The Shop Cop

Los Angeles Daily News–Take It Outside

cadencep — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:05:42 +0000

By Diana McKeon Charkalis, Lifestyle Editor, for Los Angeles 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 midcentury 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.

GOING GREEN

Eco-friendly style is gaining in popularity, but it’s not always easy to find. Here in the Valley it can be had at Modern Outdoor, based in Van Nuys. Their furniture has a sleek aesthetic with clean, simple lines. And one key material they use is Ipe, a sustainably harvested wood that’s three times as dense as teak. “It’s one of the best woods you can use to make outdoor furniture,” says company vice president Brett Himmel. “Our furniture is designed for heavy commercial use. A 20-mile-per-hour gust of wind won’t blow your chair into the neighbor’s yard.”

GIMME SHELTER

We all know it’s not safe to stay in the sun. That’s why more designers are creating furniture with awnings, privacy drapes and canopies for protection. Umbrellas are also especially big this year, showing up in a variety of bold colors. The Visor, from the Walnut Creek-based D’Firo Design, comes in white, parrot green and turquoise, and was created to block sunlight, not just when it’s directly overhead, but throughout the day. “You can protect yourself from the sun conveniently and stylishly,” notes D’Firo partner David Lenahan.

IN A FIX?

Need to replace vinyl strapping, fabric slings or other outdoor furniture parts? Check out chaircarepatio.com, suggests furniture consultant Jennifer Litwin. The Dallas-based company can ship parts anywhere and offers an affordable way to fix up your old favorites for the summer season. “You can replace straps or other parts for just a few dollars,” says Litwin. “And they come in lots of colors.”

REFRESHER COURSE

Keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh with these tips from the American Home Furnishings Alliance:

Aluminum frames: Clean with mild soap and water. For nontextured surfaces, apply an automotive wax every few months. On textured finishes, periodically apply baby or mineral oil. Occasionally spray oil lubricant on chair swivels or glides.

Tempered glass tabletops: Clean regularly with a soft cloth, a mild detergent and warm water. Buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Commercial glass cleaners also may be used.

Outdoor wicker: Vacuum gently or brush with a soft bristle brush. Hose off every few weeks and clean periodically with mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Vinyl straps: Wash with mild detergent and warm water, using a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly. To remove scuff marks, apply toothpaste or gentle abrasive and rub gently with a dry cloth. To remove mildew, use a solution of warm water, mild detergent and bleach (no more than 1/4 cup to 3 gallons of water). Apply vinyl protectant to the straps after cleaning.

Sling furniture: Wash with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Cushions: Vacuum as needed to remove organic material. Clean by sponging with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry. If mildew occurs, use a solution of 1 cup bleach and a squirt of detergent per gallon of water. Scrub with a sponge or soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry. Always test an inconspicuous spot first to make sure the color won’t fade. Bleach may not be suitable for some fabrics.

Wrought iron and steel: Clean with warm, soapy water. To maintain the gloss on nontextured surfaces, apply automotive wax. On textured finishes, periodically apply mineral or baby oil. If rust develops, clean area by sanding lightly, then wipe thoroughly and apply touch-up paint (from manufacturer).

Hardwoods: Clean with mild detergent and water. Rinse well. Some manufacturers recommend an occasional application of oil. Teak and Jarrah can stay outdoors year-round. Pine, oak and cedar should be stored for the winter. Painted woods require painting every year.

Umbrellas: Wash covers with mild soap and water, using a long-handled brush. Spray silicone on the joints of wire frames. Use wax or furniture polish on wooden umbrellas.

- American Home Furnishings Alliance

Reader’s Digest — Jennifer Selects the Newest Wave in Baskets

cadencep — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:31:04 +0000

By Cynthia Dermody for Reader’s Digest

The latest trend in baskets? Vertical shapes and all kinds of new materials, like cloth and metal. Jennifer Litwin, author of Furniture Hot Spots, found us the perfect bin for every room:

1. Living room
Aiko oval baskets from pier1.com; $15-$25. “I love the shape and versatility-great for storing the remote, pens and pads, and DVDs,” says Litwin.

2. Bedroom
Abaca 3-drawer storage chest from costplus.com; $50. It looks nice enough to be displayed, and the drawers slide open and closed easily.

3. Kitchen
Canvas stacking baskets from containerstore.com; $15-$18. “The cloth lightens the look of baskets you usually find in kitchens,” Litwin says.

4. Bathroom

Ito magazine rack from pier1.com; $35. “The metal weave gives this basket an updated look, and the vertical shape fits in tight spaces,” she says.

5. Kids’ room

Sabrina baskets, available in several colors, potterybarnkids.com; 2 for $44. Good for the “little stuff,” as well as bigger toys as kids grow.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer — NW Style: A Crash Course on Furniture Buying

cadencep — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:26:07 +0000

By Debra Prinzing, for Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Buying furniture is as overwhelming a process as car shopping, says Jennifer Litwin, author of Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever. Litwin visited Seattle recently to share her advice and offer an insider’s guide to getting the best value on furniture purchases.

“Today’s shoppers aren’t going to do everything themselves,” Litwin said while leading me on a tour through the Ethan Allen showroom in Tukwila. “Most people don’t have time.”

She offers consumers a crash course on buying everything from a basic sofa to period antiques. And her advice couldn’t be more timely. January and February are two of the busiest furniture-buying months of the year.

“That’s when people are saying, ‘Let’s cocoon,’ ” said Bradley Renner, president of Ethan Allen Home Interiors stores in the Northwest.

Armed with an MBA from the University of Chicago and having trained with the illustrious Sotheby’s auction house, Litwin is one of the home furnishing industry’s top consumer advocates. She is also a reporter for Consumers Digest magazine in the furniture category.

