Good Day Casual Elements!
Our store in Rancho Cordova, CA was featured on Good Day Sacramento today! Courtney Dempsey came out to see our showroom and interview Caroline about the different types of products that we manufacture, focusing on our reclaimed teak furniture and green production practices. There are 2 parts to the segment. Check it out!
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/8359623-casual-elements-part-1/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/8359650-casual-elements-part-2/
Furniture in Sacramento: Interior Home Decor Sale
Once in a while, a business has to do what a business has to do. 
Since we have had nothing but beautiful weather here in Sacramento, mother nature has given us no choice, but to start selling outdoor furniture a little early this year. People want it, and where there is a need, we want to fill it. So, in order to do this, we have to move out much of our Interior Furniture. We have so many pieces on our Showroom floor right now. 
So, just yesterday, we decided to have an Impromptu Sale this weekend. All of our regular priced, In Stock Interior Furniture is 30% off this weekend only, February 25-26. This is unheard of at Casual Elements because our prices are already so low. Because we manufacture our own furniture, we don't have to mark our prices up as high as most retailers do. When you walk in to our showroom on any given day, you will get fantastic pricing. This weekend, when you walk into our showroom, you will get OUTSTANDING prices. All you need to do is print this blog entry and bring it with you to receive the discount. It's that easy! So, if you are looking for unique, hand crafted, hard wood furniture that will last a lifetime, come in this weekend! Get all of our information, like directions and showroom hours at www.casual-elements.com.
Casual Elements Introduces Mango Wood Home Furnishings – Economical and Eco-friendly!
If you are looking for Rustic Furniture, Casual Elements Home and Garden Furniture Store has a great option for you . . . Mango wood!
Santa Fe Rustic Bookcase
When you think of Mango wood, you may not think of it as a raw material for beautiful, quality furniture. However, Mango Wood is a wonderful, environmentally friendly, sustainable hard wood. The trees mature quickly and only produce fruit for a limited number of years. So, rather than waste the wood cut down from the non-fruit baring trees, we take this raw wood and create an elegant, rustic line of furniture.
Santa Fe Trestle Dining Set
The elegance primarily comes from the variety of colors and tones in the wood. The shades of color can vary from a light brown to deep rich brown; there is even a hint of orange at times. These variations create a rich and intriguing look which we have enhanced with our wonderful Natural and Rustic Grey Wash finishes. Due to these natural color variations, each piece of Rustic Mango Wood Furniture is truly unique.
Whether you are looking for dining room furniture, tables, console tables, cabinets, chairs, benches or other home furniture we have the perfect option for you. The raw wood is all personally inspected by our professional team in Indonesia to ensure only the best wood is selected and it is free from any defects or fungi. Each item is then hand crafted using traditional skills, such as mortise and tenon joinery and dovetail construction.
If you enjoy the look of rustic wood, whether stained or painted, then Mango Wood is the perfect choice. You can select a piece of furniture, at a very affordable price, that will last for years. Plus, you will have the added comfort in knowing that it is hand crafted and earth friendly!
Santa Fe Rustic Buffet
See all of our offerings at www.casual-elements.com
Casual Elements weighs in – What makes Mahogany Furniture so special?
Solid Mahogany Dining Table and Chairs
What is it about Mahogany furniture that people love? Is it the brilliant, rich color? Is it the sophisticated, fine grain with virtually no knots? Is it due to the durability and the fact that it is naturally resistant to insects, decay, and water?
I would suggest that it is for all of these reasons that people tend to choose Mahogany furniture over other woods. When customers enter our showroom, and I tell them that we sell solid, genuine Mahogany furniture, their faces light up as they reach out to touch the cool, smooth surface. The next thing they do is attempt to lift the edge of the dining table or other hard wood item in order to gauge the heaviness of the piece. They always seem so satisfied to feel its natural strength. It not only looks beautiful, but it is sturdy and solid - a piece that can have a permanent place in their home.
A little unknown fact, however, is this – not all Mahogany is created equal. Just like most things, there is the genuine article and then there is the other stuff. “Genuine Mahogany” originates in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. Because the trees in these places are endangered, they are no longer commercially logged. However, Swietenia macrophylla, or Bigleaf Mahogany, was introduced by the Dutch in Indonesia around 100 years ago. It is now grown on plantations in Indonesia and Fiji, and this wood is the only Mahogany that is used to craft “genuine Mahogany” furniture. There are many other trees with hard, reddish wood which are also called mahoganies, but they really aren't. Genuine Mahogany belongs to the genus Swietenia. Other mahoganies, such as African or Philippine mahogany are actually of a different species.
