Bernhardt Furniture Combines Casual and Classic with the Criteria Collection

If you are looking for a design style you will love for a long time to come, consider a casual, classic design for your home. Classic doesn’t always mean traditional and classic doesn’t have to be boring.

Dining Room

Classic mixed with casual dining room décor will stand the test of time. The heather gray finish of the table and chairs of the Criteria Dining set by Bernhardt gives this room a fresh, modern appeal. The double pedestal table base creates a classic silhouette. The splat back chairs balance the look. The metal and glass chandelier gives the room an edge that keeps it from being too fussy while the purple area rug grounds the space and keeps it from becoming too monotone.

Living Room/Family Room

To create a furniture layout that always works, put matching armchairs facing the sofa, with a rectangular coffee table in between. This gives quests a place to sit and socialize. The CriteriaSquare Cocktail table balances a simple shape with a sumptuous embossed top to add a twist to the classic shape.

Windows are rarely left bare, window treatments give softness to the hard edges of a room. The classic boxed-pleat can add a formal air to keep a room from seeming too casual. Bamboo shades, on the other hand, can keep a room from seeming too formal. Use whichever you think best keep your living room or family room in the classic and casual realm.

Master Bedroom

It’s hard not to want a touch of drama in the bedroom, so just give in to it. The Criteria Upholstered bed creates a luxurious look without going overboard. The warm, contemporary light gray upholstery keeps it both classic and casual. The pale blue walls, another classic bedroom color, make the room conducive to relaxing and restoration. The bachelor’s chest completes the unfussy, sophisticated look of this bedroom while the books piled by the bed add to its casual appeal.

Create Balance

Remember that your classic, casual home must strike a balance between these two elements. Accessories such as area rugs, lighting, pillows, and artwork can all tie the look together. Don’t hesitate to experiment, add, take away, and move things around until your house feels like home. 

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Holiday Decorations & Accessories for a Festive Home

The arrival of winter’s shorter days and cooler nights mean the holidays are nearly upon us, bringing with them gatherings of friends and family and homes filled with love and laughter. Whether you are hosting a large get together, putting up-of-town guests, or merely taking a moment to relax on the sofa, you can make your home warmer and more inviting with a few festive touches and holiday decorations.

Living in south Florida, we don’t experience winter snows and freezing temperatures. However, there is a coolness in the air and starry skies that let us know that winter has arrived. It’s the perfect time for lighting up the fire pit and hosting big get-togethers and intimate evenings. Here are some easy updates to your home décor that make your home a festive home.

Add Metallics

Adding a metallic touch to your decor will radiate light and holiday cheer. Adding a few throw pillows with some metallic accents will become instant holiday decorations. You can choose red and gold for a vibrant bold look, or grey or white if you like something a little more subtle. Switch out a small table with one that has gold or silver accents for a little extra sparkle. Put a metallic drink table alongside your favorite chair. Or stack a collection of small silver boxes on the coffee table for extra shine.

Chunky Throws

A throw in a chunky knit adds instant warmth. A soft, luxurious throw draped casually over a chair, the sofa or the end of the bed makes any room look warmer. For the holidays, choose from vibrant, saturated reds, greens, and blues. A thick, cable-knit throw is perfect for wrapping up in on cooler nights by the fire pit. You can also roll them up and store them in the living room or family room. Buy a few extra, they make great gifts.

Add Light

Candles are a quick and easy holiday decorations that imbue a space with a sense of wintry romance. Group several smaller candles together in a glass hurricane or on a glass or crystal tray to let the warm candlelight permeate the room. Another option is to create a sophisticated centerpiece by placing candles of different sizes on a large silver tray. 

Add a Touch of Whimsy

Add a little whimsy to your home holiday decorations. A single strand of white, twinkling lights around a window or door will give you just enough sparkle to feel special. Drape one around the mirror in the guest bathroom or make an impromptu centerpiece by stringing one around a group of glass vases and tuck the cord behind so that it stays out of sight.

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Create a Soothing Bedroom Space with Tommy Bahama Furniture

Your bedroom is a sanctuary, a place to escape, relax, and rest. Or at least it should be. If you don’t feel that way, take a look around, maybe your bed needs a dramatic headboard, or maybe you should redo the entire space in soothing neutrals? If you thought yes to any of these questions, then it might be time for a bedroom refresh with pieces from the Tommy Bahama Ivory Key Collection.

Build a Foundation

When it comes to bedroom décor, the bed almost automatically commands the most attention, so why not make it a stunning centerpiece in your room? Invest in a good bed with decorative elements that set the style for your space. Get an updated yet traditional look with details such as leather wrapped rattan and Chippendale inspired design such as the Tommy Bahama Ivory Key Pritchards Bed. This will give you a lasting foundation that you can change at any time by merely swapping out bed linens, painting the walls, and changing the throw pillows. Or you can opt for just the headboard if your space is limited.

Your bedroom is a place of rest, so consider a color scheme in soft neutrals—they don’t have to be boring. When you set the tone with neutrals you can add pillows in grays, blues, greens, and lavenders without detracting from the tranquility of the space. Think of your bed linens as a design element, you can change them at time to remake the look and feel of the space, but remember to keep it calm and soothing.

