Why not welcome the green of spring by bringing a little of it indoors? Furniture retail Chicago buyers will want to check out not only the new furniture and accessory pieces available, but will want to try out some affordable color palettes at home.

Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to change a room and it’s easy to change when you need a fresh look. Don’t be afraid of a little paint. It can be coordinated with accent pieces you already own to dress up a drab-from-winter room.

Pick your preference. Are you a Kelly girl, a sage kind of guy or just someone who likes a splash of lime? Then green is your springtime friend.  Personally, I prefer a muted sage in the living room with some accents of sepia, red floral prints and a hint of butter cream.

Lime is fun and cheery for a bathroom or kitchen. Because it’s bright and trendy, yet still a natural color, it can be mixed with contemporary pieces or surrounded by natural elements and not be uncomfortable.

Lime green is very effective paired with other flashy colors like hot pink or orange. Buyers of the best furniture Chicago offers will also want to consider the style of their furniture when choosing colors. Although any combination you enjoy is good to use, think about lightening up darker rooms or those with heavy furniture by incorporating lighter shades or bright, bold colors. When shopping for the best furniture Chicago buyers will appreciate the professional advice from staff.

Those with more casual taste might want to try a lime green, red and periwinkle combination. For those partial to a gentleman’s library look, try layering Kelly green with gray or sepia colors. A background of clean white with soft shades of blue and green will achieve the feel of a beach house. Try using natural elements like seashells and wheat grass to complete the feeling of the room.

We true Irish love our green year-round, so a palette layering various shade of green is always provides a fresh feel. Depending on which shades of green dominate, this can be elicit moods of sophistication and elegance; fun and flirtatiousness or the under canopy of a rainforest. For a more eclectic look, add in some bold black accents.

Pale shades of green paired with bright pinks or blues made wonderful backdrops for children’s rooms and furniture retail Chicago dealers enjoy helping customers design a personal space.

Cozy kitchens are what we strive for, but when the space it too small “cozy” can easily cross the line to “crowded”. Among the many ways to maximize kitchen space, several revolve around clever use of light. Your Chicago furniture dealer offers these ideas to help you use your small space to its full potential.

Starting with a palette of white or another pale, reflective color will make the room seem larger. Bringing in as much natural light as possible begins with: sheer curtains or even bare windows; frosted glass doors to brighten and open up the space; reflective surfaces on appliances and countertops; replace cabinet doors with glass or leave them open altogether; clever use of mirrors to create the optical illusion of twice the space.

Keeping the furniture to scale and choosing pieces that are thin or visually lights, with clean profiles and metallic or light-colored surfaces will continue the feeling of space and light throughout the room. Another enemy of small spaces is clutter. When visiting your Chicago furniture dealer, be selective in what is kept on the countertops and use attractive containers or baskets not only to help decorate but to store items that might clutter surfaces. Tiered hanging baskets or open stackable bins will add interest to the room and draw the eye upward, adding the illusion of more space.

Women are very conscious of the effect of wide striped in clothing, but that widening effect can be just the ticket for a small room. Integrating a large pattern or wide boards on the floor will broaden the room visually. Even a low contrast patterned or striped rug can achieve this effect. In comparing furniture retailers Chicago customers will likely find one who will offer design services to help with these space-saving tips.

If it is structurally possible, consider removing a partial or complete wall from the kitchen and allowing for flow into adjoining room. This not only can be beneficial for increased space, but may be just what your need to get more family time or allow entertaining on a larger scale.

Using between-the-wall space can solve storage needs in a small space. Creating shelves which are flush with the wall and use the space between studs will save actual room space. Such shelving can be trimmed out to match the woodwork and blend perfectly into the room.

Decreasing the size of the stove hood can really open up a small kitchen. Small appliances that are frequently used can be mounted under the cabinets rather than left on the countertop. This gives the room a cleaner look overall and frees up premium counter space for working. Chicago furniture retailers have many options to offer customers in range hood placement.

Do you dream of April in Paris, or just wish you could dream in a room that looked like it should be in Paris? Decorating with a destination in mind can be affordable and fun when you borrow ideas from others who have tried it, take time to search for pieces you love from affordable sources, and are willing to go to Plan B when your first choice is too pricey or unavailable.

When shopping Chicago furniture sales, always keep in mind the piece and style you want. Don’t buy something just because it is on sale. If your goal is to transform your bedroom into a Parisian apartment then go for it!

