Tips on Living Room Design with Broyhill Furniture

These days, the living room fills numerous roles, which can make decorating it a challenge. For some, it is a formal room reserved solely for entertaining while others use it as a casual room for activities such as watching TV, movies, or reading. Regardless of the purpose of your living room, it will most likely need seating, accent tables, bookshelves or media storage, and many other pieces of furniture. Below are some guidelines for creating an inviting and comfortable space to gather family and friends that will make your living room the best place in your home.

Set the Living Room Mood with Color

The color you choose will have a big impact on the atmosphere in your room. Colors can relax or energize, depending on their intensity, saturation, coolness or warmth. The Emily Casual Style Sofa by Broyhill is a relaxing addition to your living room. It provides the perfect place to relax at the end of trying, stressful day. The back cushions, fitted with multiple compartments, keep the fiber evenly distributed and anchor them in one place so that you don’t have to constantly rearrange them or return them to their proper places. The individually wrapped coils create a place where you can sit for hours in soft comfort.

Ceiling and Walls

Since the living room is traditionally a public space, the walls usually get a more formal treatment than other rooms in the house. To make your living room welcoming, choose a color or treatment for the wall that reflects your personality and style. You can add a textured treatment to the ceiling to add depth, and it doesn’t have to be 60’s popcorn. Try a swirl pattern or ripple pattern, or even faux or real ceiling tiles. Crown moulding adds a finishing touch.

Comfortable and Stylish Flooring

Always keep in mind that the living room is a public space, so select floor coverings that offer comfort as well as create a design statement. Vibrant wall-to-wall carpet can set the foundation for a bold mix of florals and stripes, while soft neutral flooring highlight art or furniture. Hardwood floors with area rugs are popular choices as well as ceramic, stone, or marble tile that can be warmed up with an area rug.

Where’s Your Focus

A focal point will anchor the room and help draw you into the space. The TV is almost always the real center of attention. In addition, an eye-catching piece of art or glorious view are also great focal points for a room.

Make Room for Conversation

Since your living room is a gathering space, make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and interaction among its occupants. Pull couches and loveseats away from the walls and position them so that they face each other. If your living room is large enough, you can divide it into two conversational areas to create an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. Chairs and ottomans can be used to expand the circle while maintaining the intimacy.

For more tips on living room design, stop by the Baer’s Furniture showroom and speak with one of our design professionals. Take advantage of our complimentary design service and make your dream home a reality. Follow Baer's Furniture on Twitter for more design inspiration and latest news.

Essential Furniture Pieces Every Home Needs

Beautiful rooms don’t just happen, they are built by layering smaller furnishings and accessories around carefully chosen classic, versatile pieces. The foundational pieces you select now will mean a more cohesive home design and fewer snags and regrets in the future. Knowing how to pick the five foundational pieces will keep your home looking stylish and put together for years to come.

The Armchair

Everyone needs a great armchair. When choosing an armchair, comfort is the most important feature. It makes sense to choose neutral upholstery since this is a piece you’ll probably take with you as you move. However, classic red never goes out of style and can add some welcome color in your space. Classic English roll-arm style is great for curling up with a good book or watching TV. It is a style that will ground any room you use it in. However, if modern or industrial is your thing, there are plenty of comfortable ones to choose from.

The Sofa

Since a sofa is one of the largest purchases for your home, not to mention the focal point of your living room or family room, you might want to play it safe. You can always change the look of the room with accessories, pillows, area rugs, and throws. A classic shape in a neutral color will be the most versatile. Then you can choose between loose cushions or tight back. Loose cushions give your room a casual vibe while tight black is a little more formal. Or you could choose leather, it’s kid-friendly, easy to clean, gets better with age, and never goes out of style.

The Dining Table

A beautifully weathered farmhouse table will always be in style. Or you may prefer a minimalist metal table. If you entertain a lot, be sure to get a table that has leaves so you can extend it when needed. If you live in a condo or have a small dining room, go for a round table, it can easily fit in tight spaces with room for chairs.

The Bed

An upholstered headboard in an unusual shape adds an aura of elegance to your bedroom and is perfect if you like to read in bed. This is where you rest and relax, so be sure to choose a bed that creates the mood you want. Or look for a bed that fuses eclectic design, exotic materials, and rich finishes for a new take on traditional style. More importantly, be sure to choose a mattress that gives you the right support – getting a good night’s sleep will change how you walk through your day.

