There are several different kinds of leather used in furniture production.  This list is not expansive but is a good start:

• Nubuck (buffed) - Process of raising fibers on the grain-side of a hide to give a nap effect by buffing.
• Naked/Full-Aniline - Leather that has been dyed with aniline, a transparent dye which permeates the entire hide. However, there is no pigment (paint) or finish put on pure aniline-dyed leather to correct or hide imperfections. Best suited for light use.
• Semi-Aniline - Leather that has been dyed with aniline, a transparent dye, which permeates the entire hide. However, there is either a clear lacquer or slightly pigmented finish applied to improve resistance to wear and light. Slightly more durable than full-aniline.
• Pigmented - Hides that are aniline-dyed, then treated with a heavy pigment (paint) and top coating. Ideal for heavy use or active families.
• Corrected, Pigmented & Embossed - Pigmented leather that has been totally buffed of any imperfections, then embossed with an artificial grain to improve the appearance.
• Split - The bottom layer of the hide, which has been separated from the top grain. Split hides are generally weaker than top grain leather and may be used in less expensive upholstered furniture applications. Split hides are not recommended for heavy use.
• Suede - Process of raising fibers of the flesh-side of the hide to give a nap effect by buffing.
• Tanning - A technical process that converts raw hides into a non-perishable material called leather.

* This information provided courtesy of Guardsman Furniture Protection Company.

Different types of leather require different care and maintenance products.  If you are uncertain about the type of leather you have, check with your sales representative or contact the store where you purchased the item.  As a general rule of thumb, pretest all of the care products in a hidden area to make sure they are compatible with the leather.

To maintain the rich, natural look of your leather furniture, we offer the following general recommendations:

General Leather Care Tips

• Avoid using or placing sharp objects on leather goods.  Leather is very durable, but not accident or damage proof. 
• Place your furniture a minimum of two feet from radiators and other heat sources. 
• Protect your leather furniture from direct and even indirect sunlight.  Some leathers, such as full and semi-aniline, will fade over time. 
• Avoid air pollution such as cigar or cigarette smoke and cooking fumes, which can cause leather to fade or change color. 
• Keep leather free from dust by dusting with a cloth (such as the Guardsman Dust Cloth), preferably once a week. 
• Clean leather with Guardsman Leather Cleaner, preferably once a month if the furniture is used daily.  Minimally, this needs to be done four times a year.  Don’t rub!  Sponge gently until all grime and stains are absorbed. 
• Treat leather with Guardsman Leather Protector/Conditioner after each cleaning, to retain its softness and attractive appearance. 
• Blot spills up immediately.  Use Guardsman Leather Cleaner to remove the spill.  Please note:  Many common household cleaning products can cause severe damage and costly repairs, and improper cleaning may void your Furniture Protection Plan.

* This information courtesy of Guardsman Furniture Protection Company.

(ARA) – Even with winter gone and spring on the way, it can be hard to maintain an upbeat mood and high energy if the colors in your home are drab. Short of taking a monthly vacation to a bright, tropical paradise, one way we can keep energy in our lives is with the creative use of color.

It’s always a perfect time to spruce up the interior of your home. There are simple, economical ways to add color to your interior spaces to improve your outlook  year round.

1) Paint the blues away.

One of the best ways to integrate color into a home without much cost is with the use of paint. Even if you think you don’t have the energy or talent to repaint an entire room, don’t worry. You can add splashes of color by painting just one wall a vibrant hue.

Take cues from Mother Nature to establish optimistic color schemes. For example, bright blues and warm shades of taupe are inspired by the ocean, reds and yellows can represent the brightness of a rising sun, and brown and green tones remind you of those first days of spring when buds begin to appear.

When deciding where to paint, it’s important to ask yourself, “What is the room’s strongest feature?” It might be a fireplace, a view, or even a favorite piece of artwork. The wall around that focal point is the wall you want to highlight! Bold colors work well on these walls because they tend to be broken by the window or fireplace, so the impact is eye-catching, not overwhelming. Also, there really isn’t that much area to paint, so the work isn’t too time-consuming.

Rollers are the DIY enthusiast’s best friend because they can save a lot of time and produce a professional-looking finish.
When choosing a roller, make sure it holds an adequate amount of paint without a lot of shedding. For example, the new Wooster Avalon performs like a high-capacity knit while delivering a very low-shed finish like a woven. The special fibers provide a finish with at least 50 percent lower fiber shed count than other rollers on the market. Using a high-quality roller will speed the painting process so you can enjoy your colorful new room sooner, with less effort during the job.

2) If you miss the green, add some greenery.

