4 Ways the Home Furniture Designers Make Shopping Easy Tuesday, February 26, 2019

If you’ve ever walked through a Home Furniture location, you’ve likely noticed how the sofas, chairs, beds, and dressers are set up, just waiting for you. There’s a real science behind those set ups, and they are designed to make your life easier.

1. It’s a Small-Scale Look at Your New Living room (or bedroom or dining room)

That’s right, the stores may not have the exact square footage of your home, but the pieces are placed so you may “picture” them in your space. “I have a degree in design and 30 years of experience,” explains Home Furniture designer, Katherine Langham. “How I pair the pieces with lamps and rugs is meant to make the customer’s shopping experience easier. It gives them a real picture of what it could look like.” Katherine says she even makes sure some sofa sets are placed against walls because she knows that is the configuration in many homes. The idea is to give you a real sense of space.

2. Rugs are Quick and Easy

You know the rugs that accompany almost all displays? Well, Katherine says those are fun and easy to coordinate. She says that designers are there to help pull those final touches together to coordinate your perfect room.

3. Designers Will Find the Perfect Side Table

“I will walk around the store with the salesperson and customer to find the perfect table. We can pick and choose if the customer has something different or special in mind,” says Katherine.
She explains that while she may choose a certain sofa table or side table to display, that doesn’t mean she won’t help you find something special and unique for your space!

4.  “I Will Find it”

Katherine says if there is an item that the customers can describe or a certain color they have in mind, she’s the one to call. She can help people who have an idea of what they want, but don’t have an exact picture in their mind. “I have catalogs, and we can order something special just to make sure it’s exactly right.”

The Home Furniture design team is there to help the customer and sales people make the stylish choices that will shape the perfect space.

4 Ways to Keep Your Dining Room Table Clear of Clutter Sunday, February 24, 2019

For many homes, the dining room table becomes a catch-all. It’s typically the biggest working surface in the house and can easily become cluttered with bills, homework projects, work spreadsheets, and more. However, there are ways to spare your dining room table from the mess. Let’s look at four ways to keep your dining room table clear of clutter.

1. Add Storage to the Dining Room

Using your dining room as an office or homework space is easier and less obtrusive than it sounds. Choose accent pieces for the room that double as storage. You can house your bills, paper, and office clutter in drawers and cabinets, out of sight! Best of all, quality accent cabinets will not clash with the atmosphere of your dining room. Cabinets aren’t the only type of storage you can add to your dining room. A nice bench along the wall can also serve as a place to keep items out of the way.

2. Hide the Cords

A dining room that’s pulling double duty can easily become overwhelmed with cords: computer cords, phone chargers, lamp cords and more. Try storing your items with cords against the wall after you are finished working. Keep the items that must stay plugged in out of the walkways on top of console, cabinets, tables or shelves. That will go a long way in keeping the room neater and less of a tripping hazard.

3. Encourage Good Habits

It’s OK to spread out in the dining room to work, but make sure the mess is stowed away after the project is complete. Make this part of your work routine. Mirror the behavior for your children and let them know they are expected to clear homework items from the dining room table before dinner or bedtime.

4. Use the Table to Come Together

If you regularly eat together as a family, it will be second nature to keep the table free of clutter. Have your children make clearing the table and then setting the table for dinner part of your nightly dinner routine.

If your dining room table will have to serve multiple purposes, make sure you’ve chosen the right type. Softer wood tables could be ruined by constant writing, and high gloss finishes can easily be scratched. Protect your table with regular cleaning and by using the right cleaning supplies for the surface.

Best Ways to Keep Upholstered Furniture Fresh and Clean Thursday, February 21, 2019

Getting the new year off to a fresh start is important, especially for your furniture. Often the most used items in our home are overlooked for months at a time. It’s time to give the sofa and recliner the deep clean it deserves. You should deep-clean upholstered furniture every year or two, depending on the use, color, and pattern. Commercial cleaning, do-it-yourself cleaning, and foam cleaners all work, but first let’s talk about fabric.

