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Home Furnishings Design Forum

Our Design Forum is here to give you ideas and answer questions you may have about home furnishings selection or design issues for your home.   Send us an email, including photos if possible, to Forum@BlackledgeFurniture.com with any questions you have, or interior design and furnishings ideas you would like to share with others in the community.      Unless you request otherwise, we will add your questions, comments, or photos to the Forum along with answers and ideas from our staff and others.     We will identify you only by a first name or user name, and will not publish your email address.

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Infinite Comfort

Meet Southern Motion’s newest product line, Next Level, taking reclining in your favorite chair to a new level. The Next Level Mechanism provides the ability for users to recline with their feet above their heart, optimizing circulation, and reducing pressure on the neck, back, and legs. In addition to these health benefits, the Next Level extended ottoman gives 3” of extra length when in full recline mode.

Not only does Next Level furniture allow you to optimize your overall body health, but this Southern Motion product line allows you to enhance the style of any room within your home. Whether you’re looking for a sectional couch, home entertainment set, standard sofa, or your new favorite recliner, Southern Motion’s Next Level is the furniture for you. Find the perfect set to fit your home and your lifestyle.

 

Color Forecasting for the home and fashion industries has become a big deal and not just for the consumer but for all the companies that create the myriad of consumer products for the home. Whether we are talking about wall colors involving things like paint, paneling and tiles, to lighting to sofas, or chairs and other accessories; these are all impacted by color. A sunny and gorgeous yellow called Illuminating, and even a second color called Ultimate Gray are this year’s picks as, not just one, but two colors of the year by the Pantone Color Institute.  

The 2021 trend seems to be about creating a sense of calm and serenity. The trend is moving into a warmer and a richer palette.  Why not try dipping into some of the latest soft yet warm neutrals along with rich earthy tones taking on names as Aegean Teal, Reddened Earth and Urbane Bronze.   Regardless of exactly how we decide to mix it up, when using color for home décor we should always think of harmony and relatedness. 

 

We can think of each color as having a personality. Green as found in nature is generally calming, peaceful and relaxing. Blue which is known as a cool color can be soothing and speaks of serenity. Although yellow is thought of as a cheerful color it is also stimulating. Purple is a rich color associated with inspiration and royalty. Red is an intense color associated with power but also with passion and romance.   Orange is an accelerating color and commands attention. 

 

When developing a color scheme for a room in your home the 60-30-10 rule is related to the proportion of color one uses. Although one might love the color of red, best to be careful, and deliberate with the placement and intensity. It is important to realize that color affects us as to our mood, to our productivity as well as on a deep psychological level. And now with the importance of color forecasting we may also look forward to an annual unveiling of the latest palettes for everything from our living room décor to the perfect handbag to even the coolest new toaster. 

-Diana Robbins

What does it mean when we say "Amish-made?"      By Emily

 

You may have heard the phrase "Amish-made" in regard to furniture. It evokes an idea of old world craftsmanship and furniture that is built to last, both of which are very often true, but what are the actual indications of that quality craftsmanship in practical terms? Drawing on our experience with our Amish vendors, here are a few examples that all apply to the Amish-made furniture we carry, and illustrate the level of quality we mean when we say "Amish-made":

  • 100% solid American hardwoods are used throughout the furniture.
  • Drawer construction features solid wood, dovetail joints (the gold standard of joinery) and heavy duty full extension metal glides.
  • Bolted corner blocks ensure stability and prevent wracking.
  • Thoughtful finish work extends to areas you wouldn't normally see such as the back of case pieces, underside of table tops and inside drawers. Just like the top, these areas are sanded, stained and often sealed with the same catalyzed conversion varnish that is highly resistant to liquids and household chemicals.

 

These are just a few examples of the attention to detail and durability that all come together to create the heirloom quality that we call "Amish-made." So next time you hear that phrase you'll have an idea of the plethora of details to look for that give Amish-made furniture its reputation for high quality.

 Come in and look at some beautiful examples of Amish Craftsmanship.

 

 The Blackledge staff put together some fun Pinterest boards with entryway ideas to welcome the New Year and new guests. 