Do you miss looking outside and seeing full trees and blooming flowers? If so, there’s no better way to brighten your home than to integrate some plants into the decor. Many people participate in some form of indoor gardening, whether having a full container garden, a simple herb garden, or a favorite green plant or two. Ivy, cactus, spider plants and bonsai are all good indoor plants.

If you prefer flowers, you have options as well. African violets are great indoor plants that produce small flowers in vivid shades of purple, pink or white. Geraniums are easy-to-grow annuals with pretty leaf shapes that will flower continuously if given adequate light. Finally, many bulbs work well in an indoor environment. Paper white narcissus flowers provide a strong scent to bring the smell of summer inside your home. Don’t feel like growing flowers? A trip to your local florist or grocery store can provide you with a bouquet that can be displayed anywhere in the house.

3) Accessorize with the feeling of the sun.

Adding accessories to your house’s decor that draw from the feeling of summer can really make a difference in revving up a home’s energy. New pillows can instantly transform an old sofa into something lively and new. A new piece of art with a nature scene can brighten a boring wall. Update family photos with favorite moments from the past year’s warm months. A fun beach picnic scene might be just the pick-me-up you need. Finally, be sure to open your curtains and allow natural light to enter the house as much as you can during the daytime.

Brightening your home is easy when you utilize color. For more information about Wooster painting tools, visit www.woosterbrush.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The use of mirrors in interior design hit its peak in the 1970s, when they could be found on walls, in architectural designs, and even on some ceilings. Over the next 10 years, their use declined, but designers are once again incorporating them into interiors to add substance to style.

With the addition of new shapes, edgings, decorative touches and even tasteful colors, mirrors are experiencing a renaissance.  As a result, many homeowners are faced with cleaning their mirrors, yet aren’t sure which materials to use.  Proper cleaning procedures must be followed to ensure the long-term performance of mirrors.

Although there are many cleaning products labeled as appropriate for mirrors, their maintenance is actually simple and inexpensive. The very best and safest cleaner for a mirror is clean, warm water used with a soft, lint-free cloth.  Wring all water from the cloth before wiping the mirror.  Dry the mirror immediately with a dry lint-free cloth.

When cleaning, the most important thing to remember is to always avoid getting the edges of the mirror wet with any liquid or substance.  This can result in damage to the mirror edges, commonly called “black edge.”  Should mirror edges become wet, they should be dried off immediately.

The following are recommended “dos and don’ts” from manufacturers of quality mirrors:

* Don’t use acid or alkali cleaners on mirrors.  Either substance can attack the front surface and edges as well as the backing of the mirror.  No abrasive cleaners should ever be used on any mirror surface.

* Don’t spray cleaners directly on the mirror.  Always apply cleaner directly to a soft, lint-free cloth and then wipe the mirror.  This will help prevent the cleaner from contacting the edges of the mirror and damaging them.

* Don’t clean across the face of multiple mirrors at the same time.  When cleaning several mirrors installed on a wall, wipe the joints in the same direction as the joints themselves.  This will keep the cleaner from collecting in the area where the mirrors join.

* Don’t use commercial mirror cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar.

* Do use “0000” oil-free steel wool, not solvents, to remove surface marks or stubborn dirt.  Use of solvents can attack and damage the edges and backing of mirrors.

* Do use soft, lint- and grit-free cloths to clean a mirror.  This reduces the chances of scratching the mirror surface.

The last step to cleaning a mirror is to make sure all joints and edges are dry so that no liquid or cleaner comes into contact with the edges and backing.

Where to Find Additional Information

Members of the Mirror Division of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) encourage home owners, construction trades, general contractors, building owners and facility maintenance staff to be aware of proper cleaning procedures for mirrors and conditions that can adversely affect long-term performance.  Consult the GANA Mirror Division Web site (www.mirrorlink.org) for additional resources on mirror products and links to members providing additional technical resources.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Sick of those saggy silk drapes? Does the trendy color you painted your walls last year now look so “last year”? Your décor leaves you uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a bundle on a total redesign. The good news is you don’t need the skill – or budget – of a TV decorating diva to give your home a fresh new look. Small, inexpensive changes can make a dramatic difference.

Here are some ideas to transform your room for less than $100:
Lighten Up

The type and placement of lighting can completely change the look of a room and create different moods. Most of us stick with light fixtures that were in our homes when we bought them. Those aren’t always the most attractive or illuminating options.

Overhead lighting – the kind that comes installed in most new homes – can be great if you’re quilting, but might not set the mood for more relaxing moments. Supplement your overhead lighting with lamps strategically positioned around the room. Light cast from the side, rather than from above, will create a cozy, homey feel. Four $25 lamps purchased at a discount store can make your room feel like a million dollars.

