Kids Bedroom Furniture Is Growing Up

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

Savannah Cherry Kids Bedroom Furniture Collection - Furniture.comOne of our favorite trends in furniture for kids’ rooms today is that people want kids’ bedroom furniture that will grow with them. While a sleek racecar or an over-the-top princess bed may be the stuff childhood dreams are made of, smaller versions of adult furniture are more practical and are becoming more and more popular. But you don’t have to throw the baby out with the bathwater – your child can still have a bedroom that meets his or her needs.

Kids’ Bedroom Furniture Is Just the Beginning

Your child’s twin bed, dresser, desk and other furniture form the basis of the bedroom. Look for an enduring style that a teenager won’t find embarrassing. Choose pieces you could picture working through a number of your child’s phases, from dinosaurs to pro-wrestling or princesses to Taylor Swift (or whoever the pop star of the day may be). With this foundation, you can then layer in age-specific decor.

Every Kids' Room Could Use a Splash of Color

Arts & Crafts Dark II Kids Bedroom Furniture Collection - Furniture.comColorful, bold design is another hot trend in kids’ rooms right now. So choose a bright color for the walls. You may even consider using wallpaper, either for the whole room or on an accent wall. Carry the colors through in the bedding and accessories. Remember, updating these items will be easy as your child grows, especially since you won’t have the expense of replacing the larger, core furnishings.

Personalize with Age-Appropriate Accessories and Art

Accessories and art are where you, and eventually your child, can really get creative. You can buy numerous items that reinforce your child’s passions, or you can add personal touches with toys and artwork that has been passed down through the family, use pages from favorite books, or even decorate with your child’s masterpieces. Be sure to involve your child. Not only will this get him or her thinking and developing their own design ideas, but it will also help in establishing the child’s room as a space of self-expression, and one your child loves.

Browse kids' rooms on Furniture.com.

Categories: Kids Rooms, Bedroom Furniture, Design Tips

What’s Your Furniture Design Style?

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

Madrid II Leather Living Room Collection - Modern Style Furniture - Furniture.comWhether you are refurnishing an entire room, buying furniture to fill a new home, or replacing a single item that no longer works for you, you need to find furnishings that are just the right mix of functionality and your personal style. But do you know what your style of furniture is?

Design style is a funny thing -- you know it when you see it, but it might be hard to define. You may feel that without a label, it is difficult to search and shop for furniture by style. But even to people who really know their furniture styles, the differences between modern, traditional and casual contemporary can become fuzzy. 

Here are some things you can do to let your design style preferences guide your furniture shopping experience.

Adrian Red Upholstery Living Room Collection - Casual Contemporary Style - Furniture.comLet’s use the example of buying a new sofa. Search for sofas online and in magazines. Save the ones you like on Pinterest (ah, the perfect use for Pin boards!) or in bookmarks and rip out the magazine pages. Look at everything you have accumulated and try to find similarities. These themes will become the pillars of your design style. Consider these questions as you review the images:

  • Do you see certain materials over and over again?
  • How about colors?
  • Are more of the sofas overstuffed and curvy or do the cushions look more streamlined and tailored?

Remember: The functionality you need does not have to dictate your style. Not every family with three kids must buy an overstuffed sofa. You can still have modern, clean-lined pieces – just take care in the fabrics and construction you choose.

For more on discovering your design style, here is a great article that presents eight white rooms to help you narrow down what you love and here is a design style quiz to try.

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.

Category: Design Tips

 

Living Room Furniture Problem: Long Room Needs Plenty of Seating

Thursday, April 11, 2013 by Furniture.com Design Experts

I just bought a small condo and I am looking to buy living room type furniture. My dilemma is the size and shape of the room. It is oblong and I am trying to maximize my seating. In addition we are in our 60s and need furniture that is comfortable and complicit with our needs. Some styles that I like are the rolled arms and electric reclining couches. I prefer no skirting on furniture so that my Rhomba cleaner can get under the furniture. I am also trying to maximize my seating.

Name: Teresa
City: Delray
 

Hi Teresa,

Coronado Power Reclining Living Room Collection One idea with an oblong living room would be to create multiple sitting areas. And, since you want to maximize seating, some sort of sectional could work out great. These days, not all sectionals are so big they take over the room. You can find one with power, as you mentioned liking, that comes in a number of sizes. Other options, especially if you are considering splitting up the space, are cocktail ottomans that could be used as a table or extra seating in a pinch.

