Dining Room Furniture
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Whether it was a holiday spent at grandma’s house, or a family trip up north to the country, many of us have stayed at a country or cottage-styled home at one time in our very eventful lives. Country and cottage-styled homes are a staple of American design and can be a peaceful place to live or visit, and are a place where your problems seem to fade away.
But what exactly is meant when refereeing to a country or cottage-styled home?
Continuing with our design style theme, we will explore the different types of country and cottage designs, and how these styles are represented in homes across the U.S.
If you have ever visited a home on the Great Lakes, then you probably know what a Classic Costal design is. Designed to look like a beach house, homes that are designed with a Costal look will embrace a relaxed approach and display nautical themes.
However, there are different variations to a Costal theme. Gulf Coast styles bring together Art Deco and vibrant colors, with wicker and rattan, sending you back in time to the ‘50s. Done correctly, Gulf Coast styled homes can be a very cool place to live or visit. Pacific Coast designed homes tend to be influenced heavily by Asian influence, and will be decorated in deep finishes with very comfortable fabrics. Similar to the Classic Costal look, Atlantic Seaboard designed homes have louvers and shutters with a color palette similar to that of lighthouses.
Emphasized by natural woods with deep finishes, Americana style homes are very simple when it comes to ornamentation but tend to have a very patriotic feel. Fabrics are muted colors and are adorned with starts and stripes. This style of home can be a perfect place to spend a Fourth of July or other patriotic holiday.
On the other hand, a Cottage-styled home typically has lots of wicker or iron pieces of furniture and gets its style from the natural surroundings that encompasses it. Cotton and linen fabrics found in the home will have a floral or checkered pattern giving the home an almost country like feel.
Finally, Rustic and Lodge styled homes are designed with a rugged approach but still offer the advantage of relaxation. Earth tones are predominant here, while exposed wood in very light finishes are adorned with Native American artwork, wood carvings and natured inspired accessories. Fabrics that line the beds and couches will usually have a hand-woven feel.
Whether its Rustic, Classic Coastal, or Country styled homes, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and shop their immense selection of cottage styled furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection and give your home the vacation style feel you have been looking for!
Tags: Bedroom, chairside tables, cottage, Cottage Design, Country Design, design, Dining Room, dining room table, fashion, furniture, living room, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, wood trimmed upholstery, youth bedroom
Posted in Accessories, Bedroom Furniture, Cottage Design, Country Design, Decorating Tips, Dining Room Furniture, End Tables, Home Office, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, living room | No Comments
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
“Should I go with fabric?…..What color do I need?….. will this even fit?….what style do I need?…… do I have enough money?!!”………
We’ve all been there before. Planning on buying a new piece of furniture can be a very stressful time, especially when there are so many factors to take into consideration. Take your time and don’t make a hurried decision, this will save you from detesting your furniture for years to come. In order to help you find the right piece of furniture, we have assembled a list of factors you need to take into consideration before you go shopping. Each recommendation will help you find that perfect item you will treasure for years.
- Measurements: You want to bring your furniture in your house, right?. Many people find the perfect piece, buy it, get it home and oops it doesn’t fit through the door. Keep in mind that some sofas are simply too big to bring into your home. In order to get the piece into the room, it has to first fit through the door. Measure all your furniture pieces already in the home. This will give you a solid base of measurements to look for in a piece of furniture. This will save you the stress on the way home about whether it will fit through the door.
- Space is key: How much space do you have to work with? This is the first question you need to ask yourself. It’s simple…regardless of what you want, if you don’t have the space, then don’t even consider it! The shape and size of your room will help you determine what to look for. For instance, if you’re looking for a living room sectional and don’t have a lot of room to work with, consider a loveseat over a sofa.
- Budget: It’s simple. Don’t buy what you can’t afford. Always plan around your budget. You shouldn’t burden yourself with the added stress that accompanies paying off home décor you can’t afford. Quality furniture costs more, but will last longer. Cheap furniture, while easy on the budget, doesn’t last long and you may find yourself buying furniture again in several years. Determine how long you want your home décor to last and shop for items that fit that time range, and most importantly your budget.
- What’s your lifestyle: What is your life like? Is it just you or are you a part of a large family? Will the piece you buy often have smaller children on it? Your lifestyle determines what type of piece you should buy. If you entertain guests regularly, consider a sturdy, comfortable couch. Buy pieces of furniture that will flow with your lifestyle and won’t leave you pulling your hair out every time you have guests over.
When following these steps for purchasing a piece of furniture, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and shop their enormous selection of high quality furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection and leave in peace, knowing you got that perfect piece!
