Are Accent Walls Still a Thing? Spoiler Alert: Yes.

Rumors that accent walls are on their way out are greatly exaggerated, as evidenced by their resurgence this past year. This trend is expected to continue beyond 2021.

Accent walls are a fun and relatively easy way to spice things up in your living room, dining room, or bedroom. If you are thinking about adding a little extra interest to a room in your home, check out these accent wall ideas.

Make a Design Statement in Your Home

When done well, accent walls are a stunning feature in your home. They make a powerful design statement that draws the eye to a specific part of the room. Not only do they create a focal point in the space, but they also give you a chance to play with textures and colors that you may not want on all four walls.

With this in mind, don't be afraid to use a bold color or pattern on your accent wall. Choosing a bold, bright color makes the wall stand out, which is precisely what you want. If you are a little hesitant to use bold color, go with a color that is several shades darker than the color on the rest of the walls. The goal is to make the difference obvious, otherwise, your accent wall won't stand out.

Choose the Right Wall

Once you've decided on the color or pattern for your accent wall, you need to decide which wall will be the accent wall. Find the room's natural focal point; this will be the best place for an accent wall.

In a living room, the focal point is generally the wall the couch is against, but it could also be the wall with built-in shelves, the TV, or the fireplace.

In the bedroom, the accent wall is the wall with the bed, and bathroom accent walls are generally behind the bathtub or vanity or in the shower.

You can add an accent wall in any space you want to pop, but we recommend only one accent wall per room or they will compete with each other. You can add accent walls to more than one room in a house.

Color Combinations for Accent Walls

Draw color inspiration for your accent wall from the existing color palette in the room. If you have a rug or upholstered furniture, try pulling a color out of the palette featured in the pattern. If you have a solid color sofa, try a contrasting color on the wall behind it.

Types of Accent Wall Materials

There's more to accent walls than paint, although that is the fastest and easiest option. Other ways to create an accent wall include wood, wallpaper, or stone.

Painted Accent Walls

The easiest way to change the look of a room is to paint one wall a bold color. But that's not the only way.

Think about creating a pattern with two shades of the same color. Try a deep purple with another purple two or three shades lighter. Paint the wall with the darker shade, then using painter tape, tape off simple stripes or get funky with a geometric pattern. Then paint over it with the lighter shade, remove the tape, and you have a tone-on-tone pattern on your beautiful accent wall in your living room.

Wood Accent Walls

There are many ways to add a wood accent wall to your home décor - from shiplap to millwork to reclaimed planks. Wood accent walls are a safe way to add interest without bold color.

Wallpaper Accent Walls

Wallpapering an entire room may seem intimidating, but one wall? With a little practice, you'll soon be a pro. There are so many wallpapers to choose from that you can evoke whatever mood you like in your space.

Stone Accent Walls

There’s nothing like the look of a stone accent wall color for adding texture, detail, and interest to a room. In a dining room, a stone accent wall makes a statement that catches everyone’s attention; in a bedroom, it adds warmth and depth to the space.

Are you considering adding an accent wall to your space? What materials and colors inspire you?

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5 Ways to Make Your Home the Comfy, Cozy Retreat You Need Right Now

For many, homes have become a catch-all space.

Almost everything — meetings, school, meals — happens in the same rooms. While we're living mostly at home, it’s natural to crave something that makes our days feel brighter, fresher, and less stressful.

Try these cozy home décor ideas to create a space that helps you find your calm. Keep in mind that what makes you and your family feel comfort is personal, so use these ideas as a starting point for turning your home into a comfy retreat from what is often a hectic world.

1) Warm It Up with Color

Cozy colors make even a large space feel snug and intimate. They wrap you in a warm hug as you enter the room, making you feel relaxed and rested.

These palettes tend to feature saturated tones and warm hues of orange, chocolate brown, caramel, and charcoal, but even cooler colors can feel cozy in their deeper hues like moss or navy. Adding these to your home will make every space feel welcoming.

Make a Pinterest or mood board that includes your favorite colors and images that make you feel warm, comforted, calm, and relaxed. Use this as your color inspiration.

You don’t have to repaint the walls, though - chances are these colors are already in your space. Just add some of the cozy touches below to emphasize your calm color palette.

2) Layer on the Texture

Be generous with layers of texture, mixing tweedy fabrics, fur, wood, or rattan. This brings depth and warmth into any room. Adding a wicker accent chair will immediately give a room warmth and depth.