Classic Blue Entryways
by Diana Robbins

Classic blue…. this years pick as the color of the year by the Pantone Color Institute. For over 20 years, the Pantone Color Institute has chosen a color of the year based on much in depth research. They look at such things as trends across fashion, design, travel destinations, sports, leisure play destinations, environmental and political climate. We are primed for this gorgeous shade that brings a sense of calm, dependability, clarity, refuge and is certain to remain timeless and enduring.

Faìlte (A Highland Welcome) by Kathryn Spain

Halò agus Fàilte! – Hello and welcome! Welcome your guests to your castle in style. Comforting textiles such as plaids, traditional tartans, and tweed provide a warm entryway. A pedestal table anchors the room with accent seating and storage pieces. Add purple heather or yellow broom landscape photos to provide the color pop to your entry as they do on a summer’s day in the Highlands.


Welcoming Entryways                              by Elizabeth

Mirrors are a great way to brighten up your entryway for the new year. They can make a small space seem larger or just add a bit of interest or whimsy. It also doesn’t have to be one large mirror. It can be a cluster of smaller mirrors or a mirror divided up to look like window panes. So give it a try. Have some fun. You may just like what you see.

Welcome to the Dark Side by Emily Labarre

Have a flair for the dramatic? Or find yourself drawn to the dark and creepy? Then you gotta check out these ideas for a goth entryway, all available from Blackledge Furniture (except, unfortunately, for The Cure’s Robert Smith). Eyeliner not required!

Outdoor & Patio Design

This month, we held a Saturday design charrette for outdoor patio or sunrooms. We passed around cards with words and colors written on them and everyone selected 3 cards. With those 3 inputs, our staff went to work creating a dream space. The results are fantastic!

 

Orange Crush is the patio or sunroom design for the avid gardner who loves a cheery and bright summer day. With furniture for big dogs and scratchy cats that is designed for summer fun. Whether indoors or out ...you can brighten up your look with just the right touch of that delicious color called orange.

Orange Crush by Diana Robbins is the patio or sunroom design for the avid gardener who loves a cheery and bright summer day. With furniture for big dogs and scratchy cats that is designed for summer fun. Whether indoors or out …you can brighten up your look with just the right touch of that delicious color called orange.

Select your outdoor sofa in an azure blue. The soft comfortable fabric is Nuvella technology; durable and UV resistant, yet nice enough to bring inside. Add two dark blue Chantilly ceramic garden seats, and a set of 4 chic stackable arm chairs. The fun concrete cage lamp is a nice touch to add to your evenings outside. Pull it all together with a brightly colored indoor/outdoor area rug, and you are quickly and easily spending cool times outdoors.

The soft sounds of birds chirping and the delightful fragrance of lavender surrounds you as you enjoy this romantic, elegant, and graceful Parisian patio design.

Want to make your coastal weekend retreat not just a get-a-way from work, but also a bright, cheery and uplifting experience?

Punch up your outdoor living space with reds, pinks, oranges, blues and greens. You’ll not only feel PHYSICALLY better when you return to work, but you will be EMOTIONALLY re-energized and re-invigorated as well.

So go ahead and splash some color at the coast.

21st century meets 19th century safari style. Classic black with ethnic animal motifs defines this outdoor space idea. Rattan, hand-carved, geometric, and animal prints come together to redefine what safari can be. Think shooting as in photography, with retro black and white canvases. Safari never looked so cool.

Melissa’s fun Sunnyside Up Midcentury patio design is bright, yellow and quirky fun.

 

MONTH: MARCH 2018

Multi-Function Furniture

As our living spaces become more of a gathering spot for families, entertainment, school work and social media, we are seeking more multi-functional, space saving furniture.   The furniture industry has addressed some of these needs with creative pieces from lift-top cocktail tables to charging stations in nightstands. It is a whole new area of furniture design.

Dual nested footstools with a flip-top offer additional seating, storage and table access. They are available in a variety of colors and easy clean fabrics.

Coffee tables have evolved with lift tops for work, crafts, refreshments and playing games. Some offer ottomans nested below for extra seating as well. Sofa tables also have multi-functions with ottomans snuggled below and desk options on top.

Bedroom pieces have special functions also. Nightstands featuring charging stations and nightlights can be found from many collections. TV entertainment chest of drawers offer storage options with space for audio equipment. Some dressers and chests have hidden storage for jewelry or keepsakes. Beds offer extra storage with drawers found either at the foot of the bed or on the side.

