m8r8au @ 18:34 | comments(1) | Permanent link

Are you tired of your sofa? Is it looking a little dull? Cushions a bit lumpy? Whatever the issue, you have a number of options for your old furniture. For a look at the list, just read more.

• While you might know about flipping sofa cushions to keep them looking their best, you also want to bounce them to keep the foam from getting lumpy.
• Spruce up the sofa with some fun, new throw pillows. You can even use old throw pillows and simply sew or buy new covers for them.
• Since it's Winter anyway, toss a pretty blanket or lap quilt on an arm or back of the sofa. It's a great way to get cozy on the couch, and it's also a nice way to draw attention to a family heirloom or thoughtful handmade throw.
• If you have an Ikea sofa, consider buying a beautiful slipcover from .
• If your sofa is good quality and has a hardwood frame, but the upholstery is getting old, consider reupholstering. However, if the frame isn't high quality, it's better to replace it.
• If you're not ready to invest in reupholstery or replace your sofa, then a slipcover is another good option.
• Sometimes simply rearranging your living room is a good way to give an old sofa new life.

m8r8au @ 18:24 | comments(0) | Permanent link

When it comes to outdoor entertaining the choices in outdoor lounge chairs have really made a huge increase. Outdoor living is an integral part of most homes today and outdoor settings are no longer restricted to table and chairs. You’ll find there are as many furniture designs for outdoors and there are for indoors.

Lounges for outside are a fantastic addition for relaxation and entertaining and they really do come in all styles to suit your personal preferences.

Under Cover or Exposed Areas

It really doesn’t matter if you have either exposed or undercover areas because there are suitable choices for both. Waterproof coverings and foam for cushions mean that your choices can remain out in all weather, within reason.

You will need to take care and check regularly that it is well dried and clean to prevent mould forming or bird droppings from building up. A protective covering is a good idea when the furniture is not in use.

Focal Point

There are so many contemporary designs now that you will certainly find something to suit you. Outdoor lounges make a great focal point for your entertaining area and is often the place where the rest of the family can hang out if the men have an outdoor bar and barbeque area set up.

Styles

Really the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing styles. Those of us who embrace the casual lifestyle will find the folding banana lounge styles perfect. If you are looking for a more formal style you’ll find plenty of matching suites that would rival any indoor setting.

You’ll also be spoilt for choice in materials the lounges are made from. Yu may even be looking for a change if you have a more formal indoor design a casual approach may be a welcome contrast and vice versa.

Change at will

The best thing about outdoor entertainment is you are free to change the look and feel of the furniture anytime. If you are into themed entertaining the right lounge can bring a tropical Hawaii to life or a glamorous movie stars night.

Outdoor living is big now and most homes have an area dedicated to this. There is something to meet demands in all price ranges, and you can always use covers, throws, and cushions to add a low cost change.

So Many Uses

Some even have outdoor televisions set up and this gives an added area for teenagers to hang out with friends without disrupting the whole household. Of course it’s not only the teens who enjoy their own space for television and games. Sports events can be enjoyed without the worry that loud barracking might be a problem.

Outdoor chaise lounges are a perfect place to curl up with a good book or magazine on a sunny day. Once you have the lounge of your choice you’ll find you’ll use it constantly. If you take care of it and choose the right one it will serve you well for many years. Go for quality that can take plenty of active treatment.

m8r8au @ 16:36 | comments(31) | Permanent link

You know it's time for a new sofa when the pattern is made up of old stains, you have to keep heaving yourself out of the cushions when you get up and your guests would sooner sit on the floor. Finding a new one that suits you and your family, one that you want to last, it may seem a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you.

Size it Right
Before you even head to the furniture store, decode what size sofa you really need. Bear in mind that a big sofa may not be what you need, even if you have a large living room. If you live in an upstairs apartment, for example, the size of your sofa may be dictated by the width of the stairwell, or the height of the lift doors. So remember to make note of the maximum width and height that will fit into your home, including door height and width.

