HELLO METRO

Wise Words

2012-02-01T05:00:00.002-06:00

All Tucked In

2012-01-30T05:00:00.004-06:00

Need more seating when people come over, but don't have a ton of extra space? Here is a Genius Idea... Tuck an ottoman or pouf under your coffee table. When it isn't being used as overflow seating, it looks uber chic! Plus, this is an easy way to introduce a pop of color or a pattern, which will pull your look together. Layering is a functional tool of the design savvy.

{Photos via Pinterest}

Mirror Mania

2012-01-27T05:00:00.006-06:00

We're going Old Hollywood on you! We cannot get over the versatility of Mirrored Cabinets, inspired of course, by Hollywood Regency Style...

"Hollywood Regency is a style of decorating that developed in the 1930's during the Hollywood heydays. Conceived with a heavy nod towards set design and a wink to letting the "stars" shine, it was meant to envelop glamorous people in beautiful settings, while still letting them be the main attraction. This style incorporates a lot of glitz and glam. But, it also makes heavy use of classic lines and furniture. Luxury textiles and materials like gilt, fur, silk, leather, and mirror, are combined with clean geometric lines."

Add some pizazz, by popping a Mirrored Cabinet in your entry, dining room, bedroom or living room. The options are endless!

{Quote via Edel Haus / Photos via Pinterest}

Wise Words

2012-01-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

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Spring, Anyone?

2012-01-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

Over the cold weather and dreaming of Spring? We are...

For over 18 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season's most important color trends. This report previews the most prominent hues for spring 2012...

"Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. "They have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations."

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone's outlook this spring.

Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity.

Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer.

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette.

Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow.

Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season's brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel.

Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season's top 10.

For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.

(Text + Colors via Pantone)

Pillow Pattern Play

2012-01-20T05:00:00.006-06:00

Feeling a little anxious about being able to combine multiple patterns successfully? Mixing patterns will no longer bewilder you when you follow our four simple rules. Plus, we give you examples of perfect I.O. METRO pillow trilogies.

1. Start with one print you really love. "The more color in it, the easier time you will have pulling in other colors and patterns. Let it guide you!"

2. Use your initial print for your color palette. "If your print has grey, green and blue in it then for the next print look for a blue and white or a combination of just a couple of the colors. Colors do not have to match exactly they just have to blend well with the eye."

3. Vary the style of the patterns. "If you started with a floral then your next pattern could be a stripe, plaid or geometric."

4. Vary the size of the patterns. "You want a mix of small, medium and large scale when mixing patterns. If all your prints had the same sized scale on it, your eye would not know where to look and nothing would stand out."

***

{Design Tips Bishop /Photo via ConspicuousStyle}

Wise Words

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

{via Pinterest}

Design Hound

2012-01-16T05:00:00.005-06:00

We love our I.O. METORO Pets and as the temps continue to drop, our furry friends need to spend more time inside. (Or if you're like us, they always spend time inside). Please do your house a favor and get rid of that unsightly metal crate! Opt for the more design friendly built-in dog crate. It's a great space saving technique and and easy DIY Winter Project...

{Photos via Interior Design Hound}

Industrial Round Up

2012-01-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

"Industrial style trends do not seem to be budging a bit this year, and that's just fine by us. We dig the sturdy vintage vibe and interesting lines of many factory staples, but we have a particular fondness for draftsman stools. Perfect as extra seating at the table or cocktail/side tables, these humble stools are high on our wish list." (AT)

Get the Look for Less with I.O. METRO's
Evan Backless Barstool - Adjustable Height

{Photos via 1)House Beautiful; 2)House Beautiful; 3)tumblr; 4)House to Home; 5)Hooked on Houses; 6)Pinterest; 7)decor pad; 8)Porch Light}

Wise Words

2012-01-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

{via Pinterest}

Guest Blog: VERN YIP on Mirrors

2012-01-09T05:00:00.007-06:00

Adding a mirror to any room can be the equivalent of adding a window, since mirrors reflect light back into a space. For rooms that are size-challenged, mirrors increase the perception of space and can often inexpensively fill wall space when artwork is lacking. Mirrors also make wonderful extra-large “coasters,” acting as a protective layer when laid on top of a wood coffee table or an ottoman. Laid flat on a horizontal surface, they’ll instantly take ceiling light and bounce it right back into the room for a dramatic and glamorous effect!

Vern

(Photo via DIY)

Top Tips for the Best Vignettes

2012-01-06T05:00:00.009-06:00

Is your home feeling empty now that you've boxed up all of your holiday decor?

Well, it's time to create some new vignettes! We know "it can be challenging to create stylish vignettes, ones that are classy, not cluttered; inspired, not insipid." Below are some HGTV Tips to make it a little easier...