Rugs are another attractive and quick way to add texture, so much so that we’ve devoted an entire section to area rugs below.

Blankets displayed on a ladder, a basket mindfully placed in a corner, or a mound of pillows on the bed can bring instant cozy comfort.

3) Soften the Space with Area Rugs

A quick and easy way to cozy up your home is to add softness with area rugs. Walking in the door, taking off your shoes, and relaxing at the end of the day is always a comforting feeling, but it’s even better when you step into a plush, fluffy rug. This not only amps up your style but also puts extra cushioning under your feet. You can also use the concept of layer here by placing a patterned design over a sisal rug.

4) Bring in Blankets, Throws, and Pillows

Keeping blankets, throws, and pillows handy not only looks comfy-cozy, it is comfy-cozy. Draping light blankets or large scarves over the arm or back of a sofa or chair keeps warmth in easy reach (not to mention adding tons of texture). You can easily wrap yourself up in a blanket and relax into soft pillows whenever the mood strikes.

Some think there is a limit to how many pillows you should place on a sofa or bed, but when you’re going for warm and cozy, it's up to you! Chenille, velvet, and faux fur are great options for both comfort and texture. The rich, luxurious vibe of these fabrics adds the perfect comfy touch.

5) Breathe in Comfort

Because scents are so closely attached to memories, they can affect your mood. You can easily make your space feel warm and comforting by using scents such as vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves. Other people find coffee, eucalyptus, or lavender soothing. Candles are the perfect way to liven the air with scents, and their soft glow also adds to the comforting ambiance.

Rich colors, plush pillows, and natural textures are just a few cozy home décor ideas that can create a space that helps you find your calm. This list is just the beginning - use it to spark your imagination and bring more comfort into your space.

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Baer's Interior Designers 2021 Trend Forecast

In 2020, feeling comfortable in your home became more important than ever. This trend will likely continue into the New Year. Home is where we work, relax, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends. People want their homes to look and feel comfortable, so expect soft shapes, plush fabrics, and some traditional styles to return to living rooms and bedrooms. While inspiration blends with function in these spaces more than ever, there are other home décor trends our interior designers see coming our way. Here are some of the major trends we see for 2021.

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Browns and Beiges

One of the things we’ve seen again and again is a rising interest in browns and beiges. Bright sandy colors, warm taupes, and pretty khakis are all trending. Pretty much any earth tone is gaining popularity. It’s a shift from whites and grays, but still neutral. These colors also work well as accent colors, bringing warmth to white or gray palettes. So you don’t have to repaint all your walls to easily warm up a space.

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Expanding Outdoor Space

Homeowners are increasingly looking to expand their living space, and this means turning outdoor areas into places they can relax in comfort. You can feel the South Beach vibe with these super modern architectural pieces. This space is made for dining, lounging, and enjoying the ocean breeze.

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Harmony with Nature

Natural materials have been relevant for years, and that trend is going to continue. Wood, stone, glass, and metal still reign in interiors, and natural fabrics are chosen over synthetics. Especially popular will be unpainted stone textures, wood surfaces, ceramics, wicker furniture, and live plants. Decorative elements and prints will also echo this trend towards nature. Images of birds, animals, leaves, and flowers are being used in urban interiors. Intense floral prints and vivid tropical motifs in wallpaper and upholstery fabric will continue to surge in popularity.

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Multizone Kitchens

These days, homeowners want their kitchens to accommodate a variety of tasks. This means they are evolving past the traditional triangle shape and towards a work trapezoid that includes a variety of areas for all the action that takes place: baking, chopping, and prepping as well as drinks, snacks, and meals.

 

Metals Still Shine

Metal materials will continue their migration from kitchens and bathrooms into living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Warm metals such as copper, bronze, and brass are still popular, while cool silvers and blacks are rapidly becoming stylish. Metal lamps and coffee tables shine against plush upholstery and dark brown wood.

Individualization, of Course

It may seem counterintuitive, but the most important trend of 2021 is to ignore these trends and personalize the design to create a space that reflects your personality. In this individual approach, everything you love is concentrated, and your interests and tastes guide the design. 

This means your interior design isn’t limited to the framework of a particular style, but follows the needs and preferences of the people who occupy the space: you and your family.