Here are some links where you can browse furniture to get ideas:

 

Sectionals Today

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 by Stacy Ward

Susie 2 Pc. Sectional - Living Room FurnitureLong gone are the days when sectionals were looked upon as tacky pieces of living room furniture. While we have all been to houses where a dingy old sectional swallows up the entire room, sectionals have made a comeback in a major way. What was once considered “family only” furniture is now very modern and current for people, no matter what stage of life. So before you pass judgment, checkout the 2013 version of a sectional!

First, What Exactly Is a Sectional?

A sectional is living room furniture where the seating comes in sections that can be pulled apart and moved around. This type of multi-piece furniture is ideal for corners and hard-to-fit spaces. A common misconception is that sectionals have to be large and bulky, but there are many smaller, sleek versions perfect for apartment living. A smaller sectional's pieces can easily change positions to accommodate a tightly spaced living room. But the biggest benefit of a sectional is plenty of comfortable seating. Whether you enjoy movie night with your family or invite your friends over for the big game, a sectional will provide space for everyone to enjoy. Plus, many come equipped with reclining mechanisms. Reclining furniture can bring the movie theatre feeling right to your very own home!

Sectional Style 

Sectionals come in numerous designs that appeal to all decorating tastes. You can go formal or casual, traditional or modern. When selecting upholstery, even highly durable fabrics come in a variety of different colors and patterns that will enhance the look of any room. For example, you can modernize your den with an elegant leather sectional and ottoman! Or create an inviting family room with a microfiber sectional with chaise. Pick a neutral color for a classic look that will blend with your current decor, or choose a brighter colored fabric with detachable pillows and patterned ottoman to create a centerpiece for the entire room - your choices are limitless!

Sectionals have come a long way since the 1970s. What was once considered anything but modern has grown into a design trend for the masses. So remember, before you go out and purchase the traditional sofa and loveseat for your living room, take a closer look at the style and function benefits of a sectional. You may be surprised at what there is to choose from!

Browse sectionals at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Design Tips

 

Love Your Living Room Furniture

Friday, February 22, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

These days, people do everything in their living rooms, from entertaining and eating to playing games, working, watching TV and more. So make sure you fill your living room with versatile furnishings you love! Try our expert advice for creating the perfect living room for your needs:

Browse living room furniture on Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Design Tips

How to Design a Romantic Bedroom

Monday, February 11, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

Soft touches, like an upholstered headboard, adds romance to the bedroom - Furniture.com - Manhattan Bedroom furniture collectionDesigning a romantic bedroom is about creating a space you love and that makes you feel beautiful. While the bedroom furniture style will vary with personal tastes, there are ways to turn any bedroom into a romantic space.

Look at Your Bedroom Furniture

You want the bed to be the centerpiece of the room. Beyond that, you want to create a light, airy flow. Eliminate any pieces of furniture that have become eyesores or that are not necessary. The extra space you create will help draw people into the room.

Clutter Is Neither Romantic Nor Sexy

In romance novels, you usually don’t read about the hero laying the damsel down on a bed strewn with laundry, and there is a reason for that. Be sure to clear your bedroom of clutter, putting away clothes and clearing furniture tops of anything that doesn’t look nice. If you don’t have space to store everything, consider bedroom storage furniture – like dressers, chests and nightstands – that can help you keep your bedroom tidy and clear of distractions.

Pile on the Romance

Your bedroom will get a lot of its romance from the bedding, accessories and lighting. Think soft and curvy to create a romantic look. And this applies to a chaise for lounging to the light bulbs you decide to use. Often, overhead lighting can be too much. Consider table lamps or wall sconces with pink-tinted bulbs – the light makes everyone look great.

We hope these tips for a romantic bedroom will help you celebrate Valentine’s Day every day!

Browse bedroom furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Bedroom Furniture, Design Tips
 

Presidential Designs: The Decor and Furniture in the Oval Office

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

President Obama at the REsolute Desk in the Oval OfficeDecorating 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

President Obama and Vice President Biden sitting in chairs reupholstered in leatherWhen 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

 

Help! It’s Time to Organize Your Home!

Monday, January 21, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

Furnish your home to have a place for everything - Furniture.com - Eastridge Entertainment Wall UnitDid you know January is national Get Organized month? You still have time to jump on the bandwagon and bring some order to your home.