Of course, you have to decide on your own interpretation that that Parisian feel, but some of the traditional or recognizable elements include striped walls (or at least one accent wall), an elegant chandelier, white-washed or pale wall colors, black or dark-finished furniture, and some bold textile pattern. Your Chicago furniture dealer can help you choose the perfect pieces to blend with this look.

Often the bold pattern involves a floral or toile. This textile print can be coordinated or echoed from quilt to rug to upholstery. Drapes, traditionally, are monotone or two-tone, opulent and full to the floor and of silk or satin. In finding the best furniture Chicago carries, you often find design services which will help you coordinate the entire look of your room.

In a Parisian bedroom, a sitting area is very common. A simple wooden frame, upholstered occasional chair paired with an elegant side table keeps things simple. A wall grouping with black and white photos or floral prints can dress up a corner and offer an oasis-within-the-oasis. Your favorite Chicago furniture dealer has pieces available in the French tradition.

Most importantly, remember to fill the room with things you love. Even if a piece isn’t particularly Parisian, if you appreciate the way it blends with the theme and it makes you smile, add it in. When it comes to Chicago furniture sales and buying the perfect piece, this is your creation and your idea of Paris.

Although I keep a basket of cozy blankets next to my couch to snuggle into while I watch movies or take a cat nap on a winter afternoon, I have never really thought about using them as accent pieces or to bring pattern or texture into my decor. When it comes to full service furniture retailers Chicago has the best and the staff can point you toward the best choices in accent pieces.

One Manhattan designer recommends just that – reaching for a blanket not to cozy up, but to ramp up the color or pattern in a room. Brad Ford also explains that a blanket is an easy piece to change for seasons or a room makeover than a piece of furniture or a wall color. Your Chicago Illinois furniture dealer offers design services which can help you choose such accent pieces.

Ford describes his style as “warm”, “soulful” and “earthy”, and preferring an organic look, blankets fit right into his plans. Chicago contemporary furniture buyers will appreciate how a blanket can be the finishing touch to their new room décor or just jazz up a room that has become a bit tired.

Reversible blankets with patterns which differ on both sides offer versatility in decorating, says Ford. Blankets are the perfect accent piece because they can be used anywhere to change the mood of a room. He likes to just drape them over the arm of a sofa or even a headboard or footboard in the bedroom. Chicago contemporary furniture owners can use this idea to warm up a room that is sleekly designed.

Blankets – whether designer, department store or heirloom – can be an affordable way to make a visual impact. I have used an antique quilt as a wall hanging, but never thought to go the more casual route of a bright textile that could do double duty as décor and a snuggly. When shopping Chicago Illinois furniture retailers, think about how muted furniture pieces or monochromatic sets can be spiced up with a simple textile.

In perusing furniture retailers Chicago, consider pieces that could be accentuated with an heirloom textile you already own or what color of casual cotton throw you could purchase to add some punch to a certain piece of furniture.

Are you ready to dispel the winter blahs with a new look for one of the rooms in your home, or even a total home makeover? When visiting your Chicago Illinois furniture retailer keep these tips in mind to help you do it affordably and enjoyably.

Set a realistic budget. Most of us are strapped for cash these days and researching some price points and paring down to what will really make a difference in your room’s new look can save you much frustration.

Make a list of what you need and a few things you want. Prioritize your list and save room in the budget for at least one fun item. When considering these items, write down how they will be used and measure your space to be sure the items will fit the way you envision them. Your Chicago furniture dealer will be happy to help you design your space.

Know how, and how much, your furniture will be used. Frequency and type of use should dictate fabrics and finishes. If you have young children and pets you must consider safe, durable finishes and perhaps stain-proof, smudge-proof items as well. This consideration should extend to the frames, fillings and supports in a piece of furniture. Chicago Illinois furniture buyers want to be savvy in selecting the perfect pieces. A sturdier piece may have a higher price tag, but it also may last two or three times as long, saving you money in the long run.

Look for sales. Plan your shopping in advance and wait for sales if possible. Comparison shopping is also a must and sometimes retailers will match a competitor’s price, which might help you buy locally. Check out department stores as well as furniture stores and specialty stores. Chicago furniture dealers have great bargains and may have big sales as new spring pieces are arriving.

Know your seller. Ask friends or co-workers  where they have shopped and what experiences they had. You are more likely to have a good experience when you are referred by someone you know. Retailers also like to hear that you have been referred to their store. Also check out credit terms, payment options and find out about delivery times and charges, and warranty and return policies.

