Consumer panel shares views on casual furniture shopping experience

A revealing consumer panel discussion during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market offered retailers and vendors insights to keep their businesses going in the tough economic climate.

The panel of six local consumers immediately broke into halves with vastly different outlooks. Robert Gibbs and Noel Ross, a pair of thirtysomethings living in downtown Chicago, were diligent and studious shoppers holding out for the perfect look, while Pamela Preschlack, Leigh Moss, Mary Kay Ryan and Ginny Wells, four stay-at-home mothers from the tony Lake Bluff suburb, had more bottom-line demands.

Both Ross and Gibbs expressed frustration over finding the right kind of furniture for their limited outdoor spaces.

“I'm looking for something different,” Ross said. “Comfort is my biggest priority, but I want to create an oasis by the grill. I've been searching for a long, long time.”

She added her shopping efforts were so fruitless in Chicago-area stores that she considered buying online, a prospect Gibbs said he was open to from the start. The moms, however, said they use the Internet strictly as a research tool.

“I definitely do my initial shopping online so I can narrow my choices to store A or store B,” Preschlack said. “But in the end, I definitely want to see it first hand.”

When she does visit stores, Preschlack said she looks for durability first. She said she was willing to pay more for a chair, table or chaise that will last at least five years, and she wasn't alone.

“I want my furniture to be able to handle the harsh elements we have here in Chicago,” Wells said. “I expect to have it for at least 10 years. I also want to know the cushions will still be available if I need replacements in the meantime.”

The only shift in allegiances on the panel came when the participants discussed their in-store shopping habits.

Gibbs, the lone male, said he preferred to be left alone.

“I find it irritating when people try to sell me something,” he said. “I don't want to get trapped. I'd rather just take my time browsing without having to worry about that.”

The other panelists valued the customer service experience.

“When I'm at a specialty store, I'm willing to spend more because the people there are knowledgeable and are willing to deliver the furniture,” Wells said. “They're also local, so I know they'll be there for me if I have any issues.”

“I like talking with someone back and forth,” Ross said. “It's like having my own interior designer to help me make decisions. They have to understand me more than sell me, though. If they make that effort, I can talk to them forever.”

All six panelists said they enjoy planning their outdoor spaces on their own.

“It starts with me looking through interior design magazines, although now more and more I get inspiration from the design shows on television,” said Preschlack. “But I still like print. I tear out photos of what I like.”

When retailers offer interior design services, the panelists balk. Gibbs said he is wary of the cost. Even if such services are free, he said, charges will probably be incorporated into the price of the furniture. Other panelists said they simply don't need interior design help.

“With the amount of space I have and the amount of time I use my casual furniture, it's probably not worth me using a designer,” Ryan said.

The most valuable insight may have come from something the panel couldn't discuss — flow-through cushions. When moderator Cinde W. Ingram, Casual Living editor-in-chief, asked the consumers if they value such new technologies, they were baffled — and thrilled.

“I've never heard of flow-through cushions,” Preschlack said. “In fact, I never put my cushions out this year because I kept having to put them up and take them back out again every day.”

Although aware of performance fabrics, panelists agreed there are plenty of new features and technologies in outdoor furniture they were unaware of. And that extra bit of knowledge would probably go a long way toward selling them.

“Flow-through cushions sound great,” Wells said. “I definitely want that for next year.”

What furniture consumers are looking for in a recession?

Economists may debate whether we’re in recession, but consumers have already decided that we are—and have changed their purchasing behavior accordingly. Two trend analysts—Faith Popcorn and Britt Beamer—have answer to peer into the crystal ball and weigh in on the opportunities during these tough times.

Faith Popcorn

“Out on the street, no one is asking if we are in a recession,” said trend analyst Faith Popcorn. “They're asking when it will end and where our economy will be by then.”

According to Popcorn, whose BrainReserve consultancy tracks 17 megatrends for major corporations, consumers are changing their shopping behaviors and rethinking their priorities in ways that have special relevance for home furnishings retailers.

A BrainReserve survey fielded in June revealed that consumers are reducing consumption and putting a greater emphasis on their homes. “A full 90 percent of the sample is considering opting out for a simpler life,” Popcorn said. “Four out of five are inclined to buy less. Seventy-two percent want to remove the clutter from their lives.”

The data also shows that there are many pro-home trends that furniture retailers may be able to capitalize upon. Respondents said that they are spending more time at home due to budget constraints, reprioritizing their spending to feather their nest, and investing in home entertainment to save money on going out.

“It’s called the entertainment center for a reason,” Popcorn said. “Retailers should concentrate on how to accessorize and amplify that experience. Think oversize chairs and sofas, modular sofas that are re-configurable, tables that keep food hot (or cold), and entertainment centers that provide storage.”

Of course, when budgets are tight, low prices are always good, but Popcorn said that people are willing to weigh long-term costs against short-term savings. “Appeals that account for the total cost of ownership make sense. I’ll buy a new heating system, because it is energy efficient and makes sense in the long term. ‘Built to last’ is a message that’s likely to resonate today.”

Britt Beamer

Britt Beamer, founder of America’s Research Group, has been studying how the Recession Consumer differs from the consumer of five or 10 years ago. He’s suspicious of claims that less spending outside of the home will translate into more “feathering of the nest.”

“The problem is, if I’m part of a typical two-income family, increases for gas and groceries have taken $500 per month out of my disposable income,” Beamer explained. “Gas prices have ripped out the heart of the furniture industry. The consumer is so focused on getting their basic bills paid that new furniture gets postponed for a long time.”

Beamer said retailers need to reconsider their message during the recession. “Screaming ‘Four years no interest’ isn’t going to do it anymore. Recession Consumers want the discount, not the financing. When you’re struggling, and don’t know if you’ll have a job in 18 months, you don’t want a bunch of bills hanging around your neck.”

Instead, Beamer challenges retailers to create a master narrative for promotions.

“It creates legitimacy,” he continued. “First, you have an inventory clearance sale, which you can use to set up for the next event, which in turn becomes: ‘Hey, now that we are rid of excess merchandise, we can offer great deals on new products’.“

Following this message sequence keeps the consumer alert to future sales. “Too many retailers just jump from one promotion to another and never explain to the consumer what to expect,” he concluded.

Which media is the right conduit in these times? Beemer recommends television commercials (creates immediacy), direct mail (able to target to existing customers) and print (use fewer images, but make them incredible deals), in that order.

Golden Wheat: Bedding Color Trends

This fall's color trends for top-of-bed introductions includes a multifaceted neutral: a golden tone that evokes the soft coat of a newborn fawn. Paired with white and bearing faint accents, such as metallic yarn, fringe and embroidery, fawn-colored ensembles suggest peace, relaxation and livable luxury.

	Wheat sheaves luxuriously graze the Egyptian cotton sheets in this set by Malaika, which is distributed by Luxe Brands Intl. Accented with rich ecru and natural linen, this golden grouping named Wheat is available in all standard bedding sizes and comes with an array of pillow options.
	Isabella duvet set and pillow combination by BlissLiving Home is cream-colored and made of 100 percent organic cotton. Delicate embroidered patterns of flowers and vines adorn the set, which is available in standard sizes.
	Designed by Eastern Accents, Aileen’s paisley pattern brings a neutral palette to life atop a flax-colored linen blend fabric. Decorative pillows enhanced with flange, ruching, ribbons and embroidery add distinction. The duvet cover, bed skirt and bed pillows are hem-stitched.
	Most of the pieces in the eco-friendly Organic Bed Collection by Peacock Alley are woven from 100 percent certified organic cotton. Shown: Adriana matelassé, which bears a geometric pattern and wears a tailored trim; Allegro sheets; Nantucket, a blanket that is yarn-dyed and features a bias stripe; and a decorative pillow named Fantasia.

