatic art. This approach proves that less can be more when each piece is chosen with intention. The Eclectic Enthusiast: In a vibrant urban loft, a blend of mid-century modern furniture, global textiles, and pop art creates a space that is lively and personal. This home illustrates how diverse styles and eras can coexist harmoniously when tied together by a personal aesthetic. Embracing your personal style over fleeting trends not only ensures a unique and cohesive interior but also creates a space that feels genuinely yours. Timeless style is about making intentional choices that resonate with your personal narrative, creating a home that remains both stylish and meaningful through the years.
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