Let the Games Begin: Decorating Your Space for the Olympics

There are just 50 days to go before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, and things are about to get even more exciting for the people of London Town.  As if the Queen's Diamond Jubilee wasn't thrilling enough, in less than 2 months tens of thousands of people, from participating athletes to sports enthusiasts, will descend upon this historical city.  But just incase you aren't making it to the games this year, here are a few ways to decorate your home, Olympic style.

 

Being that we are a company rich in English heritage, we have several pieces in our line that feature the Union Jack flag.  From pillows to sofas, drapes to trunks, we have an array of items that can add a splash or a statement of British style to any space. 

We also carry multiple pieces that represent other countries all around the world.  Show your support for your favorite country by proudly displaying one of our shadow boxed flags where all of your friends can see.  We carry them in three sizes, so no room is too small or large for these pieces.

Our country flag cushions are perfect for those that aren't interested in making a huge commitment (or putting holes in the walls).  Throw a couple of these around your living room to get in the spirit.  Also available in three sizes, these pillows can be enjoyed by all, even the dog.  Have your family or friends each pick an individual country to root for.  At the end of the day, you can always duke it out in a national pillow fight.

These pieces, and many more, will be featured on our website over the next two months under "Olympic Style".  If you have any questions regarding pricing or availability you can contact our sales staff at #336.431.9775, or email us at sales@halostyles.com.

God Save the Queen

Everyone loves a cause for celebration, and whether you're a true Brit or simply an anglophile at heart, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee is a fantastic excuse to throw a party.

If you came to see us at the High Point Market, you couldn't miss our garland of Coronation ware.  This show stopping look can be created using rope, fishing line, and your own collection of tea cups.

Not the crafty kind?  We have plenty of pieces in the line that will make your place party ready.  Our Penny Black Collection, designed after the stamp of the same name, contains an image of the Queen's great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.  Why not scatter a few of these around your place for a royal touch? 

We also have a wide variety of Union Jack pieces that will transport you and your guest to "jolly old England".





BBC will be airing all of the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Diamond Jubilee, so break out the tea cups, fire up the kettle, and put on your best hat.  After all, shouldn't we all celebrate a woman that looks this good at her age?!

The (un)Official Start to Summer

With Memorial Day comes the promise of cook-outs, cocktails, and summer-time fun.  It's also the first day of the year that we have an excuse to decorate our homes from head to toe in stars and stripes (as if we needed one).  Since there's nothing like a good party to kick-off summer, we wanted to offer a few pieces that will make yours the talk of the town!

At 39" tall and 62.5" wide, our large USA flag cushion will make a grand statement.  Complete with a removable cushion, you can attach it to your indoor banister, outdoor deck, or the roof of your boat dock for the ultimate American look.  After the party's over, use it year round as a floor pillow for the kids, or a dog bed for your patriotic pet.  (Casing is machine washable)

 Our Stars & Stripes Shadow Box is a continued favorite amongst those looking to add a patriotic "pop" to their room.  The smallest (shown above) is 24"h x 35" wide.  Its petit size makes it the optimum choice for smaller areas.  Don't want to commit 100%?  Store it for use throughout the year, after all, Independence Day will be here before you know it!

These pieces and many more, are available for viewing on our website at www.halostyles.com.  All items listed above are available in multiple sizes.  If you have any questions regarding the pieces, please contact our sales staff at sales@halostyles.com.

Halo Style-ing - Life's a Beach

It seems as though 80 degree weather in spring is quickly becoming the norm here in North Carolina, having us all yearning for our summer vacations a bit earlier than usual.  In the spirit of sun, sand, and fun beach-house style, we have taken the below shot from Coastal Living Magazine, and once again re-created the look using pieces from our line.

We have several primitive pieces we could have used in the place of the fabulous ottomans above, but instead we wanted to emphasize the option for additional seating.  Photographed below is the Kelvin Ottoman in Stonewashed Canvas Fog (KS225).  This piece is brand new to the line, and is also available in beige.  Its tattered edges and wrinkled ends lend to a perfectly-imperfect look.

 

Our line of reclaimed pine and elm pieces is continually expanding, giving us several options to use in place of the console photographed above.  Our favorite, however, is the Reclaimed Pine 8 Pillar Console (RP43).  With hand carved legs and a weathered finish, this piece is perfect for a beachy look.

While we love the lamps in the inspiration photo (they're practically identical to our SN44 Bedale Lamp) we felt our layout needed a bit of color.  In their place, we used our Lismore Lamps (SN49).  The white wash finish is distressed in a way that the natural wood shows through just enough.

Finally, there's the stand-out piece of the entire photograph that caught our eye from the beginning, the giant clam shell. We could not be more spot on with this piece with our GH112 Clam Shell.  Put them all together and you have Halo style...

We used additional accessories from our line to complete the look including our Chambourd Grand Mirror (GH168), Solki Shell with Marble Base (ED05), and Leather Bound Books (LBB).  If you have questions regarding the items used in this styling please contact our sales staff at sales@halostyles.com.  You can also view our full online catalog at www.halostyles.com.

Halo Style-ing

Every now and then we see a room shot in a magazine and think "We could do that". After seeing this shot in the April 2012 issue of Architectural Digest, we thought we'd give it a try. We're taking this inspiration room and giving it a Halo Styles make-over!

The wrought iron Spanish lantern in the inspiration photo is an original antique. In its place, we recommend our reproduction Siam Lantern. Our distressed brass finished allows for an antique look and is available for continual purchase. Use an Edison bulb as opposed to a traditional light bulb in this piece for an added antique feel.

At first glance we thought the dining table was one of our own. After realizing that it wasn't, we wanted to offer a few options from our own line. The dining table in the inspiration room has more of a traditional look, due to the darker finish. For this look, we recommend using our 60" Round Elm Dining Table with Pedestal Base (LD19). The finish on this table can be used with darker oak pieces for a more traditional look, or lighter pine pieces for a more rustic feel.

Looking for a more rustic look overall? Our brand new Natural Elm Dining Table (LD38) will do just the trick. This hand-made 60" round table with x-frame base and detailed in-lay top will be a fantastic conversation piece for all your dinner parties.

Another continued favorite is our Chicago Dining Table (KS58). The light burnt oak top and antiqued white base is perfect for customers wanting a cottage feel.

The metal chairs in the inspiration room add a touch of whimsy to the space. Our Klaas Armchair with Burlap Seat (KS216) is brand new to our collection and has a similar look to the chairs in the original design.

Need more? A full online catalog is available at www.halostyles.com. Not a designer or retailer? No problem! Simply email us sales@halostyles.com and our sales team will be happy to direct you to a dealer in your area!

It's Showtime!

We made it through the holidays! After several days of celebration, relaxation, and perhaps the addition of a few extra pounds, it's back to the proverbial grind stone! To kick off the new year, we will be showing at both the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, and the New York International Gift Fair.

The Atlanta market will run from January 11th to January 18th. We have expanded our showroom space to include showroom 11-F-2, as well as our permanent location at 11-A-11 in Building One of the America's Mart. We will be debuting several new items at the show, and all floor samples will be available for cash and carry at a 10% discount (to be picked up at the end of the show).

The NYIGF will run from January 28th to February 1st. Exhibiting again in Booth 41021 on Pier 94, we will be showcasing several new items, including the new Oxford Collection from HALO. Named after the elite university, this collection will include leather upholstery, case goods, and accessories.

If you have any questions regarding the shows, you can call our sales team at #336.431.9775 or email us at sales@halostyles.com. We look forward to seeing you!