Mix and Match Furniture Styles to Create A Comfy Home Sunday, September 30, 2018

Can’t commit to just one style? Maybe traditional is a bit too formal, or farmhouse is too casual. Does contemporary style use too many “new” elements for your taste? Well, the great thing about finding your own style is that you don’t have to follow any hard and fast rules. You can mix and match certain elements in your home to create a comfy style that is all your own.

Typically, it’s easier to combine traditional and farmhouse than it is to mix in contemporary. The lines of contemporary and traditional are usually at odds with each other. That doesn’t mean they can’t work together; it’s just a bit harder to find a compromise.

Finding a Compromise

Traditional furniture really refers to any piece that resembles the styles of the 19th century or earlier. Furniture from this time period tends to be made of dark, heavy wood, and is often large. Traditional style is still used often, especially in homes and offices in historic buildings. Traditional rooms feel somewhat formal and furniture pieces are often reproductions or “new takes” on furniture from an earlier time.

Contemporary furniture refers to furniture styles that came about after the 19th century. These pieces tend to utilize lighter wood tones, brighter fabrics, and newer materials like plastic or metal. A contemporary styled home features a focus on clean, light, and functional furniture.

It's easy to see how the two styles could be at odds with each other. However, you can find a balance in your living room. The Mila Accent chair is a traditional wingback, but would look stunning alongside the Dante Living Room set, which is quite contemporary. The trick is finding a blend with the fabrics. The plain fabric on the living room set means that the accent chair will add a bit of color. The Breville Sleeper Sofa boasts traditional curves and would look great paired with the Augusta Blue Accent chair with its contemporary straight lines. It’s all about playing with color when it comes to mixing the two styles.

The Flexibility of Farmhouse

Farmhouse is a theme that actually plays well with others. This style describes a casual “lived in” home that mixes old and new. It’s usually created with a blend of new store-bought furniture and old pieces that have been repurposed or passed down. It pairs naturally with traditional style, as long as the traditional furniture is not too ornate. The Jasper queen bed actually mixes the curves of traditional furniture with the rustic wood of a farmhouse style. The clearly traditional Titian King Bed can easily be paired with the farmhouse style Chateau Door Bedroom Chest. When creating your own style, don’t be afraid to mix woods and textures.

Farmhouse style can also be mixed with contemporary furnishings. Take a look at this great example in the dining room: the Bolanburg Dining set makes use of contemporary lines that also find their way to the farmhouse style buffet from Madison County. The two pieces would complement each other in any dining room.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Just keep an eye on the contrasting colors and look for similar furniture lines to make the pairings easy. It’s OK to throw out the rule book when discovering a style all your own.

4 Ways to Create a Relaxing Oasis with Your Furniture Choices Sunday, September 30, 2018

Home is the place you desperately want to return to after a long day at work. It’s a place you can feel calm, relaxed, and put the worries of the day behind you. But it’s hard to feel serene in your oasis if you are living with clutter and returning to a space that does not reflect who you are.

Creating a relaxing oasis in your own home is as simple as making mindful choices at the furniture store. With a little know-how and a few tips, your home will be everything you need at the end of the day.

1. Live Clutter-Free

   To put it simply, clutter is the enemy of calm. You need to take measures to declutter your space. Instead of trying to tackle the entire house at once, initially focus on a single room. Whether it’s your living room, bedroom, office or another space you spend time in, declutter to get rid of anything that doesn’t need to be there.

   A great way to manage clutter is to purchase furniture that will help store your knick-knacks. The Bolton Brown Storage Ottoman will help keep your living room tidy. In the bedroom, the Chateau Nightstand has 4 drawers for keeping the counter clear.

2. Surround Yourself with Memories

   Think about what makes you feel at home. Is it a picture of your kids, your grandmother’s handmade afghan, or your father’s long used gumbo pot? Surround yourself with the things that matter most.

   Choose pieces that will help display your beloved items without appearing cluttered in a decorative cabinet, hutch or curio. The Broadway China Cabinet would look great in any kitchen to display wonderful memories. The Ecko Accent Cabinet will house items inside as well as serve for a neat place to display items on top.

3. The Right Colors

   Filling your home with cool colors promotes relaxation. Cool colors are versions of greens, purples, and blues. They can be combined and blended for the perfect color palette. These colors have been known to slow breathing rates, relax muscles, lower blood pressure and body temperature, and make you feel more relaxed overall. Basically, they encompass everything your home should be: a relaxing oasis.

   This doesn’t mean you have to run out and repaint your house. Accentuate what you already have and add pops of cool colors here and there. Add green or blue pillows to your sofa, buy cool blue bedding for your bedroom, and look for finishing touches that highlight cool colors.

4. Plant Life

   Plants add such a calming feel to a room. Aloe, snake plant (also called mother-in-law’s tongue), jade plant, and ivy are all relatively easy to take care for. If you have pets, be sure to choose plants that are non-toxic. You can also find realistic faux plants to add green to your space.

   Think about how beautiful and calming an ivy would look tumbling down the Grove Bookcase or down the sides of the Vincente Entertainment Center.

Once you liven up and cool down your space a bit, you can focus on aromas and sounds to create the perfect oasis at the end of the day. Just use a mindful approach while choosing your furniture pieces, and everything else will fall into place.

Your Teenagers Will Actually Thank You for This Bedroom Furniture Sunday, September 30, 2018

Before we get started, it’s essential to style this new bedroom with your teenager as opposed to for your teenager. Make them a part of the process. Let them know the dos and don’ts for the new space, and set a budget. Remember, they may only be in this room for another few years, so you’ll want to re-think the hot pink paint or the murals of Fortnite.

