Home of the Future

June 12, 2015June 12, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Last week we unplugged and disconnected from technology, finding bliss in the simplicity of life unwired. Today we are celebrating technological advancements as we go back to the future and share with you Five New Home Technologies we are kind of excited about.

Kevo UniKey

Image courtesy of www.unikey.com

For those of us who are tired of fumbling through our keys to get into our homes, Kevo eKey is the perfect solution. An ultimate convenience, a light touch of your lock is all that’s needed. Your smartphone takes the place of the old-fashioned physical key, running the app in the background so you don’t have to turn on the app to access entry. You can send an eKey to anyone, anywhere, anytime. You can also disable and delete access, even controlling the days and time the eKey will be active. If you don’t have a smartphone, a Kevo Fob is available. If you run into any technical glitch, a physical key is available as back-up.

HomeChat

Images courtesy of www.lg.com

It now possible to chat with your home appliances. Wha-at? Not kidding. And not only can you chat with your refrigerator, washing machines, etc.. they can text each other as well! All of this is possible in the new intuitive interface from LG, HomeChat. Seong-jin Jo, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance Company says, “Not only does LG HomeChat help simplify and enhance our products, they also deliver a unique user experience, adding even more value to our customers’ lives.” The smartphone app can allow user to check what is in their refrigerator without even opening the door. Very useful when you’re in the grocery store and didn’t make that shopping list! You can also text your washer to wash your clothes and ensure that laundry is done by the time you get home. If you’re going on vacation, no worries. You can instruct your appliances to go on safe mode until you return.

ELAN g1 Universal Remote

Image courtesy of www.elanhomesystems.com

When it comes to controlling technology at home, wouldn’t it be grand if there was one magic gadget that could allow you to access not just one, or few, but ALL of them? Apparently so. Through ELAN Home System users can gain complete control not just to their televisions and home theaters, but to their entire homes. The versatile ELAN g1 Series features a single hand-held remote control that can manage up to “16 zones of security, two electronic door locks, an audio/video receiver with up to 32 connected TVs, up to 24 lighting keypads, three thermostats, three IP surveillance cameras and up to 16 groups of irrigation”. This can expand depending on your home capabilities or budget. It makes me feel incredibly powerful just thinking about it.

LED Light Bulb Speaker

Images courtesy of www.sony.jp

At home, some occasions call for light… and music (at the same time). You can have the best of both worlds in a brilliant concept – the Sony LED Light Bulb Speaker, which, through Bluetooth, provides up to 360-lumens of app-controlled lighting and integrated speaker system. The bulbs’ brightness and songs can be controlled and played through a smartphone app or a wireless remote controller. The LED Light Bulb Speaker can be placed anywhere lighting is available, providing simple audio installation without the hassle and cost of a complete home renovation. It’s the perfect gadget for creating instant ambiance such as a romantic date night at home.

Tulip Shower + Bath

Images courtesy of www.designrulz.com and www.dornob.com

A luxurious space saving shower & tub in the shape of a beautiful flower? Sign me up! The Tulip, designed by Piotr Pyrtek, takes inspiration from the flower in the minimalist form of bathtub/shower. The flip-down feature makes room for lying down in the bath. It retracts to an upright position, the enclosure prevents splashing and contains steam for showering. A revolutionary home technology designed for tiny spaces, the Tulip is small but ultra-modern. The bathtub features underwater jets and massagers. Patent pending, and not yet available for purchase, but hopefully soon.

The Secret Garden

May 15, 2015May 14, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Love greenery and in need of an interior design refresh? Consider adding plants to create a relaxing and natural atmosphere to your home.

For busy-bee serial plant killers (like myself) who lack the time or talent to grow anything underground, you might be thinking, “But I don’t have a green thumb.” Don’t worry, we are not alone. Just like there are faux leather and faux fur, there are also faux plants- artificial plants that look so life-like, you can now grow your own secret garden without getting down and dirty. Really, you can do it without barely lifting a finger, except, of course, to open your wallet. 🙂 There are so many different ways to incorporate flowers and greenery into any space.

Avoid committing indoor plant decorating faux pas and read some of our tips below.