What does this mean to the average consumer? I’m not sure that it makes a difference. Many of these other woods look like “genuine Mahogany” and that is why they are called mahogany. However, for us, it is a point of pride that we use only Plantation grown, Grade A, Genuine Mahogany. So, when that customer walks through the door, and admires that gorgeous dining table, dining chair, or other interior accent piece, I can assure them that we have the genuine article.
For more information on our furniture manufacturing process, please visit our website at www.casual-elements.com
Casual Elements’ Tips: Decorating Your Dining Room Table for the Holidays
Whenever I am out shopping, during the Holidays, I get inspired by all of the pretty bobbles and trinkets. I stare endlessly at all of the sparkle. So much so that I find it difficult to stay focused. I love to decorate with lime green, bright red, pinks, and purples, but I also love the muted creams, golds, and silver. So, before you start shopping or hanging ornaments, I believe, first and foremost, you have to have a plan! Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautiful and cohesive look for the Holidays:
Choose Your Color Scheme
1. Before heading to the store, go through your Holiday decorations that you have used in Season’s past. You don’t always have to do the same thing, but see what you might be able to reuse before going shopping.
2. Decide on a color scheme - and stick to it! It is so easy to get distracted by all of the beautiful, shimmering ornaments, but be strong! If you remain focused on your
design plan, you will end up saving money – and you will have an easier time pulling it all together.
3. Purchase inexpensive boxes of ball ornaments, in your chosen color(s). You can place these on accent tables or fireplace mantels, but also on your Holiday table. Set them around your table’s centerpiece or on the plates, in the wine glasses, and in vases. You can even hang them from ribbon on the
Ball ornaments can be used in many ways
back of your dining chairs or from an overhead candelabra or chandelier. The options are truly endless!
4. Use nature! Pinecones by themselves can add a lot of rustic charm for the Holidays. Decorate them with some silver or gold glitter and you have just upgraded from rustic charm to rustic glam! Also, fresh, green pine branches look great down the center of the table - and they make the house smell wonderful!
Use Fresh Red Flowers and Berries for a pop of red
5. Fresh flowers are always a pleasant treat on the Holiday table! Red roses, trimmed short, in small vases add elegance to any table. Add some greenery and perhaps some red berries. You don’t have to be a professional florist to work this one out! Anyone can do it and it doesn’t cost a lot of money! Remember to Just Say No to fake arrangements!
6. Ribbon!!! Buy a large spool of ribbon and use it everywhere! Ribbon is a wonderful way to spice up that dinner table. You can run it down the middle, tie it around napkins, or use it as a placemat under your china. You can also tie it around your dining chairs and tie a bow on the back.
7. Everyone, at some point in their life, must purchase all white china (or white with gold or silver trim). These are classic and elegant and can be used for other formal occasions as well. Try to stay away from the kitschy Holiday plates.
8. Candles are a wonderful way to add sparkle to your evening. Place them everywhere! Small glass votive holders are very inexpensive. You can group them for more impact or set them down the center of a long table. For a classic, traditional look, use gold,
- Take advantage of all of the beautiful Ribbon out there
red, or cream colored tapers in the center of the table.
9. You get to determine where your guests sit! Use fun and festive place card holders. This actually makes it easier for your guests, especially if you have multiple tables set up. It also adds a nice touch to the overall look of your table.
10. Place a small gift on each plate. This is a great way for you to thank your guests for coming – and it adds a festive touch to the table. These gifts do not have to be elaborate, but should be thoughtful. Appropriate gifts would include a small candle, personalized notepad, or ornament. They can all be the same or you can change it
up to fit each guests’ personality.
We, here, at Casual Elements wish all of you a wonderful, safe, and happy Holiday Season!
Need the perfect table for your perfect Holiday spread? Check out our solid Mahogany Dining Tables and Chairs! www.casual-elements.com
Dining tables are family center pieces during the holidays
Hosting a holiday meal
One of the best moments about celebrating the holidays is gathering with friends and family around the table for dinner. Holiday meals are special because they are often one of the few times everyone is home and together again. Efforts should be made to make those precious events feel special by creating a warm and welcoming dining room. Of course choosing the right dining table is crucial. There are as many styles of dining tables on the market as there are decorating tastes and budgets, from luxurious dining tables to humble kitchen tables.
Indonesian Lesungs: Create and Inspire by Repurposing
As my colleague and I recently placed Indonesian antiques in a display in our showroom, I was struck by the simplicity and beauty of these pieces. So, I decided to do some research and find out more about these very cool artifacts.
