Decorating Tips


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!

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Picking the design of your sofa

S1040Now that you have picked out what style of sofa best suits your family needs, it is time to think about the design you are looking for. This doesn’t mean color, pattern, or fabric but more so what type of features you want on your sofa.

When deciding on what features you want in the sofa you are buying from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee, you need to understand how they will complement your personal design aesthetic.

Feet: The first question asked here is whether or not you want your feet to be exposed. If the answer to that question is yes, then you need to decide what type of feet you want. If you room is formal or contemporary, then you should lean in the direction of wooden feet. Modern styled sofas usually come with feet made of metals or other mixed materials.

Skirt: If you decide that you don’t want your feet to show, then deciding on what type of skirt you want around the base of your sofa is your next decision. Casual and traditional styled sofas most of the time have skirts hiding the feet. Different types of skirts include pleated, gathered and tailored, and matching or contrasting fabric patterns.

Arms: Arms can be high, low, wide, narrow, curved, or straight. Depending on how high your end tables will be, the height of the arms and width can play a crucial role in how comfortable the sofa is.

Back: If you have chosen to go the wrought of a more stylish sofa, then tight-back sofas are probably in your future. These offer clean lines that will fit a more contemporary styled room. Big fluffy pillowed type backs or more for your casual sofas.

Pillow and Cushions: Sofas are usually designed to have one to three cushions. One being the entire length of the sofa while two or three are designed to sit one person each. These cushions can come attached are loose and many times are available in different fabrics or colors.

Next week we will continue with the size, fabric, and comfort of sofas and how they will complete your rooms design.

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to shop our vast selection of affordable, durable and beautiful furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Setting up a tranquil room

tranquil roomAt the end of a long day or when life stresses you out, you need a place for peace and quiet. With some creativity and a little help from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee, you can create a room in your home where relaxation will always be waiting for you. Follow these steps to creating your own tranquil area:

  1. Choose a room in your home with the least amount of distractions. A lightly trafficked area is best, like a bedroom or home office.
  2. Bring something personal to the space, like a photo of a loved one, a candle, flower, or a favorite memento.
  3. Keep the color scheme simple. An all-white room or a monochrome scheme is soothing.
  4. A comfortable chair is key. Make sure you can put your head back, your feet up and your arms are positioned comfortably. Drape a blanket over the back for a spontaneous nap.
  5. Stimulate your senses with sounds and smells. Light scented candles and place a table top waterfall nearby. Soothing music plays an important role in achieving tranquility.

Create a personal and uncluttered place that inspires rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee for the items you need to find peace in your home.

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

How to buy that perfect sofa

how to buy a sofaSome of your most precious moments will occur in your living room. Whether it’s or that once a year sporting event, Christmas morning, or your child’s first step, your living room will be the crucial point of many memories you will hold dear. The centerpiece of this very important room is the sofa. Your sofa will be one of the most significant pieces of furniture you own. The sofa needs to fit the everyday life of your family and be a place where you want to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

When deciding on what sofa to buy from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee, you need to understand the different types of sofas so you can decide which one best suits your family.

Styles of Sofas

Standard: The standard sofa is typically the most common of the sofa family. It generally seats about three adults and is a stationary piece of furniture.

Motion: Perfect for laying back and watching a ball game or movie with the family, motion sofas have built in recliners or rockers. This will give you a place to kick back and relax after long day.

Sectional: For families who tend to host a lot of parties or have a larger living room sectional sofas are usually the better choice. The larger sectionals usually come in a L or U shape and are perfect for having conversations.

Loveseat: The loveseat is much like its companion the sofa except for the fact that it is a bit smaller and can generally only seat about two adults. A loveseat is a perfect complement to any sofa and can provide extra need seating space.

Sleeper: If you are prone to having many overnight guests for holidays are other events, then a sleeper sofa is a must have. Sleeper sofas have a built in bed frame that pulls out from underneath the seat cushions.

Next week we will continue with the different designs of sofas and how they will compliment your design style.

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to shop our vast selection of affordable, durable and beautiful furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection.

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Blue is the new black for 2010

turquoise5Sprint 2010 is here and with that comes a forecast of bright and vibrant colors!  Gone are the days of pale sea blues and aqua’s. Strong intense blues like peacock, teal, and royal are making their ways into homes across America.  However, the pantone color of this very bright season is turquoise.  Bright colors are known to stimulate moods and can have a great affect over them. Blue’s are known for providing tranquility and freshness, giving any room a sense of well being. Bright blues will just emphasize those feelings making your room a place everyone will want to be.

When purchasing larger ticket items like a sofa or dining table from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee, we tend to lean to the side of being safe.    This means browns and beiges will most likely be the color of your furniture purchases. These neutral colors can be given some spirit by accenting them with bright colors. A turquoise throw pillow or lamp will add style and energy to the room.

Bright colored accent pieces can also be easy on your budget and be easily replaced in the changing seasons. You probably will not want bright turquoise colored throw pillows during Christmas time, so going bright on small accent pieces can give you the luxury of changing the style of your room easily and affordably.

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to shop our vast selection of affordable, durable and beautiful furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection.

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Accenting a living room with end tables

end tablesEnd tables are the perfect accent piece for finishing off the beautiful look of your living room!

Used for lamps, extra storage for remotes and magazines, and a place to put keys or even a cup, end tables serve many proposes but most of all add style to your room.

When deciding on what end table to buy from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee, the single most important factor you need to consider is the scale of furniture you will place it next too. Small tables with short legs will look awkward when located next to larger couches with lots of volume.  Your end tables need to be proportionate in size to the couches, sofas, and chairs by which they are placed.

End tables should measure about three inches above or below the arm of the piece they will be next too. This will allow them to be reachable when you are sitting. Nothing is more frustrating than going to place a drink down and having to either stand or reach way over the arm of the chair to set it down.

The design of the end tables should match the style of the room they are located in. That does not necessarily mean they should match the other furniture pieces exactly, but should overall match the design of the room. End tables are meant to stick out and be noticeable. Stay away from purchasing ones that have the same exact design of your couch they will be placed next too. Be creative.

Finally, the construction and materials they are created with should be both sturdy and durable. End tables are meant to get a lot of use and have things placed on them . Over a period of time the wear and tear can have a damaging effect to them so make sure they are well-built. Metal frames are the most sturdy but if you are looking for wood end tables, make sure they are made of real wood material. Tables made of press wood are more likely to get damaged if they get wet.

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to shop our vast selection of affordable, durable and beautiful furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection.