Wake Up To The “Comfort And Joy” Of Today’s Sleep Sofas with La-Z-Boy Southcoast - Back To Top

Will your houseguests be sleeping in peace this year, or will they spend sleepless nights suffering on an over-inflated air mattress in your living room, a sleeping bag on the family room floor, or a narrow “bunk” in the kid’s room? In these days of ever-shrinking living spaces, accommodating houseguests can be a nightmare. But, instead of telling friends and family that there’s no room in your Fairhaven or Westport inn, wake up to the comfort and convenience of today’s sleep sofas.

Today’s generation of sleepers offer surprising comfort as well as space-saving style. In fact, more and more New Englanders who start out searching for stationary sofas are discovering that for usually less than $100 more they can upgrade to a sleep sofa and virtually add a guest room to their homes.

“Sleep sofas have come a long way from their boxy, back-breaking ancestors,” said Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery at La-Z-Boy, Inc. “In addition to being more comfortable than ever, today’s sleepers are available in fashionable styles to blend with any décor from traditional to contemporary. And, given the wide variety of great looking fabric options, no longer do you have to compromise style for function.”

When shopping for a sleep sofa, keep in mind that the primary purpose of a sleeper, most likely, is seating. In fact, in most cases, a sleep sofa will be used as a bed only 15 to 20 percent of the time. So, look for the same features you would in a stationary sofa. Select a design that accommodates your seating needs and style preferences, as well as one that features a comfortable mattress for sleeping.

Additionally, consider the following tips when considering a sleep sofa:

• Insist on a hardwood frame. The strongest and most durable frames for any type of sofa, including sleep sofas, are those made of kiln-dried hardwood or a combination of kiln-dried hardwood and furniture-grade plywood. Avoid brands that use softer woods, such as pine.
• Look for an easy open-and-close mechanism. Sleepers should lift up and out in one smooth motion. There should be no squeaking or sticking.
• Avoid sleepers that feature grip handles or straps that can break or pull off. Look for units designed with a lock-down bar to ensure proper closure as well as easy opening.
• Feel smooth edges on all inner mechanisms. All parts of a sleep sofa’s inner mechanisms should have smooth edges to prevent bed clothing from ripping or snagging. However, it’s still smart to remove sheets and blankets before closing the unit.
• Check the mattress. A quality mattress will comfortably support the body at the shoulders, hips and lower back. For the best comfort and support, La-Z-Boy recommends and uses 5 – 5 ½ inch thick mattresses featuring firm inner-spring construction.
“When it comes to sleep sofas, it is important to note that a thicker mattress doesn’t necessarily mean more comfort,” said Hoyas. “In fact, thicker mattresses often are designed with softer springs so that the mattress can easily fold back into the sofa frame. In most cases, these softer springs are less durable and offer less support than a better-constructed thinner mattress.”

Finally, put it to the test. Just as you would test drive a new car or try on a new suit, you should “try on” your furniture before you buy. We welcome you to come to La-Z-Boy Southcoast in North Dartmouth, open up a sleeper and actually lie down. If you twist and turn when you sleep, then do the same when testing the mattress. You may feel silly, but remember, you’re determining the comfort of a sleep sofa that you will have for years to come.
 

“How To” Decorating Tips from La-Z-Boy Southcoast: Transforming Your First House into a Home - Back To Top

With the multitude of homes on the market in Fairhaven, New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Westport, it’s no wonder there are new homeowners cropping up in the area. Buying a first home is stressful enough, adding decorating into the quotient can be overwhelming. Starting with the basics and slowly adding small, decorative touches can help you feel more at home without being inundated with lists of decorating decisions. Here are some first-time homeowners’ tips and tricks to help make the decorating process less intimidating.

Begin with a Budget
After purchasing that first home, funds are limited, so before surfing the Web or stepping foot into a furniture store, you should set a budget. Be sure to allocate dollars for flooring, paint, furniture, decorative accessories and any additional items desired. Then make a list of “needs,” like a sofa and coffee table, and a list of “wants,” like a portable kitchen island or a plasma television. Defining needs versus wants will help set parameters while shopping and ensure that a surround sound system doesn’t take precedence over a much-needed sofa.

Start with the Basics
Take inventory of furniture items that will make the move into the new home and those that will transition to the hand-me-down or charity donation pile. Evaluate items by whether they fit the decorating style and space parameters wanted for the new home, and fill in with new purchases as needed.

After all, furniture is the key visual in every room and can provide inspiration for all decorating decisions. For example, the style and scale of a sofa can help guide other furniture and accessory selections. A sofa is a statement of style and it sets the stage for the rest of the room and the items within it.

La-Z-Boy Southcoast offers something for every decorating taste from the Inspired Living by La-Z-Boy “Laura" sofa with its classic style, for those looking to give their room a more traditional feel, to the La-Z-Boy “Quinn” sofa, which features a more contemporary look. Meanwhile, the elegant “Sheffield,” an eleven-piece sectional and sofa group, allows for a multitude of configurations that can be customized to fit any room.

