Jens Risom

Author: Jessica Whittaker

Having set up his own institution, the Jens Risom Design, Inc. (JRD) on May 1st, 1946 Jens Risom has never had a second glance backward. Jens Risom Design was one of few companies specializing in modern furniture design at that time when America was recuperating from the pangs of War. He worked solely to create his simple, well-crafted, aesthetically pleasing, quality designs through the Jens Risom Design name. He established a distinction for his company by focusing on the "Risom" name as the solution to the country's search for aesthetically designed, ingenious and well-crafted contemporary furniture. Risom has designed furniture for famous clients like Richard Avedon and Georg Jensen since then.

In the late 1940s he was assigned to come up with cabinets for the houses being built by Levitt & Sons on Long Island, New York for returning war-fatigued soldiers and their families. These homes needed a sense of design creativity to make them seem expansive and attractive in spite of being constructed low cost and under Federal financing.

As he said himself, he"developed an American version of Scandinavian modern furniture."

There was great response to his advertisements which were bold. These advertisements carried stylish photographs of Richard Avedon. This made it imperative for Jens Risom Design, in 1954, to expand its manufacturing facilities. Late in the 1950s, JRD started manufacturing office equipments shifting focus from residential furniture. He also brought forth library furniture and hospital accessories as he felt the avenue posed greater scope for expansion and improvement.

JRD was sold to the Dictaphone Corporation by Risom in the year 1970, where he stayed on as chief executive for three years "keeping an eye on the new owners" according to Interiors magazine. From there he later moved on to pursue new interests through his consulting service and free-lance design company, Design Control which was established in 1973, in New Canaan, Connecticut. This is where Jens resides currently, at the age of 92 and still going strong, with his spouse, Henny.

In 1961, Risom was featured on Playboy as a designer who was "revolutionizing furniture in America" along with Harry Bertoia who was a colleague at Knoll and Charles Eames.

Risom has received a plethora of awards. His chairs are on display in many museums like the Yale Museum of Art & Design, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Brooklyn Museum, the R.I.S.D. Museum in Providence and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. In 1996, Risom was knighted with the Danish Knight's Cross by the Danish Queen.

In 1997 Knoll re-manufactured a collection of Risom-designed chairs, tables, chairs and stools that till today are successful parts of the Knoll Studio catalogue. He was the 2004 Honoree of the Russell Wright Award, which is awarded to individuals, institutions and companies that carry forward Wright's legacy in modern design, landscape design and environmentalism.

Risom's statement, "good design means that anything which is good by itself will go with other things" laid bare his stylistic philosophy and his exquisite approach to interiors.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/jens-risom-626152.html

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Take a look at furniture designers. Please visit our furniture page about furniture designers like Jens Risom

How To Clean Patio Furniture

Author: George Scifo

There are many different types of materials used for the construction of outdoor patio furniture.  Wrought Aluminum, Plastic, Cast Aluminum, Tubular Aluminum, Wicker and Teak are a few of the main materials in patio garden furniture.  

Aluminum is very popular because it is durable and does not require too much care.  Since it generally will not rust, it will weather any amount of moisture and is durable in all climates.  It is easy to clean by just rinsing it off with a patio hose.  If you have patio furniture cushions on your set, you can clean them off with a mild soap and water.   If you notice any discoloration on your outdoor patio furniture set, then you simply need to clean it with mild soap and water.  Do not use any ammonia, but it is ok to add a natural acid such as lemon juice, vinegar or lime. If the aluminum is extremely dirty, there are commercial cleaners that are available to use.   Aluminum outdoor furniture sets is a dependable option for outdoor living.  

Cast aluminum is made using a casting process where it is poured into a mold.  This casting process results in a pure and resilient product.  Casual patio furniture sets made out of cast are welded together and the welds seal out water and the elements.  It is a very solid product for outdoor furniture sets.  To clean cast you simply have to hose it down.