Unlike many product categories that require accurate labeling, the furniture industry is not regulated, Litwin said. “Is it solid oak or plywood? Is there a warranty? These are the questions consumers need to ask — and what people should watch out for.”

In writing her first book, Furniture Hot Spots: The Best Furniture Stores and Websites Coast to Coast, Litwin spent a year as a secret shopper, visiting more than 500 stores, including several in Seattle.

While talking with furniture salespeople and store owners, she devised a checklist to help consumers find the best-quality pieces in low-end, mid-range and high-end categories.

You almost have to “kick the tires” when comparing sofas, dining tables and other big-ticket items, Litwin said. We invited this savvy consumer expert to illustrate her points at the Ethan Allen store. She lifted a few cushions, turned over ottomans and opened drawers and cabinet doors to reveal her secrets.

When it comes to sofa cushions, Litwin says there is really no right or wrong material. “It can be foam, polyester, cotton or really good down, but what’s important is that the cushion moves with your body,” she said. A cushion should spring back into shape once you get out of a chair; it shouldn’t stay mashed or misshapen.

One way to revive an older sofa, or improve an inexpensive one is to replace the cushions. “If you can’t afford a $2,000 couch, go to a retailer like Ikea and buy a $500 or $600 sofa and have a local upholstery shop or fabric store make new cushions to fit inside the covers,” Litwin suggested.

Always remove the cushions to check for exposed staples or unfinished fabric edges on the inside of the sofa frame. “The biggest error we make in buying furniture is not looking under the piece,” Litwin said.

In her book, Litwin suggests taking a “test run” to make sure a sofa frame is sturdy and is reinforced with blocks — simple, rectangular pieces that are glued onto the frame of a sofa at stress points (usually at the inside corners).

“Don’t be self-conscious about getting down on the showroom floor and stealing a peek underneath a couch to see if it has blocks,” she said.

“As further insurance that the piece has sufficient support, I even recommend that you ‘kick the tires’ a bit by shaking the couch lightly. If blocks are positioned at the proper stress points, they will reinforce the piece and prevent it from wobbling.”

Screws and staples are often to blame for unstable furniture. Litwin likes to see furniture sections joined first with hot glue, then reinforced with screws.

If you’re buying a dresser or any other non-upholstered piece made from wood, look for joinery techniques such as dovetailing. This is where the corners or sides are attached together snugly with cutout grooves that fit like puzzle pieces. Drawer glides made from wood are more durable than metal or plastic ones, she said.

“Be sure to pull the drawers out all the way; feel whether the wood is smooth inside and out,” she said. “Don’t fall in love with a piece with a very expensive wood on the front and then find that the whole thing is made from particleboard inside.”

When shopping for an ottoman, turn it over and check to see whether the piece is filled or hollow. Litwin says it’s easy for kids to punch through the flimsy finish fabric of a hollow ottoman. The legs of an ottoman should be attached with the same finishing techniques as on a sofa or upholstered chair, using hot glue plus screws.

Here are some of Litwin’s general guidelines for furniture shoppers:

Shop at a store that makes its own furniture — A store that carries its own line usually employs salespeople armed with product information. “There isn’t one person who works here who doesn’t know the product, what wood it’s made with or any other detail,” she said while walking through the Ethan Allen showroom.

Shop mom-and-pop furniture stores — Smaller retailers often will go the distance to make the sale, offering discounts, free delivery or assembly. On her Web site, Litwin offers links to dozens of furniture retailers around the country, many of whom post discount coupons for her readers’ use.

Don’t be seduced by designer labels — As far as Litwin is concerned, having the name of a famous designer on a sofa, chair or table often means it will cost you more. When she compares a $1,000 sofa with a $5,000 sofa, Litwin observes that “the name of a well-known designer or manufacturer attached to the piece can make one piece substantially more expensive than another.”

Ask for a written warranty — Litwin believes that retailers should back up their products with a warranty. “Stores that offer such warranties — especially in writing — are much more likely to offer full replacement if a piece becomes damaged or broken,” she advises in her book.

Her favorites — Litwin is high on Ethan Allen and La-Z-Boy Furniture, both of which provide warranties, while she gives Crate & Barrel low marks for not giving buyers a written warranty.

Pioneer Press — Consumer Writer’s Guides Help Take The Guesswork Out of Buying Furniture

cadencep — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:35:19 +0000

By Molly Millett, Pioneer Press, for Pioneer Press

Jennifer Litwin, a consumer expert in the home furnishings industry, is a furniture detective. When she scouts out stores, she dresses down and shops anonymously. She asks a lot of questions and makes notes on prices, personnel, ambiance and, of course, quality.

Her research has been published in her books, Furniture Hot Spots: The Best Furniture Stores and Websites Coast to Coast (published by the Lyons Press, $14.95) as well as Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!: Learn How to Buy Furniture Like the Experts! (published by House of Collectibles, $14.95). Litwin plans to write regional Hot Spots guides, including one for the Twin Cities, in the future.

Litwin, a contributing writer for Consumers Digest magazine and a television consumer reporter, hopes her guidebooks will become to furniture what Zagat guides are to restaurants.

During a stopover in the Twin Cities recently, the Pioneer Press sat down with the Chicago writer to talk about furniture.

Q: What’s your background in the home furnishings industry?

A: It started when I bought a house while I was working on a trading floor of a bank. In the process of shopping for furniture on the weekends, I visited a lot of furniture stores but I found I didn’t know the questions to ask to make wise buying decisions.

When you’re shopping for a car, you know what you’re looking for, and you compare apples to apples. But in the home furnishings industry, there’s cotton, polyester … I had no idea what questions to ask a store salesperson about what goes into a better fabric, for example, what makes it last longer, to ask whether a fabric has been tested on a machine for wearability or for fading.

