My Design Secrets

You have a favorite sofa that you’ve snuggled into comfortably for the past 8 years.  The style is perfect and the size is just right.  But the fabric leaves a bit to be desired.   All the good things in life….kids, dogs, eating, drinking and being merry are reflected on your sofa.  Many clients ask me whether it’s worth it to reupholster their sofa or chairs.   It really depends on a few factors.  So let me step you through it and perhaps the decision will become clear…

Condition

How is the sofa or chair holding up?  Does it creak each time you sit down?  Is it sagging in the middle?  Or is it just the cushions that are shot?  If the frame is weak, then it’s time to move on.  If you just need new cushions, that’s an easy fix.

Style

How attached are you to the style of your piece?  Because if you really like the certain small details, it may be very difficult to find them again.  Styles change over the years and if you are looking for a duplicate piece, you may be searching for a needle in the haystack.

When the fabric is fastened directly to the frame, you need to apply welt to cover the staples. Click on the photo and you will see it's a much more involved process.

Budget

Reuphostering  a sofa or club chair is probably not going to save you money. The truth is that except for higher end furnishings, most furniture frames are not very well made.  Instead of kiln-dried hardwood and 8-way hand-tied seats, they are made with sofa woods and inexpensive metal coils.  So even when a company makes a brand new sofa, most of the money goes into the fabric and labor.

While you might be able to get a great deal on fabric, the labor costs to reupholster is significant.   If you’d like to get a quote from a local vendor, some may give you an estimate based on the sofa measurements, but they will have to come and determine the exact fabric yardage needed and take a look to give you a firm quote.  Don’t forget to ask about new cushions if yours are deflated!

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DIY

I do not recommend tackling a sofa or club chair unless you have expert guidance or an enormous amount of patience.  Most homemade jobs I have seen are very sad looking.  There is an exception to this rule.  Dining Room chairs that have slip seats are a snap to redo.  Check out the great video below for some helpful guidance.

If you are saving for a new sofa but cannot stand the look of what you have right now, then be sure to consider a slipcover for the time being.  When the time comes to purchase a new sofa, you certainly don’t want the old one to wind up in a landfill.  So if you are ready to move on from your old sofa, please explore your options to donate it to a worthy cause.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask me below!

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This Crewel Bench would make a beautiful accent in a foyer or hallway. I love the natural colors and nailhead trim.

Crewelwork is a very odd name for a particularly beautiful fabric.  This method of embroidery dates back at least 1,000 years; where it was used on tapestries.  Ususally crafted in wool, the embroidery stitches follow a pattern or outline that has been applied to the fabric with chalk, water soluble ink or iron-on designs.  Where does the word crewel come from?  Well, the exact origin is unknown but is thought to have come from an ancient word describing the curl in the wool used.

The crisp crewel accent pillow on top pairs nicely with other cotton prints.

An example of an intricate crewelwork pattern from the 1940's. You can really see the detail in the stitching.

Linen Source always manages to give you super affordable fashion. This tropically inspired King duvet cover is on sale for $34!

This traditional style of fabric was most often seen in interiors that featured more of a Jacobean motif (think castles, kings and ladies in waiting).  Over the years, it has resurfaced in more modern applications.  Lately, I have seen a lot of crewel work in light, bright patterns that are open and airy.  The detailed nature of crewelwork makes it interesting and adds nice texture to bedding, pillows and draperies.  Because it’s wool and raised off the surface of the fabric, it can be a little scratchy and not something you’d want touching your skin.  It’s best used on benches, chairs, throw pillows and bedspreads.  But not the ones you pull up to cuddle with.    

This tone-on-tone look from Williams Sonoma is a subtle and classic way to use crewel.

Layla Grace carries these crisp and refreshing drapery panels from Pine Cone Hill. A heavy fabric always looks lighter in bright tones.

I love this graphic print from Pottery Barn. A modern take on crewel.

The simple design of the Audrey Bedroom set works with many color palettes and styles. Plus, a platform bed means you don't need to buy a boxspring!

