Furniture Finder

Today, the home represents more than just a place to crash at the end of the day. For many people, home is their favorite place to relax and unwind, read, meditate, entertain family and friends, exercise, watch TV, play on the computer, and of course, sleep. But because it serves so many functions (and especially if you have a large family), the home can quickly become cluttered and chaotic. Arguably the most important thing you can do to create a stylish (and functional) space is to buy quality furniture that is not only good-looking and durable, but works with your lifestyle as well. Today's home furnishings offer lots of options to help you clear up clutter and store as much as you can out of sight, which will make your home appear more peaceful and roomy. Go vertical! When square footage is at a minimum, look up! It may seem counterintuitive to buy bigger furniture in a small space, but one effective piece of furniture can take the place of a lot of small pieces taking up valuable room. Instead of using a small TV stand in your family room, go for a large, wall-unit entertainment center that will beautifully frame your television and smartly stow your DVDs, gaming equipment, books, and various A/V components all in one place. If you have a projection screen instead of a regular-sized television, consider adding tall bookshelves on either side of the screen or along the side walls to neatly organize all your entertainment components.

Do you feel like your electronics, video games, CDs, DVDs, and other tech toys are taking over your home? The heap of various systems, power cords, controllers, disks and the peripherals that come with them can turn your home entertainment center into an unsightly mess. Certainly, the need for attractive and versatile storage options has never been greater. But with some clever display and storage solutions, you can streamline your home media center and turn your entertainment chaos into a manageable mix. Display versus hideaway First, decide if you want to keep your media under wraps or on display. There's no right or wrong here; it's just a matter of personal preference. Some people like to have their large, flat panel TVs out in the open, but want to keep all the other equipment tucked out of sight. If that's the case, look for an attractive TV stand with drawers for media storage. TV stands come in all styles from vintage to modern, as well as different heights - if you or your kids spend a lot of time on the floor playing video games, you'll want something that sits lower to the ground. If not, you may want a taller piece that keeps the TV at eye level while you're sitting on the sofa.

Now, more and more people are turning their ordinary TV rooms into Home Theaters. This process used to involve a projector and a screen and was too expensive for most people to afford. Advances in technology have given people more choices for home theater setups. Some people find that a home theater is quieter and more convenient than a movie theater, and the picture and sound quality are great. If you're looking for a home theater system, you have a lot of decisions ahead of you. If you're thinking of turning your den into a fully functioning home theater, this article will help you get started. What Is Home Theater? Home Theater is difficult to define: it's really just a vague term for a particular approach to home entertainment. Generally speaking, a home theater system is a combination of electronic components designed to recreate the experience of watching a movie in a theater. When you watch a movie on a home theater system, you are more immersed in the experience than when you watch one on an ordinary television. Unique home theater seating can help bring the experience to life. To see how home theaters do this, let's take a look at the original model, the movie theater. When it comes to picture and sound, the theater can offer an amazing experience we just don't get at home. That's usually why people will pay to go to the movies, even though renting a movie is cheaper. There are a few main components that make watching TV and going to the movies very different.

What good are those adorable shots of your four-year-old or precious pup if you never take them off your camera? Or those photos from your childhood that bring back cherished memories? And what about those gorgeous (and expensive) wedding pics now hiding away in the closet somewhere? The photos you love most are best appreciated when you have them around you, of course. And what better way to share the people and places you love most than by putting together an interesting collection in your home for guests to admire? Hanging photos intimidates many homeowners, often because they're afraid to make a mistake in grouping different shapes and sizes. But with a little guidance, you can easily transform a blank wall into a striking collection of art that is special to you and fun to share with guests. In general, artwork should be hung so that the center point of the picture or grouping is at about eye level. That's between 58 and 62 inches from the floor. So first pick the one photo that you want to make the center of the grouping, preferably a larger print to serve as an anchor for the eye.

We spend so much time and effort making sure our children are safe, well nourished, clothed appropriately, and generally well taken care of. But how often do we consider the quality of sleep our children get? Sure, we're happy if we can simply get them in bed at their regular bedtime, but are they well rested when they wake up? Sleep quality is extremely important for children's health, and it affects their ability to focus on tasks during the day. Experts say sleep-deprivation - especially among school-aged children - can have severe consequences, including poor concentration, less energy and weakened ability to fight illnesses. According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR), children need at least nine hours of sleep each night on a regular basis to be healthy, active, and able to do their best in school, as well as in sports and other extracurricular activities. Teenagers are no exception. Contrary to the belief that the need for sleep diminishes with age, the NCSDR reported that adolescents actually need more sleep than children just a few years younger, but few adults (or teens) are aware of this. As Dr. Richard Allen, founder of the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center, points out, "Teens tend to get only six to seven hours of sleep, which isn't enough. They should be getting at least eight to nine hours."

If you have kids of any age, you know they come with stuff. Lots and lots AND LOTS of stuff. This stuff inevitably invades every corner of your home. (I'm not even going to try to address all the kid's stuff in my car or in my purse right now.) Controlling all the kid clutter in a home can be daunting, because to a child, even the toy they haven't played with in months is precious and important. Fortunately, there are some solutions out there to help you deal with all the clutter that accompanies the joys of parenthood.

