New Styles From Wesley Hall

The Table Too Cocktail Ottoman  Here's the perfect blend of practicality and versatility! The luxurious tufting and beautiful hand-finished wood base of the Table Too Cocktail Ottoman are real head-turners, but it's the dual-purpose utility of this piece that will motivate consumers to buy.

The Marilyn Sofa and Chair An homage to the shapely Hollywood legend, this sofa in a sumptuous celadon chenille was a huge market success, as was the correlating leather chair. Both pieces feature a beautifully curved back, with the cushions cradled in the curved back rail. Comfort down seat cushions and Blendown backs fulfill the promise of exquisite comfort.

A Bevy of Beautiful  Chairs   Each of our fall chair introductions features an updated interpretation of classic design with the clean lines and stylish comfort preferred by today's consumer. Just a couple of examples: The Devon The Sterling

Seating for Today's Open Living/Dining Area Dining chairs have an additional role to play in today's open floor plans. Our four introductions add beauty and comfort at the dining table while providing occasional seating in the great room. For example: The Madeline The Vogue

October High Point Market Finds

High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina is the biggest location and show in all of North America to see all the newest styles and designs for the coming season. Pre-planning is very important because the show is only five days in length and you could spend weeks getting through all the vendors showrooms. Our plan is always to visit our current suppliers to see their new introductions and visit a select number of new vendors to see what make a nice addition to our sales floor.
This past October was a great market with lots of new introductions and we've ordered a number of new products which will soon be making their way into the store. Here's some photos of some of the things we saw at market.
Plan to visit us to see all the great new upholstery, bedrooms, dining rooms and accessories for your home!

Furniture Sideboards - Unsung Heros

By Nancy Lindemeyer (with thanks from our supplier, Hooker Furniture) 

Since the 1700s, sideboards have been serving as one of the home’s most useful pieces of furniture and not getting that much credit. A couple of centuries ago, the practical English began bringing in the long, slender hall table into the dining room, especially for entertaining in stately country houses. Thomas Chippendale got the idea to attach cabinets and drawers to the “board” and thus we have been making variations ever since.

Grandover Buffet

Just think of all the functions this stalwart piece of furniture provides: a place for serving as well as a bar; a wonderful stage for beautiful displays of flowers and collectibles; a safe haven to store flatware, stemware, linens, you name it. Hooker Furniture’s Grandover buffet is an example of beauty and functionality. It has the ageless quality of European design and great storage, including side drawers that swing out. So let’s give the sideboard its due in this season when entertaining moves inside the house and sideboards really come in handy. Here are five ways to enjoy your sideboard this season.

• A display of autumn fruits and flowers: Instead of the big floral arrangement in the center of the sideboard, why not have a huge bowl of apples? (Local or heritage varieties are preferable.) Smaller vases of bittersweet flanking the apples bring autumn’s color scheme inside with one simple stroke. Or use the bittersweet as a wreath around the bowl, which is also a great place for cider or punch when the apples have all been munched away or taken to the kitchen for baked apples or pie.

• Hunt breakfast buffet: No need to have horses and hounds for a hunt breakfast. It’s a wonderful way to entertain for a casual Saturday or Sunday at home. A chaffing dish with scrambled eggs, savory slices of ham or bacon, biscuits with herbed butter (recipe below), and a fresh-baked pie or coffee cake. It’s an inviting serve-yourself way to entertain graciously–or simply to enjoy with your own family. (For recipes including wonder of muffins and breakfast breads, consult “Sarahbeth’s Bakery, From My Hands to Yours.” Every page is mouth watering.)

• Afternoon tea, anyone? Silver tea sets have found a place of honor on sideboards over the years. But you don’t need to be that formal to stage a delightful tea in your dining room. Why not try a tea tasting? Make it easy with an electric kettle, a variety of tea bags from the most popular Earl Grey to fruited teas, and a bevy of cups…maybe the ones you’ve collected over the years. Aside, sugar, cream, lemon. Of course, the Brits never use anything but milk in their tea. To make things really easy, add an array of cupcakes. Of course, if you’d like a formal setting, what could be lovelier on your beautifully polished sideboard? It is a spread that would make Chippendale proud.

• By candlelight: Dining in the flickering romantic light of candles is divine. Turn off the electric lights and festoon your sideboard with candles–fat, thin, tall, tea lights. Of course, dripless will keep the surface of your furniture wax-free. But if you do get a drop or two of wax, simply heat with a hair dryer and rub off with a soft cloth or freeze with an ice cube and scrape gently with something thin like a credit card. Hurricane lamps are often a staple on sideboards and they can be the basis for candlelight dinner. Be mindful of scented candles that can clash with the wonderful food aromas. And you might want to get creative this season and find a selection of all the pumpkin, gourds, and fruit candles out there. Even when not lit, they are lots of creative fun. (I love tree candles in white, green, and gold in all sizes at Christmas.)

