Introducing: Lloyd Flanders

Rug & Home is excited to introduce a brand new line of Lloyd Flanders indoor/outdoor furniture. Available in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes this long-lasting true wicker furniture is very eye-catching. Featuring some Sunbrella fabrics, the Lloyd Flanders line offers a variety of colors and patterns to be custom ordered in both our Gaffney and Kannapolis locations. Have questions? Feel free to give either location a call to learn more. 

Hollywood Style

Hollywood Swank is a luxurious blend of upholstered and glamorously styled furniture goods manufactured by AICO. This gorgeous line is a collaboration by the renowned Michael Amini and Jane Seymour bringing a little bit of Hollywood to homes all across America. View the entire collection by clicking on this link or scroll through for some inspiration. 

Creamy Pearl Cal King Upholstered Bed

Upholstered Vanity & Mirror

Platinum Faux Sheepskin Bed bench

One of the things that we love about the Hollywood Swank collection is that, much like Caracole, the pieces come in different colors but the finishes will coordinate allowing you to create either a matching look or one slightly more eclectic.

Paired with a tribal, handmade rug, we've taken the collection from classic to contemporary. Sheepskin is very trendy right now and this sheepskin bench would make a nice addition to the end of a bed, in a dressing area, or even as a front hall vignette to compliment the living room.

You don't need all pieces of this unique collection to pull together a stylish look. Gator finishing speaks volumes on its own. A neutral, rolled arm sofa can be paired with metallic end tables for a contemporary uplift. 

Which pieces of this collection are your favorite? 

Stop by our Gaffney or Kannapolis locations to view them today!

Written by: Samantha Palacio

Friday Favorite Things

1. Schnadig Annie Chair // 2. Amur Modern Smoked Glass Lamp // 3. Schnadig Annie Sofa // 4. Kaleen Nomad Rug // 5. Uttermost Abila Wooden Tray  // 6. Caracole's "Book It" coffee table

The Schnadig Annie sofa/chair combination brings vintage flair to our style board this Friday! To give you  a vintage modern edge, we suggest pairing it with a favorite - the Kaleen Nomad tribal style rug. Animal print can add an unexpected touch of pattern in accessories and we love the uniqueness of this Amur smoked glass lamp. The dark shade adds low light that would be beautiful in a bedroom space or gentleman's study. The Abila wooden tray offers storage, perfect for a cocktail ottoman, and functions as a bed tray. The metallic finish is also a very popular trend for 2014. Caracole's "Book It" is an oversized, storage-packed coffee table that is a great option for family rooms and office spaces with seating. Are you a book lover? Do you have children? This is the game night, studying kind of table surface that is perfect for families and students. It offers so much storage beneath it's table surface that it would even work well in a small apartment type setting. In a black finish that coordinates with many different color combinations, we have to share this amazing piece with you.

Have a suggestion? Send us an email with your "favorite find" and we'll feature it here with coordinating products.

By: Samantha Palacio

Favorite Things Friday

1. Sitka Lantern Floor Lamp // 2. Denley Candleholder // 3. Momeni Baja Collection, Green // 4. Bird Cage Hanging Chalkboard // 5. Momeni Comfort Shag, Lime // 6. Paula Deen Home Accent Chair

 A shag will always count as a favorite thing in my book. The comfort shag by Momeni comes in several fun colors, and invites you to just sink your toes into its pile! It is an excellent choice for a bedroom space. Geometric patterns are all the rage right now and the Momeni Baja collection has several to choose from. With spring approaching, this green would brighten up a sun-room with a contemporary edge. Every home should have a comfortable spot for reading and lounging, and this Paula Deen accent chair just screams: "get comfy!" The Sitka Lantern floor lamp would light up your reading space with convenience. Floor lamps are a great space-saver and come in so many different styles these days. Stay organized with this cheerful Bird Carge hanging chalkboard, perfect for jotting down small honey-do lists and little notes. This lantern style Denley Candleholder would make a beautiful addition to a dining room centerpiece when coupled with smaller coordinating lanterns. Pull up your favorite seat to enjoy this week's pickings of favorite things. We want you to feel inspired by comfort! Which piece would you incorporate into your home?

