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Design Center - Living Room

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Living Room: Not your Grandpa's Recliner Do you have fond memories of your father or grandfather spending quality time with his family from his favorite chair? Maybe it was even his favorite TV-watching, reading, coffee drinking, and napping spot in the entire house. For many of us, we picture recliners as a large, overstuffed thing that is heavy on comfort, but not exactly the most stylish item in the house. Well not anymore. Today's recliners combine all the comfort you expect from Dad's Favorite Chair with the chic design elements that makes Mom happy, too - and they are available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. Also, many of today's recliners come with lots of options to complement your lifestyle, from hidden cupholders, massage functions, lumbar support and storage spaces for remotes. So what should you look for when shopping for a new recliner? Here are a few suggestions to help you find the one that fits all of your expectations: Size up your space. Before ever setting foot onto a showroom floor, you need to measure the space where the chair will be located and make sure you have plenty of space to recline the chair fully. Some models are engineered so they can be placed within an inch or so of the wall and still recline, but you'll need to know how much space you have to work with. Also, you should measure the doorways and/or hallways that your recliner will have to fit through to get into your home. If space is a problem, check with the retailer to see if the back comes off of the recliner and can be re-assembled in your home. Look for a quality frame. The quality of the piece of furniture starts with a quality frame, and you want one that is strong and supportive. Look for a frame made of a hardwood such as oak, beech, ash, maple or cherry. Ask if the wood was kiln dried; this ensures the frame won't crack as it adjusts to various climates. Also, check if the recliner comes with a warranty for the frame. Many manufacturers will offer lifetime warranty on the frame, and most will offer at least 10 years. See how it fits! Recliners don't have to be a one-size-fits-all purchase. There are recliners built specially for large body frames, more petite women's frames, and even recliners especially for children - most medium-sized recliners, however, will work for the average-sized person. Test the reclining mechanism. The reclining mechanism is one of the most important elements, of course, since it is the part of the furniture that is going to move and get the most wear. Test it out in the store. Recline it and close it several times. What feels best to you? Is it easy for you to use and get the chair into the fully reclined position? If not, you might even consider some recliners that feature a power mechanism to recline the chair at the touch of a button. How does it sound? Is it quiet and smooth, or ratchety and creaky? Floor models can give you a good idea of how the mechanism will stand up to frequent use. Also ask about the warranty for this mechanism - most reputable manufacturers offer some kind of warranty for this part of the recliner. Choose a material. Recliners come covered in a variety of materials, so consider which one fits your lifestyle best. Leather will offer that richer look and offer years of durability with proper maintenance. However, fabric allows you to be more creative with patterns and colors, and recent advances in textiles have given some furniture fabrics a big boost on the durability scale. · Fabrics: Choose a fabric that not only looks nice but will be able to withstand a lot of use. Cotton looks nice because it takes dye really well, but it also stains really easily. Nylon and rayon both resist stains better than most fabrics. In the end, it is a good idea to look for fabrics that are a mixture. When purchasing fabric recliners, be sure to invest in the stain-resistant finish to protect it from spills and stains. · Leather: Leather is classic and quite durable, but you should understand what you are getting in a leather recliner. Many leather recliners use a "leather match," which features leather on the seat, arms, and footrest, and the sides and back will usually be vinyl dyed in a matching color to the leather. Building the recliner this way instead of using leather all around generally helps to keep the price lower; also, because leather stretches, if you put it around the parts that move, you may end up with sagging wrinkles. Some manufacturers use a leather match for the entire chair, though, so know what you're buying before you bring it home. · Microfiber: When it comes to bang for your buck, Microfiber may be your best bet. With a nice suede feel to it, it feels soft and comfy - and it has excellent stain-resistant properties. It is more durable than anything other than leather, is easy to take care of, and generally costs more than traditional fabrics but less than leather.