PICK YOUR SPOT

"Many spots naturally lend themselves to vignettes (mantels, console tables, tops of bookshelves), but remember to consider less obvious locations, such as stair landings, inside glass cabinets, lifeless corners, deep window sills, the top of the fridge (or piano), and night tables. Almost any horizontal surface has vignette potential."

PLAY THE ODDS

"Most stylists agree that for some reason, odd numbers of items just work better than even numbers. Does that mean you can’t display your pair of candlesticks? Not at all. But combine them with other elements, so you end up with an odd number of objects."

COLOR YOUR WORLD
"Vignettes can be opportunities to play up a room’s accent colors. You can punch up a lifeless room by creating vignettes in strongly contrasting colors. Change the feel of your vignettes seasonally by emphasizing different colors: cool colors in the warmer months, and vice versa."

MAKE IT PERSONAL
"Faced with an empty spot, it can be tempting to go shopping, buy everything in the first display that appeals to you, and plunk it down at home. Resist the temptation: it may look nice, but it will be somewhat sterile. Look through your belongings for special items that have personal meaning, or hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage or antique finds that can be combined with mass-produced decorative objects."

SIZE THINGS UP
"Consider the relationship between the number and the size of your vignette objects and the space you are trying to fill. Many people have a tendency to use itsy-bitsy decorative items that have no impact in the room. A basket of wicker balls, a lamp, and three framed photos might be perfect on a console table, but on a tall shelving unit, it’s going to look like ransacked store shelves on Christmas Eve. At the same time, don’t cram every available inch of horizontal space with so many tiny tchotchkes that it overwhelms the eye (to say nothing of the person who has to dust it all)."

BACK IT UP
"Don’t forget to look behind your vignettes. Sometimes an arrangement of objects needs a backdrop for real impact. In a bookshelf or cabinet, you can paint or paper the back of the cabinet to add interest and dimension to a vignette. You could also cut a thin board to size, cover it with decorative fabric or paper, and place it at the back of the shelf. Other options include arranging a vignette on a table in front of attractive curtains, or leaning a framed photo, artwork, or mirror against the wall behind the vignette."

MIX IT UP
Don’t just arrange things once and leave them until you move. Change them around! At the beginning of each season, look for ways to freshen the feel of your vignettes, perhaps by recombining elements or adding new, seasonally related objects. If you tend to have a lot of decorative items about, putting some of them away in the spring can make your rooms feel lighter and more spacious for the warmer months. You can change the feel of a vignette through elements such as color, texture, mass, shape, and line.

TAKE CHANCES
"Experiment! One of the great things about vignettes is that they’re so easy to change. Try out different arrangements, live with them for a few days and see how you feel. Inject a sense of humor with unexpected elements or clever juxtapositions."

(HGTV Tips: Birkett / Photos via Pinterest)

Wise Words

2012-01-04T05:00:00.002-06:00

Your environment greatly affects your mood. Remember, you can have...

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Bright New Year

2012-01-02T05:00:00.006-06:00

It's a brand new year! Are you ready for a bold new style? If you want to brighten things up, go for a Bold Statement Sofa*. Get a look that is uniquely you by customizing your favorite frame in a colorful fabric, patterned upholstery or leather.

*NOTE: To pull this look off, it's important to keep other pieces in the living room neutral, and let the sofa steal the show.

{Photos via Pinterest}

That's the Spirit

2011-12-30T05:00:00.008-06:00

Getting ready for that fabulous New Years Eve Party? Don’t worry, not everyone has a full-fledged permanent bar to open for guests. Have no fear; it’s easy to create a temporary drink station on any piece of furniture you already own. They don’t call it a cocktail table for nothing!

Use a piece of furniture you already own or the CASTER CONSOLE

CREATING A BAR “A designated spot for a bar area is the perfect solution to easy entertaining — not to mention that it will quickly become the intriguing focal point of any living room! We love bar carts, but a bar area can also be created on a bookshelf, mantle, or even a side table. The key is to mix a variety of stemware, glass decanters, and liquor bottles contained on trays of various sizes and shapes. Enliven the area with fresh flowers, personal trinkets, and candles. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your glassware — a bold set of glasses will brighten up any room!” (glitter guide)

Love the idea of putting your year in photos/invites over the bar...

Don't forget the kids (and pregnant friends)...

Going to a party rather than hosting? Get creative with your Hostess Gift. Forget the bottle of wine, which everyone is sure to bring. Give I.O. METRO's VINTAGE COCKTAILS coffee table book (available in-store only).

{Photos via Pinterest}

Wise Words

2011-12-28T05:00:00.001-06:00

{via Pinterest}

Golden Girls

2011-12-26T05:00:00.017-06:00

The Golden Girls (and we're not talking Blanche, Rose & Dorothy from the 80's TV show) received a new training facility. The University of Missouri dance team is the first squad in the nation to have a training building of their own. When you're the first to receive a golden opportunity like this, you have to make it stand out. Naturally, these lovely ladies selected I.O. METRO's Free Design Service to deck it out!