By: Samantha Palacio

Style Alert: Vintage Modern

I embarked on this journey to vintage modern inspiration with much reading and much inspiration from various mediums such as Apartment Therapy, and even our beloved Pinterest. If you do a search for 'vintage modern' your results will display a wide range of understandings. From Hannah and Dave's vintage apartment [left], to the very new styling's of Schnadig flair back sofas and our beloved tufted backs. There are many ways to define this trend. 

A lot of homes nowadays have a mixture of vintage or older style furnishings, mixed with a few more modern trends. In other words, beloved well-worn pieces with a few newbies mixed in here and there. There is nothing wrong with this. This is what I would consider the average man's reality. If you fall into the bracket of fortunate folks who can build from the ground up and then still afford to furnish the whole house - lucky you! But for those of you who may be in the market for just the sofa, and not the entire living room group, we're here to inspire you too! Vintage modern is not a style that requires an entire room makeover, it encompasses a way of life. Are you feeling at home yet?

In the furniture world, we are seeing classic frames introduced in chic fabrics and custom color combinations to make a classic style jive within in a modern home. Have you braved the maze that is Ikea? I honestly look forward to the first of the year because I can get my hands on all the lovely catalog inspiration, eliminating my need to feel overwhelmed by so much stuff in their showroom. Ikea is notorious for its simplistic design and its sleek lines can often fit into this category. I have to commend Design Sponge whose use of Ikea products helped to create this simplistic version of vintage modern decor. A very attainable look and inexpensive upgrade if you are trying to decide how to dress up that hand-me-down kitchen table. 

Sleek consoles like this one pictured in Mememolly and Mike's apartment, are characteristic of how we are seeing modern furniture paired with classic (i.e. their tufted chair) furniture. Pastel Furniture carries sleek, modern consoles identical to this one and furniture manufacturers such as Lexington, Bernhardt, Century Furniture, and Hooker are all well versed in tufted. A tribal print or well-worn traditional rug would be envisioned in a space like this. 

I'm a visual learner so to give you another perspective on vintage modern decor, I've created a sophisticated take on the style using our Annie Sofa, Pastel TV stand, and Nomad rug by Kaleen. A Bernhardt industrial chic side table gives you a place to prop a drink and some fun mixed media art by Uttermost adds 'texture' and interest as a backdrop. Surya pillows in a complimentary pattern add comfort and fur has been very popular recently. Mixing different textures is a must for some depth. Vintage modern can match, or it cannot. It's not imperative either way, and that makes it one of my most favorite styles of decorating. 

If you're still looking for your niche, I'm not done yet. We've got upcoming trends in geometrics, tips for remodeling, and new product introductions that will make you drool so keep coming back for more home decor eye-candy. 

Written by: Samantha Palacio

Touchdown with Recliners

Handles are becoming obsolete in the furniture world, but now that I've gotten your attention, let's talk about some options and benefits that a recliner does have.

Comfort Design

Did you know that many recliners actually have push button releases hidden between the seat cushion and the side of the chair so that there really is no 'work' involved? Companies such as Comfort Design, have made recliners so sleek that they not only do not look like your average recliner, but you can simply sit in the chair, push back on the headrest, and you are in nap mode. 

Bernhardt

You can choose custom feet, rolled arms or straight, leather or fabric - the options are endless. Women are also finding it easier to select petite reclining chairs to fit their own comfort needs. Remember the days of getting lost in a giant Lazy-boy? 

Seven Seas

You now do not have to sacrifice floor space for comfort. Maybe you want a rolled headrest? For your more modern folk, Seven Seas designs several single cushion backrests that make these reclining chairs perfect in pairs for a sitting room. 