Home office furniture has also evolved from the larger computer desks to more compact and functional desk options. You can find expandable desks, desks with attached bookcase, end tables with file cabinets, and smaller desks with a separate rolling file drawer to store under or next to the desk. These work well for the families that use rooms for crafts, school and office work.

As the television profiles changed the entertainment centers of yesterday also evolved into TV stands that house areas for gaming and audio equipment.

Electric fireplaces have become a unique piece of furniture that can either hang on the wall, hold TV’s, or provide a nice ambiance to any room. They are available with heaters that can warm a room and come in a variety of sizes and styles from rustic stone facade to more traditional designs.fireplace

Upholstery furniture has seen a few changes as well, with transitional styles that add a chaise piece to a sofa, sectional or sleepers with changeable positioning.    

At Blackledge Furniture we can help accommodate your active lives with creative space saving furniture pieces.

 

                              Lift Chairs  

Lift chairs can be a wonderful way to give freedom to someone with an injury or limited strength and mobility.  Even if they just need a little help every now and then, it can add comfort and safety to those who use the chair as well as for those who care for them.

If at all possible when looking for a lift chair, bring the person who will be using the chair to try it out. This can ensure that the chair will be comfortable for them, If that person is unable to come in, take the measurements of a chair that they sit in and fits them to help guide selection.

 An important thing to think about is how the chair fits the person from the back of their hips to just under the knee, also known as seat depth.   If a chair is too shallow or too deep it can make the person sitting in it feel as if they are slouching or like they will fall out. A proper fitting chair will allow the back and legs to be supported.

 Another aspect to consider is length of the footrest. If it is too short it can put pressure on the legs and interfere with circulation.   If it is to long and the persons heel is on the footrest it can put pressure on the back of the knee and cause discomfort and strain on that joint. You want the footrest to fit so that the person’s heel is hanging off the end. This allows the legs to be supported by the padding without strain.

The next thing to look at is the head rest and back padding. Many recliners have lots of padding to add to comfort and support the back. If the padding does not fit the person it can cause back pain or neck pain. You want to make sure that the headrest does not push the head forward when sitting in the chair. This can cause strain to the muscles of the neck which when sitting for even a short period of time. A head rest that fits well can support the neck and head relieving the muscles of the pressure that can cause neck strain.

The last thing to remember is that every chair takes a little "breaking in" and not every chair can fit everyone perfectly. Sometimes the best solution is to add a little extra adjustable padding, such as a small pillow behind your back, to add comfort.

Make Your Bedroom a Restful Place to Sleep

Your bedroom should be quiet and relaxing. Unwelcome noise or light, an uncomfortable or worn-out mattress and foundation or a room that’s too warm or too cool can prevent you from getting the sleep you need. There’s no reason to settle for anything less than perfect sleep. 

Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Haven

Is your bedroom conducive to a good night’s sleep? These four factors can make a difference: 

MATTRESS AND FOUNDATION Be sure your mattress and foundation meet your needs for both comfort and support. If you sleep with a partner, your mattress should also allow you both enough space to move easily.

LIGHT Light is one of the body’s most powerful time cues. The rising sun can wake up the brain long before the alarm goes off. A dark room is the most conducive for sleep -day or night. 

NOISE Sudden, loud noises from inside or outside the home can disrupt sleep. Steady, low sounds, such as the whir of a fan or air conditioner, are soothing because they heIp block out distracting noises. 

TEMPERATURE The ideal bedroom temperature is 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 18 degrees Celsius). A room that’s to o warm or too cool can disrupt comfortable sleep.

10 Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep

We all have too much to do, so take time out and recharge yourself by getting a good night’s sleep. The quality and quantity of your sleep can make all the difference in how productive you’ll be the next day. Here are ten tips to help you get the sleep you need and deserve. 

