Archive for June, 2010


Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Giving your bedroom space

5272Everyone wants an immense bedroom that will never be deprived of space. We dream of owning a spacious bedroom so much that the thought of it becoming cluttered never enters our mind. But what happens if unlimited space is not at luxury that has been given to you?  Having a little bedroom is not something you should fear anymore.  These guidelines are suggestions for working with what you have to give your bedroom the gift of space!

  1. Maximize the sense of space by painting the room in a pale color. White, beige and cream are just a few examples.
  2. Use ceramic or wood flooring that runs in a diagonal pattern. Diagonal lines appear longer than lines running perpendicular or parallel.
  3. Get rid of the headboard and footboard. Headboards and footboards push the bed off the wall and take up space.
  4. Use a metal mattress frame and keep the bed close to the floor. Large frames give the sense of a large mass and appear bulky.
  5. Sleep sofas or a nice futon can be great for utilizing space. Couch during the day … bed at night.
  6. Don’t use too much furniture. Excess furniture can choke a room and its traffic pattern. A bed, nightstand and a dresser is all your room needs.
  7. Storage pieces that rise vertically, like a highboy, are better than pieces that jet out horizontally.
  8. Minimize the use of patterns in things such as rugs, curtains and wallpaper. Patterns such as polka dots, flowers, stripes and plaids can really fill up a room and take away the sense of space.
  9. Refrain from placing a large amount of pictures on the wall. Many designers state that one wall should be left bare to give the psyche a chance to relax.

Designing for a smaller bedroom can be very simple, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and get those ideal bedroom pieces from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection that will give your bedroom never-ending space!

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Major design follies to avoid when decorating

design folliesOften times we focus too heavily on what we SHOULD do with the scheme of our interior.  Instead, we NEED to pay more attention to what should NOT be done when decorating.  These are the most common mistakes and the ways to avoid them before they destroy your decor.

Avoiding Color

Don’t be afraid to experiment when painting your walls even though many believe the myth that bold colors negatively affect your home’s resale value.  Use colors that thoroughly express your tastes and personality instead of slapping on a coat of beige to “make the room look bigger.”

If you are reluctant to paint your rooms in bright colors, just try the accent effect where you only make one or two of the walls stand out while keeping the others more conservative.

Weak Windows

Window treatments are an easy, cost-efficient way to really put a good touch on a room, but many times, the curtain frame is hung too low or the curtains do not fit the window.  This either makes the ceiling look low or the curtains appear cheap.

Six inches to one foot above the window molding is the best range to hang your curtains.  This allows more light into the room and it makes ceilings look taller.  Also, curtains should hang from the curtain rod to the floor.

Floating Rugs

A rug should either be large enough to provide a surface for all of the furniture to rest on or the right size for the furniture to perfectly frame it.  Rugs that are too small for a room end up creating an island that really breaks up the design and the scheme of the furniture.

Accessory Overload

Accessories should be nothing more than small additions.  They are not meant to control their settings.  Crowding your tables with frames, candles, and vases is overkill.

Display your accessories so that your favorite pieces receive the most attention from visitors.  You can even keep these items in a rotation so that you can always add something new to the room.

Poor-Fitting Furniture

There should be three feet, if not more, separating larger pieces like sofas from the rest of the furniture so that people can easily pass through the room.  On top of that, try not to fill big spaces with little pieces since it really disturbs the flow of your décor.

When protecting yourself against design follies, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and shop their vast selection of furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection so you can have the ultimate decor for your home!

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Starting your morning off right

B8700How many times has your morning been ruined by the painful feeling of banging one of your toes or shins against a dresser or another piece of furniture?

At one time or another it has happened to all of us, but the great thing is it doesn’t have to anymore! When working with limited space, finding a way to set up your bedroom can be very tricky. The following steps will help you not only add more comfort and style to your bedroom, but it will save you from mornings filled will toe throbbing pain:

  1. Sketch the layout of your bedroom on a piece of paper. Include measurements and placement of all radiators, doors, and windows.
  2. Get the measurements of all your furniture. You can either write it down or if you are creative enough, make cutouts of each furniture piece.
  3. Place the cutouts on the paper and move them around until you get the desired layout you want. Make sure the spacing between furniture pieces is big enough, giving you the peace of mind knowing that you won’t be bumping into anything when you wake up.
  4. Make sure your room is clutter free! Clearing out clutter from the corners of the room will give you better energy flow. Exposed electrical equipment emits electromagnetic waves, which can hinder a peaceful night of sleep. Instead, hide wires from electrical equipment in units with doors.

When designing the perfect layout for your bedroom, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and get those perfect bedroom pieces from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection so you can start your mornings off pain free!