As I learned more, I found I was fascinated with the home furnishings industry. Eventually, I changed careers and trained at Sotheby’s. Since then, I’ve seen the industry from many angles. I had my own furniture store for years, and traveled all over the world to find furniture, from flea markets to antique stores to furniture shows. Now, I work as reporter for Consumer’s Digest in the furniture category.

Q: What’s your mission in writing these books?

A: I was the only person in history to travel across the country, undercover, to see what it’s like to be a consumer in the unregulated, $71 billion home furnishings industry. I ultimately want to make store owners more accountable for what they sell consumers.

Q: Is the home furnishing industry really unregulated? Can’t consumers find recourse, say, from the Better Business Bureau or through their credit cards?

A: What I mean by unregulated is that there’s no governmental agency overseeing it, to complain to if, say, you thought you were buying a piece of wood furniture, but it is really particleboard. It’s not like food, where the Food & Drug Administration gets involved if something isn’t labeled properly, and you end up having an allergic reaction. That’s unfortunate, since furnishing a home is the third biggest expense a person will ever make, after buying a house and a car.

Q: What are some of the furniture shopping secrets you’ve uncovered in your research?

A: With the increase of production happening in China, what is happening is you can’t be sure of the construction techniques, so you want the store to give you a warranty that goes beyond the manufacturers’ warranty. That should be a written warranty.

Another thing is, somewhere on the purchase order should be a list of the materials – you don’t want to think you’re buying solid wood and then find out it’s plastic. Also, shop online first. Retailers often offer deals online that they don’t offer in stores, up to 30 percent.

And – before you buy – find out if you will be charged a restocking fee if you return something.

Also, many of the big retailers – usually not the smaller, local retailers – offer special credit cards that may entitle you to a greater sales price or money back or a rebate at the end of the year. For example, Pier 1 offers you rewards for the more money you spend. Costco has an American Express card that offers points back toward purchases, that has been very successful. That doesn’t mean you want to finance your furniture through one of these cards, which generally charge high interest rates, but use it with the intent to pay it off right away and enjoy the perks.

And, many furniture today requires assembly. That’s OK if it just involves screwing in legs, but find out if the piece you want to buy will come in 50 boxes – it could be too complicated and time-consuming for the average consumer to assemble. I once spent $75 on a desk from Pottery Barn that was a major headache – it was so complicated to assemble that I had to pay a carpenter $200 to do it, and then I ended up having to saw off part of a leg to match the other end. It wasn’t worth it.

Q: Give us an example of how to save money when shopping for furniture.

A: Did you know that most furniture dealers, as opposed to chain stores, will give you a discount if you just ask for one? In my research, I was given one about 85 percent of the time. Ask for a 15 percent discount. This may also work at smaller, mom and pop type furniture stores.

Q: What’s one of the more highly rated stores you reviewed?

A: Ethan Allen has a good value for the money. They manufacture all their own merchandise, their salespeople are well trained and professional, and their furniture lines are more contemporary and less fussy than they used to be. Plus, they don’t charge shipping fees and their pieces come assembled. It’s a simple, no-frills store. And, a lot of their lines are constant, which is a nice feeling if you are building your home slowly over time. You can go back later and get a complementary piece for what you’ve already purchased.

Q: How is furniture shopping changing?

A: Today, many people think of furniture as disposable. They’ll purchase it from Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart. They’re not willing to wait six months for a piece to come in. They want to take it home on demand. That’s why companies like Target and Costco have stepped in to create home furnishings divisions.

Q: You mention that online furniture auctions are really popular, especially with the younger buyer. What’s your opinion of this way of buying furniture, say through eBay?

A: The problem with eBay is they’re just offering a venue. The customer is selling their own goods, so it can be very sketchy to try to return things.

Q: What do you think of IKEA?

A: IKEA is a place for disposable furniture, to get you through messy toddlers and sloppy teenagers. Some of the furniture I reviewed, though, felt wobbly, and not stuffed so comfortably. By removing the filler and putting in new cushion stuffing, you can make a $500 or $600 IKEA couch feel like a $5,000 couch.

But some of their pieces are very good for the price, like their kitchen chairs and tables and lamps. They produce a lot of good lamps in the $15 or $20 range.

Q: When will your book on Twin Cities furniture hot spots be published?

A: I’d like to publish a book about Minneapolis and St. Paul in 2008. I also hope to issue books for Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, as well as the South, Southwest and Southeast. In total, about 25 cities.

Q: Do you review online sites in your book?

A: Yes, and discount retailers. You know, a lot of people tell me they are afraid to shop for furniture online, they don’t know which companies are reputable. In my book, I’ve reviewed the stores as well as their Web sites, including chain stores.

Q: Just like fashion, people shop name brands when it comes to furniture. Can you trust a name?

A: Just like clothes, furniture designers offer different product lines for different stores. Don’t research the designer; research the elements of the line you’re considering.

Q: What are some of the questions you need to ask when shopping at the furniture store?

A: The most important thing you should do before you buy is to ask, ‘Has this been discontinued?’ Make sure it’s still going to be available six months out, in case you need to replace any knobs, pulls or legs, for example.

Q: What’s some other advice you give people when shopping for furniture?

A: I’ve watched hundreds of couples shopping for sofas on showroom floors. All they do is sit on the furniture. They don’t pull out the cushions, they don’t ask the salesperson to flip the piece over and see the construction underneath. These are things you need to do. My book, “Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!” tells consumers how to determine if furniture is well constructed.

Q: What does your own home furniture collection look like?

A: Everyone always wants to see my house. But I’m not a furniture style person. I’m more a consumer reporter.

Q: But when you do shop for furniture for your own home, where do you prefer to go?

