Sofas and Chairs

WE all know that a home is more than four walls; we want a comfortable, relaxed environment that is inviting to friends and expresses who we are. But to have the kind of home that offers even more, the kind of place where memories permeate the air, we must pay attention to more than just matching colors and hanging pictures. Just what sets apart such wonderful places? Some of the good design principles below, combined with personal touches and collections, make all the difference when creating a home.

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FLOORING is an important component to our home environment. We live on it day in and day out. It needs to be durable, easy to maintain, attractive and affordable. Durability may be a top priority for a family with children and pets, but may not be for a couple who jet sets and is only at home on weekdays. Maintenance is usually an issue for all of us, but some individuals may desire a particular look that can’t be achieved unless a higher maintenance material is used. Last but not least, affordability! We are all drawn to images we see in fabulous design magazines, not realizing that what we are seeing can cost thousands, or even hundreds of thousands to actually buy and install. On a positive note, you can achieve a similar look for less, but you may purchase a ceramic or porcelain instead of a high priced natural stone. That is where a professional flooring sales representative or interior designer truly comes in handy. [click to continue...]

SHOPPING for a new sofa can be fun; you can freshen up the family room, have a more comfortable place to sit, and have a chance to show off your decorating skills. Why, then, do so many find it an exercise in frustration?

In my experience as a designer, I have learned that most shoppers lack basic information about upholstered furnishings. That really prevents them from making an accurate comparison of the different features and choices and arriving at a satisfying selection. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hype in the marketplace, as manufacturers compete with promises of great quality and incredible sale prices. Who do you trust?

As with any major purchase (and yes, a sofa should be viewed as a major purchase), knowledge is power. Just as when buying a car, the savvy shopper learns about all of the features of the product, decides what features are important, weighs the various similarities and differences, and hopefully ends up with something that fits their taste, practical needs and budget. Let’s take a look at some of the things it is important to consider before bringing home your new sofa or chair. [click to continue...]