Friday, October 31, 2008

Home entertainment furniture can be used in multiple rooms

For all their variety, casegoods such as dining sets and bedroom furniture tend to end up in dedicated rooms. Not so with home entertainment furniture, which can grace living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, home offices—even the occasional unfinished basement. Buyers who know where to look can find entertainment furniture for any room and every occasion.E50 tall entertainment console provides numerous

Consumer panel shares views on casual furniture shopping experience

A revealing consumer panel discussion during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market offered retailers and vendors insights to keep their businesses going in the tough economic climate. The panel of six local consumers immediately broke into halves with vastly different outlooks. Robert Gibbs and Noel Ross, a pair of thirtysomethings living in downtown Chicago, were diligent and

What furniture consumers are looking for in a recession?

Economists may debate whether we’re in recession, but consumers have already decided that we are—and have changed their purchasing behavior accordingly. Two trend analysts—Faith Popcorn and Britt Beamer—have answer to peer into the crystal ball and weigh in on the opportunities during these tough times.Faith Popcorn“Out on the street, no one is asking if we are in a recession,” said trend analyst

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Upholstery makers hope economy is 'transitional'

HIGH POINT — Stationary upholstery makers will bring plenty of transitional looks to the market this week, but what they'd really like to do is transition right out of this economy. Business has slowed to a trickle, so manufacturers interviewed last week seem to think that this market's activity will be reflective of the market slide and other dismal events that have occurred over the past

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Golden Wheat: Bedding Color Trends

This fall's color trends for top-of-bed introductions includes a multifaceted neutral: a golden tone that evokes the soft coat of a newborn fawn. Paired with white and bearing faint accents, such as metallic yarn, fringe and embroidery, fawn-colored ensembles suggest peace, relaxation and livable luxury.Wheat sheaves luxuriously graze the Egyptian cotton sheets in this set by Malaika, which is

Bedroom, dining room producers offering plenty of styles

HIGH POINT — Case goods buyers shopping this market will find plenty of styles to offer in both bedroom and formal dining. While this includes the core categories of traditional and contemporary, country, coastal cottage and other lifestyle looks also play an important role, particularly among those vendors seeking to attract younger customers. But in many cases, vendors are responding to the

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Dining room furniture trends : Beachy white

In a time where relaxation is hard to come by, a tranquil feeling––such as a beach escape or cottage sanctuary––can be an enjoyable fixation. Light finishes, combined with a cottage style design, create an in-home seaside sanctuary perfect for a vacation home or everyday dining retreat. Riverside's Cape May casual dining room furniture collection boasts Sea Spray white paint, bringing a sense

Monday, September 15, 2008

Improvements in outdoor upholstery fabric lead to stylish selections

Thibaut Inc.'s Courtyard Collection is the company’s first indoor/outdoor offering of colorfast, stain-resistant prints and woven upholstery fabric. Patterns can be mixed and matched to create a custom look for porches, patios, decks, kitchens, family rooms, baths, bedrooms and more. Shown here, in the Aqua colorway, is Bolton–a large, Jacobean woven pattern with a modern graphic look.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Furniture Design Trends 2008/2009

What are the most interesting novelties in furniture design? Which trends from recent years have prevailed and which new design trends are emerging? In our red dot trend report we are introducing the most important trends and the most fascinating innovations in furniture design.All in whitePossibly the clearest trend is: white – it is not new, but very dominant and nowhere near its peak yet. In

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Top Designer creates modern elegance bedroom with craftsmanship

Driven by the desire to create a room that exemplified comfort, elegance and authenticity, designer Pat Harker of Harker Design used pieces from Woodland Furniture’s Patrician Collection—which encompasses its latest introductions––to fashion a timeless retreat.www.harkerdesign.com Decorative lighting was a reoccurring theme throughout the DreamRooms exhibit, and the Timeless Retreat

