OUTDOOR LIVING!

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

OUTDOOR FURNITURE with INDOOR STYLE

It's that time of year! When we all start to live outside, and soak up summer before the chill of fall creeps in. Ok, all you California folk I know you get to sit on your patios all year long, but us Chicagoans have a window of time each summer to utilize our outdoor space. There is nothing more pleasurable than warm summer nights when kids are running through sprinklers, fire flies are flickering through the yard, and s'mores' are on the dessert menu.

I'm here to share some exciting news! Any piece of furniture on our website can be finished with an exterior finish. Bringing your favorite furniture design outdoors. It's the same high quality, voc-free, oil-based finish we use on all of our products, but it adds exterior protection from all the outdoor elements.  Take a look below at some of our current designs that customers have added to their outdoor living spaces.

Console Tables

Utilize one of our console tables as a pub table by adding bar stools beneath. I love seeing one piece of furniture be utilized two ways!

Coffee Tables

Bring any of our beautiful reclaimed wood coffee tables to the center of attention in your outdoor lounge area. We customize to fit any space!

How to order your outdoor furniture:

1. Fill out our custom form: https://www.wwmake.com/custom/, and note you want the exterior finish for outdoor use.

2. Call or e-mail us directly and we'll get you a custom invoice straight away!

- > info@wwmake.com

- > 331.442.4831

3. Visit us at our showroom:

- > 207 Berg Street, Algonquin, IL. 60102

Dine Outdoors

We are here to help you entertain outdoors! From dining tables + benches, to coffee tables and end tables they all can be finished to live outside!

TAYLOR'S TIPS! Interior Designer

Let me give a formal introduction to our interior design expert Taylor White!  

She will be a contributor on our blog giving you the latest and greatest interior design advice.  I've known Taylor for 5 years or so...since she started dating my brother (lucky boy!).  She is the perfect fit for our blog.  She's part of the family, has great interior + personal style, is a wellness guru, & has a kind soul!

For her first blog post she'll be giving you her favorite home trends for 2017.  Enjoy!

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2017 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS

Six must have home trends to try right now!

Written By: Taylor White

 

No color will ever be the new black. Black rules. However, these colors are pretty sweet too… 

In 2017, we are seeing the use of a dark and moody color palate, which I happen to adore. Popular colors in this trend include navy, dark gray, emerald and olive green, and plum. Yes, it’s a complete 180 from the minimalist white interiors that dominated your Pinterest feed in 2016, but in my opinion, this new palate is a welcome change that can make your space feel like a romantic, cozy retreat. 

source: what we make

source: french by design

source: koket

Speaking of dark and moody…

This trend applies to your wood finishes as well. I think its safe to say, we’re getting a little bored with blonde and light grey wood tones. Try adding some dark, warm wood pieces to your space to add depth and sophistication.

source: what we make

source: what we make

Big art melts my heart. 

It’s true, you guys. Try swapping your gallery wall for expressive large scale artwork, or better yet — wallcovering. You’ll be surprised and delighted on how it connects you to your space on an emotional level. Another great thing about this trend is that it works best with abstract art, giving you an opportunity to get your Picasso on and try creating some art of your own, like these people did: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/everyones-painting-their-own-abstract-art-and-you-should-too-229632  

source: what we make / wall covering by phillip jefferies

source: murals wallpaper

source: murals wallpaper

Greenery!

I love the idea of having more live plants in the home. In today’s very digital society, it feels good to go home, unplug, and try to get more grounded in nature. I think Pantone was dropping a major hint that we all need to chill out, and appreciate mother nature more when they introduced Greenery as their color of the year. And if you're scared that your lush interior greenery would eventually turn into… brownery, try succulents or climbing plants like ivy, which are notoriously hard to kill. 

source: bloglovin'

source: french bedroom company

source: what we make

Velvet

The 90’s are back, people! And I’m not mad about it. Not only is the 90’s trend big in fashion right now (so. many. chokers.) but it’s translating into interior design as well, in the form of velvet everything. I love the idea of adding velvet to your space, but before your go reupholstering your sofa, try incorporating velvet with accent pillows. It’s less of a commitment, and just as cool.

source: daily mail

source: bloglovin'

What the heck is hygge?