Living Room: Pick the Perfect Sofa Why is shopping for a sofa so intimidating? Sometimes customers are more comfortable dropping $30,000 on a car than to pick out a $1,000 sofa (and the latter will probably last longer). Perhaps the biggest hesitation comes from a fear of making a mistake - whether it's about how much to spend, the color, the fabric, the size or shape. Consider these factors before buying to help eliminate some of the buying concerns and make your new sofa truly enhance your living space. Know your budget. Sofas can run anywhere from $299 to $10,000, so the first thing you need to do is set a realistic budget. Sure, they may look all the same to you, but there's a huge quality difference in that range. Consider stretching a little beyond what you think you can afford - in a few years, you don't want a budget compromise to have become the shabbiest piece in your room because it couldn't stand up to your lifestyle. Shape up your style. Because a sofa is one of the largest pieces of furniture you will buy, the safest shape is something squared off and simple. However, pick a silhouette that suits your space and lifestyle. A piece with legs and slimmer arms makes a room look less crowded. But, if you're looking for a weightier feel, choose something that reaches to the floor. You may also want to check out loungers, sofa beds, futons, corner units, sectionals and L-shaped seating, which may suit you better than the standard two- or three-seater. Size it up. Many people actually forget this step, only to discover that the sofa they picked in the showroom doesn't fit in the space in their home! Do you need it to be big enough for your entire family or just you and your faithful four-legged friend? A standard sofa is 84 inches long, but if you're considering a sectional or oversized piece, but sure to know what your room (and your doorframe) can handle. Try cutting an old sheet or laying out newspaper to get a sense of how much space you have to work with. Also, you should figure in at least three feet around a sofa for people to pass by - any less and your space will feel crowded and cluttered. Look under the hood. Ask about the sofa's construction. Is the frame made with a durable hardwood (such as maple or beech wood) or a softwood (such as pine)? Are the corners secured with dowels (better) or staples? And check out the springs: a more expensive piece could have as many as five or six rows per cushion area, while the cheapest may have two or three. Color your world. There are two basic options for the cover of your sofa: leather or fabric. Leather will offer that richer look and offer years of durability with proper maintenance. However, fabric allows you to be more creative with patterns and colors, and recent advances in textiles have given some furniture fabrics a big boost on the durability scale. Most people feel comfortable picking a neutral color for the sofa and dressing it up with bolder colors or patterns on the walls, cushions and throws. On the other hand, if you love bright splashes of color and your wall color is rather neutral, go ahead make your sofa the centerpiece of the room. Just remember that a bold-colored sofa will be the strongest element, so be sure the surrounding pieces don't compete for attention. Ask for a swatch of material to take home and get a better idea of how the colors of the sofa will look against the décor you have. Try it out. Obviously, you should see how it feels to you before you bring it home, because "comfortable" means different things to different people. Sit on it, and if possible have at least two other people sit on it as well. Are you more comfortable sinking into the cushions or with firmer support? Is the seat the correct height for your leg length? What about the arm height? If in doubt, sofa experts advise that you opt for a firmer model as it will be better for your posture, is less maintenance and sofas do soften with use. When in doubt, ask! Salespeople will be able to find the answers to any questions you may have about the sofa's construction and quality, so use them as a valuable resource in making your decision. Additionally, many home furnishings stores have interior designers on staff that can help you make fabric, color or pattern choices. With just a little homework, you will find a sofa that reflects both your personality and your lifestyle.

