Decorating the Oval Office isn’t all that different from decorating your own home. While the shape of the room and nature of the business conducted there make it more complicated and high-profile than your own home office, the space still needs to be functional and the decor should reflect the inhabitant.

President Obama’s Redecorating Project

Beginning with the Kennedy administration, it’s a tradition for the President to redecorate the Oval Office to match his tastes. After swearing in as President in 2009, President Obama took some time before redecorating the Oval Office. He began his term at a tumultuous time and many said redecorating couldn’t be a priority for anyone in the White House.

Like many people who might be thinking of a new look for their homes but are pressed by time and money, President Obama began with small changes during that first year. He replaced the Bush administration’s plates with pottery made by contemporary Native American artists on loan from the National Museum of the American Indian and mechanical devices on loan from the National Museum of American History’s patent collection. According to an article on Today.com, William Allman, the White House curator, said the patent models are a great fit for President Obama, showing his “interest in American history, his interest in technology and his interest in the creative spirit.”

The larger overhaul of the Oval Office took place in August 2010. President George W. Bush’s rug, designed by First Lady Laura Bush, was replaced with a wheat-colored rug featuring inspirational sayings from FDR, MLK, JFK, President Abraham Lincoln and President Theodore Roosevelt woven into the border and, of course, the Presidential Seal. And many of the new furnishings brought in to top that rug give the room a more casual feel compared to other administrations.

All of the pieces were made in America, including the rug (Michigan), custom caramel cotton-rayon sofas (upholstery fabric from Pennsylvania; sofas manufactured in New York) and lamps and contemporary mica coffee table (both form New York). Additionally, President Obama had the two striped chairs in front of the fireplace reupholstered in brown leather, and had the walls redone in gold-striped wallpaper. He added new window treatments in a shade of red later on. President Obama enlisted California decorator Michael Smith’s help on the design of the space. (Note: Tax payer money does not go toward White House decor. It is funded by private donations specifically for this purpose through the White House Historical Association.)

Response to the President’s Furniture Choices

When the new Oval Office design was first released, it received mixed reviews (just look at the comments in this New York Times’ article). Some said it was too brown or too much like an upscale family room rather than the office of the Commander in Chief. Others talked about the comfortable style reflecting the President’s personal style being more welcoming for visitors.

The coffee table has also received a lot of attention -- from the design itself (people tend to love or hate it) to what is on top of it. Obama has chosen a bowl of apples, something that is a tradition in his family. Comments range from approving the healthy choice to scoffing at the idea of someone chompin on an apple while in the presence of the President of the United States.

Of course, many designers were comparing the room design to what Obama’s predecessor had chosen. But the two Presidents have very different personalities and approaches to their work. President George W. Bush would not enter the Oval Office unless he was in suit jacket and tie, but President Obama has been seen in the Oval Office working in shirtsleeves. 

The lesson you can learn here and bring back to your own home is that the interior design of a room needs to work for the person using the space. So while you might not understand your teenager’s color choices or your husband’s favorite lamp in his office, you can appreciate that it’s about their style. And as you choose furnishings for your home, remember that is about creating a space that is functional and beautiful for you.

Browse furnishings at Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Living Room Furniture, Accent Furniture

As you set your new year’s resolutions for 2013, don’t forget about your home. No matter where you live, 2013 should be the year you turn your space into a home you love! Whether you’re looking to refurnish every room or just want to freshen things up, these expert tips will help you get started:

Take Stock of What You Have

Walk through your home and consider your current furnishings and accessories. Even if you’re planning to buy an entire new set of living room furniture, it doesn’t mean everything in your living room has to go. Perhaps the end tables can find new life as nightstands in your guest room or the overstuffed accent chair would be perfect for creating a reading nook by your bedroom window. Create a list of the pieces you want to continue to use as you do today, those you would like to repurpose and those you want to remove altogether. Then create a list by room of other furnishings you might need. This will be important for prioritizing whether you want to shop for a new sofa or a new bedroom set first.

Rearrange Your Furniture

Sometimes what your home needs is some reorganization to give it the feel of a makeover. For example, your bedroom could be completely transformed by relocating your bed or even placing furnishings on a pleasing angle. This will create an artful look and completely refresh any tired configurations you’ve set up in your home.