  1. GIVE YOURSELF “PERMISSION”TO GO TO BED. As hard as it may be to put away your “to do” list, make sleep a “priority.” You’ll thank yourself in the morning. 
  2. UNWIND EARLY IN THE EVENING. Try to deal with worries and distractions several hours before bedtime.
  3. DEVELOP A SLEEP RITUAL. Doing the same things each night just before bed signals your body to settle down for the night. 
  4. KEEP REGULAR HOURS. Keep your biological clock in check by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning -even on weekends.
  5. CREATE A RESTFUL PLACE TO SLEEP. Sleep in a cool, dark room that is free from noises that may disturb your sleep. 
  6. SLEEP ON A COMFORTABLE, SUPPORTIVE MATTRESS AND FOUNDATION. It’s difficult to sleep on a bed that’s too small, too soft, too hard or too old. 
  7. EXERCISE REGULARLY. Regular exercise can help relieve daily tension and stress -but don’t exercise too close to bedtime or you may have trouble falling asleep. 
  8. CUT DOWN ON STIMULANTS. Consuming stimulants, such as caffeine, in the evening can make it more difficult to fall asleep. 
  9. DON’T SMOKE. Smokers take longer to fall asleep and wake up more often during the night. 
  10. REDUCE ALCOHOL INTAKE. Drinking alcohol shortly before bedtime interrupts and fragments sleep. 

Nailed It!

Nailheads, or studs, are a great way of making your space have the look you want! Add them to a tufted grey sofa for a clean, modern look; put them on a leather recliner for a traditional look; or add nailheads to a wooden table for a more bohemian look. Whatever way you do it, you nailed it! Check out how we feature this trend below! You can also view our nailhead selections here.

Upholstered Pieces

Wooden Pieces

Accessories

Mirrors Can Be Magical

By Diana Robbins

When it comes to a well designed room the perfect mirror can add just the right touch. Why is that? Because a mirror can… 

                              * bring added light

                              * define space

                              * add impact or drama

                              * create ambiance

It’s great to use one’s imagination…go ahead and break a few rules! Get really creative in your use of mirrors in your home.

Many designers would say that you can never have too many mirrors in your home. They can actually be thought of as a work of art. Imagine arranging an attractive grouping of multiple mirrors in varying shapes and sizes on the same wall. An important rule of thumb when doing this is to keep the mirror sizes proportional to the size of the wall that they will be placed on. If you’re working with a large wall then mirrors should be larger in scale. Be creative; you can mix up the sizes as long as you keep them in a harmonious relationship to one another based on scale and proportion.

Check out how Simone Design arranged these beautiful sunburst mirrors by clicking on the image above!

Entryway Charm

When I think of decorating with mirrors the first place that comes to mind is the entryway.

A mirror looks perfect over an accent chest. Because they add light, depth, and reflective warmth they can literally transform what otherwise would simply be undefined space.

Click on the image above to see this circular, scalloped mirror from Uttermost on our website.

Mirrors Reflect Light

A dining room is a wonderful place to hang a stylish mirror. A mirror tends to pair beautifully over a buffet and can be a great focal point due to it’s ability to create atmosphere in capturing the reflection of a beautiful chandelier or romantic candle light. 

Check out this bright mirror from Surya!

Adding Space

Not only are they in Vogue, but they are also really practical. Large floor mirrors can be an ideal way to bring a sense of more square footage to a room. If reflecting a beautiful outdoor space or pleasant imagery from the home, it can be a great way to lift the mood of the room while also creating the illusion of more space.

Shop our variety of mirrors by clicking here or click on the image above to view it on our website.

Feng Shui With Mirrors

Discretion should be used when it comes to placement of mirrors, particularly keeping in mind the ideas of Feng Shui as to energy and balance.  According to Feng Shui design philosophy, a bedroom can be a challenging room when it comes to mirror placement due to wanting a sense of intimacy in this room. One may wish to avoid the use of a mirror directly facing one’s bed. Feng Shui is all about balancing energy, so placing a mirror directly above a fireplace is considered to be ideal. When used at the entryway of the home, a mirror creates a sense of being welcomed.

Relax and Have Fun

Regardless of exactly how one chooses to capture the beauty and charm of using mirrors when it comes to interior design, the most important thing is to be creative and to have fun …they should be a reflection of you and your unique personal style. 

Ottomans – So Many Choices!

By Kim Stewart

So many ottoman options.

Round. Square. Rectangular. Tufted.

Endless possibilities. 

Custom fabric.

Storage.

Made in Oregon, or not.

Plush. Cubed. With legs, without.

Modern, traditional. Leather.

And more…..imagine something special for that special room, we can help you design an ottoman you’ll love.