A: Actually, I don’t have a lot of space left in my house. I inherited a lot of things from my grandmother. But the pieces that make me the happiest are the ones I wasn’t looking for, the ones I paid under $100 for, whether it’s an old chair from an auction that we fixed up or something from a flea market. The worst purchases I’ve made are when I’m out on a mission, hunting for something in particular. The ones I’ve spent the most money on make me the least happy.

-Molly Millett

CNN Money — Save or Splurge: The Living Room

cadencep — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:14:09 +0000

By Money Magazine’s Andrea Bartz, Ismat Sarah Mangla, Noah Rothbaum and Wilson Rothman for CNN Money

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.

Sofa Restoration Hardware Grand-Scale Camelback sofa $1,725 to $2,635
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.

The Arizona Republic — Stretching Your Tax Refund

cadencep — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:18:14 +0000

By Sonja Haller, for The Arizona Republic

Most Americans will pay down their debt. Some will sock it away for a rainy day.

But about 24 percent will use their tax refunds this year to buy something pricey, such as a big-screen TV, car or vacation, the National Retail Federation reports.

Of course, financial planners wince about taxpayers getting refunds at all.

“I’m a firm believer that we should not be allowing the government to borrow our money throughout the tax year, interest-free, by ‘giving us’ a big tax refund at the end of the year,” said Victor Encinas, a Phoenix financial coach. “If we have the money throughout the year, we can build an emergency fund, strengthen our budget or save more for retirement or education.”

This isn’t news to Eldon Stetson, 36, of Glendale. If he and his wife “were doing our homework like we should be, we’d try to balance things out that way.”

Life happens, though, and soon another year has passed and the formula for owing nothing and receiving nothing on taxes hasn’t been worked out. So this year, Stetson is putting a portion of his tax refund toward a $2,500 mountain bike.

Like Stetson, 70 percent of Americans will receive tax-refund checks – and marketers will try to get them to part with them. The average tax refund is $2,150, the IRS reports.

Encinas suggests that people negotiate all major purchases.

“When you have ‘cash power’ mixed with ‘walk-away power,’ you become a force for retailers to reckon with,” he explained.

If you plan to make a major purchase with your tax refund, here’s some advice on making the most of your money:

AIRPLANE TICKETS

Consider calling travel agents to book flights. They often have access to consolidator fares, involving tickets bought in bulk at a discount. “Even with a seller’s mark-up, the cost of the ticket may be cheaper than you can find online,” said Chris Elliott, National Geographic Traveler’s ombudsman.
Take advantage of Internet airfare-and-hotel packages, which can be cheaper than if you book those items separately.
The best savings for buying and traveling in the same week is the first week of January, Elliot says. Some other weeks also offer discounted airfares: the week after Thanksgiving, to anywhere in the United States; the week of Thanksgiving, to Europe; and the two weeks after Labor Day – when most people have gone back to work or school – to anywhere in the United States.

APPLIANCES

For the best prices, services and selection, the mom-and-pop store is likely to beat the big-box store, says Lisa Lee Freeman, editor in chief of ShopSmart magazine. “Most people think the big-box stores are cheaper, when, in fact, we found that’s not the case. The reason is that the (mom and pop) owners will bargain.”
Check appliance manufacturers’ Web sites. They will post rebate and sale information that the stores selling the appliance may not tell you about.
If you’re going to buy an appliance at a bigger store: Sears got the highest marks in customer satisfaction in a 2006 ShopSmart survey. (However, a University of Michigan American Customer Satisfaction index showed that Costco led in overall customer satisfaction, followed by Target.)

CARS

Don’t shop for a car based on monthly payments. “It’s the oldest trick in the book,” said Jim Prueter, AAA Arizona senior vice president. “New- and used-car places want to talk about payments. Almost always, people who look at that instead of the overall cost of the vehicle will overpay.”
If you want to lease a car instead of buy, don’t use your tax money as a down payment. In fact, don’t put any money down on a leased car, Prueter advises. Though a monthly payment can still be reduced, if the buyer totals the car early in the lease contract, the down payment is not refunded.
Don’t be suckered by dealerships that offer loans against a person’s expected refund check weeks before the IRS sends them out. Such loans usually come with high fees. Some car dealerships have even offered to do a customer’s taxes if he will use his refund as a down payment.

CRUISE TICKETS

Book through travel agents specializing in cruises, Stewart Chiron of cruiseguy.com advises. They have access to upgrades and discounts not available on the Internet.
Mention that you’re from Arizona when booking. Some cruise lines offer regional discounts for passengers of Caribbean cruises, for example, because the cruise tickets and the price of airfare could be prohibitive to Arizona residents because of the distance.
The traditional booking season runs from January through March 31. Usually, 75 percent of the cabins will be booked then for the calendar year, Chiron said. During this period, cruise lines tend to price more aggressively, meaning that consumers may be offered reduced rates, bigger upgrades, shipboard credit and free or reduced prices for children.

ELECTRONICS

Quiz retailers and consult trade magazines or review sites, such as cnet.com, about when new versions of an item will be released.
No matter how big the hype, trust friends and family to tell you about their experiences with a particular brand and what they know now but wished they knew then, advises Sean Wargo, director of industry analysis at the Consumer Electronics Association.
Buy big-screen TVs during the weeks just before the Super Bowl. Buy audio equipment in the spring, as retailers try to woo buyers into outfitting their vehicles for road trips. Other electronics purchases are best made during sales over the holidays. But the best way to benefit from a significant price drop is to wait until the new-and-improved version is released, then buy the old version, Wargo says.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

May, June and July are the best time to buy, says Jon Stevenson, owner of treadmilldoctor.com, which repairs and reviews treadmills and elliptical machines. People in the Midwest and Northeast buy exercise equipment during the winter, so by late spring and early summer, the equipment isn’t moving out the door. That’s when places such as Sears put it on sale nationwide, Stevenson says.
During the summer, buyers can negotiate up to 35 percent discounts on the suggested retail price.
Dealers often are willing to throw in a floor mat and waive delivery fees if requested.