For those facing space challenges, look for furnishings that combine fashion with function. A sleep sofa, for instance, performs double duty, turning a den into an instant guest room when out-of-town guests arrive. Likewise, a storage ottoman like the La-Z-Boy “Cory” can double as a cocktail table, while hiding magazines, toys and DVDs.

Plan Ahead
Before making furniture purchases take a step back and plan the layout of the room. Since first-time buyers have never had a home, they may have a hard time visualizing how their favorite chair and new sofa group will all fit together in the same space. That’s why La-Z-Boy Southcoast offers the free In-Home-Design program, where customers work with an interior design consultant on space planning, arrangement, and color.
If you’re working with an inspirational piece like a carpet swatch or accent pillow, our designer will help you select fabrics that will coordinate with existing furniture or create a room from scratch with inspiration from just a favorite accessory or paint color.

Simply bring your inspirational item to our Dartmouth location for assistance and recommendations.

Add a Touch of Color
Once you choose your furniture fabrics, you’ll have the perfect starting point for building a color scheme. Take the color selected for your sofa and pick two complimentary colors and repeat each color a minimum of three times throughout the room in wall coverings, pillows, rugs, window treatments and accessories. This will help tie all items in the room together for a cohesive look.

La-Z-Boy Southcoast offers something for every decorating taste. For those looking to give their room a more traditional feel, to the La-Z-Boy “Quinn” sofa, which features a more contemporary look. Meanwhile, the elegant “Sheffield,” an eleven-piece sectional and sofa group, allows for a multitude of configurations that can be customized to fit any room.

For those facing space challenges, look for furnishings that combine fashion with function. A sleep sofa, for instance, performs double duty, turning a den into an instant guest room when out-of-town guests arrive. Likewise, a storage ottoman like the La-Z-Boy “Daphne” can double as a cocktail table, while hiding magazines, toys and DVDs.

Color Is The Key To Today's Home Decorating - Back To Top

What’s a great way to perk up a tired-looking room or give a sense of serenity to a room that’s always full of chaos? Color! By building the right color scheme in a room, you can create an atmosphere that suits your particular lifestyle needs.

“When decorating a room, one of the first steps is to establish a color scheme” says Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery at La-Z-Boy, Inc. “And it doesn’t take an interior designer to combine colors that will bring out the best in your home. With a little design know-how, selecting and coordinating colors can be easy.”

A handy decorating tool any do-it-yourself decorator can use to simplify the color selection process is a “color wheel” available at your local art supply store. Invented in the 17th century by Sir Isaac Newton and still widely used throughout the interior design industry today, the color wheel incorporates the spectrum of colors into an easy-to-use wheel form, helping designers and consumers alike create a well balanced and aesthetically pleasing color schemes.

So, how do you go about selecting or changing the color schemes in your rooms? There are four basic color schemes derived from the color wheel that can act as simple guidelines when decorating your home:

• Monochromatic Color Scheme. A monochromatic color scheme uses one color only, incorporating degrees of lightness and darkness (or value) of that color for variety. With a monochromatic color scheme, textural fabrics on upholstered furniture can be used to add depth and richness to a room. This scheme works most effectively in small rooms.
• Adjacent or “Related” Color Scheme. An adjacent or “related” color scheme comprises three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel and have a common color denominator such as blue, blue-green and green. Hoyas advises, “This scheme works well in any room of the home and tends to be the most foolproof.”
• Complementary Color Scheme. A complementary color scheme pairs two colors directly opposite one another on the color wheel, such as yellow and purple. For this type of color combination to work best, it is important to allow one color to dominate while the other serves as a contrast.
• Split-Complementary Color Scheme. Hoyas warns that the split-complementary color scheme is the most complex, using one color on the wheel in combination with the two colors adjacent to the color directly opposite. Again, while this scheme can prove to be beautifully dramatic, it is best to allow one color to dominate, while using the adjacent colors for visual contrast. A good balance of color is 60-20-20.
“For the more daring, a split-complementary color scheme can be both striking and elegant,” says Hoyas. “In the living room, try combining a sofa and loveseat in a rich cranberry and navy floral damask with a wing chair recliner in a correlating fabric offering a touch of green for contrast.”

Remember, colors appear more intense in large areas versus smaller ones. So, when choosing colors for walls, floors and other large surfaces, consider selecting a color a shade lighter than your first choice. Then, use your favorite hue as an accent color.

“There is no need to be intimidated by color when decorating your home,” says Hoyas. “By using the right tools and following these simple guidelines, you will be able to combine colors that evoke the right mood and create an atmosphere that not only complements buts enhances the activity or function of your room.”

For those looking to refurnish, La-Z-Boy Southcoast offers free In-Home Design services. Their professional interior designer will work with you to choose the best colors and pieces for your home and budget. Call or stop by their Dartmouth store today.

When It Comes To Decorating, La-Z-Boy Southcoast Advises: Too Much Can Be More Than Enough. - Back To Top

Is there a room in your house that is so big it makes you feel like you’re living in an empty warehouse? With the many large historic homes in New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven, this may be the case. While it’s hard to imagine that too much space could be a problem, the evolution of the great room, the growing popularity of finished basements and the trend toward more open floor plans in today’s homes have left many people feeling lost in their own homes.