Read the label. The label must clearly state where the furniture was made, what exposed woods are used, and other materials information. If the label states Chicago leather couch, the couch would have to be locally made and the exposed materials all of leather.

With green being the watchword of the day we have all become conscious of how things are made and disposed of, especially in our own households. When shopping furniture retailers Chicago, buyers want to find easy and affordable ways to decorate and furnish their homes in an eco-friendly way. The options are increasing daily and these are just a few tips to help you know where to start.

Green Chicago furniture sales begin with repurposing in mind. Look for retailers who carry or design products from recycled wood or who carry lines made from sustainable woods. This includes less exotic woods and those which grow faster and are easier to replenish.

Bamboo is another popular option. It grow quickly, is affordable and very durable. When buying flooring or the best furniture Chicago retailers offer, think about the type and amount of use your pieces will need to endure. Also consider how the furniture can be reused or repurposed when you are finished with it or seek materials that can be recycled.

Be careful to choose natural materials that won’t pollute your home with fumes from the materials or finish. Also, seek non-toxic finishes to protect young children and pets. Furniture retailers in Chicago also carry many vintage pieces and antiques which can add a touch of nostalgia to your decorating.

Be sure to seek out the best furniture Chicago has to offer – quality-wise. Pieces that are durable and are worth repairing will allow you to use them much longer. Furniture and other décor made from recycled plastic or metal has also become a large part of the market in recent years. These pieces not only allow you to do your part for the environment, but can often be unique or whimsical.

Buying locally is another way to be green, as you save on delivery miles, thus saving fuel emissions, and you are closer to the retailer should you need service. When it comes to Chicago furniture sales, local retailers have almost any style and material of furnishing on the market and will provide excellent customer service, and often, design services as well.

Have you ever had a room that was so cluttered with furniture you felt like Dorothy in Oz when she and her friends reach the enchanted apple orchard? Perhaps you feel the drawers are ready to fly open and bombard you with T-shirts and stray socks just like the tree pelted Dorothy and friends with apples.

Choosing bedroom furniture is important for just that reason and many times dressers are where we go wrong.  Deciding what, if any, dressers to purchase requires evaluation in several areas. The first area is the amount of clothing and accessories to be stored. The second is the available floor space in the room. Once these two factors have been determined, the questioning can move to size and style. When shopping furniture retail Chicago buyers want a variety to choose from and Smithe offers buyers of Chicago furniture modern and tradition beautiful custom pieces.

First, look at the amount of closet space you have. If there is sufficient hanging and shelf space in your closets to accommodate most of your clothing, dressers may not be necessary, or you may be able to get by with one smaller piece. Depending on the size of your closet, you might even want to consider placing a dresser in the closet for easy access and added floor space in the bedroom. Let’s face it, as buyers we want the best furniture Chicago retailers carry and we want it to fit perfectly in our room and our lifestyle.

If closet space is at a premium, you must decide on the style of furniture you prefer and evaluate whether one larger piece or multiple smaller pieces would better fit the size and style of the room. Several tall, dark pieces can be quite overwhelming in a small room (like Dorothy in and the apple trees). On the flip side, a large room with one or two small, low pieces may appear stark and under furnished. Sometimes the best furniture Chicago buyers find is when they seek help from an experienced decorating team at their Chicago furniture modern/traditional retailer.

Estimate the number of drawers needed, choose the furniture style you prefer and begin comparing pieces and sizes. Sketching out a scale model of your room with the pieces you like will give you a good idea of whether your dream pieces will fit in your available space. (Often they won’t except in your imagination!)

Take advantage of the decorating services offered at your furniture retail Chicago dealer.

When the perfect flooring, furniture and accent pieces fall just short of the perfect room you envisioned, it might be time to add an area rug for the finishing touch. The top furniture retailers Chicago buyer visit will be quick to recommend this as a way to achieve a more spacious feel or add a bit of warmth to the room.

By strategically placing a rug, the dynamics of the space can change and a new perception of the room can be created. This can give the illusion of more space or pull together a sitting or conversation area that didn’t quite meld before. To compliment the best furniture Chicago has to offer, buyers should consider area rugs as a way to pull a room together.

Adding an area rug between rooms, such as between double doors or an open archway, will pull the rooms together and make them seem like one large space. This effect adds warmth and works well to unify two common spaces. Furniture retailers in Chicago usually offer design services to their customers.