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Best Furniture for Pet Owners

Can pet-friendly furniture and great style co-exist in your home? Absolutely! You may have to give up dreams of a velvet sofa or loose-weave area rug, but there are still plenty of great-looking fabrics and materials – even leather! – that are surprisingly forgiving when it comes to scratches, pet hair, odors and random accidents.

Here's what to look for if you’re in the market for new furniture that won’t get wrecked by your fur babies.

Choose Pet-friendly Upholstery Fabrics

Fabrics with high polyester, acrylic, or other synthetic material content should be your first line of defense for everyday spots. Most of these fabrics can be cleaned with an over-the-counter carpet or fabric cleaner instead of calling in the professionals. Just wipe with a damp cloth to clean, and remove pet hair with a dry microfiber cloth, pet sponge, lint brush or tape.

Convenient, but not sexy enough for your living room, you say? Read on.

Outdoor Fabrics

At Baer’s, we’re big fans of Sunbrella fabrics. The colorfast acrylic fabric was made to repel spots, spills and soil, but comes in beautiful colors and patterns that look and feel like high-end velvet or linen! Added bonus: you can take your cushions outside to clean with a hose.

Microfiber

Smooth and soft as suede, microfibers, including microsuede, are a tight weave of polyester fibers which are as much as 1/100th the diameter of a human hair (finer than silk!). This is a dream fabric for pet owners, because that soft, luxurious surface repels allergens and odors. Liquid spills bead up and sit on the surface, giving you time to blot them up before they soak in. Soil can be cleaned with a little dishwashing soap, and tears and pulls are nearly non-existent.

Leather

Real leather furniture is four times more durable than fabric. It will last for 20 years, so go ahead and splurge. Protected leather such as "corrected grain" or "top grain" – which is treated with a resin coating - is the most common type of leather upholstery, because it’s easy to clean, odor and scratch-resistant. Of course, distressed leather is the most forgiving. If you like the look, that may be your best bet of all.

Just make sure you are getting the real thing, or your furniture isn’t going to withstand your furry friends. Faux leather will fall apart faster than you think.

Custom Upholstery

Since you are investing in a new look, comfort, and more, you can design pet friendly couches with custom upholstery. At Baer’s, we have hundreds of options to customize your choice piece of furniture. You can outfit your entire living room with custom upholstery for a fresh, pet-friendly new look.

Camouflage Non-friendly Fabrics with Patters & Colors

If you have your heart set on a certain sofa that doesn't come in a pet-friendly fabric, you have options. Try choosing a geometric or floral pattern or darker color – an earth tone, gray or green – can camouflage daily spots and shedding. Try matching the color to your dog or cat’s coat. Treat sofas, chair and pillows with Scotchgard to make messes easier to wipe up.

Cover Your Couch in Style

If you’ve been draping your furniture with throws to cover pet stains and keep them at bay, consider a slipcover instead. Today’s slipcovers are durable, easy to wash and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. You can give the sofa you already love a fresh look every year or so and have the fun of updating your living room to match without the expense of buying all new things.

Baer’s offers a full collection of Sunbrella furniture, microfiber and leather furniture for pet-owners that will preserve the style you love and keep you and your four-legged family members happy for many years to come. 

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How Much Are Sectional Couches?

Do you wonder "how much are sectional couches," and why some seem so much less than others?

The quick and easy answer is that prices can vary based on the quality of the materials, how the piece is constructed, and if the sectional is built to last.

A sectional is a versatile piece of furniture that you can use in many ways. Once you purchase one, you’ll find that it lets you maximize your space and offers tons of seating for family and friends. You may even wonder how you survived without one.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you get a quality sectional couch that will seat your family for years to come. Let’s break it down.

Cost of Materials Makes a Difference

There are several factors that determine the price of sectional couches, however, the main driver is the cost of the raw materials of its main components — the foam used in the cushions, the wood used in the frame, and the upholstery that covers it — as well as the labor it takes to build it.

Cushion Quality

Cushions are one of the most important features of a sectional. Most people do the sit test or even the nap test when shopping for a sectional sofa, testing the cushions to see if they are comfortable. Comfort, and durability, depend upon a cushion's material.

Foam products used for cushions range in quality. For example, a sectional at a lower price point is likely to have a 1.8 density cushion that will last about 2-3 years. It’s almost always the cushions that break down first, since they get the most wear and tear.