You have finally decided it’s time for some new bedroom furniture and you deserve it!  You are done with the lumpy mattress, sick of the broken drawers, and frankly you are ready to select furniture that suits YOUR style (even though the hand-me-downs were great at the time!).  So where do you go?  Well, sometimes when you shop at a furniture store that carries everything, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted.  This is not the case at BedroomFurniture.com.  They specialize in, you guessed it, BEDROOM FURNITURE. 

Their site is super simple to navigate and allows you to search by the item or brand.  Their finish swatches are large and easy to see, so you know what you are getting.  They give you stock information right away PLUS you get free in-home delivery and set up.  They carry top brands like Stanley, Tommy Bahama, Lexington and Broyhill; and at great prices.  They have everything from luxurious canopy beds to bunk beds (I won’t tell the kids). 

I love the hand painted details on the Froggy Book Case. Imagination on the oustide and books on the inside.

The folks at BedroomFurniture.com would really like you to get to know them so stop by the site and have a look around.  And becasue they are so generous, they are offering this darling bookshelf to one our lucky readers.  A kid can never have too many books, but they can certainly have too many books on the floor.

Check out the hand painted details. The colors would work for a girl or boy.

Would you like to win this bookshelf for a kid you know?

To Enter Simply…

1. Visit BedroomFurniture.com and browse around.

2. Leave me one comment below telling me what item you would use to help create your Dream Bedroom.

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, July 7th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Are you following me on twitter?

~ Lorrie

If you are not going to go green for yourself, at least think of your tots and pups. This sofa from Greener Lifestyles is made from FSC certified wood, natural latex cushions and is available in a variety of organic hemp, cotton and wool fabrics.

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Upholstery 

I have to admit this is a tough one right now.  As a designer, there are a number of companies from whom I can buy eco-friendly upholstery.  For retail customers, the options are few.  Plus you have to be careful because some companies are taking advantage of the “eco-friendly hype” to sell mediocre furniture.  Yes, a sustainable hardwood frame and organic fabric sound great, but how is the piece made?  What’s inside? (The answers should be a hardwood frame with wool or natural latex cushions)  What is the warranty?  Some companies do not sell directly to the public but you can find an authorized dealer in your area.

• Lee Industries - Crate and Barrel carries some of their items.
• Greener Lifestyles – A great selection of mostly modern sofas.
• Williams Sonoma Home – Offering some stylish options in their Green Collection.  Look for the little green leaf.
• Eco Terric- They offer the Inside Green line from Cisco Brothers.

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I have been admiring this Viva Terra table for quite some time. Reclaimed railroad ties-made from teak, pine, and ironwood have been crafted into a nesting coffee table with sturdy metal frames that have been given a waxed finish. It has a nice clean look but the weathered wood gives it an interesting twist.

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Casegoods

Casegoods are pretty much anything that is made out of wood.  Think coffee tables, armoires and dressers.   Here we have many options to choose from.  Antiques and used furniture are the most obvious way to go green.  You can use these items in exactly the condition you find them or refinish them to your taste using earth-friendly products.  If you are handy you can create furniture out of items or wood that had a previous life.  Lastly, there are plenty of talented artists and vendors that are making new furniture from eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

• Vivaterra – One of my favorites, a lovely selection of furniture and accessories.
• Green Culture Furniture - They offer everything from bedrooms to living rooms in traditional, transitional and modern styles.
• Design Public – Great Modern furnishings for your home.

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Pottery Barn has a wide selection of organic bedding in solids and prints. The Sanibel Collection is great for a vacation home or any room where you want that beach house feeling.

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Pillows, Bedding and Other Soft Stuff

If you like to sleep as much as I do, then you spend more than a few hours with your pillow snuggled under your head.  Since these items are close to your skin for many hours at a time, it’s a good idea to go green.

• A Happy Planet - If you are going with a simple white or ivory palette, they have got you covered with vendors such as Anna Sova and SDH Purists.
• Pottery Barn – They have a nice selection of organic bedding in lovely colors.  200 thread count is fine for shams and duvet covers but make sure your sheets are 300+.
• LAUREN SPA - Their new spa collection features the trademark Lauren style but with a softer look and feel.

