The air is warmer and the sun in streaming through the window – highlighting the dust motes in the air and the grime on the outer window pane. It’s definitely time for spring cleaning. The problem is the actual cleaning doesn’t usually provide the emotional satisfaction we need. Chicago contemporary furniture dealers have many pieces and designs to help you make a change for spring.

The drive to freshen and update our décor, bring in a lighter color or new accessory or just make any kind of change is almost unavoidable this time of year. A small change like finding ways to let in natural light or trying out a fresh paint color can give you the sense of renewal you crave. If it’s drastic change you seek, there are many places to find ideas and advice on total room or home makeovers. Your Chicago furniture dealer can offer many ideas or help turn your own ideas into reality.

The Whole Living channel is presenting renovations segments at 11 a.m. Mondays through the month of April. It can be found at Sirius 112 and XM157. Your favorite magazine can be the perfect place to pick up spring redecorating ideas. Sometimes just looking at the cover is an inspiration. Buyers of Chicago contemporary furniture also may want to look at trends online.

Retaining your personal style and comfort is key in creating a welcoming and stylish home. The radio segments of Whole Living will address how to create a balance of all these aspects. Once you have a fresh idea, visit your Chicago furniture dealer for help in bringing it to life.

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.

Smithe can create more than just the best furniture Chicago has to offer in the custom arena. For those coveting a distinctive look for the kitchen, Smithe, your go-to Chicago furniture dealer for Chicago contemporary furniture, recommends mapping out your personal style and being clear about the function of the room.

Ask yourself some questions to get started with the design process. What is your personality? What purpose do you want the room to serve? Will it be a place strictly for function, clean and streamlined, or a cozy corner to enjoy a cup of tea or glass of wine with family and friends as you prepare an informal dinner or bake holiday cookies?

Find photos of a style you love. Take ideas and aspects of several different kitchen photos and combine them into your own unique look. Think about what existing built-ins, appliances and freestanding furniture you need to work into your design.

What is your motif, color scheme? Is your room neutral with a need for accent colors or do you need to blend accessories with an existing color palette? Be bold! Experiment with color and accent pieces. It’s only paint and if you hate it you can cover it with the next fashionable color. Try scavenging favorite pieces from other rooms in your home. Step out of the box – it doesn’t have to scream “kitchen” to be used in the kitchen.  Since the kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, consider favorite artwork; outdoor items such as statues, fountains or plants; or family photographs – any items that fit with your style or theme.

Consult a design professional you trust. Smithe provides the best furniture Chicago can boast, but also has experienced and talented designers who will come to your home and help you create a space that is perfect for the life you live. A leader in customer furniture for over 60 years, Smithe offers Chicago contemporary furniture as well as classic styles.

Smithe, your Chicago furniture dealer, will provide helpful advice for any decorating project.

Furniture shopping isn’t always easy. In searching for a sofa set, sometimes you’re looking for the simplest look and just can’t seem to find it; other times, you have a very specific look, pattern or size in mind, and have no luck.

Chicago furniture dealer, Walter E. Smithe, can solve those problems for you. As stated on their website, “everything you see is a blank slate waiting for your unique touch”. Smithe customizes sofa sets so that you have every aspect and detail you desired, wrapped into one set.

First, any Chicago contemporary furniture shopper gets to choose the basic style.  Next, they choose a fabric from Smithe’s great selection- or even multiple fabrics! They may then choose to add contrasting welting which actually comes at no charge for some styles. To finish up the basics, one would decide on a leg style and finish, or opt to add skirting. Choose stylish wooden cone legs or basic square supports and hide them with a pleated skirt.

One of the nicest customizable options is being able to choose the number of cushions and their comfort level- yes, shoppers can choose how comfy their couch will be. Depending on how much space one typically prefers when sitting on the couch, they may want to choose fewer cushions. If these sofas are generally only used for holidays or gatherings, choosing 3 cushions may be the best solution since it would accommodate more guests comfortably.

Next choose the couch’s arm style. A simple arm may do the trick for some while others may enjoy a larger rest with cinched fabric detailing. To dress up the set, add some throw pills and blankets from Walter E. Smithe. Varying pillow shapes are always fun, while tying in a monotone hue from the couch’s fabric always makes for a good look. Lastly, add some fringe or nailhead trims to spice up the set.

Thought you’d never find the perfect sofa set? Worry no more.  Create the perfect sofa for your space at Walter E. Smithe and make your home your favorite place to be. Stop in to Smithe to view our large showroom and select from the best furniture Chicago has to offer. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

Walter E. Smithe has partnered up once again. This time it’s not with an obvious choice but rather an unlikely one. Recently it’s joined forces with Walt Disney to include its furniture line by Drexel Heritage in its Chicago contemporary furniture showrooms.

Smithe has been one of the best furniture Chicago dealers since its opening in 1945, under the name Tone Appliances and Furniture. A few decades ago, they faded appliances out of their inventory and began to focus solely on furniture sales. Since, a new generation of Smithes has taken over the business and continues to service the Chicagoland area with top-of- the- line furniture, excellent customer service and the feel of a family-owned business.

Many may not know, but Drexel Heritage is one of the most predominant furniture manufacturers in the world and has been around for over 100 years. Originating in North Carolina, Drexel now has numerous plants totaling 2.3 million square feet. Priding themselves on superior craftsmanship, Drexel promises to provide the “broadest assortment of wood and upholstered furniture in the industry” on a wide pricing spectrum.

And of course Walt Disney we all know.  For nearly 80 years, this company has brought smiles to the faces of millions of children with its worldwide theme parks, incredible line of films, retail stores, and nearly every other product imaginable.  They’ve become a well-trusted and admired brand that truly brings families together.

Now, these three unique companies built form the ground up, have gotten together to deliver Chicago furniture shoppers a great new modern line. Whether looking for a dining room set Chicago or Chicago office furniture, the Walt Disney Collection by Drexel Heritage is sure to have a quality set to meet your needs. Visit Walter E. Smithe to check out the new line and see how the simple, sophisticated designs represent what these three companies believe in.