“Large spaces can be tricky,” explains Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery at La-Z-Boy. “Areas such as great rooms and basements often can seem overwhelming in their proportions, not to mention cold and uninviting. The good news is that with some clever decorating tricks, you can warm up any large room.”

According to Hoyas, the key to creating comfort in a large room is to treat the space like many small spaces. Instead of approaching the room as one big space, look at it as a group of individual activity areas. That way, you instantly turn an overwhelming room into smaller, more manageable decorating projects.

First, identify the primary function of the room and design the dominant room arrangement to comfortably accommodate that activity. If the primary purpose of the room is to provide a place for family and friends to gather, play games and watch TV, an attractive modular grouping might be the perfect choice. In addition to being appropriate for the space due to its generous size and scale, a modular group provides plenty of comfortable seating and encourages conversation.

Once you’ve established your primary center of activity, balance the room with a few, secondary arrangements to break up the space and serve additional functions. For instance, take advantage of a bay window by simply adding a chair, ottoman and side table with lamp to create a cozy reading nook. An unused corner transforms easily into an intimate conversation area by pairing a couple of comfortable chairs with a coffee table and a floor lamp. Another option is to put a desk in the corner and turn it into the perfect place for homework, paying bills and surfing the Internet.

“This approach to large spaces not only makes decorating easier, it often results in family members spending more time together,” explains Hoyas. “I know in my family, there’s rarely a time when we are all doing the same thing at the same time. By creating a room with multiple activity centers, we can each do our own thing and still be together.”

Following are some additional tips from La-Z-Boy Southcoast for making a large space feel cozy and comfortable:

• Use darker colors, such as blue, green and red in deep, vivid tones to diminish the feeling of spaciousness in a room. Incorporate these colors on walls, floors and even the ceiling. A common trick decorators use to visually lower the height of a ceiling is to paint it the same color as the walls.
• Select patterns that feature bold colors and dominant designs to make furniture appear larger than it really is. Strong patterns on walls, floors and windows also help to make a room feel cozier.
• Choose medium to large-scale furnishings. These work best merely for the purposes of looking appropriate in the large space. Small pieces can look lost and too many can create a cluttered look.
• “Float” furniture by moving it away from the walls. In addition to filling a large space, this approach to furniture arrangement creates open walkways for an easy flow of traffic throughout the room.
All in all, there’s no need to be overwhelmed by a large room. Just remember, a large space is nothing more than a collection of little individual spaces. The more you break it up, the easier it comes together.

Stop by La-Z-Boy Southcoast’s showroom in Dartmouth today, where you’ll find a variety of home furnishings and accessories to create cozy spaces in your home.

Space Jam – Don't Cramp Your Style - Back To Top

Is your home an obstacle course? How many times do you trip over your coffee table in an average week? Do you have to hold in your breath when slipping into your chair at the dining room or kitchen table? Are your bed sheets four feet longer on one side because it’s too difficult to maneuver between the wall and the bed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to start remedying these space jams.

One of the most important elements in home decoration is space, and we’re not talking about the size of the room. We’re talking about elbow room and leg room – the area you, your family and your guests need to live and lounge comfortably.

No matter what size your room is, the way your furniture is arranged affects how comfortable it will be. The first step in arranging a room is determining where the major flow of traffic will be. The flow of a room and its furniture should not only be inviting but should guide visitors through the room and around the furnishings in a logical and comfortable way.

Start by establishing a standard traffic lane – at least three feet wide – through the room. This opens the room up and gives it an inviting feel and flow. Also, be sure to leave two to three feet between furniture pieces. And, to reduce the number of bruises on your shins, it’s best to position the coffee table at least 1½ feet from the sofa.

Be realistic about the amount of space you have to work with and don’t forget to bring a tape measure with you when you shop La-Z-Boy Southcoast in North Dartmouth. We offer smaller-scaled, but stylish furniture to fit any space constraint. Even our recliners, typically larger in scale, are now offered in scaled-down versions that add style to any room while maintaining its function.

Advice for tackling common space problems:

• Use furniture pieces that are multifunctional. La-Z-Boy Southcoast offers a chair-and-a-half that doubles as a sleeper sofa and sofas with built-in tables to help make the most of space.
• Doorways are often an afterthought in room arrangements. By allowing an arc of at least three feet for the door to open and close, you’ll be able to make your entrances and exits gracefully without striking or damaging furniture.
• Space also is important around drawers and cabinets. Allow at least three feet to fully open cupboards and dresser drawers.
• Give yourself some room to get in and out of chairs at dinner tables or desks by simply allowing 2½ - 3 feet between chairs and walls.
• Finally, make the dreaded task of changing bed sheets a little more bearable by leaving at least two feet of room on all sides of the bed.
Life is already full of challenges and obstacles – your home shouldn’t be. So, keep in mind that the way you use a room’s space is just as important as the furniture that fills it.