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Lighting

Again, we can arrive from two directions.  Take what you have to a lighting store, make sure it’s safe and add a new twist with shades, beads or crystals.  There is also some great refurbished antique lighting on the web.  Bare in mind that compact fluorescent bulbs are available in many sizes.  You can also look for Energy Star approved fluorescent lighting that require 2/3 less energy than standard lighting, generates 70% less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer.  Some people are concerned that they won’t get the same warm light from a compact fluorescent but if you select a fixture with that has opaque glass, you can hardly tell the difference.

•  Chameleon Fine Lighting – If you are interested in finding a period fixture or just something funky for contrast, they have a beautiful selection.
• Rejuvenation Lighting- One of the few places where you can get an perfect antique reproduction that takes a compact fluorescent bulb!
• LBC Lighting - You also have the option of selecting light fixtures that are made of recycled glass or grass clot for an interesting twist.

I hope this helps you jump into the world of eco-friendly furnishings.  Just remember: consider what you can reuse, analyze what you really need and then do your research.  There are lots of great companies offering a wonderful selection of products that will make your home beautiful and eco-friendly.  Now that’s a smart way to go!

The intriguing photo above is a little hint as to what we have in store for you today!  It’s time for me to unveil another one of  My Design Secrets and you are going to love this one.  Not too long ago I received a postcard in the mail introducing White Lotus Collection.  I visited their website and was immediately taken in by the fantastic selection of lovely Asian furnishings. When I visited their 6,000 square foot warehouse I was completely in awe.  So if you are in South Florida, you must pay them a visit….but don’t despair if you live further away.  Manager Michael Sullivan is there to help.  Just give him an idea of what you are looking for and he can send you photos and details lickity-split! 

~Lorrie

P.S.  If you happen to live in South Florida, they are hosting a Free Fung Shui Event with expert Chriss Barr on April 29th.  So mark it on your calender and learn more about feng shui while enjoying a private viewing of the collection.

WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION, today’s giveaway sponsor, sells some of the most beautiful hand-crafted Asian furnishings and accessories.  Hand-selected from rural China and Indonesia, each piece has been chosen individually for its fine quality, attention to detail, and simplicity of design.  The collection, equally at home in contemporary and traditional homes, offers a sophisticated alternative to many of the furnishings available today.

WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION was inspired by the peace, elegance and tranquility that the white lotus flower evokes. A water flower that grows in fresh water lakes and ponds, the white lotus is symbolic of a total state of purity and spiritual perfection in the Buddhist tradition. These unique furnishings are intended to bring this type of serenity and sophistication to the most treasured spaces; both inside and outside of your home.

Today, thanks to WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION, we are very happy to offer this hand painted Tibetan Groom’s Box.  Per Chinese Wedding tradition, the grooms family prepares a gift of food for the bride-to-be and places it in this decorative box.

   The box has a retail value of $290.00! 

This beautiful box could be used to store special treasures or as a lovely accessory. 18L x 11 ¾D x 11 ½H

Would you like to win this Hand Painted Tibetan Grooms box ($290.00)?

Simply Enter Here…

1. Visit WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION and have a look around.
2.  Leave me one comment below telling me what is your favorite product from their website.

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, April 29th to enter.  Two random winners will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

Reuse and Recycle 

First, consider the items you have that might just need a little TLC.

• Friendly Facelift - Sometimes an old favorite just needs a little pick-me-up.  Try a sunny coat of paint on an old table, a new shade for Grandma’s lamp, or reupholstering your favorite chair.
• On the Move – Consider moving accessories, lighting and furniture to another room.  You will be amazed how different the piece looks and how it dramatically changes up a room. 
• Friendly Swap – Talk to your friends and family about what you are looking for and what you are willing to part with.  You might just have a perfect match.
• Dispose With Care – If you have decided that you are ready to part with that sofa, chair, or rug, do your best to pass it on to someone else  who can use it.  (www.freecycle.com, www.craigslists.com, & www.goodwill.org)

Ready to Purchase ? 

 Let’s start from the ground up in the world of eco-friendly decor.

This Hickory Hand-Scraped Flooring is from Eco Timber Flooring. The fantastic character and warmth would be perfect in any room. It is Certified according to the Principles & Criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as being LEED certified.