TABLETOP ACCESSORIES

Succulents and terrariums add modern green accents to any room. Besides overwhelming your tabletop, you can’t go wrong with this. Whether store-bought or DIYs, you can utilize several pieces, line them up, or even put them in a box. Buy a glass cover and place over a succulent for an easy, maintenance-free terrarium. Feelin’ beachy? Fill up a glass bowl or mason jar with succulents, sand and small driftwood, even a seashell or two.

CORNER PIECE

Have an empty corner that you want to fill? It’s the perfect spot for an oversize plant or vase. It adds texture and depth to any room, while adding a hint of mama nature. Remember, you don’t have to add a lot of greenery to make a statement. It’s all about placement and arrangement. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be symmetrical and fill the opposite corner with the same or even any plant at all. Put a floor lamp instead.

ROOM DIVIDERS

modern-office-space-naturallivingmag-com — *Image Courtesy of Natural Living Mag*

Floor plants make great and creative room dividers. Place several large plants behind your sofa to separate your living and dining area. It creates a little indoor jungle, adding layers to the room while separating spaces.

ORCHIDS

Bring charm and elegance to any room with orchids. They are ornamental plants that symbolize love, beauty and strength. Place them on tabletops and entryways, on window sills and wall shelves. Use them to add a pop of color since they are usually available in a variety of hues and styles.

Here are some artificial greenery available at our Red Knot stores:

From Left to Right–

1. PHALAENOPSIS, $59
2. PINK PHALAENOPSIS, $19
3. GLASS POTTED ECHEVERIA PINE, $19
4. MINI DRACULA ALOE SUCCULENT GLASS, $329
5. FORSYNTHIA IN A VASE, $199
6. MOTHER IN LAW TONGUE, $69
7. SUCCULENTS IN CERA POT, $33
8. ONCIDIUM PLANT, $59
9. PAPYRUS GRASS IN VASE, $129

There are many more ways to include plants and greens in your home. Secret or not, start your garden, and little by little, watch your (faux) plant greenery grow.

Images courtesy of Houzz & Google Images.

All That Glitters Is…

May 8, 2015May 7, 2015 | honeyaubrey

…gold… and silver. They shine, they sparkle, and yes, they’re luxurious! In home design metallics are no longer just festive accents during the holidays. Modern and chic, whether in the spring or summer, gold and silver brings a dash of style and regality like no other colors.

How do you incorporate this glitzy trend in your home? Read below for some tips.

METALLIC 101

They might be flashy, but they can also be considered neutrals because they work with any color palette. Although, keep in mind metallic tones are reflective in nature. So it’s important to allow them to be the star of their own show, and make them pop. Gold and silver can make any space gleam worthy, you have to literally, make them shine. As accessories, the most dramatic impact is done in small doses. Otherwise, it will be overwhelming. If you decide to go bigger, as in metallic furniture, then by all means go BIG! Then keep everything else neutral. Lastly, you can mix and match gold and silver. It adds texture and creates a history- a not so monotonous “I actually live here” look. Like everything else, it’s all about balance.

GO FOR THE GOLD

starburstmirror_decorpad — *Image Courtesy of http://www.decorpad.com*

Black and gold = sexy and lustrous. For fashionistas, think the LBD with a gold statement necklace. Rich gold also works well on rustic brick walls as it create a contrast of whimsy. Achieve this look by placing a gold starburst mirror against urban brick walls. For a sunny and more inviting atmosphere, play up yellow with gold. For a feminine touch, go for light gold and glass, such as our Rachel Occasional Table Collection here at Red Knot.

SEE THE SILVER LINING

AquaSilver_decoist — *Image Courtesy of http://www.decoist.com*

Silver works great with floral patterns as it softens the palette. Decorate with white tabletop accessories to enhance the silver. Cool shades of blue or white with silver and chrome accents creates a sleek and polished look, however you can warm up the atmosphere by adding warm tones of gold.

BE INSPIRED

Here are our 10 faves from Red Knot that can bedazzle any space.

1. Rachel Oval Cocktail Table, $339
2. Leather & Lace Wall Art, $549
3. Nyack 3-Drawer Mirror Chest, $399
4. Robinson Accent Table, $99
5. Silver Table Lamp, various styles – $129 & up
6. Dendrobium Silk Floral Arrangement, $79
7. Mercury Ball Decor, $24
8. Mirror Glass Tray, $59
9. Gold Star Tabletop Decor, $24
10. Silver Metal Sculpture Set, $59

As you can see, metallic furnishings and accessories give your interiors edge and glamour. So don’t be afraid to go for the gold (and silver) because it’s your home’s time to shine.