Tags: Bedroom, budget, choices, decisions, design, Dining Room, dining room table, furniture, lifestyle, living room, measurements, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, setting up, shopping, space
Posted in Accessories, Bedroom Furniture, Decorating Tips, Dining Room Furniture, End Tables, Entertainment Centers, Environment, Home Office, Leather Furniture, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, Royal Heritage Mattress, Youth Bedroom Furniture, living room, loveseat, sleeper sofa, sofa | No Comments
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Are you in style? Does your home have a look that would be considered cool by today’s standards? If so, then your home probably has a contemporary or modern look to it. But what does “contemporary” really mean?
Many times people classify contemporary as a distinct style that doesn’t encompass other design styles. Commonly, and un-knowingly, they think furniture considered contemporary is something they are most likely to find in an upscale art gallery in New York city. What they fail to realize is that the word contemporary simply means “of the present time,” and this can encompass a broad range of designs.
“Artsy” furniture, the most common label for contemporary furniture, is likely to be found in urban locations and lofts. This furniture often has flare and is extremely simple. Furniture pieces in this category are not always adorned with straight lines, but typically showcase curved lines to give them a unique look and shape. Leather and microfibers are usually the upholstery of choice in this case.
If you are looking to stay within the contemporary style but want more of a straight lined look, then look for pieces that are of Danish or Scandinavian design. Contemporary Scandinavian designers often use straight lines in their designs and leave their pieces unadorned and crafted of walnut and teak. Sometimes their pieces will have gentle curves, but these will not be at a premium.
Finally, minimalist styled furniture takes the contemporary look to the extreme and is known for its use of straight lines. The Minimalist approach was inspired by Bauhaus design and puts emphasis on free space, functionality, and economical design. You won’t find a lot of furniture in a minimalistic room. Instead, you will find one of two pieces accompanied by a lot of space.
Whether its straight lined or curvy lines, minimalistic or urban, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and shop their massive selection of contemporary furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection and give your home the modern style you are looking for!
Tags: artsy, Bedroom, chic, Contemporary, design, Dining Room, dining room table, Entertaining, fashion, fashion trend, furniture, Leather Furniture, living room, modern, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, sofas, urban, youth bedroom
Posted in Accessories, Bedding, Bedroom Furniture, Contemporary, Decorating Tips, Design Trends, Dining Room Furniture, End Tables, Entertainment Centers, Environment, Home Office, Leather Furniture, Nursery, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, living room, loveseat, sofa | No Comments
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
With styles changing what seems like daily, it’s hard to keep up with current furniture lingo thrown at you when you are shopping for furniture. Whether it’s contemporary, traditional, cottage, modern, or chic, these terms can encompass a broad range of styles that might leave you scratching your head. In the next few weeks I will review the most commonly used terms to discuss styles, and what exactly the definition of each is. This week we will look at traditional styles, and what it truly means to be a traditional looking piece of furniture.
Time honored, Colonial, European…these are just a few of the words you might hear when shopping for a traditionally styled piece of furniture. The main characteristic all these terms have in common is they have a century old look. These pieces will be reminiscent of furniture you might find in a royal mansion in Spain, or a President in Colonial times.
American styled pieces will have a look that was represented in the Colonial times. Painted finishes coupled with spindles – and finial – are very typical in this instance. However, they will be adapted to fit modern day uses.
If a piece has an European feel, it most likely means the wood will have a curvilinear design and commonlywill be constructed our of dark woods. Sofas and chairs will have an arched back giving them a more formal look and feel.
Tropical looks combined with British styles are what makes up the British Colonial and West Indies fashion. These pieces are most likely built with wicker, rattan, and other lighter woods but completed in deep dark finishes. The lines and edges of these items will be much cleaner and simpler when compared to the curvy lines of the European brand of style.
When looking to give your room a traditional look that will last for centuries, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and shop their enormous selection of furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection so your home can have the class and style it deserves!
Tags: Bedding, Bedroom, colonial, design, Dining Room, dining room table, european, fashion, fashion trend, furniture, living room, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, traditional, wood trimmed upholstery, youth bedroom
Posted in Accessories, Bedroom Furniture, Decorating Tips, Design Trends, Dining Room Furniture, Entertainment Centers, Environment, Home Office, Leather Furniture, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, Royal Heritage Mattress, Upholstery, Youth Bedroom Furniture, living room, sleeper sofa, sofa | 1 Comment
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Everyone loves the environment and in some way wants to protect it. In today’s society, we are constantly made aware of mother earth’s deteriorating condition. Taking care of the environment is essential for all industries and products. For those of you looking to create an environmentally friendly home , here’s a list of home-beautifying trends and products in accordance with the ongoing ‘green’ movement.
Wabi-Sabi
Reclaimed wood is one of the most popular trends in green design. The reshaping of recycled wood falls under the Japanese art form, Wabi-Sabi, an art devoted to finding beauty in imperfection. This new spin on an old design philosophy presents both contemporary and traditional items that are sure to brighten any space.