Hygge: Comfort and Joy

What is hygge (hue-gah)? Hygge is waking up on a cold morning and curling up on the couch with a good book. Hygge is great conversation with good friends over a cup of coffee. Hygge is snuggling with your spouse and your dog in front of the fireplace. To the Danish, it is a concept of coziness created when in complete absence of frustration, or anything emotionally overwhelming, usually accompanied by good food or drinks, loved ones, and candle light.

Many Americans across the nation are adopting this concept of hygge as a lifestyle and implementing it into their daily lives. Here are 8 ways you can add some hygge warmth to your home this winter.

     1.  Add Bedroom Seating

Click on the image above to see it on our website.

Adding a comfortable place to sit in your bedroom allows you to scroll through your phone or read a book some place other than your bed. This also helps you avoid sitting on the edge of your bed, keeping your mattress fresh and preventing sagging. Bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes, so if you’re having a hard time figuring out where to put seating come ask one of our design experts at Blackledge Furniture.

     2.  Display Comfort Tools

Click on the image above to see it on our website.

Leaving things like blankets, family photos, and books around will instantly add some comfort to your life. Anytime you are feeling cold or just want to snuggle up something is always readily accessible. It will also create an inviting environment for your guests, so they can be comfortable too.

     3.  Work with Color

Click on the image above to see the collaborators of this design on Rowe’s Instagram.

Color can have quite an effect on the ambiance of a room. Dark, dramatic walls can make a space look more elegant while brighter walls might bring out the light in the room more. It just depends on how you want the room to feel. The idea here is to create a calm space that is free of clutter, so try to stick with a tight color scheme to keep it from being too distracting.

     4.  Layer, Layer, Layer!

Click on the image above to see it on our website.

Battle the cold temperatures by layering up! Layers add instant coziness to your favorite sofa or recliner. Bundling up the blankets on your bed also instill a sense of comfort.

Pro-Tip: Who said you couldn’t layer rugs?! Of course you can, and it looks great!

Click on the image above to shop our area rugs.

     5.  Incorporate Natural Elements

Click on the image above to see it on our website.

Earthy elements like wooden features and raw materials make your home look and feel effortlessly alive. You can incorporate natural elements like wood, rock, leather, and greenery into your home for extra comfort.

     6.  Candles in the Bathroom

Click on the image above to see it on our website or click here to view all candleholders.

Lower lighting=comfort lighting! Candles are a great way of getting your home hygge-d for the winter. They add warmth and light to any room. The bathroom is a great place for candles as it freshens up the aroma and creates a small nightlight.

7. Incorporate a Curtain Wall

Using fabric as a wall treatment is a great way to add cozy textures to your space. This also gives the room a visual interest that is a little more unique and represents your own personal style. Check out this inspired before and after curtain wall makeover done by BowerPowerBlog!

     8.  Create a Fireside Nook

Throw a down comforter on the floor by your fireplace and  spread some throw blankets and bolster pillows around it to create a fireside nook. Nooks are perfect places to read or sip coffee and relax in. Setting up your nook by the fire adds a little extra warmth and coziness.

As you can see there are many ways to add hygge comfort to your space. Try some of these yourself and embrace the Danish concept of hygge in your home today.

Shop Local Oregon Manufacturers        

Oregon, as we know, is a bountiful state in manufacturing with a wealth of offerings from; agriculture, timber, apparel, wines and furniture. Supporting local business is understandably in favor of the local economy, environmental sustainability and maintains the local character and diversity of our community. Here at Blackledge Furniture, we are proud to carry local furniture manufacturers and bring you a rich selection of home goods.

You might run into Brian at the grocery store, because Oak Craft Manufacturing has been serving Corvallis since the early 90’s. He only works with solid oak or oak plywood- never particle board, so quality and durability are assured. In Mission and Contemporary styles, you can outfit your entire home with their wide selection of bedroom furniture, office suites, and entertainment centers. Don’t see the size you need? They can customize pieces and offer multiple stain options.

 Just up Interstate 5 , in Tualatin, Sunset Home Upholstery has been in business for over 50 years making superior quality upholstered items like sofas, sleeper sofas, sectionals, chairs and ottomans. They offer an impressive lifetime warranty on their frames, cushions and springs! What they don’t have are caustic CFC’s because the foams are soy based and free of controversial fire retardants. Customize to your heart’s desire with styles, fabrics and configurations. At Blackledge Furniture, we have frame styles you won’t find anywhere else and you never have to worry about premium fabric prices.