• Instant Art: With a stand like those used for cookbooks, you can have a wonderful piece of artwork every day. Turn to a spread in your art, decorating, or cookbooks and display it to suit your mood. Those large coffee table books now have a new purpose and you don’t have to juggle them on your lap. Or you might take a framed photograph or artwork from another room and display it to create the mood for a party or festive dinner.  Want to have Venice in view with your favorite Italian dish? As the French say, “Voila!”

• Summary: Dining Room Furniture Sideboards and Servers are not necessary evils—simply a place to stash stuff.  They are perhaps the best buy you’ll ever make for your home and lifestyle.  Enjoy.

Home Design Trends 2012

Looking ahead to home design trends for spring/summer 2012 means looking back in time and bringing the familiar into the future. Trend Bible, a UK-based trend-forecasting firm, gathers data on social, economical, cultural and consumer behaviors in order to create an image of what the future may look like. Trend Bible's forecasts are designed to help predict behaviors that result in commercially successful products for retailers and brands.

Based on four key design, color and material directions, Trend Bible's preview of what's in store for home interiors next year mixes the manmade with the hand-made in color schemes from muted to eye-popping and traditional to eccentric.


Visionnaire
Math and science converge with art to create a modern, almost futuristic, look for the home. From soft pastels like seafoam green and lavender to sharp, near-neon brights like lime green and tomato red, the mood is playful and familiar. A blend of natural and manmade elements lends a polished edge, where angular shapes meet with rough unfinished wood textures. Refracted light patterns from layered transparencies, ombre effects and dripped-like random patterning add to the mix of the new modern interior.



Natural selection
Earth and nature come together in this clean, edited home where everything is perfectly imperfect. Essential pieces bring together the feel of handmade and the familiar of worn and lived-in. Wood is distressed, and leather is aged. With luxe finishes on decorative accessories and textiles, hints of metallic in upholstery fabrics, and shimmering precious metal glazes on earthenware, the look is honest and wholesome without being kitschy or ethnic. The palette of browns, greige, terracotta, muted blues and shots of lavender and rose pink are naturally appealing and authentic.

Palm Springs
The laid-back West Coast style -- Palm Springs circa 1970 -- evokes memories of a leisurely life and the quest for utopian pursuits. Remnants of mod architecture, abstract patterns, loud florals, tropical backdrops, lush velvets and eccentric color combinations fuse to become the new cool in home interiors. Look for sky blues, mint greens, dark purples, gray/greens, turquoise, periwinkle, magenta, and sunny yellows to be your inspiration for a rejuvenating and healing environment.




Sentiment
The Brits are coming … From the resurgence of British textile design houses to next year's London Olympics, it's all about bringing out the best of the Great Britain's post-industrial heritage, celebrating the art of manufacturing, and throwing in some nostalgia for comfort. The focus is on exposing construction while taking the concept of "inside-out" to new extremes. Think chunky metal hardware and exposed zippers and seams. Or mix Liberty's floral prints with utilitarian cottons and canvases to create something decidedly modern yet familiar. It's also a world where tents inspire fabric walls and wallpapering exterior walls stretches your design aesthetic. The colors are as prim and proper as the china for high tea: light pinks; mint, sage and dark greens; and dark turquoise grounded with terra cotta.


We'll be looking for these earthy, modern, industrial and retro trends to bring to our store when we visit the High Point Furniture Market in October. We'll keep you posted and give you an update when we return.

2011-2012 Home And Textile Directions

Value and craftsmanship reign in textile trends in 2011, 2012

From High Point Furniture Market - Fall 2011 Preview:

This January, the Trend Pavilion featured four themes in home and contracted textiles as forecasted for the next two years, compiled by the Future Laboratory, a London-based trend-forecasting agency. Tying the trends together was the show's title, "Reconnect," which was based on current trends that look toward both the past and future, connecting cultural traditions, nature and classic design with new technologies.

A return to the essential and traditional
The first of the four trends, titled "Sobriety," is characterized by quality, longevity, sustainability and significance. "In this new context, a new generation of designers are researching forgotten skills and traditional craftsmanship is making a comeback," according to the Future Laboratory.