FURNITURE

Purchase furniture online after finding a piece you like in the store, and you may receive up to a 40 percent discount, says Jennifer Litwin, author of the Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever (House of Collectibles, 2005, $14.95).
Make sure that a sale is really a sale. An industry tactic is to mark up the price of furniture so it can be put on “sale,” she says, adding that regular retail prices for furniture should be about 40 percent above wholesale.
Haggle for free delivery and assembly. Salespeople don’t want you to go elsewhere and often will throw this in, which can save you 10 percent of the total price.

-Sonja Haller

Real Simple — The Heirlooms of the Future

cadencep — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:56:23 +0000

By Liz Arnold, for Real Simple

What will be collectible 20, 30 even 50 years from now? Real Simple asks experts to name the 10 home accessories that will stand the test of time.

LOUIS GHOST CHAIR

by Philippe Starck

Great indoors or – believe it or not – outdoors, this chair is a refreshing twist on the 250-year-old Louis XVI version, a court of Versailles staple that had a huge impact on furniture design.
TO BUY: $362, www.kartell.it for stores.

the backstory

French designer Starck, the man behind boutique hotels like the Delano, in Miami Beach, joined forces with Italian furniture manufacturer Kartell in 2002 to create this beauty, which is made by injecting molten plastic into a mold (so it has no seams). It resides in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s permanent collection.

what the design pros say

“Starck is channeling the history of furniture and combining it with technology to make it entirely modern,” says Richard Wright.
“He’s a design genius,” says Jeffrey Beers. “This chair will certainly appreciate tenfold in 25 to 30 years.”

GARLAND SHADE LIGHT

by Tord Boontje

This shimmery fixture features a doilylike shade in brass or silver, which clips to the base of a bulb. You can combine shades to create larger designs.
TO BUY: $80, www.momastore.org.

the backstory

In 2001 botany met bare bulbs when Dutch designer Boontje devised a pattern of leaves and flowers on a sheet of metal that could be cut with a laser. His light is now in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, in New York City, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London.

what the design pros say

“Boontje made metal ethereal,” says Suzan Globus. “He’s the first person to push laser-cut technology to design something that many people can afford.”
“I can see why I’d stilt be excited about this piece in 30 years,” says Anthony Di Bitonto. “Some things are too heavily styled, and they can took dated. But this is pure and simple.”

OXIDIZED-BRONZE CANDLESTICK

by Ted Muehling

This hand-rubbed holder features a slender, elongated silhouette. The candlestick looks dainty but is sturdy and well proportioned.
TO BUY: $576, wwsv.erbutler.com for stores.

the backstory

New York City jewelry designer Muehling based this piece on a 19th-century Biedermeier candlestick he found at a flea market. After MuehGng experimented with traditional metal-working methods that proved too costly and labor-intensive, his friend Rhett Butler, owner of the hardware firm E. R. Butler & Co., sug- gested he try a computerized lathe, which allowed precise control to shape the flawless design. The line launched in 2002.

what the design pros say

“A classic object, like this candlestick, is something you want to keep looking at forever,” says Di Bitonto.
“It’s not antique and not modern,” says Chip Cordelli. “It’s in-between.”

BALCONS DU GUADALQUIVIR CHINA

by Hermès

Strikingly chic – but also dishwasher- and microwave-safe – this set features a red pigment meticulously applied by hand in several layers to achieve dimension.
TO BUY: $380 for a five-piece place setting, www.hermes.com for stores.

the backstory

Known for its leather goods, the French luxury purveyor Hermès branched into tableware in 1984 and in 2005 introduced Balcons du Guadalquivir, named for the iron balconies overlooking the Guadalquivir River, in the Andalusia region of Spain.

what the design pros say

“Hermès has been about smaller-scale patterns, like the chain motif,” says Steven Sclaroff. “I think this enlarged, bolder pattern is where dinnerware is going.”
“Everything Hermès stands for is about quality and timelessness,” says Ralph Pucci.

TIGHT BACK SOFA

by Baker

With a sturdy maple hardwood frame, this sofa will last for generations. Reminiscent of midcentury modern Danish and Scandinavian designs, it mixes a traditional camelback style with contemporary, clean lines to create a timeless took.
TO BUY: $5,334 and up, www.bakerfurniture.com for stores.

the backstory

Baker has been turning out classic furnishings since the company was founded, in 1890. This sofa, introduced in 1995, hails from the debut collection of San Francisco designer Michael Vanderbyl for Baker.

what the design pros say

“I don’t know if people still buy furniture to pass onto the grandchildren, but they buy pieces that will last a lifetime,” says Terry Kovel. “My husband, Ralph, and I got married more than 50 years ago, and Baker was what you bought. It will endure through the years.”
“Baker furniture holds value in the same way antiques do – and antiques never go out of style,” says Jennifer Litwin.

Rug
by Adeline Weinrib

This handwoven cotton rug is reversible and features an interpretation of an endless knot, a Buddhist symbol that represents unity or eternity. In textiles, the motif is typically seen as part of a larger pattern, but this version celebrates it on its own.
TO BUY: $1,050 (8 by 10 feel), www.madelineweinrib.com for locations.

the backstory

Designer Weinrib, whose great-grandfather founded ABC Carpet & Home, created the Megan rug in 2005. She also designs home accessories, such as ikat pillows (made with yarns that have been tie-dyed before weaving) and tasseled beach towels.

what the design pros say

“It’s the perfect blend of minimalist design and maximal color,” says Celerie Kemble. “When that’s done right, it can become iconic.”
“It’s fresh yet totally familiar,” says Sclaroff. “And its allover design makes furniture placement easier – you can always see the pattern.”