Hidden Storage

Who doesn’t need more storage? A beautiful chest or dresser will be at home anywhere – tucked into an entryway, living room or bedroom. They can even be used in a large bathroom if you are short on storage. If you like mid-century modern, look for a chest or sideboard. IF you want something fancier, look for a highly polished traditional piece to give your home that posh, decorator touch.

Learn more about Baer's Furniture. Read about this family furniture business that has flourished over four generations.

Read Reviews from Happy Baer’s Furniture Customers

Baer’s Furniture built their business on supplying quality furniture from famous brands at the guaranteed best price possible. However, providing top-notch customer service is also a pillar of their success. A flourishing family business for 4 generations, Baer’s has strong ties to the customers and community they serve. Read the Baer’s Furniture reviews below to find out more about Baer’s commitment to customer service.

Customer Service Successes

Baer’s attributes their success to the team members who represent their brand. They know that customers can be overwhelmed with information when they enter a Baer’s Furniture store. Upon entering a Baer’s location, customers are greeted by a team member who genuinely wants to help them find the perfect piece for their home. Customers are welcome to roam the store on a voyage of discovery, knowing that a team member is always close by to guide them through the process and answer any questions they might have.

“Everyone was great! My salesperson quit the day I was buying but her associate picked it up and took good care of me!”
– Joy R.

“Great selection, helpful sales staff, and delivery was right on time. Extremely happy!"
– Tammy S.

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Florida Inspired Living

While providing the best customer experience possible is a key part of the Baer’s mission, another important part is providing the best prices on famous brands such as Tommy Bahama, Bernhardt, Natuzzi Editions, Thomasville, Hooker, Lexington, Paula Deen, Universal, and more. Known as the headquarters for Florida inspired living, it is the number one destination for Tommy Bahama furniture nationwide.

“Huge selection … Would definitely return and recommend.”
 – Lora H

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Interior Design Service

Baer’s is committed to providing their customers with quality furniture that will last. This philosophy is evidenced in the complimentary design service that makes furniture buying easier. Their team of experienced design professionals can tackle any project large or small. They will ensure the concept you have for your home becomes a reality. If you think of furniture when you think of Baer’s, you are not alone. However, Baer’s carries everything you need for a one-room or whole-house makeover.

“… What I like the most was the in house design department they have.”
– Jay C.

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“We love Baer's! … When you need help placing furniture ask Jean Weymss … she came up with a layout that we never in a million years would have thought about.”
 – Kelly Bergen

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Family and Community

The Baer’s team works tirelessly to make sure that their customers not only enjoy their furniture buying experience but that they actually enjoy their furniture. When you visit a Bear’s location, you often hear customers being greeted as if they are old friends and treated as if they are family. A 4th generation business, Baer’s is acutely aware of the synergy between employees and community that has kept the business strong. They are unwavering in their commitment to providing quality furniture at affordable prices.

Learn more about Baer's Furniture. Read about Baer's Furniture leadership changes.

Coastal Style for Casual Living

If you love casual coastal style, you are in good company. This simple, unpretentious look is based on a few basic principles. A casual coastal style home is carefully planned and thought out, but never seems contrived, matchy-mathcy, stuffy, or formal. Below is a list of elements that you can use to create a casual, coastal style space in your home.

Color, Texture, and Pattern

Beginning with a plan of action will make the entire process go much more smoothly. And to begin to create your space, you need to choose your color palette. Generally, softer sea- and beach-inspired shades such as aqua, teal, navy blue, and greens with neutrals are used. Although usually softer shades are used more often than bold ones, but it’s your space, so choose what pleases you the most. Just keep in mind how the depth of intensity in a color can influence the mood in a space.

If you have a larger space that can accommodate a bolder look, use deeper shades on the walls. If you want a softer look, keep the walls and floors neutral and use patterns, textures, and colors on the accent pieces. The dining room above is very simple in terms of colors, but the patterns and textures of the accent pieces keep the look from becoming boring.

Flooring for Casual Coastal Style

Your flooring options are truly endless, so consider the purpose of the room when making your choices. Wood or wood laminates create warmth and are always a good choice. If you like carpet, choose one with a light texture or tight weave. You can always layer an area rug for depth and interest. In fact, area rugs are a good choice to pair with tile and wood floors to warm up the space. The style thought is easy, uncomplicated, simple living.