Classically styled decorative accessories will dominate this theme, as textiles will be available in pure, clean, timeless designs. Many designs also will reinterpret the classic designs of the 1950s. A soft palette of pastels finishes this trend, with lavender, gold, rose and mint complements grey-tinted white and black.

High-tech blends with craftsmanship
What's old is new. What once clashed now co-exists. The trend "Mix Mash" is all about experimental aesthetics. Innovation and cultural tradition are combined. Think unconventional brushstrokes, chaotic designs and artistic graphics that generate energy. The Mix Mash palette, not surprisingly, incorporates vivid hues. Lively orange is featured extensively; accented by turquoise, lime green, bright violet and indigo.

Celebration of the pure, modest and unadorned
Like "Sobriety," the third theme, "Utility," stands for simplicity and accessibility. "Designed for everyday use, Utility products give greater meaning to their relationship with the user and suggest a longer lifespan," according to the trend report. Well-made, long-lasting materials resemble industrial yet refined styling.

Utility's palette combines shaded hues, such as hunter green, navy and dark gray, with bright colors, such as tomato red and gold. Gray and peach finish off the palette.

Getting back to nature
The final trend is "Wilderness." Some consumers are tired of the high-tech, high-consumption world, and are breaking free of their life in a radical way, says Future Laboratory. "A new organic look is being created, which captures nature in all its forms, characteristics and materials."

Crafts from the past, such as milling, braiding and wicker-weaving, are making a comeback. Products feature materials in a raw, untreated state. You'll see wool, straw, cork and other natural materials. Wilderness swatches include dark greens, grays and black, in addition to toned hues, such as cream, camel, terra cotta and green-tinted gray

The Ultimate Serta Mattress

Recently we had the opportunity to visit the Serta headquarters in Toronto to view the latest mattress design - IComfort. To say this could be a revolutionary redesign for the way you sleep might be just a tad over the top ... but it's pretty close!

These new Serta mattresses feature a Cool Action Gel Memory Foam. Basically Serta has injected a gel into the memory foam which offers superior pressure relief and more support where you need it. The biggest plus is the memory foam is cool. If you think about it, do you find your bed gets warmer as you sleep during the night? That's due to the traditional memory foam. Injecting the special gel keeps the bed cooler and more comfortable for sleeping.

In addition, Serta has rolled out their own version of the adjustable bed in conjunction with the IComfort mattresses. Offering multiple control and massage, it's cool and priced well below those TV advertorial motion bed companies - plus Serta is a name you know and trust.

                                (Scan the QR code above with your Smart Phone for full specs)


These new IComfort will have limited distribution and Almira is proud to be one of the retailers showcasing this new product in Canada. We invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

Let's Talk Leather - Part Two - Dye & Protective Coatings

In part one we discussed how leather was created and the different types of leather. In part two we'll look at Dye and Protective Coatings.

Full Aniline Dye: - Hides are immersed in a transparent aniline dye allowing the natural markings to show through then rotated on drums until the dye completely penetrates from front to back. No protective coat is applied making the most luxurious of leathers. Generally reserved for premium leathers, it's also the reason they're so vulnerable to stains. As it is a natural product, variations throughout the grain will be seen on the final product.

Semi-Aniline Dye: - Used on corrected leathers. Despite the name, hides are dyed through but then a layer of pigment is sprayed on top to even out variations. A thin coat of lacquer seals in the colour, resulting in leather that's almost as soft as premium leather, yet harder wearing and protected against fading and staining.

Surface Pigment: - Used only on the cheapest hides, primary bi-casts. The pigment sits on top and is sealed with lacquer resulting in stiffer surface. Easily identified because the back is not the same colour as the front. The raw hide will show through if nicked or scratched and is susceptible to cracking and splitting.

Quality leather isn't an expense, it's an investment that looks better the more you use it. There's a place for bi-cast and bonded leathers but it's a false economy to think they are cheaper. Top grain full and semi-aniline dyed leathers cost more up front but last longer, age well and hold their value better.
It's confusing out there. Terms like "All Leather" and "Top Grain Seating" can lead you to believe you're looking at a quality piece of furniture when it's just the opposite. If you know what you are looking for though, it makes it that much easier to ask the right questions.

Let's Talk Leather - Part One - How Is Leather Created/Types of Leather

Leather is the strongest, most durable and practical upholstery covering and will outlast fabric four to five times.
From Hide to Leather:
After cleaning and conditioning, hides are sorted according to quality. Because leather furniture requires large unblemished hides, it is the most expensive upholstery covering per square foot. The outside surface of the hide is cut away from the rest and reduced by a series of rollers to a thickness between 0.9 and 1.4mm. Because the cells are closer together in this layer, it's the strongest, most supple and durable part of the hide. The layer below - called the split - is thicker and stiffer but not as strong.