La-Z-Boy Southcoast offers customers free In-Home-Design services. Their professional interior designer will work with you to choose the best pieces and layout for your home. Call or stop by their Dartmouth showroom today to learn more.

Small Places Make Way For Big Decorating Options - Back To Top

If these days of downsized homes, tight-squeezed apartments and compact condominiums have you feeling as though the walls are closing in around you, then combat your claustrophobia with a little creative decorating. Consider these tricks for making a small room seem twice as large in no time.

Color
“Color is the most important tool for creating the illusion of space,” says Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery at La-Z-Boy, Inc. “Keep in mind that dark shades make rooms appear smaller, while light, neutral or pastel tones visually expand walls and make ceilings look as if they soar.”

Another way to make the most of limited space is to keep floors, area rugs, upholstery and drapery fabrics light and simple. Avoid dark wood and busy patterns to maintain an open feel. And don’t forget the power of mirrors to visually double the size of any room.

Multi-Functional Furnishings
Instead of emphasizing a small living space by decorating with pint-sized furnishings, Hoyas recommends selecting a few larger, multi-functional pieces. By performing double duty, these pieces eliminate the need for additional furnishings, thereby opening up a room.

“Contrary to what you might think, a modular sofa can be a smart choice for a small room,” suggests Hoyas. “Because these sofas are made up of individual units, you can create visually expansive yet unified arrangements, while making the most of every inch of space. Also, many of today’s modular pieces are multi-functional, featuring built-in table tops, storage drawers and even sleepers.”

Other multi-functional home furnishings that can help organize the home and add space include:

• Sleep sofa – turns any room into an overnight guest room
• Storage ottoman – creates additional seating and offers an ideal place for storing pillows, blankets and toys
• Chair-side table – provides a table surface and often features a drawer or cabinet for storage
• Wall reclining chair or sofa – offers reclining comfort and can be placed against a wall using no more floor space than a stationary chair of sofa.

Efficient Floor Planning
The way furniture is arranged can make rooms appear less cramped or crowded. For instance, placing furniture against walls creates the illusion of wide-open space. This arrangement also accommodates traffic flow, allowing plenty of room to roam.

When it’s all you’ve got, it’s got to be a lot! So make the most of it by minimizing clutter and maximizing your room’s potential. La-Z-Boy Southcoast’s interior design consultant, Carleen Roderick, will work with you on space and floor planning, at no cost. Call or stop by their showroom in Dartmouth to learn more.

Decorating With Color Is As Easy As One, Two, Three with La-Z-Boy Southcoast - Back To Top

Color is back in a big way. Whether selecting the right colors for your wardrobe or your home – the colors you choose say a lot about you and your personal taste. If you’re thinking about decorating a room in your home, selecting the right colors can be one of the most difficult stages of the decorating process. But it doesn’t have to be.

The Rule of Threes
One of the easiest ways to begin building a color scheme is by taking a look at your sofa. First, identify the three major colors in the sofa fabric. Then, repeat each of those colors throughout the room a minimum of three times. This is called the “Rule of Threes.”

“The ‘Rule of Threes’ is a simple and practical decorating guideline for anyone who wants to design a color scheme,” says Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery for La-Z-Boy, Inc. “Color is a great tool when decorating, because it has the ability to change the look and feel of a room entirely.” Select your favorite color from the three major colors in the sofa fabric and use it on main areas of the room. The two remaining colors will help accent the main color. It is always important to pay attention to the proportions of each color used in the room. Color can appear bright and intense when used generously in a large area, but the same color may appear dull when used scarcely or in a small area.

Creating Moods
Color has the ability to create moods. It is capricious and can change under certain conditions. Light, both natural and artificial, can change the look of color from bright to dull. Neighboring colors should enhance and complement each other. For instance, a light color usually looks best next to a dark color. But a light color next to a light color may appear drab. It is important to check color under these different circumstances in order to avoid making mistakes.

“Following the ‘Rule of Threes’ and not being intimidated by color will help you achieve the perfect color scheme for your room,” says Hoyas. “And remember to choose colors you and your family can live with.”

Visit La-Z-Boy Southcoast’s showroom in Dartmouth to learn more from professional interior designer, Carleen Roderick. Carleen works with customers on space planning and color options, at no cost. Call or stop by to learn more.

La-Z-Boy Southcoast Gives Hats Off To Country Home Style - Back To Top

If you’re the type of person who loathes pretension, frequents craft shows and has a favorite patchwork quilt that you can’t live without, you’ve probably found your style in country. This casual traditional style is cozy in feel, romantic in atmosphere and features classic elegance that promises to never go out of style.

“Country consistently is one of the most popular decorating styles – across the years and among all age groups,” says Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery at La-Z-Boy, Inc. “Its simplicity, charm and relaxed nature remind us of a time when life was less hectic, family was all-important and little things meant a lot.”

Country style originated in Europe among peasants who designed furnishings with function, comfort and simplicity in mind. Once in America, this style was strongly influenced by newfound religious freedom. The Shaker “hands to work, hearts to God” ethic inspired beautifully crafted furniture designed to last a thousand years. Colonial and Early American also are country styles, as are French and Italian Provincial and Pennsylvania Dutch.