Revisit Lighting and Window Treatments

Don’t force your beautiful decor to hide behind bad lighting. Consider how you use each space and then light it appropriately. Play around with different pieces of lighting and bulbs to find the right brightness for each space. A dimmer, for example, could be the perfect upgrade to take your dining room furniture to the next level for entertaining. And while you’re at it, be sure your windows are dressed in a way to accentuate your decor while also letting in or obscuring light as needed.

Consider Color

Color can dramatically change the look of any room. Whether you choose to paint the wall or bring in colorful new accent furniture, you will enjoy instant results. Don’t be afraid to go bold, but experiment slowly if this is something new for you and your home.

Remember: You Can Start Small
 
Rome wasn’t built in one day and neither will a new look for your home. But if you take it one room and step at a time, perhaps rearranging furniture today and adding a new accent table to your foyer tomorrow, you’ll be living in your dream home before you know it!

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Accent Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Living Room Furniture

We are always adding new and exciting collections to our existing inventory of living room, bedroom and dining room furniture, mattresses and more. Check out our top 3 picks of this week's newest arrivals, and let us know if you get inspired -- we sure did!

If you’re looking to buy your special someone a memorable gift for the holidays, a birthday or some other event, furniture could be the perfect option! Not only can you find beautiful pieces to meet anyone’s tastes, but furniture is something useful your friend or loved one will use for years. Here are some tips and ideas for giving furniture as gifts.

Splurge on Furniture for Your Home

If you are giving furniture as a gift to someone in your own home, chances are you have a good idea of everyone’s style preferences and needs. Perhaps your child has been begging for bunk beds or your wife has been hinting at a new living room set. Just remember to put the recipient first. If you are buying a gift for your wife, get the new sectional she wants instead of the king size bed you think would give you a better night’s sleep.

Storage Furniture & Accent Furniture

If you are giving furniture as a holiday gift, then storage furniture is always a great option! Your friends and family can always use these pieces to hold some of the other gifts they are getting. For example, bookshelves, TV stands and entertainment centers can hold the new TVs, electronics and games unwrapped during the holiday season.

If you have budget concerns, smaller pieces of furniture and home accents, like lighting and area rugs are inexpensive items anyone would love to receive. Look for pieces that will complement the recipient’s decor and will be useful in the home.

So do something different this year, and give the gift of furniture. Your loved ones will never forget it!

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Accent Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Living Room Furniture

I recently came across this TLC article on 5 fall cleaning tips, and it got me thinking. With the colder months ahead, fall is an essential time to clean, reorganize and take stock of the look of your home. Since you’ll be spending more time indoors as the mercury drops, you want to be sure your home is ready and that you have all the furnishings you need to truly enjoy being and entertaining in your home.

So try our checklist against every room to get your home where you want it to be:

Get rid of clutter: This is the time to find a place for everything. You may need to consider additional storage options, like an entertainment center, a china cabinet or an additional dresser. This will help declutter the home, giving you the space you need to live and enjoy.

Create a natural flow: Do you feel like you can move about your home in a way that makes sense? While some of it is architectural, where you place your furniture can help. It may be time to rearrange the furnishings you have.

Take stock: Do you have the furniture in your home to be able to use it as you would like? For example, if you plan to entertain a lot in the coming months, you want to make sure you have enough seating for your living room. Or if you and your family love to play games, perhaps a dinette set or an occasional table would offer the perfect spot for game night.

Love the look of your home: Do you like the way the rooms in your home look overall? If not, try to pinpoint what you don’t like. While a fresh coat of paint and a few accessories can do a room wonders, you shouldn’t have to live with furniture you don’t like. In the room in question, take a look at each piece and decide if that is what is throwing you off. It will be worth your while to replace that flower-patterned loveseat with something that suits you better – either a new loveseat or even a pair of accent chairs.

I hope this checklist helps you get your home where you want it to be so you can focus on enjoying the holidays and hot cups of cider with people you care about.

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Accent Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Living Room Furniture
 

We are always adding new and exciting collections to our existing inventory of living room, bedroom and dining room furniture and more. Check out our top 3 picks of this week's newest arrivals, and let us know if you get inspired -- we sure did!