Multiple-Use Furniture

This is a must for a teenager’s bedroom. Your big pieces of furniture should serve at least two functions. This Emily Bed provides a place for sleep and storage with multiple drawers. If your teen is sharing a room with a younger sibling, give them a space to stretch out with this twin over full Duncan Staircase bed. It also provides drawers for storage.

If your teen will have a room all their own, add a seating area for study groups or gaming. Consider a futon for sitting instead of a chair or loveseat. Maybe opt for the Trina Daybed with Trundle that can serve as a place to sit during the day, a bed at night, and a guest bed. That way, slumber party guests have a space of their own.

Study Area

Your teenager is likely to have a heavy workload at school, so give them a place that inspires creativity and concentration. This Baylen desk won’t take up a lot of space but still has room for a laptop. The open sides make plugging in electronics easy.

They will also need a place to store books and other personal items. This Grove bookcase offers a small drawer for keys and jewelry.

Zone Out

Even though it may be a tight squeeze, try and separate your teenager’s space into useful zones for studying, sleeping, and visiting. Consider creating a social nook with comfy pillows that can serve as chairs. Keep the desk area for work only and encourage them to get some actual sleep in their bed. You may even want to separate the areas with small rugs. Not only will the rugs add warmth, but they can also help set up zones.

Dressers and Nightstands

Teenagers need counter space. They are likely juggling books, smart pads, phones, and laptops. These items need to be within arm’s reach and have a place to charge. Choose a nightstand with a good surface area and place for storage underneath, like this Duncan Nightstand. The dresser should also provide ample storage and a place for them to get ready for all of the social activities that come with being a teenager. This Duncan Dresser with a mirror is perfect for a room housing lots of clothes.

Your teen’s room has to function as a library, hangout, and bedroom all in one. Don’t neglect this space. You’ll notice they will be spending more and more time in there as the teen years roll by. Take the time to find pieces that will make them feel at home but don’t add to the clutter of their room.

Designing a Traditional Bedroom in 4 Easy Steps Monday, September 17, 2018

Feeling at ease and relaxed in your bedroom is a must for every home. Traditional style bedrooms marry comfortable and classic pieces to create a calm atmosphere. Nothing outlandish, just an elegant space meant to be an escape from the world. Traditional bedrooms are not ostentatious and rely on reproductions inspired by furniture from an earlier time.

A traditional bedroom is not a place to showcase your hot-pink fur rug or funky cat inspired bedding. There is always a way to mix styles, but if you are going for a traditional look, keep elegance in mind. Things like rich wooden furniture with classic lines and quiet details. Edges are soft, smooth, and blend together.

Step 1: Fabrics

From curtains to bedding, think florals, plain colors, muted plaids, understated stripes, and small all-over patterns. Multi-color florals are often a great starting point of a traditional color scheme. An accent chair can be an excellent place to start when choosing your fabrics. A Mila accent chair is the perfect example of how to display personality and still keep to a traditional bedroom design. The pattern is elegant without being bold.

Step 2: Woods

Bringing wooden elements into your bedroom will really capture the traditional theme. Wood is the place to go a bit more ornate with light carving details. The Stanley Bedroom set is a great example of the detail that can be achieved without distracting from the room as a whole. Wood pieces typically have a darker stain, but lighter stains can be used as long as the look remains classic. Look for curved and soft lines as opposed to straight, harsh edges.

Step 3: Seating Area

To really top off your traditional bedroom, you need to create an area for more than sleeping. If you have the room, try to create a seating or reading area. This could be as simple as a Winnsboro Chaise near a window, or an entire furniture set on a cozy rug. If your master bedroom has space, go for a loveseat and accent chair! Steer clear of bulky recliners and opt more for sleek rockers.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

There are so many ways the finishing touches on a traditional bedroom can go wrong. You’ll want to stick to your theme while still showing a bit of personality. A Hillsboro nightstand is a great way to show a bit of flair but still stay true to the traditional style. Its classic curves and beautiful details will make a statement. This Stanley dresser will also add a bit of personality to your space. The detailing is stunning without overpowering the room.

If you keep to these guidelines, the rest of your bedroom will fall into place. Your room could also feature accessories like lamp pairs, plants, mirrors, framed prints, and vases. Symmetry is important in this style, and everything should be balanced in some way. Keep it simple, clean, and slightly formal, and you’ll have a traditional bedroom perfect for relaxation.

The Right Furniture Pieces Will Make Your Farmhouse Kitchen Come to Life Monday, September 17, 2018

Modern farmhouse style takes into account a few cozy features like rustic wood, light colored palette, and vintage trimmings to create a relaxed and perfectly lived-in space. Elements of nature can be found throughout these rustic-country kitchens.

The finishing touches are everything when it comes to the farmhouse style. The devil is definitely in the details. Steer clear of using fake flowers, kitschy signage, and anything over-the-top. Instead, complete your design with these style ideas and you'll be ready to create meals and relax in your space.

Limit Built-Ins

There’s more to a farmhouse kitchen than cabinets. The most beautiful designs typically leave space for non-built in furniture to accommodate your storage needs. A buffet, like the Mason Barn Wood Buffet, is perfect for anything from wine glasses to china. It also serves as an extra countertop if the need arises.

Room for Display

You’ll want to reflect your family in your kitchen design. Family heirlooms, such a jewelry boxes, clocks, and china function as meaningful and sentimental decor pieces. The Isabelle Curio Cabinet can give you a place to show off your family history. However, not all displays have to be so formal. You can simply spread your heirlooms around your kitchen, by taking advantage of tabletop displays.

Embrace Wood

One of the key design elements for a farmhouse style kitchen is rustic wood. This can be reflected in your cabinets and countertops as well as in your accent pieces. Something like the Kennedy Storage Bench is perfect for extra seating in your kitchen space. It’s useful and adds a finishing touch to a breakfast nook or kitchen entryway. The Sandals Accent table can add extra working space and a pop of color. Look to wooden pieces to add authenticity.