How to Dress Up Your Bed

April 23, 2015April 24, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Monacointeriors — *Image Courtesy of Monaco Interiors*

There is so much more to your bed than just being a place to relax and sleep in. Since you spend about one-third of the day in bed, it should be an intimate and beautiful sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate after a long day. In addition, beautiful bedding enhances your sleep as well as your mood. The challenge is creating enticing, much envied looks that you see in magazines, Pinterest and showroom floors.

Here are some tips to help you create your dream bed…

LAYERED COMFORT

decorny_bohobed — *Image Courtesy of decorny.com*

Dressing up your bed is all about layers. However, your bed should be a balance between fashionable and cozy. Choose a great base for your bed by buying the best mattress you can afford. If not, you can update an old mattress by adding pillow toppers or a feather bed to make it feel like new.

THE SHEET SET

Sheets can be easily changed at any time, so have fun with this. The sheet set generally includes pillowcases, a fitted sheet and flat sheet. You can choose solid colors, or coordinating patterns with the rest of your bedding.

ALL COVERED UP

Modern-bed-with-Mid-century-style_decoist — Image Courtesy of decoist.com

There are several options for bed covers. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your bed cover is the type of sleeper you are and the weather if it makes a difference. Summer months in Hawaii gets very, very hot! A quilt can be used as a bed cover, or an additional layer for warmth. It is made with three layers with a middle layer being thin cotton lining. Quilts are usually designed and sewn together with many pieces of cloth, although modern quilts can be solid colors. A coverlet, or comforter, is large enough to cover the whole mattress, sometimes hanging low enough to cover the boxspring and bedframe. It also has three layers- a woven top, a layer filled of material including polyester batting down feathers, wool or silk, and a final backing. A duvet cover is constructed shorter than a coverlet. It is designed for smaller mattresses (European), or for platform beds. It is like a giant pillow case as you can fill it with cushion in cooler months. If you wanted to, you can use it entirely as a single covering for your bed. If you’re in the mood for a DIY project, you can create your own duvet by stitching two different fabrics back to back!

PILLOW TALK

Selecting the right bed pillows is very important as it gives that luxury of making a bed much more inviting. They serve a functional purpose and make fabulous accent pieces. The pillows do the most talking, telling you to come on over!

Is there a science behind arranging pillows for aesthetic purposes? See the visual below created by Marissa Waddell Interiors for ideas on how to arrange your pillows:

Rule of thumb in pillow sizes is from back to front it should be biggest to smallest. Vary the sizes of the decorative pillows in sizes, colors and textures, while keeping the overall look from getting too busy. Highlight the decorative pillows either by choosing a different color/texture from the sheet set, or pull colors from around the room to create a cohesive look, but at the same time giving them a decorative purpose.

COLOR STORY & PATTERN PLAY

nate-berkus-bedding — *Image Courtesy of bedroomfurnituredotcom*

Play up the color schemes with bright colors and patterns either for a casual or boho look. For a fluffy, I’m-sleeping-in-the clouds feel, go with all white in various textures. You can also offset this with a highly patterned coverlet for an artistic feel. For a modern room choose color palettes in shades of grays and whites, with strong accents of color such as red and violet. Textured decorative pillows (neckrolls, bolster and boudoir) can bring a bit of whimsy. Think faux fur, embroideries, appliques, burlap, etc. Pops of color and texture on your bed add layers and personality to a sleek and monotonous room.

FINISHING TOUCHES

nicespace-me_modernbed — Image Courtesy of nicespace.me

For a final touch, add a throw to your bed spread. You can simply fold the throw blanket, just lay it over your bed or drape the throw on the bottom corner.

Another thing to remember is to dress up your bed like you would dress yourself! Let it be an expression of you!

