Well my friend Daryl says he won't become a follower of this blog unless I post weekly so this one is for you Daryl.
My sister is in town so I am taking some time off. No design advice this week but check back soon.
Jon
Have a design dilemma? Jon LaDosz, the lead designer at Furniture Affair is here to help.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Boring Bath
Dear Jon-
Our guest bath is soooo boring. White fixtures, brushed nickle hardware, builder beige tile floors and Arizona white wall make it blah and uninteresting. I would love for it to make a statement but am paralyzed into inaction. I don't know where to begin. All that white is overwhelming. The rest of our home is in warm nuetrals but I was hoping for something different. Please help.
Boring in Buckeye.
Dear BiB,
Classic white bath fixtures and brushed nickle hardware are perfect elements to build a wonderful guest bath around as they offer limitless possibilities. I also feel that guest baths are a great place to "step out of the box" and create a surprise space that will wow your guests.
The biggest impact will be color so pick a shade you've always liked but have never used. Dark, rich, dramatic tones are a warm and oppulent choice. I love when the color extends up to the ceiling creating a jewel box effect. Think topaz, amythest, lapis lazuli, jade. Paint all the trim white to tie in the fixtures and you've immediately created drama.
If you still have the builder standard plate mirror, now is the time to replace it with something with charm and character. A beautifully framed mirror adds instant architecture and has a big impact in a small space.
I really like fabric at the tub/shower, even if it already has glass doors. It adds warmth, pattern and texture. Take it from the ceiling to the floor to really up the wow factor.
Finish your space with some interesting wall art, accessories and fresh flowers and you will have a memorable room your guests can enjoy.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Creating A Home Theater
Dear Jon,
My family and I are big movie buffs and would like to create a special space to enjoy them. Any suggestions?
Hooray for Hollywood
Dear HfH,
What a great opportunity to create a special place for cherished family times
A room dedicated to movie watching is the ultimate luxury for movie buffs. Find a quiet out of the way location. Have a qualified professional determine the best audio video equipment for your space and budget and have it professionally installed. Now the fun part!
Padded and/or upholstered walls will give your home theater a cocoon like silence and add an air of sophistication and luxury. A dark rich tone will help focus your attention at the screen while a lighter shade will help expand small spaces and bold primary colors can create a fun and playful ambiance.
Think of the grand movie palaces of old when considering the style for your new space. A home theater is a great place to have some fun with your decorating style. Some classic choices include:
Art Deco- sinuous curves, metallic finishes, crystal and big black and white publicity shots are hallmarks of this style.
Neoclassic – black painted furniture with guilt accents, animal prints, small geometric and jewel toned accents are perfect for this look.
Edwardian- Red velvet, big gold braided fringe, carved dark wood accents and plush upholstery fabrics will all contribute to this lush and luxurious look.
Egyptian- Yes Egyptian. It was a classic look for movie theaters early in the last century and a fun and unexpected look to resurrect today. Sand colored carpets, billowing gauze fabric, sarcopogus and busts of King Tut and Nefroterri are obvious choices for this classic movie theater theme.
Obviously the most crucial piece of furniture is the seating and for that real movie theater feel nothing beats “theater seating” Reclining, with built in headrests, cup holders, and storage compartments these units offer the best in both comfort and style. Available in a myriad of fabrics and configurations choose one that is right for your room and your family. For that real theater feel, buy 2 and have a platform built for the back row. As little as 6” can make a big difference in the site lines and the final feel of your room.
Add dimmers to your lighting, a popcorn machine, framed movie posters and even a candy counter to complete your family friendly home theater.
Happy Viewing.
Jon
My family and I are big movie buffs and would like to create a special space to enjoy them. Any suggestions?
Hooray for Hollywood
Dear HfH,
What a great opportunity to create a special place for cherished family times
A room dedicated to movie watching is the ultimate luxury for movie buffs. Find a quiet out of the way location. Have a qualified professional determine the best audio video equipment for your space and budget and have it professionally installed. Now the fun part!
Padded and/or upholstered walls will give your home theater a cocoon like silence and add an air of sophistication and luxury. A dark rich tone will help focus your attention at the screen while a lighter shade will help expand small spaces and bold primary colors can create a fun and playful ambiance.