Dining Space

Embrace the casual and relaxed vibe of your kitchen with a rustic dining table. For a smaller space try a table with bench seating. A larger space could accommodate this Bolanburg dining set that uses lightly painted wood and natural colors. Even if your formal dining room is separate from your kitchen, try to have some place to eat within your space. A smaller wooden table with mismatched chairs could carve out the perfect breakfast nook.

Keep things simple, natural, and relaxed. A farmhouse kitchen needs to be a place where your family can come together. The space should be inviting and feel lived-in without being cluttered.

Contemporary Furniture Touches to Top Off Your Game Room Monday, September 17, 2018

Game Room Seating

When you have a room that is primarily used for gaming or watching a large screen, seating is paramount. Every seat in your game room has to be “the best seat in the house.”

Sectional sofas are the perfect pieces of furniture to ensure a good look at the screen and a comfy place to enjoy a family game night. For a contemporary design, go for a sectional or sofa with comfy cushions and a solid fabric design. Steer clear of wooden ornamentation and concentrate on furniture that will blend and become part of the game room as a whole. Something like this Wesley Sectional Sofa: it can meld perfectly with any other colors and fabrics in the room.

You’ll also need to consider a table and chairs as part of the design. Look to pub dining room sets like the Tahoe 5-Piece set to keep the atmosphere casual.

Entertainment Center

While video gaming may not be the primary focus of your contemporary game room, it helps to have a quality viewing experience. Your game room may become the place to not only play games, but watch games on your TV. Depending on your needs, you may want to hang your TV on the wall underneath. This entertainment center can serve as a place to set a large TV or just hold the essentials like a gaming console and cable box. It also has the added bonus of being a fire place.

You can also opt for an entertainment center with more storage. The Townser Entertainment Center has room for every entertainment device in your home. It can store multiple consoles, streaming devices, smart home devices, and more.

Storage

The one area you should not overlook is storage. A game room is likely to come with a ton of storage needs. You’ll need a place to put all of your board games, mat games, and drawing games. Each game set is likely to come with many pieces, and some may be rather bulky.

Think about using chests to store board games, like the Sofia Bedroom Chest. It’s not just for the bedroom! It can help keep pieces out of sight. The Maurice Accent chest can help create a space for bulkier items and the Collins bookcase can help keep things nice and tidy when not in use.

Remember to keep things casual and contemporary as you design your space. You want people to feel free to relax and kick back. Game on!

Traditional VS Contemporary Furniture Tuesday, September 11, 2018

When deciding on a style for your home it’s important to realize the subtle differences. Contemporary and traditional are two of the most popular styles for American homes, but these styles don’t complement each other; they actually work against each other. Traditional and Contemporary are two of the few styles that don’t play well together.

Traditional

Traditional furniture really refers to any piece that resembles the styles of the 19th century or earlier. Furniture from this time period tends to be made of dark, heavy wood. The furniture is often large and heavy. Traditional style is still used often, especially in homes and offices in historic buildings. Traditional rooms are not ostentatious but often feel somewhat formal. Furniture pieces are often reproductions or “new takes” on furniture from an earlier time.

Most traditional style homes feature a living room with a sofa, loveseat and two chairs. The space can then be complemented with a coffee table, side tables, ottomans, rugs and more. At least one accent chair will help center the room and help it look like a place for conversation as opposed to watching TV. Wingback chairs are perfect for this décor. A Chesterfield sofa is also a classic piece of furniture that would complement a traditional-style home.

In the bedroom, traditional furniture will mean a quality bed with wooden dressers and drawers. The shaker style is perfect for a traditional bedroom with its lack of ornamentations and emphasis on craftsmanship. A Louis Phillipe bed also works nicely with a traditional theme.

The dining room in a traditional home is generally a separate room, often with some corner cabinets for storage and display. A traditional dining room table will be large and formal. It doesn’t have to be bulky, but instead is normally large enough to accommodate lots of guests. Look for rectangular tables with matching chairs. Bentwood and high chairs with upholstered seats are the most common. If you have space you may also want to consider a buffet table for the dining room.

Contemporary

Contemporary furniture refers to furniture styles that came about after the 19th century. These pieces tend to utilize lighter wood tones, brighter fabrics, and newer materials, like plastic or metal. A contemporary styled home features a focus on clean, light, and functional furniture. Contemporary style is often defined by clean lines with a casual atmosphere, open spaces, neutral colors, and elements and materials inspired by nature. The look hasn’t lost its focus or popularity over the years. Contemporary designs are some of the most sought-after in furniture décor.

If you have an eye for contemporary furniture, you’ve likely noticed that most of it is rather low profile. That means it typically sits close to the ground. Low-profile sofas, chairs, and loveseats instantly seem part of the contemporary design. A good example is this Perth sofa. Make sure the function of the design fits with your lifestyle. If you are sharing the space with someone who has mobility problems, the low-profile nature could create problems.

Bulky furniture will instantly feel out of place in a contemporary home. Look for sleek pieces. Lines can be rounded or sharp depending on the design. Look at this Marshall Bedroom Chest: it is sleek, yet eye-catching. It keeps a low profile while being useful in the space.

Whether you lean towards traditional or contemporary, it’s important to understand these styles are not meant to coordinate. They are hard to mix and match. So, it’s important to pick a style and stay true to the aesthetics.

Complete Your Living Room Look Tuesday, September 11, 2018

You’ve already picked the perfect pieces of furniture for your living room, now it’s time to take it a step further. Completing the look of your living room means adding the personal touches that truly make it your own. This is where your pops of personality can really show. It’s more than just adding a funky rug. Completing the look of your living room will make you feel at home.