Inspired by MIZZOU's mascot (truman the tiger) and the school colors (gold and black) I.O. METRO provided these ladies with a top notch, girly-glam lounge and study area.

Yes, we know what you're thinking. Our college study lounge didn't look anything like this beautiful space either. Way to go girls!!!

{Photos via MU / Missourian}

Gift Pick Roundup

2011-12-23T05:00:00.008-06:00

Round out your shopping list with these thoughtful Gift Picks from I.O. Employees! We'll be open until 2:00pm on Christmas Eve!

Quick Gift Pick

2011-12-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

Wise Words

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

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what WOOD you do?

2011-12-19T05:00:00.013-06:00

Whether it is stacked, bundled or placed in a basket, we cannot get over our obsession with firewood. By bringing wood into your space (in an organized manner), you create an unexpected focal point. The rustic texture also adds an element of interest. When it's this chilly outside, you don't want your home to feel stark and cold. Firewood easily adds warmth and cozies up modern interiors. Even if you're not actually burning it, go ahead and use firewood as an inexpensive winter art piece.

So which arrangement will you try in your home?

{Photos via 1)Design Seeds; 2)Dweller w/out Decorators; 3)Birch+Bird; ) 4/5)shelter; 6)M. Elle; 7)House & Home; 8)BluLabel Bungalow; 9)Everything LEB; 10)Home Design Decorator; 11)Belle Maison}

Look for Less {Mod Equestrian}

2011-12-16T05:00:00.007-06:00

We love this stunning neutral room with the perfect pops of rust. The Modern-Traditional style is spot on. Think you cannot afford a space like this? Think again. We always provide you with a polished, high-end look at an affordable price. Create this Mod Equestrian Look for Less...

Build this room with the Ashland XL Sofa and Chairs, Horse Triptych Art, Tri Pod Floor Lamps, Rug Fallon, Rust Drapery Panels, Halo Orb Chandelier, Irving Coffee Table, Amber Charger, Flax and Shaggy Leaf Brown Pillows.

{Photo via Material Girls}

Wise Words

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

We believe in following this principle for your home Design Style, too!

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Guest Blog: VERN YIP on Books

2011-12-12T05:00:00.010-06:00

Books are not only a wonderful source of information, and one of the best ways to expand the mind, but also offer a unique glimpse into their owners. Housed on shelves, books are efficiently stored away. Placed on a coffee table, nightstand, end table or desk, however, they are an invitation to make oneself at home and peruse. Used singularly or stacked, books can prove to be an interesting opening into someone's personality and deliver entertainment while accessorizing. Try being inventive with a different take on a dining table centerpiece by doing low stacks of your favorite books in the center. If you’re hosting a dinner with a group not entirely familiar with each other, books incorporated into a centerpiece are a great conversation starter.

Happy Reading,
Vern

I.O. METRO now carries these interesting and unique Coffee Table Books. They'll make a perfect hostess or holiday gift.

TANGERINE TANGO

2011-12-09T05:00:00.012-06:00

PANTONE®, the global authority on color, announced Tangerine Tango, a vivacious, enticing hue, as the Color of the Year for 2012!

The 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Items in this high-impact hue add spice to any room.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Our previous blog posts show you additional ways to add Tangerine Orange to your Living Room and Dining Room!

{Article Source PANTONE/ Photos via Pinterest}

Wise Words

2011-12-07T05:00:00.001-06:00

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Deck the House

2011-12-05T05:00:00.008-06:00

Ornaments don't have to be relegated to the tree. Place them on your table tops, hang them around the house, and put them in glass vessels, cake stands and vases. Ornaments are the fastest and easiest way to decorate, but they pack a major holiday punch. For once we're saying the More the Merrier. Go SILVER, GOLD + RED this Christmas, with the METRO Holiday Collection!

{Photos via Pinterest}

Double Duty

2011-12-02T05:00:00.009-06:00

Confused as to whether that space is a home office or a guest room? Or do you have one of those master bedrooms where you can hardly get out of bed or barely see the floor?

Squeezing too many pieces of furniture into a room will make it anything but relaxing. A bedroom should be a retreat. Make sure you have a little breathing room. For a space saving tip, why not free up a sizable area by using a desk as a nightstand? Just don’t work all night long!

{Photos via 1)decor pad; 2)Marcus Design; 3)Coastal Living; 4)Bryn Alexandra; 5)Danielle Oakey; 6+7)PlushPalate}

METRO $$$

2011-12-01T11:37:00.003-06:00

* Expires 12/31/11. Valid in stores only and for gift card purchases of $50 or more. Not valid online. Please bring this email to receive your discount. Discount is valid for one-time use only.