Get Started with Getting Organized

Organizing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple steps you can take from professional organizers:

  1. Choose the room or space you want to tackle first, like your bedroom, for example.
  2. Identify one spot in that space, like a dresser drawer.
  3. Take all the items from that space and spread them out.
    • Throw out anything that is broken, ripped or stained.
    • Donate any items you no longer use.
    • Take anything that doesn’t belong in this space and put it where it does belong.
    • Put all the remaining items where they belong.

Take Your Organization to the Next Level

As you organize the different rooms in your home, you may find that you don’t have places for everything. This is where storage furniture, like bookcases and sideboards, can be very helpful. And, if you don’t have additional space for furnishings like that, you might want to consider pieces that serve double duty, like a storage bed or storage ottoman.

Check out these posts for more tips for using furniture to organize your home:

Browse furniture at Furntiure.com.

Category: Design Tips

Equip Your Bedroom in 2013!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

A serene bedroom with a natural color palette - Furniture.com - Marquis II Bedroom Furniture CollectionToo often, the bedroom is the forgotten room when it comes to decorating. Guests rarely see your bedroom furniture compared to how much they see your living room and dining room furniture, so it makes sense to focus creativity and resources there. But this year, do something for you! Instead of allowing your bedroom to be the land of mismatched furniture from lives past, turn it into the haven you deserve. The latest bedroom design trends are a great starting point.

Top Bedroom Design Trends 2013

Your Personal Sanctuary: Your bedroom should be a place where you can go and relax – where you can escape the world and be in a space that is uniquely yours. Fill your bedroom with things you love, from the furnishings to the flooring to the accents. Be sure to have the right case goods so everything has a place and you can keep your haven free of clutter. Remember, your bedroom should be a space you enjoy when you are awake as much as when you are sleeping.

Sanibelle Storage Bedroom - Furniture.com - Sanibelle Bedroom Furniture CollectionKeep It Natural: Keeping along with the sanctuary theme, a natural color palette in your bedroom will create a serene atmosphere, plus it will help you reconnect with nature. Consider lighter, earthy tones in your bed, nightstand and other furnishings. Using soft colors for the bedding will support a clean, relaxing decor.

Multi-Tasking Bedroom Furniture: Whether you are looking for more ways to declutter and organize your bedroom or are trying to maximize space, furniture that can serve multiple purposes is just what you need. Consider a storage bed so you can stow blankets or out-of-season clothes out of sight. Or use a mirror on top of dresser to make the bedroom look bigger.

Sitting Areas: More and more people are incorporating mini-sitting areas in their bedrooms, often for reading or relaxing contemplation. If this is something you would like, think about how you will be using the area and what items you will need. In many cases, an accent chair, a small table and lighting will be the perfect start.

We hope these bedroom trends will give you the inspiration to turn your bedroom into a special escape for relaxation and big dreams!

Browse bedroom furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Bedroom Furniture, Design Tips

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Feed Your Style with Dining Room Furniture

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

Cleans Lines in the Casa Moda 5 Pc. Dinette - Just $299 at Furniture.com!As 2013 begins, many people pledge to keep resolutions around eating healthier, cooking at home and having family dinners. But before you put food out on the table, perhaps it’s time to take another look at your dining table first. Meal times are not just about food, but they are about family and friends coming together. Take a look at these three trends in dining room furniture and get ready to feed your style, too!

Dining Sets: Simple and Clean

Much like food trends for 2013, dining room furniture trends are expected to revolve around designs that are simple and clean. Think straight legs over curvy. If you are concerned the look will be cold, pair your sleek table with upholstered dining chairs or accent your dining set’s beautiful wood with pretty table linens.

A Dash of Color

Every good cook knows even the best ingredients require some seasoning. Think of adding color much the same way you add salt and pepper to taste. Depending on your decor, you can go with a colorful centerpiece or table cloth and napkins, or you can choose colorful chairs to bring color into the space. Wall art, home accents and even your dishes are other ways to infuse color into your dining area.

Display Your Stuff

Another trend in dining room furniture is open shelving. This means sideboards, buffets and china cabinets with glass doors or no doors at all. This creates an airiness in these sometimes hefty pieces, and it gives you a chance to show off your dishes.

We hope these trends satisfy your appetite and fill you up with ideas for redecorating your own dining room!

