Soon it will be time to deck the halls and light the menorah or Christmas tree. Many of us have a traditional spot for the tree and decorations that have claimed their spot year after year. Others prefer to mix it up with different color schemes and themes every year.

Whatever your preference for holiday decorating, you probably want the end result to be a comfortable atmosphere that add to the festive air of your entertaining and the joy of everyday living. Your Chicago contemporary furniture dealer can help you add furniture pieces or even accentuate with holiday fabric for drapes or throw pillows. Continue Reading

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.