Wood patio furniture made from teak will weather naturally in the elements.  Once it has weathered, the original color can be restored by scrubbing it with soapy water to remove the dirt. It can be sanded with fine sandpaper if there are trouble spots.  A pressure washer can also be used by applying a gentle pressure on a low setting.  You can treat your wooden patio furniture set with teak oil if you prefer the light brown look of natural, un-weathered teak.  

For a high end patio furniture set you might see wicker used.  You can reduce the chance of mold or mildew by giving it enough light and keeping it out of moisture.  If you need to clean outdoor wicker furniture, most of the time water and a very mild soap will be sufficient.  If it becomes excessively dirty and needs to be cleaned more intensely, you can use a product designed to clean boats that melts body oils and grime.  Also, on a tough stain, you can use wet-dry sandpaper or abrasive powder cleaners.  Mildew can be removed with a spray cleaner such as Tilex, but be sure to wash it off immediately.  

Whether your outdoor set is commercial patio furniture or discount patio furniture set, it should come with care instructions.  If you take care of it properly, it will keep your outdoor living environment clean and fresh.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/how-to-clean-patio-furniture-1833556.html

About the Author

DesignFurnishings is a reputed online furniture store offering a complete array of quality home furniture and home accessories with something to match everyone's taste and style. We are committed to provide top-notch customer service and aims in bringing quality furniture products and a huge selection at a reasonable cost. For more info log onto http://www.designfurnishings.com

Wrought Iron Wall Décor Give Your Home A Different Feel

Author: Gene B. Pineda

Have you ever wondered what ornaments can make your home look different? There is an answer to that its wrought iron wall décor. This is not a very popular form of décor. Many people do not get the opportunity to think of this idea because they are stuck in the mind frame of decorating the old fashion way. This is an opportunity to be a little different and to give your home the unique touch it has been waiting for.

Wrought iron wall décor comes in May different and stylish designs. No matter what your home looks like there will always is something you will find that will fit perfectly in your vision. They come in a variety of designed that will complement your home and also the uses that thy display are also great. You can get your wrought iron wall décor to just purely decorate or as a candle holder that will also look stylist at the place you will have it displayed.

Your wrought iron wall décor is not only limited to being inside you are able to decorate with it out doors as well. There are no limits to where they can go just as long as you have a vision. You can create a vision of your own and have a beautiful and unique home. If you do not already have this from o fart in your home there is no reason in you not starting over a new leaf.

The Possibilities are Limitless

Wrought iron wall décor can replace any other type of wall décor out there. Just because it is metal it does not mean it can not replace colorful art in the home. There is available wrought iron wall décor that is just as colorful and decorative as any painting you can put up on a wall. There is a great opportunity for you to try something new and see the type of results that are possible to achieve. You can even try mirrors with a metal outline for a different affect.

Wrought iron wall décor may be a new innovation bat is has just simply renewed. Metal has been used before as a form of décor now there is just more variety. Anything is possible and you may use the art any where form nursery wall décor to personal home décor. It all just depends on what you are looking for. Where you put it is all your decision.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/wrought-iron-wall-dcor-give-your-home-a-different-feel-1572001.html

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If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article's author on glass table lamp and stained glass lamp.

Elegant Living Room Furniture Options

Author: Sam Loyal

Most often homeowners want to fill up the spaces in a unique way in their houses. With endless options, you can easily find perfect living room furniture choices as per your personal tastes and preferences. Lending a style to your living room is a bit tricky, but you can do it effortlessly.

Wooden Cabinetry

Like, cabinets make a good idea for many homeowners. This furniture style allows them to display quality cases that are durable and stable. Purchasing the right one will help you avoid hard time dusting off your daily possessions.

Classic Style Modern Furniture

You may lend a classy touch to your living area with living room furniture pieces because they are extremely functional. You can use them as seating and as a footrest too. Further, it can be placed in discreet home areas inside your living room where it can be easily visible whenever you need it.