Tips for creating holiday retail vignettes

Regardless of whether you greet customers with a hearty “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” make sure your retail vignettes and merchandise put shoppers in the mood to leave a little green this holiday season.

www.midwestofcannonfalls.com

Oversized ornaments, tabletop decorations, and holiday dinnerware and textiles can be used to dress up even the most basic home furnishings––a white dining table, charcoal Windsor chairs and a burgundy rug––and create dazzling retail vignettes. Shown here are a few items from Seasons of Cannon Falls’ Christmas Glitz Collection: large, metal ornaments; Star topiaries in metal planters; and metal Christmas trees with whimsical polka dots, stripes, glitter and sequins. The collection's dominant colors are red, lime green and white.

www.annieglass.com

Decorative accessories, tabletop products and textiles with seasonal designs (think snowflakes), rather than holiday-specific designs (Santa Claus), may appeal to more consumers because these nondenominational items can be used well after Christmas. Annieglass’ limited-edition, 12-inch-round snowflake cookie platter, for instance, has fine gold detailing, and is signed, numbered and registered. It’s also available with 24 karat gold or platinum detailing.

Scented candles and diffusers that emit fragrances associated with Christmas—sugar cookies, pine trees, bayberry—are a great way to get customers into the holiday mood. Illume’s Balsam & Cedar Collection features pillars, votives, classic jar candles, reed diffusers and more in a variety of sizes and styles. www.illumecandles.com

www.extraweave.com

Extra Weave USA's Peppermint doormats come in six red-and-white designs, including a stripe that conjures up images of candy canes. Each measures 18 by 30 inches and is slip-resistant. Consider placing an assortment in your rug gallery or in one of your retail vignettes.

GIFT-SELLING TIPS

Design, lifestyle and gift expert Tara Riceberg, owner of Tweak in Beverly Hills, CA, has studied the art of gift buying, merchandising and giving from the inside out. Here are her top tips for furniture retailers looking to cash in on the lucrative gift business during the upcoming holiday season.

1. Shop for gifts that offer a big bang for the buck, especially this year. Consumers are exhausted by the rising cost of living.

2. Buy items that are fun and functional, such as decorative trays, vases, bowls and candles. Search for multifunctional gifts—a champagne bucket that could serve as a cachepot for an orchid or a waste basket in the powder room.

3. Remember that most people shop by price for Christmas gifts, so try to offer something for everyone by merchandising at a variety of price points. The most logical breakdowns are under $35, $35-$60, $60-$100, $100-$200 and more than $200.

4. Pre-wrap gifts using beautiful paper, ribbons and clever embellishments. While it’s more expensive and time-consuming to prep gift assortments this way, customers will be delighted when they see gift-wrapped gems.

5. Buy from vendors that ship items packed in gift boxes. It will make gift wrapping easier.

6. Limit your purchase of holiday items to avoid having to hold an after-Christmas sale.

10 Tips Furniture Shopping On The Cheap

With gas and food prices rising and the economy stalling, it can be hard to keep up with routine bills and expenses, let alone expenses that are extra or unexpected. But what if you really need to furnish a room or section of your home at a time like this?

It’s easy enough to find yourself in such a predicament whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been established for years.

Don’t worry, though – the following tips can help you consider your options and save some of your hard-earned cash.

1. The Internet is your friend. Rather than blow hour after hour of precious weekend time visiting furniture stores on a potentially fruitless search, do some shopping around online first. You could compare the prices and details of similar pieces of furniture at 10 to 12 different stores in a matter of minutes.

2. Reflect on ways to spend nothing, or almost nothing. Don’t necessarily turn your nose up at the idea of scoring free or low-cost pieces of furniture from other people who live in your area. You could find exactly what you’re looking for via Web sites such as Craigslist (check out the “free” link under “for sale”), The Freecycle Network, Sharing Is Giving, Freecycleamerica.org, ReUseIt Network and FreeSharing.org. Here’s something to remember, though: When visiting all of these Web sites with the exception of Craigslist, try to have an eye toward giving as well as receiving. Also, don’t try to trade or swap through these sites; the idea is to give stuff away with no strings attached.

3. Check out the goods in person. As convenient as it can be to shop at home, it’s still important to be careful about buying furniture solely on the basis of a tiny thumbnail image on the Internet. If at all possible, try to inspect the actual furniture before you buy so you can see its overall finish and appearance. Another benefit of examining the furniture in person: You could avoid exorbitant shipping fees that way.

4. Remember warehouse stores. Places like Costco and Sam’s Club aren’t just for bulk purchases of dog food, diapers and artichoke hearts, you know. You often can find surprising deals on high-quality furniture at warehouse stores and literally save hundreds of dollars on the purchases you make.

5. Be alert for deals. If you’re in the market for furniture, get in the habit of scanning the ads in your Sunday paper, in your mailbox and in the windows of stores in your area. Stay on the lookout for going-out-of-business sales and same-as-cash financing deals with zero-percent interest for six to 12 months. (Note: If you finance a furniture purchase in this way, be absolutely sure to pay it off in full in the time you’re given to do so.)

6. Think ahead before you buy. You may fall in love with the look of a certain piece of furniture, but take a moment to read the care instructions. Reflect on how the piece will hold up after a few encounters with your small children or pets. If it’s likely to be trashed in mere days or weeks, don’t buy it.

7. Examine the construction. For units such as bookcases, tables and entertainment centers, determine whether the items are prefinished or made of unfinished wood. Bear in mind that sanding and finishing a shelving unit can take a great deal of time and effort. Also think twice before buying “wood grain” laminate or particle board that looks fake, and watch out for sloppy corners on moldings and doors that don’t align properly.

8. Measure, measure, measure. Before you do any shopping – and certainly before you bring a piece of furniture home – be sure to measure the area where you want the furniture to go so you can be confident that it will fit well and it won’t overwhelm or underwhelm the room. With shelving units, remember to write down the dimensions of the items you want to store on the shelves.

9. Plan ahead for transportation. Make sure you have the capacity to transport big, heavy items home or have the store deliver them for you – hopefully for a fee that isn’t too hefty. Also, if you decide you don’t want to keep the item, will you have to lug it all the way back to the store yourself?

10. Eyeball the warranty carefully. Make sure you understand what it does and does not cover, and get the details of any agreement in writing. For instance, if a salesperson verbally raves about a fabric-guard guarantee that sounds fabulous, make sure the details of that guarantee are clearly spelled out in writing.

Modern Contemporary Decorating Ideas

All to often confused with modern, contemporary decorating merely shares similarities, while keeping it’s distance. Literally, contemporary means coexisting; certainly an inviting way of thinking about styling your surroundings.

How is Contemporary Decoration Identified?

Perhaps because of an emphasis on clean lines and order, contemporary decorating will always draw comparison to modern and minimalist approaches to explain differences.

We won’t change that here either.

Contemporary features softer lines and an emphasis on comfortable texture to set it’s distinctive mood. Color, while not elaborately used is warming, even rich in the mid range, and never stark in the neutrals. More inviting than modern while remaining clean. Clean not sterile.

Modern Contemporary Decorating With Color and the Proper use of color

Rid your mind of any idea this color palette can be boring. An infusion of vibrant color can come from an accent wall of a different color, vivid accessories such as cushions, contemporary area rugs, and pillows, bold works of art. Let a prime piece of contemporary furniture, a sofa perhaps, be considered art and go uncharacteristically bold.