• Add Warmth

  Consider adding warmth to your room, literally. A free-standing electric fireplace will not only warm up the temperature, but it will also add an interesting piece to your living room. This Maverick TV stand with a fireplace features sliding barn doors. It’s not just a heater, it can be the center of your living room.

• Tables

  Adding wall tables and side tables to any room can help complete an overall look. Don’t just think about neutral colors. Go for something a little wilder. Something like this green Sandals Accent Table can really showcase your living room’s personality. A table like this could be used between two recliners, or as a small table in your entryway to place your cell phone and keys. Either way, it’s noticeable and will certainly help cement the look of your living room.

• Cabinets

  Your living room can quickly fill with knick-knacks and souvenirs from traveling. A well-placed cabinet can give you various options for displaying your treasures. The top of the cabinet can be used for displaying pictures, vases, and lamps. The inside of the cabinet can be helpful for storing items you want to be kept out of sight, or you can opt for glass doors and have a special place for your most interesting possessions. This Ecko Accent Cabinet is a unique piece in its own right and lets you display all of your special items.

• Curios

  Curio cabinets have long been used for displaying life’s most treasured and fragile hand-me-downs. They are often used to showcase old china, heirloom crystal, and other items that are not used every day but remain close to your heart. Placing a curio cabinet in your living room will help showcase your precious collections and family history. Choosing the right curio cabinet can reveal a lot about your room’s personality. A unique curio or display cabinet like the Dominique Curio cabinet will let people who enter your living room know that you may not necessarily conform to the norms of design, while something like the Isabel Curio cabinet will blend right into a traditional-style home.

Completing the look of your living room with the right accent pieces is really completing the look of your home. It’s all about finding the balance between the design of your space and how you want it to feel every day. Surround yourself with objects that speak to you and make a statement about your personality.

Repurposing Old Furniture Can Make It Feel New Again Monday, September 3, 2018 Upgrading your bedroom set or living room set? Are you reluctant to put the old furniture pieces by the curb because of their special meaning? Don’t worry, you can do something to help them find new life. You can repurpose your old pieces and make them feel new again. Not every repurposing will require elbow grease, some may just need a good cleaning and a new room!

• Chaise Lounger

  Whether it’s a stand-alone chaise lounge or one that’s part of a sectional sofa, these beauties pair function and fashion. They are also timeless, versatile, and can easily go into a living room, office, or bedroom. Sometimes the fabric may need to be updated, but the style of the Chaise lasts forever.

  Consider moving your chaise from the living room to the bedroom. Placing it in a corner, adding a floor lamp, and side table will make a perfect reading nook.

• Low Profile Accent Chairs

  Accent chairs are an American staple. Often patterned and sleek, an accent chair can add a pop of color to any room. If you have a pair of low-profile chairs relocate them to the foot of your bed in the master bedroom. Add a small, narrow table between them and you’ve created a seating area with the unobtrusive feel of a bench.

• Shaker Dresser

  Shaker furniture is a classic for good reason. The simple design and limited ornamentation mean these deceptively plain pieces will never go out of fashion. Remember, they aren’t just for the bedroom. A shaker style dresser can complement a living room, game room or bathroom.

  If you are updating your bedroom furniture, relocate a shaker dresser to the bathroom for storage. Or you can also add the piece to the living room as a place to display pictures and store throw blankets. Just a few nice frames and a vase and an old dresser will feel new again.

• Dining Room Chairs

  Once you’ve updated your dining room, you may be at a loss for what to do with your old chairs. Place one or two in the corners of a large room as accent chairs. This is especially popular with bentwood chairs. Bentwood chairs are strong, lightweight, and have been used in homes since the 1850s. They complement any decor from classic to contemporary.

• Small Dining Room Table

  If you are upgrading from a smaller dining room table to a larger one, don’t give your old table away just yet. Some rectangular shaped tables could make a nice buffet if you have space. Others can find a new home in your home office as a workspace. If you do crafts, consider using the old table as a craft area.

The point is to be creative and work with what you have. The options are endless as long as you keep an open mind!

The Versatile Daybed: A Piece of Furniture You’ll Use Day in and Day Out Monday, September 3, 2018 It’s seating, a bed, and a guest room all in one. A daybed is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you could have in your home. A daybed is usually a twin bed that has three sides. The look is reminiscent of a deep sofa and just as comfy.

In fact, a daybed and a sofa take up around the same amount of space in a room. When you take into account the frame and back pillows of a sofa, the measurements tend to be the same as a daybed. They are ideal for camps, cabins and cottages where space is limited and sleeping accommodations are at a premium. If using your daybed as a sofa, be sure to choose sturdy pillows that will serve as the back cushions and choose a frame that won’t dominate the room. Some daybeds look more like sofa’s than beds, just look at the Ellie Daybed! If that will be its primary use, just look around until you strike the right balance.

They come in a variety of materials from metal to wood and fit any décor. For a room that will serve multiple functions, like a college dorm or teenager’s bedroom, daybeds are the way to go. They are more comfortable than futons for sleeping but offer a place to lounge without taking up too much space. They are the perfect companion to study groups offering ample seating without having to stretch out on the bed.

Daybeds can also be great for the home office. Many home offices’ have to serve two purposes, office and guest room. The daybed can offer seating and keep the room looking professional and tidy. A daybed can also offer a creative thinker a place to spread out and work, offering a change of scenery from the desk.

The versatile daybed also works well in a game room or toy room. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch a movie or build a fort out of pillows! It also keeps a low profile while offering guests a place to sleep, turning the toy room into another bedroom.

Daybeds can also be a major space saver for a young adult just starting out on their own. A daybed in a studio apartment serves as a sofa and a bed! Saving money and space. Invite friends over to watch a movie then stretch out in your comfy bed after the party ends. Daybeds turn every room into a living room and bedroom.