Generally people look for the furniture options that would be a great idea to buy and can last long. Modern furniture products like classic sofa beds, nests of tables, tub chairs, and others are overlooked by many homeowners. Bringing stunning designs and neutral shades, they are created especially to lend a unique touch to your living area. Perfect for spaces in your living room, these modern furniture designs are functional as well as attractive. You may even combine these different types of furniture products to create an entire new look for your living room.

Add an Element of Style to Your Living Room

As your living room is the most used space in your house, so it becomes necessary to create a place where you can entertain your guests in a right way. You may even add extra elements of style to your living room by placing right furniture in your home area. Hopefully, this will make significant improvements and will earn loads of appreciation from your family members and guests. In this ideal world of beauty, you may have limitless options to decorate your living room. What you need is to concentrate on the particular styles that you want for your living room. With this you can easily decide on your living room decoration. Even, if you are not having massive budget, you can make desirable changes to your living room.

Many people these days are concerned about purchasing furniture to introduce desired changes and to lend dramatic touch to their living room area. For instance, they make use of inexpensive furniture products to add more life either to their sofa or any other piece of furniture there. The additional items that can be used to create anew focal points for your room are occasional tables, coffee tables, and so on.

In fact, by using your imagination, you can completely transform the look of your living room without actually spending too much money on it. Even a simplest form of furniture can act as a great source of inspiration which can easily attract the attention of your guests. Remember your living room is your prized possession; hence it must personalize your home in a special way.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/elegant-living-room-furniture-options-808561.html

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Lend a personalized touch to your house with latest living room furniture trends. Attracting attention of your guests, http://www.click4interiors.co.uk/ provides interesting sofa beds, cabinets, or tub chairs choices.

Caring For Stained Glass Panels

Author: Earl Garber

Stained glass windows are a beautiful addition to any home whether as part of a remodel or new construction. When most people hear stained glass panels, images come to mind of old cathedrals with extremely large panels depicting religious scenes. Those are beautiful examples of the art, but much smaller simplistic panels can be placed in your home to add character. Windows for your home can come in a variety of shapes, designs, and sizes, which can be used in many rooms throughout the home. Stained glass panels can also be set in doors whether it is a large exterior front door or interior sliding doors, stained glass can add a unique touch while allowing in light.

Time and the elements do take a toll on the glass, but much less damage occurs than you would think. In reality too much cleaning can be worse for the panel than the sun and the rain. Stained glass panels in old cathedrals have been in place for centuries with minimal damage to the surfaces. With proper care and knowledge of the signs of damage your panels can look great for generations as well.

Generally any stained glass exposed to the outdoors, the exterior surface on a window, is kept clean by natural means. Any extra scrubbing is more likely to scratch and damage the glass deeming this an unnecessary task. Interior stained glass window panels on the other hand do need periodic cleaning. Generally the glass surface should not be wet cleaned as water can do damage to the glass, lead, putty, and metal components. Light dusting is the best cleaning method on these glass surfaces using a soft, dry brush with possibly some combined vacuuming. Though you should always be careful that the brushes and implements used are soft as to not damage the glass surface in the process.

When inspecting your stained glass for possible damage there are several different areas to look at.

Glass - The glass can have single cracks from an internal stressor, or several cracks from an external source. Also watch for pitting in the glass or discolorization which are signs of deterioration. On the other hand bubbles and textures within the glass are normal and were probably part of the artisans vision for the piece.

Lead - Due to the fact lead is soft, malleable, and easily soldered is also can sag and lose its structure. Be on the look out for bulging in the stained glass panel, and cracking near the solder joints.

Paint - If the paint was not fired into the glass properly it can be more vulnerable and fragile. Watch for blistering and peeling of the paint on the glass.

Putty - Putty is usually used to seal the glass with the structure. Over time it can go hard, crack, and fall out which creates leaking in water usually between the lead and the glass.

Window Structure - If a stained glass panel is not installed correctly the window will begin to sag and bulge. If the window has been in for some time this could be regular settling of the structure and is actually better left alone.