Let simplicity be your driving force in working a living room Contemporary plan

You will be looking to create a good relationship between the environment your home provides and it’s user.

Here the word stark might come to mind again. It is a common fear but avoidable if you focus on putting visual order into your life. Order can be comforting and comfort is tranquility. Move forward with that thought in mind.

Surfaces and Putting Contemporary Texture to the Test

A modern lifestyle needs modern surfaces that are both functional and practical. On floors that means smooth.Choose Berber over cut pile where there are carpets. Flush fitting, durable finish hardwoods over v-grooved, waxed strip floors. You’ll need to avoid intricate detail on all surfaces, including moldings, furnishings and accessories. Not only do these interrupt objective softer lines but, maintenance and cleaning is more difficult.

Wood surfaces such as tables, shelving units and flooring can be dark toned or light but should remain consistent throughout a room. The choice of wood types and grain are open to your preference. But, don’t break from the consistency and continuity of your design concept mixing wood tones.

To add some depth to vertical lines where needed, a wall can be covered in a fine textured linen modern home wall paper. Don’t use anything with an elaborate pattern. Once again, remember you want to avoid intricate details.

Added texture can come from choices of upholstery fabrics and window treatment. Offset sleekness and smooth lines with linen, wool or raw silk. Focus on texture and color over elaborate patterns which might confuse the overall contemporary look.

The law of order

It is worthy of emphasis to stress the need to keep clutter minimal. In a busy household this isn’t always an easily attainable goal. But clutter can be kept out of sight so as not to confound all the order your decorating work will accomplish.

The use of multi-door, flush mount cabinets along the length of a wall can be incorporated easily into the furnishing decor theme. Let this generous amount of space with multiple divisions serve as a handy depository for your secret stash of papers and games, magazines and knick knacks, table linens and props, and everything else inappropriate to the view.

Distinguishing materials

Bright metals are a material of important application and prevalence in Contemporary decorating. Chrome, nickel and stainless steel is incorporated into the design of many furniture pieces, decorative accessories, lamps, and stand alone art. Versatility of the material cannot be denied but, the beauty in these metals is beheld in the addition of sleekness to the decorating purpose.

Lighting fixtures and use of light in contemporary design is an element of extreme importance. Think of it in that way –an element– when you put light to use and your project will finish in the right direction.

Illuminate and draw attention to key features. Beam streams of pure clean halogen light over focal points such as the central coffee table of a seating group. Flood softer light tight to and along walls.

Look for well designed track lighting to bring power to ceiling areas where power is unavailable. Opt for pot lighting where you can and directional spot fixtures where needed for reasons of utility. Floor lamps are preferred over table lamps. Include these bright metal “sculptures” as a part of your metallic accent and accessory program and accomplish usable lighting with the same stroke.

You should be able to fill a room with light when needed or as you wish, be able to work the lighting for affect in much the same way a stage production crew might do in theater.

A final thought

Absolutely nothing in the decor package and design should be overpowering or try to make a solo statement. Make your personal statement through the appearance of the project in it’s totality.

[Via : Home Decorating Reviews]

Divine Design: Cramped kitchen gets lofty new look

Cal is an animation artist, director and teacher — and a first-time homeowner. Two years ago, he moved into his home, a 1920s semi-detached unit that was owned by an 80 year-old woman who hadn’t changed it much in her 60 years of occupancy. The ground floor was dated, dingy and full of cramped rooms, which was less than ideal for a 20-something guy who works from home and entertains a lot.

BEFORE: Cal's ground floor was dated, dingy and full of cramped rooms, which was less than ideal for his style and taste.

Cal wanted his live/work space to function on a variety of levels — as a modern kitchen, as a professional office and as a cozy lounge area. And he wanted it all to be hip, creative and modern. So I got set to transform his home’s main floor and give him a fashionable and functional space that fits his lifestyle.

I started by knocking down all of the walls and creating one large open-concept space with a system of wooden posts and beams with steel joinery. Not only are these crucial for support, but they give the room an open, loft-like feeling. In keeping with this industrial look, I painted the walls in airy neutrals and put down beautiful wood flooring.

Then I divided up the space into three "zones": a kitchen, an office and a lounge. In the kitchen I put in a long counter along one wall that looks like concrete, but is actually polished quartz. I jazzed things up with a green-gray glass tiled backsplash, and added Shaker-style, over-counter cabinets in the same color as the beams. I then installed a sleek stainless-steel sink, a fridge with French doors and a built-in dishwasher.

In the middle of the kitchen I set up an island with a cook top that features a glass-and-stainless-steel fume hood above and a range below. I then attached a wood table to the island that will act as Cal’s eating area. Above the table I put up a custom-made industrial fixture, which I made with 16 light bulbs hung from wires.

On the other side of the kitchen I installed the office area, complete with two big workstations with stylish, heavy-duty quartz desks and ergonomically designed chairs. As this is a space in which creativity will flourish, I put up a huge blackboard on a sliding door (which also hides a new pantry) where Cal can jot down his brilliant ideas.

I also put up a gorgeous flat-screen TV on the wall between the office and lounge areas. This television can swivel to face either area, depending on whether it is needed for work or play.

In the newly designed lounge/entertainment space, I installed a fireplace with a gas insert and a double surround — one of quartz to match the countertops, and one of wood to match other elements in the space.

I wanted the furniture in this area to be comfortable, so I put in a big, cozy sectional in a gray felted fabric, a couple of chairs and a few benches. For some pizzazz, I added an area rug, colorful throw pillows and a funky light pendant. To finish the look, I put up khaki linen drapes on both the living-room window and the doors to the back yard.

AFTER: What was once a closed-up, rundown space is now an industrial idea factory that is perfect for cooking, cartooning and chilling out.

After a few more finishing touches, Cal’s new space was ready. What was once a closed-up, rundown space is now an industrial idea factory that is perfect for cooking, cartooning and chilling out. How divine!

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV’s "Divine Design." For more ideas, information and show times visit www.HGTV.com or www.divinedesign.tv. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com.

Furniture Tips : Teak Care

In clean air untreated teak weathers to an attractive ash gray, but where most boats live, the assault of modern-day air pollutants quickly turns bare teak nearly black. Scrubbing tends to leave behind an unattractive mottled look, neither golden nor gray. Most boatowners eventually find themselves unhappy with either look and decide that some treatment is essential.

Paint provides the longest lasting protection but it hides the wood. If we want the natural beauty of the wood to show, we must apply a clear coating. The choices are oil, sealer, or varnish.

Cleaning
Before teak can be given any coating, it must be completely clean. Your expensive teak is literally dissolved by strong cleaners, so always use the mildest cleaner that does the job. A 75/25 mixture of liquid laundry detergent (such as Wisk) and chlorine bleach may be adequate, perhaps boosted with TSP (trisodium phosphate). Apply this mixture with a stiff brush, scrubbing lightly with the grain. Leave it on the wood for several minutes to give the detergent time to suspend the dirt and the bleach time to lighten the wood, then rinse the wood thoroughly, brushing it to clear the grain.

If the teak is still dark or stained when it dries, a cleaner with oxalic acid is required. This is the active ingredient in most single-part teak cleaners. Wet the teak and sprinkle on the cleaner. Spread it evenly with a Scotchbrite or bronze wool pad, then give it a few minutes to work. While the wood is still wet, scrub it with the Scotchbrite pad or bronze wool. (Never, ever, ever use steel wool aboard your boat-it will leave a trail of rust freckles that will be impossible to remove.) Oxalic acid will dull paint and fiberglass and damage anodized aluminum, so wet down surrounding surfaces before you start and keep them free of the cleaner. Rinse the scrubbed wood thoroughly-brushing is required-and let it dry completely.

