We are often asked what kind of sofa we should buy.  Since we are surrounded with late winter it seems like a good time to answer that question.

Good upholstery can be expensive.  Even cheap sofas cost a lot.  This is why I believe it is always worth buying the best you can afford.  In every instance when I have been able to persuade a client to bear the cost of a good sofa, they have been delighted once they’re using it.

One of best companies for comfort options is Lee Industries.  Most pieces are available in wide array of cushioning options from their standard “eco-friendly” version of soy and renewable products or try their softer eco-lux cushions wrapped with fiber, down and feathers “ooh so soft”.

I personally think that buying a sofa from the big box stores or catalogs is the very last place you should purchase from, their sofas are uncomfortable and there is nothing worse than coming home at the end of the day and sitting down on something that shoots you straight back out or sinks to the floor!  Looking for good advice with a lasting look in fabric a great choice is Velvet or soft handed chenille upholstery in a rich jewel color.

Another option is a slipcover that allows a different look for that change of seasons or a quick cleaning in the washing machine if children are around.  Once you get your wonderful soft sofa, there is the question of how to deal with it in the room.  For TV and more informal spaces it is great idea to cover the sofa with an assortment of soft filled throw pillows along with a blanket or quilt hanging over the back.  The pillows and blankets are not just for comfort; they also visually help settle that large piece of furniture in the room.

At Ciao Interiors we are always getting in new arrivals.  Check out some new pieces from Dovetail Furniture, Younger Furniture and Leather Living.  Contact us for pricing, details, size and color options.

Dovetail Furniture:

Founded in 1992 by Charlie Shaw and Ted Einstein, Dovetail has developed an expertise in sourcing an eclectic range of handmade furniture, accessories and textiles from around the world.

Dovetail Dining Tables and Chairs

Younger Furniture:

Younger Furniture has been providing style, quality and comfort since 1989.

Younger Sofa/Chaise

Leather Living:

Established in 1986, Leather Living is proud to rank among North America’s finest manufacturers of top quality upholstered furniture. With more than 50 years of leadership in fashion forward design inspirations, we continue our rich heritage of traditional European craftsmanship.

Leather Living Sofa

The following are some clever tips and tricks for updating your bedroom.

Create a small sitting area in an empty corner of your room.  A comfy chair will become a beloved spot for you to relax with a good book or a cup of tea, to sit while getting dressed, or to simply reflect at the end of a long day.  If your room is large enough, try incorporating two chairs and a small table; otherwise a small slipper chair will work perfectly.

If you are short on space, mount your bedside lamp from the wall.  You will have more space for your nightstand essentials and if you use a swing arm sconce, you will have the ideal bedtime reading light.

Add visual interest to the room with a piece of furniture placed at an angle.  Try your bed or dresser entering the room from one corner.

A bold comforter or quilt can become the centerpiece of the room.  Everything else can be neutral in a room when there is a graphic, statement comforter to take the center stage.  Choose a print that will carry you year round or vary it according to the seasons.  Add luxurious linens and soft pillows that will make getting into bed a treat.

If a plain wall is asking for something exciting and you don’t have any artwork available, try a beautiful quilt or large piece of fabric.  With a strong graphic print that contrasts with the bedroom wall, there is no need for a more expensive piece of art or headboard.  Coordinate with the bedding for a sophisticated look.

When many of us think of pink rooms, we think of a ballerina pink for little girls or a hot fuchsia in a tween’s bedroom.  Pink does not have to be childish at all!  In the spirit of the month, we are going to look at pink rooms that are not only grown up, but stylish as well.  To ease into pink, opt for pale shades that can pass as neutrals.   Grays, tans, and whites offset the sweetness of a pink and give it a sophisticated side.  You can also make your pale pink look glamorous with gold accents and shiny mirrors or crystal lamps.  With a bold pink, pair it with black and a little animal print to create an edgy look or contrast it against crisp white.  Use the pictures below as inspiration to incorporate pink and its spirit of youth and vibrancy into your home this February.

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: Ciao Interiors

Photo: Jonathan Adler