Archive for the ‘Furniture’ Category
As featured in the Los Angles Daily News
Inside out.
That’s the theme in outdoor furniture this season, as designers borrow what’s fresh and fun from interior design and put it on the patio.
And outdoor rooms aren’t just for dining and entertaining anymore. This summer, the focus is on relaxing in sumptuous comfort. Still, it’s not all about indulgence. There’s also an emphasis on sturdier, and more eco-friendly, materials.
And worshipping the sun? That’s so George Hamilton. Instead, be on the lookout for innovative awnings and umbrellas that stylishly block out the glare.
Here’s a more detailed look at what’s new under the sun:
MODERN LOVE
The mid-century modern look is moving out – to the backyard. And there’s nothing subtle about this trend. “We’re seeing great, molded heavy plastic furniture that you can keep out year-round,” says Chicago-based home furnishings consumer expert Jennifer Litwin. “It’s strong and sturdy, and it comes in a lot of funky colors. It’s like planting a beautiful flower in your yard.”
SWEET SANCTUARY
The concept of the outdoor room has expanded from living to lounging. It’s bedding in the backyard, with an emphasis on comfier yet still weather-resistant materials. Among the hot items? Tandem chaise lounges.
“We sell more double lounges than single,” says Brendan Barry, owner of Barong Furniture and accessories in West Hollywood, whose outdoor furniture offerings are primarily teak and iron. What does this say about the L.A. lifestyle? “Let’s just say people like to cuddle,” he says with a laugh.
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As Featured in the Dallas News
By Marni Jameson
If there were laws against furniture abuse, I’d be in jail. All winter long, I leave my patio furniture outside, uncovered, to endure freezing temps, hammering rain, hide-peeling sun and berry-eating bird assaults. Meanwhile I stay warm, dry and sun-protected inside. Then, about this time of year, I expect my outdoor furniture and me to pick up where we left off.
Turns out I have some making up to do.
The cushions take the worst beating – and not all due to laziness, though that’s partly to blame. The main reason my cushions languish outside all year is because the time is never right to bring them in. When it’s nice out, I don’t want to bring them in because it’s nice out. I might want to sit outside.
When it’s crummy out, I don’t want to bring them in because it’s crummy out. I don’t want to be outside.
When the skies clear, the cushions are wet or snow-covered, and I don’t want to bring them in until they dry. So I wait until it’s nice again. The cycle continues until we’re back to warm weather.
So when I heard that outdoor-furniture makers had started making furniture and fabrics that could withstand this abuse, I got even more excited than I did when Starbucks got drive-through. I felt vindicated.
“Gone are the days of slip-covering outdoor furniture at the end of the season,” said Jennifer Litwin, a Sotheby-trained furniture expert and author of Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever! (House of Collectibles, $14.95), who was singing my song.
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As Featured on the Today Show
We’ve all heard the saying “You get what you pay for,” but it’s not always so black and white. So how do you know when a cheaper version of a product is a good buy or when it would be better in the long run to pay top dollar? Luckily for us, that’s a question “Money” magazine’s September issue and and TODAY’s Financial editor Jean Chatzky tackled.
THE KITCHEN
Microwave:
Emerson MW8992RD, 0.9-Cubic-Foot 900W, $60
Save or spend: Save
Most microwaves on the market are made by a Chinese outfit called Galanz, so the guts and functionality are remarkably similar. As for looks, Emerson’s red stainless model has lots of style.
Pepper mill:
Seven-inch Peugeot Paris, $38
Save or spend: Spend
Just as with coffee, pepper tastes better if you grind it yourself. That’s why, according to chef Charlie Palmer, a good pepper mill is a must. It’ll produce a consistent texture, and you’ll be able to adjust the size of the grind. Peugeot (yes, it’s the automaker) has been making this mill since 1847, and the design hasn’t changed much in that time. Each grinder groove is individually cut and case hardened.
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As Featured on CNNMoney
To get the most for your money, you need to know two things: when the good stuff is worth paying extra for and when the economy choice is plenty good enough.
Save or spend: Spend
“The sofa is the anchor of your living room,” says interior designer Thom Filicia. That alone may make it worth a splurge.
But also: Above $2,000 you tend to get something sturdier. “The biggest thing to consider is the frame,” says Jennifer Litwin, author of “Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!”
On cheaper couches, the frame may be made of metal or pressed wood. Kiln-dried hardwood like you’ll find in this sofa from Restoration Hardware is better; it gives, therefore it won’t crack.
Look for a down-foam mix in the cushions. “The best couches feature eight-way hand-tied coils too,” says Litwin.
Ask the salesperson whether the store has a cutaway. But also just lift it – a solidly constructed sofa shouldn’t be easy to pick up.
As Featured in Quick & Simple
By: Tiffany Sun, Associate Editor
For: Quick & Simple
You can furnish your home in style without ever setting foot out of the front door! Jennifer Litwin, author of Furniture Hot Spots, shares her secrets for getting great steals on the Web.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Be a night owl – or an early bird. Many sellers post items in the wee hours, so you’ll find the most refreshed inventory then or first thing in the a.m.
A PICTURE’S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Seek out sellers who provide bright, clear images of their items. Otherwise, that red velvet chair that caught your eye may turn out to be pumpkin orange when it arrives!
MAKE YOUR MARK
You’re not the only one with good taste, so if you really love something, show your interest immediately. Respond to a post as quickly as possible – a phone call (rather than an e-mail, which can be overlooked) may put you at the top of the list and separate you from the pack of potential buyers.
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