Colour it Right
Remember how long your last sofa lasted? Unless you're planning to replace your sofa on a regular basis, bear in minds that a colour that you find stylish today, may not be so fashionable or in keeping with your change of décor next year. Pick neural colours that can be highlighted with throws and pillows in brighter colours. It's easier to change the look that way. If the sofa is going to be in a high traffic area, pick a pattern that will disguise stains such as a tweed or multi-coloured design.

Style it Right
Pick a fabric that will suit your life style. Leather sofas come in great styles and leather outlasts other fabrics 4 to1. It you have children bouncing around on your sofa you may want a hard wearing weave that can take a beating.

Sitting Pretty
Of course you will want to sit on the sofa in the store. If possible have at least two other people sit on it as well.

    * Is the sofa comfortable when more than one person is sitting on it? How about the centre cushion?
    * Is it as comfortable as the outside cushions?
    * How about the arm height?
    * Do the back cushions allow you to sink in or must you sit with an uncomfortable posture?
    * Is the seat the correct height for your leg length?

Check the Workmanship
Look at the body of the sofa. Make certain all surfaces are covered and padded. Unless it is part of the design of the sofa, you shouldn't see wood under the seat cushions. Remove the cushions and unzip the covers. Be aware of how the cushions are constructed.

    * Is the foam wrapped?
    * Is there extra padding?
    * What is used to stuff the cushions?

Stand back from the sofa and check the pattern.

    * Does the pattern on the back of the sofa match the cushions?
    * Does the pattern on the cushions match the skirt?
    * Are the stripes aligned at the edges?
    * The mark of quality sofa is the careful matching of patterns.

If it doesn't match, don't waste your money on it. Look at the trim. Does the cording fit flat and straight or does it curve? If you suspect shoddy workmanship, choose a different sofa.

m8r8au @ 11:44 | comments(107) | Permanent link

Here is to the "ultimate" in sofas, the most used piece of furniture in every home. Furniture Fashion has reviewed some outstanding modern sofa designs from the world's foremost designers, as well as first timers including prototypes that may one day become reality. We know these modern styles are probably not for everyone but they sure are fun to look at and possibly inspirational to your interior design plans. Enjoy!!

The first of our sofas is rather unconventional in style and shape sporting a square design that works well in a pair. The Nurus 4U from Ece Selamoglu and Oguz Yalim is a seating unit that is perfect for common areas and uses geometry as its core theme in its design and visual appeal. This most unusual seating system offers a height adjustable backrest and was presented at Orgatec Colonia this year.

This may be the most versatile sofa in our review, and as you will see it is much more than meets the eye. The Doc Sofa Bed has a unique mechanism that transforms an unassuming sofa into a bunk bed complete with a hideaway ladder and safety rail resulting in sleeping space for two. This "convertible sofa bed taken to new heights" is perfect for small spaces such as lofts or dorm rooms where square footage comes at a premium and multi-function furniture is a necessity. Covers are removable for washing. Available from BonTon Trading

Hunting Lines by Daniel Becker is a prototype that is in search of the right manufacturer and features dramatic bold curves and folded angles. This modern sofa is the second piece in a series that was preceded by a chaise lounge with similar lines. The Hunting Lines sofa has square ends that allow it to be placed in a row for extended seating in a residential or commercial setting. Stay tuned for it release and get more information from Daniel Becker here. Two Seat Sofa 220 x 68 x 85

Design great Carlo Colombo combined a generously sized two seat sofa with a built in marble topped side table that links to an aluminum base for Poliform's "Park" sofa released at this years Milan Furniture Fair. This is a very sophisticated and glamorous sofa that is without a doubt going to be the focal point in any modern interior. If you like the Park Sofa, check out the rest of the stunning modern furniture from Poliform.

There are a several really cool ultra modern sofas to see from Amin Designs, and there was no way to leave any of them out, so here they are counted as one. By the looks of the shapes and vibrant colors you may expect a furniture collection that is way out there, and it is just that. The design team at Amin strives for excellence while focusing on the power of imagination to create a better world for future generations. Keep your eyes on the rest of the furniture in these pictures which is also part of the Amin Design's collection. My favorite sofa is the purple one!!