Real Leather, Fake Leather & The Stuff In-Between:
Top Grain Leather: - The outer layer - or top grain - is the most desirable for furniture. Nature adds its share of markings, often requiring sanding, protein injection treatments to retain suppleness and a protective coating. This process - called correction - adds heat and light protection and makes it more resistant to spills. The more correction, the lower the quality. Those top grain hides requiring no correction, the rarest and most expensive are called full grain or full top grain. These premium leathers are incredibly comfortable because the leather can breathe. However, they are susceptible to staining and marking.
Bi-Cast Leather: - Made from the split hide below the top grain, it's vinyl coated to resit cracking, splitting and peeling. While this helps, it doesn't come near matching the durability and fell of top grain leather.
Bonded Leather: - The leather equivalent of particleboard, it contains only about 17% leather in the backing. What looks like leather is actually vinyl.

Cleaning Your Solid Wood Furniture

There are many misconceptions about how to maintain your solid wood furniture and this is not helped by some of the advertising for household cleaning products. Here's a few tips to keep your furniture looking good.

Dust frequently with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Clean the surface by rubbing in the direction of the grain.
Polish HIGH SHEEN FINISHES every six months, using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Always rub in the direction of the grain.

DO NOT polish LOW SHEEN FINISHES (flat or satin). Wash these finishes with a mild liquid hand soap mixed with water - a spray bottle is helpful. Use a soft cotton or flannel cloth to thoroughly dry the surface immediately, always wiping in the direction of the grain.
Of the three types of furniture care products, we recommend only POLISHES.
Polishes contain detergents, emulsifiers and mineral oil. Detergents clean dirt from furniture, emulsifiers give it body to clean and last longer, mineral oil is left behind as a barrier to dirt and moisture.

We strongly suggest you AVOID silicone cleaners and waxes.
Silicone seeps into even the highest-quality finishes, creating a barrier that repels stain and lacquer. This makes it virtually impossible to re-finish or touch-up furniture, or maintain consistency in the finish shine.
The regular use of waxes may result in a build-up of wax film, which can actually attract dirt, smoke and other pollutants in the air, resulting in smudges and streaks. Many waxes also contain grit which can permanently damage furniture surfaces if used improperly.

Caring For Solid Wood Furniture

You've made the investment in quality solid wood furniture, giving it the regular care and attention it deserves will keep it looking good for many years to come. Here are a few tips to keep it looking its' best!
To avoid fading, keep your furniture out of direct sunlight and unless you have blinds you can close during the day, avoid placing it directly under windows.

Avoid wood stress from extreme temperature changes by arranging your furniture away from radiators, heat and air vents, and air conditioning units. Excessive moisture in the air will swell wood furniture, if it is too dry it can cause the wood to crack.
Use cloth/felt pads to protect your furniture from flowerpots, vases, hot dishes, etc as some items contain ingredients that can damage the finish.

Avoid staining by cleaning up spills immediately. Use a blotting motion rather than wiping. Water left for a prolonged period may cause white spots while alcohol, perfume, after-shave and medications will damage the finish if not quickly removed.
Periodically rotate accessories on your furniture so they don't always sit on the same spot. The colour of wood will change over time by exposure to light and if items are not moved, their outline will become very visible in the finish.

And always use a protective pad when writing on a wood surface.
By following these simple tips, you will enjoy your furniture for a lifetime!

Upholstery & Leather News

In addition to our Solid Wood Furnishings, Almira represents some of the finest upholstery collections in North America. Wesley Hall is one of our favorites. With almost 1000 fabrics, trims, cords and multiple wood finishes, we can create a piece uniquely your own. Recently Wesley Hall launched their "Signature Elements" Collection. Featuring a menu of easy-to-choose style and size options, it becomes very easy and affordable to create a custom look while meeting your practical lifestyle and floor plan requirements. The "Signature Elements" Collection lets you select an arm style, the number of seat cushions (attached, loose back, etc), type of leg and more!

Our leather selection also continues to grow. Yesterday's generic brown leathers are giving way to delectable brandies and caramels, as well as gorgeous shades of teal, citrus and pewter. These high fashion hues are perfect companions for fabric upholstery and much more acceptable by our home furnishings consumers.

If you are thinking about new upholstery for your home, we invite you to visit our store. We'd love to have you sink into a comfortable sofa or chair and discover why Wesley Hall is one of our favorites!