Friday, September 12, 2008

Tips for creating holiday retail vignettes

Regardless of whether you greet customers with a hearty “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” make sure your retail vignettes and merchandise put shoppers in the mood to leave a little green this holiday season. www.midwestofcannonfalls.com Oversized ornaments, tabletop decorations, and holiday dinnerware and textiles can be used to dress up even the most basic home furnishings––a white

Furniture consumers pay attention to mattress details

Bedroom furniture isn't complete without a mattress. And while furniture consumers want their beds to be comfortable, they also care about how their mattresses look. Mattresses might be about comfort above all, but on the salesfloor style is just as important as substance, which is why manufacturers leave no detail—from the border design to the ticking’s touch—to chance. While your sales staff

High Point Market predicts growth in 2009

The High Point Market Authority recently released a Business Outlook report, in which it is predicting that the home furnishings industry will rebound in 2009.The report is available on the Authority's Web site at www.highpointmarket.org. Click on Industry Insights (you'll have to register if you haven't already) and then click on Industry Reports. Brian D. Casey, President and CEO of the High

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Get head start in premarket at High Point Market

A number of years ago, when the dynamics of this business really started to change, Alan Cole, now president and CEO of Hooker Furniture Upholstery, was fond of observing that “the business is no longer about the big eating the little. Now, it's all about the nimble eating the slow.” Alan's observations were right on the money. In today's world of instant gratification, speed to market has become

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Sexy Home Entertainment Furniture Collection

Home Entertainment Furniture Collection 1. Sunny Designs: The company will introduce dining, occasional and home entertainment this summer, including the open-design console, bridge and piers shown here. The multistep finish pairs reddish and black tones. WMC B866. 2. Vendor Development Group: In addition to easy-to-assemble home entertainment solutions, such as Grand Aspirations wall

Sexy New Dining Room Furniture on Las Vegas Market

Dining Room Furniture Collection 1. Amisco: Eleanor pub set is offered in both pub- and counter-height (shown) versions, with a choice of buffets and cabinets. Consumers can choose from a variety of fabric, wood and metal options. All product ships from the company’s warehouse in 10 days. WMC B1022. 2. ArtCraft Furniture: Available in all of the company’s finishes, Country Manor dining

ARTS Awards Finalists announced by Dallas Market Center

The Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team has announced the finalists for the 20th annual ARTS Awards, which recognize outstanding retailers, product designers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the home furnishings industry. The ARTS Awards will be presented during a gala on Jan. 17, 2009, during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, taking place Jan. 14-20 at the

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Herman Miller Capelli Stool

The Herman Miller Capelli Stool was envisioned by designer Carol Catalano. It is made up of two identical laminated wood pieces with undulating “fingers” molded at the top that interlock without the use of tools or fasteners. As the surfaces between these fingers meet they turn into stops that hold each half of the stool firmly in place for an cleverly stable and strong structure. It looks

Caperton Furnitureworks Wins IDEA Design Award

A private label piece produced by case goods source Caperton Furnitureworks was awarded an International Design Excellence Award, or IDEA, Silver Medal for 2008 in the Home Living Category. IDEA awards are presented each year by the Industrial Designers of America, which represents the professional industrial design industry. The Centerbrook Slapstick Table and bench designed by Mark Simon of

Sage Award nominations due by Sept. 5

HIGH POINT - Nominees are being sought for the Sage Awards, which will recognize companies employing sustainability practices in the home furnishings industry. The awards, developed by the American Home Furnishings Alliance and sponsored by Cargill's BiOH polyols, will be given to a manufacturer, retailer or designer of finished home furnishings or bedding. According to a press release, the

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Desks get more compact and versatile to adapt to laptops

Sales of laptops are poised to exceed desktop computer sales in 2008, according to industry analysts. As consumers' computer usage changes, so does their home office furniture needs. The perfect fit? Desks that are as compact, versatile and feature-laden as the technology they’re designed to accommodate.The top of Kathy Ireland Home by Martin’s Tribeca Loft convertible laptop workstation folds up

Contemporary sectionals have lower, deeper seating

Modern sectionals offer consumers lower, deeper seating and innovative functions, such as adjustable pillow backs, fabric ottomans and sleep options. The result? An open, airy footprint that brings maximum efficiency to contemporary interiors. Palliser's Jake sectional in Havanna-Bruin leather demonstrates comfort on a grand scale, with its low, deep profile and feather-fiber topper.