Browse dining room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Dining Room Furniture, Design Tips

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Add Color to Your Living Room

Thursday, January 3, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

Bold Red Calypso Living Room Furniture - Furniture.comHave you resolved to give your home a new look for the new year? We suggest you start with the living room, after all, there’s a good chance that’s where you spend the majority of your time. And while earthy tones are likely to remain trendy for some time when it comes to living room furniture and decor, we suggest that in 2013 you go bold with punches of color!

Why Go Bold in the Living Room?

Today’s living rooms serve multiple functions around entertaining, relaxing and spending time with family. Colorful furnishings can really add a sense of whimsy to the space, making it even more enjoyable.

Choosing one colorful piece to begin with, like a sofa or chair, can create a dramatic focal point. And a bold color against an otherwise neutral room will give your home a clean, modern feel.

Color Concerns?

Are you worried you won’t be able to live with color? Concerned that a brightly colored sofa could just be too much of a good thing for you? Remember, you don’t have to jump all in at once. See our previous post, “Is a Red Couch for You?,” to get ideas for slowly incorporating color into your design.

Whether you decide to move forward cautiously or to bring home a vibrantly hued complete living room set, we know you’ll love the change and the brightness it brings to your interior. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the nature of the living room with color!

Browse living room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Living Room Furniture

A New Year, a New Look for Your Home

Tuesday, January 1, 2013 by Norma Gaffin

Stoked Living Room Furniture Collection - Furniture.comAs 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.

Casa Moda Storage Bedroom Furniture Collection - Furniture.comConsider 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

Top Furniture Trends of 2012!

Thursday, December 27, 2012 by Stacy Ward

The year is coming to a close and with that we take some creative and unique design trends that were popular throughout 2012. Looking back, many fashions were celebrated, but three key themes seemed to repeat throughout 2012. First lesson learned: Sectionals are here to stay! Second, people want furniture that will help keep them neat and organized. And last, you don't need to be a design expert to mix and match furniture!

Check out some of our most popular blog articles about 2012 furniture trends and see what tips you can take with you as we ramp up for 2013!

Browse all furniture on Furniture.com.

Category: Design Tips

Choose Green for Living Room Furniture and Home Accents in 2013!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by Norma Gaffin

PaGreen living room furniture works with a number of colors - Furniture.com - Galewood Living Room collectionntone recently named Emerald Green the Color of the Year for 2013. “Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in a press release. “Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

You can use this and other shades of green to bring new life to any room in your home. A green sofa or living room chair will provide a comfortable spot for you to kick back and relax. Emerald green accents in your bathroom or bedding on your queen bed will help you begin the day refreshed and with renewed energy!

Green bedding and accessories can create a rejuvenating bedroom - Furniture.com - Monticello II Bedroom CollectionSince you do see so much green in nature, these are great cues as to how you might pair the shade with other colors. Browns are a natural, but picture the purple and green from a fragrant lilac bush or the shocking contrast of red as in a bouquet of roses. Greens can be so versatile that you can easily add to an existing interior or create a whole new look centered around the color.

However you decide to incorporate this vibrant hue into your home, you’ll have a vibrant new look that’s a break from the complexities of today.

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.
 

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

3 Tips for Picking the Perfect Living Room Chair

Thursday, November 8, 2012 by Stacy Ward

Archie Bunker had one, Ralph Kramden had one, and even Homer Simpson has one. Accent chairs, recliners and other living room chairs have been household staples for years! But these furniture items have come a long way since the days of your grandfather’s tattered and stiff chair that he loved so much. There are different sizes, styles and comfort levels to suit all members of your family. This holiday season, get your loved one a piece of Americana with a new and stylish living room chair! Here are three tips for picking the perfect seating:

Living Room Furniture, www.Furniture.com, Bianca Chair1. Decide Who the Chair Is Really For

The first question you want to ask yourself is who will be using this chair. Will it be your husband for watching the big game? Or will you be curling up with a good book after a long day? If this is true, you want something very comfortable and great for lounging. Microfiber or leather chairs are both good choices. Microfiber is velvety soft and will provide long hours of comfort. Plus, it’s simple to clean. Leather is equally as easy to maintain, and the sleek material complements most existing living room furniture.  

If you are buying a chair for an older person, choose a chair that is sturdier and has arms. This will make it easier for the person to get in and out with ease. A firm chair with a high back will offer ample support and the comfort they need for reading, drinking or watching TV.

