Friday, September 29, 2006

Decorating with Man's Best Friend

Dog-gone great tips by

Irvina Ali Kanarek

Produced by

www.FurnitureFromHome.com


Man’s best friend. Sofas best foe. Can the beasts of the land really cohabitate with the fine living spaces of a home? Sit with assurance and roll down the page to find the tricks of the trade when it comes to owning a pet in a designer home. After reading these tips you will howl with delight!


Purrrrrrrrrrfect Leather-

Nothing like coming home to sit on your favorite sofa full of cat hair! Your Armani suit has enough pin stripes, there is no need for anymore white lines of cat fur. Trade in your fabric sofa for a leather sofa . Keep your living room furniture in lavish good taste without the animal hair.


Mutt-iculously clean floors-

Rocket science will never look so easy after you try to potty train your pooch. This task will cause you enough gray hairs. Don’t let carpet cleaning be an added frustration. Wood floors are an essential to a home with an indoor pooch. Besides, now that you have invested in beautiful leather sofas wood floors are going to compliment them even more.


Fur Fur Away-

Animals have it rough. Just when they get comfortable on the clean laundry, the mail and your photos you swat them away. Where’s a tired Calico to go? Send her on a voyage to the Basket Bahamas. The Basket Bahamas, where it’s dark and warm away from the storm. How to: Take a deep basket, turn it on its side and throw in a blanket. Most likely you will have just created a feline hot spot. “Fur-fur away” from your projects in “To do town”


Puppy love-

Chances are when you first brought your pooch home you gave him baths constantly, pedigree food and all the TLC a puppy could get. Somewhere from there your pooch gets a bath once a month and your home has a pungent odor. Bathing and brushing your pooch weekly will improve the fragrance of your home and the quality of your couches.

If you have chenille couches or sectionals this is even more vital. Due to the fabrics absorption.



Dog-gone good taste-

It’s common knowledge that your cooking is so good that all walks of life beg on all fours in request. However, your dining room table might encounter a beating with all the paw traffic nearby. Be sure to polish up the feet of your dining room table. While you preheat the oven make sure you keep the legs of your dining set in shape. The constant run in with paws and hair can leave the feet prints and Panting for a morsel of creation. of Dining room sets


Treat your feet-

Now that you have arranged your new leather sofa, installed wood floors, bathed your pooch, created a getaway for your feline and polished your dining room table you deserve a rest. Sleep well in a new bedroom set. Cherry Wood bedroom sets, classic bedroom sets, King to Twin….. As many breeds of dogs under the sun there is the variety of sofas at www.FurnitureFromHome.com .


Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Footballl Fan Friendly Furniture

Lets get ready to rumble!!!! Chug some beer, break out the famous chili and host Sunday Night football! Of course your place is “the place” to be because you have the most comfortable sofa set ever. Time out! Do you have “the most comfortable sofa set ever?” Is it even presentable to have a party? Did you say it is covered in baby spit up and remains of last years party fouls? Don't worry coach, this is no time to throw in the towel. In no time you will have a stellar sofa ready to entertain guests and cheer on your team. Besides your situation is special. YOU really need sofa cushions that are durable enough to handle the parade that is going to tromp through the house when your team steals the Super Bowl. Here is the secret to finding great “Football Fan Friendly Furniture”

Hot tickets!
Every seat is the best seat in the house with the Westwood Sectional. A sofa, love seat and chaise lounge all attach for optimum team strategy huddles. Custom made. You choose the upholstery colors! USC colors sound good? Just tell your wife, “You wear red lipstick. You insist I buy you gold jewelry. I thought you would love it.”
Defense, hold tight!
So you get “a little” into the game. If a touchdown has you jumping on your seat cushions like a 5 year old and agreeing to buy your wife a new car then you better visit www.FurnitureFromHome.com Nothing stands the rumbles of a living room like a leather sofa. www.FurnitureFromHome.com offers a variety of classic and strong leather sofas that will take you from football season to basketball season. Without any major fumbles to remember on the cushions.

Refuel!-
Football isn't just a sport to you, it's about community. Two forces challenging each others optimum mental and physical performance. Well, you might get hungry while you develop your community into a“new nation.” Refuel! Snacks won't feed a community. Do it right, buffet style! Purchase a new pine dining room set that will make an outstanding buffet table. Feast on a meal while you explain to your neighbor how football is contributing to world peace.

Touch-a-down Sofa!
A comfortable seat is what scores with you right? Take a look at this play... a good looking sofa intercepted with the down comforter in your bedroom. You will be running with a plush sofa set that you just might never leave. Visit www.FurntiureFromHome.com and ask for the Westwood Sectional with down covering.