Everybody’s talking about it, and probably saying it wrong. Pronounced hue-guh, hygge is a Danish term defined as, “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” It is considered a defining characteristic in Danish culture. WOW. Sign me up. You can embrace the concept of hygge by filling your home with plenty of soft knit blankets and textiles, candles, plush rugs, the smell of baked goods and coffee, and by actually lighting your fireplace. The goal is to set the stage for relaxation, and take some time to enjoy and feel grateful for the simple pleasures that life has to offer. Excuse me while I go snuggle with a puppy. 

source: what we make

source: what we make

MODERN MEETS FARMHOUSE

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Tips for setting your Easter table

Easter is around the corner! This year we decided to jazz up our rustic Farmhouse Dining Table for Easter Brunch. Follow our simple styling tricks below to get the perfect table setting for your Easter Brunch. 

SIX TIPS FOR SETTING YOUR EASTER TABLE!

1. Make a statement with a large centerpiece.  

Choose a modern vase with simple clean lines. Add Magnolia branches as we did, or a contemporary floral arrangement. 

2. Tell a color story and stick to it.

Choose 3 - 4 colors to stick to. We chose a neutral palette with shades of white, sage green, pinks, and touches of mercury gold.

3. Create 3 - 4 different height levels for depth & dimension.

This is a must! I find when I'm styling if I don't create different heights things fall flat. We created different heights with tall candles, bowls, trays, and layering different items together.

4. Add warmth with different textures.

Linens, sheepskin throws, pillows, and marble not only add visual appeal they are also super comfy!

5. Feature handmade ceramics and vintage finds.

Featuring your treasured items makes your table feel like home! Experiment, be creative. We unexpectedly filled hand thrown ceramic bowls with some grass and eggs. 

6. Don't forget the bunnies + eggs! 

It wouldn't be Easter without the bunnies + eggs! Whether you use faux or hand dipped, eggs are a must!

Get the Look!!!

Farmhouse Dining Table - https://www.wwmake.com/coffee-end-side-console-tables/timber-dining-table-textured-finish

Magnolia Branches - http://www.shopterrain.com/easter-blooming/tulip-magnolia-branch

Large Glass Vase (similar) - http://www.shopterrain.com/vases-objects/glass-cylinder-vase-large

Clay Bowls with Handles - http://www.mishmosh-shop.com/

Geometric Ivory Fruit Bowl - https://www.etsy.com/listing/186838653/structured-ivory-fruit-bowl?ref=shop_home_active_16

Plates & Linens - https://www.crateandbarrel.com/dinnerware-collections/welcome-dinnerware/

Eggs & Easter Decor (similar) - http://www.shopterrain.com/easter/?cm_sp=Top-Nav-_-Easter-_-Easter

Sheepskin Throws (similar) - https://eastperry.com/ 

A BIG thanks to my friend Megan, for all her help and styling expertise for this post! From our WHAT WE MAKE family to yours, HAPPY EASTER!

CUSTOMIZE IT!

CUSTOMIZABLE FURNITURE TO FIT YOUR SPACE

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-   Platform Bed made with Reclaimed Wood  -

One of the most rewarding things we do as company is design and create custom furniture. This allows us to collaborate with our customers and bring their ideas to life.  Our latest custom platform bed was created for our customer's daughter (lucky girl!). She specifically requested a tall headboard to make a statement in her bedroom. It turned out absolutely beautiful! 

As I was styling and shooting this bed, I couldn't help but wish this were my bedroom! We wanted to create a modern design that still felt welcoming and warm. 

Every custom order starts with a few hand sketches for the customer to look at. After a design has been selected we do a final rendering to be approved. This allows the customer to get a 3-dimensional visual before we go into production. With this bed we started with a modern platform base, added the patchwork detail, and trim around the headboard to create a minimalist design. 

Each piece of furniture we create is handcrafted in our workshop outside of Chicago. The reclaimed wood we use is sourced from barns torn down in the Midwest, and we use a voc-free, plant based finish that brings out the natural grain and texture in the wood. 

What do you think of our new design? What would your dream bed look like? Like what you see?! Click HERE to purchase this bed!