ASID announces 2008 Pinnacle Awards Finalists

The American Society of Furniture Designers has announced the finalists for the 2008 Pinnacle Design Achievement Award. According to Jane Matteson, Executive Director of the American Society of Furniture Designers, a record number of companies submitted their work to be considered for a prize this year. This year's judging panel included Julie M. Smith, Publisher of Furniture Style, De.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Dramatic design trends on Merchandise Mart showroom

Emily Ursini of Interior Crafts was one of nine design professionals who collaborated on The Merchandise Mart’s DreamRooms: Luxury Living Spaces exhibit, which was open to the public April 25-July 12 and features the latest in interior design trends. Her space — the Deco-inspired foyer — was filled with pieces and materials that offered texture and movement. A chandelier cast light on a

Cool Contemporary Furniture Seating and Tables

Molecule is an ensemble of contemporary seating and tables that grabs the attention as the dark red contrasts with the stark white. The possibilities are exhaustive when you think of the uses for this furniture. I can picture Molecule being in a trendy restaurant creating a very modern look. In a home Molecule could provide a combination dining and seating area for a more open concept living

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Kitchen and bath products that combine design trends with functionality

While the number of kitchen and bath remodels are expected to decline this year, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Outlook, consumers still are more likely to upgrade these rooms than invest in new construction. Kitchen and bath products that combine design trends with functionality are sure to top consumers' must-have lists. Here are some recent

Bedding sources expand green offerings

LAS VEGAS — Green mattress lines are blooming in bedding showrooms at this week’s furniture market here. A number of bedding producers are expanding their green offerings, unveiling products that utilize soy-based foams and natural latex foams, and are covered with organic cotton covers.The eco-bedding movement is on the upswing, those producers say. Natura, a leader in the green category, is

Friday, August 1, 2008

Solar energy influencing home furnishings color trends

Solar Energy, one of the eight Pantone® View Home and Interiors color palettes for 2009, captures the vibrancy and liveliness of the sun. Shades of orange, gold and greenish yellow are paired with wine, fuchsia red and electric blue for added dimension, while gray brings a calming influence to the color trends.The fresh turquoise and glowing orange backgrounds of Marimekko’s KevƤtjuhla fabric

No risk from lead in leather, says University of Cincinnati Leather Research Lab

HIGH POINT — Lead in leather upholstery finishes presents no risk to health or safety, the University of Cincinnati Leather Research Lab has concluded in testing done for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. In light of pending legislation in Congress and the controversy surrounding the incidence of lead in consumer products, the AHFA earlier this year explored whether the furniture industry

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Interior designer Larry Laslo named Design Icon by World Market Center

Furniture designer Larry Laslo was named as a Design Icon by The World Market Center Las Vegas in honor of his highly regarded interior design work. Laslo has become famous for his “liveable contemporary” style, which he’s used in one-of-a-kind residential design projects throughout the company, as well as in commercial design projects, such as the Takashimaya flagship store and Bergdorf

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Eco-decor: Not your Grandma’s throw pillows

There may come a time when you find yourself desperately in need of something you were pretty sure you’d never desperately need: the ultimate throw pillow. That’s right, throw pillows. Emma Gardner Designs, LLC Deep into 2008, Marisa Belger finds that throw pillows are anything but dorky. Available in an endless variety of sizes, colors and textures, the square, rectangle — even

WHFA hosts service providers at Las Vegas Market

LAS VEGAS — More than 50 business service providers will show at next week’s Las Vegas Market in the Western Home Furnishings Assn.’s Retailer Resource Center, which is in two locations in the World Market Center. Companies from the advertising and marketing, financial, consulting, design, technology, training and warehouse distribution sectors will be in spaces B-1630 and C-476. “Both locations