Create with Color

Repainting in this season’s hot colors can give a room a contemporary, trendy look – even if you don’t update any of your furniture. Or, opt for more classic colors that will still be in style for years to come. Whatever color you choose, repainting is a powerful way to make a room feel fresh and new.

You don’t have to stop with simple painting. Many home improvement stores offer free classes on decorative painting techniques and the use of color. Total cost of doing a decorative sponge effect in your powder room? About $26 for a gallon of paint, and another $25 for sponges and paint trays.

Make it Better with Murals

Wallpapering an entire room is a big commitment, but you’re still not content with just repainting a room. You want something that’s going to make the décor pop – without busting your budget. Wallpaper murals are a great compromise. You can find images to match virtually any décor – from an underwater scene for a kid’s room to the view from the verandah of a Tuscan Villa for your kitchen.

Home improvement store Lowe’s carries a variety of these easy-to-install wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics, for less than $100. You can find a style and size to fit in nearly any room. To find a Lowe’s near you visit www.lowes.com.

Accessorize Your Bath

Americans tend to spend their at-home hours in the kitchen. But the next-most-used room is the bath. If walking into your bathroom feels like walking into a bad thrift store – nothing matches and toiletries everywhere – it may be time to spend a few dollars and take control.

It’s easy and not costly to replace mismatched accessories such as toothbrush holders, cups and lotion dispensers with ones in the same design. Major retailers and home specialty stores carry a wide array of patterns to appeal to virtually every taste. A full set can easily be bought for less than $100.

If you’re willing to be a “big spender,” you can also pick up shower curtains and window treatments to compliment your new all-matching accessories.

Go Green and Get Moving

Nothing says “home” like green plants. You don’t need a green thumb to green up your living space. Opt for low-maintenance live varieties like a philodendron or pothos. Or, if you just can’t keep plants alive, consider artificial. Many modern artificial plants duplicate the look of life so well only the aphids who try to eat them can tell the difference.

Place tall palms next to chairs and windows to bring the outdoors inside. Smaller plants are marvelous accents for tables, shelves and windowsills. And a hanging basket with cascading leaves will add drama to large entryways.

Finally, don’t think you need to replace your furniture to make it work in your new room décor. Sometimes simply moving it around is enough to create a new effect that will please you and work well in your room.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - As the brilliant sights and sounds of spring once again emerge, those of us who have endured yet another long, cold winter can hardly contain our excitement and anticipation of warmer months ahead. In our enthusiasm, many of us instinctively turn our attention to sprucing up the inside of our homes.

If you’re planning on completing a spring redecorating project, consider drawing your inspiration from the vast array of bold and breathtaking colors spring provides. “Each season is associated with various signature colors,” says Peggy Van Allen, Pratt & Lambert Paints’ color marketing and lead specialist. “If you’re considering refreshing the look of a room and want to draw on the great outdoors for inspiration, spring offers the most expansive and versatile color palettes to choose from. It’s an ideal time to incorporate the season’s colors into the decor of any room.”  

Van Allen goes on to say that a simple and effective way to incorporate color is to paint one transitional wall, as opposed to the entire room. By doing this, you can pair your seasonal decor items — such as throw pillows and area rugs — with the newly painted accent wall.  This adds a dramatic change to your room in a minimal amount of time.

This spring, to help you successfully bring the outdoors inside, Pratt & Lambert Paints offers the following color-inspiration tips:  

Flower Power 

During spring new life is sprouting up all around us, especially in flowerbeds. When redecorating, consider looking at the colors popping up in your own backyard. Daffodils are some of the first flowers to bloom –use them as inspiration and paint your walls a bright yellow such as Ale (Pratt & Lambert Paint color 12-9).  If you prefer more muted tones, choose a paler shade of yellow such as Naples Cream (Color 10-4) to subtly open up a space.

The Grass is Always Greener
In addition to the beautiful colors generated by perennials, spring’s green foliage and vegetation can also be incorporated inside and used as a calming interior backdrop. Whether you want to use a bold, emerald paint color, or prefer to make a more subdued impression with a medium-green hue like New Glarus (Color 21-20), painting your walls with a shade of green will ensure your interior space projects a clean, fresh feeling.    

Natural Beauty                                                                                                                      
Integrating color schemes from nature into your decor doesn’t necessarily mean the inside of your home needs to look identical to your outdoor landscaping.  Bringing the outdoors inside can also be accomplished by using more natural, earth tone colors found in nature. Your home can easily be turned into a calming sanctuary by drawing color inspirations from the likes of bamboo and cork, then pairing them with bright red accents.  Use Wild Cherry (Color 4-19), Sepia Brown (Color 7-19) and Tarragon (Color 8-24) to turn your home into a natural, springtime haven.