Furnishings
“The early settlers in this country and the peasant peoples in Europe furnished their homes with the basics,” explains Hoyas. “Since they had no closets, furniture was designed with storage in mind.”
Today’s country decors are filled with the large cupboards, high chests of drawers, trestle tables and low blanket chests from this era. Often these wood furnishings feature simple lines and little or no ornamentation, although, cheery painted designs or carvings are common. Upholstered pieces often feature exposed wood trim in an oak or light maple finish, pleated or ruffled skirts, wing backs, loose cushion backs, and distinctive country-styled fabrics.

Color
Color is all-important to creating a country setting. Fresh, clear minty greens and blues, and sunshine yellows depict the warmth and beauty of a summer day. Colors often are muted as in a watercolor painting, such as pale gray, sky blue, apricot, or rich, natural-dye shades of rust, terra-cotta, mushroom and creamy white.

Pattern
Pattern, pattern and more pattern – lavishly layered one on top of another – is the signature of country decorating. Gingham checks, plaids, pin dots and delicate floral prints suggest the clean simple style of the country. Start with a bold design, and then compliment it with a mix of smaller scale stripes, florals, plaids or geometrics. Introduce additional variations with patterned carpets, needlepoint pillows and paintings. Will this array of patterns create a sense of chaos in your country décor? Not at all. Use color as a unifying force to pull all these disparate patterns into a cohesive and appealing whole.

“Color and pattern are the hallmarks of a country-style home,” says Hoyas. “When used properly and in proportion, these tools can create living environments that are as warm and inviting as a patchwork quilt.”

Accessories
Accessories are the endearing heart of country style. So, now is the time to take out those eccentric collections of hand-me-down possessions and display them with pride. Add masses of framed family photos, blue-and-white china, an old-fashioned butter churn, folk art prints, a rag rug and unexpected touches of whimsy – leaving no surface unadorned. And don’t forget the flowers – fresh, dried and wild – for the ultimate country look.

Decorating country style truly is a dream come true. What other style finds beauty in functional simplicity, mandates hodgepodge or welcomes wear and tear, and still looks terrific year after year?

Explore your country-side with La-Z-Boy Southcoast. Visit our showroom in Dartmouth today.
 

Easy, Breezy Steps To Mixing Patterns in Home Decor - Back To Top

Remember when you thought you’d never learn to balance your two-wheeler? That’s how many people feel about mixing different patterns in the same room. Yet, this is one of the most sophisticated and enduring looks in home decorating today. It’s also one of the most intimidating processes a do-it-yourself decorator can face. The good news is that once you master mixing and matching, decorating becomes as easy and as fun as riding a bike.

According La-Z-Boy Southcoast, the following guidelines can help make pattern mixing a breeze:

Identify one pattern as your reference point. Start by selecting a dominant pattern as your reference point. This pattern might be found in an upholstery fabric, wallpaper or a rug. Use this pattern as a reference point for selecting colors and other patterns to incorporate throughout the room.

• Remember, color is the key. As long as patterns share some common hues, they can be very different and still look sensational together. For example, if your reference point is a paisley sofa pattern in predominately blue, green, and gray, you know to look for other fabrics and textiles with these same colors. You might try a blue, gray and green stripe or chevron on a companion chair, for instance. Or you might put a small blue and green print or check on walls or draperies.

• Be consistent in style. Every room will have a style -- whether it’s traditional, contemporary or eclectic. When mixing patterns in a room, it is important to keep within the same style family. Consistency in style is a simple way to rule out clashing patterns and to insure a balanced look in your decorating scheme. As a rule, traditional designs work best with other traditional designs, contemporary with contemporary, and so on. It’s also important to identify whether patterns are formal or casual and to keep these choices consistent as well.

• Let texture add variety -- and spice -- to a room. For the most sophisticated mix, include variations in texture in your line-up of patterns. A woven plaid fabric on a sofa, for example, can be dramatically contrasted by plush corduroy on an occasional chair. Similarly, chintz curtains can handsomely contrast a soft leather recliner.
It used to be that you’d have to shop high and low to find patterns and textures that complement each other.

No more. Such custom looks are as near as your local La-Z-Boy in North Dartmouth, where you’ll find color-coordinated patterns and textures that let you create fabulous, foolproof, pulled-together looks that a few years ago could have come only from a professional interior designer.

No longer is combining a plethora of patterns in a room a job for the pros. Simply keep in mind color, contrast and consistency of style. With these simple guidelines at hand, you’ll soon be coasting towards a beautifully coordinated room styled with a sophisticated multi-pattern mix.

If you’re still intimidated by patterns, consult with La-Z-Boy Southcoast’s interior designer, Carleen Roderick. She works with customers, at no cost, guiding them through the challenges of patterns, colors, and room planning.

Feelings From Out Of The Blue: The Emotional Effect Of Color - Back To Top

Feeling blue? How about red, green or orange? Whether or not we realize it, we all are affected emotionally by the colors that surround us. Even at home, the colors we choose reflect our feelings and personalities. Colors also influence us and those who share our homes.