The Loft Bedroom

Does your bedroom furniture look blah? Want a hip modern room to retreat to at the end of the night? Then the Loft bedroom is exactly what you need. This dramatic bedroom set takes over with its stylish cut-out headboard and mirror. The black opaque glass tops bring another level of interest to the storage pieces, while the dark finish sets the tone for a high-end feeling. The espresso color allows you to dress up the bed with any style bedding, giving it your own personal touch. Add a patterned comforter, some eclectic throw pillows or dress up the walls with your favorite art! The Loft bedroom will inspire you to design with a little edge!

The Sonya Dining Room

Fall has begun and the holidays are just around the corner! Be prepared for family dinners, parties and last minute guests dropping by with new dining room furniture. Set the scene for glamorous entertaining with our Sonya collection. The design blends traditional details with modern finishes for an alluring look. The comfortable cameo back chairs showcase chic bronze upholstery. The table expands generously with two included leaves, so you'll have plenty of room for everyone! Show your family and friends that you know how to put together the perfect dinner party and start making holiday memories!

The Galloway Cocktail Table

Cocktail tables are a great piece of accent furniture for many reasons. Not only do they give you a spot to put a drink and kick your feet up at the end of a long day, but they also enhance a room's design and can give a living room a focal point. Glass tables are especially good options because the material is stylish, surprisingly affordable and easy to keep clean. Plus glass-topped tables can give smaller rooms the illusion that there is more space. One of our favorites is the Galloway coffee table. The burnished finish, fluted legs, rope trim and beveled glass top will give your room a sleek feel. This elegant and romantic table will add to the decor of your living room!

Browse all the newest furniture arrivals at Furniture.com.

Categories: Accent Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Design Tips

Nothing turns a space into a home like filling it with items and furnishings you love, assembled in a style that is truly your own. Whether you’re moving into a new home or redecorating the one you already have, this is a very exciting time that can really improve your quality of life. But it’s also a time when your wants may not align with what your wallet can allow.

But don’t worry – you can have a beautiful home without breaking your budget. Our 10 tips cover everything from setting your spending limits to multifuctional pieces to help  you get the most for your money. So get started!

Tip #1: Create a budget, either for the entire living space or by individual room. Then make a list of what you have, what you need and what you’d like to upgrade. This will help you to prioritize the project and may shed light on the fact that you could repurpose your nightstand as an end table for the time being.

Tip #2: Brainstorm on how you would like to decorate each room, and then narrow down each space to one or two solid ideas. This way, all of your furniture and accessories can work toward these primary themes for a cohesive look.

Tip #3: You don’t have to furnish your entire home at once. Versatile pieces, such as dining chairs, can float between rooms -- from dining to the home office, to the living room when you’re entertaining guests.

Tip #4: Look for a beautiful bed to be your bedroom’s centerpiece and make the room feel complete. You can add everything else-- dressers, chests and nightstands -- over time. And don’t be afraid to mix and match -- an eclectic mix will make your home cozy and unique.

Tip #5: Think outside the house when it comes to decorative accents. You’ll bring unique style to your home by decorating with garden ornaments, architectural elements and old building parts. They’re often cheap and always distinctive. Check salvage yards and antique stores for great finds.

Tip #6: Use a bookcase in your dining room to store and display china and serving pieces. Later, when you upgrade to a china cabinet or sideboard, you can easily use the bookcase in another area of your home.

Tip #7: Create your own artwork. You can frame anything, from a beautiful leaf to a photo from last year’s wall calendar, and voila, you have art! For inexpensive frames, look in discount stores for framed prints. Remove the back (needle-nose pliers are terrific for pulling out large staples) and replace what was in the frame with your own masterpiece.

Tip #8: Choose a dining room table that will give you choices down the line. For example, choosing a smaller scale table or one with a removable expansion leaf might allow you to use the table in your kitchen or another room should you decide to replace it.

Tip #9: Go ahead and accept hand-me-down furnishings, but only if you really like them. An unwanted dinosaur won’t inspire your imagination the way an empty room can. Don’t be afraid to live with the open space for a while and consider the room you’d really like to create.

Tip #10: Sell furnishings you don’t like or no longer have a need for at a consignment shop or online. Then you can use the money you make for the furniture you really want!