Think of the grand movie palaces of old when considering the style for your new space. A home theater is a great place to have some fun with your decorating style. Some classic choices include:
Art Deco- sinuous curves, metallic finishes, crystal and big black and white publicity shots are hallmarks of this style.
Neoclassic – black painted furniture with guilt accents, animal prints, small geometric and jewel toned accents are perfect for this look.
Edwardian- Red velvet, big gold braided fringe, carved dark wood accents and plush upholstery fabrics will all contribute to this lush and luxurious look.
Egyptian- Yes Egyptian. It was a classic look for movie theaters early in the last century and a fun and unexpected look to resurrect today. Sand colored carpets, billowing gauze fabric, sarcopogus and busts of King Tut and Nefroterri are obvious choices for this classic movie theater theme.
Obviously the most crucial piece of furniture is the seating and for that real movie theater feel nothing beats “theater seating” Reclining, with built in headrests, cup holders, and storage compartments these units offer the best in both comfort and style. Available in a myriad of fabrics and configurations choose one that is right for your room and your family. For that real theater feel, buy 2 and have a platform built for the back row. As little as 6” can make a big difference in the site lines and the final feel of your room.
Add dimmers to your lighting, a popcorn machine, framed movie posters and even a candy counter to complete your family friendly home theater.
Happy Viewing.
Jon
Monday, June 21, 2010
Room Arrangement for the Masses
Dear Jon,
I have a design dilemma of biblical proportions. I am the mother of four with two teenagers. We are quite involved in our church and host a variety of events in our home. Most recently we have agreed to host a weekly bible study in our home. It's the opportunity I've needed to purchase new upholstery. How do I create an inviting room with enough seating for a large group of people? I've considered a sectional but feel that forcing people to sit beside one another in a row for a bible study wouldn't be very comfortable.
Mt Carmel Sarah
Dear Sarah,
Creating a room that works for both a crowd and day to day family living can be a challenge but if you keep in mind the 4 "bilities" you can achieve a room that both looks and works great. They are: Flexibility, Durability, Compatibility and Affordability,
Flexibility is the key to achieving a room that works in many different configurations. I agree that a large sectional isn't conducive to conversation so consider a smaller sofa that seats 3-4. Pair this with a two club chairs with matching ottomans. Two chairs take up the same foot print as a loveseat yet offer much more versatility, are easier to move about, and are more comfortable for two people than sharing a loveseat. The ottomans are also easy to move and offer additional seating for two when you have a crowd and feet up comfort when it's just the family. By pulling these pieces into the center of the room you open up a corner that's perfect for a pair of occasional chairs. These can be pulled into the main seating area when needed and make a quiet spot for coffee and conversation when not entertaining. Instead of a traditional cocktail table consider an oversized ottoman or a sturdy bench or trunk to offer more even more flexible seating. If this still doesn't provide you with enough seating for your group consider folding chairs. "Ballroom" folding chairs are timeless, are now available in several finishes (in addition to the traditional gold) and store away easily when not in use.
With a family that includes 2 teenagers durability is an important consideration. Leather and micro fiber offers easy to clean maintenance and tough as nails wearabilty. When selecting case goods, keep in mind that distressed finishes are much easier to maintain than slick or highly polished pieces and can instantly add a lot of character and history to your space.
Compatibility is equally as important to the success of your room. Make sure that the pieces you select are of similar scale. Don't pair small delicate chairs with an overstuffed sofa or your room could end up feeling unbalanced.
Finally affordability means different things to different people. Just be certain to purchase the highest quality furniture your budget allows. Model Home furnishings offer unparalleled value and will help you stretch your decorating budget.
By following the 4 "bilities" you will have a space that's warm and comfortable for your family and perfect for when the crowds descend. Happy shopping!
Jon
I have a design dilemma of biblical proportions. I am the mother of four with two teenagers. We are quite involved in our church and host a variety of events in our home. Most recently we have agreed to host a weekly bible study in our home. It's the opportunity I've needed to purchase new upholstery. How do I create an inviting room with enough seating for a large group of people? I've considered a sectional but feel that forcing people to sit beside one another in a row for a bible study wouldn't be very comfortable.