Displaying Collectables             By Elizabeth at Blackledges   

Collecting things can be a great hobby. I love to collect things, and over time the things usually become treasures. But unless you display your treasures in an artful way, they can end up simply looking like clutter.

We have numerous pieces of furniture to help you arrange and display your collections in a manner that will become an artful addition to your home. Of course, how you display your collection will be determined by what it is you are collecting. Life size ceramic turtles will need to be displayed differently than beanie babies.

Books, plates or pottery can be displayed nicely in something like this Hooker Cherry Creek glass front bookcase.

Photos or plates could be artfully displayed on top of this entertainment center.

So go ahead, hit the garage sales, flea markets or Craig’s list.

Collect away, and display your treasures in style!

 

   Pets and Upholstery Fabrics

If you are having a hard time finding furniture that is durable to stand up to your pets as well as your family, you are not alone. According the Humane Society of the United States as of 2011-2012, there are 78 million dog owners and 86 million cat owners in the U.S. As the number of household pets increases, so has the desire to create a pet-friendly home.

One of the main concerns facing pet owners when it comes to redecorating is finding upholstered furniture that is beautiful, stylish and able to withstand the abuse that animals such as cats and dogs can inflict on it. Some of the problems a sofa may face in a home with pets include allergens, dirt, pet hair, trapped odors and claw/puncture marks. I’m sure those of you who have pets know that the list doesn’t stop here. I myself combat pet hair that all the furniture and dirt marks from a Boston Terrier that likes to bury her bones in the garden (as well as in the sofa cushions).

With all of these factors to consider, it can seem almost impossible to find a solution that will accommodate everyone in your home. Never fear, there is a solution! You do not need to sacrifice a healthy, happy and stylish home when you have pets. There are many fabrics and materials available today that are durable enough to withstand the daily abuse caused by cats and dogs. Many of these fabrics are very affordable and will last years to come thanks to their durable nature.

Lets look at some of these materials starting with microfiber.

Microfibers- Microfibers are tightly woven, suede like, fabrics that are stain and odor resistant. Because the fibers are packed in close together, liquids are not easily absorbed through the surface of the fabric. And because it is a smooth texture, dog and cat claws are less likely to rip or tear the fabric. In general, pet hair is not strongly attracted to micro fiber. Rolling a lint brush over the surface once and a while should help keep your furniture hair free.

Leather- If allergens are your family’s main concern, try a finished leather or leather like material. It does not attract pet hair or other allergens and can be easily wiped away to clean and disinfect the piece. A mild detergent is usually all you need to keep leather free of dust and pet hair. Finished leather, like microfiber is also odor resistant because stains and liquids do not easily penetrate the surface where odors typically linger. However, if you are considering leather, be wary if you have a pet that tends to have sharp claws. Leather is forgiving of light scratches but watch out for actual punctures.

Other thoughts to consider when selecting a fabric- If you chose a woven fabric, be sure to pick one that has a tight weave and is not heavily textured. Cats especially like to sink there claws into a nice nubby piece of furniture, leaving unsightly claw marks. Non-woven or tightly woven, flat fabrics are much better at resisting rips and tears. Dark colors and multicolor fabrics will also hide stains and dirt much easier than lighter colors. If you have a pet that sheds unbelievable amounts of hair, sometimes it is also best to pick a fabric that is close to the color of you pet in order to hide hair on the surface.

Multi Function Furniture

Stephanie

As our living spaces become more of a gathering spot for families, entertainment, school work and social media, we are seeking more multi-functional, space saving furniture.  The furniture industry has addressed some of these needs with creative pieces from lift-top cocktail tables to charging stations in nightstands.  It is a whole new area of furniture design.

Dual nested footstools with a  flip-top offer additional seating, storage and table access. They are available in a variety of colors and easy clean fabrics.

Coffee tables have evolved with lift tops for work, crafts, refreshments and playing games. Some offer ottomans nested below for extra seating as well.  Sofa tables also have multi-functions with ottomans snuggled below and desk options on top.ocassional

Bedroom pieces have special functions also. Nightstands featuring charging stations and nightlights can be found from many collections. TV entertainment chest of drawers offer storage options with space for audio equipment.  Some dressers and chests have hidden storage for jewelry or keepsakes. Beds offer extra storage with drawers found either at the foot of the bed or on the side.