Friday, July 25, 2008

Ikea top furniture store in Canadian survey

TORONTO — Canadian consumers say Ikea is their country’s top furniture retailer, according to a survey by Kubas Consulting, a retail specialist based here. The research firm surveyed 1,243 Canadian consumers in February, concentrating on urban markets that represent more than 50% of the country’s retail sales. The survey’s results are published in this year’s edition of the Major Market Retail

Thursday, July 24, 2008

10 Tips Furniture Shopping On The Cheap

With gas and food prices rising and the economy stalling, it can be hard to keep up with routine bills and expenses, let alone expenses that are extra or unexpected. But what if you really need to furnish a room or section of your home at a time like this? It’s easy enough to find yourself in such a predicament whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been established for years. Don’t

Friday, July 18, 2008

Sustainability to receive spotlight at this month’s Las Vegas Market

LAS VEGAS — This month’s Las Vegas Market will emphasize sustainability more than ever with the third edition of the Living Green Pavilion, which will be on the fifth floor of the new Building C. The pavilion gives buyers a central place to find eco-friendly products. “All products shown inside the Living Green Pavilion have a legitimate eco-story. Some products are made from recycled materials,

Ikea Canada continues green efforts with Web site launch

BURLINGTON, Ontario – Lifestyle specialty retailer IKEA has launched a Web site to more clearly articulate its environmental and corporate responsibility efforts. IKEA launched the www.theikeaway.ca site in June as an umbrella site for social and environmental communication and partnerships and as a way to continue surveying users on those topics, said Agamemnon Spiridoulias, social and

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Benjamin Moore's color trends for 2009

For interior designers and fashion-conscious furniture retailers, its essential to be up on the latest color trends so you can know what your customers will be craving well ahead of time. Luckily, Doty Horn, Director of Color & Design at Benjamin Moore, thinks ahead. Two full years ahead, to be exact. Every year, Horn and her team at Benjamin Moore analyze shifts in fashion, pop culture, world

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

First prize awarded to Nube Chair: a seating concept with essential lines wins

Now in its twelfth year, Promosedia International Design Competition – Caiazza Memorial Challenge remains a point of reference on a worldwide level for under-40 designers, including architects, designers and students from Architecture Faculties and Institutes of Design from every continent. Three hundred designs were entered for the 2008 event, which rewarded six seats with one First Prize, two

Spanish designer wins Promosedia prize

UDINE, Italy — Spanish designer Tomas Alonso has won this year’s Promosedia International Design Competition — Caiazza Memorial Challenge for his Nube chair. Three hundred designs were entered in this year’s contest, which recognizes architects, designers and students younger than 40 for their designs of wood chairs. One first prize, two honorable mentions and three special mentions were awarded.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Hispanics still a growing market furniture

Buying power will top $1 trillion, AHFA members learn ATLANTA — Hispanics number 44 million in the United States and represent $928 billion in annual buying power, according to Jackie Bird. She is president and CEO of Winglatino, ranked by Advertising Age as one of the fastest growing Latino ad agencies in the U.S. in 2006, and spoke to an American Home Furnishings Alliance marketing meeting

Sunday, July 6, 2008

International Contemporary Furniture Fair features hip storage

Multifunctional casegoods with bright touches of color add visual interest and storage to small living spaces. Recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair introductions are sure to appeal to young consumers who want to be organized, but still have fun with their furnishings. Condotti trunk desk from Flou opens to reveal a functional office space. With an exterior that is covered in

Seven furniture industry leaders nominated for Hall of Fame

Seven industry leaders in manufacturing, retailing and design are nominated for election to the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the organization’s foundation has announced.To nominate someone to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, members of the foundation had to submit a biography of the person explaining their professional achievements and civic involvement. Of the people who were nominated,

Thursday, July 3, 2008

AHFA accepting nominations for Sage Award

HIGH POINT, N.C. — The American Home Furnishings Alliance has posted the award criteria and complete entry form for the 2008 Sage Award. It is now available online at http://www.sustainablebydesign.us/sageaward.aspx. The Sage Award was created to recognize excellence in the home furnishings industry in the areas of sustainable business practices, social responsibility and profitable growth.