Home Team advantage-
Behind every winning party is a winning hostess. Your wifes cooking and humor have to be the best thing that has happened to Sunday Football since the recliner. Thank her for all of the cherry pies with a Cherry wood bedroom set. A rested hostess, is a happy hostess.

Visit www.FurnitureFromHome.com
Football season only happens once a year. Don't be afraid to go big with dining sets for 12 and sectional sofas. Visit www.FurnitureFromHome.com for all your home entertaining needs. Let the betting and winning begin. Fight on!

Footballl Fan Friendly Furniture

Lets get ready to rumble!!!! Chug some beer, break out the famous chili and host Sunday Night football! Of course your place is “the place” to be because you have the most comfortable sofa set ever. Time out! Do you have “the most comfortable sofa set ever?” Is it even presentable to have a party? Did you say it is covered in baby spit up and remains of last years party fouls? Don't worry coach, this is no time to throw in the towel. In no time you will have a stellar sofa ready to entertain guests and cheer on your team. Besides your situation is special. YOU really need sofa cushions that are durable enough to handle the parade that is going to tromp through the house when your team steals the Super Bowl. Here is the secret to finding great “Football Fan Friendly Furniture”

Hot tickets!
Every seat is the best seat in the house with the Westwood Sectional. A sofa, love seat and chaise lounge all attach for optimum team strategy huddles. Custom made. You choose the upholstery colors! USC colors sound good? Just tell your wife, “You wear red lipstick. You insist I buy you gold jewelry. I thought you would love it.”
Defense, hold tight!
So you get “a little” into the game. If a touchdown has you jumping on your seat cushions like a 5 year old and agreeing to buy your wife a new car then you better visit www.FurnitureFromHome.com Nothing stands the rumbles of a living room like a leather sofa. www.FurnitureFromHome.com offers a variety of classic and strong leather sofas that will take you from football season to basketball season. Without any major fumbles to remember on the cushions.

Refuel!-
Football isn't just a sport to you, it's about community. Two forces challenging each others optimum mental and physical performance. Well, you might get hungry while you develop your community into a“new nation.” Refuel! Snacks won't feed a community. Do it right, buffet style! Purchase a new pine dining room set that will make an outstanding buffet table. Feast on a meal while you explain to your neighbor how football is contributing to world peace.

Touch-a-down Sofa!
A comfortable seat is what scores with you right? Take a look at this play... a good looking sofa intercepted with the down comforter in your bedroom. You will be running with a plush sofa set that you just might never leave. Visit www.FurntiureFromHome.com and ask for the Westwood Sectional with down covering.

Home Team advantage-
Behind every winning party is a winning hostess. Your wifes cooking and humor have to be the best thing that has happened to Sunday Football since the recliner. Thank her for all of the cherry pies with a Cherry wood bedroom set. A rested hostess, is a happy hostess.

Visit www.FurnitureFromHome.com
Football season only happens once a year. Don't be afraid to go big with dining sets for 12 and sectional sofas. Visit www.FurnitureFromHome.com for all your home entertaining needs. Let the betting and winning begin. Fight on!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Decorating to Sell: Tips for selling a home quickly

Decorating for Selling: Tips for selling a home quickly!

By: Irvina Kanarek, produced by www.FurnitureFromHome.com

“Sold” also known as “joy.”. “It’s not what we’re looking for” also known as “a punch in the gut.” What is it that makes a browser cross over into a purchaser? It’s the place where the buyer identifies with the home. One of the most missed marks of selling a home is in the interior. The interior design allows the browser to see themselves enjoying their purchase. As well as solidifying the price tag that goes with the home. Many sellers forget that they are not only selling a home, but an idea. The idea being that the home will bring joy to a family for over 30 years. It’s hard to imagine joy while staring at four bare walls. Americans are bombarded with over 3000 images a day that beg for their attention. What will make them remember the home you're selling as the most impressive image of the day?

Take the leap and decorate the jewel you’re selling to really shine. The cost of interior decorating may run a $6000 to $8000 price tag. However it's proven that a home that is generously decorated can carry as much as a $100,000 difference in profit. Some sellers are savvy enough to list a “As is” prices. Including the furniture in the sale.

The most affordable way to decorate is on line. On line furniture retailers like www.FurnitureFromHome.com sell their furniture in sets. A fast and affordable way to shop and decorate. Beautiful furniture and your honest selling appeal will have your house fly off the market. Here are some of my most successful and affordable home selling techniques.