Flooring 

There are lots of eco-friendly options ranging from cork to reclaimed wood.  My best advice is to do your research like you would for any other purchase.  Be honest with yourself and make sure the flooring works with your lifestyle (and the dog’s and the kids’).  And it’s not just the wood or cork you have to consider.  Make sure you have information on any adhesives and sealents that will be used as these often contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)  Just because the flooring is eco-friendly, does not mean the vendor is customer friendly.  Assume nothing and ask a lot of questions.  Get a firm quote, ask about warranties and post-installation care. (Though I have not specified it for any of my clients, my flooring company tells me they are getting a lot of service calls for bamboo flooring, so be vigilant.)

• Eco Timber - Sustainable exotics and hardwoods.
• Check out your local architectural salvage companies for great deals.
• epanko – Cork options for every style.

An Angela Adams rug is truly a thing of beauty. The design, colors and textures mimic the beauty of the natural world.

Carpet & Rugs 

This is where things are getting interesting.  Area rugs can be made from a variety of natural and recycled materials bringing us a fantastic array of textures and designs that are truly amazing.  Along with checking that the rug is made from a sustainable material (recycled items, wools, cotton) make sure it’s made using earth and people friendly practices.  All the better if it’s made in the USA!  This will lessen the use of fossil fuels for transport.

• Flor - Carpet tiles for your whole room or just an area rug.  You can send your old tiles in to be recycled.
• Rug Studio - Sisal, Sea grass and Jute are a good, natural place to start.
• Angela Adams at Velocity – One of my personal favorites.  She makes earth-friendly wool rugs and they are a member of Rug Mark – assuring your rug is child-labor free.

Now that you have the floor covered, are you ready to start adding some furniture?  Then stay tuned for the Eco-Friendly Furnishing Guide Part II this Friday! 

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This rocker can go from a very chic nursery to your living room in snap. The PK 20 is available in Wicker $1250 or Leather $1450. Stainless Steel. Brushed finish.

Modular - $495

This copy of the 670 lounge chair and ottoman is constructed exactly like the original. Prices range from $2200 to $2600.

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

NOT YOUR AVERAGE SOFA BED by Erika Carolina Soza

The past couple of weeks I have been searching for a sofa bed for one of the rooms in my own home.  It wasn’t until I started my shopping excursions that I realized how difficult it was to find a sleeper that doesn’t look like it belongs at Grandma’s, or leaves a big hole in your pocket.  My long and tiresome quest led me to compile a list of my top 8 sleeper sofa’s that will not only be pleasing to the eye, but to your pockets as well.

(1)The Vincent Twin Sleeper by CB2.

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This sleeper scored an A+ because of its small scale– it can fit in a small bedroom or office without over cluttering it.  It’s unique angled arms are slim and minimalist and the seat opens up to a twin size bed.  The best part?  It’s eco- friendly!  It’s constructed of certified sustainable wood and kiln dried hardwood frame, making it not only earth friendly, but durable as well.  The seat cushion is multilayer soy- or plant-based polyfoam and upholstered in neutral linen which can coordinate well with any color combination. ($999)

(2)The Twilight Sleep Sofa by DWR

This piece screams style and multi-function.  This sofa can be a daybed, queen size bed, or two twin beds and the bolster pillow can be moved to accommodate different seat depths.  It comes in a variety of colors with contrast piping, (which is always a favorite of mine) and the slipcover is removable for easy cleaning.– Very cool and chic! ($1880)

(3)Convertible Couch by PB Teen

Perfect for a teen’s room, or even a bright contemporary space, this convertible sofa can be transformed into a full size bed. It’s upholstered in your choice of Navy or Coffee 100% Cotton twill.  It’s tufted back and seat cushions give this sofa a modern look and comfy feel. ($899)

(4)Ottoman Bed by PB Teen

This is my favorite space efficient sleeper idea. This piece can be used as an ottoman by day, then turns into a twin size bed at night.  This is an excellent way to bring in additional sleeping pieces without taking up too much space… and for $299, you can’t go wrong!