Modern Contemporary Decorating Ideas

All to often confused with modern, contemporary decorating merely shares similarities, while keeping it’s distance. Literally, contemporary means coexisting; certainly an inviting way of thinking about styling your surroundings. How is Contemporary Decoration Identified? Perhaps because of an emphasis on clean lines and order, contemporary decorating will always draw

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Wealthy furniture consumers still want traditional furniture style

When the economic going gets tough, the wealthy remain relatively unaffected, say home furnishings retailers and interior designers who cater to affluent clients. The style of choice for these consumers: traditional with European influences. Here are some examples of furniture with a luxurious style for various rooms in a home.Anywhere: Romantic and graceful, Marguerite French lounge chair from

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Living room furniture design trends: Tables with copper tops

Tables with hammered copper tops meld this year's top design trends of metallic materials and artisan craftsman-like quality. Gold and silver metallic finishes—matte or shiny—have been in the spotlight for the past few seasons, due, in part, to the increased popularity of contemporary furniture. Chunky, tapered or U-shaped silver legs stylishly support sleek, leather sofas and trendy accent

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Divine Design: Cramped kitchen gets lofty new look

Cal is an animation artist, director and teacher — and a first-time homeowner. Two years ago, he moved into his home, a 1920s semi-detached unit that was owned by an 80 year-old woman who hadn’t changed it much in her 60 years of occupancy. The ground floor was dated, dingy and full of cramped rooms, which was less than ideal for a 20-something guy who works from home and entertains a lot.BEFORE:

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Finnish design stars in home art, accessories

With a third of its mass sitting above the cold confines of the Arctic Circle and a population of only five million, Finland would seem an unlikely wellspring of world-renowned product design. Yet some of the finest creative talent and most enduring examples of 20th century craftwork came from the tiny Northern European country. Names like Saarinen, Aalto, Wirkkala and Marimekko are synonymous

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Furniture design trends: Well-worn finishes

Finish fashion continues to favor well-worn effects. Some of the markings are achieved in the finishing department, while others are earned naturally over time. What's new now? Powdery colors, reclaimed woods and lustrous gold touches. Striking gold As on fashion runways, gold will continue to add sparkle to home furnishings this year on upholstery, casegoods and occasional pieces. "Gold

Monday, June 9, 2008

Furniture Tips : Teak Care

In clean air untreated teak weathers to an attractive ash gray, but where most boats live, the assault of modern-day air pollutants quickly turns bare teak nearly black. Scrubbing tends to leave behind an unattractive mottled look, neither golden nor gray. Most boatowners eventually find themselves unhappy with either look and decide that

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Design by the numbers for greater comfort

Here’s a big word for you to spend 30 seconds trying to pronounce: Anthropometrics. 28, 29, 30. OK, now what does it mean? It is the study of human dimensions. Who cares? Well, furniture manufacturers and interior designers, to mention some. If you’ve ever wondered how much space is needed between the sofa and the cocktail table, you have touched upon an anthropometric question. I’m sure you’ve

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Interview with West Coast Furniture designer Eric Pfeiffer

Eric Pfeiffer of 10 Grain West Coast design firm 10 Grain recently teamed up with fashion industry veteran Paul Frank Industries to launch the Small Paul Furniture Collection by 10 Grain. Here, 10 Grain Design Director Eric Pfeiffer discusses his partnership experience and offers his take on the modern youth furnishings market. Pfeiffer has been a fan of the acclaimed Paul Frank brand for

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Create a Balinese Garden : Backyard Ideas

For many Australians, their love affair with Bali is a life-long commitment. So it’s not very surprising that so many yearn to recreate just some of that lushness in their own backyards. But to capture the essence of the traditional Balinese garden, you need to look at it from a Balinese perspective.“Balinese look at gardens differently,” says Kerry Davies of Bali Gardens. “For the Balinese, the