The thicker the cushion, the more it costs the manufacturer to produce the sectional, but the longer it will last. A sectional at a higher price point is likely to have longer-lasting foam that offers consistent weight distribution and ensures individual comfort for each seating area.

Upholstery Fabric

The same goes for the upholstery fabric — better material means higher cost. For example, leather and velvet are more expensive than cotton but also last longer. Microfiber is less expensive but also wears well.

Every fabric has a rub count, similar to the way sheets have a thread count. The lower range for a sectional sofa will have 15,000 double rubs. As the rub count goes up, so does the durability, and in turn, the price.

Intricacy and details also add to a sectional's price. Patterned fabric, thicker upholstery, embroidery, and piping can all contribute to a pricier (and better-looking) piece.

The Frame

When it comes to frames, the price varies based on the wood used. Solid oak frames cost more than plywood frames, and plywood frames cost more than medium-density fiberboard (MDF). That tells you a little bit about which one might be used in quality furniture.

A mix of solid woods and plywood are generally used in higher quality sectionals.

Why Choose a Better Sectional Couch

The drawbacks in purchasing a subpar sectional are compromising your comfort and sacrificing longevity.

If you skimp on a sectional, your cushions will likely lose their shape, the upholstery may rip, and the frame could break — all sooner than you would like them to (and maybe without a warranty). When you choose a quality sectional, you can expect a long-lasting love affair with a comfortable, durable couch.

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Top of the Line Recliners: Trends to Watch in 2021

The words recliner and comfort seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

 A recliner is the best spot for an afternoon snooze, relaxing after a long day, or binge-watching your favorite show. They just make everything better. Comfort is definitely a 2021 trend and recliners fit right into it.

Remember your grandfather or grandmother’s recliner? That clunky chair, probably made of Naugahyde, and in some basic color such as black, brown, or, the worst color name ever, olive drab. 

Spoiler alert: today’s recliners are nothing like that. They are stylish, come in a variety of colors, and feature sweet amenities such as charging stations, power reclining, and full-body positioning. 

Gone are those old, square, clunky things that didn’t show off their legs. These days, top-rated recliners sport shapely legs and wooden feet that would make an armchair jealous. Modern recliners are dressed to kill in a variety of upholstery fabrics that make it easy to find one that fits with your décor.

When it comes to shapes and sizes, you can still get those old-school recliners, but you can also find recliners that look like classic wingback chairs, show off classic puffy upholstery popular in the '90s, or display clean, mid-century modern inspired lines.

If you're on the hunt for top recliners that feel amazing, have all the features you need, and go with your living room décor, you're right on time.  

Recliners Are on Trend for 2021

Furniture with motion is making a comeback in a big way and with a contemporary twist. Think of sleek recliners, swivel chairs, and adjustable neck and backrests. 

Finding top-rated recliners in 2021 is not an easy task. All these options make it difficult to find your perfect match. Keep in mind that your comfort is the main objective, so be sure to choose a recliner you can relax and sink into. You’ll know it’s right when you never want to get up.

Trend: Powered Up Recliners

These days, power recliners mean more than just power motion (although they have that, too). Following the trend of multi-use furniture, you can now charge your devices while you destress.

Our Pick: Natuzzi Editions Potenza Contemporary Wall Hugger Power Recliner

Wall-hugger recliners do just what they say they do: hug the wall. You can place it a few inches away from the wall and it will still recline fully, so it is optimal for small spaces.  

What makes it top-rated: 

• Power reclining that lets you find the perfect relaxing angle 
• Power adjustable headrest so you can adjust at the push of a button 
• Built-in USB chargers to keep smartphones, tablets, and laptops ready to go

Trend: Rockers, All Grown Up

Rockers have long been popular for use in nurseries and children's rooms, where they are used to gently and easily rock fussy little ones. These days, rocker recliners with modern styling are becoming popular in living rooms and family rooms, whether the children have grown or flown.

 

Our Pick: Southern Motion Recliners Fame Power Headrest Rocker Recliner

"Pretty" is the first thought that comes to mind about this rich black leather recliner. But if that’s not for you, it also comes in a variety of upholstery options, including brown and blue. Combining sleek style with casual comfort, this rocker recliner gives you the best seat in the house on game day. 