(5)Luxurious Convertible Settee by Wisteria

If you have a flair for French style furniture, then this Louis XVI style settee is the one for you. This multi functional settee can be set three different ways to accommodate your needs.  With its convertible rolled arms, it can be used as a settee, a chaise, or a daybed, the choice is yours!  ($1799)

(6)Duo Convertible Sofa by Chiasso

For a more sleek and modern design, this convertible lounger sofa will satisfy your décor.  White leather like vinyl makes it easy to wipe down and maintain.  Unwind in it as is, or easily convert it for those overnight guests. ($898)

(7)Tylosand Sofa Bed by IKEA

This modular unit is perfect for those with room to grow. You can mix and match these pieces according to your space, and always attach more as needed. The Tylosand Sofa bed has storage underneath the seat-great for storing extra sheets and blankets for guests.  Go bold with orange, or keep it neutral with sand, the slipcover of your choice can be removed to be cleaned.  The steel frame completes this contemporary look. ($899)

(8)Innovation Supermax Deluxe Excess Sofa- 2Modern

To complete, my top 8, I found this cool and armless chunky sofa bed by Innovation. The back lays flat to convert to a full size bed and its brown or white upholstery is leather like vinyl– again for easy cleaning.  Simple and clean lines make for great modern design.  ($1680)

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Win a $200 JCPenney Gift Card!

Helpful Hint! Color can make all the difference in a room; here in combination with grays, the color warms the large open spaces of this dining room.

Living Room - Before

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Living Room - After

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Now, notice that the draperies were changed to a much lighter linen fabric, with glass tassels.  The chairs in front of the window were reupholstered, as was the ottoman.  The sofa has a beautiful English linen slipcover and tons of new toss pillows.  New art and fabulous trims gave this room a totally new look at a fraction of what it would have been to totally renovate the entire room. 

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I would like to point out something from this article that I think is VERY IMPORTANT to take into consideration!!  With an initial investment in high-quality pieces 10 years earlier, Michael’s client had the option to recreate this room without having to purchase new, expensive furniture.  By investing more on the front end, you will save money in the long run!! 

Thank you Michael!

~ Lorrie

This cut little side chair is bound to stir a lot of interest. The colors and fabric pattern are cute, but buyer beware. The description of the chair is purposely evasive such as "made of wood" and "hand upholstered construction." ($259.99)

Tips for Avoiding Cheap Furniture

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Materials 

Casegoods - The end tables I saw had chipped legs from just being taken on and off the shelf.  The description says they are made of “solid wood.”  If they are not telling you what type of wood, you can be sure it’s not a quality hardwood. 

Upholstery - The most important parts are hidden from view.  When it comes to upholstery, you can get some information on the cushion tag.  When it comes to the frame, you need to ask questions.  Don’t buy a sofa without speaking to a salesperson and getting the details.  The best sofas are made from kiln-dried hardwoods such as oak, maple and poplar.  Soft woods such as pine will warp and break down.

Finish

The table says is had a chocolate finish.  It does not say stained, which is not surprising because to apply a stain finish you need to start with a decent quality wood.  So these items are painted to look like they are stained. 

Painting = Chipping.  That is a tough repair.

This floor lamp has a nice silhouette but it might not look like this when you receive it. I noticed that some lampshades shipped in the same box with the base. The fabric shades are collapsed in the box, leaving you with wrinkles that may never go away. ($69.99).

Claims 

Especially in upholstery, if they claim a “no-sag” cushion, take a pass.  A good quality sofa is made with a hardwood frame and 8-way hand tied coil springs.  Cheaper lines use zig-zag springs in the seat, which should only be used in back cushions.  Find out what the warranty is and get it in writing.

Cost 

There is nothing more expensive then a cheap piece of furniture.  I know the upfront costs may be a little more than you wanted to spend but when you divide it over the life of a piece, it is well worth it.  If you buy a cheap sofa for $600 and it only lasts one year, that is much more expensive than a $1,200 sofa that lasts 6 years.  ($600/year vs. $200/year)

The Darby table is by designer Victoria Hagan, whose designs I adore. But the chips and dents I saw don't speak well for the materials. Remember that they pay big bucks to license a well-known designer's name and you are paying for that. ($69.99)

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I am just using Target as an example but there are many stores like this that are a  Jack of All Trades, Master of None.  They use big designer names to suck you in but you must remember that your expectations for a t-shirt are very different than those you have for a piece of furniture.   So be thoughtful on where you purchase furniture and get the facts before jumping in.  Big sales can be tempting but I want you to find the best quality furniture that you can afford.

~Lorrie

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