Living Room: Today's Recliners: Put Your Feet Up and Say Ahhh! Have you taken a good look at recliners lately? They're not your grandfathers' easy chairs! Gone are the days of velvet-covered seating pieces with protruding mechanisms. Today, more sophisticated designs feature hidden mechanics that make it hard to tell it's even a recliner at all. Today's recliners offer more than put-your-feet-up comfort. Stylistically speaking, they're just as likely to take on the appearance of delicate wing chairs, as they are sumptuous, overstuffed loungers. And, with all their amenities, recliners are perfect for watching Monday night football or settling in for a little "R&R". Not only are there hidden compartments for your favorite beverages and computer modems, but heat and massage functions as well. Modern-day recliners all have one thing in common. Thanks to their unmatched comfort, they're some of the best seats in the house. Manufacturers make recliners with lumbar support that can be adjusted to various positions. Just like a good diet and plenty of exercise, furniture that supports your body will pay dividends tomorrow as well as today. Here are a few tips to assist you in shopping for a recliner. The American Home Furnishings Alliance, a major trade association, makes the following recommendations when shopping for a recliner: · Reclining chairs not only provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxation, they also can be fabulously fashionable and are available in nearly limitless styles, colors and sizes. Here are five tips to consider when shopping for recliners. · Consider who will be using the chair most frequently. Recliners are offered in a wide range of sizes, from petite to grand. For both your enjoyment and safety, it's important to find a chair that fits just right, regardless of your height or weight. In addition to being scaled for larger people, big man's chairs are engineered to withstand extra weight. Petite chairs are scaled so that shorter legs can rest on the floor with ease. Medium-sized chairs will be comfortable for most average-sized people. · Assess the room where your chair will be placed. What style would be most appropriate? What color would work best? Do you prefer leather or fabric cover? Recliners are available in all styles, from traditional to the contemporary. Legs vary from shapely Queen Anne to straight-legged Mission to tailored skirts. Many styles feature the more typical recliner look, with solid bases that are flush to the floor. · Measure the space where the chair will be located and make sure you have ample space to open the chair. Some models are engineered so they can be placed within an inch or so of the wall and still recline. · Determine what features are important to you and your family. Recliners are offered with an astonishing array of options, including swivels, gliders, rockers, massage, heat, lifters, built-in phones, and even refrigerator units. Ask your retail sales associate to demonstrate the various features for you, and make sure to try them out. · Test the mechanisms. Recliners are activated in a variety of ways, with handles, buttons, knobs, simple push backs, and levers. See what feels best to you. For those who object to seeing a handle or lever, hidden mechanisms are available, but they sometimes require more effort to move the chair into a reclining position. Be sure everyone who will be using the chair tries out the mechanism. What works easily for one person may be difficult for another. You may want to consider the new power mechanisms that feature motors similar to those found in many of today's automobile seats. With the touch of a button, the user can effortlessly recline the back or extend the footrest and stop at any position. Fabrics On Recliners: There Are No Rules! As with most home décor guidelines, the ultimate decision regarding choice of fabrics really rests with your own tastes. Recliners can be covered in a variety of different fabrics. Materials that cover recliners come in many different colors, textures and weights. The fabric you choose to cover your recliner largely depends on the purpose of your new recliner. Do you need a fabric that is extremely durable for high traffic areas? What is best for you may not be the best choice for another. Although there are many fabrics to choose from, these listed below are the most common: Traditional Upholstery This material would make up most of the fabrics available. Upholstery gives you a great deal to choose from as far as color and design. The price might vary depending on the type of material that you choose. Different types of fabrics might include, corduroy, floral, stripes, solids, velvet, plaids, and suede. Micro fiber Micro fiber is much like ultra suede, only better. Micro fiber is made with tiny filaments that are tightly packed together. This creates a fabric that is moisture resistant, durable, breathable, and easy to maintain. It has become extremely popular because of its soft feel and durability. Recliners covered with micro fiber are very reasonable in price, which is one of the reasons this up and coming fabric is so popular. Leather Not only are leather recliners pleasing to the eye, they are also extremely durable. Pure leather is a natural product, as opposed to a man-made material. This material is conditioned to ward off stains and is wonderful for day-to-day use of families. Because leather recliners are such a great product, they are more expensive. However, there are lower grades of leather that will help drop the price of a leather recliner. The downside to lower grade leather is that, unfortunately, it might not be quite as pure and plush as a higher grade counterpart.