Home office furniture has also evolved from the larger computer desks to more compact and functional desk options. You can find expandable desks, desks with attached bookcase, end tables with file cabinets, and smaller desks with a separate rolling file drawer to store under or next to the desk. These work well for the families that use rooms for crafts, school and office work.

As the television profiles changed the entertainment centers of yesterday also evolved into TV stands that house areas for gaming and audio equipment.

fireplaceElectric fireplaces have become a unique piece of furniture that can either hang on the wall, hold TV’s, or provide a nice ambiance to any room. They are available with heaters that can warm a room and come in a variety of sizes and styles from rustic stone facade to more traditional designs.

Upholstery furniture has seen a few changes as well, with transitional styles that add a chaise piece to a sofa, sectional or sleepers with changeable positioning.    

At Blackledge Furniture we can help accommodate your active lives with creative space saving furniture pieces.

 

Sectionals and Modular Sofas Bring Families Together  

What does “family,” mean to you? You may be referring to your immediate family members, or your entire extended family. Add in a sprinkle of close friends and your house is practically overflowing during special occasions and impromptu gatherings.

With busy schedules family mealtimes may be less frequent, leaving the sectional to replace the kitchen in many homes as a place to relax and connect through conversation, games or entertainment.

In fact, sectional and modular seating may be replacing the kitchen table as the preferred gathering place for family and friends.

So what is the difference between a sectional and a modular sofa? Sectionals are pieces that are configured in specific way, whereas modular units offer more flexibility to arrange the individual pieces based upon your changing space needs. Sectionals and modular sofas are excellent choice since our lifestyles have evolved with more emphasis on social seating, lounging, relaxing and electronics.

The combination of comfort, quality and versatility in sectional and modular units vary greatly. Add a chaise, additional armless pieces, a corner wedges or a sleeper for thousands of configuration possibilities. Add your own personal style to your groupings. You can include details such as contrasting welt, nail-head trim, all-leather (in hundreds of color choices) or in leather and fabric combinations.

 

Select an adjustable mattress base for greater sleeping comfort

Many people go mattress shopping and make the mistake of focusing only on the top 4-6 inches of the mattress.   They don't realize how an adjustable base can significantly increase their comfort while reading, working, watching TV, and sleeping.

Let's face it -- people do a lot more than sleep in their beds these days.   Technology has made it easy to browse the internet or watch TV from the comfort of your bed. With an increase in people working from home, even work is brought into the bedroom. An adjustable base turns your bed into a home office or theater at the touch of a button. Massage features allow you to work the tension away before turning out the lights.   Placing your body in a reclined, supported position instead of propped up on pillows means fewer aches and pains when you wake up in the morning.

Adjustable bases offer significant health benefits as well. They allow you to place your body in a zero gravity position (so that your knees are level with your heart), which increases circulation. Inclining your torso while you sleep elongates your airways, making it easier to breath for those with sleep apnea or snoring problems. Since sleeping this way relieves pressure on your throat muscles and tongue, your breathing is unobstructed so you can sleep more soundly through the night. The same raised position cuts back on acid reflux. This position relieves tension on the discs and ligaments in your lower back, easing pain throughout the night.

What to look for when shopping for an adjustable base

Although there are lots of options in the market of adjustable bases, it doesn't need to be as complicated as car shopping. Massage features, sleep timers, and easy-access electrical plug options make it easy to find the perfect base to suit your needs.

If you're a late-night reader, TV watcher, or laptop user, select a base that raises to a high enough position for you and that has convenient electrical plugs built in. However, if you need a slight incline to reduce acid reflux at night, such an incline isn't necessary. If you're prone to losing remotes, chose a base with an attached remote. If you're most comfortable with your legs significantly elevated, look for a base with more flexibility in the leg area.

Gentle wake alarms, snore features, iPhone/iPod controls, quiet motors, wireless backlit remotes, and wall hugger features are all designed to improve your night's sleep, so don't be afraid to ask to see all the options. Some adjustable bases are designed with upholstered fabric siding, so they can stand alone and look great in your bedroom.

The most important advice anyone can give is to spend about 15 minutes on the adjustable base you like the most. Play with all the buttons and get a feel for how it moves. If you plan to sleep in an inclined position, find that perfect position and relax for a while. Once you feel the tension in your spine dissipate and the weight lift off your chest, a flat bed will never feel the same.