“Because we see colors with our hearts, not our heads, they have the power to put us in a variety of moods,” says Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery at La-Z-Boy, Inc. “By harnessing the mood-making energies of color in decorating, we can create environments that exhilarate or tranquilize, warm or cool, inspire conversation or soothe us to sleep.”

Color researchers have found that when test subjects are placed in red rooms, their pulses and body temperatures increase; when the same individuals are placed in blue rooms, the opposite occurs. Other experiments have shown that violence among inmates was reduced when prison walls were painted pink, and that children in red classrooms were more hyperactive than their peers whose classrooms were painted blue.

“Colors not only impact the look of a room, they stimulate different areas of people’s personalities and can evoke certain behaviors,” says Hoyas. “So, when choosing colors for your home, choose wisely, according to a room’s function and how certain colors make you and your family feel.”

Following are the emotional and psychological influences of some of today’s most popular color families. Use this information as a guide to determine the colors that are best for your home.

Red
Reds stimulate our nervous systems and increase assertiveness. They make us feel empowered and energetic; thus, reds are ideal for areas where physical activity will take place, such as a play area or workout room. Have trouble getting up in the morning? Paint the bedrooms red. Chances are you will bolt out of bed.

Orange
Like reds, orange hues are stimulating. Both color families tend to increase the appetite, which is whey they’re so often used in restaurant interiors. People also laugh more and are more gregarious in the presence of orange. Dinner parties will last longer and seem more interesting in a coral or light orange dining room.

Yellow
Yellows remind us of sunshine. They can make a dark room seem bright and more cheerful. Used in a small room, yellow seems to visually expand the space.

“Although it may seem like a happy color, yellow can increase irritability,” warns Hoyas. “So avoid painting an entire room bright yellow. Instead, use light yellow in a small area for accent.

Green
Greens remind us of gardens, fields and forests. Surrounded by them, we feel calm and refreshed. Their relaxing influence make greens welcome in bedrooms, bathrooms and other areas where peace and tranquility are desired. Greens also help bring nature indoors, making a hot, sunny room seem cooler.

Pink
Pinks give us a sense of well-being and make us feel affectionate, congenial and positively disposed toward others. No longer relegated to little girls’ bedrooms, pink and its relatives rose, mauve and blush have become popular choices for today’s social areas, such as living rooms, dining rooms and dens.

White
White brings out openness, airiness and an expansive spirit. It generously welcomes other colors into a room, framing them and showing them off to their best advantage. Use white to lighten, expand, purify, energize, clean, unify and enliven other colors.

Brown
Symbolizing “down to earth,” brown stabilizes, secures and supports. Browns, including beiges and taupes, are perfect for neutral territories of the home, such as kitchens or baths. They bridge together rooms, other colors and moods. They neither activate nor pacify; they blend, combine and cooperate.

Purple
This regal color inspires awe and respect. Because it has long been worn by clergy, it takes someone of high esteem to use it at home. When made lighter, it becomes more comfortable and assuring. A great color for an insomniac’s bedroom, purple helps lower blood pressure and quells those conversations with yourself that prevent you from sleeping.

Blue
The favorite color of most Americans, blue makes us think of clear skies and placid lakes. Like green, its psychological effects are calming and soothing, so it, too, is appropriate for personal spaces where you plan to rest and relax.

“If you’re on a diet, use blue in eating areas, as the color suppresses the appetite,” suggests Hoyas. “However, blue may not be the best choice for the living room or other social areas of the home as it encourages people to relax, instead of interact.”

Remember, too, that color is very personal. You may adore blue for its serenity, but your spouse may find it cold. Finding out how certain hues make you and your family feel is crucial to determining how best to color your world at home.

Home Decorating 101: Expert Tips For Getting Started - Back To Top

Whether a recent college graduate renting an apartment for the first time or a newlywed couple about to cross the threshold of a new home, embarking on your first decorating project can be overwhelming. Empty room…, white walls…, bare floors… It can be as intimidating as an artist staring at a blank canvas not knowing where or how to begin. Before you tip your easel over in frustration, consider these suggestions from the experts at La-Z-Boy Southcoast in Dartmouth to help maximize your space and make your first time a little less intimidating.

Start with the Sofa
Just like every great painting, each decorating project starts with one key visual and builds from there. The sofa, often the largest furniture piece in a room, can provide inspiration for all of your decorating decisions. For instance, the style and scale of the sofa can help guide other furniture choices, while the upholstery fabric provides the perfect starting point for building a color scheme. To begin building a color scheme, simply pick a color from your sofa, along with two complimentary colors, and repeat each color a minimum of three times throughout the room in wall coverings, pillows, rugs, window treatments and accessories. This is what we call the “Rule of Threes.”