Choosing That Perfect Rug

April 17, 2015April 17, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Image Courtesy of http://www.decoratorsbest.com

Area rugs are the essential decorative accessory in a room. It is a functional piece (protects the floor and your feet) while enhancing design elements to the space. The styles, colors and materials to choose from are endless! Sometimes it can feel like it’s tricky business when it comes to selecting that ideal rug, but it’s a lot simpler than you think.

There are several main elements to keep in mind during this process. Finding the right rug can create a space to perfection but the wrong one can make it feel unfinished, awkward and even uncomfortable.

Color, size, texture and materials are some things to carefully consider. Read on for tips on mastering the challenge of choosing the perfect rug.

Image Courtesy of http://www.obeliskhome.com

COLOR

Color and style choice is important as it sets a mood and creates a story or relationship between your room and the rug. About one-third of a room’s color is dominated by the color of the floor covering, so a rug will seem as one of the largest pieces of “furniture” in the room. Plan your color scene depending on the colors of the rug.

Darker colors help define a more intimate space while lighter colors create a more spacious feel. Fiery hues such as yellow, orange or red add warmth while cool colors (blues, greens) creates a calming mood. For a cohesive look, choose a rug that compliments two or three main colors in the room. If there are a lot of color and pattern going on in your space, then choosing a neutral color rug is okay, but don’t play it too safe. Choose patterns and bright colors if your primary furniture is a solid color. Geometric prints are best for modern settings while floral prints work better for a more traditional look.

SIZE

Since rugs come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, remember that choosing your rug is also dependent on room size. A rug should fit the size of your seating area. All furniture should be placed on the rug. In a living room the rug should be large enough so at the very least the front legs of the furniture are on it. In the dining room, area rugs should cover beyond the chairs. To get the correct measurement, measure the table and add roughly about two feet. You can also sit on one of the chairs and measure the distance from the table, and add it all around. In the bedroom, you want to feel the luxurious rug on your feet so that you wake up every morning on the soft side, not the wrong side, of the bed!

A 5×8 area rug is a good choice for a medium sized room, such as the bedroom or under the coffee table in the living room. 8×10 rugs work best in dining rooms and master bedrooms. Square or round rugs are great choices for square rooms, and rectangular rugs oriented in the same direction in rectangular rooms.

TEXTURE

Texture adds layers to a room so don’t overlook this aspect when choosing your rug. The way the rug feels also (literally) adds to the feel to the room. Shoot for contrast- use the texture of your existing pieces to guide you. Sleek leather sofas go great with shag rugs or rugs with fluffier pile. A soft, velvety sofa go best with hard rugs like jute and sisal. Wool rugs are elegant in texture and add warmth and definition to a room that has shiny or smooth surfaces.

MATERIAL

When selecting rugs, think practical and choose materials depending on the traffic area of the room. The material that dominates the world of rugs is wool due to its low maintenance and high durability; however some people may be allergic to the fibers. Shag rugs can become a tripping hazard for elderly people because of the raised pile. Also keep in mind the maintenance of the rug. Jute, grass and sisal rugs have interesting textures and often cost less, but they stain easily, difficult to clean and don’t last as long. If you spill coffee or red wine, it’s time to say bye bye.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Image Courtesy of http://www.arearugsclub.com

*Consider adding a rug pad, especially to flat weave rugs to add a layer of comfort.
*Place dark-colored or patterned rugs under your dining table as they are better at hiding stains.
*There is a huge misconception to buy the rug last. Big no-no. When it comes to decorative accents, choose the rug first because it is THE piece that creates a dramatic impact and ties the room together.

After finding your perfect rug, you can move on to your throw pillows, then curtains and other decorative pieces like wall art and table tops.

Wait… did someone say pillows? Stay tuned for next week’s blog post on layering pillows. Meanwhile, shop for your perfect rug here.

Design Inspiration

April 10, 2015April 10, 2015 | honeyaubrey

As you already know here at Red Knot we have an undeniable love for design. Through our blog we are able to share with you tips and inspiration to bring out your inner creative and design-savvy dweller. Truth be told, we also have our list of favorite blogs we frequent- they, too, inspire us with extraordinary ideas and amazing designs that stir our minds, we couldn’t wait to share them with you!

