30. May 2008 by Parker.

Take stock of your new home with these 5 solid furniture investments!

As a new homeowner, it is important to evaluate the usefulness and condition of your current furnishings. Take the time to review what you are going to need for your new space then check this list to see if any items are a priority. Whatever you do, do not skimp on these 5 pieces which set the foundation for the rest of your home.

Mattress: Although your home has many new rooms that you cannot wait to add furnishings to, make sure to invest in a good mattress first and foremost. The bed frame itself can come later if necessary, but a decent nights’ sleep should not. So head out to the stores, kick off your shoes, and lie down on as many beds for as long as it takes to find the one that is right for both of you.

Couch: A great couch is a must have for any household. Shop around for a couch that fits your space in size, color, and texture. Pillow back sofas are great for family rooms as you can curl up in them. However, they are not practical for a more formal living space as they are uncomfortable for guests to sit on properly. Look for a couch that is equally comfortable as it is visually appealing and keep in mind the quality of fabric for future stains, wear, and tear.

Ottoman: Extra seating is a must in any household, especially if you are planning a house warming party. Invest in an ottoman that doubles as your coffee table or hides under a console table when not in use. Though choosing the right fabric is important, keep in mind that an ottoman is one of the easiest and cheapest items in the home to slipcover or reupholster.

Armoire: An armoire can fit into many different rooms in the house and offer solutions to a myriad of storage needs. You can hide your TV, clothes, paperwork, china, and more in an armoire. The most important aspect to take into account is its size and overall measurements. Do not purchase an armoire that overpowers the space. Instead, look for one that blends into a corner or wall and goes relatively unnoticed.

Dining Table: If you have space for a table in the kitchen and a dining room, get a dining room set first. Although you may prefer to eat all of your meals in the kitchen as a couple, there should always be room for company to join you. By investing in a dining table with a leaf, you allow yourself the opportunity to invite friends and family over to your new digs. Also note the style of chairs that come with the table and make sure they are as comfortable and versatile as you want them to be (i.e. cushions versus slip covered versus wood).

Armed with the right knowledge, you can confidently head out to shop for the right items for you. Remember that while your home is a big investment, so are your core furnishings, as they set the initial tone for the rest of your space to come.

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14. May 2008 by Parker.

With Spring coming into full bloom, it is time to start planning for friends and family joining you for food and libations. Why not jump in head first and plan a nice dinner with a creative table setting for entertaining?  Here are 5 simple guidelines to keep in mind when setting your table for company.

Colors and Themes: Looking for an elegant table statement? Set your table in a monochromatic theme. Otherwise, pick a color or subject matter and work around it. A small table should have no more than 2-3 visible colors and a larger table of 8-10 people should have no more than 6, lest the space feel loud and chaotic.

Embellishments and Table Settings: Make sure you have the appropriate table setting for the food being served. A basic setting includes dinner, salad, and bread plate accompanied by a knife, fork, spoon, and water goblet. However, do not put out any unnecessary pieces, as they will only clutter the table and confuse your guests.

Tablecloths and Napkins: Your table linens should reflect the colors of your chosen theme, as well as coordinate with the dinner set so the entire table setting feels uniform.  Cloth versus paper napkins create a cozy vibe for your guests and offer great visual opportunities with unique folding styles. You can also think outside the box by hanging pressed individual cloths across the backs of seats as seen in the photograph.

Centerpieces and Focal Points: Creating a personal centerpiece is actually quite easy. Generally speaking, the larger the flower bloom, the less of them you need to make a tasteful arrangement. You can also use small potted plants, as they allow guests to speak freely without having to dodge their conversation around a large vase or orchid. If your table is already packed with serving dishes and place settings, try using the chandelier above the table as the focal point by adding in some embellishments to combine the mood and overall theme of the gathering.

Menus and Place Cards: Every guest wants to know what’s for dinner, so make it easy on them with a printed and detailed menu. Consider adding place cards to help guide your guests to their seats, which will permit you to seat people with common interests next to one another. This will also allow you to split up couples and close friends for new discussions and interaction.

With these guidelines in mind, now it’s time to send out the invitations. You can create a wonderful dining experience in your own home by keeping the table clear for conversation, and full of color and life, insuring your guests will be pleasantly satisfied.

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11. May 2008 by Parker.

Archie McPhee has been selling entertaining gifts for years so I wasn’t surprised to visit their site and find some humorous prizes for my Halloween party this year. After all, where else can I buy pirate gum, cigarettes, playing cards, bandages, and a lunch box in one stop?