THROW PILLOWS

by Jonathan Adler

Bursting with texture and graphic oomph, these handmade Bargello pillows from designer Adler get their name from a type of needlework that produces a zigzagging pattern of long stitches.
TO BUY: $110 to $145; www.jonathanadler.com.

the backstory

Although needlework had a resurgence in the ‘ 1970s, and then again around 2000, Adler modernized the medium in 2005 by infusing his throw pillows with what he calls “Palm Beach style”: punchy, in-your-face colors and geometric designs.

what the design pros say

“Adler is so well-known own that having one of his pillows has its own cachet,” says Lisa S. Roberts. “In 25 years, they’ll be collectible, because they’re from his original line.”
“He’s channeling needlework from the past,” says Wright. “There’s something appealing about accessing that history.”

SILVER-COATED SEASHELLS

by Ruzzetti & Gow

These seashells are gathered in the Philippines and sent to Rome, where Ruzzetti artisans coat them – wholly or partially – with sterling silver.
TO BUY: $40 to $2,500 each (most are in the $200 range), www.ruzzettiandgow.com for stores.

the backstory

Designer Christopher Gow first saw these shells in 1993 – they were being produced in the Italian silver factory of his friend Giampiero Ruzzetti. “I would bring them back to the United States as wedding gifts,” says Gow, “and people went crazy for them.” The duo began exporting them in 1996.

what the design pros say

“They’re both precious and durable,” says Kemble. “And they’ll last because they work in a variety of settings. They’re as appropriate on a coffee table or a bookshelf in the city as they are at a beach house.”
“Who knows what silver is going to be worth in 50 years?” says Cordelli. “I think it will be something really special.”

T-TABLE

by Patricia Urquiola

Made of shatterproof injection-molded plastic, this table features a 20-inch-diameter top with a delicate cutout design. It’s available in three heights.
TO BUY: $239, www.kartell.it for stores.

the backstory

Spanish designer Urquiola had a hit with this table at the 2005 Milan international Furniture Fair, and in 2006 it went into mass production.

what the design pros say

“In 30 years, the table will took just as fresh,” says Di Bitonto. “It’s simple and modern.”
“It’s a higher calling to make a table that a thousand people can buy rather than one that only a hedge-fund guy can buy,” says Wright.

“O” WINEGLASSES

by Riedel

Happily liberated from the stem – or what Sclaroff calls the “problematic appendage” – these tumbler-style glasses are lead-free and dishwasher-safe. They take up minimal cabinet space and reflect the trend toward casual wine drinking.
TO BUY: $20 for two, www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

the backstory

Frustrated that his stemmed glasses wouldn’t fit in his cupboard, Maximilian Riedel, chief executive officer of Riedel Crystal USA, introduced his design for the company’s first stemless wineglasses in 2004.

what the design pros say

“Dining has become less formal,” says Di Bitonto. “These will be around in years to come – they’re down-to-earth and fit with. people’s lifestyles.”
“These will become classics because functionally, they’re superior to stemmed glasses,” says Sclaroft. “They’re comfortable and harder to break.”

THE EXPERTS:

Jeffrey Beers is the founder and CEO of the New York City architecture and design firm Jeffrey Beers International (www.jeffreybeers.com).

Chip Cordelli (www.chipscoolfinds.com) is a furniture dealer and a prop and interior stylist based in Brooklyn.

Anthony Di Bitonto is director of industrial design at Smart Design (www.smartdesignworldwide.com), a consulting firm in New York City.

Suzan Globus is the principal of Globus Design Associates (www.globusdesign.com), in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Celerie Kemble (www.kembleinteriors.com) is an interior designer based in NewYork City.

Terry Kovel (www.kovels.com) is an authority on antiques in Beachwood, Ohio.

Jennifer Litwin (www.jenniferlitwin.com) is a home-furnishings expert in Chicago.

Ralph Pucci owns the Ralph Pucci International furniture showrooms (www.ralphpucci.net). He is based in New York City.

Lisa S. Roberts (www.antiquesofthefuture.com) is an antiques connoisseur. She is based in Philadelphia.

Steven Sclaroff is a New York City interior designer. He owns the home-furnishings shop Steven Sclaroff (www.stevensclaroff.com).

Richard Wright is the president of the Wright Auction House (www.wright20.com), in Chicago.

Denver Post – Makers Finally Enable Outdoor Furniture “Abusers”

cadencep — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:53:04 +0000

By Marni Jameson, for Denver Post

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 because of laziness, though that’s partly to blame. The main reason my cushions languish outside all year is 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 till it’s nice again.

The cycle continues until, before I know it, 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, (Random House), who was singing my song. “Today’s outdoor furniture is durable, and can withstand cold temperatures, wind, rain and snow. It’s heartier, sturdier, and has less chance of rust and deterioration.”

In other words, outdoor furniture makers finally acknowledged that furniture abuse is a way of life. They addressed the pleas of time-pressed patio owners who demanded furniture that could stand the heat. Go the distance.

For furniture abusers this means the price of neglect just got cheaper. If you buy frames and cushions that can weather four seasons, you won’t pay the price of replacement every five to seven years. You will, however, have to give the furniture a good cleaning when the weather gets nice, or lose all friends who wear white pants.

For next year, I’m hoping someone comes out with self-cleaning furniture, even better than a Starbucks drive- through.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE LOOKING GOOD

Jennifer Litwin, author of Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever, offers some ideas for reviving your outdoor furniture out of a season of neglect:

To clean patio furniture use a hose. If you need a deeper clean, try a mild solution of dishwashing soap and warm water. Brighten cast iron and aluminum furniture with car wax. Avoid harsh cleaning solutions. Don’t clean patio furniture in the swimming pool. The chlorinated water will degrade the finish.