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Selecting your kid’s bedroom furniture

B5600Your children’s room is very special to them. It is one of the few places in the home they call their own and many times it will be their personal place of peace.  The kinds of furniture you furnish their room with will make or break their bedroom and can create a very un-enjoyable environment.
Selecting the correct pieces of furniture is absolutely necessary. The following steps will help in the process of assembling a perfect youth bedroom.
1.    Find out what he or she wants in their room. They are the ones that are going to be spending all their time there.  So make sure it is filled with things they would want.
2.    Color schemes. This is vital when buying furniture. Lots of kids’ bedroom sets come in assorted color schemes so discuss with your child the color scheme he or she likes best.
3.    Based on how much space you have to work with, the bed is the most essential piece of furniture you will buy. so Make sure it is as convenient as it is comfortable. Your choices will consist of day beds, bunk bed, lofts, day beds, and storage beds.
4.    A night stand is next on the list. You child will need a place to put an alarm clock or their glasses once it is time for bed.
5.    Your child most likely will have homework and thus needs a place to do it. Find a desk that he or she can easily fit into, preferably with a book shelf.  Homework is not fun, so make sure their desk is comfortable. Find a matching, comfortable chair for the desk also.
6.    Finally, for extra storage, a dresser, armoire, or trunk will work well and keep the room clutter free.

When designing a bedroom your children will love, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and get those perfect kid bedroom pieces from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection so your children will have a place they can call their own.

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Give your guest a great night experience

give your guest a good night experienceHaving to spend the night in a room not familiar to you can be such a downer sometimes, especially when the sleeping conditions remind you of sleeping in the great outdoors.  So why would you want to put your guest through that same experience?

Take into consideration the things that make you feel at ease when staying the night in an unfamiliar place.  This is the most important factor to focus on when creating a perfect guest room. It will also give them a warm and comfy feeling knowing their comfort was thought of when you invited them to stay the night in your home.

  1. Keep it clutter free. Remove any furniture that might give the room a cluttered feel. Guests will feel more at home if they feel they have enough room to move around in.
  2. Don’t furnish the room by placing all your unwanted furniture in there. This too can make a room feel cluttered and seem very thoughtless to your guests.
  3. Give the bed all the comfort you would want if you were sleeping on it. Provide extra pillows and don’t skimp on the linens. A thick duvet isn’t a bad idea either.
  4. Provide a nightstand next to the bed. This could be a great place for a lamp for reading purposes. Placing a bowl of candy, magazines, or books there is also a great way to make them feel wanted.
  5. Hang a mirror on the wall so they have a place to freshen up.
  6. A clock radio, wastebasket, iron and ironing board, and Kleenex are also something that should be provided.

When providing your dearest friends with a home away from home guest room, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to find the perfect pieces of furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection that will give your guest a home like experience.

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Creating your own dining room style

creating your own dining room styleYour dining room does not have to match!

The days of matchy-matchy dining rooms are finished! Today’s furniture buyers want to reflect their families’ personality by mixing and matching different pieces to create a unique dining experience. All the dining room furniture you buy from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee should be something you love that is a reflection of your home and personality.

When combining different styles of furniture for your dining room, the first thing you need to consider is the table, the centerpiece of any eating experience.  Because of this, the rest of the design will play off of this focal point. Tables with darker finishes tend to be used for formal settings while lighter finishes and glass or stone tops lend a casual feel. If you plan on using the dining room for every meal, a glass top table is also easy to clean and maintain.

Next, consider the chairs. Even in a formal dining room setting the chairs don’t have to be identical. Wood, leather, upholstered, and even metal are just a few of the different styles of chairs from which you can choose.  And when mixed and matched, these varying choices can add a style all of their own to any dining room. Mix and match back styles, use different styles for the side and arm chairs, apply coordinating fabrics to add some excitement to your seating. Side chairs can also be placed throughout the dining room for a unique look.

Finally, the serving pieces can be constructed from different materials than your table and chairs. Painted sideboards, china cabinets, and buffet tables will give them an eccentric one-of-a-kind look and add an interesting style to your dining room. Finish the table off with a centerpiece that matches the color or style of your curtains and there you have it–a dining room that is a reflection of you.

When giving your dining room a personality that matches your family, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and get those just right dining room pieces from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection and start enjoying your dining experiences today!

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Protecting furniture against mold and mildew

protect against mold and mildew

Some major pests that accompany the upcoming hot summer months are mold, mildews and fungus which  thrive in moist, warm environments. Regular cleaning of your Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® natural wood furniture from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee should be enough to prevent mildew that thrives on organic materials like paper, leather, and wood. Cooled, dehumidified and circulated indoor air is very important for your health and that of your furniture. However, if you find mold damage, follow these steps to safely removing it:

  1. Remove mold immediately as it can cause sickness, respiratory problems and have an odor.
  2. Wring out a cloth soaked in a solution of three parts water and one part mild detergent.
  3. Wipe surface of the furniture with the solution to remove the mold.
  4. Wipe one small area at a time, followed by a cloth dipped in plain water.
  5. Dry all areas thoroughly.
  6. Clean greasy or filmy substances off your furniture with furniture cleaner, which is different than furniture polish. Wax buildup can harbor mold.
  7. Scrub stubborn spots with a brush dipped in a solution of five parts water and one part chlorine bleach. Test an inconspicuous area first to test colorfastness. Rinse the area thoroughly with plain water and then dry.
  8. Weather permitting, place the furniture outside in the sun to dry. Sunlight aids in oxidation and will be a huge factor in the fight against mold and mildew.

Following these steps will guarantee that your gorgeous natural wood furniture from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee will give you years of pleasurable use.