Apartment Therapy

An essential blog for resources in home improvement and design tips. The site feature topics in homekeeping, DIYs, renovation, tech, and entertaining. The site is updated frequently with posts from different parts of the world. Apartment Therapy is mostly pictorial, with lots of jaw-dropping photos of interiors all the while providing practical home décor ideas. Founder Maxwell Ryan was known as the “apartment therapist”, described as “one part interior designer, one part life coach,” who would visit his clients’ homes to help them make their spaces beautiful, organized and healthy. In their mission statement they believe that “a calm, beautiful home is linked to happiness.”

Centsational Girl

“Fabulous, for less” is Kate Riley’s motto in her blog, Centsational Girl. Centsational Girl is an incredible resource for design, home improvement and DIY projects and how to bring affordable style to your home. The best guide for designer style on a budget, you will find tips, tricks and tutorials on designing your home in the most creative and inexpensive ways through furniture makeovers and craft projects. Kate shows you how “fix up your place and with finesse, one do-it-yourself project at a time”. Browse the Project Gallery for article archives, the Style Files for inspiring home improvement and interior decorating ideas, and Kate’s other site, Best of DIY for over 1,000 DIY projects.

Design Milk

“Always fresh + never sour, Design Milk fills your thirsty cup to the brim with design finds from around the world.” An incredible go-to resource for information about art, architecture, interior design, home décor, fashion, and technology. They have a number of regular columns and features that make interesting reads such as Design Store(y) (inside look at a retail design shop), Skim Milk (minimalist design) and Where I Work (offices and tools to help unleash creativity of top designers) to name a few. In their Interiors page, there are a pages of eye-candy photos of striking and much coveted spaces.

Savvy Home

The Savvy Girl believes in the notion that the decorating is an ongoing adventure. Influenced by a love for the coastal lifestyle, Savvy home was founded in 2010 by Gabrielle Savoie out of a beach apartment on the coast of South Australia. It is a great source for décor inspiration, expert tips, shopping and décor services. The site features blog posts on interior design, entertaining, travel and house tours. You can also purchase featured furniture and accent pieces in their Shop page.

Remodelista

Remodelista is one of the best home and design websites to visit. They have design perspectives from all over the globe, from here in the U.S to Australia to Europe and Asia! Talk about online globe-trotting, visit their Travel category for exquisite interiors throughout the world! Their Home Inspiration category feature blog posts with amazing inspiration for the home, where you can find art and decorating ideas, color palettes, and home accessories in a range of styles- modern, rustic to minimalist. In the Experts category you can browse a selective listing of design firms and design professionals. You can get remodeling advice from DIYers, remodelers, and architectural enthusiasts.

Designing Small Spaces

April 3, 2015April 3, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Decorating a small space can be tricky. It’s important to understand the key factors and the common misconceptions when it comes to decorating small spaces. Get inspired and learn how to make the most of your small-space situation with these top tips and design ideas.

Tip #1
KNOW YOUR STUFF!
There are a few things you need to know before you get started. First is the measurement of the space- by knowing your dimensions, you will know your space limitations. Also, determine the purpose or function of the room. Who will be using the room, for what, when, and how? Is it a playroom for the kids, will it be a home office, a family or guest room? It’s also important to understand the traffic flow of the space as it relates to adjoining rooms, doorways, windows, etc. One way that you can take all of these elements into consideration – size, purpose of the room and traffic flow- is by designing a room plan. Eventually, you will need a visual of the space you are designing, and it makes it easier to work with once you have a sketch of the space. Know that at Red Knot, we offer a service that allows you to create a room plan with one of our team members to make your furniture shopping much more fun and enjoyable!

Tip #2
DON’T BE FOOLED BY MISCONCEPTIONS
There are some myths of do’s and don’ts when designing small spaces.
a. MYTH- DO select only light colors such as whites, creams or light beiges because it gives a sense of spaciousness into the room. TRUTH- It’s okay to use color to give the space life and personality. Yes, lighter tones enhance airiness, but using pops of color add personality to the décor.
b. MYTH- DON’T use bold prints and textures. TRUTH- Like colors, adding a graphic print will add depth and personality. Without texture, the space gets very boring. Using bold pillows and rugs can pull a room together and make it complete.
c. MYTH- DO keep an open concept approach. TRUTH- It’s best to identify areas within the space to have purpose. If not, the space will look messy and undefined.
d. MYTH- DO place furniture against the wall. TRUTH- Putting furniture against the wall constricts the space, making it seem smaller. If possible, pull furniture away from the wall as it creates depth and sense of larger space.