Cotton fabrics are commonly used for upholstery, however their durability depends on the weave and finish. If a cotton fabric has been pre-washed then it should be fine to clean with soap and water, however, it is always wise to check the manufacturer's recommended cleaning method.

Microfibers resist most stains and can easily be cleaned with soap and water. This fabric is a good choice for households with children. Leather furniture should be gently vacuumed and damp wiped as needed, using as little water as possible. Clean with leather conditioner or saddle soap, buffing thoroughly to remove residue. Suede can be vacuumed with a soft brush attachment. Use only made-for-suede leather cleaners. Remove small spots with art gum erasers, and never clean with water.

Now, a word about linen. This fabric is best suited for formal living rooms or adult areas. Soiled pieces have to be professionally cleaned, so keep that in mind before buying a family room full of linen upholstered furniture.

Maintaining Clean Furniture

Frequent vacuuming is the best way to clean and maintain upholstery. Vacuuming helps prevent dust, dirt, and stains from embedding in the fibers of upholstered pieces and keeps them looking new.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Use the soft brush attachment on the vacuum, and be sure to keep it clean and free of oily residue. Read and carefully follow the furniture manufacturer's and cleaner label directions before applying any product to upholstery.

If your fabric was treated at the time of manufacture or purchase (with a finish such as Teflon or Scotchgard), it is important that you use compatible products whenever cleaning the piece.

Spot Cleaning

Spills are inevitable, especially when there are children or pets in the house. Look at furniture labels for care instructions and follow thoroughly.

Always test your cleaning method first on an inconspicuous spot. If a ring remains around the stain after cleaning, you'll need to deep clean the entire cushion or chair. Gently blot spills, don't rub, as quickly as possible with a white towel or paper towel. Don't use colored towels or printed paper towels because they may transfer dye or ink to the upholstery.

If you follow these guidelines, your furniture will last for decades to come. If you put in the time, effort, and love, your furniture will love you back!

5 Ways to Keep Your Entryway Clear and Welcoming Tuesday, February 19, 2019

A pristine entryway usually doesn’t stay that way for long. Shoes, umbrellas, coats, and backpacks tend to end up on the floor and disorganized. But, there’s a better way. You can keep your entryway welcoming by using these few organizational tips.

1.          Keep Mud Outside

Use moisture catching welcome mats to combat dirt and mud trying to make its way into your home; opt for something heavy duty and slip-resistant. Keeping muddy footprints out of your entryway will make the area feel clean and bright.

2.          Storage

It’s hard to expect the entryway to stay clutter-free if your guests and family do not have a place to store their items. A set of hooks and a shelf will improve things drastically. Go a step further and invest in a low table with drawers or even a stylish locker system with hooks and cubbies. Remember, just because a piece of furniture doesn’t say “entry way” in the title does not mean it cannot be repurposed. An accent cabinet with storage will also do the trick.

3.          Don’t Forget the Door

If your garage entrance or side door is the main way that you and your family enter your home, hang or attach a shoe organizer on the back of the door. Roomy pockets hold mittens and scarves, sunglasses and suntan oil, pet leashes, and garden gloves and shoes where they're accessible but not in the way.

4.          A Place for Keys

Keys are one of the top items that can clutter up an entry way, but it is logical to store them by the door. If you do not have a dedicated drawer for your keys, put a bowl on a table near the door. You can also hang a discrete hook or two. Having a dedicated space for keys will clear clutter and add a bit of organization to your daily life.

5.          Charging Station

The entryway is actually the perfect area to create a charging space for your family’s mobile devices. It encourages tech-addicted household members to plug in their phone in an out of the way location. You may actually start a conversation or two with your teenager while his phone is on the charging station. All you need is an outlet near the entry way and a stylish multi-outlet surge protector, or you can opt for one of the wireless chargers.

Remember, the entryway is the gateway to your home. How it looks says a lot about what guests will find inside and how you feel entering your space. Make putting things in their place a part of your daily routine and your entry way will stay pristine year-round.