Add Some Seating

If you have the space for it, add a seating area to your bedroom. A comfortable chair or chaise will give you a place to curl up and read, or just enjoy some time to yourself. You could also add a bench or chest at the end of the bed. At first you may not feel like you need one, but once it’s there, you’ll be surprised how useful it becomes. Having a bench at the end of the bed gives you place to put on your shoes and can even provide extra storage.

Another option is to use two smaller ottomans together. Two Half Moon Caye Ottomans from Tommy Bahama make a statement at foot of your bed. Available in customizable upholstery options, they add softness and subtle color to your bedroom while staying within the overall theme. 

Additional Touches

You may prefer an armoire instead of a dresser—go ahead and swap them out. If you your television currently rests atop your dresser, consider an armoire that provides a place to discretely house the TV without losing storage space.

Remove the carpeting, if you can, and replace it with wood flooring or tiles. If you are worried about cold toes add an area rug with a nice woven texture or subtle design. Every wall in your home needs great artwork, so put together a gallery wall of botanical prints or hang just one eye-catching piece of art.

And last but not least, consider the lightning needs of your bedroom. To keep the calm, soothing vibe, don’t go for anything too bright. You can bring in a hint of glamour by hanging a chandelier, but be sure to include bedside lamps if you enjoy reading before you sleep.

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Easy Ways to Make Your Home Feel Cozier

Making your home cozy – a place you never want to leave and can’t wait to return to – makes it an enjoyable and memorable space. People find themselves drawn to spaces that are warm, inviting, comfortable, and cozy. And remember, houses are not just for looking at, they are for living in. A home that is truly cozy will also be truly beautiful.

Curl-upabble Furniture

There’s furniture that is beautiful to look at and furniture that you just want to snuggle into. Ideally, the perfect seating will strike a balance between these two extremes. However, before you purchase any seating, you need to think about its curl-uppability. Try to picture yourself curled up on the sofa on a Sunday afternoon, feet up, reading a book, or watching TV. The Kilimanjaro Riversdale sofa by Tommy Bahama exudes cozy comfort. The super plush cushions make it the perfect spot for tucking your feet up and relaxing.

Mix it up a little

These days, most people are not looking to buy furniture in the same style. In a cozy room, many styles will mingle and blend harmoniously. Think less about what matches and more about what goes. Mixing pieces from different styles creates visual texture, and this may make your space more cozy and inviting.

Make Your Home Tactile

Leather furniture is one way to add something touchable to your décor. When people see leather furniture they almost always just have to touch it. The warm, traditional look of the Grandville Sectional Sofa from Broyhill adds instant coziness to any room. The accent pillows provide textural, visual interest and comfort. Add a fluffy throw or patterned rug or other items with lots of texture that just beg to be touched. This will add warmth to your room’s décor.

Warm It Up with Color

You may not realize this, but every color has a mood. Most restaurants are red because people tend to eat more in a red room. Cooler colors make rooms seem airier and larger. Warmer colors do the reverse – they will make your space seem cozier and smaller. And every color can have warm or cool undertones, even blacks and whites.

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting.

Lighting is an important factor in creating mood, but many people overlook it. When you see a beautiful, drool-worthy image in a magazine, it is probably because of the lighting. It is especially important for a living room to have many different light sources: bright light for large gathering and softer light for intimate gatherings. In addition, you may need task lighting if you like to curl up and read. Try switching your bulbs to ones that give off warm light for instant cozification.

Fill Your Home with Things You Love

Almost everyone has something they love: a collection, an heirloom, a piece of art. These are the things that remind you of places and people you love. They are the things that make your house a home. And when you feel at home, you feel like you truly belong. Your guests will pick up on this vibe. And that’s what makes your home feel cozier. 

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Partyproofing Your Home against Unavoidable Messes

As the holidays approach, so does the seemingly endless round of parties and events. And while everyone enjoys a good get together, the aftermath can be epic if you happen to be hosting the event. Once you’ve finalized your guest list and planned your menu, there is one more thing you can do to make the day’s events less stressful for you.

Instead of avoiding Cabernet or Shiraz and sticking to stain-proof food and drink, partyproof your home so that clean-up is easy and stress-free.

Steps for Partyproofing Your Home

1. Store your fragile items and valuables in a cabinet that can be locked and is not easily accessible to guests. This is especially important if children are invited. Don’t forget to secure any breakable family heirlooms and sharp objects that could be a hazard. 
2. Use flameless candles. There are so many varieties that add ambiance to your home. There are even some that are scented. 
3. Try a slipcover or throw on top of any stain-prone upholstered furniture pieces. 
4. Place a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen – nearly 47,000 fires occur during the holidays. 
5. Keep wipes or detergent sticks handy in the main entertaining areas so you can do sneaky clean up just as it happens. 
6. Have plenty of coasters on hand, especially for your glass and wood tables where rings are visible. 
7. Put welcome mats inside as well as outside the front door to keep dirt from being tracked through your house and onto your carpets.
8. Use table cloths, runners, or placemats to protect furniture from spills. They also add a festive touch to your holiday event. If possible, keep drinks in their own serving area so that you can quickly wipe up red wine or soda spills.
9. If you are worried about your carpets or scuffing on your wood floors, request that guests remove their shoes. Keep a basket and bench or other seating at the front door so that guest can easily remove their shoes.
10. Supply plenty of napkins and make sure they are easily accessible to your guest so that they don’t have to hunt around for them when they need them. 