Most daybeds will accommodate a trundle for added sleeping space and easy cleanup. Many are high enough off the ground to store anything from toys to clothes.

If you have a room that will have to serve multiple functions, a daybed is the way to go. Shop around and find the right look to fit your style. The perfect daybed will add life to any room!

Home Furniture’s Barstool Buying Guide Monday, September 3, 2018 A stool is never just a stool. There are heights, widths, types, and styles consider. Understanding how you will use your barstools is an important consideration before making the investment.

Function: First, where are your new barstools going to live? In a dining room? Outdoors? A game room? Or maybe around a kitchen island? The answer is important. Barstools that go around a kitchen island will need to be measured to fit that island, while those that will be a part of a table set will come pre-measured.

Height: Comfort and space are key to choosing the right stool height for your bar, counter or island. 10 to 12 inches should be allotted between the stool seat and the underside of your counter or table. If you measure from the floor to the underside of the counter, you should be able to select the proper seat height for your space.

Width: Again, comfort is key when it comes to the width of your barstool. The smaller the seat size, the more stools you can fit at your counter. However, it may also be a less comfortable fit. If you want a comfy width, go for a 17- or 21- inch barstool. Allow for at least 6 inches of space between each stool and measure accordingly so you know how many stools can fit comfortably.

Types: Once you understand the space that your barstools will occupy, it’s time to consider the options.

• Wood or Metal

  Most bar stools are either metal or wood. Metal options range from rustic finishes to a more contemporary chromed steel finish. Wood stools can offer a more traditional or vintage look.

• Added Touches

  Many people prefer a well-cushioned seat and comfortable backrest when sitting down for a meal and conversation. Look for stools with a soft seat and arms for a primary dining area.

Styles: There are a few style types to consider before making your decision. Let’s look at a few basics.

• Contemporary

  These may lean towards metal and leather. Plastic and vinyl are also popular contemporary materials for barstools. They can swivel, have backrests, or padding and upholstery, but overall maintain a sleek look. Contemporary stools are sturdy and hold up well to wear and tear.

• Vintage

  Vintage stools will be at home in a farmhouse or country style home. They are simple and straightforward and are made of wood or aged metal. They usually have upholstered seats and come with or without backs.

• Traditional

  Traditional style barstools are typically seen in a more formal setting but can be mixed into several styles. They usually mix muted metal with upholstered seats. They can have backs, swivel, and offer a bit more ornamentation than vintage barstools.

Once you understand the barstools basics, it’s much easier to make an informed decision.

7 Tips for The First Time Furniture Buyer Wednesday, August 29, 2018 Furnishing your first apartment is thrilling! You have a chance to create a space that is all your own. From the style, to colors, to the accent pieces, it will be you through and through. It’s only natural to take pride in what makes your living spaces comfortable and unique, but don’t go into the process without information. Here are 7 tips to keep you on track to create a space that works for you.

1. Be Sure to Measure

   You cannot measure enough. You want to make sure the pieces you find will fit into your space. You’ll also want to make sure they can fit through any halls, up stairways, and through doors. Also, take care that the furniture will fit comfortably in an area and not appear too bulky for the room.

2. Buy the Set to Save Money

   The sofa, loveseat, and matching chair, when sold as a set, will save you big bucks. Most of the time, it’s easier for furniture stores to sell the set together, so they are willing to offer a discount when sold as a whole. This Reed living room set could compliment any apartment style. Also, this set comes with throw pillows taking the guesswork out of coordinating.

3. Repurpose Old Pieces

   Maybe your parents or friends have a few older pieces they are looking to pass along. Things like dining room chairs, accent chairs and side tables may find a new lease on life in your first apartment.

4. Avoid an Impulse Buy

   It’s perfectly fine to fall in love with the perfect table and take it home that day. But if you are furnishing an entire living room, you may want to sleep on it. Don’t make a rash decision; this is an investment in your style and comfort. Make sure it’s a purchase you can literally live with.

5. Understand Proper Care

   Some of your new purchases require special care. Make sure you chat with the store clerk about how to clean any spots that will pop up over time. Some cleaners could impact the fabric dye while some could eat through the fabric altogether. If you are buying a kitchen table, ask about wear and tear. Can it take a hot pan? Proper maintenance is essential to making your furniture last.

6. Multi-Purpose Furniture

   Many pieces can serve two functions. For example, not only does the Dellara Ottoman serve as a place to put your feet up, it adds extra seating and storage. Futons can turn your living room into a guest room and they look stylish! Also, Entertainment centers not only serve as the perfect place for your TV and game console, most entertainment centers also offer a ton of extra space for all sorts of gadgets.

7. Understand Financing

   Buying a room or apartment full of furniture can be a major expense. Make a budget and stick to it. You can pay upfront, use layaway, finance through the furniture store, or put the purchase on your credit card. Know what you want to do before going down to the showroom.

Furniture shopping for the first time should be fun! Have an idea of the style you are hoping to achieve and the spaces you are trying to create. Keep these 7 tips in mind and happy shopping!

Traditional Furniture for Your Traditional Style Home Thursday, August 23, 2018

Comforting and classic are the hallmarks of a traditional style home. These cozy pieces never seem to go out of style and beg for the space to be calm and orderly. Nothing wild or outlandish, just an elegant space meant to be an escape from the world. Traditional rooms are not ostentatious but often feel somewhat formal. Furniture pieces are often reproductions or “new takes” on furniture from an earlier time.

Let’s be clear, a traditional room is not a place to showcase a piece of modern art or stainless-steel furniture. There is always a way to mix style, but if you are going for a truly traditional look, keep other elements in mind. Things like upholstered furniture with classic lines and quiet details. Edges are soft, smooth, and blend together.