To clean straps on vinyl sling or strap furniture, which get stained with suntan oil, pool chlorine, unfiltered irrigation water and tree debris try the same soapy solution. If stains persist, add a couple of tablespoons of bleach to a half-gallon of the soapy solution. Apply and rinse well. If that doesn’t work, increase the strength of the bleach solution. If a 50/50 mix of bleach and soapy water doesn’t work, replace the straps.

When vinyl straps stop bouncing back, don’t toss the chair. For just a few dollars you can replace straps in an updated color. When choosing strap colors, note that darker colors get hotter and fade faster. Light colors wear better. Don’t put off replacing old straps. Worn straps break easily, which is just embarrassing no matter how much you weigh.

To clean cushions, beat them to get the dust out, then vacuum them, and wipe them with a damp sponge or rag, says Spooky Apple, spokeswoman for Glen Raven Inc., makers of Sunbrella all- weather fabric. To treat spots, mist the spot using a spray bottle filled with a mild laundry detergent solution. Rub the spot with a soft towel or sponge (not a brush). Then mist again with clear water to rinse. For a really bad stain, try a little diluted bleach, after first spot-testing.

If you can remove cushion covers from their fillers, machine wash them in cold water using a mild detergent, like Woolite. Air dry. Don’t put cushion covers in the dryer.

If your cushions get soaked in a spring shower, turn them on their edges, so water runs out the sides, rather than collects. Often, cushions that feel dry on the surface have water lurking inside. You don’t discover this soggy surprise until 10 minutes after you’ve sat down.

If you have a pool, encourage people to use towels. Sparing the furniture from a barrage of suntain oil and chlorine could double its life.

-Marni Jameson

USA Today – Let’s Go Furniture Shopping

cadencep — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:11:34 +0000

Having trouble finding furniture you love in your hometown stores? It might be time for a road trip, says Jennifer Litwin, author of Furniture Hot Spots: The Best Furniture Stores and Web sites Coast to Coast (Lyons Press, $14.95).

After years of scouring the country for furniture to fill her store in Chicago, reviewing furniture for Consumers Digest and maintaining a Web site of top shops nationwide, Litwin set out to profile 12 top shopping destinations. Here, Litwin tells USA TODAY‘s Gene Sloan about her picks for a furniture-focused trip and how to get the best deals.

Q: OK, our U-Haul is ready. What’s your favorite destination for quirky furniture finds?

A: The most comprehensive selection is definitely in New York. But it depends on what you want. If you’re looking for Asian furniture, Seattle has the best I’ve seen in the country. And for over-the-top designs, it’s Los Angeles. There are many emerging artists in L.A. who are being commissioned by furniture galleries to design furniture, and there are lots of really high-end stores selling pieces made by recent grads of design schools.

Q: New York is a big place. Where do you focus your time?

A: The great part of (furniture) shopping in New York is that there are wonderful pockets everywhere. In East Harlem, I love Antiques at the Lafayette Warehouse. In Chelsea, I love Q Collection, where you can buy an organic sofa to eat your organic peach on, and Mantiques Modern for a most unusual selection of mid-century modern furniture and accessories. In Tribeca, I visit the reasonably priced mid-century modern knockoffs at White on White.

In Soho, I like the rustic, yet chic wood designs at BDDW, and the French Deco and ’40s-style furniture and accessories found at Distant Origin. For more low-key shops, I visit some of the stores along Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. My favorite furniture department stores in the country are in New York: ABC Carpet & Home and Conran’s.

Q: What about a pilgrimage to High Point, N.C., the famed mecca for furniture outlets?

A: High Point is actually a more difficult place to shop for furniture than many people realize. During “Market” in April and October, a trade show for furniture-store buyers, they won’t even let non-dealers in to look.

Many furniture showrooms that are open to the public year-round have 40%-off signs everywhere, which really confuses the public into thinking they are getting huge bargains. That isn’t necessarily so. In fact, some of these showrooms carry furniture that has been discontinued or styles that are not totally current, or maybe only carry special lines for their High Point showrooms.

Q: What about flea markets? Any worth a cross-country trip?

A: The Canton Flea Market outside Dallas, the Sandwich Fairgrounds outside Chicago and the Chelsea Flea Market in New York. [But] the best flea markets are in Europe. The ones in north Paris are really the best in the world. They have permanent dealers that come every week, and you walk into spaces that are full of Louis XV furniture and interesting Deco and other things you just don’t find at U.S. flea markets.

The problem with U.S. flea markets is that you will meet dealers that you won’t necessarily be able to find again if something should go wrong with your piece. I would never buy anything important at flea markets for that reason, but they’re wonderful for getting accessories.

Q: You recommend attending auctions to find deals. Which are your favorites?

A: I prefer auction houses that are not as nationally well-known: Leslie Hindman in Chicago, New Orleans Auction and Neal Auction in New Orleans and Freeman’s in Philadelphia. You’re more likely to get a bargain.

Q: What is the biggest mistake that people make when buying furniture?

A: They don’t ask the right questions. You might think you’re buying a chair made from solid wood, and when you take it apart you find it’s made out of particleboard. You want to find out how the piece is made before buying it, and don’t assume that because it’s expensive, it’s a quality piece.

Ask for a manufacturer’s warranty in case something goes wrong when you get it home. It’s surprising, but many big retailers will not stand behind their products. You can’t expect to get a warranty with an antique, but you can expect to get a certificate of authenticity. If a dealer won’t give one to you, that should be a red flag against going ahead.

Q: Any other tips?

A: Ask for a discount. More than 85% of the stores I reviewed in the book said yes when I asked if they’d drop the price on a piece of furniture. Dealers want to turn over their inventory; otherwise the store’s look becomes stale.