To give you a good idea of what to expect, here is the ‘What’s for lunch?’ spin wheel that would make an excellent affordable gift for the coworker in the cube next you.

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7. May 2008 by Parker.

I thought I had seen it all the day I found edible undies in a Spencers at the mall as a teenager. Then, yesterday, while leisurely reading a women’s magazine at the hair salon… I discovered Nundies. Yep, that’s right, Nundies. A disposable pair of underwear stickers so that you get that commando feeling with a bit of stickiness…what will they think of next?

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4. May 2008 by Parker.

There are tons of companies blending old world style into newer products every day but what about actually purchasinf the old products in antique stores and mixing them with your newer pieces instead? This way, you get the best of both worlds. A piece with history that is a conversation piece as well as your very own one of kind item.

My favorite store to find some of these buried treasures is Sarlo Wick as they do all the global hunting for you and yet, you get to reap the benefits. Here are a few of the pieces they currently have in stock:

Australian Bus Scroll….

Industrial Dental Cabinet…

And Metal Press Mold Chandelier….

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1. May 2008 by Parker.

Most homes are filled with furniture-arranging dilemmas. You either cannot squeeze all the pieces you need into a room or the space seems furniture challenged. By utilizing some basic decorating principles, you should be able to create the ideal space with a little compromise. Be willing to part with a few items and possibly purchase a new one and your room should be willing to work with you.

Plan Your Space

Think of your room as a blank canvas and all the items you want pictured on that canvas. Then take the measurements of the room as well as the measurements of the furnishings that need placed. Keep in mind how many people use the space, how the traffic flows through the room, and the purpose of the space. Also make not of details such as vents, electrical outlets, phone jacks, etc.

Draw a Floor Plan

Now draw a floor plan of your room using graph paper and furniture templates which can be downloaded off the web. Use one graph square for every foot of actual space. Be sure to include windows, staircases, doors, and fireplaces. After you have printed and cut out the templates, color each in the hue of the piece it represents; then you can get a good idea how color is mixed throughout the room.

Traffic Pattern

When arranging furniture, think about the flow of traffic through the room—generally the path between doorways or furnishings. Leave a minimum of three feet for major walkways, two feet for minor walkways, and avoid flowing traffic through a conversational grouping if possible. Guide the traffic around the room’s perimeter to create a less disruptive environment. Not only is this less intrusive to the people and activities being conducted in the room, it also keeps the room neater and easier to clean. If traffic must cut through the middle of the room, consider creating two small seating areas instead of one large one.

Focal Point

Find the focal point or dramatic element in the room. Furniture is placed to draw attention to the focal point by being grouped around it. This is biggest heaviest object or item in the room, such as a fireplace, bay window, or built-in bookcase. Oftentimes there is no discernible focal point so you will have to create one with furnishings. Dramatic window treatments, an interesting display of artwork, or a beautifully decorated bed can help define the space.

Groupings

Furniture is always placed in groupings such as sofa, end tables, and coffee table or chair, desk, and lamp. When it comes time to add furniture back to the room, place the groupings with the largest pieces first. The largest piece should always face the focal point in the room for balance with the other large pieces evenly distributed through the room. Smaller or secondary furnishings add function to a room. They allow you to create a reading nook or game corner with minimum space. Add all your secondary pieces into the room before accents, which should aid the form and function of the space, not clutter it.

Balance

Balanced rooms are more pleasing to the eye and a more effective use of space. Mix large and small pieces throughout the room, while keeping in mind the scale of the item. You don’t want to dwarf a gorgeous side table with an oversized chair. Large items require a heavy counterpart or grouping for balance. Use different heights of furniture and accessories as you work through the room. People read a room like they read a book, from left to right, so keep the flow of the room in mind when decorating.

Painting a Room

Look at your space as a painter views a work of art. By creating layers and depth, you can alter the appearance of the room. Start with the concept of triangulation, which says that all items need a balance of three within a room. A basic example of triangulation used in interior design is the placement of two end tables on either side of a sofa with a painting over the sofa. Also remember that color and texture need to be mimicked this way as well.

Lighting

Lighting is a key element in the design of a room. A dark cabinet may disappear in a dimly lighted alcove. Bright pieces may seem garish under a picture window. After you determine the placement of the larger items, start planning for task lighting next to seating areas. Creating a triangle of light throughout the room insures uniformity and sense of comfort.

So now it is time to tackle that room in your house that has been bugging you forever. Take you time, analyze what you have to work with, and design your room so that you and your future guests will be comfortable. After all, that’s all that matters!

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