  • The customer is always in sight-

What kind of customer are you expecting? Young and contemporary or classy and refined? You will want to decorate the home with furniture that is fitting to the customer. If you’re thinking of a traditional cape cod then work with simple woods and colors. Select a pine dining room set and a plush sofa set.

  • The light way-

Light initiates the release of serotonin and neurotransmitters. Put your visitors in the feel good mood by having plenty of light in the home. Turn on every light and raise every blind. It may sound odd to turn lights on during the day, but it will be a noticeable difference from other homes. Be sure to purchase plenty of lamps with differences in mood lighting. Living rooms and dinging rooms should have soft lighting. Tall free standing lamps are best in bedrooms and offices. Visit www.FurntiureFromHome.com for a variety of selections.

  • Bigger is a seller-

A grand home deserves equally grand furnishings. Cherry wood dining room sets, classic bedroom sets and leather chairs remind the buyer that this is a privileged purchase. Furniture should hold it's own weight in the mass of a 3000 to 4000 square foot home. Don't be afraid to go big with dining sets for 12 and sectional sofas. A buyer investing in a 4000 square foot home is going to need an added initiative to write that check.

  • Breezy dreams- This is after all the house of their dreams. Remind the buyer of the climate. Open up all the windows in the home to invite in the ocean air and the inviting aroma of the rose bushes outside. Long drapes that flow in the wind add to the enchantment of any home.

  • Hot price- There is nothing that reminds you your home like sitting near the fireplace. Whether it's summer or winter have those fires going. Remind the buyer that every little part of the home is unique. If it's summer place smore fixings around the fire place. If it's winter place some hot tea nearby.

  • Appetizing appetizers- Keep coffee, tea and snacks available for shoppers to snack on. Most shoppers will feel more prone to stay longer if you give to them. In return they will give you their listening ear.

  • Secrets in the garden- A private piece of Mother Nature all to themselves? They can't pass up this home! Remind your buyer that this isn't a backyard it's sanctuary. Place a hammock, swing or fountain on the green. You're sure to see the newlywed couple yell “We'll take it” from the swing.

  • Music to my sale- There is a reason why you hear music blasting out of every store in the mall. It sets the mood. Do the same, but make sure you play very slow and rhythmic melodies. The slower the music the slower and longer the browsing.

  • Kid around- The shorter the customer, the harder the sale. A buyer who brings their child along to view a home is saying they like their child's company. As well, so should you. Lets keep them happy and the sales happening. Provide time invested games for children to do. Checker boards and jewelry making with beads are time consuming and quiet. Steer away from coloring books and crayons that may end up on the walls of the house.

  • Browse around- When decorating a home browse the Internet for images of picture perfect homes. One of my favorites is www.FurnitureFromHome.com

Great ideas for designing entire rooms and they sell entire furniture sets exclusively.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Decorating with Little Rascals

Decorating with little rascals:

Brought to you by: Irvina-lalina & Furniture From Home

We were not impressed when we heard an interior decorators opinion on decorating a home with children. My sister and I looked at each other coyly as she explained, “You will want to go with cheap upholstery and washable drapes. Just replace it all when they get older.” Basically kids are heathens and you have to suffer the consequences. Heck no! Raised in a family of five kids my mom did more than her share of keeping things beautiful and safe. These are my favorite kid friendly decorating tips:

  • Kin-spiration! Add a rocking horse or miniature rocking chair to the living room. The cute part is when it’s made of the same type of wood used in your living room. Guests will admire your hospitality to even the smallest visitors. Check e-bay for great deals.

  • Bear hugs and rugs: Our mom had this amazing animal skin rug as an accent piece in our living room. It was my favorite place to nap. Intelligently it was a dark animal skin. Try using dark area rugs to camouflage any cookie crumbs that might tag along from the kitchen.

  • Mommy, does this match? Some things just aren’t right together. One is swim trunks and a wool sweater. The other is a glass table and a toddler. Save yourself a trip to the ER. Try going for round wood coffee tables. If you really want glass, go for a table with an embedded glass top. Look for an assortment of beautiful coffee tables at FurnitureFromHome.com

  • Book buddies: Little ones learn by example. If you have a bookshelf full of your favorites so should the kids. Combine the family library into one entire den room bookshelf. Except reserve the bottom three shelves strictly for the kids. This way the kids will feel their super smart readers just like you. It will also distract little hands from your collector’s edition of Moby Dick.

  • Precious, Precious: Playful hearts were made to play. Spare the Waterford and Lladro pieces and you spare the distraught tears of folly. Move the fine collectables to the study or the master bedroom until the kids are about eleven. Display them in Beautiful bedroom sets pieces. Available online.