Getting to Know Rowe                                                           

Rowe is best known for its fashion-forward upholstery and styling options... and I must add their gorgeous fabric selection.  I thought to myself, how great it would be to select a sofa, add decorative accents such as nail-head detailing, leg style/wood and select from multiple cushion configurations at no additional charge.  Well Rowe came through with flying colors!  Its called Rowe Extra Options Program, or for fun lets call it RXO. 

It all starts with your frame selection (see examples below), then add personality with flair and confidence.  Each piece is constructed using Hardwood plywood frames secured by double-dowel joints and corner blocks.  They are guaranteed to be free from manufacturer defects for their lifetime. 

Equally committed to sustainability, Rowe is also a Founding Member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.  They select moisture-free kiln dried woods from replenished, domestic forests.  Their natural renewable fibers are dyed at GOTS certified facilities and they offer the choice of two eco-friendly seat cushion cores.          

Too good to be true?  It keeps getting better because not only can you browse through hundreds of fabrics choices right here at Blackledge Furniture, you can have a knowledgeable furniture consultant to help you every step of the way.  You, Rowe and Blackledge Furniture, the perfect design team.

varick SofaMitchell SofaMitchell Sectional

        Varick Sofa                                     Mitchell Sofa                                     Mitchell Sectional

Decorating smaller spaces

In a town full of retirement condos, college apartments and small historical homes, it is a good idea to consider how to make those small spaces seem bigger.  Whether you are downsizing or just enjoy living in a modest sized home, nobody wants to feel cramped in their living space.  Here are some small changes you can make to make your room feel bigger than it is.

- Choose light, soft colors for your upholstery, floor covering and walls.  By using heavy dark pieces, you will only create a more enclosed feel.  Using light elements will leave the room feeling open and ai ry.

 

- Use a monochromatic color scheme.  Try keeping all of your upholstery in the same color family and use texture to create visual interest instead of color.  Also keep your walls and upholstery similar colors so that your furniture blends in with the walls and creates a more cohesive look.

 - Eliminating clutter is key.  Use a few large pieces of furniture and accessories rather than many small pieces.  Having lots of open space between the pieces in the room will create a more airy feeling as well.    Hopefully with these tips you can create a feeling of openness and make your home more enjoyable.

ElizabethUSE COLORS TO EVOKE A MOOD

  By Elizabeth at Blackledge's

When designing a room, it is important to determine what kind of mood or feeling you want the room to evoke.   Do you want the room to be nostalgic, to bring back memories of sitting in front of the fire with your Grandparents on a snowy winter night?  Then you might want rich, warm dark browns and dark reds paired with more neutral tans and beiges.  If you want a room to remind you of a relaxing time at the ocean, you might try a palette of toned down subtle blues, yellows and greens reminiscent of the mist that forms near the sea shore.   Unless you intentionally want the room to have a “wow” factor, use colors of a similar  intensity, so that no color is so strong that it singularly stands out or is jarring to your senses.

Now go ahead, dream of what you want your room to look like, and then use colors to evoke that mood.

Make your furniture shopping more productive

By Stephanie

When starting a project for your home, there are a few things you can do before coming to the store to help make your furniture shopping time efficient and enjoyable.

Bring your room measurements. If you have unique room shapes or angles in a specific space, please bring a picture as well as the measurements. This allows us to help you visualize a piece in that space. It also allows us the opportunity to discuss options for alternate furniture arrangement. If you are looking for a specific space like a couch under a window or on a wall, make sure you know how long the area is as well as the desired height. By knowing the size we can suggest the perfect solutions and compare your sofa selection to the measurements of your home.

Flooring and Wall. Bring samples of flooring, wall coloring, and other furniture present in the room. When you are selecting a fabric, or trying to match a wood or style in your home having those samples present allows us to better understand and meet your needs. When buying carpet or wood floors ask if you can have a sample and then store them in a folder. You can also do this with fabric, leather, and paint chips. That folder will become your home design kit.

Accessories. A fun task is finding pictures of rooms or items you like, in magazines or books. Make copies and bring them in. If we can see what your looking for we can better serve you in finding it. It also allows us to see what appeals to you and the styles and colors you are trying to maintain or achieve. This can prevent selecting items that may not suit your end desires.