5 Ways to Organize Your Home Office Thursday, February 14, 2019 More and more people are working from home both part-time and full-time. As technology improves, the number of people working remotely is likely to increase year after year. But hunkering down in your living room recliner is not the most productive work environment. It’s important to set up a space that inspires!

Here are 5 ways to organize your home office.

1. Dedicate the Space

Most of us do not have the room for a dedicated office space. That means you have to claim a small corner of your house as a work space, and that’s ok! If you’re working in the guest bedroom, think about how often guests actually stay over. If you’re using the space as an office most often, embrace that function.

That could mean choosing a stylish futon over a bed. Or select a day bed that takes up less space. Start thinking about the room as your office that also works as a spare bedroom instead of the other way around.

2. Invest in Comfort

Invest in comfortable office furniture. You need to concentrate and brainstorm in your space. Choose a desk and chair that will allow you to sit comfortably. Also consider other furniture for your space, like a sofa or recliner. Sometimes you need to spread out for a project. You’re going to spend lots of time in your office, possibly eight or more hours per day. Invest in comfort for the sake of productivity and organization.

3. Eliminate Clutter from Your Personal Life

One of the dangers of having a home office is that the line between personal and professional can begin to blur. If you aren’t careful, your workspace could become cluttered with kids’ toys, the book you wanted to finish reading, and other personal items. Then there’s the clutter that simply builds up as part of your regular work effort.

Regular office cleaning is so important. It’s something you should plan to keep up with to ensure that ‘things’ don’t get in the way of you being productive.

4. Choose the Best Storage Options

You may need to store a variety of things within your office. If you don’t manage the furniture and supplies, you could end up with a mess. A simple filing cabinet or hutch could go a long way to avoiding a paper pile-up.

5. Add a Few Inspirational Touches

Inspiration can lead to productivity. While you don’t want your space cluttered with items from the rest of your home, that doesn’t mean you want to work in a barren space. Don’t let your home office become the room you dread. Add a rug that ties it all together, put pictures and paintings on the wall, and add pillows to your futon or chair. The point is to make it a room you want to spend time in!

Working from home can be rewarding and convenient, just don’t let work clutter derail your productivity. Keep things separate from your home life and as neat as possible. You’ll be checking things off your task list in no time!

President’s Day Sales Are the Perfect Time to Buy Home Furniture Wednesday, February 13, 2019

The days and weeks leading up to President’s Day, which is February 18th this year, are a busy time for Home Furniture employees. They are readying the showroom for a record number of customers, and if you are in the market for any new piece of furniture, you should be among them.

Furniture stores promote numerous sales on President’s Day for a few reasons. One is the fact they know you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors this winter. You’ve had time to plan a new layout and evaluate your financial situation after the holidays. Historically, President’s Day weekend sales often focus around things in the home for this reason.

Furniture stores are actively campaigning for your attention, that means deep discounts and special incentives. At Home Furniture, there are markdowns on almost everything, special payment plans, and even next day delivery and set up as part of the campaign to get customers shopping on President’s Day. It’s worth your time to take advantage of these incredible offers. They can really save you big bucks!

Another pricey item that is often on sale is mattresses. A quality mattress can run anywhere from $800 to $3000. It’s not an item people typically buy on a whim. From now until President’s Day expect deep discounts on big brands. Everything from innerspring to memory foam is likely included.

Buying in sets can also save you money. Living room, dining room and bedroom sets are meant to be sold together. If you make the purchase all at once, it will save money and time. The sets will arrive together and be set up by a team of professionals, ready to be used as soon as the next day!

President’s Day also offers a unique opportunity for financing your purchase. Home Furniture offer 48 months special financing with zero interest for 4 years. With this offer, you can take advantage of the President’s Day deals without worrying about your account balance.

Furniture is a special investment in your home and lifestyle. Shopping the deals is a great way to find the furniture that feels like “you” without the buyer’s remorse that sometimes comes along with a major purchase.