Some questions to answer before choosing the perfect rug are: What size is needed to make the space feel larger rather than dwarf the furnishings? Can I mix a contemporary rug with traditional décor or an antique rug with my modern look? How can I use an area rug to brighten my room? How do I coordinate the rug with my décor? The short answers are: Give it the critical eye. Yes and yes. Choose a color you love that doesn’t clash. Choose a color you love that doesn’t clash. Taking color samples and fabric swatches with your when you shop for a rug and even taking photos and measurements of your room to share with in-house designers will allow them to help you choose the perfect area rug. Carriers of the best furniture Chicago buyers can find have experienced designers who will help you answer these questions more thoroughly.

An area rug can also soften the line of a room, especially if it has a rounded shape or fringed edges. This extends the warmth of the room toward doorways and corners. When shopping Chicago leather couch retailers you might consider that an area rug would carry out the warmth of a mahogany-toned overstuffed couch or relive the severe lines of a contemporary chrome and black leather couch.

Wondering how to furnish your bedroom to create a relaxing retreat and still meet all of your storage needs? There are many areas to consider and when you stop by your Chicago furniture dealer the experienced staff will help you find the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle.

One thing to assess is your storage space. How much of your clothing and accessories can be stored in the closet? Will you need a bureau (or two), an armoir, a vanity, nightstands, a lingerie chest or jewelry chest?  A few larger furniture pieces will allow buyers of Chicago contemporary furniture or traditional pieces to have more options in arranging the room and keep the room feeling more open and relaxed.

The scale of the set also must be considered. A more traditional, heavy or dark wood or a bed with posts or a massive headboard may feel oppressive in a small room with a low ceiling. Lighter colored wood, metal or even more contemporary upholstered pieces can work well in a smaller space. When looking for the best furniture Chicago buyers can rely on their favorite Chicago furniture dealer to find or create the perfect piece to meet their needs.

Knowing the size of bed you prefer will be a good starting point. Once you determine how much space the bed will use, other pieces can be worked in to meet your storage needs and compliment the space and style of the room.

Your Chicago furniture dealer has a huge variety of styles and sizes to choose from as well as a friendly staff to help add your personal touch to what should be the most tranquil room of your home.  When buying a bedroom set, shopping with pictures of a style you like and the measurements and layout of your bedroom will be helpful. Also, think through your storage needs so that you have enough furniture to accommodate everything but aren’t investing in unnecessary pieces that will take up extra room.

With a little planning, choosing the perfect bedroom set can be a simple and enjoyable experience for buyers in Chicago of contemporary furniture or those seeking a more traditional look.

When it comes time to furnish a new house, condo or apartment, it’s always a big decision what furniture will be the most aesthetically appealing, practical, balanced and complimentary to the rooms’ size and shape- and it should be.

Choosing a dining room set may be the most difficult since you’re usually not drawn to a specific table and chairs, as you would be to a bedroom set or unique sofa set. To begin the selection process, there are a few odds and ends that need to be figured out. First, how many people are you looking to seat? If you only live with one roommate, a four-person table should suffice with room for guests; but if you’re married with four children, you’re going to want a larger set, with maybe 8 seats, giving room if expanding the family is in the future and for sporadic guests.

Next, you’re going to want to measure the dimensions of the space you’re trying to fill. Knowing the space you have to work with is crucial since you don’t want to overcrowd the area- bringing me to my next point. Leaving space around the dining set is very important. Diners need room to maneuver around the table, and walk behind others who are seated.

The shape of the table needs to compliment the shape and size of the room, giving it presence. For instance, if you have a square-shaped room, a round table would soften the space and compliment it nicely. If you’re looking to give your dining room a more modern look, a square -shaped set should accomplish that. A higher table with more stool-like seats can also give a more contemporary look to a standard dining space. You can find a great selection of Chicago contemporary furniture at Walter E. Smithe.

Lastly, if you choose to dine in your kitchen, you may want to opt for a hardwood kitchen set that can be multi-purpose for things like baking, wrapping Christmas presents, office work, or cutting/ chopping ingredients. If you like  to dine in your living space, choose something that blends nicely with your sofa set and coffee table.

To top off the look, chose the right lighting. Dimmer lights and neutral-colored lamps make for a more sophisticated, relaxing setting while bright lights and colorful lamps create a more fun, upbeat ambiance.

To find your perfect dining room set Chicago, visit Walter E. Smithe, best in Chicago furniture sales.