Two-part teak cleaners are dramatically effective at restoring the color to soiled, stained, and neglected teak, but these formulations contain a strong acid-usually hydrochloric-and should only be used when gentler cleaning methods have failed. Wet the wood to be cleaned. The cleaner will dissolve natural bristles, so use a nylon brush to paint part one onto the wet wood. Avoid getting the cleaner onto adjoining surfaces. Remove the dissolved surface by scrubbing the wood with the grain with a stiff brush or a Scotchbrite pad.

Part two neutralizes the acid in part one, and it usually has some additional cleaning properties. Paint a sufficient amount of part two onto the teak to get a uniform color change, then scrub lightly. Flush away all traces of the cleaner and let the wood dry.

Oil
Oiling teak on boats is a time-honored tradition. Oil intensifies the colors and grain patterns of wood and gives the wood a rich, warm appearance. Because it simply enhances the inherent beauty of the wood-more like salt than sauce-oiling is arguably the most attractive of all wood finishes, and it restores some of the teak's natural oils and resins. Unfortunately, the benefit of oiling exterior teak is extremely transitory. The sorry truth is that teak will last just as long if you don't oil it-longer really, since repeated between-coat scrubbing wears the wood away. But oiling teak isn't about protecting the wood; it's about recovering and maintaining that golden glow that made us want teak on the boat in the first place.

Teak oils are primarily either linseed oil or tung oil, bolstered by resins to make them more durable. Linseed oil tends to darken the teak, but it is significantly cheaper. Tung oil doesn't darken the wood, and it is more water resistant than linseed oil-a notable advantage for boat use. However, a month or two after application, it may be hard to discern that much difference since both oils carbonize in the sun and turn dark. Proprietary teak oils address this problem with various additives, including pigments, UV filters, and mildew retardants. Some that perform admirably in one climate are reviled in another. If you are going to oil your teak, make your teak oil selection based on the recommendations of other boatowners in your area.

Apply teak oil with a paint brush. Immediately wipe up (with a spirits-dampened cloth) any drips or runs on fiberglass or painted surfaces, or the resins the oil contains will leave dark, nearly-impossible-to-remove stains. Watch out for sneaky runs below the rail.

Oiling requires multiple coats. The wood will initially "drink" the oil, and thinning the first coat about 20% with mineral spirits or turpentine encourages it to penetrate the wood more deeply. By the third coat, oil will begin to stand in some areas. Wipe up excess oil with a cloth. Continue to brush on the oil and wipe away any excess until the wood is saturated. The wood should have a matte finish without any shiny spots.

Sealers
Another approach to achieving a natural look is the application of a sealer. Durability and ease of application have made some sealers very popular with boatowners.

Sealers don't feed the wood but, as the name suggests, they seal out moisture and dirt, and seal in natural oils and resins. Unfortunately, the oils and resins may already be lost, so the first step in applying a sealer to old teak is to restore the oil content with a thorough application of teak oil. Clean and bleach the wood to a uniform color, then oil it until it refuses to accept more. Now wait at least two weeks to let the resins dry before you apply the sealer.

After two weeks, wash the wood and let it dry completely. Sealers need an oil-free surface to attach to, so wipe the wood heavily with a rag soaked in acetone to remove all oil from the surface. The oil the wood has absorbed will be unaffected by this quick-flashing solvent. Unless the can instructs you otherwise, apply sealer exactly like oil. A throw-away brush is adequate for the job, and brushing technique is not a concern. Wipe away all excess with a cloth. Apply additional coats until the surface shows a uniform matte finish.

Maintain sealed wood by washing it and applying a fresh coat of sealer every two to three months.

Varnish
Aside from its much-admired appearance, varnish offers genuine protection for the wood. Wood coated with varnish will not dry out and split, will not absorb moisture and rot, is unaffected by dirt and pollution, and will be untouched, thus unstained, by oily or greasy spills.

The absence of pigment in varnish means it does not shield the underlying surface from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the coating and carbonizes the oils in the wood, causing the wood to darken beneath the varnish. To minimize this effect, varnish makers add ultraviolet inhibitors-sun screens-to their products. For exterior brightwork, select a quality spar varnish (not urethane varnish) heavily fortified with UV inhibitors. As always, get local recommendations from other boatowners before selecting a specific varnish.

Teak doesn't hold varnish as well as other woods due to its oil content, but a long-lasting coating is possible with the right technique. Books have been written about applying varnish. You may not get that perfect, mirror-like finish on your first try, but as long as the wood is ivory smooth, the weather is warm and dry, and you don't "worry" the varnish with too many brush strokes, you should get admirable results. Plan on applying at least six coats.

For more information about oiling and varnishing brightwork, consult Sailboat Refinishing by Don Casey.

Design by the numbers for greater comfort

Here’s a big word for you to spend 30 seconds trying to pronounce: Anthropometrics. 28, 29, 30. OK, now what does it mean? It is the study of human dimensions.

Who cares? Well, furniture manufacturers and interior designers, to mention some. If you’ve ever wondered how much space is needed between the sofa and the cocktail table, you have touched upon an anthropometric question. I’m sure you’ve run across a dining table base that hits your knees because it was not "anthropocentrically" proportioned.

How long has this study been going on? For a long, long time. In the first century B.C., a Roman by the name of Vitruvius wrote about proportions of man and, later, Leonardo Da Vinci created his famous drawing of the human figure, based on the Vitruvian norm-man. Here are some interesting Vitruvian statistics.

• The measure of the open hand from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger is one-tenth the size of the height of the body.

• The length of one foot is one-sixth the height of the body.

• The distance from the sole of the feet to the top of the head is the same measure as the breadth of the body when measuring fingertip to fingertip when the arms are stretched out.

Paradoxically, a chair that is anthropometrically correct may not necessarily be comfortable as well. So, you ask, much ado about nothing? The answer is an emphatic no! All the fuss is worthwhile. We know that when sitting, about 75 percent of the total body weight is supported on only four square inches. That’s a heavy load distributed over a relatively small area. We also know that the center of gravity of the upright-seated body is located outside the body — about one inch in front of the navel.

With this knowledge, we create thick, supportive cushions for the tush. We also design chairs that make you sit back or sit upright, depending on where you want the center of gravity to be located. For lounging, you will want the gravity to pull you back, so the seat is slightly inclined in that direction, and for dining or working at your desk you will want gravity to work with you in a slightly forward motion.

If the seating surface is too high, the underside of the thigh becomes compressed. Further discomfort appears if the soles of the feet do not touch the floor as body stability is weakened. If the seat is too low, the legs may extend forward which is fine for lounging but not for dining.

Here are some figures that should help you when choosing furniture:

• Seat height for dining chairs should be at least 18 inches.

• Seat height for lounge chairs and sofa should be at least 16 inches, though some European styles are 15 inches high.

• Knee space under a dining table should be a minimum of 12 inches, though 14 inches is better.

When arranging furniture in your home, you should be aware of these minimum spacing requirements:

• Allow at least 24 inches between the side of the bed and the wall so you can get in to make the bed and change the sheets.

• A dresser and the foot of the bed should be at least 42 inches apart so you can open the drawers easily.

• 16 inches to 18 inches between the sofa and the cocktail table will give you enough space to get around the table as well as be able to reach it for access.