** Expires 12/31/11. Valid in stores only and for regular-priced merchandise. Not valid for online orders. Please bring this email to receive your discount. Discount is valid for one-time use only. May not be used toward sale items, gift cards, past purchases (including balance due on past orders) or toward any other promotions/discounts offered by I.O. Metro. This discount may not be applied toward shipping, delivery or sales tax.

Wise Words

2011-11-30T05:00:00.001-06:00

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Guest Blog: DESIGN SHUFFLE

2011-11-28T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for Design Shuffle, a wonderful site that showcases the work of designers from around the world. Today I'm happy to be here guest blogging for Hello Metro. My post is all about ways to add color to a neutral space. Colorful accents and pops of color can breathe life into neutral interior designs. Enjoy!

A beautiful brown and white bedroom gets a hit of sunny yellow in easy to do accents. The yellow mats on framed art, yellow pillows and a yellow throw add color around the room.

This foyer demonstrates two great ways to add color to a neutral space: lamps and art. A single colorful painting can change the look and feel of a space. Add a colorful lamp for a pop of color.

At first glance, the pink dominates this neutral living room design, but with neutral walls and upholstery the pink accent color could easily be changed. Colorful curtains, pillows and flowers are all easy changes to a neutral room.

An accent or occasional chair painted in a bright color adds a pop of color to this black and white bedroom. The fuchsia throw nicely ties in with the desk chair's color.

A colorful headboard in a neutral bedroom works to bring the focus to the bed, the star of the room. If red is too intense for you, think about a soft green or blue headboard in a neutral bedroom.

In a neutral kitchen, add color with a painted island. If you want smaller pops of color, look for colorful counter top appliances and tea towels.

A neutral bedroom design means you can change colors for the seasons with colorful linens, duvets and coverlets. Add more color with a colorful throw pillow or a pair of solid color shams.

Tying together colorful accents with an area rug in a neutral room is a good way to create a cohesive look. Adding color on the floor helps ground the neutral space.

[ Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]

These bedroom design inspirations are just the beginning! Find more at Design Shuffle! Learn about the history of interior design and connect with talented designers like San Francisco interior designers and more!

I'm Faux Real

2011-11-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

'Tis the season for decorating with fur pillows + throws. Fur (faux of course) looks good in every room in the house. Toss a throw over a chair, pop a few pillows on your sofa or layer a blanket at the foot of your bed. Any way you look at it, fur cozies up your space without looking frumpy.

Looking for an easy, but thoughtful gift (or something for yourself)? Look no FURther...Our Faux Fur Pillows + Throws come in 6 Gorgeous Colors:
Charcoal, Chocolate, Green, Rust + Turquoise

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{Photos via 1)This is Glamorous; 2)Tobi Fairley; 3)shelter; 4)Remodelista; 5)shelter; ; 6)google; 7)prefurs; 8)Elle Decor}

Wise Words

2011-11-23T05:00:00.007-06:00

Click to read how to set a Proper Table.
Have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

{via 1/2}

28 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS

2011-11-21T05:00:00.007-06:00

Black Friday is only one day, but we're stretching out the fun and FREE GIFTS for 28 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS...

Click for Contest Details!

GIFT GUIDE

2011-11-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

IMPRESS FOR LESS! We're making your holiday shopping easier this year. We've put together a list of our favorite ITEMS UNDER $100. There's something for everyone on your list! Click to view the full GIFT GUIDE online.

Wise Words

2011-11-16T05:00:00.004-06:00

DO NOT let this happen to YOU...

Shop at I.O. METRO where we offer STYLE and AFFORDABLE prices!

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{Photo via}

Guest Blog: VERN YIP on Drapes

2011-11-14T05:00:00.018-06:00

Rooms often don’t feel finished until the drapes are up…so start getting your home ready for the end-of-year entertaining season by checking out these Dupioni Polysilk versions from I.O. Metro! From versatile neutrals like Chocolate and Charcoal, to rich tones like Green and Rust, there is a color that will work for almost every room. There’s even a Turquoise for the more adventurous folks in the bunch! With a slick grommet detail and two different lengths, it’s easy to get that design-forward look quickly and easily with I.O. Metro drapery! Don’t forget that these panels come in both 8’-0” ($59) and 10’-0” ($79) lengths to help create that customized look…and remember to hang your drapes as high as possible, with bottoms barely skimming the floor, to create that feeling of taller ceilings!

Happy Hanging,

Vern

I.O. METRO Color Options

I.O. is your one-stop-shop! They also sell the drapery Rods in two colors!

...

{Photos via 1)Alkemie; 2)House Beautiful; 3)House & Home; 4)Luna&ChloeStyle; 5)Glam Lamb; 6)House & Home; 7)houzz; 8)decor pad}