Mt Carmel Sarah
Dear Sarah,
Creating a room that works for both a crowd and day to day family living can be a challenge but if you keep in mind the 4 "bilities" you can achieve a room that both looks and works great. They are: Flexibility, Durability, Compatibility and Affordability,
Flexibility is the key to achieving a room that works in many different configurations. I agree that a large sectional isn't conducive to conversation so consider a smaller sofa that seats 3-4. Pair this with a two club chairs with matching ottomans. Two chairs take up the same foot print as a loveseat yet offer much more versatility, are easier to move about, and are more comfortable for two people than sharing a loveseat. The ottomans are also easy to move and offer additional seating for two when you have a crowd and feet up comfort when it's just the family. By pulling these pieces into the center of the room you open up a corner that's perfect for a pair of occasional chairs. These can be pulled into the main seating area when needed and make a quiet spot for coffee and conversation when not entertaining. Instead of a traditional cocktail table consider an oversized ottoman or a sturdy bench or trunk to offer more even more flexible seating. If this still doesn't provide you with enough seating for your group consider folding chairs. "Ballroom" folding chairs are timeless, are now available in several finishes (in addition to the traditional gold) and store away easily when not in use.
With a family that includes 2 teenagers durability is an important consideration. Leather and micro fiber offers easy to clean maintenance and tough as nails wearabilty. When selecting case goods, keep in mind that distressed finishes are much easier to maintain than slick or highly polished pieces and can instantly add a lot of character and history to your space.
Compatibility is equally as important to the success of your room. Make sure that the pieces you select are of similar scale. Don't pair small delicate chairs with an overstuffed sofa or your room could end up feeling unbalanced.
Finally affordability means different things to different people. Just be certain to purchase the highest quality furniture your budget allows. Model Home furnishings offer unparalleled value and will help you stretch your decorating budget.
By following the 4 "bilities" you will have a space that's warm and comfortable for your family and perfect for when the crowds descend. Happy shopping!
Jon
Decorating with Whites and Lights
Dear Jon,
Are we compatible? I find I'm quite taken by the use of elegant natural tones in today's décor, but I'm not sure how my children will handle it. I'm not a sophisticated socialite but a real mom with a chaotic life and I don't want a living environment that is not compatible with my children and pets. Is there hope for such a choice?
Dear Hoping,
There is something special about the quiet elegance of a neutral décor and having kids and/or pets doesn't have to exclude you from this timeless design theme. By making smart decorating choices your rooms can look good for years to come.
A creamy backdrop is easy to achieve with a high quality latex scrubbable paint. Avoid delicate wall coverings but don't shy away from today's durable and easy care vinyl coverings. The key to a successful neutral décor is varying textures and a vinyl embossed paper is a great way to add durable texture. Don't forget the ceiling. The often overlooked 5th wall is another opportunity to reinforce your design direction.
Obviously hard surface flooring such as stone, tile, hardwood or laminate is going to be more durable than wall to wall carpeting and with so many colors and finishes to choose from finding the perfect choice is easier than ever. An easy to send out to be cleaned area rug can help warm things up. Or consider a rug made for outdoor use; they are color fast, look and feel fantastic and clean up with a garden hose.
When it comes to selecting furnishings cleanability and durability are the key attributes to keep in mind. Today's synthetics hold up to kids, pets, and daily wear and tear. For the last several years microfiber has been a very popular choice. It's suede like appearance and
feel belies its rugged durability and a scrub brush and some soapy water is all it takes to clean up most stains.
White and creamy leathers are a beautiful and practical choice for an active family. Sleek and sophisticated or plush and overstuffed, neutral colored leather upholstery from a quality manufacturer will last for years with a quick wipe down. Look for fully protected aniline dyed leathers to assure years of worry free comfort and style.
When you are selecting case goods consider some of these options. For a more casual, relaxed feel painted and distressed furniture is an obvious choice and any nicks or scratches the kids may add only improve the time worn patina. In addition, weathered woods in cool neutrals are an excellent choice. Think sun bleached to get an idea of this hot decorating trend.
You know the old saying that everything comes back in style, well that is certainly true of lacquered furniture, which was all the rage at this year's High Point furniture market. Ivory's, creams, whites and ecrus with very little hardware distinguish it from its' 80's counterparts. (no brass, yeah!)
Lacquer is a hard and tough finish although finger prints can be an issue on its' ultra shiny surface.