Look to Fashion, Celebrities, and the Internet for Latest Color Trends While their parents may have been clueless about color and fashion trends when they were growing up, today's kids are much more sophisticated. Credit the internet, the proliferation of celebrity journalism and home improvement shows for creating a generation that knows what's hot, and how to use it. While offering a broad choice of styles and pricing, designers and manufacturers of kids apparel, accessories and furnishings are trying to capitalize on this demanding market. When it comes to color trends, the kids market isn't so different from the adult market. Kids are becoming very sophisticated, and they know exactly what they want. Some trends for youth furniture being in the nursery Style Trends - Parents are purchasing furniture that grows with their children. The best pieces sellers are the simple, clean designs possessing a level of sophistication in look that stretches the life of the furniture. Timeless designs last well past toddler years. Classic styles such as Shaker, Louis Philippe and Cottage that have been adapted for younger consumers.

The watchwords are choice, individualism, and customization. Life's ultimate luxury is to be able to choose your style and the articles you surround yourself with to fit your personality. The ultimate mélange of textures and materials that is available on the market today reflects the customization possible through the advent of technology and globalization. Whether you style is sophisticated luxury or inspired simplicity, rustic charm or old world comfort, crisp and clean modern, or casual elegance, the breath and depth of products available today can help you create your unique vision for your home. Now, as never before, you are in charge of the color, size and style of the pieces you select. Not only can you custom order your upholstered pieces with your choice of colors and materials, size and shapes, but also, dining room and bedroom pieces are available allowing you to completely customize as never before. From the color and finish to the arrangement of the inside storage of the case piece, you are in charge of making the item fit your specific requirements. Hardware style and finish is also up to the individual's discretion and unique needs on many of the new items introduced for this year.

Bookshelves are a great way to add some functionality and personality into a relatively small amount of square footage in your home. In addition to displaying your book collection, bookshelves can be a great place to display your favorite collectibles or to store other items you want to keep handy. Regardless of how you use them, arranging your bookshelves to look interesting and organized takes a little know-how. Here are a few ideas to help you use your bookshelves to display and store your favorite items: 1. Mix things up. Have some of your books vertical, and some in a horizontal stack. This simple trick can add a professional and interesting touch to your display. It also allows stacks of books to act as bookends for one another and gives a few flat spots for a few special accessories. 2. Introduce items other than books! Try setting off a stack of books with a decorative box, a porcelain figurine or attractive plate. Any of these things, as well as candles, collectibles, woven baskets, framed photos, or even a plant or two, will give your shelves some nice contrasts in shape and texture. Plus, it will create both balance and visual interest at once. A neat and beautiful way to store items such as CDs, DVDs, or toys is to fill the bottom shelves with identical square baskets. The baskets will keep your shelves looking clean and organized, but your things are still very easy to access. Woven wicker or rattan baskets will also lend an earthy and natural texture to your room.

Having a beautiful home is a goal for many homeowners, but no one wants a cookie-cutter approach to decorating. Part of the joy of home ownership is the ability to personalize your space, making it a reflection of who you are and what is important to you. And think about it: the more comfortable you are in your own space, the more time you'll want to spend there and share it with your loved ones. Adding a dose of your personality to your living space is simpler than you might think. Here are a few ways you can make your home a place that is uniquely YOU.

When money is tight, we tend to spend more time at home, so we want it to be a stylish and fun place to be. But how can you give your home a fresh look without breaking the bank? If HGTV and decorating magazines have taught us anything, it's that we can make over a room without spending thousands of dollars! There are plenty of ways to improve the look of your home without a big investment. Whether you're looking for ways to put the finishing touches on your room or just wanting to refresh your space, here are a few tricks and some well-picked accessories for under $100 that can go a long way to making your home look like a million bucks.

Redecorating your home, or just one room, can be a daunting task. Many of us are plagued with unanswered questions from the outset: Where do I start? Am I making the right choice? Is this the right color to pick? These questions can leave us full of self-doubt, indecision and fear. These simple guidelines are intended to help you decorate your home without fear and self-doubt, so you can live your life in a setting that improves your attitude, state of mind and over-all well-being.

The phrase, "You've got to start somewhere," can refer to a lot of different things, but when you are talking about good room design, it can only mean one thing- Focal Point. The question: "Just what is a focal point and how do I get one?" may be running through your mind. A focal point is the main point of interest in a room: the place where your eye is drawn to first. The flow of a room starts at the focal point and travels around the room taking in the scale, balance, textures, patterns, and proportions of all the other objects in the room. The flow is affected not only by what you put in the room but by where you place it at within the room. Focal points anchor rooms and their contents. Some rooms have architectural focal points such as fireplaces, others have natural focal points such as a wonderful view, and some rooms have nothing but plain white walls void of architectural interest and views. It is in these spaces that contrived focal points are created. A contrived focal point is just that, contrived, made up, and brought into being by the imagination.