Furniture Selection

Furnishing your home is where the real fun begins. You can include painted or natural wood finishes, bamboo, wicker, iron, bamboo, or a mixture or all of these will work. The woven panel bed above demonstrates how the mix of textures and finishes works in this style. The look is not a formal one where everything is coordinated, so as your pieces “go” they don’t have to “match”. Painted furniture that shows some wear and tear also adds to appeal of casual coastal style. Upholstered pieces also go well and can give your rooms a casual, relaxed vibe.

Coastal Style Accessories

Accessories add the finishing touches to the design of your space and can truly give your home a unique look. This is where you can make the style personal by displaying your collections or artwork. Or, if you prefer a lighter touch, just use a few special pieces that are important to you. You can also use unexpected accents, such as the fun prints in the room above, to let the space reflect your personality.

Your interpretation of coastal style may turn out to be very different than any of the examples here. Hopefully, these tips can make it easier for you to get the style you want. Or, if you would like a design professional to help you achieve the look, take advantage of the free interior design service available at the Baer’s Showroom near you. 

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Foolproof Patio Design Ideas for Entertaining All Year Long

In Florida you can take advantage of the wonderful weather all year long.  This means you can use your patio every day of the year, if you wish. One of the best ways to make your patio warm and inviting, yet cool and chic, is to bring the indoors outside. Try any or all of the tips below to turn your patio into one of your favorite places to relax.

Create Atmosphere

Use candles to set the mood, just as you would in an indoor space. Candles, lanterns, or torches scattered around your yard and patio create an indoor atmosphere and intimacy. Glass cylinders make great candle holders, or you can put hurricane glass shades around your candles. If you have a fire pit, such as the Island Estate Lanai Fire Pit Set from Tommy Bahama, don’t be afraid to use it all year round. It features a service area with ample room and adds exotic appeal with its hexagonal weatherstone top. When entertaining, add a cocktail tray with glassware, mixers, and garnishes. This will also add to the indoor vibe of your outdoor space.

Hang Curtains

Curtains add functionality and aesthetic appeal to your patio or porch. Traditionally for interiors, curtains can help make an outdoor space feel intimate and cozy. In addition to adding a decorative touch to the space, they create shade on the sunniest of Florida days, shelter guests from windy weather, and provide intimacy during social gatherings.

The Right Furniture

Increasingly you can find outdoor furniture that looks like indoor furniture. Instead of uncomfortable metal sofas, you can opt for outdoor furniture with soft, comfortable cushions and sturdy construction that can withstand the elements all year round. Consider using something that looks like it would be at home in your living room or den. Upholstered in Sunbrella Performance Outdoor Fabric, the Island Estate Lanai Scatterback Sofa by Tommy Bahama offers comfort and style as well as durability.

Textiles

Just as you carefully choose textiles for your indoor furniture, you should be choosy about what you put in your outdoor room. The right textiles will help you recreate the comfort and warmth of an indoor space. Above, the five cushions that make up the back of the sofa look like indoor pillows, and so really solidify the indoor look you are going for.

Finishing Touches

Once you have your foundation, add some finishing touches. Accessorize, just as you would any room. An area rug can pull the space together, a chandelier can add elegance, and flowers add a little freshness. Depending on how the space will be used, you can even add a TV.

Find out more about Baer's Furniture and check out our Pinterest Board to see interior design by Baer's.

Home Design that Maximizes Your Living Room Space with Natuzzi Editions

Every home needs more space, regardless of how large or how small. Have you ever noticed that the family room or living room is usually the messiest room in the house? These rooms are high traffic areas, with family watching TV, friend dropping over, and you lounging on the sofa to read or watch the game. If you’ve been wondering how to create more space to make your home more feel more welcoming and spacious, below are a few tips on how to style the a room with leather furniture from Natuzzi Editions that might give you inspiration.

Let Your Room Breathe

Your living room needs space to breathe, so place the couch a few inches away from the wall to make your room seem more spacious. Use multifunctional furniture such as ottomans with storage and coffee tables with open shelving or drawers. This will give you space when your busiest f room is full of people. Also consider pieces that can be used as stealth seating for entertaining such as stools, ottomans, and sturdy side tables. An ottoman can be used as either a coffee table or extra seating.