The modern sofa takes on a new meaning thanks to Cor Furniture and designers Kirsten Antje Hoppert and Steffen Kroll of Studio Vertijet. The Lava is a work of art and a sitting/reclining lounge system with endless possibilities. Cor is dedicated to the ultimate in design with a philosophy includes the hands and eyes of master craftspeople, as well as top quality materials and a great deal of skill as the main ingredients. The "Lava Sofa Lounge" is furniture, landscape, and sculpture, unusual in its uses, unique in its design.

More than one hundred years of history go into every piece of furniture from French maker Ligne Roset who specializes in one of the most progressive collections of quality furniture I have seen. I am very sure that none of their original designs were as catchy as the "Yang" sofas slick modern appearance that features a versatile shape that allows a variety of set up configurations. The Yang is really four identical sections that make up a well rounded square, which in this case the sum of the parts is as cool as the whole. $3,100 - $3,700 per piece. Designer Francois Bauchet

Here we see the sleek combination of the "Aspen" sofa from designer Jean Marie Massaud who joined talents with well versed modern furniture manufacturer Cassina of Italy. When I think of Aspen I envision smooth rolling slopes and that is exactly what is present here, and notice the "ice skate" style feet that keep in the theme. The Aspen features opposing shapes allowing a long single sofa or two individual half sofas which are available in 180 and 260cm lengths. Aspen is combined here with the Auklund lounge chair and ottoman in black leather, another Massaud /Cassina design.

Finally, what would a look at modern sofas be without something from B&B Italia and designer/architect Zaha Hadid. Their "Moon System" is like nothing I have ever seen, possessing the complexity of curved geometry and a one piece look as if it were carved from a single element. Every angle of the Moon Sofa takes on a completely different look unlike most seating systems that rely on redundancy. I especially like the way the ottoman can be incorporated within the shape of the sofa adding to its one piece concept. Sofa $12,460; Ottoman $1,749

m8r8au @ 11:35 | comments(99) | Permanent link

One of the most important things to do while furnishing your living room is to get good sofa sets. In today article we will present 35 of the most interesting & creative sofa designs that you can find on the internet …so let’s begin.

The fabric for the Pixel Sofa has been picked up by Danish manufacturer Kvadrat, based off of a concept by Cristian Zuzunaga, a Royal College of Art graduate. The contemporary couch is sure to grab everyone’s attention by virtue of its wide spectrum of colors. I’m pretty sure that people who use computers, and especially designers would love something like this in their studio/office.

A while ago I’ve noticed that metallic & shiny fashion trends with colors like silver, gold and bronze became quite popular. Today I’ve discovered that this trend also hit the furniture industry, and a great example is the Hollywood Stardom Sofa, an unique piece of furniture that can bring a little Hollywood glamour into your living room. In spite of its clean cut and modern square look, thanks to the four, oversized, soft silver pillows on its backrest, the Hollywood Stardom is a sofa you just won’t want to leave. Made of the finest italian leather, this stylish shimmery silver sofa will make you feel like a real star! Price : $8,100

At a first glance you might be asking yourself “What is this ?“, because the Feel Seating System designed by Animi Causa has a really cool and unusual shape. The shape is inspired by a molecular structure, the basic form for all objects is the universe. It is made of 120 sofa balls covered with elastic fabric. If you are a playful person you can use it in many creative ways, because the structure of the feel allows to create multiple forms.

An accordion chair or sofa made out of wood and paper, the Flexible Love, without a doubt, is the coolest piece of furniture in the universe. You don’t really need more proof than this video attached below. I’m not sure how comfortable the Flexible Love is, but I don’t care: I want this cool piece of furniture.

This sofa that looks like a rug is a great design, and I don’t know how nobody thought at this until now. This design is called East meet West and is designed by Tonio de Roover. The idea behind this “carpet sofa” how I like to call it is pretty simple, a wood and inox support and on top a persian rug. At a first glance the design looks awesome, but I don’t think you could sleep to well on this sofa.

Rodolfo Rocchetti from Tappezzeria Rocchetti is a master upholsterer from Rome, and he made some really creative pieces of furniture, check the pictures below. Now to have something like this in your home you might choose a very wild theme for your home, because these designs can easily make people say “OMG !“.And for the animal lovers out there these are all made from faux fur.