Monday, May 5, 2008

Buying Outdoor Furniture : Shopping Guides

Old Man Winter has finally packed his bags and moved out. Although his bite is still nipping a little at our heels, the promise of reuniting with the warm outdoors is so close. I'm now picturing lazy summer nights on my small patio. The kids are in bed, the Metro buses have stopped roaring past my house and the crickets are chirping. That's when my husband and I enjoy our small patio the most.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

10 steps to becoming a greener furniture retailer

On April 7, the Sustainable Furniture Council held a market seminar titled “Going Green: A 10-Step Program” for manufacturers and retailers. The seminar was presented by SFC board member Jeff Hiller, who spoke about issues surrounding carbon dioxide emissions and deforestation. The session concluded with the following 10 steps for making a business greener. 1. Ask suppliers questions. From where

Friday, April 25, 2008

At 2008 Milan furniture fair, top designers trade flash for class

Franco Forci / For The Times Konstantin Grcic’s design for the Myto cantilevered chair is made of a new synthetic material called Ultradur, which is good for indoor or outdoor use and is recyclable. The piece was made for Plank. Email Picture In tune with economic woes in the U.S. and beyond, the gilded looks that ruled Salone Internazionale del

Design notes from the 2008 Milan furniture show

Cool colors: Orange and red aren't quite dead, but the trendiest hues -- purple, green, silver, even pale magenta -- have a blue streak. The color of the season falls somewhere between turquoise and cobalt, as shown on the Fly chair by Arco.Spring awakening: Antlers and wintry forest creatures have been replaced by trees, butterflies, mushrooms and daisies, often rendered with "Brady Bunch"

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Gorgeously Green Furniture

On Tuesday, April 22, I attended the press preview for the second annual edition of DreamRooms, Luxury Living Spaces, held at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. (The exhibition will be open to the public April 25-July 12.) Before arriving, I noticed that the sitting room, designed by Susan Fredman Design Group using Kravet products, was a green-designed living space. I was immediately intrigued

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show gets into the comfort zone

Bamboo takes new shapes in Rio Grande Imports’ Feng Shui bathtub and sink on a pedestal. Email Picture Bling is out, individuality and function are in at the expo. CHICAGO -- ABOUT 930 exhibitors crowded the annual Kitchen/Bath Industry Show here last weekend, but Tristan

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

How To Choose Your Garden Furniture And Make It Last

Before you buy any garden furniture it is strongly recommended that you do some research. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of buying garden furniture that is right for you and will last you a long time. Following are some important tips you need to consider before you buy. Firstly decide whether you want stackable or foldaway furniture that will be put away in the shed or garage in

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Interest in green furniture continuing to grow

I’ve always been a bit of an environmentalist, even before it became fashionable. When my friends were driving gas-guzzling muscle cars in the 1970s, I was getting from point A to point B in a fuel-efficient Datsun. I continued to request paper grocery bags when plastic bags became the norm. (I now keep reusable bags in my car.) And I’ve always tried to find new homes for gently used clothing and

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Tips on using old odds and ends in your garden

Personalize your landscape with seasoned materials and objects. Here are some suggestions from designer Sandy Koepke (www.sandykoepkeinteriordesign.com):Materials and finishes: Worn stone, recycled concrete, weathered wood and rusted or oxidized metal suggest a timeless feeling. "These elements are ideal for exterior use because you don't have to worry about further exposure to sun, wind,

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Purchase The Right Furniture For Your Outdoors

Who doesn’t like the great outdoors? That light breeze, the warm sunshine and a great lounge chair - these are all you need to uplift your mood. While there is little you can do about the breeze and the sun, you can definitely select good outdoor furniture to make your day beautiful. Outdoor furniture pieces need to be chosen carefully because they are exposed to the ravages of weather much more

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Furniture retailer Josh Dorfman talks about going green