When looking for fabric designs, think florals, plain colors, muted plaids, understated stripes, and small all-over patterns. Multi-color florals are often a great starting point of a traditional color scheme.

Wood furniture will also follow these classic lines. Wood is the place to go a bit more ornate with light carving details, but nothing outlandish. Wood pieces are typically seen with darker stains. Lighter stains can be used as long as the look remains classic.

Most traditional style homes feature a living room with a sofa, loveseat and two chairs. Space can then be complemented with a coffee table, side tables, ottomans, rugs and more. Consider a recliner that doesn’t look intruding; nothing oversized. At least one accent chair will help center the room and help it look like a place for conversation as opposed to watching TV. Wingback chairs are perfect for this décor. A chesterfield sofa is also a classic piece of furniture that would complement a traditional style home.

In the bedroom, traditional furniture will mean a simple bed with understated dressers and drawers. The shaker style is perfect for a traditional bedroom with its lack of ornamentations. A Louis Phillipe bed also works nicely with a traditional theme.

The dining room in a traditional home is generally a separate room, often with some corner cabinets for storage and display. A traditional dining room table will be large and formal. That doesn’t have to mean bulky, instead roomy for accommodating lots of guests. Look for rectangular tables with matching chairs. Bentwood and high chairs with upholstered seats are the most common. If you have the space you may also want to consider a buffet table for the dining room.

Interiors in a traditional home typically feature trim and molding that is painted glossy white. Walls might have a chair rail and ceilings are often white. Look to accessories like lamp pairs, plants, mirrors, framed prints, China, and vases. Symmetry is important in this style and everything should be balanced in some way. Keep it simple, clean, and slightly formal and you’ll have your traditional space decorated in no time.

Avoid These 4 Furniture Shopping Mistakes Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Furniture is an investment in your style and comfort. Big purchases shouldn’t be made on a whim; impulse buying furniture can be a major mistake. There’s a lot to consider, from your style to your price points. However, it doesn’t have to be a scary process. Furniture shopping can, and should be, fun! Here are 4 major mistakes to avoid when going furniture shopping.

1. Not Testing it Out

   Look, you are going to be spending a lot of time on this furniture. Even something as simple as an office chair could ruin your day if you don’t love it. You can, and should, test out the furniture you are planning to buy. Sit on it, lay on it, stretch out and see how it feels. If you have your eye on a tufted back couch but like the comfy feeling of a sofa with a pillow back, be sure to test them both before making a decision.

2. Not Knowing Its Use

   How will you be using the furniture day in and day out? For example, if you are shopping for a formal dining room set, you know that your family may not be sitting down to dinner there every day. If you have a breakfast nook or eat-in island, your formal dining room will probably be used on special occasions. Making that realization upfront can make your decision easier. Maybe you can go with a more high-end table due to the lack of potential wear and tear.

3. Not Measuring

   Catalog photos and even showroom setups can be a bit deceiving. You need to make sure you have an accurate depiction of the space your furniture will occupy and also understand how it will get there. For example, a reclining sofa may not have legs that detach from the bottom to fit through a narrow door frame. Before buying, use painter’s tape to block out where the piece will go in the room and take measurements of all the doors and stairwells it will take on its journey to and inside of your home.

4. Not Sticking to Your Budget

   Go into the process with a full grasp of your budget. Know how you will pay for the furniture before heading to the store. There are lots of financing options to consider from lay-away to credit. Research your options and decide which is best for you before going to make your purchase. You may decide paying cash is your best option and want to save a few more weeks. Or if you decide to finance through the store, you will probably want to check your credit report before applying. Understanding your budget and financial situation beforehand will help you avoid any surprises after you fall in love with your furniture.

If you avoid these 4 things before going to buy furniture, the process will seem a lot less intimidating. There are also other things to consider like style, color, and fabric, but those tend to fall into place after asking yourself about the function and budget of the furniture.

Treat Yourself to A Home Theater with the Perfect Furniture Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Not every home needs a new home theater, but maybe you really want one! Perhaps the kids have outgrown the toy room? Or maybe your home office is large enough to serve a dual purpose? A home theater is a perfect compromise for the entire family. The right home theater furniture makes movie night and watching the big game a one-of-a-kind experience. Let’s explore some of the ways you can turn a room of your home into a theater!

Seating

When you have a room that’s primarily used for watching a large screen, seating is paramount. Every seat in the home theater has to be “the best seat in the house.” You’ll want to account for comfort and view.

Sectional sofas are the perfect pieces of furniture to ensure a good view of the screen and a comfy place to settle in.

• Chaise Sectionals: A chaise sectional usually has three cushions, with the third being elongated into a chaise: perfect for movie watching.
• L-Shaped Sectionals: These sectionals usually have five cushions: two on one side of the L, two on the other side and one connecting the L shape. Basically, it adds a second sofa to your space. Nice for all piling together to watch football!
• U-Shaped Sectionals: U-shaped sectionals typically have a center with two sections extending from either side. They provide the same sitting space as two sofas and a love seat. Perfect for the premiere party for your favorite show.
• Reclining Sectionals: Not only is every seat comfy, they also recline. These sectionals are perfect for home theaters, where everyone needs to settle in nicely for a movie.

Recliners are also a great way to add style to your home theater. They take up less space than a sectional and function better than a traditional sofa for this type of space. Look at the Recliner. It was made for relaxing in front of a big screen. You can stretch out or snuggle up. Sleeker recliners, like the Rosenburg Glider, mean you can fit more furniture into your home theater space.

If you want the look of a more traditional sofa, consider a reclining sofa. The Peoria Reclining sofa actually features a table that can be folded down to hold drinks and popcorn.

Entertainment

Of course, a home theater is nothing without the main feature: the entertainment center. Depending on your needs, you may want to hang your TV on the wall and use something like the TV Stay with Fireplace underneath. This entertainment center can serve as a place to set a large TV on top or just hold the essentials like a gaming console and cable box and it has the bonus of being a fireplace.