Tip #3
THINK OF DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAXIMIZE SPACE
In a small space, make room for function. Choose pieces with multifunction capabilities. Consider versatile pieces such as futon sleepers, storage bed frames, convertible dining tables and nesting tables to name a few. Choose flexible furniture that allows you to change the layout of the furniture. Being able to move things around makes you feel less beholden and cramped.” Organization through vertical storage and bookcases not only hide clutter and but also makes the ceiling appear higher! Small furniture emphasize that the room is small, so go bigger with your furniture selection. Furniture with big statements make small rooms feel more spacious. Larger furniture will trick the eye into thinking that the space is larger.
While doing so, keep in mind to keep the silhouette of the furniture slim. Select upholstery with thin arms, dining table with slim legs and case goods with simple, clean lines.

Remember that tiny spaces don’t have to sacrifice comfort or style. You don’t have to decorate a small space based solely on function. Be creative- let the room, no matter the size, reflect your personality and your style!

Last Friday, Red Knot had the opportunity to be featured in Living808, where we shared some tips on how to design and maximize small spaces. To view: how-to-decorate-and-maximize-a-small-space-in-your-home

Come visit us at Red Knot and we’ll help to decorate your space!

Color We Love – Green!

March 27, 2015March 27, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Here at Red Knot we do color. Lots of color! And since spring is in the air, we are celebrating one of our favorite colors by going (bright) green!

A mixture of yellow and blue, the color green is a secondary color on the color wheel. Since yellow is a warm color and blue is a cool color, green is considered the color of balance. There are more shades of green more than any other color – the range is almost infinite.

Green can look completely different depending on the balance of yellow and blue. The brightness can be muted by mixing in white or gray, but can be turned into a dramatic and more masculine hue by mixing in black.

Physically, green is believed to mentally soothe and encourage relaxation. The color works beautifully in spas, doctor’s offices and health clinics. It is the most restful color to the eye optically because of its neutral spectral wavelength. It is also the color used for night-vision goggles because the human eye is most sensitive to and able to distinguish the most shades of that color. Psychologically, green is believed to alleviate depression and reduce nervousness and anxiety. No longer just a color, the term “green” is universally associated with Mother Nature and the mentality that we should be taking care of our environment.

Don’t be afraid to use green when it comes to home furnishing and design. Because of its placement in the color wheel, green can match virtually anything. It can be a pop of color in a room through accent pieces, but it can most definitely be the focal point of the space as well!

Some of our favorites here at RK are below.

Did you know that traffic lights ALL over the world are green?

So don’t stop, and go… green! 🙂

Let’s Talk Texture!

March 20, 2015 | honeyaubrey

In home furnishing, there are different types of textures and textiles. Below are some of the industry’s basic textures and some FYIs to assist you in making the decision between one or another.

COTTON
Cotton is the world’s oldest and most used fiber, making up 50% of the textile industry. It is highly versatile, being available in a huge range of different colors and prints. Cotton is a plant-based fiber and varies in thickness and length depending on the species of cotton. Organic cotton can be used in upholstery fabric and is considered renewable resource.
DURABILITY: Cotton fabric is absorbent, breathable, soft to touch and static resistant. Upholstered cotton will feel good against your skin no matter the temperature or the humidity. It is also cost efficient.
DRAWBACKS: Cotton is not wrinkle resistant, and prone to shrinking (when wet) and stretching. Cotton is highly vulnerable to sunlight, causing it fade over time. It is also prone to staining because of its great absorbency characteristic.
CARE: Always blot spills immediately. Do not rub! Spot clean with a damp cloth or sponge, and let air dry. Keep out cotton from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

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POLYESTER
Unlike cotton, polyester is a man-made fiber. Microfiber, a fabric popular in the home furnishing industry, is made of 100% polyester. It has a suede-like texture, almost like a rich, velvety feel.
DURABILITY: Known for its durability, polyester has high strength, excellent resiliency, and a high abrasion resistance. Low absorbency allows the fiber to dry quickly. It is resistant to shrinking, stretching and creasing. Unlike cotton, it is resistant to sun-fading. High-resiliency helps to prevent the saggy look some sofas get as they age. Microfiber is water repellent and handles spills well by keeping them on the surface rather than soaking them in.
DRAWBACKS: Polyester is a product of the petroleum industry- it is not considered organic or from renewable resources. It is vulnerable to high temperature, heat and burns.
CARE: Clean with a soft cloth, water and mild liquid soap. Because of its weakness to heat, avoid removing cushion covers and putting them through the drier. Also avoid other heat sources such as curling irons or lit cigarettes from coming in contact with the sofa.