But if you are simply looking for a chair that will enhance your room's decor and occasionally act as additonal seating, then a chaise or patterned chair may be exactly what you are looking for. Picking a chair with a unique design will show off your sense of personal style. A chaise is a great choice becaise it gives any room a feeling of elegance and can quickly become the focal point. Choosing the right chaise or patterned chair will give your room a look of class!

Living Room Furniture, www.Furniture.com, WEstover Chair2.  Know the Floor Plan and Function

Before you fall in love with the perfect accent chair, make sure you understand your living room's floor plan. You don’t want to pick a chair that is too large or too small for the room. Accent chairs come in many different sizes, so you need to know how much space you have to work with. You want to make sure people can navigate comfortably around the room without it feeling like an obstacle course. Larger furniture can be complemented by a smaller chair, giving the illusion of more space. It is important to remember not to over clutter your room with bulky furniture it can't handle. If the room looks too busy, it will take away from the beauty of your new accent chair.

You also want to keep the chair's function in mind. Accent chairs are great for additional seating. If you plan on using your chair in other rooms, like the dining room, pick a chair that is smaller and lighter. This way you can easily move it from room to room. If your chair is going to be used solely in the living room, make sure it is comfortable enough to sit in for long periods. Perhaps you will want one with an ottoman that can act as a bench seat when needed. Once you know how you plan to use the chair, you can better pick the right one for your space.

3. Pick What You Love

The most important thing to remember when choosing a new living room chair is to choose one you love. If you pick something that serves a function but does not appeal to you, you’ll regret your choice. You can easily mix and match an accent chair to complement existing living room furniture. Pick a bold pattern to spice up a neutral sofa and loveseat. Or add a sleek, modern look with a dark leather chair!  If your room is already bright and bold, you can soften it with a neutral chair.Take your living room rug, walls, lamps and curtains into consideration. You can bring out the colors in these items with the right accent chair tp create a balanced look.

Remember: Have fun and play around with design and pattern. The right accent chair for your living room with make you look like a design expert and have all your friends talking!

 Browse living room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Design Tips

Furniture.com's Guide to the Holidays

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 by Norma Gaffin

The holidays are almost here! How are you feeling? Are you and your home ready for the Thanksgiving feast and the guests that come with it? Of course, that will all be quickly followed by gift shopping, holiday parties and more holidays and entertaining.

Before you start to stress, don't worry! We've compiled some of our best tips for getting your home ready for the holidays and even some gift ideas!

 Categories: Desgn Tips, Dining Room Furniture

How to Decorate Your Dining Room for the Holidays

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 by Stacy Ward

Dining Room Furniture, www.furniture.com, The Watson Dining Room CollectionMy favorite thing about the holidays is gathering with friends and family around the dinner table for a home-cooked meal and giving thanks for all we have. We spend a lot of time choosing the ideal menu to create the perfect event. But let’s not forget decorating your dining room can be just as important as the meal itself. A festive display helps set the mood for holiday cheer! Here are a few tips for getting your dining room ready for the holidays!

The Dining Table

Your dining table's centerpiece is the most important display for your holiday event! Creating this focal point shows your guests that this meal is different than any other, and that it is, in fact, a celebration of the holiday season! You can go the traditional route with a centerpiece of candles and holiday florals, or think outside the box with some non-traditional ideas like filling a large vase with oranges or pears! Displaying your centerpiece on a festive holiday runner will enhance the overall design. Place cloth napkins, folded and held together by a gold ring, perfectly on top of your elegant dinner plates for a finished look!

Your Sideboard

Servers are great accent pieces that are not only beautiful to look at, but they also serve a purpose. A sideboard adds to the room's mood as it creates additional space for food and drinks during dinner parties or family dinners. Select a stylish bowl to fill with your choice of decor, like small pumpkins, acorns and other holiday items. Or, go for something different and festive and fill the bowl with colorful bells or ornaments. One of my favorite tips is to create a collage of family pictures and surround it with pumpkins and gourds ti create an autumn display! Not only is it decorative, but it can be quite the conversation piece for family and friends!

Dining Room Set , www.furniture.com, The Bradbury CollectionChina Cabinets

If you are lucky enough to have a china cabinet in your dining room, make sure you include it in your holiday decorating! Of course you want to feature all your china, but if you are using the tableware for the meal make sure you swap in seasonal decorative items to display. Mix and match framed photos, candles, mementos, souvenirs from vacations and family heirlooms. If you collect something unique, display it in your hutch for all to see! Just be careful not to over-clutter!

