Home for the Holidays

It’s the holiday seasoning; picture family gathered by the fire, enjoying hot chocolate, and sharing moments together.  Your home environment should add to that picture, but you may need to rethink your space to make this dream a reality.  

  • While in your daily life you might be content with a single sofa facing the TV, the holidays are about spending time with the ones you love.  The spaces you entertain in should reflect that. Consider the layout of your room and look for ways to incorporate more seating that invites conversation.
  • Furniture crafted and chosen with love promotes a loving ambience to welcome all your guests.  Carefully choose pieces should reflect your taste, warmth, and be inviting.
  • A comfortable armchair, a soft rug, or added tables can transform your living space into a space for conversation in which family and friends are the focus.
  • One of the best ways to impress your guest and cultivate a space that they enjoy spending time in is to add furniture items that make your home unique.  Interesting conversation pieces that show your family’s flair will not only enrich but add interest while creating discussions about the space they love.
  • Well thought out accessories can add coziness, and warmth to any room for the holidays.

Let us help you put a little extra love into you home this holiday by transforming your house into a home everyone wants to be in!

Prolong the Life of Your Mattress

The rule of thumb is you should replace your mattress every 8 to 10 years, but if you are asking yourself the question then I’m sorry but it is probably time. The replacement age varies based on the type as well as the manufacturer. There are things you can do; however, to increase the life of your mattress:

  • Use a mattress protector! Investing in a good mattress protector is well worth the money. It not only helps protect against spills and debris but there are also some that help protect against dust mites as well.
  • Rotate your mattress! We always rotated our mattresses twice a year when we did our spring and fall cleaning. Some have suggested every 3-6 months. Double-sided mattresses should not only be rotated but you should flip them over at least once a year. Regardless of your mattress preference, rotating it can extend its life so follow your manufacturer’s suggestions.
  • Don’t allow jumping on the bed! It can actually damage your mattress especially the coils. Sorry kids but the bed should not be your playground.
  • Clean your mattress! Regular vacuuming is vital and can help prevent dust mites and other allergens as well.   Read your manufacturers suggestions and incorporate a regular cleaning to your routine.
  • Your mattress needs the proper support! Think of your mattress as a set because the proper box springs or foundation is critical to the life of your mattress.

 

Common Interior Design Mistakes

Interior decorating can be difficult, expensive, and overwhelming, but you need to also account for your space, style, and budget. Before you start your design project, make sure you are prepared.

Mistake #1: Not Establishing Your Budget & Sticking To It

The first step of any project should be establishing your budget. To prevent yourself from running over budget before you complete the space, make a list of all the furniture you need and how much you’re likely to spend on each one. Next, determine which furniture pieces are most important and purchase those first.

Mistake #2: Not Having a Plan

Before you start the buying process, ask yourself a few questions:

  • Do you have any existing furniture you’d like to use? Would you like the furniture if it was refinished?
  • Do you know how you intend to use the room? Will it have two purposes (i.e. office/guest space)? How many people will be regularly using the space?
  • Is there a certain an interior design style that inspires you?

Mistake #3: Forgetting Your Style

Don’t opt for trends and forget your individual style. You can be relevant and select an overall interior design style and broadly stick to it to ensure your home has a flow, but don’t sacrifice your personal style. Don’t copy what is popular and also consider what pieces are trendy vs. lasting.

Mistake #4: Not Planning Around the Size & Shape of the Space

After step one, step two should ALWAYS be taking proper measurements of the space and understanding the flow of the room. Figure out how you want the room to function and where you’d like potential furniture to go.

The Perfect Fall Accessories

Fall  is  almost  here!  With  Fall  comes  the  cozy  aesthetic  and  times  filled  with  family  and  friends.  Here  are  the  items  you  need:

Fire pits are a growing sensation in backyards and patios for their cozy nature and service as a centerpiece in entertaining. Fall nights should be filled with s’mores, the company of friends and family, delicious meals, and sports (outdoor TV anyone?!).

With the Texas heat, fireplaces aren’t necessary, but they add an aesthetic that is charming, especially during fall and winter. Instead of an expensive addition, a fireplace console is an amazing option and comes in a variety of sides.

Trading out pillows is an easy way to decorate for the new season. Warm-hued pillows or one’s with fun fall sayings will instantly transform the space.

With the cooler temperatures, a festive throw is the perfect addition to any living room. Again, warm-hues or chunky knits fit the season the best.

Three Steps to Your Dream Room

If you have been thinking about updating your home, let us help you get started.

We have a wide selection of furniture and accessories to help you with your space, no matter what your budget. Designing your home is an incredibly personal process and there more sources than ever before to give you inspiration but they can also be overwhelming and confusing.

  • First, design your space. Seeing a layout of your space using the exact dimensions to include doors and windows is a good first step. Then experiment arranging the furniture for not only the best aesthetically but the overall flow as well. Mentally walk through your room, sit on the sofa, or lie on the bed. It is important to take the time to make sure your space works for you before making any purchases. The last thing you want is a piece you love but won’t fit your space or conflicts with your overall design theme.
  • Now let’s create the plan. Once the layout works for you, we can begin to add furniture, picture, plants, and begin to create your personal design style. We will look at themes, color, trends, and so much more to give you the magazines look you want.
  • Don’t forget lifestyle. Your personal style is important but you can’t forget your lifestyle as well. If you have children or dogs, you may want to consider high-performance fabrics. If you like to entertain, you may want to consider darker colors. We can show you many options that will work not only with your lifestyle but your budget as well.

We look forward to working with you, come see us soon!