There is no way you can miss this sofa design by Lila Lang. One half is a plain looking sofa with a decidedly curvy old fashioned style. The other half appears to be climbing the wall! You have to admit there is something whimsical about this design. On one hand it fulfills a function – somewhere to sit on. On the other hand, it is a perhaps a piece of art or even a statement about things driving us up the wall perhaps? If you tilt your head and view the wall as the floor, you will notice the Canape is almost symmetrical designed so it should fit corner walls in either direction. This design was recently featured in an exhibition Parcours Saint Germaine in Paris France.

Now, this is the kind of smart sofa that I want in my living room.Not only that it looks great but it`s also multifunctional .I bet you haven`t seen one of this yet , a sofa that converts into a bunk bed.You can even sleep peacefully in the top bed because the bunk bed comes with integrated supporting ladder and protection guard.All you have to do now is call over some friends for a sleep over. Sleep tight and don`t let the bugs bite!

This sofa looks like a giant brush adorned with thick bristles, but each of these comfortable bristle is designed to give you a relaxing massage.Its a very different take on the most common furniture that we see in every house. This sofa is a concept which is the result of a student from school BCUC. The design might look interesting and I’m sure that a lot of teens would get one for their rooms, but afterall his sofa is not to practical unfortunately.

“Do Lo Res” sofa is a very creative design by Ron Arad. Do Lo Res is a very up-to-the-minute sofa composed of several soft, square-based cube- or rectangular-shaped units of various heights. The units are arranged in rows to form the shape of the sofa, and fixed to a platform by steel pins. The units all have a 21×21cm footprint while varying in height from 27.5cm to 83cm. They are made of different-density polyurethane foam; a stiffer foam is used at the bottom of each unit in order to grip the steel pin, while softer foam at the top ensures optimum comfort. Do Lo Res units may be rearranged to form a wide variety of shapes and compositions. The “Do Lo Res” sofa is a product that is apparently very simple but which in fact has a great complexity of construction, structural and production.

Home Sweet Home Sofa is an interesting sofa, that can make you feel very relaxed and comfy. On the outside the Home Sweet Home Sofa is coated and varnished, on the inside PU-foam upholstery, covered with leather, cover removeable. As you can see from the pictures the Home Sweet Home Sofa is like a very little room, just add a curtain and you can have your own place to relax.

This modern sofa by designer Manfred Wakolbinger is the first furniture piece the renowned Austrian sculptor has created for Wittmann. Both a work of art and a functional seat, this piece was inspired by the designer’s visits to the Orient and suites of the 1970’s. This seating unit is highly versatile, providing multiple functions as a sofa and double recliner that can accommodate several people. The Chill Out even comes as a solo recliner for the single individual looking for some rest and relaxation. The design features rows of hand-rolled cushions that have been painstakingly crafted to produce a sleek, but textural aesthetic.

If utilized appropriately, lighting can convert any atmosphere into a lively one, adding warmth to the atmosphere. Designers have not only made use of its effect in brightening up the apartments, but have gone a step ahead by incorporating it within the furniture by creating sofas made of acrylic that light up. The effect is stunning, as Japanese manufacturer, Waazwiz have proved, by integrating light with the basic furniture used in our homes. An illuminating sofa, not only makes the sitter clearly visible, but brightens up the room in the dark. Its soft glow has a soothing effect on the eyes, especially while watching the television.

Patchwork is most often associated with quilts. Once a craft born out of economic necessity, patchwork quilts still enjoy widespread popularity. However, British designer Lisa Whatmough whose company is Squint Limited has adapted the patchwork technique not for familar bedcoverings but as upholstery material for her fun and funky bespoke furniture line. Just one of her chic furniture pieces will brighten up any dark corner. These are extraordinarily vivid focal pieces indeed.

Cor furniture takes lounging into another level, by introducing their new Lava Sofa. In collaboration with designers Kristen Antje Hoppert and Steffen Kroll of Studop Vertijet, Core furniture’s Lava Sofa has so many things to offer. The “Lava” is so many things, “a work of art and a piece of sitting-reclining lounge furniture at the same time, the concept of Lava is as diverse as its uses”. The possibilities are endless as the vertical variance reaches down to the floor as soft, upholstered mats transform even this surface into part of the furniture.