Seating Options

Consider size and depth when choosing a couch, such as the white leather sofa from Natuzzi Editions. It provides comfortable seating that will complement almost any décor. The box seat cushions give your family and friends durable support. If you have the space, longer sofas can also provide additional seating, but are best used in a floating space plan where two identical couches are positioned across from each other in the center of a room. They then need to be balanced with a long coffee table.

 Benches can also serve dual functions in your home décor. Try buying two benches that coordinate with the design of your living room, and place one or both at the foot of beds in your home. Then when additional seating is needed, you can easily move the benches into the living room and you will still have a cohesive looking space instead of a mishmash of piece pulled from the garage or back porch.

Shelving

Try adding shelving on the wall behind the sofa, either built-ins or matching book cases. Here you can display books, art, and collectables in a way that shows your style. It keeps table tops clutter free and provides a home for all the items you wish to show off.

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Sectional Sofas Provide Style and Function

Once mockingly called “conversation pits”, interest in sectional sofas is on the rise. And it's not hard to see why. With more people becoming "nesters", sectionals have become increasingly popular. They can be used to soft-divide a room and supply ample seating for entertaining and lounging. They can also be split up to create an intimate seating area or better traffic flow when necessary.

Since sectionals can be large and bulky, creating a balanced arrangement can be tricky and intimidating. However, their strength is in their size and their versatility. Because they dominate their space and provide plenty of seating, you usually don't need many other pieces. The Design Your Own collection by Sherrill gives you the size and versatility sectional sofas are known for. You can customize your sectional by choosing your fabric as well as the arm and back style. The size of your room, your design preferences, and the needs of your home are just a few of the factors to keep in mind when choosing your sectional.

Essentials of Sectional Sofas

The essential element to creating an effective layout is balance. Positioning a single chair across from the short end of the sectional will give you this balance. You can determine the ideal spot to place the chair by drawing imaginary lines from the each of the sectional's arms. Where these lines meet is the best place to put the chair. Although the sectional provides plenty of seating, putting a chair opposite it visually rounds out the space and allows for plenty of conversation opportunities. Grounding the space with an area rug keeps everything under control. The customizable sectional sofas in the Veronica Collection by Broyhill Furniture let you choose modular pieces that can create any configuration you wish.

Make the Layout Work for the Space

If you have a sectional and a chair and a half or a sofa that seats two, you can put the sofa or chair and a half across from the short end of the sectional. Then place three poufs or a small bench in front of the coffee table. Since the two-seater will be longer than the short end of the sectional, this will maintain equilibrium in the room.

When working in smaller spaces that may require extra seating without blocking the view or the television, a large ottoman or two small ones placed across from the larger part of the sectional will allow unobstructed vision. Above, the corner sectional is offset by a pair of ottomans, all from the Take Five collection by Lexington. You can hide or replace the ottomans with a coffee table when they are not needed for overflow seating.

If you have a sectional that is the same length on each side, you can balance it by placing either smallish chairs or a largish one across from it. Again, position the chair on a diagonal, but this time it should be in the same plane as the sectional’s back. This will keep the feeling of the layout open.

Face the Challenges

Long, narrow spaces always present design challenges, and are no less tricky for sectional sofas. Your first thought might be to position the longer pieces of the sectional parallel to the wall and place additional seating – a couple of chairs, an oversize ottoman, or some poufs – across from the shorter end. Try using a rug to pull the space together and place your additional seating so that it faces the sectional. This will keep your space from seeming overcrowded.

If one sectional is good, then two are better, right? If you have a large space, consider two sectionals placed across from each other. This will give you a cozy room with all the seating you need. Or add several chairs and a couch and organize all the seating around a coffee table or two. This is an ideal arrangement for entertaining. You'll be making the best use of the large space with separate areas perfect for conversations.

Although a sectional can be made up of as few as two pieces, they generally contain 3 to 5 sections and can include recliners or chaises. They are great for bringing warmth and softness into modern spaces that can feel a bit cold. Whether the space you have is small or large, slick and modern or family friendly, there is a sectional and a layout that will work for you. Regardless of the layout you choose, remember to aim the television toward the sectional's center so that everyone has a decent view.

Explore more sectional sofas from the many famous brands at the Baer's Furniture near you.