Chain stores often don’t offer discounts, but ask if there’s an upcoming sale, and if there is, ask if they will extend the sale price to you in advance. Another way to negotiate is to ask for free shipping or free assembly. You’d be surprised how many stores will do that.

The Daily Oklahoman — College Home-Away-From-Home Can Become Fashion Statement

cadencep — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:42:34 +0000

By Penny Cockerell, The Oklahoman, for The Daily Oklahoman

There was a time when decorating your college dorm room didn’t go much beyond a bedspread, a wall poster and, if you were lucky, a framed photo of your boyfriend.

Now, even though the dorm rooms themselves haven’t changed much, options for designing one that is both functional and fun make it not only possible, but a must.

Of course, colleges and universities have restrictions. And this may be your first real shot at decorating. Think of it as your first challenge with creativity.

The good news is, you’re not alone. Some really cool options are out there in bedding, wall decor, storage and more.

“Young people see a lot. There are magazines and TV shows with cool decor, and I think kids are into that. They want their rooms to be reflective of themselves,” said Bebe MacKellar, an interior decorator with Fanny Bolen Interiors in Oklahoma City.

Ruth Ellis, an Edmond interior designer, set up a mock dorm room in her home to illustrate the possibilities. The first thing she added was a circular theme of bright colors. Fuschia, lime green — all colors are available in draperies, bedding, wall art, stackable storage containers, you name it. Pick your scheme and go full tilt.

With so many inexpensive options, here’s your chance to be whimsical and sensible at the same time.

“Think about how you can make a huge splash of style without breaking the bank,” said Ellis, who just created “Girlie Girl Room,” an offshoot of her design firm, Fabulous Faces.

At the same time, pick items that can be easily moved.

Some of the top shoppers and designers offer these tips to get you started:

– Bedding is everything in a dorm room — and it can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and an achy sort of day. So buy an egg crate or featherbed padding and some decent pillows. And remember, most dorm room twin beds are extra long, so standard sheets won’t fit. Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Linens ‘N’ Things all carry extra long sheets at a reasonable cost.

If you tend to study and entertain on your bed, Ellis suggests buying a duvet cover that is machine washable. Throw pillows are another way to add color and turn your bed into a sofa.

– If your dorm allows it, consider setting up a loft, where stilts lift your bed to allow a desk and other belongings to go underneath. This is a great way to use your vertical space and create a wonderful sleep-study-storage-mini-kitchen area using very little floor space.

– Dorm rooms are always short on storage space, but you’re ahead if you think vertical. Plastic milk crates come in all colors, are great for books, papers, linens, and stack as high as you can reach. Better yet, pack your containers for what you will store in them before you move. Sheets, towels clothes stay in place until needed — just shove them under your bed.

– “Shop Cop” Jennifer Litwin recommends finding dual-purpose furniture and fixtures. Who hasn’t used a trunk for a coffee table at least once in their life? Urban Outfitters sells their Tufted Storage Chair in great colors like purple and lime. For $250 you can lift off the seat for storage, while keeping the room uncluttered.

– If you want to tune in, but not wake your roommate, consider the iBeanbag chair from Land’s End. This chair has two side speakers and a subwoofer and connects to MP3 players, laptops, personal DVD players or gaming systems so you can watch movies, play video games or listen to music while studying.

– Even lamps do more than turn on these days. Litwin recommends the Boogie Architect iLamp. For only $89, this lamp holds and charges an iPod and stores pens, pencils and paper clips.

– Desk space is a premium in dorm rooms, so Ellis suggests using a floor lamp — halogen lamps give the most light. Or attach a clip-on light to your headboard for reading. Remember, most dorm rooms have just one overhead light, so consider a few lighting options.

An individual reading lamp, such as those that attach to books, is great for late-night studying while your roomie snoozes. Litwin, author of Furniture Hot Spots and Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever! said she just bought her son a snake lamp. “You can wrap it around your head,” she said. “You don’t have to clamp it onto anything.”

– For the style-conscious, draperies can add depth to a room and steal the eye away from drab walls. Ellis suggests hanging colorful drapes over the headboard to create the illusion of a window. Coordinate the drapes with your bedding, hang matching fringe on an ordinary lamp and you’ve got style and drama.

If your dorm doesn’t allow curtain rods, consider using tension rods, which sell for about $7 at Linens ‘N’ Things.

– For color without the penalty of hanging things on the wall, consider “Wallies,” a series of self-adhesive cutouts, such as a retro-cool tie-dye pattern, that provides temporary wall art. They’re easily removable and don’t leave a mark.

– Every student needs a bulletin board to keep track of schedules and friends. Some students use laundry lines to string pictures or ticket stubs on the wall or across the room. Litwin recommends a print stretch-canvas board, such as one found at West Elm. A set of four costs $59 and comes in chocolate brown and tan. The colors pop, and each takes only 12 inches of wall space.

– Invest in hanging wall shoe pockets for your closet door — and don’t limit their use to shoes. Store whatever will fit, from soda cans to pencils to socks. Litwin suggests finding a door hanger with pockets to hold your keys, sunglasses and cell phone, so you always know where they are.

– Don’t forget over-the-door hooks for robes and towels and a drying rack — Bed, Bath & Beyond offers one that folds down to 3 1/2 inches, yet has nine rows. Cost: $10. Other must-haves: A shower caddy and flip-flops.

– Create a space for everything — even your coffee mug deserves a spot on the bookshelf.

– When possible, coordinate with your roommate on such items as microwave ovens and coffee pots. No point in filling your space with the same things.

Finally, think of your dorm room as your first great decor experiment. Just like a first kiss, we have many that follow — but we never forget the first.

-Penny Cockerell