These tips will help partyproof your home and make cleaning up that much easier. Be sure to let your guests know any house rules such as no smoking, keep out areas, and if you wish them to remove their shoes. Hanging the appropriate signage will clearly communicate your wishes without the appearance of rudeness. This will ensure that you and your guests enjoy the party without unfortunate mishaps.

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Bring Subtle Luxury into Your Home with Bernhardt Furniture

When you consider how you want your home to look and feel, keep in mind that luxury doesn’t have to equal over the top. You can add simple, luxurious touches to your home that will create an understated and timeless style that you and your family will love. You deserve to have a home that welcomes you at the end of each day. And the Crusoe Collection from Bernhardt does just that. Follow the tips below to put together a subtly luxurious room you are not afraid to live in.

Give Every Room Some Focus

A quick and easy way to create a luxurious feel in your home is to make sure each room has a defined focal point. It may sound fancy, but this just means that each room has a point at which the lines converge and immediately draw the eye. An architectural detail such as a large or unusually shaped window provides an instant focal point that lets in a lot of natural light. Frame out the window to underscore its beauty.

If your room doesn’t have an architectural detail to highlight, you can create a focal point by splurging on a couch that makes a statement, such as the Andrew Stationary sofa from Bernhardt. It combines sophisticated design with comfortable styling to bring a subtle luxury into your home.

Offer Plush Seating

Imagine yourself living a life of luxury — are you reclining into pile of plush pillows or struggling to get comfortable on minimalist seating? Probably the former. So add a luxurious touch to your home by including ample, plush seating. That means cushioned and upholstered furniture pieces with rich, high-quality fabrics to really bring home a luxurious feel. Try a textured fabric to add an extra layer of depth to your living room.

Warm It Up with Color

Inviting — that’s what you think of when you think of any luxurious space. You want your family, friends, and guests wish that they could spend all their free time in the comfort of your home. Choosing the right paint color will give you the welcoming atmosphere you desire. Warm colors such as orange, red, and yellow create a cozy, intimate space. Cooler colors such as beige, gray, greige, and green evoke calmness and can make a room seem more spacious. Use warm colors to draw your guests in, if cooler colors are your preference, use jewel tones to keep the feel of the space luxurious.

We all want a home that seems like a high-end oasis. With a few simple touches, you can create a subtle, luxurious look that makes you, your family, and your friends feel comfortable.

If you need help create a subtly elegant look with Bernhardt furniture, contact one of the design professionals at Baer’s Furniture. Take advantage of the free interior design service to find the pieces you love from more than 50 famous brands.

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Discover Your Ottoman Style with Sherrill Furniture

Ottomans come in a variety of shapes, sizes and color. They can be used for storage, putting your feet up, or as additional seating when company is over. They can be mixed up with different pieces or matched with the perfect chair, used in your living room or in the bedroom.
There are many different ottoman styles to choose from, but you want to find one that not only fits your home décor style but also suits your needs. In order to discover your ottoman style, there are several factors to consider first.

What's the Purpose of Your Ottoman?

Do you need an ottoman to rest your feet on, or something to serve as a bench for your bedroom? Determining the purpose of the ottoman will help you decide on the ottoman style. The Transitional Ottoman by Sherrill with upholstered base makes an excellent footrest. The off-white color can be paired with a bold chair.

The Masterpiece Carved Bench Ottoman with Semi-Attached Pillow Top is great as a standalone piece in the bedroom or foyer. This piece could be used as a place to take off your shoes or to be used with a vanity in the bedroom.

Ottoman Shapes

From rectangular to square to circular, you will need to choose which shape fits best into your home décor. While most ottomans are rectangular, some are longer or shorter than others. A longer piece could pair well with a loveseat. The Traditional 3-Piece Bench/Ottoman Set with Tufted Tops and Skirts features a center rectangular ottoman and two half-circle ottomans. Use it as a bench in the bedroom or foyer. Optional wheels also allow the pieces to be moved when you need additional seating.

A Variety of Colors

Your ottoman doesn't always have to match the sofa or chair. If you plan to use it as a standalone piece, you can choose something with more pizzazz. The Transitional Ottoman with Shelf and Upholstered Seat is stylish with red and black floral fabric. The wood frame is accented with fabric lining while the traditional bench style provides some storage room.

The Corintrian Aqua Leather Ottoman with Caster Wheels is accentuated with alligator trim at the bottom.

The Traditional Rectangular Ottoman with Argyle Nailhead Trim on the sides also comes in a bold red, which will stand out in any room.

When it comes to choosing an ottoman, Sherrill Furniture has a variety of styles, shapes, and colors to choose from. Visit a Baer's Furniture near you to find the perfect match.