spring 2010


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.

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.

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Don’t Forget the Upholstery

spring cleaningThis past Saturday marks the first day of spring. A beautiful time of year that represents the passage way from winter to summer. People use this season to clean their homes from all the dust and dirt that has collected over a long winter. Usually counters, windows, floors, tables, and carpets, are at the forefront of everyone’s cleaning agenda, neglecting sofas, loveseats, and recliners.

Solid surfaces such as floors and tables expose dust and dirt well. We see this dirt easily and make it a point to clean it whenever it collects. However, this same dirt and dust that is cleaned, sometimes twice a week, is also the same dirt and dust collecting in your upholstered furniture.  What then, are the best ways to properly clean upholstery so it can stay looking new?

  • You should first vacuum your furniture on both sides. Most new vacuums come with upholstery attachments which are used to get corners and spots on a cushion that are hard to reach. Tools such as the crevice tool and dust brush are perfect and can keep your furniture looking new. Use the dust brush on leather furniture so suction doesn’t damage the surface.
  • After vacuuming your furniture, it is important that you flip your cushions. Turning your cushions over and rotating them can make the inner cushion and the fabric last longer. This doesn’t have to be done just in the spring, but all year long.
  • If at all possible, try not to place upholstered furniture in direct sunlight.  Ultraviolet rays will cause sunburn and wrinkles, depriving your furniture of its gorgeous look. If you must place your furniture in direct sunlight, use window blinds or sheers to minimize the sun rays.
  • Finally, give your furniture a good old massage. That’s right, start from the bottom of the arms and back and push the stuffing up, giving it a full look. This works air back into the synthetic fibers and keeps it nice and cushy.

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

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Spring 2010 Furniture Fashions

2010 Furniture Fashions and TrendsAlong with the changing seasons comes new and exciting furniture trends. This year the key word to sum up the main furniture trend is stimulating!

Leading off this year’s exciting trends are brilliant and daring colors. Neutral colored throw pillows placed against bright colorful sofas with will be the fashion this year. This is the opposite of years past where neutral colored couches with bright pillows were making their ways into everyone’s home.

Enhancing the look of bright colors are grays and metallic accents. These darker colors and styles will allow the bright colors of your furniture to pop even more, increasing their style. Gray is the hot neutral color being used this year to showcase bright furniture.

Not getting left behind in this year’s up and coming trends is comfort and flexibility. More than ever, we need furniture that will serves multi-purposes and maximizes the space in our homes. Modular furniture like sofa recliners, futons, and  pull out beds will be a huge part of this trend.

One major trend that is reinventing itself and making its way around again is Asian styled furniture. Having fallen out of favor of designers decades ago, many Asian influences are starting to peek their way into homes. Japanese art inspired fabrics, gentler than years past, will influence many designs.

Finally, gaining momentum every year, eco-friendly furniture is continuing its growth into the furniture industry.  Environmentally friendly furniture is going to a huge trend for years to come.

Visit Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® to bring these trends into your home today!