Display in Casual Elements Showroom
Traditionally, these old teak items are used in the harvesting of rice. Typically in Indonesia, jobs are divided between men and women. Men prepare the paddy field before planting begins and the women take care of the planting. Women also have the job of milling the paddy skin to expose the white rice. They do this by using a “lesung”, or mortar, and an “alu”, which is a stamper, like a large pestle. What I find most fascinating, is that these “lesungs” are used for more than just stamping rice. While many women pound the rice, only two or three women work to separate the rice from its skin. The others, who are waiting, make music, using the lesung and alu. This music is called “Gejok Lesung” and it acts as a way to keep the rhythm.
Indonesian Women Harvesting Rice
As I get older (and wiser), I find myself drawn to accessories and furniture that have a history. It is easy to find knockoffs at your local chain store (which oddly cost more than the price of the real deal). At Casual Elements, we want to offer our customers a cultural experience. We have so many beautiful Indonesian artifacts, including these “lesungs”. We also carry antique ceramic pots and old teak doors and shutters.
Whatever your taste, challenge yourself to look for pieces that speak to you and tell a story. It is thrilling to find old items that repurpose for modern day use. When guests enter your home, and they see your creativity at work, you will gain their admiration and inspire them to do the same.
Unique Coffee Tables
The “lesungs” we carry, which can be circular or rectangular, have an open space in the center, which make them especially nice for planting flowers in them. They can also be used as a small table base by placing a piece of glass on top of them. For the Holidays, you could use one as a manger for a nativity scene. Any way which they are used, these antique tools will add charm and old world style to your indoor or outdoor decor.
Things to Consider when Purchasing New Outdoor Furniture: Buying Tips from Casual Elements
Analyze your space
Do you want to have dinner parties, or is the space primarily for lounging. Do you want to create a party atmosphere or a quiet reading nook?
Does you space get a lot of sun? What is the ground surface like? You may need an umbrella if the area gets a lot of sun. This would also mean that you will need a hole in your table top. Also, the ground surface may determine if you need light or heavy weight furniture.
Measure your space
Remember to take chairs into account! Add 25” around any table, plus an extra 24-36” for walking space behind the chairs.
Use chalk to outline the space where the furniture will go.
Consider your options
How many people do you want to accommodate? While a bar height table and chairs will allow for a little more space in cramped quarters, you will be able to seat a minimal amount of people. Armless chairs are a great space saver and allow more people to sit comfortably at the table.
Find your style
Check out outdoor magazines to get some ideas and find your preferences.
Do your Homework
All outdoor Furniture is not created equal. Not only are their different types of materials used, but there are some products that are manufactured poorly.
You should be aware that metal frames should be created from Aluminum, not Steel. Aluminum is a great choice because it is lightweight and does not rust.
Wood is a beautiful option, with Teak being the toughest of woods. Just know that you should look for Grade A wood that is Kiln Dried. Cheap Teak = poor quality wood and poor construction, period.
Resin Wicker is another choice that has gained popularity. It looks good, is durable, and easy to clean. Look for high quality resin wicker that is UV-tested and will not fade.
Cushions and throw pillows add comfort and style – just make sure you have a place to store them in the winter. Also, make sure your pillows are color-stay protected, have polyester fibers, and have been UV-tested.
Sit in the Furniture
Try out all the furniture in the store. Take your time. This is furniture that you are going to be spending quality time in. It needs to be comfortable.
Spend Wisely
Cheap furniture will only last so long. Avoid any deals that seem too good to be true. Instead, look for decent sales and buy high quality furniture at a reasonable price. You may spend a bit more, but it will be worth it in the end.
Casual Living. Tips for creating an outdoor room
As you sit down with your landscape designer and start drawing plans for your dream backyard or outdoor room, consider the following elements:
Create an outdoor room that is compatible with the natural environment and ties in with your existing structures.
Your outdoor room design needs to be appealing.
Personalize it but keep it simple and elegant. This will maintain your investment by increasing the value of your home.
An outdoor space that is functional and practical is a space that will be utilized more often.
Your outdoor room needs to be a source of pleasure and relaxation, not the cause of yet another chore. Therefore design something that is easy to maintain and keep clean.
Think of the different seasons in order to maximize your utilization of the space.
One area that is often neglected is the orientation of the room. Consider the sun during different seasons and different times of the day.
Finally, choose your furniture wisely. Pick something that is comfortable, elegant and durable. Pick cushion fabrics that reflect your style.
When done right, this space becomes the most enjoyable and more frequently used part of your home.
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