  • Face-tastic! Your child is your most priceless commodity. So decorate immensely with their pictures. If a frame gets bumped by a flying airplane, oh well. Replace the glass. It’s inexpensive and always buys you some hostess time while visitors admire your growing family.

  • Out dated and over rated: I’m talking about T.V. Now hear me out here. Kids can still be entertained without giant foam characters and sarcastic humor. Add some wooden chess boards, a backgammon board, Chinese checkers or scrabble to the family room. The kids will play with each other more and speak less sarcasm at the dinner table.


Well those are my tips for today. If you would like more furniture tips check out my blog at www.bloglines.com/blog/Irvina Happy decorating and child raising.





Fabulously Green: Eco Event Alert: West Coast Green Expo

Fabulously Green: Eco Event Alert: West Coast Green Expo

Teenage Bedroom Sets: Invest now and Save later

Teenagers: Invest now and save later

Your teenager has grown out of their affection for neon flowers and the surfer motif. Now you have to invest in yet another bedroom set. Why not spend the money and splurge for a classic bedroom set? It will surely stick around for more than 4 years. If you think . about it, it's only a couple more years until your teen moves out to college anyway. Then that room will most likely become a guest room. By then you will want the room to have a classy look anyway. Better yet, your child might be able to take it with them when they get married. My girlfriend just got married at 21. She had one of those crazy 400 person weddings. Between planning the wedding and decorating the new home she was very busy. She told me how thankful she was that she was able to take her bedroom set from her parent’s house. She already loved it and it was one more task to check off her list.

When it comes to decorating your teenager’s room the possibilities are endless.
*Girly Girls*
1.) You made me blush!
Match a dark wood bedroom set with brightly painted walls. Fuchsia or a lime green walls are a great contrast to darker woods. It will also allow your teen to have some ownership in painting the room they get to enjoy

2.) I love your accent!
Now your daughter is so confident with painting that she thinks she is the next Frida Kahlo. Test out her accent. Grab some square white pillows and small paint brushes. Using the same paint used to paint her room paint designs on the pillows. She can also personalize it with her initial or her favorite quotes. The sky is the limit for your affluent artist.

*Trippy Hippy*
1.) Go with the flow
A canopy bed for my PETA princess? Never say never! A canopy bed can change from prissy to Bob Marley in seconds. Go to a flea market and grab some affordable fabrics to drape from the banisters. Funkier would be heading to the thrift store and buying an assortment of fabrics. Sew them all together to get a pattern as original as your little bohemian.

2.) Bare beauty
Your daughter doesn't wear makeup. In fact she starts debates in the makeup aisle about animal cruelty. If you don't see your daughter using the vanity in the bedroom set you purchased then you underestimated your creativity. Take some of the extra fabric you purchased from the flea market and make it into a "dresser runner." Heck add some trippy beads to the ends while you're at it. Take some more beads and drape them across the mirror. Go down to your local natural healing store and load up on lavender, mint leaves and juniper. Spread out some cute little wooden dishes on the dresser throw in your natural fragrances and peace to the Middle East...you have an aromatherapy sanctuary ready to go.

*Chap with class*

  1. Hooked on phonics and electronics:

Your son is the envy of all the neighbors. Polite, attractive, smart and he knows all of your friends by Mr. and Mrs. Bravo, you did well. He’ll be going off to college soon so you’ll need to invest in great lighting for the young steed’s room. A tall lamp near his desk is ideal. The close proximity of a desk lamp will surely weaken his sight.

  1. Every boy needs his brainy rest:

When purchasing a new mattress be sure you ask your son his preference of firmness from hard to soft. It’s an expensive mistake you won’t want to make. While you’re changing things around surprise your young scholar with some Jersey-Sheets. They’re so comfy he just might catch up on some sleep!

*Rebel with out a nod*

1.) Rock Star

Good looks, personality and plenty of testosterone. There is no room on this boy’s agenda to go changing his room. Especially to something “uptight” and god forbid “classy.” The idea here is to give and take. You’ll put in a new bedroom set and throw in a set of guitar hooks that match the set. When he is finished hanging his beauties mention how the room resembles a photo shoot of Aerosmith’s house in Architectural Digest.

2.) Well endowed

What do you feed that boy? He is almost 6’3 and his dad is 5’11. When purchasing a bed for your son make sure to invest in something that will last. If he is only 14 right now he is sure to grow. Look for a queen or king bedroom set to be on the safe side.