So regularly inspect stained glass panels for defects such as bulging, sagging, faint paint, water leakage, cracks, rattling glass, peeling mortar, and loose copper ties. If the damage is bad enough contact a stained glass conservator. Many times work to repair glass damages it more than just leaving it alone! Ensure any work to be done is absolutely necessary before going through with any glass restoration.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/caring-for-stained-glass-panels-185397.html

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All-Things_Tiffanycarries a full line of stained glass panels, for use throughout your home in a wonderful variety of styles. Also if you are in need of Tiffany floor lamps and stained glass table lamps, All-Things-Tiffany has the lighting you are looking for.

Porcelain Doorknob Sets: Milk White and Jet Black Doorknobs for the Home

Author: Kohn Coleman

            Antique porcelain doorknobs are a much sought after collectors item, especially during extensive home renovations, because of their classic design and significant use in many Victorian and early twentieth century American homes. When it comes time to replace the original doorknobs in your home due to breakage, malfunctioning knobs or normal wear and tear, it can be difficult to "let go" of those original antiques and find modern replacements. Fortunately, due to advances in technology and manufacturing, porcelain knobs are still produced today and can be retrofitted onto both old and new doors.

            Now is may sound like a form of sacrilege to install reproduction knobs into an older home but this does not take away from the integrity of the original design, it restores it to its original beauty. Doorknobs are one of the most frequently used items in the home and therefore will need to be replaced from time to time. They are focal point on the door and cracked and damaged knobs will make the entire room look shabby and uncared for. Instead of seeking out replacement "original" knobs, start fresh with the same design and construction, only made now and not 100 years ago. This will maximize the life of your new doorknobs and increase the value of your home as well.

            Doorknobs come in a variety of materials, with porcelain being one of the most popular because of the versatility of its design. Although most knobs produced in the early twentieth century were black, white and cream, there was a large selection of artisan painted knobs as well. These knobs could depict a variety of scenes ranging from simple floral patterns to ornate designs. In upper class homes it was not unusual for the porcelain knobs to come in unique shapes or with bevels around the edges.

            The first doorknobs appeared in the United States in 1878 and since then the basic concept has not really changed. A standard doorknob has two knobs (one on either side of the door) that have been connected by spindle running through the door and when turned, the knobs operate a latch mechanism to allow the door to open and hold the door closed. The names of some of the parts have changed (example rosette plates were originally referred to as Escutcheon plates) but the purpose has remained the same.

            Modern doorknobs sets are available in four basic configurations: single dummy, double dummy, passage and privacy style and five finishes. These doorknobs can be a variety of interior doors depending on the function required (operate a latch mechanism, lock, etc.) and coordinate well with existing hardware. Search for solid brass construction to ensure high quality materials that will be more resistant to damage and be sure to ask questions. If you are installing modern doorknobs on older doors it may be smart to consult with a contractor, designer or builder regarding any compatibility questions. Not all doorknob sets are the same size/design and it is important to take careful measurements before committing to a particular set.

            Replacing older doorknobs is a wonderful way to restore the original beauty of an older home or add a wonderful new design element to modern and new construction. Remember that a doorknob is not limited to a particular "architectural style" and can be used in a variety of unexpected places such as in an apartment, office or even commercial building. Choose a finish that will coordinate with any existing hardware you do not plan to replace at this time and search for a common pattern to tie the look together further.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/porcelain-doorknob-sets-milk-white-and-jet-black-doorknobs-for-the-home-2268637.html

About the Author

Kohn Coleman born in Michigan - received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000 - currently leads several online companies and ventures.

Amish Mission Furniture: Beauty Beyond Belief

Author: Amanda Fern

Do you love mission style furniture?  Do you wish that the newly produced mission style furniture would last in comparison to the mission style furniture of yesteryear?  Well, now it does.  Amish mission furniture not only has the beauty that you desire, but it also has the durability and a high level of quality that any mission style furniture should.