As the weather turns warmer, thoughts inevitably turn to the shore. The sea, the sand and the surf conjure feelings of carefree summers and peaceful serenity. While we may not all be able to escape to a cottage by the shore, we can bring the feeling of fresh sea breezes into our homes. When we think of coastal style, the first question to come to mind is which coast? There are stylistic differences between the relaxed sophistication of California coastal, the traditional nautical influences of Atlantic seaboard costal and the tropical flavors of gulf coast style.

In an uncertain world, we all look for the comforts of home, and reminders of the past, when life seemed simpler. While we may indulge in the richness and sophistication of an elegant crème brulee, it doesn't compare to the reassuring comfort factor of a homemade apple pie. The same could be said of country style. Country style can range from French provincial and English garden to American Cottage. Each variety has their own essential elements, but common to all is a feeling of relaxed comfort that soothes the soul in a weary world. The newest trends in country style are decidedly up-to-date with touches of modernity intermingling with an updated vintage design. The result is a new look for country that is decidedly current, while it treasures the best of the past.

Sometimes it's hard enough to agree on what to have for dinner, much less try to design a home with your significant other. Finding home furnishings that you both love can be a challenge, but with a little compromise and creativity, it is definitely possible to find stylistic harmony under the same roof! Here are a few ways to get past your differences and design a home that reflects both of your personalities and style preferences. Find out what is most important to your partner. Is it comfort? Color? Shape? Fabric versus leather? Price? Sit down and discuss what you both want and why. If your color preferences are extremely different, pick a gender-neutral color for bigger upholstered furniture pieces or window treatments. A few bold color accessories can highlight personal preferences - males typically prefer the neutral leathers and hardwoods, and women can add their own style with throw pillows, linens, and other accent pieces. Try mixing rustic styles with sleek, sensual fabrics, or contemporary furnishings with earthy, soft colors and textiles.

Outdoor living is booming, and no wonder. Whether you have a deck, a porch, a sunroom, a backyard, balcony or patio, creating an outdoor living area increases your space and lets you enjoy nature. It can be as easy as setting up a gazebo or screen tent and adding outdoor furniture. The deck or patio isn't just for the grill anymore! It is actually an outdoor room. Patio furniture continues to be the cornerstone of all outdoor living items. Many outdoor living furniture sets now resemble an indoor living room with an umbrella. It is not uncommon to see a cushioned loveseat, two cushioned armchairs and coffee table. Chaise lounges may not be common inside, but outside, they add comfortable and fashionable seating. Optional coordinating add-ons might include an accent table, serving cart, outdoor rug, wooden gazebo, and outdoor lamps.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for your new sofa. Keep in mind that what is under all that beautiful new upholstery will make a difference in how comfortable and durable a sofa is in the long term. Take the time to "kick the tires" and understand what is underneath cushions before you make a decision. Frame A sturdy frame is essential for a comfortable, high-quality sofa. The best sofa frames are constructed from kiln-dried hardwood. Green wood can shrink, crack or warp as it dries. Kiln drying removes the moister before the craftsmen begin to shape the frame, ensuring that the sofa will maintain its shape and stability over the long term. Quality frame construction also includes glued, doweled and screwed joints. Reinforcing blocks should be attached inside the corners of the frame for extra support. Plywood and particle board constructed frames held together with staples will not stand up over time and should be avoided. If you must choose a sofa without a kiln dried frame, then opt for 11 - 13 layer plywood over 5 - 7 layer plywood for better support. Seating Support

Making Sense of the Material World So many choices, colors, textures! Where does one start? The best place to start is to determine where your upholstered pieces will be used in the home. Sofas, chairs, and ottomans receiving only moderate amounts of wear will do fine with a less durable fabrics; those in high traffic areas or pieces subjected to daily heavy wear need to be covered in tough, durable, tightly woven fabrics. When purchasing an upholstered piece or upholstery fabric, be aware that the higher the thread count, the more tightly woven the fabric is, and the better it will wear. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric; just like you see when you buy linens for the bed.

Leather upholstery is now more affordable than ever. Now most people can afford leather whether it is in a high-style contemporary design or an elegant, Old World form. This guide will help you figure out what you want in your leather sofa. Underneath it all Let's face it, the main difference between leather upholstery and regular upholstery is that it is covered in leather, not fabric. Therefore, the foundations of a well-built frame and a sturdy seating support system still apply. See our Sofa Buying Guide for a complete checklist of what to look for underneath it all. Cushions Like the frame, when it comes to the cushions of leather upholstery, many of the options that are available in fabric upholstery apply. (See our Sofa Buying Guide for a complete checklist of what to look for in cushions.) The best-selling leather upholstery features high density foam cushions, but blendown and spring-down are also available and are becoming more prevalent in the market. Hides The advantages of leather upholstery are that it is strong, yet soft. It doesn't tear, burn or puncture easily. Leather upholstery breaths, therefore it doesn't get cold and moist in the winter or hot and sticky in the summer. When you shop for leather upholstery, expect to find a wide array of styles and colors. No matter the styling, the leather should be soft, supple and comfortable to sit on.