• A hallway created by a wall and the back of a sofa should be 30 to 36 inches wide.

• Give yourself 36 inches from the edge of the dining table to the wall for easy access in and out of the chair.

All right, now go "anthropomize" your home.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, a Naples interior designer, is the author of "Mystery of Color," available at www.amazon.com and at www.barnesandnoble.com. For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest@aol.com.

Create a Balinese Garden : Backyard Ideas

For many Australians, their love affair with Bali is a life-long commitment. So it’s not very surprising that so many yearn to recreate just some of that lushness in their own backyards. But to capture the essence of the traditional Balinese garden, you need to look at it from a Balinese perspective. “Balinese look at gardens differently,” says Kerry Davies of Bali Gardens. “For the Balinese, the whole island is a garden. It is the gods who own the land, they are only the caretakers and it is the responsibility of the caretaker to tend that land and create beauty.” Because of this entrenched, long-held view, it’s not surprising to find that the key element of a Balinese garden or courtyard is spirit, says Kerry. “I use the word ‘spirit’ in the widest sense,” she explains. “It is the combination of dedication, love, sensuality and beauty in a garden environment. It is wellbeing.” As an expression of this sense of spirit, Balinese gardens often feature lit sandalwood incense or an offering of flowers, discreetly placed near a statue, as a gesture of thanks to the gods and goddesses. Expression through art “The next most important element is art. Artwork is a reflection of spirit and love and comes directly from the hands of the craftsmen and women of Bali itself,” she continues. Hand-carved timber and stone statuary play a vital role. Typically, figures of popular Balinese gods or goddesses will be set in a wall niche, placed in a far corner of the garden or set amid lush greenery. When it comes to placement, discretion is the key. For a traditional look, Kerry recommends statues of Rama, Sinta, Ganesha and Saraswati — all characters from the Ramayana — as well as warrior statues and Buddhas, whether standing, sitting or reclining.

More decorative options include statues of temple men and women, Gamelan players and Balinese dancers.

Authenticity is important if you want to capture the essence of a real Balinese garden, and thanks to the large number of garden art importers around today, securing a genuine Balinese artifact should be no problem at all. If you want to create the impression that your garden has been there for generations, take the time to search out a weathered statue or figurine. But this doesn’t mean you have to forgo colour in the quest for character. Some of the older timber figurines are vibrantly painted; some even have a gold lustre.

While reproduction pieces can still infuse your garden with the flavour of Bali, if you do decide to opt for handcrafted pieces you’ll find that each one will have something special to offer. Says Kerry: “Although Balinese artisans may be carving the same characters over and over, each face is different and each artist puts a little bit of themselves into its creation. One statue may have a wry smile, a shy look, a look of regret or a peaceful expression.”

The welcome of water
Water is the third essential ingredient. A mist-maker or even a bowl of water with floating flowers and a couple of lit candles can engender that sense of peace and tranquillity we have come to associate with the Balinese style of garden.

While fountains are not common in Bali, the waterspout certainly is. Handcarved waterspouts, typically featuring animal designs, are popular around swimming pools and ponds and add the ambient sound of running water — just the thing to conjure up memories of balmy island nights.
A pond is another way to introduce running water into the environment. For the best effect the pond needs to be natural looking and merge with the foliage and rocks in the garden. Once again, discretion is the key to success.

Building on the theme
Extend the Balinese theme even further with ceremonial accessories such as a colourful fabric temple umbrella and stand or a long, billowing flag that sits high atop a long pole, just like those that hang in the streets of Bali during festival time. You can also add woven sashes and sarongs, as well as traditional Indonesian masks, to the walls in covered areas.
Continuing to take your cue from Balinese religious and cultural traditions, a pair of temple doors can make for a highly evocative ornamental feature ... or a delightful way to mark the passage from one part of the garden to another.

To create a picture-perfect and practical outdoor living area, consider building a pavilion with either a vine-strewn timber beam roof or traditional Indonesian thatch. Thatch is an authentic material and a great insulator, so you’ll be cool and collected all summer.
In a covered area, rattan furniture conveys a lovely Asian flavour, while teak — whether a handcarved day bed or a dining setting — is an ideal choice for both covered and uncovered areas.

To light your way
“Use hanging bamboo lamps and lanterns to light the perimeter of
an outdoor pavilion or courtyard, or to light the way along a path,” suggests Kerry.
Lanterns tend to come in two basic types. A large traditional thatch lantern with a dori crown is ideal if you have a large outdoor space. They can be placed on a decorative, handcarved base and connected to the electricity supply for a spectacular night show. For smaller spaces and courtyards, there are miniature thatch and dingle lanterns that can also be ‘electrified’.
“Nightlights and traditional thatch lanterns add an authentic touch,” says Kerry. “Because it is made from stained teak timber and has a thatch roof, the traditional lantern may look too fragile for the Australian climate, but all it needs is a few coats of Estapol and it will last a long time.

“The ijuk black thatch is made from the ‘hairs’ on the trunk of a palm tree. These ‘hairs’ are pulled out one by one and worked together to form a deep thatch that never rots. The only trouble is that the magpies know that too, so it needs to be covered every August and September during the nesting season or a toy snake placed around the roof.

“Magpies aside, the lanterns stand up to Australian conditions very well. A 50W halogen low-voltage light is best under the large lanterns and a 15 or 20W under the miniature lanterns.”
Some Australians like to add handcarved stone lanterns, with or without a carved pillar, and while these can contribute a delightful Asian-flavoured ambience, they are decorative rather than traditional, says Kerry.

How green is your garden
We have all come to think of the quintessential Balinese garden as a haven of lush and lavish greenery occasionally punctuated by flashes of tropical floral colour. And while plants are important, they are there to enhance the art and water feature, whether it’s a natural pond with a rock cascade, a flower-strewn water bowl or a handcarved stone waterspout.

Plants, not manmade structures, define the architecture of the Balinese or sub-tropical garden. Structural plants with strong vertical and horizontal lines and bold, dramatic foliage — such as palms, bamboo, tree ferns, cycads and aloes — will create the most dramatic effect. Use plants with large leaves to create the framework. Look for plants with broad, shield-shaped leaves, eye-catching patterns and long stalks.
Use smaller plants with colourful foliage to fill in spaces and add interest. And to ensure a lush look, dense planting is the way to go.

To have the best chance of success, choose plants that are native to your area or at least suited to your local climate and soil conditions.
Plants can also have a practical purpose, helping to shade a fish-filled pond, create a privacy screen or divide different areas of the garden. For an authentic-looking screen, consider a stand of non-invasive, clumping bamboo or perhaps bamboo cladding or panels of thatch.
Ultimately, the key to success is to simply capture the essence of the Balinese garden and this can be easily done with a few carefully selected and placed statues, an ambient water feature and a planting scheme that is simultaneously serene and dramatic

10 steps to becoming a greener furniture retailer

On April 7, the Sustainable Furniture Council held a market seminar titled “Going Green: A 10-Step Program” for manufacturers and retailers. The seminar was presented by SFC board member Jeff Hiller, who spoke about issues surrounding carbon dioxide emissions and deforestation. The session concluded with the following 10 steps for making a business greener.

1. Ask suppliers questions. From where were these materials sourced? What’s the chain of custody?

2. Buy good wood. Manufacturers should try to use at least 5 percent FSC-certified wood. Retailers should pressure manufacturers to do so.

3. Use less energy. Perform an energy audit. Use compact fluorescent bulbs when applicable (for instance, in the back office, if not on the showroom floor where, Hiller admitted, such energy-saving lights might not show product to its best advantage).