Living Room: The place where everyone ends up! Move over kitchen, the family room has become a favorite communal place in the house. Or is it the living room, or the great room? Whatever you call it, it's a multifunctional room that provides space to lounge on a plush sofa in front of the TV, find solace with a good book, watch children play with toys and entertain good conversation. There is debate over the distinction between a family room and a living room. In homes with both rooms, the living room is usually the more formal room, often reserved for guests, special occasions, and the display of items such as antiques or artwork. In homes with only one, the terms are generally synonymous, though it is not uncommon for someone who grew up calling such a room by only one term to have no idea of the distinction between the two. The "great room" may not be so great anymore. The great room was a big fad beginning in the 1980s, but has recently declined in popularity. The great room of today is not as prevalent, but is still an important part of American home design. The term "great room" actually denotes a room space within a home, which combines the specific functions of several of the more traditional room spaces into a singular unified space. Different great rooms can combine different functions; some may incorporate a reading area, while others may included a traditional dining room. The great room trend was all about openness: Why should the kitchen be so removed from the other living spaces? Everyone should happily congregate in one free-flowing space without distinction among the living room, den, kitchen, dining room, etc. In many cases, the result was a great big mess. With today's fast-paced lifestyles, the room distinctions have to do with each family's own habits and behaviors The best family rooms are cozy enough for lazy Sunday afternoons, chic enough for grown-up entertaining and flexible in their furniture layout to accommodate large numbers of people, especially during holidays. No matter what you call the room, comfort is the number one priority. There once was a trend for oversize sofas, but nowadays, families may not have the space for such large pieces, yet they still want comfort, support and durability. Ideal fabrics for family rooms include leather, chenille and Microfiber. The strong selling point for Microfiber is that it is washable with soap and water. Leather sofas and chairs continue to be trendy and are easy to maintain. A newer look that works well for family living and is known for its high performance is an indoor-outdoor fabric. Acrylics, for instance, are durable and can take a beating from heavy usage, kids' spills, even crayon marks - and best of all, can be wiped easily. Area rugs will not only pull the room together, but also define a space and create coziness. It may be the rug that makes an otherwise disjointed room become a beautiful room. Large rooms, small rooms: all have their own charm and yes, their own challenges. Large spaces can be tricky. Areas such as great rooms or even large family rooms often can seem overwhelming in their proportions, not to mention cold and uninviting. The good news is that with some clever decorating tricks, you can warm up any large room. The key to creating comfort in a large room is to treat the space like many small spaces. That way, you instantly turn an overwhelming room into a smaller, more manageable decorating project. Remember when you are furnishing this room that it can become a magnet for clutter - scattered toys, stacks of magazines, DVDs and books. Instead of using open shelving, which still needs to be tidy to look good, choose cupboards with doors, or even armoires. Fill the shelves with labeled baskets or boxes so everyone will know where to put their belongings when it's time to clean up. Storage trunks and ottomans are not only an attractive accent piece, but they also add versatility. A trunk can double as a coffee table for entertaining, or as a discreet place to stash blankets, magazines, and toys. Although it's fun to update a family room with the latest design trends, one should always keep in mind the purpose of this space. It is absolutely vital to create a space that is cozy and - above all - practical, so that no one is nervous about a drink being spilled or sticky fingers. Add some entertainment - not just the TV and computer - but good old-fashioned family games, jigsaws and photo albums, so that it's an inviting place to be. Most of all, get the kids involved in planning the scheme, and if the rest of the house is very grown-up, let them add some trendy detailing, such as a shag-pile carpet, an abstract-print wallpaper on one wall, or a beaded curtain strung across the doorway. It will end up being everybody's favorite room. Try using the following tips for decorating large spaces. · Use dark, vivid colors such as blue, green and red on walls, windows and even the ceiling to diminish the feeling of spaciousness in a room. · Select bold fabric patterns to make upholstered furniture appear larger than it really is. · Choose medium- to large-scale furnishings. These work best merely because they look appropriate in large spaces. Small pieces can look lost and too many can create a cluttered look. · "Float" furniture by moving it away from the walls to fill a large space and create open walkways throughout the room. There's no need to be overwhelmed by a large room. Just remember that a large space is nothing more than a collection of smaller spaces. The more you break it up, the easier it comes together. See you in your great, family living room.