You can also opt for a more traditional entertainment center. The Entertainment Center has room for every entertainment device in your house. It can be home to multiple consoles, streaming devices, smart home devices and more.

Lighting is also a consideration for a home theater; this is one room of the house that you’ll want less natural light. Consider blackout curtains for windows and floor lamps that scatter the light. A home theater may not be a must for every home, but it’s certainly nice to treat yourself!

Lazy Day Style Friday, August 17, 2018

Who doesn’t like a weekend snuggled up on the couch, or maybe curled up in bed with a book? Lazy days can be taken to the next level with the right furniture. Relax in style with these perfect pieces and accessories.

ReclinerWhether it’s overstuffed, mid-size, or a glider, recliners mean it’s time to take a load off. The perfect recliner will offer good support, be made of soft (yet durable) fabric and match your style perfectly. Make sure the one you choose can stand up to the wear and tear of your lifestyle. Always consider kids and pets before making an investment in a recliner. Plus, this is an item you are likely to use every day, multiple times, so this may be one piece you will want to splurge on for quality.

Chaise Sectional
This type of sectional also incorporates a lounger. It’s perfect for two or even three people to get warm and cozy for a movie marathon! You can get sectionals with a detachable chaise lounger for various seating options. They also come in multiple sizes for larger families!

Chaise Lounge
This is a stand-alone piece that is different from the chaise sectional sofa. Chaise lounges are great for reading nooks, offices, and bedrooms. They feel inviting and can be dressed up or down depending on the fabric and accents.

Recliner Sofa 
These sofas offer the best of both worlds! Many come with extra storage for remotes, blankets, and even snacks! Put your feet up or stretch out, the choice is yours. Some recliner sofas offer one at each end, while others only offer one recliner. Some sectional sofas also offer recliners.

Throws
Throw pillows and blankets are a great way to add pops of color to your relaxing space. They also have the added bonus of being functional on those lazy days. If you have a large piece of furniture, like a sectional sofa, throw pillows will warm up the area and make it easy to relax.

Quality MattressA high-quality mattress is a must for lazy mornings under the covers. Sleep in without worrying about aches and pains from old springs. You can look for memory foam, pillow top, water, and adjustable. A mattress is an investment in your health as well as relaxation, so it’s best to research which options will suit your needs.

Tufted OttomanSome ottomans are made for more than feet! While putting your feet up after a long work week is what these pieces are made for, a tufted ottoman offers additional space to lounge around. Also, the tufted exterior won’t sag with repeated use.

These pieces will add a bit of comfort to your lazy days! Take a long weekend and enjoy your time cuddled up.

Furniture to Fit Your Timeshare Condo Friday, August 17, 2018

Decorating for yourself is one thing, but taking the style and comfort of strangers into account is another. The key when considering furniture for your timeshare condo is to think “neutral”. You want the space to appeal to a variety of people. You need for them to feel at home in your home.

1. Used isn't best

   Used furniture for your timeshare may be tempting but it really isn’t the way to go. Consider how much wear and tear this furniture will endure. Your place could have visitors year-round, meaning these pieces will be well loved. Go for new, neutral furniture that appeals to a variety of people. Something like the Telluride sofa: it’s a solid color and looks and feels like a typical couch in most homes.

2. Buy the Set
   

   Even if buying the set isn’t your typical choice, you’ll want to consider the entire set for your timeshare. It takes the guess work out of coordinating. Something like the Reed Living Room set is perfect for a shared living space. It’s neutral, comfy and completely coordinated.

3. Small Space?

   If space is limited, avoid bulky furniture. Find slimmer pieces and opt for seating that has a dual purpose. Consider footstools that double as storage or a sofa that pulls out into a bed. Remember, futons aren’t just for college dorms. They’ve come a long way in terms of style. The Easton Futon looks and acts just like a sofa but provides sleeping room for two. And in the bedrooms, opt for daybeds and bunk beds. Even the master bedroom of a timeshare condo could use extra sleeping room.

4. Rugs

   Nothing will tie a place together and make it a bit cozier than a few well-placed rugs. Add a rug to the living and sleeping space. Or, if you have an open concept, use different rugs to help designate the living space, dining, space and sleeping space of the timeshare.

5. Use the Outdoors

   Open things up a bit! If there’s a way to create an indoor/outdoor space, do it! Maybe your deck can serve as the dining area? Make it the dining room by adding all the touches of an indoor dining room. Or use your deck as a hangout by adding outdoor rugs and comfy furniture that can withstand the elements. Great lighting, shelves, greenery and more will help transform a simple balcony into an inviting room of the timeshare!

Treat your timeshare like your second home and a getaway for others. Remember to keep things simple, add storage where you can, and create spaces using the outdoors. People are spending their money on a vacation and they want to feel welcomed and comfortable.

4 Kid and Pet-Friendly Furniture Fabrics Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Spending money on a beautiful piece of furniture only to watch it become stained and drowned in pet hair is no one’s idea of a smart buy. Families with kids and pets need to make special considerations when shopping for furniture. There are fabrics out there that will make your life so much easier!

Quick clean-up and durable options mean you can share your space with babies and fur-babies without the headache. After all, it’s their house too!

Here are 4 kid and pet-friendly furniture fabrics:

1. Leather Furniture and Leather Furniture Substitutes

   Leather is durable and stain-resistant. If your son comes tearing through the house with a can of soda and spills on the sofa or loveseat, all you have to do is wipe it off. It’s worry free when it comes to stains; it does, however, show wear over time. For most people, that’s one of the appeals of natural leather; the wear and scratches create a patina that becomes part of the character of the piece. One word of caution: if your cats still have their claws, be careful they do not use the leather to sharpen them. Even leather can’t stand up to kitty claws.