4. Recycle packaging. Packaging accounts for 30 percent of all waste in U.S. landfills, according to Hiller. Currently, only 30 percent of packaging is recycled.

5. Sell less leather. Leather, which usually ships from South America to Italy to China to North America, entails huge transport costs.

6. Use/carry recycled/bio-based materials. These include soy foams, latex and water-based finishes.

7. Use less/better paper. “Better” paper, according to Hiller contains at least 30 percent post-consumer recycled material.

8. Procure materials locally. Hiller recommended obtaining raw materials within 250 miles of the point of use.

9. Have a plan. Large operations should create a green team with an executive-level position. Despite the seminar’s title, Hiller recommended not trying to do too much at once. “When you focus on a few things,” he said, “you will complete them all. When you focus on 10, very often you won’t complete any.”

10. Buy American. This supports the U.S. economy and, like step #8, requires less fuel, relative to importing product from overseas.

How To Choose Your Garden Furniture And Make It Last

Before you buy any garden furniture it is strongly recommended that you do some research. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of buying garden furniture that is right for you and will last you a long time. Following are some important tips you need to consider before you buy.

Firstly decide whether you want stackable or foldaway furniture that will be put away in the shed or garage in winter or if you want permanent solid garden furniture that remains in situ all year round. If you want your garden furniture to be a permanent part of your garden for esthetic reasons then it is recommended that you go for heavy furniture made from hardwood, aluminum or wrought iron with rust proofing. It is well worth spending the money on the heavier more durable materials as this will be much more cost effective in the long run.

Choosing the right type of material and construction is paramount. Decide what kind of material for your garden furniture would best compliment your patio or garden. Select a material that will stay in balance with your garden.

Wood is the best all round as it is lightweight, esthetically pleasing and comfortable but requires some maintenance. Choose a tropical hardwood which is high in natural oil content like teak, iroko or courbaril. These woods are weather resistant and can be left outside throughout the year.

Make sure that mortice and tenon joints are used for your teak garden furniture and not bolts which corrode. If any metal fittings are used in the construction make sure they are made from brass, stainless steel or aluminum which are corrosion resistant.

Make sure the construction is only premium grade teak for our garden furniture, so any knots, cracks and other defects are eliminated before the timber is used to build the furniture. Additionally, Make sure your teak garden furniture is kiln dried to optimise moisture content and ensure shape is maintained and cracks are eliminated.

Teak garden furniture that is assembled using epoxy based glues tend to have the best performance and durability of all the types of joints as the epoxy resin used will not be affected by rain or frost.

If your teak garden furniture becomes dirty it is easy to clean with warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush which will enable you to restore the beautiful silver grey weathered look. If required a pressure hose can be used at 60-80 bar [900-1200psi] at a distance of no less than 30cm.

Once your teak garden furniture has weathered the colour will be enhanced by an annual scrub. A small amount of bleach added to the water will suppress any algae growth.

Any stains and grease spots can be immediately removed by washing down using a light detergent then rinsing off with clean water as soon as they occur. However, this is not essential as nature will take its course over time.

In dry weather small cracks will appear in the end of the grain timbers. This is natural and no action needs to be taken as when the moisture in the atmosphere increases the timber will return to its original condition.

It is not necessary to use teak oil or varnish as these will not extend the life of your garden furniture and are purely cosmetic. However, if you wish to preserve the as new appearance of your teak garden furniture the application of teak oil when the furniture is new will give a more lustre finish than leaving untouched. Please ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as usually this is a three stage process. Make sure the timber is completely dry when you apply the teak oil, otherwise the furniture will blacken.

Wrought iron garden furniture generally looks the best as it is usually hand crafted to give a unique look. The disadvantages of wrought iron furniture is that it is not as comfortable as wood and heavier to move around. Additionally, iron rusts so wrought iron garden furniture has to be especially coated to prevent it from rusting so make sure the supplier gives you at least a one year warranty against rust.

Finally, if you can, it is recommended that you invest in a cover for your garden furniture. Covers now come in all shapes and sizes and are well worth the money as they add years to the life of your garden furniture. Simply place the cover on your garden furniture every evening or when it rains, you will see the benefits in the long term.

Tips on using old odds and ends in your garden

Personalize your landscape with seasoned materials and objects. Here are some suggestions from designer Sandy Koepke (www.sandykoepkeinteriordesign.com):

Materials and finishes: Worn stone, recycled concrete, weathered wood and rusted or oxidized metal suggest a timeless feeling. "These elements are ideal for exterior use because you don't have to worry about further exposure to sun, wind, saltwater or rain," Koepke says.

Adornments: Functional objects can become garden artwork and containers. Any vessel can be transformed into a planter if there is enough space for roots and a drainage hole. Stone or porcelain sinks, metal drums and tubs, wooden boxes and metal pipes can be converted into containers.

Architectural fragments: Pieces of iron scrollwork, such as a fence panel, railing, post or gate, lend a sense of age to the garden. They can double as a trellis for a climbing vine. Shutters and old windows will liven up a wall or help screen utility areas. Jazz up bare spots in the landscape with collections that have a common history.

Furniture: Scout flea markets and architectural salvage sources for benches, stools and tables to add character to the mix. For example, an old chaise can find a home alongside newer furnishings; an old side table suggests a room-like feeling.

Lighting: Old lanterns and chandeliers can be wired for outdoors or fitted for candles. All kinds of odd containers can be appropriated for votive holders or larger pedestal candles.

Hardware: Aging and humble, old shelf brackets, hooks, chains, knobs, bells, wire and grates are visually interesting and potentially functional.

Water features: Stone or metal troughs can serve as catch basins for fountains assembled from old spigots or found objects.

Purchase The Right Furniture For Your Outdoors

Who doesn’t like the great outdoors? That light breeze, the warm sunshine and a great lounge chair - these are all you need to uplift your mood. While there is little you can do about the breeze and the sun, you can definitely select good outdoor furniture to make your day beautiful. Outdoor furniture pieces need to be chosen carefully because they are exposed to the ravages of weather much more than the indoor ones. You could try Amish made furniture as it is well known for its beauty and durability. This article will help you select sturdy and durable furniture for your outdoor rendezvous with nature.

For most of the outdoor furniture, it is the material that is most important. If you are considering traditional furniture, consider buying Amish furniture made of wood. Teak is a perennial favorite with buyers because of its lovely coloring and hardwood qualities. Teak is also capable of holding its own against all weather conditions and its natural oils act as natural deterrents to mosses. No re-polishing or painting is necessary for teak as it lasts long without excessive finishing.

Wooden furniture looks good but needs a lot of maintenance. The best type of wooden furniture for outdoors would be Oak furniture. Oak can be quite durable and come in various varieties like Chinese Oak and Red Oak. Again, Amish Oak furniture can be a great choice for your patio.

If you are going for wooden furniture, cedar is a good choice too. This wood is softer than Oak but looks particularly warm and inviting. Moreover, it is much lighter than Oak and thus it is easier to transfer this furniture from one place to the other in times of need. A popular form of cedar is Red Cedar. Both Oak and cedar are durable and have materials that keep fungus, insects and mildew away.

Since your outdoors is the first thing a guest notices, it becomes even more important to not only buy durable furniture but also furniture that looks good. You have to use your creativity to arrange your beautiful outdoor furniture in your courtyard or patio. You can use lovely Amish handcrafted furniture to create a formal look and make your guests appreciate your exquisite outdoors.