The popularity of mission style furniture has grown over the years, and today many more homeowners are looking at adding this "mission style" theme to their homes.  It represents beauty, class, simplicity, and more.  Who better to make this type of furniture than highly skilled Amish craftsmen from across the country?

Amish mission furniture is built with quality, beauty, and simplicity in mind.  No matter if the furniture is made from oak, pine, or any other species, you are guaranteed to fall in love with it every single day.  This furniture is designed to fit into any décor and into any home.  Only the best furniture pieces are chosen for inclusion on the website; therefore, you know that you are getting a quality piece of furniture every time that you order from there.

Don't waste your time anymore by visiting multiple furniture stores only to find out that they don't have what it is that you are looking for?  Browse for the furniture that you want from the comfort of your home through the use of the Internet.  Don't waste your time anymore, just when you have a few spare minutes, browse for furniture then.

Amish mission furniture is designed to catch your eye.  You will be amazed that a simply designed piece can offer the level of sophistication and quality that you will notice when you are browsing through the site.  So, what are you waiting for?  Find what you are looking for today through browsing the site in your spare time and from the comfort of your own home.  You will be absolutely amazed at how easy it is to find what you are looking for and at the options that you have to truly make your new piece of furniture one-of-a-kind.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/amish-mission-furniture-beauty-beyond-belief-1992440.html

About the Author

We at Amish-furniture-home.com are dedicated to offering beautiful Amish furniture for all rooms of your home. With the addition of the new website we are able to offer our customers a wide selection of products such as bedroom, office, living room and outdoor furniture. Many products are made of fine oak furniture. Please browse our pages and start designing your living room today!

What Are the Differences Between Oak and Walnut Flooring?

Author: Derek Rogers

Hardwood flooring is a classic and luxurious way to add a beautiful floor to your home. Used for centuries, hardwood is a durable choice that can last for many years with the proper care. And, if your hardwood floor becomes damaged, you can refinish it, instead of replacing it.

However, there are many choices available when it comes to the type of wood used in your hardwood floor. Oak is one of the most popular, but maple, walnut, and others are also offered. If you're thinking about a hardwood floor and are not sure if walnut or oak flooring are the right choices for your home, then here is some information to help you decide.

Oak is the less expensive of the two floors and a little softer. It's more readily available and can come stained in a number of colours. That means that if you're not interested in paying the premium for the look and hardness of walnut, but want a dark floor, you can still get one. Oak does not, however, look like walnut, even when stained the same colour. It has a much tighter grain, which some prefer, but others consider less attractive.

Walnut is a naturally dark, open grained wood. Most species are harder than oak, but softer than many other. The look of natural walnut is one that's hard to reproduce artificially, however. If you love walnut wood, skip the imitations - they won't measure up. However, remember that the way your flooring is produced may affect the look of it and it might not look just like the sample.

Sawn boards are the traditional option. However, lower priced sliced wood (which is soaked before sawing, then dried again) will have a different grain and be harder to refinish. Also, depending on where your wood was grown, it will look different. Even a few miles can make some difference in the appearance of an oak or walnut floor. That means it's a good idea to get a look at the wood you'll be using for your floor before installing it, if the exact look of the grain is important to you. Ask for samples of the specific flooring you will order, not just flooring of the same species.

Care for walnut and oak flooring is similar. Both can dent if a heavy object is dropped on them, although satin finishes may help reduce the appearance of these blemishes. Oak will dent more easily. Red oak is rated at about 1290 on the Janka hardness scale, while white oak rates at 1360. Black walnut is actually a little softer than these woods - rating at about 1000 on the scale. However, other walnut species are considerably harder - red walnut rates at 2450 and Brazilian walnut at an impressive 3680.

In the end, the choice of oak flooring versus walnut flooring comes down to personal preferences and budget. If you want the rich look of walnut, you won't get it with an imitation. For those concerned about durability, red or Brazilian walnut are also great choices.

However, if a good hardwood floor is the priority, and you don't want to spend as much, oak is a perfectly attractive and worthwhile choice.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/what-are-the-differences-between-oak-and-walnut-flooring-503039.html

About the Author
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For wood flooring, he recommends Completely Flooring, one of the UK's leading suppliers of Oak and Walnut Flooring.