Keeping the Clutter Out of Your Kids’ Room Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Just walking into your child’s bedroom can be overwhelming. Toys, clothes, crafts, and school supplies seem to be everywhere! If your child’s room looks like it could be declared a disaster area, keep reading. There are expert tips and tricks to keep the clutter out of your kid’s room.

Furniture that Stores
There is wasted storage space all over your child’s room. Start taking advantage! Try under-bed-storage or a bunkbed with built in drawers that double as stairs. Wardrobes are a nice solution to bulkier items such as backpacks and sports equipment.

Involve Your Kids
You are not in this alone; it is their room, after all. Kids as young as 3-years-old really want to participate, and they're really excited to be involved. If kids are involved in organizing, they'll feel ownership over the project and are more inclined to keep things tidy, or at the very least, they'll know where everything should go.

Let it Go
The clutter of the kid’s room can actually be overwhelming for your child. However, most kids don't know that it's OK to say no to stuff they don't want. Set up a system where you regularly donate unwanted or unused items to charity.

Cubbies and Bins
Cubbies and bins are great organizing tools for kids because they recreate what they're experiencing at school. You can place them in the entryway of their room, creating a 'drop zone' area they'll naturally maintain. With a cubby they can drop their stuff and not even have to think about it.

Make it a Habit
Make cleaning up the kids’ room a regular part of the routine. Before lunch, have the kids tidy up. Before bed and bath time, have them clean up again. This way it’s built into the day and nothing gets too overwhelming.

Kids mirror what their parents are doing. Sometimes you need to look at yourself and really see if your kids are modeling your behavior. Even something as small as putting away your keys can be a mini-lesson in action. Keep the rest of the house clutter-free, and they will want their rooms the same way.

7 Ways to Organize Your Bedroom Sunday, February 10, 2019 Arguably, the bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your house. It’s where your day begins and where it ends. Being surrounded by constant clutter and disarray can make this room an unwelcoming sight, instead of the relaxing haven it should be.

Here are 7 ways to organize your bedroom.

1. Start with the closet: Go through your clothes and get rid of anything that doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn in the past few months. If you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it! For bulky clothing items, like sweaters and coats, fold them away. Use shelves instead of clothes hangers.

2. Shoe Storage: Customize your shoe storage to make the best use of your particular space. Shoes can be put on shelves, on the closet floor, in cubbies, or even under the bed.

3. Keep drawers tidy: Fold everything in your clothing drawers neatly. Use a drawer divider for smaller items like socks, lingerie, and belts. Consider investing in a new chest or dresser if yours is short on space. Having ample drawer room is key to a neat and tidy bedroom.

4. Use headboard space: Take advantage of headboard storage space by incorporating shelving for everything from books and lamps to your favorite framed photos. You can buy shelved headboards; there are a variety of different styles out there.

5. Don’t ignore the nightstand: Don’t let clutter pile up next to your bed. Depending on how much stuff you have, opt for shelves, drawers, or just a simple table. Be sure to pick the right shape and right amount of storage for your needs.

6. Add a desk: If you find yourself working in the bedroom, spare your nightstand and add a proper desk. Look for a minimalist model and pair it with a small chair.

7. Invest in a storage ottomans or bench: These are beautiful and practical pieces of furniture and a great way to stash those bedroom extras. Storage ottomans and benches come in a huge array of styles and can match any décor.

Your bedroom is worth the extra time it takes to organize. Once the main project is over, it’s just a matter of maintaining the overall look and feel of the room. You deserve a stress-free retreat! Organize your bedroom and feel the stress of the day melt away.

Organizing the Perfect Crafting Space Thursday, February 7, 2019 If you made a resolution to be more self-sufficient this year, you might notice you are drowning in crafts. Making your own curtains, scrapbooking old photos, and crafting your own soaps is a hobby that cries out for organization. Here are a few tips to make sure your crafting space does not become a burden.