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LEATHER
Leather is a natural product, made from animal skin. It is the most expensive cover used in upholsteries. Leather is luxurious, sophisticated and eludes an aura of prestige. It will never look dated and over time will develop character, a great advantage when it comes to longevity and value. There are upholsteries that are matched leather (100% leather on the seating area and vinyl on sides and back) and all leather (seating area, sides and back are 100% leather).
DURABILITY: Leather is exceptionally durable and long lasting- the longer you have it, the leather will become softer and more comfortable. It will even develop it’s own patina. It is resistant to tearing and easy to clean. Leather does not attract or collect dust and is resistant to dust mites.
DRAWBACKS: Leather adjusts to your body temperature, so it gets really sticky and uncomfortable in hot weather conditions.
CARE: In general, leather sofas are easier to keep clean than fabric. a regular vacuum and a damp cloth is all you need. Proper conditioning will also help to protect and prolong the life of your leather upholstery.

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WOOD
Wood has many uses and purposes, and is a favorite choice in home furnishing. They are divided into three types- hardwood, softwood or engineered wood. One of the factors determining the quality of your furniture is the type of wood. There are also wood veneers. A veneer is a thin piece of premium, high-quality wood over a lower quality piece of wood.
DURABILITY: Hardwood (deciduous trees) includes oak, mahogany, cherry, teak and birch. These are the most durable as they have strength and stability. Softwood (coniferous trees) includes pine and redwood. They are easier to carve and craft. Engineered wood includes plywood and particleboard/fiberboard. Plywood will have 3-5 thin pieces of wood glued together, and particleboard is created from milled lumber. They are less susceptible to splitting or warping. Veneers are used even in expensive, high-quality furniture so don’t be fooled by the term.
DRAWBACKS: Hardwood is not easily carved or crafted. Softwoods are more prone to scratches, marks and dents. Engineered wood does not last as long as hardwood. Fiberboards will soak up water and other liquids causing it to swell. A wood veneer is so thin that it is limited to the number of times an item can be refinished.
CARE: Dust thoroughly using a feather duster, lint-free/microfiber cloth or terry towel. Do not clean wood with water, or use all-purpose cleaning sprays. Instead, use a paste or wax that is made specifically for wood furniture. For slight scratches, use a felt-tip touch-up pen to fill in scratches.

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MELAMINE
Melamine is plastic resin created with formaldehyde and hardened through a heating process. It comes in a large variety of colors and patterns, and is applied to wood or particle board to make melamine furniture.
DURABILITY: Melamine is flame-resistant and is used in aprons, thermal liners and firefighters’ uniforms. It has a very smooth texture and will not scratch as easily as a veneer. It is also environmentally friendly as most melamine is used over particle board, a recyclable material.
DRAWBACK: Melamine is flat and cannot be curved at all.
CARE: Remove all dust thoroughly either using a duster or a damp washcloth. Use mild soap and water as your homemade cleaner solution- avoid using household cleaning products. Use a sponge to wipe down sprayed solution, then a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe away your cleanser. Clean once or twice a month.

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LACQUER
Wood furniture takes on a different look and protection with lacquer finishing. Lacquer is a type of sprayed-on finish giving furniture a smooth texture and high-gloss look. Lacquer is often mistaken as a trait of modern furniture, but it actually originated in East Asia hundreds of years ago.
DURABILITY: Lacquer finish does not turn yellow, unlike shellac or polyurethane. It also last longer without flaking or chipping.
DRAWBACKS: Like any varnish, lacquer finish is vulnerable to scratches. Select lacquered furniture that requires little to no day-to-day use of its tabletop.
CARE: Clean with liquid soap and warm water, and dry with non-abrasive cloth.