Enhance Interior With Classic Cheap Coffee Tables Ebay

Author: Adam

Enhance interior with classis Coffee tables

A beautiful home tells all the things about the home maker. The interior of the home plays an important role in turning house into a home. Among all interior stuff, coffee table is the key role player in decoration of your coffee tables.

A coffee table must be nice and sober to enhance your home's décor. You have to be a bit careful before selecting one for your living room. Coffee table is the main part of the furniture and every other part follows it. The armchair, center table should be matching with the coffee table so that it synchronizes the design. The kind of wood used in making of the coffee table should be wisely examined as the low cost wood can lose its shine in few days.
Coffee table guides the whole structure to be maintained in a systematic manner. Commonly the place around coffee table is widely used in the house because it is the basic point of discussion almost in every house. And therefore people want to gather in such a place where they can feel environment suitable for their discussion and get relaxed with the Coffee. Today people are very much conscious about the home décor, tv stands and often talk to one another about the latest fashionable modern furniture and appreciate to one having nice collection of furnishing items.

In order to cover the extra empty space left in your room, you can use a big size Coffee table in the center of the room and a metallic-wooden TV stand in the corner and it will redesign your room. These tables come in different makes, designs and materials. Most of them are made up of wood and are very attractive in style. They give your house a splendor appearance.

Another kind of Coffee table is made from glass and metal.

However, it is not easy to select the right one for you as there are many varieties in the market and you may not be aware of the material they use. There are some other facts also that you are supposed to consider while thinking of buying a coffee table. One of most important point is the robustness and durability of the table. You would not like to buy another table in next one or two months therefore you must first decide which type of the coffee table will be suitable for your house. For example if there  are small kids in your home, you must not prefer a table made from glass, in that case a good quality wooden coffee table and TV stand  will be the perfect choice for your dining room furniture

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/enhance-interior-with-classic-cheap-coffee-tables-ebay-2057697.html

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Mission Style Furniture - Get This Classic Look in your Home

Author: Jim Allen

If you like your furniture built solid and built to last with no frills or needless embellishment, then Mission Style furniture is what you’re looking for. The Mission or Arts and Crafts Movement was a backlash against the extravagant, over-the-top designs of the Victorian era and also against the mass produced furniture emerging after the industrial revolution. In the late 1890s, craftsmen such as Gustav Stickley led the charge to incorporate clean, geometric lines and natural materials to produce structurally sound pieces that emphasized the originality of the craftsman and his handiwork.

Telltale signs of Mission Style furniture include visible joints, such as the mortise and tenon that was popular at the time and continues to serve furniture makers today, as well as quarter-sawn wood which gave the grain a beautiful look. Nails and rivets were often left exposed to add a gleaming contrast to the wood or upholstery. While the philosophy seems to set-up decades of fabulously boring furniture, it was anything but. Rather, Mission furniture was beautifully designed, with manufacturers relying on exquisite craftsmanship and finishing techniques to add serene elegance to an item.

The Mission Style has been revived recently with many furniture manufacturers producing sturdier, solid wood pieces built to be passed on from generation to generation. This philosophy has been extended to much of the aesthetic of contemporary furniture. Clean, sharp geometric lines and a lack of ornamentation along with a renewed sense of pride in craftsmanship are present in much of today’s furniture.

If you’re interested in getting the Mission look in your home search out solid, rustic-looking pieces that appear to have aged well or newer pieces that look like they can stand the test of time. Rich wood tones like mahogany and stained oak are the trademarks of classic Mission Style, but modern pieces can be found in a wide array of colors, wood types, and finishes. Good luck as you work toward creating a beautiful Mission look in your home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/mission-style-furniture-get-this-classic-look-in-your-home-152431.html

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For a HUGE selection of furniture including bedroom furniture and platform beds, visit the Eco-Furniture website today.