Outdoor Living Furniture Necessities

Outdoor living spaces are an extension of your home and can truly feel as such. With a few updates, your children can play outside, you can entertain friends and family, and if you want to do a larger update, you can even cook outside! It’s an area that can be used all year round, especially if you invest in a fire pit! With these simple tips, you can host friends and family all year long and also add value to your home:

  • Outdoor furniture – There is a plethora of outdoor furniture ranging from outdoor dining sets to bar tables to lounge chairs and couches. Make sure there’s enough seating for your entire family and this will be a space that is well used all summer long!
  • Rugs – A large rug can add color and design to your outdoor space, as well as making your outdoors feel a bit cozier.
  • Water Features – A water feature adds an element of tranquility to your space. Sitting outside with the peaceful sound of a water fall or fountain will set the mood.
  • Fire Pits – Fire pits not only provide warmth during the colder months, but also provide a s’more area and can double as a table! Your guests will love gathering around one on chilly nights or summer s’more nights!
  • Kitchen area or grill – Make an outdoor party easy with an outdoor kitchen! This is a larger renovation, but you will have everyone’s dream yard by having easy cooking convenience.
  • Play area – The kitchen area is for the parents, but children need their area too! Add an area with a net from their favorite sport, a swing set, gardening area, or outdoor reading area. There is an idea for whatever your child is interested in!

What Goes Around Comes Around: Furniture Edition

Have you heard the statement “What goes round comes round”? Well it is true in the home furnishings industry as well.

In the 60’s animal prints were very popular and now they are in high demand again. Several magazines featured them and it has caught on. If you can afford the eye catching animal print rug, then go for it but you can also have an animal print chair, throw pillows, or even a smaller entry rug and get the look that is going wild in 2019.

WALLPAPER??? Yes, it is back. Have you been watching HGTV lately? It seems they all are featuring accent walls with wallpaper in almost every episode. It may not be some of the flowers of the 70’s, but the geometric shapes they are using will inspire us all.

Metal is back and it is nice to see the brushed brass, gold, and blackened metals make a comeback. The uses of metal seem to appear everywhere from accent pieces to designer furniture and this is one comeback I am excited about.

Antiques are back so please take a look at your parents and grandparents downsizing items. Antiques bring a sense of warmth we all need in this fast paced environment and will give you that cozy home feeling we all love. Since painted furniture is also back, you can always give it a coat of paint to match your design style.

We would love to help you shop this summer for things that will bring your home up-to-date with many items that are making a well anticipated return.

Timeless Pieces for Every Room

When a new style comes into favor, it is tempting to want to redecorate your entire house and get rid of everything. For most, that is not a feasible option, so it is best to invest in timeless pieces and update your home with on-trend accessories, like pillows, rugs, pictures, throws, and decorative items. Here are the best neutral, timeless items that can easily be updated with the latest trends:

  1. A brown, cream, or grey leather couch has staying power and is worthy of the initial investment. Out of all of these items, none are more timeless and durable than a well made leather couch. It can stand up to pets, children, and spills as long as it is taken care of properly. It can also be easily updated with new pillows and throws.
  2. A wood dining room table is also a classic option if they are done in a simple style. Dining room chairs are an easy update- you can also merely update the fabric on the chairs or table decor to give the space a whole new look. If going for a more dramatic look, you can replace the chairs.
  3. For headboards, wood, iron, or neutral fabric are the easiest to transform with different bedspreads, pillows, and wall color since they can be matched with anything.
  4. Wood dressers can be sanded and re-stained as styles change, and you can also easily swap out the knobs to completely update your room.

By initially investing in neutral, classic pieces, your space can easily be transformed as styles change throughout the years.

Best Materials for Outdoor Entertaining All Summer

The season of outdoor entertaining is here! There is outdoor furniture for every style, space, and purpose, but even patio furniture and cushions that are under roof are still subject to the winds, moisture, and extreme elements, including hot and cold temperatures, in the outdoors.

Therefore, it’s wise to select fabrics and materials that are water resistant, or waterproof and fade resistant if the furniture will be exposed to outdoor elements. Nowadays, outdoor fabrics come in fun prints and shield against harsh weather, kids, pets, and partygoers

The best outdoor fabrics are cotton canvas, olefin fiber, vinyl, duck cloth, and acrylic.

The strongest outdoor materials are aluminum, resin wicker, recycled plastic, treated wood, and steel.

Regardless of what fabric or materials you select for your outdoor patio, you need to engage in regular care and maintenance to preserve your furniture’s life. This includes wiping down furniture after rain to prevent mold and mildew, occasionally washing outdoor pillows and cushions according to manufacturer’s instructions, and making sure the materials stay properly sealed if they are treated. With a little TLC, your furniture will be enjoyed all summer long and for years to come!

Get Better Sleep and Find the Mattress for You

Are you in the market for a new mattress? Typically you should replace your mattress every seven years but some last longer while others with high use may need replacing sooner. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the countless types of mattresses available today. So let’s review what your options are:

Innerspring mattresses are the steel coil innerspring mattresses with various foams and fibers on top for your comfort. These are the mattresses we grew up with and some consider them to be out of style. When choosing this type consider the type of springs, gauge of steel ,and padding materials available for better comfort and durability.

Memory Foam mattresses are made of foam and conform to the shape

of your body regardless of the position you sleep. Some who suffer from aches and pains have found comfort in a memory foam mattress. There are numerous manufacturers and you need to do your homework before buying.

Combination mattresses combine the innerspring and memory foam in one. Some have multiple layers to include cooling gel. This merges the firmness of the innerspring with the comfort of the memory foam.   Many believe these to be the best of both worlds.

Sleep is vital to your overall health and happiness and nothing contributes more than the right mattress. Consult an expert at our store today to help you find the mattress that is right for you.