However, if you intend to use your outdoor for family outings like barbecues, it is better to use simpler furniture, as you do not want your high-end expensive pieces to get ruined by the heat. Similarly, if your outdoors includes a swimming pool, you should keep good quality plastic furniture to enhance the pool side effect.

The whole decoration of your patio should be as natural as possible. Too many decorative pieces will add too much artificiality to the outdoor look. Thus you will have to be smart in your selection of furniture and lighting so that they add to the natural surroundings as effortlessly as possible. Try not to clutter your patio with too many furniture, as this place needs to be very spacious. Also, buy furniture that fits well according to the size of your garden. An oversized armchair for a small courtyard or a tiny stool for a huge garden will be very odd looking.

Finally, always remember that your outdoor is meant for relaxation and rest and the ambience should always be inviting and simple.

Furniture Shopping Guide Part 2

Once you've decided exactly what you need, how big it should be, how much you can spend on it, and gotten all the information you can on companies, finishes, styles, and fabrics, it's time to see some pieces in person.

• Go to a Furniture Store
  It's almost impossible to determine if you'll like a piece of furniture from a picture. You'll want to see it first-hand. If the store you visit doen't have the exact piece you've found on-line, at least you ean evaluate the quality of the line, see the different finishes available, and determine if the company makes things that have a look you like. If you're looking for a coffee table, you might be able to see a side table. You'll get an idea of how your piece will look and you'll feel more comfortable about ordering the piece at the store or on-line if you've seen it in person first.
  
  
  
• Visualize All the Elements
  Fine furniture stores use professional decorators to create fully-decorated rooms. In these settings, the merchandise is shown at its best. You can get an idea of how the piece you want will look in a real room. You might get ideas for other decorating, too. If the walls are painted an interesting shade of a warm mocha, you can ask the exact shade if you think it would look good in your home. It can be almost like going to a decorator showhouse, and you can buy anything you like.
  
  
• Get Things in Perspective
  Remember that furniture show spaces are spacious with high ceilings and no side walls. You have to keep the size and scale of your own rooms in mind. A piece that looks great in a cavernous showroom might be too large for your living room.
  
  
• Get Decorating Ideas From the Pros
  As you walk through the showroom, look around you. Do you see interesting accessories? Do you have some pieces at home that could be used in the same way? Is a picture placed in an unusual way that would add interest to your space? Does a mirror reflect a beautiful view or add depth to a space? Is the furniture arranged in a way you hadn't thought of? Without buying a thing, you can get lots of ideas to take home.
  
  
• Talk to the Sales People
  A furniture showroom will not have every piece that a particular company makes. If you don't see the item you want on the floor, inquire about placing a special order. Be sure that you feel comfortable with the sales person and get someone who is knowlegeable about your chosen company. Some stores have specialists for each line. Inquire about the availability of different wood finishes, sofa skirt options, or alternative arm styles.
  
  
• See the Fabric Choices
  Each company that builds upholstered furniture supplies their showrooms with fabric samples. You can choose from a full array of colors, patterns, and textures. If you're not sure about colors, ask to check out fabric samples or a matching pillow. You'll be ablet o live with the fabrics for a day or two and see the different choices in changing lights.
  
  
• Place a Special Order
  If the store doesn't have the piece you need, place a special order. In many cases, you will not be able to take advantage of special sale prices, and you might have to pay additional shipping charges. But it will be worth the price to get just the piece you want.
  
  
• Take the Piece Home
  Some furniture stores will allow you to take a piece home "on approval," meaning that you can see how it will look in your home, but return it if you don't like it. After all, you're making a big purchase and should have a right to change your mind. Make sure that you can return even a special order piece if it is not right for your home. You might be asked to pay the charges the store incurred to get the piece from the factory to their store.

Buying a piece of furniture can be a big expense and you should end up with just the right piece. If you follow our guidelines, the shopping will be easier and you'll end up with just what you want.

Furniture Shopping Guide Part 1

Shopping for furniture can be a difficult task or an exciting adventure. It's up to you. If you follow this advice, you're more likely to enjoy shopping and find the right pieces of furniture to fit your home and lifestyle.

1. Ask your family members(including all kids), close friends who spend a lot of time with you and your designer (should you have one) for their input regarding how the particular area you're furnishing needs to look and function prior to going shopping. Have a "room visioning" party (fun!) and serve food and drinks, have lots of magazines around and ask people close to you to bring favorite colors, materials, etc. to help all of you visualize what your finished room should look like and how it needs to function in order to be most useful to each of you.
   


2. Take digital pictures of all of the furniture you currently own and are going to keep in the room-prior to shopping. Also, take pictures of each wall area so you can remember door swings, windows and window treatments. Try to get paint chips, fabric swatches and/or wood stain finish samples to match what you already have.
   


3. Take measurements of every part of your room-not just a floor plan, but also a plan for every wall in your room. Measure out fireplaces, built-in's, area rugs, artwork, accessories and every aspect of your TV, sound system, etc. Note every cable connection and electrical outlet and EXACTLY where they are on the wall. Put this information into 1/4" scale. If you don't know how to do that, there are many books and online furniture resources to help you learn-it's easy. Many retailers also have trained sales consultants to help you do this, too. You just have to provide the measurements and they will put it in scale for you-this is complimentary with no strings attached-just ask!
   


4. Now, you're ready to decide how much you want to invest in your room PRIOR to going shopping for furniture. Make that decision with the relevant decision makers in your household, and give yourselves a RANGE and decide ahead of time if there is ANY room for fudging or not. There are always new ideas and new products that might be perfect for you that you might not be aware of. Don't lock yourself in or you might lock inspired ideas out!
   


5. Do your research online. Use furniture manufacturer's websites to find out all you can about their company, their philosophy, their products, etc. It's so much more fun and empowering to be informed prior to stepping foot inside that retailer's door. The sales consultants appreciate it more, too, as it's much easier and more creative to work with an informed, engaged consumer than one who is "just looking."
   


6. Be prepared to have a good time! Wear comfy shoes, clothes that are easy to bend over in and bring a sandwich - although many retailers offices have snacks and coffee for their hungry customers...just ask!
   


7. Let the sales consultant help you. They are the product experts and, many times, excellent with creative design ideas, too, and are there to assist you - within the parameters you've set - find the perfect pieces to make your room come alive with your personality.
   


8. Once you've made your decision, make sure to get all of the delivery, financing, and customer service contact numbers in writing. Make sure to take home pictures and swatches / samples of all you've purchased. If you're buying a piece that is directional, make sure you sign a drawing so that you know it's being ordered correctly.
   


9. Have a "delivery" party to celebrate your newly purchased furniture and get ready to enjoy the feeling that goes along with knowing you've created a comfortable, warm and inviting home for your family and friends to enjoy for many years to come.

Adirondack All Weather Furniture - Choosing the Right Wood Type

Few people are aware of the fact that the idea for quality Adirondack all weather furniture began with a quest to find the perfect chair for relaxing on lazy summer evenings. This is why comfort is one of the very first things anyone thinks of when imagining an Adirondack chair or lounger. Aside from comfort, the other feature that most comes to mind when thinking about Adirondack all weather furniture is durability…why else would they call it all-weather!?

Because the original Adirondack chairs were originally designed for outdoor use at some lake cottage or similar retreat—the furniture had to be durable and was thus made from woods such as:

1. Cypress

2. Pine

3. Cedar

The use of cypress for construction purposes dates all the way back to ancient Egypt when the wood was a material for the construction of caskets for the first pharaohs. Today, cypress is a very common wood and used to make outdoor furniture like swings and various deck accessories. Cypress is also commonly used to make doors and windows as well because it has a preservative within the wood grain that helps it naturally repel insects and resist rot and decay which is why it is a popular choice when crafting quality-made Adirondack chairs and patio furniture.