Focus on Function
When you’re just starting out, odds are you’re dealing with somewhat limited funds and, often times, limited space. For these reasons, you may want to look for furnishings that combine fashion with function. A sleep sofa, for instance, performs double duty, turning any room into an instant guest room. Likewise, many of today’s sectional sofas are available with sections featuring built-in tables, storage drawers, recliners and even sleepers, allowing buyers to satisfy a variety of needs with one piece of furniture. Multi-functional furnishings are ideal for maximizing space. By serving more than one purpose, they eliminate the need for additional furnishings, thereby opening up a room and giving the sense of more space. Another popular option for tight spaces and budgets is a storage ottoman. More than just a footrest, these designs can serve as additional seating while also providing an ideal place for storing pillows, blankets and toys.

Warning! Objects In Store May Be Larger Than They Appear
It’s happened to the best of us. You visit a furniture store, fall in love with a particular piece and get it home only to discover that it either won’t fit through the door or it takes up the entire room. The high ceilings and vast floor space in many furniture stores can be very deceiving and give buyers a skewed perspective regarding the size and proportion of the furnishings on display. Be realistic about the amount of space you have to work with and don’t forget to bring a tape measure with you when you shop. By starting with the sofa, focusing on function, and keeping perspective and proportion in mind while shopping, you’ll be off to a great start and soon have a home that’s a work of art.

La-Z-Boy Southcoast’s interior design consultant, Carleen Roderick, works with customers on space and floor planning, at no cost. Call or stop by our showroom in Dartmouth to learn more.
 

Create “Family-Friendly” Rooms As Easy As “ABC” With La-Z-Boy Southcoast - Back To Top

They’re 63 million strong and they’re out to mess you up…scribble on your walls…track mud across your floor…and put their feet on your furniture. Who are they? Your kids!

So, how can you create a fashionable, comfortable living environment without shipping the kids off to Grandma’s house? The solution is simple. Create “family-friendly” rooms where kids can play, parents can put up their feet and families can spend quality time together in stylish, appealing settings.

“Today, families are spending more time than ever at home – relaxing, eating, entertaining and working,” said Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery at La-Z-Boy, Inc. “That’s why it is more important than ever for rooms to be comfortable and livable, as well as attractive.”

How does one create a family-friendly room? According to Hoyas, its easy as knowing your ABCs.

A Is For “Activities”
Any parent knows that kids mean chaos at home. Toys, games, crafts and other activities result in an ongoing battle with clutter. The battle can be won, however, with the help of creative storage ideas and some cleverly designed furnishings.

The Kavanaughs at La-Z-Boy Southcoast advise incorporating storage for toys and games into every room in the house, or at least anywhere kids play. And, instead of disrupting the look of a room by adding large unattractive storage bins, work with what you have. For example, who says entertainment centers can hold only electronic equipment and accessories? The lower shelves of an entertainment unit are ideal for storing toys when not in use and keeping games within easy reach of their users.

Another option is to choose furnishings that feature built-in storage. Many of today’s sofas, chairs, ottomans, tables and even beds have drawers or storage space incorporated into their designs. Consider the convenience of stashing toys, blankets and newspapers inside your ottoman, or in a “hidden” drawer built into the base of your sofa. Today, you even can find storage compartments inside the arms of your recliner. What better place to keep the remote control and a TV Guide?

B Is For “Bonding”
Spending quality time together with family and friends is what “family-friendly” rooms are all about. So, when decorating, create settings that encourage communication, interaction and fun.

Arrange furniture in a comfortable grouping that nurtures conversation while accommodating the activity needs of everyone in the family. To achieve this easily with just one piece of furniture, Hoyas recommends a modular grouping as the seating choice for a family-friendly room.

“The ideal family-friendly room is one where the entire family can spend time together while doing things they enjoy,” explained Hoyas. “With a modular sofa grouping, there’s plenty of room for adults to recline in comfort, while kids watch TV or play video games. La-Z-Boy even makes a sofa with a back cushion that pulls down to reveal a table ideal for accommodating activities and snacks.”

Another “family-friendly” piece of furniture is a recliner. Offering the ultimate in comfort for any individual in the family, it’s also a great place to curl up with a child, a good book – or both.

C Is For “Caution”
An important part of any family-friendly room is safety, especially if there are small children in your home. Be sure furniture pieces are sturdy so they will not move or topple over easily. It’s probably best to steer clear of anything made of glass, such as a tabletop, lamps or fragile accessory items. Also, avoid sharp or pointed edges and corners. According to Hoyas, the best choices are fully upholstered seating pieces with soft, rounded arms and sturdy tables with curved edges.

“The tops of tables and the arms of many sofas and chairs are positioned at a child’s eye-level, so avoid sharp corners at all costs,” warned Hoyas. “Pointed edges are merely accidents waiting to happen.”

In addition to preventing harm to your family, you also should take “caution” against the many other “C” words that can threaten the lives of your furnishings, such as cookies, chips, candies, crumbs, chocolates and colas that can end up in cracks and crevices, and on cushions. To ward off spills, stains and spots, select upholstery fabrics that feature bold patterns and dark colors that help hide and disguise those occasional accidents. Also, when shopping for new upholstered furnishings, make sure fabrics are specially treated for stain protection.