Remember your grandmother’s Chesterfield couch? Old fashioned floral fabric and frills may have put you off but those buttons were a nifty design feature. Well, now you can have your own updated button couch. The Star System of modern sofas shown here were designed by Enrico Buscemi and Piergiorgio Leone and were recently presented at the Milan Furniture Fair. They are part of the Giovannetti Collezioni, known for their innovative furniture design. It is easy to see why they called their collection the Star system because those buttons are reminiscent of stars at night…

The ?Sitscape“ is a seating zone with a length of six meters. The form transforms the usual use of a couch. The design is based on specific seating positions and smooth transformations between them. Based on the preferred relaxing positions of the client we generated six basic positions and formed a perfect fit for them in the “Sitscape”. Consequently, the “Sitscape” provides familiar possibilities for relaxing. The transitional areas between these positions are undetermined in their use…

I’m looking at this sofa, and I realize that this sofa is not for everybody. You’ll need some space if you are going to buy it. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro of Brazil, the upholstered chair sits atop an expansive jacaranda frame with green glass tops flanking each armrest. Big, modern and beautiful. If you are interested you can visit r20thcentury.

These two pieces, the rocking chair, and the love seat are designed by Scott Wilson and they are from its new line of sofas and chairs called Purity. The designs are characterized by highly pronounced curves. Their structure is made of steel so that adds strength and durability and are also covered with a mesh of polyurethane. Finally these pieces look very modern, to bad they are just concepts for now …and one thing that I could add is that the rocking chair would definitely need arm rests, rockers really need arm rests.

Danish designer Phillip Grass – Accelerator Sofa is one of his latest sleekly futuristic furniture concepts. With its jet engine-shaped armrests, the sexy seat is the grown-up version of a race car bed. This minimalistic design looks awesome, and I hope that soon we will see this sofa for real, because right now is just an interesting concept.

Yang Sofa is sofa that allows you to play with. It can be interlocked to form a sofa or a sectional. You can create a range of different groupings using up to four left or right arm sofas. Designer Francois Bauchet created this brilliant Yang sofa for Ligne Roset.

Phantom couch has a very interesting design. At a first glance this couch might look like a broken bathtub that was transformed into a couch. Phantom is a semi-transparent couch, luminescent, and colorful : the body is a sheet of milky PMMA resting on a tubular framework in chromed steel. Some people use large pieces of furniture to hide stuff, or to cover something, with the phantom couch this is not possible, because this couch is like a phantom – invisible. The price for this interesting design is a little bit high ￡3019.20 at Madeindesign.

Flavor Design Studio has reconverted a gorgeous clawfoot bat tub into a comfortable couch. Now you can sit in the tub without getting wet! You can own this piece of cool furniture for $3,500. You won’t have to deal with wrinkled skin if you decide to stay in the tub too long! Furthermore, in an eco-conscious society, this is a good way of giving another, yet more ecological, use to the bath tub.

Designed by a french company La Maison Coloniale, that specializes in incorporating the concept of ancient pieces and original designs with contemporary lines, the 3 seater Jonque Sofa is a piece that can have a big impact in defining a beautiful interior. With this piece of furniture La Maison Coloniale brings you the splendor of Asian influences together with a contemporary twist allowing you to create a truly unique space by bringing together different styles.

SKiN Sofa is designed by Jean Nouve a French architect . As you can see from this picture this sofa has a very simple but innovating design. SKiN adopts innovative technical ideas such as the supporting structure in tubular pretensioned steel which holds another structural element, the cover in double-sided leather with its self-modelling geometric incisions. I like this sofa because if you want to move it this will be very easy, and I’m sure that one person can do the job. The only thing that I’m concerned is when I’ll have a heavier guest … who knows when can happend with that leather. This sofa will be available from January 2008.

Flexform Oltre sofa($TBD). The backrest metal frame coverd with polyurethane padding and a protective fabric lining seat cushion in down with a resilient inner core or with polyurethane and dacron back cushion filled with down available in different dimensions bolster on the back filled with dacron Shelf/Case modular with function of armrest /backrest – metal frame covered with hide leather on top armrest in fabric with metal insert covered with polyurethane padding and a protective fabric lining upholstery removable fabric or letaher covers.