Contempo by Klaussner

For Dad, Klaussner does still carry that oversized, football-watching, traditional recliner. Klaussner's Contempo is the perfect place to nap through  enjoy the Super Bowl with your friends, though it's likely the wife would say that this particular style needs to remain in the mancave. Though, with so many eye-catching options and colors, can you really blame her?

For more tips on staging for the big game or styles of reclining chairs, please visit us online or at one of our three locations!

Written by: Samantha Palacio

New Year, New Sizes: Custom Century Upholstery

You might be one of the many families discovering that "standard" size furniture does not fit into their above average lives. Maybe you have a long, narrow basement space to fill or a small nook in a dining room. Builders have become very creative with home design and furnishings to fit your needs. If you can dream it in custom furnishings,  they can do it. We'd like to introduce you to one of our vendors: Century Furniture. 

Century Furniture is a North Carolina based manufacturer that specializes in custom upholstery and wood furnishings. They offer over 50 finishes to choose from as well as over 2,000 fabrics and leathers that would suit any design needs. To make the choice easier, Century has a fabric search option that allows you to search for fabrics by keywords, grade, color, etc and even email these selections to yourself or friends. You can also view every finish and nailhead option in store and online. One of the best parts about their trims is that you can add welts, fringes, and cord in Grade 1 at no extra charge. 

Frequently customers come in with specific dimensions in mind. If you need a sofa "greater than 90 inches," Century is for you. If you need a "deep" sofa for the downstairs family room, Century can manufacturer a custom width for the tall folks in your life. Loose cushions can be made tight and skirts can be taken off or added to various styles. The options are endless. Do not feel discouraged if you cannot find something that easily fits your needs on the floor. With large fabric swatches, online views of details such as trim, and expert photos of product, you can be reassured that the colors and details you are choosing for your furniture piece will be accurate. 

Century Grouping for High Point Market

For a general list of customization on casegoods & upholstery, view this listing by Century here:

[Image from Century Furniture]

Written by: Samantha Palacio

Sizing Up Sofas

We're sizing up sofas here! Large ones, smalls ones, settees, sectionals.... where do we begin?

1. Start with the dimensions of your room. Do you have those? How about some graph paper?

'Map' out a layout of your room shape to help visualize the placement of your furnishings within your room(s). We've created this sample graph paper that is free to use, print, and download for your convenience when shopping for the perfect furnishings. 


2. What pieces are staying and what are you replacing? Do you have a blank slate? Maybe grandma's piano is a staple design element that you just can't part with. Sentimental items should always be considered when thinking design. If it has personal value and feels like a must within the space, then study its details to know what style is appropriate for you.

3. Choosing the scale of your sofa can be tricky. Here is where you need to, again, consider and list what other furniture you are going to need to put in that space.  Do you need an oversized sectional to fill a large space? Do you need a sofa and loveseat or could a custom sofa (90"+) save you some space and offer ample seating? Also remember that ottomans are an inexpensive alternative to a coffee table and can double as seating as well.

Settees work well in an entry space but can work in a small sitting room area or even a dressing room like the one pictured below. If you're in a tight apartment setting, it may be a great alternative to a traditional sofa. They also have traditionally higher legs that if you're in need of creative space-saving solutions, can accommodate pretty baskets. 

For more advice on how to choose the perfect sofa, view this article written by Houzz Editorial Staff writer, Vanessa Brunner. While you're there, please follow us on Houzz for views from our showroom, spotlights from our Designers, and latest product images. 

Written by: Samantha Palacio

Singing the Praises of Solid Wood Furniture

As is the case with handmade rugs, the quality of solid wood furniture far surpasses its counterparts—pieces made with plywood and pressed wood. (There are situations where plywood and pressed wood may be appropriate, however, just as there are times a machine-made rug could be the right choice for you.) With proper care, these pieces can also last a lifetime and stay away from the landfill. And, many solid wood pieces are crafted with wood from reclaimed sources, further making them a sustainable option for those working to tread lightly on the planet.