Reuse and Recycle

The key to choosing the right furniture pieces for your crafting space is to reuse and recycle pieces you may already have. Don’t go for plastic tables with flimsy drawers; you need a sturdy work space with quality storage. Just because a chest is “meant” for the bedroom doesn’t mean it can’t store crafts! Choosing bedroom furniture is ideal because your craft room may have to serve as a spare guestroom from time to time. Making smart choices will make your overnight guest feel more at home.

Choose the Right Space

After you have the right furniture in mind, choose a space to fit it all and will allow you to spread out. If you are operating out of a spare bedroom, consider adding a daybed to make the room appear more multi-functional without crowding floor space. Using the toy room so you can keep an eye on the little ones while you work? Move a large sturdy table in there. A dining room table is usually ideal.

Craft Perfect Storage

It’s perfectly fine to head over to the dollar store and buy plastic bins to store your crafts. They are cheap, functional, and will not break the bank. But where will you store those plastic bins? How will you organize the chaos? That’s where high-quality shelving comes in. While the bins themselves can be on the cheaper side, you should splurge on sturdy shelves to manage your storage. An accent cabinet is great for hiding away unsightly plastic bins. It will help to keep your craft space neat and tidy while keeping your bins at arm’s reach. A jewelry organizer is great for smaller items like beads and fabric scraps.

When it comes to organization, clean-up is key. What’s the point of having the perfect storage options if you aren’t using them? Make cleaning away the mess part of your crafting habit. If you stay on top of the odds and ends, your crafting space won’t become overwhelming.

6 Signs You Need to Organize Your Living Room Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Being comfortable in your own home is something many of us take for granted. When you walk through your door and are greeted by piles of disorganization, relaxation is not what your body and mind expect. If you find yourself avoiding your living spaces because the clutter has gotten out of hand, it’s time to make a change.

Here are 6 signs you need to organize your living room.

    1. It Smells

Literally. Piles of paper, stacked up laundry, shoes by the door, and stacks of toys will accumulate dust and let out a musty scent. If the air in your home is not as fresh as it used to be, consider a deep clean to help get you organized. Breathing fresh air inside your home should be a priority.

     2. You Can’t See Surfaces

Papers, books, brochures and magazines tend to accumulate on flat surfaces all around the house. You may need a household information center. The living room is often more cluttered because it's a central gathering place in the house. A desk or filing cabinet is an ideal recommendation.

     3. Tripping on Cords

Lamp cords, TV cords, charging cords: they are everywhere! Fortunately, there are several options for taming cords in the living room. Invest in cord holders that can stick to walls. A cable caddy also usually sticks onto a desktop or behind the TV console and has space for several cables to clamp into. Also consider using zip ties to help organize the cord chaos.

     4. Drowning in Toys

If toys are taking over your family room, it's time to put them in timeout. Unused corners of a family room transform into great play areas because the walls serve to block encroaching clutter. Corners are also good areas to put a small bookcase or children's table. Add rolling bins for toy storage so your child doesn't have to feel confined. Make sure you encourage him to pick up after he is done playing.

      5. No Room for Family Fun

For a family that likes to play together, a game cabinet for board games and cards is both functional and fun. Games usually end up in a TV armoire, but it's helpful to designate a separate space for them, whether in another shelving unit, a bookcase or in plastic containers below the sofa. Creating a single game space will free up other areas of the room for storage.

      6. Can’t Ever Find “It”

 “It” could be anything from the remote to the dog (just kidding!) If you are constantly looking for something in your living room, it’s time to get organized. Consider furniture that helps to store, like benches or ottomans, or invest in an accent cabinet or two to keep track of blankets, games, toys and more.


Having an organized living room will make your home life more enjoyable day to day. Being able to find what you need and lounge on your sofa without clearing a space will make your life less stressful.

Ways to Declutter the Toy Room Sunday, February 3, 2019

If there’s one room in the house that makes most parents want to close the door and hide the mess, it’s the toy room. But there are many smart furniture decisions you can make that will cut down on the clutter. Even if your toy room goes from clean to chaos every single day, these ideas will help you create order.