Beyond the Sea
Imagine the cool, spring air blowing off the lake or ocean. Now, translate that emotion into your décor.  It may be easier than you think.  To turn a room into a relaxing, seaside retreat consider using deep shades of blue like Swedish Blue (Color 26-15) or Captivating (Color 24-14). Accenting it with a cool, neutral color, like Sesame (Color 12-29), as a backdrop can further enhance the room’s soothing atmosphere.

Perfect Pastels                                                                                                                          
These soft shades are synonymous with spring. Lighter shades of pink, blue, yellow and green can be found throughout springtime decorations. To make a lasting impression try carrying   those colors over into your decor by using a mint shade, like Mistletoe Kiss (Color 20-26). Or, use a delicate shade of pink like Blush (Color 31-3) to transform any room in your home into a cheery and welcoming space.  

With so many paint color options available, and so much color inspiration to draw from, it’s never been easier to bring your home’s interior back to life after a long winter. And, by following these helpful color tips, you can further ensure you’ll have an attractive, inviting home that’s freshened up for spring and all the seasons to come.

For more information on how to choose the perfect color, visit www.PrattAndLambert.com or call (800) 289-7728.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Want to get a feel for what’s hot in the world of home decor these days? All you have to do is visit a couple of model homes in your community and take a good look around. You’re sure to recognize a recurring theme.

The cabinets you saw in the high-end kitchen closely resemble the furniture in the adjoining breakfast nook, and the ceiling molding in the dining room matches perfectly as well. These days, designers are going out of their way to carry a single theme throughout the entire house. It’s a design trend called unification.

(Click here to search for dining room furnishings that may match your kitchen.)

A good example of this practice can be found at fashion and lifestyle expert Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory, an innovative venue for displaying the best of today’s luxury brands for the home. The lab, situated inside a stunning 3,400 square foot loft on the 13th floor of an art deco building on West 30th Street in Manhattan, features a collection of luxury brands — displayed in context — to create a seamless total experience that stimulates the style senses.

From the moment you walk through the door, you’re transformed into a space that’s Déjà New — characteristic of a new French look with touches of old world flair. There’s oversized furniture and big chandeliers. The kitchen is organized and contemporary without being sterile. The cabinetry is being used as a template for what is truly a great room. The library mimics the cabinetry in the kitchen with the same style and finish.

“I wanted the space to be consistent, with a natural flow from one room to the next.  No one wants their home to feel like a showroom so the cabinetry in this space unifies the design theme and connects with the rest of the décor,” says Verdi.

Vince Achey, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, the brand of cabinets chosen for the Luxe Laboratory, agrees with Verdi’s assessment. “Custom cabinetry is the only way to utilize every inch of space and make storage easy, convenient and accessible as well as beautiful. We know our customer has specific storage needs and we try to accommodate them in every way possible, with designs that are smart and functional.”

In the kitchen, some of the most popular custom applications people are requesting include decorative storage houses for toasters and other appliances, built-in spice racks, pull-out drawers and cutting boards that fit right into the counter.

In the library or family room, homeowners have the option of continuing the look by installing matching custom bookshelves/cabinets that offer ample storage space. They may cover all four walls and/or reach from the ground to ceiling. Whatever the homeowner wants.

Matching cabinets above the washer/dryer in the laundry room allow the homeowner to store detergent, dryer sheets and stain remover out of sight so the room has a clean look. They may also want to add a pull down iron or folding shelf that can be pulled out when it’s time to fold laundry, then put back when they’re done. “The possibilities with custom cabinetry are truly endless,” says Achey.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A class action lawsuit was finally settled in arizona against Ashley Hometores.  They are required to pay $400,000 to the State Attorney General for consumer fraud education, attorney’s fees and investigation costs.  The settlement also requires Ashley Furniture Homestore to change its business practices with regard to advertising and delivery and cancellation of orders.

The settlement provides customers with a right to cancel late orders and a right to prompt repair or replacement of defective furniture. In addition, Ashley Furniture will pay restitution of $2,000 to consumers who were charged a restocking fee, and the company will replace or provide refunds of up to $8,000 to consumers who received defective furniture.

Buyer Beware.  Ashley charges a 30% restocking fee for cancelled orders!  We just recently had  a customer in our store who lost 500 bucks over furniture that was of inferior quality.  Maybe a class action suit is coming to Lousiana, eh?

See the full story here…