Care

Caring for solid wood pieces is a lot simpler than it sounds. In fact, the only tools really needed are a clean rag and elbow grease. When your piece gets dusty or dirty, just wipe it lightly—with the grain of the wood—using a clean cotton cloth. You can use furniture polish, just be sure to do so sparingly. Should your furniture piece get a minor scratch, try buffing it with a small amount of polish. For larger scratches and dents, contact a professional; they should be able to easily repair your piece. Keep in mind that if a blemish isn’t deep enough to reach beyond the finish, it likely won’t cause long-term problems. In other words, you can leave it to add a bit of character! Today, many solid wood pieces come with a “weathered” look straight from the manufacturer that creates the illusion of an older, well-loved item. Also keep in mind that because wood is a natural fiber, it can be negatively affected by the elements. As with handmade rugs, you’ll want to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and extreme humidity. 

Sustainability

Have you gone green? Many solid wood furniture pieces have as well, as they’re now made of reclaimed wood; thus are a great option if you want to be kind to the environment without giving up durability and style. At Rug & Home, we carry a wide variety of reclaimed wood furniture, much of which is from Theodore Alexander’s Castle Bromwich collection (pictured). Each piece in this collection is handcrafted with reclaimed antique hard wood from architectural savage. The designs are inspired by Castle Bromwich Hall, a 16th century Elizabethan Manor house. Theodore Alexander himself owns Castle Bromwich, and he’s currently working to restore it to its original splendor. Stop in any one of our locations to browse items from the collection!

Fabric vs. Leather

Avery Settee by Sam Moore

The 1990's called, and they want their sofa back, honey! Once you've established that you need new living room furniture, you may be pondering which is better: fabric or leather. We're here to help you make that decision. 

Are you shopping for color? If you've answered, yes, chances are you want fabric. While some companies such as Comfort Design offer custom leather choices and hues, the options are still limited. If you're looking for unrestricted territory, geometric patterns, and bold hues, you want fabric. Fabric is not only less expensive (in most cases) than leather, it comes in a variety of grades. If you can dream it, you can do it with upholstery. Most of the time. Sam Moore is a division of Hooker Furniture with classic and modern styles of upholstery carried by Rug & Home. You can purchase upholstery in many different staple pieces around the home: accent chairs, sofas, settees, dining chairs, ottomans, benches, etc. Because these are customize-able you can add patterns to transition them through different areas of your home while still maintaining function. Some people prefer to have the accessories make the statement, while others prefer for their furniture to create the look of the home. What's your style? 

Fabric Is:

• Usually less expensive
• Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
• Never sticky
• Amenable to re-upholstering
• Soft and cozy for sleeping and lying around

Fabric Isn’t:

• Easy to clean
• Spill or dirt resistant
• Non-absorbent
• Durable
• Odor resistant

Leather Is:

• Durable
• Easy to clean and non-absorbent
• Doesn’t hold dust or hair (good for people with allergies)
• A natural material
• Often associated with wealth
• Better with age
• Easy to repair

Leather Isn’t:

• Cheap
• Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
• Always comfortable because it absorbs heat
• Soft and cozy for sleeping or lying around

Leather is known to be a favorite of families because it's "easy to clean." While this is true in

Fairview Recliner by Comfort Design

most cases, keep in mind that leather has to be conditioned periodically and still there are several grains of leather. Leather has become more versatile with custom colors like seen in this Fairview recliner by Comfort Design. Manufacturers have also gotten very crafty at making what once was a bulky leather favorite, look so sleek that your wife will happily place it in her living room instead of annexing it to man-land. Leather traditionally maintains its shape longer than upholstered furniture. Some leathers also age with beauty. Most of you know that leather temperature changes with body heat so it can be hot or cold to the touch depending on where you place it in the home. It is also usually more costly than fabric pieces, but some say it's worth the investment. Really, there is no right or wrong answer to which option you choose. Every home has different needs and with so many vendors to cater to those needs, there is something out there for everyone!

Written by: Samantha Palacio