 

Bins, Bins, Bins

Store things in baskets and bins. There are soft bins for younger kids and more robust bins for older children. Having easily-accessible baskets and bins make it much easier for kids to put away their own toys.

 

Cut Down on the Labels

Consider not labeling everything. Most playroom organization tutorials recommend putting pictures on all of your bins so kids will know how to put things away. However, for little kids this might create a bit of confusion. Try sections instead. For example, stuffed animals and dolls in one area, blocks and cars in another area. It will be easier for the little ones to keep the space organized.

 

Shelving

Sturdy bookcases aren’t only for books, they are the perfect place to store toys and small bins of blocks. Shelves are especially handy for odd shaped toys that won’t easily store in buckets or bins.

 

Double Duty

Invest in storage options that double as something else. For example, a storage ottoman can hold toys and serve as a seat. Futons serve as seating and an extra bed. Backless barstools are seats and tables for building. A small round dining room table is perfect for art projects and snack time. The more functions the piece of furniture can serve in the toy room, the better.

 

Zone it Off
Keep your art supplies in one area by investing in a nice desk or filing system to keep paints and crayons organized. Keep electronics in another area, plastic food and kitchen toys in their own corner, and blocks in a certain spot and so on. This will also help contain the mess.

 

Pick Up Everyday

Do big pickups. Every day or so, clean up the playroom. The kids will like showing off their clean playroom when they’re done! If you making cleaning up a part of your everyday routine, keeping the toy room decluttered will become second nature.

8 Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Thursday, January 31, 2019

There are few design truths that stay consistent year after year. Whether your home is a downtown bungalow or farmhouse retreat, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid. Designing your space should feel fun and exciting, not stressful and overwhelming. You are creating your oasis from the world.

Here’s how to avoid the 8 most common design mistakes.

1 - Ignoring Your Budget
Before your project is underway you should have a pretty clear idea of how much everything will cost. No need to rush and buy more than you can afford at the moment; great spaces are curated over time. Ignoring your budget will create stress down the road. It’s a good idea to search for clearance items first and save money where you can.

2 - Not Using the Measuring Tape
Before you fall in love with that beautiful sectional in the showroom, make sure it fits into your space: literally. Many people realize too late that their favorite lounge chair is far too small or low compared with their sofa. Make sure to measure all the pieces, doorways, and stairwells before making this costly mistake.

3 - Painting Before Buying Furniture
Picking out colors and painting your walls before purchasing anything is a common design mistake that can be avoided. It is much easier to pick a wall color that will complement furnishings, rather than the other way around. If you really want to incorporate a certain color, try finding larger furniture pieces in that shade.

4 - Ignoring Height
Furniture in a room should be various heights and sizes, elevated in multiple ways. Art, window treatments, and furniture should all be elevated, even just slightly. 

5 - Including only Masculine or Feminine Pieces
If you’re looking to make a space more masculine, this does not equate to only using darker shades and vice versa for more feminine spaces. This is a common mistake that can easily be avoided once a balance of lights and darks is introduced into the room.

6 - Artwork Disasters
Incorporating art into your home is a great way to show off your personality and style. Placement of art, however, is where homeowners make a big design mistake. Either placing the art too high or low will throw the room off-balance. Each piece you hang should sit together with the furniture. An easy rule to help avoid this decorating mistake is to keep art only eight to ten inches higher than furniture.

7 - Wall to Wall Furniture
Pushing furniture up against a wall is a decor mistake that is natural to make. Depending on the layout of the room there may not be a way around this, but if you can, you should avoid it. Furniture that is placed up against the walls of any room does not save space. Center your pieces and pull items closer together to create a flow that doesn’t box anyone in.

8 - Being Too Trendy
Design trends are useful to see how other people are styling their homes and can provide great inspiration.  However, trends are constantly changing, so a big mistake is to go too trendy. Instead, opt for pieces that are timeless, but most importantly, select furniture that fits your personal style.

Keep things fun and airy, and stick to your budget. Your furnishings should complement your home and your life! Make sure you are choosing items that add style, comfort, and make you truly feel at home.