With some wise decorating decisions you and your family can enjoy an elegant and neutral interior that truly reflects your design personality.
Jon
Are we compatible? I find I'm quite taken by the use of elegant natural tones in today's décor, but I'm not sure how my children will handle it. I'm not a sophisticated socialite but a real mom with a chaotic life and I don't want a living environment that is not compatible with my children and pets. Is there hope for such a choice?
Dear Hoping,
There is something special about the quiet elegance of a neutral décor and having kids and/or pets doesn't have to exclude you from this timeless design theme. By making smart decorating choices your rooms can look good for years to come.
A creamy backdrop is easy to achieve with a high quality latex scrubbable paint. Avoid delicate wall coverings but don't shy away from today's durable and easy care vinyl coverings. The key to a successful neutral décor is varying textures and a vinyl embossed paper is a great way to add durable texture. Don't forget the ceiling. The often overlooked 5th wall is another opportunity to reinforce your design direction.
Obviously hard surface flooring such as stone, tile, hardwood or laminate is going to be more durable than wall to wall carpeting and with so many colors and finishes to choose from finding the perfect choice is easier than ever. An easy to send out to be cleaned area rug can help warm things up. Or consider a rug made for outdoor use; they are color fast, look and feel fantastic and clean up with a garden hose.
When it comes to selecting furnishings cleanability and durability are the key attributes to keep in mind. Today's synthetics hold up to kids, pets, and daily wear and tear. For the last several years microfiber has been a very popular choice. It's suede like appearance and
feel belies its rugged durability and a scrub brush and some soapy water is all it takes to clean up most stains.
White and creamy leathers are a beautiful and practical choice for an active family. Sleek and sophisticated or plush and overstuffed, neutral colored leather upholstery from a quality manufacturer will last for years with a quick wipe down. Look for fully protected aniline dyed leathers to assure years of worry free comfort and style.
When you are selecting case goods consider some of these options. For a more casual, relaxed feel painted and distressed furniture is an obvious choice and any nicks or scratches the kids may add only improve the time worn patina. In addition, weathered woods in cool neutrals are an excellent choice. Think sun bleached to get an idea of this hot decorating trend.
You know the old saying that everything comes back in style, well that is certainly true of lacquered furniture, which was all the rage at this year's High Point furniture market. Ivory's, creams, whites and ecrus with very little hardware distinguish it from its' 80's counterparts. (no brass, yeah!)
Lacquer is a hard and tough finish although finger prints can be an issue on its' ultra shiny surface.
With some wise decorating decisions you and your family can enjoy an elegant and neutral interior that truly reflects your design personality.
Jon
Dear Jon,
How do I know what's real and what's window dressing? Upholstered furniture confuses me. Can you help me navigate the murky waters?
Confused
Dear Confused-
Like any other product, the quality of upholstered furniture can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer; but there are a few guidelines to help you in your shopping.
One of the easiest to identify is weight. A piece should feel heavy for its size. This indicates a hard wood has been used for its frame; and spring construction is from a heavy gauge metal.
Also look for attention to detail in the upholstery. Seams should be tight and straight, cushions should fit snugly, pleats (when present) should be all the same size and evenly spaced and welting should be straight and even.
Patterns in fabric should be perfectly matched and aligned and the overall quality of the fabric is also a good indicator of the product quality.
If the piece has tufting, they too should be evenly spaced and the same tightness and depth. Exposed wood should be smooth and evenly finished.
Jon
How do I know what's real and what's window dressing? Upholstered furniture confuses me. Can you help me navigate the murky waters?
Confused
Dear Confused-
Like any other product, the quality of upholstered furniture can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer; but there are a few guidelines to help you in your shopping.
One of the easiest to identify is weight. A piece should feel heavy for its size. This indicates a hard wood has been used for its frame; and spring construction is from a heavy gauge metal.
Also look for attention to detail in the upholstery. Seams should be tight and straight, cushions should fit snugly, pleats (when present) should be all the same size and evenly spaced and welting should be straight and even.
Patterns in fabric should be perfectly matched and aligned and the overall quality of the fabric is also a good indicator of the product quality.
If the piece has tufting, they too should be evenly spaced and the same tightness and depth. Exposed wood should be smooth and evenly finished.
Jon
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