There’s no question that families mean wear and tear on furniture. So, look for high-quality products that offer both durability and good looks. Look to La-Z-Boy Southcoast, located in Dartmouth.

Home “Suite” Home – Tips For Planning A Guest Room - Back To Top

A guest room can evolve from an extra bedroom, a basement or even a living room or family room. The secret to success and comfort is a simple matter of choosing the right furnishings. Following are some of La-Z-Boy Southcoast’s top furniture picks for turning any room into a comfortable, functional guestroom:

Sleep Sofas
When expecting guests, odds are, one of your first considerations will be where your guests will sleep. If your guest area is in a room that serves other purposes throughout the year, a sleep sofa can present the perfect solution. In fact, more and more shoppers who start out searching for stationary sofas are discovering that for usually less than $100 more they can upgrade to a sleep sofa and virtually add a guest room to their homes.

Sleep sofas have come a long way from their boxy, back-breaking ancestors. In addition to being more comfortable than ever, today’s sleepers are available in fashionable styles to blend with any décor from traditional to contemporary. And, given the wide variety of great looking fabric options, no longer do you have to compromise style for function.

When shopping for a sleep sofa, keep in mind that the primary purpose of a sleeper, most likely, is seating. In fact, in most cases, a sleep sofa will be used as a bed only 15 to 20 percent of the time. So, look for the same features you would in a stationary sofa. Select a design that accommodates your seating needs and style preferences, as well as one that features a comfortable mattress for sleeping.

And speaking of mattresses, when it comes to sleep sofas, a thicker mattress doesn’t necessarily mean more comfort. For the best comfort and support, she recommends mattresses five to 5 1/2-inches thick with firm innerspring construction.
Thicker mattresses often are designed with softer springs so that the mattress can easily fold back into the sofa frame. In most cases, these softer springs are less durable and offer less support than a better-constructed thinner mattress.

Chair-And-A-Half Sleepers
One of the most notable introductions to the furniture scene in the past few years is the chair-and-a-half. Ideal for smaller spaces, chair-and-a-half designs come in many variations, ranging from recliners to extended chaise designs. La-Z-Boy Southcoast, located in Dartmouth, even offers chair-and-a-half styles featuring twin sleepers built into their generously scaled frames.

These chairs provide big sitting and sleeping comfort without taking up a lot of space. They’re ideal choices for apartments, condos and smaller living spaces where a separate guest room may not be an option.

Storage Ottomans
Another ideal furniture choice for a “make-shift” guestroom is a storage ottoman. The perfect complement to the new chair-and-a-half sleepers, these extra-wide footstools feature space under their cushions where blankets, sheets and pillows can be kept easily accessible yet out of sight.

Easy Chairs
Treat guests to a comfortable retreat by positioning a comfortable easy chair – maybe even a recliner – by a window where they can curl up – or kick back – with a good book before bed or coffee.
 

When It Comes To Decorating, Consumers Stay True To Tradition - Back To Top

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Some traditions never go out of style. This is especially evident in the world of home decorating where looks come in and go out like the tide. Still, traditional home furnishings continue to offer staying power.

“There’s a psychological comfort in decorating with traditional furniture and accessories,” says Paula Hoyas, Merchandising Manager for La-Z-Boy Incorporated. “People feel at ease and secure with looks that have passed the test of time. They offer a link to our heritage and are guaranteed to never go out of style.”

In the past, traditional home furnishings were designed with a conscious adherence to the styles of the 18th and 19th centuries. But today’s traditional looks have taken on a new twist. No longer considered austere or “old fashioned,” the new traditional décor is more cosmopolitan, taking its cues from ports of call both at home and abroad.

Additionally, today’s traditional furnishings include functional features to accommodate the way people live now. For example, Queen Anne and Chippendale-style wing chairs can be found in updated versions that recline. Motion sofas, modular groupings and sleep sofas also are available in classic traditional designs, offering multi-functional comfort while keeping the “Old World” elegance.

Beyond style, color plays an important role in creating a traditional décor. Most characteristic of traditional decorating are opulent jewel-tones, including deep blues, greens and reds. These colors work together to create a rich, warm ambiance that appeals to men and women alike. The revived popularity of vintage looks has made vegetable dye colors that draw their subtle colors from the earth also very appealing.

“Also traditional by nature are pastels,” says Hoyas. “These lighter tones are ideal for adding a soft touch of elegance to any room, and are especially dramatic and effective in smaller rooms.”

Once limited to the styles and elements of eras past, traditional decorating today allows more room than ever for personal expression. In fact, a traditional room now can feature anything from an Oriental rug to an antique hunting horn. Add you own personal touches by incorporating into your décor a variety of accessories and accent pieces that reflect your interests, tastes, travels and heritage.

Today’s traditional décor is a marriage of comfort, style and personal expression. True to tradition – yet true to our age – traditional home furnishings offer time-tested appeal that will never go out of style.

La-Z-Boy Southcoast now offers traditional-style furnishings for the entire home. Drop by the showroom in Dartmouth to meet the next generation of La-Z-Boy.