Pine is another common wood used to make quality Adirondack all weather chairs and other seasonal outdoor furniture. Because of its abundance and relatively quick growth cycle, pine tends to be a cheaper wood and is used extensively in the construction of many outdoor furniture pieces, including tables, benches, swings, chairs, and loungers. Pine tends to have a relatively low oil content and tends to thus dry out easily, making it susceptible to cracking. However, when properly maintained, pine can be used to make premium Adirondack all weather furniture.

Cedar is a great wood when thinking about quality Adirondack outdoor furniture. Having a reddish brown color, cedar wood tends to be somewhat knotty and is actually a softwood. Cedar is naturally insect repellant and tends to have a very distinctive aroma which can be managed with a sealer. However, quality Adirondack all weather furniture made from cedar is both beautiful and very durable making it an excellent choice when buying patio or deck chairs, tables, or accessories.

A Number Of Reasons For You To Invest In Teak Garden Furniture

Isn’t nature wonderful? What better way is there for you to enjoy nature than from the comfort of your own patio. But if you really want to rough it and feel the roughness of the paving stones under your bottom, then you really need to consider investing in some furniture for those warm sultry summer nights. One of the best options now available is teak furniture for outdoors.

Teak furniture is renowned for being sturdy and durable and years ago it was the preferred material in many ship yards around the world for ship building. So if it good enough to be used on the seas and oceans of the world it is good enough for your garden. In fact whatever weather your part of the world can throw at it, it can cope.

You will find that most of teak used these days in this sort of furniture has come from either Indonesia or Thailand. Both these countries have tropical rainforest areas where the trees grow and mature under a number of different environmental conditions, and it is for this reason that they have become so resistant to harsh conditions and why this carries through to any piece of teak furniture.

Also teak furniture is more or less impervious to being attacked by either insects or rot and this is due to the high concentrations of natural oils within the wood that repel the insects, mould and fungus. These oils are not just present in the live trees but also in those that have been cut down to be used and so will definitely be present in any piece of teak furniture that you choose to buy. As you can imagine this is not good news for those homeowners who spent vast amounts of money of other wooden outdoors furniture and only to have it collapse or disintegrate in front them after a while.

So when looking for furniture for your garden or patio then you should definitely consider teak furniture to be the benchmark by with any other wooden furniture is judged. Although it is expensive you will find that there are large number of different variations of the furniture that you will be able to purchase such as teak chairs, teak tables, teak garden benches are just a few.

But there is one thing any owner of teak furniture should remember is the maintenance of it. There is one thing that not just wooden furniture but also teak furniture is susceptible to and that is moss. Not only is it unsightly but is dangerous if it gets wet. But don’t worry teak furniture can easily with just soap and water and that is really all you need to do to maintain your teak outdoors furniture.

So all you need to think about now is how great it will look in your garden and just how long it is going to last for you.

Some Tips For Finding The Right Patio Furniture

When looking at patio furniture you need to look at the different designs and types before making a decision on purchasing, you need to know the differences between wicker, teak, plastic or iron furniture. There is something dramatic and romantic about it that makes wicker quite unique.

You need to think of your patio as an extension of your house, so when choosing furniture or decorating the patio you need to make feel like you are in your house and make sure the patio mimics the other rooms of your home. After your patio or deck is complete bring your outdoor space to life by finding elegant designs of iron patio furniture, it is not only beautiful but weather resistant. When you place patio furniture outside it makes your outdoor are more enjoyable and will make your summers more enjoyable.

Many prefer the look of natural wood to aluminum or plastic, and there is nothing more beautiful than the natural look of teak patio furniture. Choosing the correct design or style for you home depends on many different factors, if you have a pool you will need to get the style that matches the pool design, if you have a deck you will need to find a style that compliments the deck.

In contrast to wrought iron sets, cast aluminum patio furniture won’t rust. When your furniture is aluminum this is as easy as one two three. Cast aluminum is the most popular choice because it is lightweight and sturdy. Your cast aluminum patio furniture needs to be top of the line.

Today’s the technology is so advanced that manufacturers are able to make resin and plastic patio furniture that mimic painted wood furniture, the detail is so close that at first look you cannot tell the difference. One of the most resistant materials for patio furniture is heavy plastic resin. If you are looking for furniture that can withstand the weather and climate changes one of the best types of furniture is plastic and corrosion treated metal.

After you purchased your patio furniture set many people decided to purchase cushions that compliment the set, this is a wise idea since it will make sitting all the more comfortable. When looking for patio furniture cushions they are not all created equal, you need to test the softness; weather resistance and you need to make sure that they match your set. Many people like the cushions that have that plump look and the feel of sinking into the cushions. The next thing that you want to look at when you are shopping patio furniture cushions is the type of foam used in them.

Another type of garden furniture that is more common is rattan or wicker. Depending where you live there are certain type of furniture that work better in different climates, for example rattan furniture works better in dry climates, while cedar or teak will work in any type of climate.

Many stores offer patio sets that are complete; they come with an umbrella the base and all accessories. If you get an umbrella make sure you get a base for a firmer footing.

To Oil or Not to Oil Teak Wood Furniture

Teak wood has long been treasured for the beauty of its grain, golden color and timeless durability. Teak has been a favored material for use abroad ships and yachts and for use in outdoor furniture.

When teak patio furniture is exposed to the sun and weather, the natural oils migrate to the surface of the wood. The sun then oxidizes this oil and turns the surface a silver-gray color. Over extended periods of time this process depletes the wood of its natural oils causing surface roughness and checking (cracks along the grain of the wood) and the oxidized surface oil provides fertile ground for the growth and mildew and fungus. This process, along with the erosion caused by the wind and rain, will eventually make the surface dirty, unsightly and very rough to the touch.

Most authorities on teak denounce the use of teak oils. Because teak oil is usually solvent based, the use of such oils can actually destroy the natural oils in the teak wood. Also, once you begin using it, you will need to continue applications which can be as often as once per month. I also dislike the reddish colour you get after treating furniture with teak oil.

A much better option is to use a teak sealer. Teak sealer is extensively used in the yachting and marine circles. (If its good enough for marine type environment where the Teak wood is exposed to seawater, then imagine how good it really is!) It leaves the furniture a golden brown colour which is much more attractive and keeps the ‘expensive’ look of the teak. It is the only product I recommend to use on teak furniture.

There are a variety of “teak oils” on the market for the protection of teak which usually consists of linseed or tung oil mixed with mineral spirits. When first applied to the wood these oils impart a nice finish, but left outdoors teak oils wear away in weeks and require re-coating. With each re-coat, the oiled finish becomes darker and the surface becomes sticky and collects dirt. The organic waste from these oils provides a wonderful garden patch for the growth of mold and mildew. In a very short period of time the wood requires a complete re-cleaning.

If teak has been allowed to weather, the gray color and any mildew must be removed before finishing the wood. Prior to any application of teak sealer, you will need to clean the teak wood with washing and mild detergent prior to seasonal recoating with a teak sealer. This will preserve the teak in its natural state for many years.

I personally much prefer the silver colour teak eventually turns to. Remember it is not the same dull grey that you tend to see with cheaper furniture. It is much more vibrant silver then grey. With very light sanding to take the rough edge every few years, the furniture really looks beautiful.