Creating the right atmosphere for your holiday party will help create special memories for you and your family!

Browse dining room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories:  Dining Room FurnitureDesign Tips

 

Love This Room: Monaco II Formal Dining Room

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 by Norma Gaffin

Exquisite traditional formal dining room furniture - Furniture.com - Monaco II Dining Room ColelctionWhat goes on in interior designers' minds when they're decorating homes? I’m sure you've wondered this yourself while watching HGTV or leafing through a decor magazine. With our Love This Room series, we’re going to let you in and explain how the design in these rooms creates a cohesive look you could recreate in your own home.

Let's take a closer look at our Monaco II formal dining room collection and what makes it so special.

As the weather gets cooler and the holidays get closer, a traditional formal dining room becomes an appealing option, regardless of the latest trends. Bringing family together around a large dining room table to celebrate and share becomes the priority. And this elegant dining room shows how you can bring together a number of materials to create a cohesive look that wows.

It’s All About the Details

This dining room furniture features a number of intricate details, making it the star of the room. From the elegant lines of the serpentine legs, the acanthus leaf carving and the egg-and-dart moulding to the intricate grain of the olive ash burl veneers and the case goods’ antiqued gold accents, nothing has been overlooked to create a special set for family.

To match the elaborate double-pedestal table, dining chairs and china cabinet, the rest of the room boasts equally ornate details. The sophisticated pattern on the area rug and the decorative wall sconce with its own rich details rise to the bar set by the Monaco II collection.

A Feeling of Openness in This Traditional Dining Room

While this traditional dining room set could make the room feel heavy, the open archway and window bring in light and openness while echoing the furnishings’ curves. We chose an iron chandelier with beautiful scrollwork that also lightens the room with its airiness.

Color & Contrast

We used color in this room to both contrast and work with the furniture. We began with the Monaco II’s deep merlot finish and its reddish undertones, echoed in different shades in the cool floor tile and even the traditional rug. The gold accents on the case goods and gold-toned tapestry on the chairs, in contrast, pop against these hues.

We hope this room inspires you for decorating your own dining room and enjoying beautiful holiday entertaining!

Browse dining room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Dining Room Furniture, Design Tips

Mix & Match Your Living Room Furniture for the Perfect Look

Monday, October 15, 2012 by Stacy Ward

People love when a home is full of eclectic pieces that work well together, but many find it difficult to mix and match living room furniture on their own and still have an overall sense of style that holds the room together.  It can be scary to pull off, but with these helpful tips you can add some excitement to your home with a mix-and-match living room! 

Living Room Furniture, www.Furniture.com, Maxim ChaiseMix & Match Finishes & Textures

Have fun mixing and matching furniture finishes. Darker wood and lighter wood can combine and complement each other nicely when done right. For example, if you have a dark wooden coffee table, you can lighten the room up by adding light wood-finished side tables. Or try a rich burgundy entertainment center with a lighter oak cocktail table. This contrast will make the furniture pop.

Another simple way to play with texture is to match the chair and sofa but throw in a leather chaise to mix things up! Or you can add a corduroy or textured loveseat. This is a great way to break the room up and add interest.

Living Room Furniture, www.Furniture.com, Omnia Living Room CollectionColor & Pattern

Don’t stop at the furniture's finish and texture. Change up color and pattern, too!  If you are nervous about adding color, keep it easy and stay in the same color family. You can choose warm colors for fall, like orange, yellow and red, for your color scheme. Or  if you prefer a cooler color try grouping light blues and greens. Staying within these realms will help you maintain the room’s cohesiveness

Patterns can be another good way to express your personal style and eye for design. Adding a patterned accent chair, ottoman or rug to your already existing living room set can spice up your decor. If you have an earth-toned sofa, add a chair with a funky pattern that includes the same shades. The key to mixing and matching patterned living room furniture is to fill the room with pieces you love and try not to overthink it. Home design should be fun!

There are no strict rules when it comes to mixing and matching living room furniture. Your first priority is to please yourself by picking pieces that inspire you. If you do this, you will be sure to create a living room you love!

Browse living room at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Design Tips

Fall Cleaning Checklist for Your Home

Thursday, October 11, 2012 by Norma Gaffin

Love your home this fall - Furniture.com - Lacey Living Room CollectionI 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