2. Microfiber

   Synthetic microfiber is becoming quite popular and with good reason. Microfiber is a synthetic fiber with very thin strands that can be made to look like suede or leather, which makes it an attractive and affordable fabric for sofas and couches. It doesn't rip or scratch easily, and cleaning up pet hair is not time-consuming. All you need is a lint brush, or sometimes just your hands can do the trick! Most stains come out of microfiber with soap and water. Stubborn stains can be outed with a mild cleaner.

3. Patterns

   For pets and kids, patterns are your friend. Patterns help hide everyday issues like dirt and pet hair. They also help camouflage small stains until they can be properly cleaned by a steamer. A lively pattern, like the one on this accent chair, can be a parent’s best friend.

4. Texture

   Any item that features texture will help hide wear and tear on the furniture. Look at the Telluride Ottoman for example. It’s easy to see how the pattern and texture of this piece will make it hard for pet hair for dirt to stick out. It’s naturally worn and already provides the character of an ottoman that has been well used and loved. That’s part of its charm. It also has an added bonus of being easy to live within an active household.

When trying to find the most durable fabrics for kids and pets, look for something with a tight weave. Darker colors, along with patterns and textures can also help hide hair and dirt. It’s possible to have a stylish home with kids and pets! Just keep fabric in mind when furniture shopping.

What to Look for When Buying a Mattress Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Alright, you’ve decided your old mattress isn’t cutting it anymore. It sags, it creaks, and it makes you want to sleep on the sofa. It’s clearly time to take the plunge into a new comfy mattress! Before you head to the store, it’s important to know what you need in a new mattress.

Support

You want the mattress to hold you in proper alignment from head to toe so you don’t wake up with a backache. You need the mattress to push up on your body to counteract your body weight. Now, that does not mean getting a super hard or firm mattress. Your body isn’t a straight line; it has curves. A mattress must contour to the curves and arches of your body. The Serta is designed for gentle yet firm support and will hug the curves of your body.

A supportive mattress will dip down around your shoulders and hips, yet keep your spine in proper alignment. If a mattress is too firm, your hips and shoulders will be pushed up, and you will be stiff when you wake up. The same issues can occur if a mattress is too soft. You want a mattress to contour to the shape of your body to hold it in its natural alignment.

Comfort

You don’t want the mattress to cause pressure to your body resulting in tossing and turning. If a mattress is too hard, the pressure to your body could cut off circulation, and pinch nerves, and will cause you to change positions throughout the night. Some American Bedding mattresses feature a medium-firm feel with a quilted foam cover and 2 inches of gel-infused layering. It’s designed for comfort for those looking for a firmer feel and still offers a quilted foam layer for good circulation.

When you’re trying out the mattress, you should be able to lie in one position without moving around for at least a few minutes. If you can do that, you’ve found a good mattress.

Other Factors

Motion: If you share your bed, you want to minimize motion transfer. Try the mattress in the store with your partner, and have your partner switch positions and get up and down from the bed.

Temperature: Most good mattresses have features to help cool your body. A cheaper memory foam mattress is a bad buy if you are easily overheated. Many of our top name brands offer mattresses with multiple layers of foam that allow airflow through the mattress.

Beyond these features, it’s really just a matter of preference. Some people like the bounce and feel of an innerspring mattress, while others prefer the extra pressure relief of a foam mattress. Whichever you choose, it’s important to try the mattress out in the store before making the purchase. Don’t be afraid to stretch out and experiment. It’s a big purchase, and the right mattress can be life- changing.

Contemporary Furniture Features Simple Elements Saturday, August 11, 2018

A contemporary-styled home features clean, light, and functional furniture. Contemporary style is often defined by clean lines, a casual atmosphere, open spaces, neutral colors, and elements and materials inspired by nature. The look hasn’t lost its focus or popularity over the years. Contemporary designs are some of the most sought-after in furniture décor.

While some people like to blend styles, others prefer a home that follows a theme. Whichever your preference, contemporary offers a lot of choices for functional and easy-to-live-with furniture.

• Low Profile

  If you have an eye for contemporary furniture, you’ve likely noticed that most of it is rather low-profile. That means it typically sits close to the ground. Low-profile sofas, chairs, and loveseats instantly seem part of the contemporary design. A good example is the Perth sofa. Make sure the function of the design fits with your lifestyle. If you are sharing the space with someone who has mobility problems, the low-profile nature could create problems.

• Mixed Material

  Furniture will take a contemporary feel with mixed material, like metal and wood. Sometimes the metal can be in the form of a chair or sofa frame; other times it could be along the arms or feet of the chair. Metal mixed with wood and fabric is quintessentially casual and contemporary.

• Sleek

  Bulky cabin furniture will instantly feel out of place in a contemporary home. Look for sleek pieces. Lines can be rounded or sharp depending on the design. Look at the Marshall Bedroom Chest: it is sleek and not ostentatious. It keeps a low profile while being useful in the space.

• Glass Table Tops

  Glass table tops are the perfect complement to a contemporary home. They are easy to clean, sleek, and blend in effortlessly with the world around them. Glass can be mixed with metal or wood and be as large as a dining room table or as small as a side table. A great suggestion is a glass top coffee table that mixed several elements. Once again, just make sure the glass fits your lifestyle. While easy to clean, it’s not so easy on toddlers and small children. The edges are hard and might leave a bruise or two on wobbly walkers. There are several options here.

• Wood

  Wood plays an important role in contemporary design. It can have a new look or be aged or can be mixed between the two. Wood can be present in the frame of a sofa or chair, or it can be the entirety of your coffee table or entertainment center. Light wood, when mixed with other elements like glass or metal, can make the ultimate contemporary dining room table or side table.