What makes it top-rated:  

• Available in stain-resistant and durable performance fabrics 
• Offers a power-adjustable headrest that keeps offers support and helps prevent neck strain 
• Amply stuffed cushions and pillow arms that provide ultimate comfort

Trend: Swivel Is In

Recliners with swivel bases are gaining traction for 2021. Their traditional counterparts featured skirted bases, while contemporary versions show their style with fitted upholstery and cleaner, simpler lines.

The continuing trend of open-concept housing and multi-use spaces is likely driving the popularity of swivel recliners. They make it easy to turn around and change your viewpoint, so you can switch from watching TV to joining a conversation with ease.

Our Pick: Natuzzi Editions Tenera Wing Back Triple Power Swivel Recliner

Genuine leather and sleek style make this recliner a pleasure to relax in. Natuzzi stands for quality leather, and this recliner doesn’t disappoint. The contemporary style and wingback shape make it a stunning addition to your space. 

What makes it top-rated:

• Swivel base allows you to rotate in the chair as well as recline 
• Ergonomic comfort, cutting-edge technology, and functional design cradle you in comfort 
• Wide selection of quality Italian leather upholstery to match your home’s décor 

Whichever recliner you choose is going to be “your chair” in the house, so it should accommodate the contours of your body and speak to your style. Go out there and find the recliner of your dreams. Get more tips from Baer's Furniture's recliner buying guide.

'Tis the Season to Snuggle: Cozy Family Entertainment Ideas

As the holidays approach, many of us would rather stay in and spend more time with our families. If you fall into this group, you may be looking for family entertainment ideas to keep everyone happy and, well, entertained.

While we all love Netflix, binge-watching the latest shows doesn’t bring on the bonding. Here are some activities that can bring the family together and encourage them to interact with each other, not just their screens.

Baking with Family

You don’t have to wait until the holidays to bake a batch of cookies. Get in the holiday mood by starting your baking early. Baking with the family is an excellent way to kick-off the holiday season. There’s nothing better than the aroma of fresh cookies, cakes, or pie wafting through the house. You’ll need those baked goods for future family fun nights, so pull up the counter stools, get out the ingredients, and get ready for some yum.

Decorate for the Holidays

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us, so it’s never too soon to put decorations up. From Halloween to New Year’s Day, your home can be dressed up for the holidays. Start with the entryway and give your console table the holiday treatment. Move on to other areas to bring festive air throughout your home.

Give everyone a specific task, and soon your home will be transformed into a joyful abode. It sets the mood, is always super exciting, and everyone can snuggle in and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Family Movie Night

Gather everyone for a special movie night. Family movie night is more than just sitting in front of the TV with the fam, it creates memories. To do that, you need to be a little creative and make the night special. Snuggle into that comfy leather sectional and enjoy the show.

Have a special treat — it doesn’t have to fancy, but something you don’t usually have. Pizza, popcorn, and s’mores are my ideas for the perfect family movie night menu.

Make it relaxing — it can’t get easier than pizza and popcorn, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Get them excited — excitement is contagious, so talk it up and get everyone hyped.

Family Game Night

Old-school game nights are back in style, although to be honest, they never really went out of style. They differ from movie night in that they can be louder and rowdier and don’t depend on people staring at the screen. Board games and card games are great for small groups, and interactive games like charades are crowd-pleasers. They bring people together and get them talking. Break out Monopoly if you are in it for the long haul.

Just throw some snuggly floor cushions around the coffee table. Set out chips, dips, pretzels, nuts, and other snacks. Pull the games out of storage in your entertainment furniture, pull up the floor cushions, and get ready to play.

Don’t forget chocolate chip cookies or mini cupcakes for those who like to indulge. And who doesn’t like to indulge?

Work on a Puzzle

Puzzles run the gamut from super-easy to super-hard. So aim for something in between (unless you know you’re dealing with expert puzzlers) and set up puzzle night with a cool picture or illustration you can work on as a group. Make it more interesting by setting up two puzzles and racing to the finish!

You can also surprise everyone by turning a favorite family photo into a puzzle to work on together. Pull up some floor pillows around the coffee table and remember to do the outside edge first.

Volunteer Together

When you think about family entertainment ideas, remember the joy of helping others and the feeling you get from giving back. You get to spend the day together working for a cause you all support and making the world a better place. You’re together and engaging with others, feeling energized — and everyone’s focused on the same goal: doing good. When you get home, snuggle together on the couch and realize how lucky you are to have each other.

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