Paint it “Green”
The green movement no longer only applies to the construction of furniture. Now, the green movement extends from your floor to the ceiling, literally. New chemical-free paints – which contain no volatile organic compounds – make spicing up your interior an eco-friendly exercise. Today, chemical-free interior paint has expanded from only a few shades to the entire spectrum of the rainbow and beyond. You can paint your rooms and feel good about your effort to reduce the damage inflicted on mother nature.
LED is a Y-E-S
While compact fluorescent lighting is a better choice for the environment than the old incandescent bulb, it gives off a drab, bluish glow. Fluorescent bulbs used to be the only environmentally sound choice, but now a brighter option is in the making. New LED bulbs, made in the same shape and size as incandescent bulbs, will soon hit the market. They give off a brighter, more natural light than incandescent lights while offering much more durability than the older models.
When giving your room an eco-friendly boost, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and get those eco-friendly furniture pieces from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection so you can enjoy the environment all the time.
Tags: design, eco-friendly, fashion, fashion trend, furniture, light bulbs, living room, Royal Heritage, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings
Posted in Bedroom Furniture, Decorating Tips, Design Trends, Dining Room Furniture, Environment, Home Office, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, Youth Bedroom Furniture, eco-friendly, living room | No Comments
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Often 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!
Tags: accessory overload, avoiding color, Bedroom, design, design follies, Dining Room, fashion, fashion trend, furniture, living room, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, poor fitting furniture, Royal Heritage, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, rugs, weak windows
Posted in Accessories, Bedding, Bedroom Furniture, Decorating Tips, Design Trends, Dining Room Furniture, End Tables, Home Office, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, Royal Heritage Mattress, Youth Bedroom Furniture, living room | No Comments
Monday, June 7th, 2010
Your 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!
Tags: arm chairs, buffet, china cabinets, creating, creating dining room, design, Dining Room, dining room style, dining room table, fashion, fashion trend, furniture, hutch, mix and match, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, serving pieces, setting up, side chairs, sideboards, style, table styles
Posted in Decorating Tips, Design Trends, Dining Room Furniture, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings | No Comments
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
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:
- Remove mold immediately as it can cause sickness, respiratory problems and have an odor.
- Wring out a cloth soaked in a solution of three parts water and one part mild detergent.
- Wipe surface of the furniture with the solution to remove the mold.
- Wipe one small area at a time, followed by a cloth dipped in plain water.
- Dry all areas thoroughly.
- Clean greasy or filmy substances off your furniture with furniture cleaner, which is different than furniture polish. Wax buildup can harbor mold.
- 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.
- 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.
Tags: cleaning furniture, furniture, Leather Furniture, living room, mildew, mold, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, prevent, Prevention, protecting against, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, spring 2010, summer
Posted in Dining Room Furniture, PMD Furniture Direct, Prevention, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, Royal Heritage Mattress | 1 Comment
Friday, May 28th, 2010
Think you can’t have beautiful furniture just because you have beautiful—but boisterous—children? Think again! Kids can coexist with a beautiful home!
The type of cover you choose for your furniture is very important. Many fabrics come with anti-stain features or treatments to protect against spills and stains. Microfiber repels moisture remarkably and comes in a dazzling array of colors and suede like finishes. Genuine leather can also be an excellent choice because of its durability and strength. Many leather finishes have a naturally distressed look that won’t show wear and tear over a period of time. A sofa with a washable slipcover sofa also protects your investment during the messy years.
Clean ability should be high on your list of considerations, right up there with durability. Sooner or later, your kids are going to jump on your furniture—it’s practically guaranteed! Quality construction using strong frames and high-density cushions can stand up to typical roughhousing. Rearrange your furniture periodically to make sure all pieces are sharing the love—and the rassling!
Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to see how beautiful furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection meets your family’s needs.
Tags: anti-stain, cleanability, durability, durable furniture, furniture, Leather Furniture, living room, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, sofas, stain resistant, sturdy construction
Posted in Bedroom Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Leather Furniture, PMD Furniture Direct, Prevention, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, Royal Heritage Mattress, Youth Bedroom Furniture, living room, loveseat, sleeper sofa, sofa | 1 Comment
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
Sprint 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.
Tags: Bedroom, blue, bright colors, brilliant colors, design, fashion, fashion trend, furniture, Leather Furniture, living room, PMD Franchise, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Furniture, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, spring 2010, turquoise
Posted in Accessories, Bedding, Bedroom Furniture, Decorating Tips, Design Trends, Dining Room Furniture, End Tables, PMD Furniture Direct, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings, Royal Heritage Mattress, Youth Bedroom Furniture, living room | 1 Comment