Browse furniture on Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Accent Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Living Room Furniture

Are you trying to get the biggest look possible from a small room? Whether it’s because you’re just starting out in a New York City apartment or you’ve recently downsized because your children moved out, having space at a premium can present challenges when it comes to furnishing and decorating your home. Here are five tips that can help:

Start with Furniture Scale

Your furnishings need to fit the space you have. If, for example, you have a small living room, an oversized sofa may not be the best choice – it could completely dwarf the room. If you love the piece’s oversized look, perhaps a loveseat or chair from the collection could bring the same charm to your space but at a more suitable size.

Light Colors Work Wonders

Choose a light color palette to make the room appear bigger and airier. Begin with light-colored furniture, window treatments, accessories and bedding, and then drape the walls, floors and ceilings in a similar palette.

Choose Artwork Wisely

You know how set designers use receding perspectives, like a pathway to a distant point, to make the stage appear to go on forever? You can use the same trick in your home! Hang pictures of landscapes or abstracts with vanishing or receding perspective to give the eye a greater sense of depth.

Neaten Up

Keep your room tidy and clutter-free! Give eyes an easy path to absorb the combination of all elements. Items haphazardly scattered in the room will break up your decor, making the space seem smaller than it is.

Mirror Image

Place a mirror on the wall, opposite an architectural detail or a prized piece of furniture. This will give the impression of an expanded room, while doubling the visual impact of something you love. You can also use this trick to replicate a favorite view within your room.

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Living Room Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Accent Furniture

We are always adding new and exciting collections to our existing inventory of living room, bedroom and dining room furniture, accent pieces, and more. Check out our top 3 picks of this week's newest arrivals, and let us know if you get inspired -- we sure did!

The Santa Cruz Collection

If you are looking to add a little romance to your bedroom, we suggest you take a peek at the Santa Cruz bedroom furniture collection. We love the way the different materials in this bedroom add the feeling of femininity and grace. A flattering mixture of wood, metal and faux granite compliments the room design, creating an inviting feeling. The regal bed is eye-catching with its antiqued bronze metal finish, and the rustic cherry veneers are a stunning addition to the dresser and nightstand. You can easily mix and match accessories and bedding to create the perfect atmosphere and fashion an entire new look!

The Amelia Area Rug

Picking out the right furniture is key to creating the perfect room design, but you must also remember accent pieces help give a room its finished look. Area rugs come in many different colors and patterns and can set the entire tone for the decor. Our Amelia area rug is sure to be a favorite with its earthy color palette. A blend of woodland browns, rustic reds, mossy greens and warm cinnamon reflect today's popular decorating trends. The wide-scale overlapping shapes offer modern eye appeal. The Amelia looks great in this room design because it pulls out the deep brown color of the Bayfront sectional and flatters the richly colored walls. The rug balances out the room while giving you a cahnce to express your own personal style!

The Kyle Collection

Are you trying to decorate a small apartment or condo? Keep in mind dinettes are a great option to add style to your home while saving on space! Our Kyle collection may be small, but it is big on design! This three-piece dinette has angular curves that are unique and not often seen in dining room furniture. The high-back leather-like chairs are easy to care for, and the counter-height size is ideal for casual meals and get-togethers.

Browse all the newest furniture arrivals at Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Bedroom Furniture, Accent Furniture, Living Room Furniture, Dining Room Furniture

There are a lot of moving pieces -- literally -- when it comes to buying dining room furniture and setting up this important room in your home. You need to be sure that the furnishings you choose allow for family and guests to easily move about the dining room, enjoying their meals and company, and that you can easily move around for serving and entertaining.

Luckily, we’ve compiled some guidelines so that you can purchase and arrange your dining room table, dining chairs, sideboard/buffet and china cabinet/hutch in a way that will please the eye and be completely functional. These measurements will provide some good guidelines for choosing the size of your furniture. And remember, these same rules apply whether you have leaves in your table or not, so if you plan to use the leaves, keep that in mind for the overall measurements.

• Beginning at the entranceway to your dining room, you should have 48” from there to the dining room table. This will give everyone enough room to easily come in and out of the room, especially for anyone bringing hot food to the table.
• You need 36” between the dining room table and chairs and any other piece of furniture or wall. Anyone sitting at the table will have enough room to move the chair out and get up from the table. Your rug should also be 36” wider than the table all around to accommodate this movement.
• A place setting takes up about 24”, and you will want to leave 24” between chairs. You’ll want you guests to have enough room to be comfortable and able to cut their food without bothering anybody else.
• For lighting, you want your overhead chandelier to hang about 24” to 32” from the table – this way it won’t be in anyone’s face while you’re talking. The lower your lighting hangs, the more modern it will look.
• Chairs and their arms should be able to slide under the table. For maximum comfort, the top of the seat should be 7” below the bottom of the apron so there’s enough room for people’s legs.

By opting for a dining room set, you will be able to avoid some of these concerns because you will know your chairs were built to be used with that table. But taking all of these measurements to be sure the new dining room furniture you have fallen in love with will work in your dining room will be completely worth it the first time you have a dinner party.

Browse dining room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Dining Room Furniture, Accent Furniture, Furniture 101, Design Tips

When I first met my husband, he lived in a typical bachelor pad. His overall decor consisted of a television and an old leather sofa a friend had given him. Like most women, I was excited to add my womanly touch and get some “real” furniture. Our first purchase? A cocktail table. 

We chose a classic coffee table with a cherry finish and nickel hardware. We probably spent more than we should have, assuming we would have it for many years. The problem was our perfect coffee table became an eyesore. We didn’t take into account that it was way too big for our small apartment.  But we learned a lesson: There is more to buying a cocktail table – or any piece of furniture – than looks.

Before you buy a new cocktail table, make sure you have a clear idea of the right size and shape for your space.

Cocktail Table Size

The right size cocktail table will give your living room an overall balanced look. If you choose a cocktail table that is too small, it may get swallowed up by the room. The opposite is also true: A a table that is too large can take over the room. You want a table that will compliment your living room layout. Make sure you leave enough room around the cocktail table for leg space and walking.

Keep in mind the length and height of your other furniture. You don’t want your new cocktail table to be too high or low compared to where people sit. Make sure it aligns with the seat cushions or is slightly lower.

Cocktail Table Shape

There are many different shapes to choose from when choosing your new furniture. Round- and oval-shaped tables tend to look better in smaller rooms. Plus they are easier to maneuver around if space is an issue. Square or rectangular tables are better for a larger seating area and can be the main focal point of the room. But keep in mind: If you have small children, pointed corners can be a hazard, and a round cocktail table or a coffee table ottoman may be a better choice.  

Since there are many different accent tables to choose from, you really want to love the style and design of the cocktail table you bring into your home. But remember to keep these considerations in mind when you make your purchase. The right choice will help ensure your enjoyment for years to come.

Browse all cocktail tables at Furniture.com.

Categories: Accent Furniture, Design Tips

You’ve seen it before – maybe in magazines or when trolling furniture stores – and you’ve loved it! I’m talking about a room decorated with pops of color. But you always hesitate before buying that red couch (or blue, or purple, or anything other than an earth tone), because you’re not sure you'll be able to live with it.

Here are a few inexpensive tips for trying on color in your home before committing to it when you buy furniture:

1. Start with Accents and Accessories: Getting new accents and accessories is significantly less expensive than buying a new furniture set, so experiment there first. How do you feel about a red throw on your sofa or an orange accent lamp on your end table? If you can’t live with those smaller pops of color, you won’t be able to live with larger furniture pieces in that color either. Choose another color or maybe different tones of the colors you used, and try again.

2. Cover Up: With slipcovers, that is. Even if you do not love the look of slipcovered furniture, you can try a slipcover in a bright color on your sofa or a chair just for a few weeks. If you realize you really do like the color, then you know it’s worth investing in that new vibrant furniture.

3. Layer on the Paint: Paint is fairly cheap and can be redone without too much trouble, if necessary. And remember, paint isn’t only for walls. You can paint a piece of furniture just as easily – this way, you can try out the color before investing in new furniture.

Adding new colors to your home can help you create just the atmosphere you want. Try these tips, and don’t let the novelty of it all scare you away.

Browse sofas and living room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Accent Furniture, Design Tips