Josh Dorfman Furniture retailer Josh Dorfman is passionate about the environment. First and foremost, he is the founder and CEO of Vivavi, a contemporary, sustainable furniture store in Brooklyn, NY. Along with running the successful—and expanding—furniture showroom, Dorfman wrote his first book, “The Lazy Environmentalist,” in 2005. It offers readers easy, eco-friendly tips on how to

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Leslie Jones Zeller Wins First Place in Illinois ASID Competition

Designer Leslie Jones Zeller, of Chicago’s Leslie Jones & Assoc. Inc., created a winning combination of textures—sisal, silk and linen, to name a few—and Art Deco and Moderne home furnishings to produce a backdrop for her clients’ photography collection. The result? A Design Excellence Award from the American Society of Interior Designers’ Illinois chapter for Zeller and her work in this Lake

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Top 5 Advantages Of Teak Garden Furniture

As warm weather approaches, you may find yourself searching for garden furniture. What is a backyard barbecue without garden furniture – after all, where would your guests sit? Though there is a wide variety of patio furniture, none is as beautiful as garden furniture made with teak. Why is teak a great material for garden furniture? Well, there are some distinct advantages, such as these:

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Contemporary Home Office Furniture | Furniture Style

Contemporary office furniture from Davis Furniture Industries While the number of home-based businesses in the United States vary by the organization doing the counting – from 16.5 million, according to a recent study by research from Access Markets Intl. Partners Inc., to half of all U.S. businesses, according to the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy’s report – they

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Furniture Shopping Guide Part 2

Once you've decided exactly what you need, how big it should be, how much you can spend on it, and gotten all the information you can on companies, finishes, styles, and fabrics, it's time to see some pieces in person. Go to a Furniture StoreIt's almost impossible to determine if you'll like a piece of furniture from a picture. You'll want to see it first-hand. If the store you visit doen't have

Furniture Shopping Guide Part 1

Shopping for furniture can be a difficult task or an exciting adventure. It's up to you. If you follow this advice, you're more likely to enjoy shopping and find the right pieces of furniture to fit your home and lifestyle.Ask your family members(including all kids), close friends who spend a lot of time with you and your designer (should you have one) for their input regarding how the particular

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Western- and Lodge-style furniture Poised For A Comeback

Western- and Lodge-style home furnishings are poised for a comeback, but this time around, the look is anything but rustic and oversized. Instead, think clean-lined casegoods, hand-rubbed finishes, supple leathers and a touch of nailhead trim that all add up to casual elegance for several rooms in (and outside) the home.Henderson spool bed, one of the latest additions to Wrangler Home™ brand’s

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Hispanic Americans' spending power increasing

Any way you slice it, America is becoming more Latin. There are approximately 43 million Hispanics currently in the United States. According to Jose Cancela, founder of the marketing and research firm Hispanic USA Inc. and author of “The Power of Business En EspaƱol,” they will represent $1 trillion in spending power by 2010. Jose Cancela Readers who follow the current immigration debate

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Adirondack All Weather Furniture - Choosing the Right Wood Type

Few people are aware of the fact that the idea for quality Adirondack all weather furniture began with a quest to find the perfect chair for relaxing on lazy summer evenings. This is why comfort is one of the very first things anyone thinks of when imagining an Adirondack chair or lounger. Aside from comfort, the other feature that most comes to mind when thinking about Adirondack all weather

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Outdoor Furniture for your Cottage Garden

A blooming cottage garden is a show stopping garden. It has a natural whimsical feel and it picks the interest of all its visitors with the desire to identify the different intricately placed plants. The cottage garden is a collection of bountiful blooms that give an ever-changing feel over the growing seasons. Although the most of the cottage themed garden is away from the street, there some

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Teak Garden Furniture : A smart Choice for Outdoor Seating

Who doesn’t want to own a beautiful garden? Those that are lucky to have a beautiful garden, spend a lot of time in their gardens to enjoy the beauty of nature. And what better way to spend you’re time in the garden, than to relax on you’re garden furniture. Wicker, wrought iron, bamboo and woods such as oak, teak etc are some of the materials, that are used to make garden furniture. Due to the