What’s not to love about this fresh design from Futé Design? The Croissant Sofa, part of the Bobo collection designed by Kenneth Cobonpue is sure to make a bold statement in any setting. Named for its crescent-looking form, this piece is made in two versions, one suitable for indoors, and another for outdoors. The indoor version is made out of a hand-woven abaca, commonly know as Manila hemp, a tree-like herb resembling a banana plant.

Behind the Wall is a two sided piece of furniture designed by Jordi Canudas that is both wall and sofa. It offers a comfortable sitting area that becomes playful when users interact from both sides of the wall. Movement, sound and touch hint at what might be happening on the other side.

This beautiful Sofa from Urban Collection for now is just a very interesting concept designed by Marta Antoszkiewicz. This is not the first project by Marta presented on this blog, we presented also the Ultra-Functional Bulb Table and Table with Chairs that Saves Space in the Dining Room.This sofa it’s two heat-formed planks and minimal fasteners are the basis of this clean, modern design. Its backrest is cantilevered and gets locked in place when you lay your weight on it. Moreover, its durable leather cushions slip in through large cutouts in the top surface, resting on the second curve. I’m pretty sure that a piece of modern furniture like this can make a room look really good, don’t you ?

Volant Sofa is designed by Patricia Urquiola, and the Volant range includes the sofa, armchair, chair, and a stool, if you want the whole collection. The structure is basic and self-sufficient. The frame of the base appears orthogonal but in actual fact is a trapezium for adapting to the line of the back and seat. This leads to a shape dichotomy between regularity and irregularity, also in the perception of the seat elements which, despite the fact they seem flat, have curved sections to provide extreme comfort. Price is available on request.

I’m looking at this interesting sofa, and I’m wondering “Do we really need something like this ?“.Maybe the lights attached to this sofa are useful when we read something but I prefer another kind of light.The Morpheo Sofa bed is available in the colors black, red and green.If you want it you’ll have to spend $5,400 at ModernFurnitureClassics.

If you love your Aston Martin so much that you want to have a piece of it in your house, Aston Martin Heritage Designs exclusively presents the Aston Martin DB6 couch. The limited edition couch will surely add a sense of cool to your living room and cause you to be admired by your friends and visitors. Although this isn’t the original Aston DB6 rear end, the makers have created an exact replica for all the Aston fans. The two-seater couch comes with an engraved number plate. This limited edition status and customization does come with a premium price tag of $7,300.

For those of you who loved Lego when you were young here is something that might remind you of that period. Designed and created by Thierry Nahon & Philippe Landecker, LunaBlocks are based on an original concept, the transformation and enlargement of bricks used in building games for children. Easily stacked together, functional and totally versatile, LunaBlocks are designed for the world of decoration and for the home. Like traditional Legos, these blocks come in a variety of colors and configurations all you need to finish a project is some glass, a pillow or cushion, some creativity and loads and loads of disposable income. Unfortunately, each one of these bricks will set you back $20-$55, which could make your dream of turning your pad into a mini Legoland quite costly. You can buy the bricks online from Homology. The good part is that you can create your own piece of furniture, and change it’s shape from time to time.

Sometimes people are so creative that you’ll say “What a crazy idea !“. One of these ideas came from the folks at Coffincouches who have managed to grab the 18 gauge steel coffins from the local funeral homes primarily in Southern California and transformed them in to designer Coffin Couches. At a first look these couches look like a luxurious piece of leather furniture, but I don’t know how many people would like a coffin couch in their home. I’m pretty sure that most of your visitors will think that something is really wrong with you, when you keep a coffin in your house. Finally I think that this piece of furniture would look very good in a movie like “The Addams Family”.

Finally here is an idea that you might find useless, or crazy …. There are lots of mouse pads that are finding their way into the garbage since the new optical mice don’t need them for traction. Instead of tossing them why not make some furniture out of them.

m8r8au @ 11:27 | comments(7645) | Permanent link