When shopping around for a new couch, Signature Design sofas by Ashley are where it’s at. Especially if you love nothing more than to sink into a couch and laze about, you’ll want a microfibre suede sofa to fulfill your inner couch potato.

While it’s a lovely addition to your family room, it won’t look that way for long if you never take the time to clean it. Dust and dirt will find your micro suede couch and it will do some considerable damage. In fact, micro suede is an intimidating fabric to clean, but if you know how to do it right, it’ll be much less scary. Keep your microfibre suede sofa fresh and clean for years to come by taking a couple minutes every month to wipe it down properly.

Suck It Up

Before gathering a ton of ingredients to make a cleaning solution, check the dust level of your couch. Chances are it only looks dirty, but really, it just needs a good dusting. If that’s the case, pull out the vacuum and get to work! Couches tend to absorb a lot of dust and dirt, so vacuuming your couch every once in a while is a nice way to make it look new again. If you just suck it up, you and your couch will be a lot happier.

Check the Instructions

It’s important to find out if the couch can actually handle liquids before you start spraying your cleaning concoction all over your couch. Some suede sofas can even be stained by water, so be sure to check the label underneath your Signature Design by Ashley couch cushions, just to be cautious.

What You Need

Luckily, it doesn’t take much to create a cleaning solution for your couch. Use these three ingredients and other items to help your sofa look and smell clean once again.

• Water
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Towel
• Suede eraser
• Scrub brush

Mix the ingredients

Take a little bit of water, soap, and white vinegar and pour them into a spray bottle. A spray bottle is best so that your cleaning solution lightly covers a large area and doesn’t drench your couch. But if you don’t happen to have a spray bottle on hand, feel free to combine the ingredients in a bowl and dip a hand towel into the mixture instead. If you do have a spray bottle, go ahead and spray all over the couch, or just over the spot you want to clean. Use a towel to scrub the wet area in circular motions, which will ensure the dirt will get scrubbed off and will leave a pristine looking suede couch again. Your couch will probably look a bit darker than normal after spritzing it with water – but don’t worry! Once it dries, it will be back to its regular colour again.

Erase the Mess

For those of you who don’t find mixing natural ingredients enticing, a suede eraser would be a great and easy tool to use on your micro suede couch. It works just like an eraser and when rubbed on a dry stain will gently remove the unwanted marking. Be sure to use a scrub brush to wipe away the debris after you’re done with the suede eraser. For a quick cleanup, use this method of cleaning on smaller messes that have already dried up. Your Signature Design by Ashley will appreciate the love.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

When you close your eyes and envision your dream home and the guest room you’d have, I bet it’s a serene oasis filled with comfort, style, and all the luxuries of a fine hotel including white bed linens. Here’s the trouble with this though, it’s not real life for most of us. For many of us, a guest room is a spare room, an office, a reading room, spare TV room, and so much more. Because honestly, who has enough rooms to keep an entire proper bedroom (and then some) in their house for the odd guest? Nope, for most people, a guest room is a multi-functional room and should be treated like such (rather than just another bedroom).

With that in mind, it’s time for another edition of Splurge VS. Save: Guest Rooms.

Where to Splurge

Sofa Beds

Yes, sofa beds. Forget about a traditional mattress in the guest room and make the room much more functional (and multi-purpose) for your everyday life by investing in a quality sofa bed. Not only will you enjoy a quality sofa bed in its sofa form on a day to day basis for reading, working, or vegging with Netflix, but the quality of the sleeping experience will make it a happy one for guests.

This room offers up a serene oasis for every day working and living, while offering up the same for guests when the room requires – the best of both worlds!

A funky sofa bed in a kid’s room is also a fun way to add extra sleepover space.

Lighting

As a multi-functional room, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right lighting for all your needs. Depending on all the room’s various uses (reading room, guest room, Netflix, or office) you’ll want to be sure you have appropriate task lighting or ambiance for each. And while of course, you can really splurge on each fixture – what we mean here is, splurge on the amount of lighting – really make sure you have a great ceiling light, floor lamp, and maybe a small desk or side table lamp to create the most inviting space for any need.

Where to Save

Bookshelves

With incredible big box store bookshelves at bargain basement prices, this is where you’ll want to save your pennies. Adding some moulding to multiple store bought units and covering up the tell-tale big box ‘holes’ gives your multi-purpose guest room huge amounts of storage for a small price. The bonus is not only are all your books, photos, and other collectables displayed but your guests also have a good book at their disposal as they snuggle into your comfortable sofa bed.

Side Tables

In your master bedroom, a good side table is a must. In a guest room, however, is where you can use fun alternatives depending on how much an actual ‘side table’ is needed (ie: when that awesome sofa bed you splurged on gets used). Forget the traditional pair and maybe opt for one or better yet, scrap them all together and use a funky occasional chair when there is a need to pop a little alarm clock, a book, and that ever-important small bedside lamp.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out this great round up on The Spruce of bookshelf hacks.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

Source: CC Construction Ltd

A room refresh can brighten your mood and encourage you to use the space more often. And let’s face it, we should all gather around the table and enjoy a meal together more. So in that spirit, we’re here with some fresh inspiration with a dining room décor idea: how to mix and match your dining room chairs. Want to jump in a Delorian and see some fashion forward ideas you can do now?

Host with the Most (Chair!)

One of the easiest ways to add a bit of pop and break up the sameness of full-blown dining room furniture sets is to swap out the two captains’ seats for a fabulous wing pair chair, or another statement chair. This is a particularly great option if you have inherited a classic set from a cherished grandmother and want to add in some whimsy and on-trend home décor without sacrificing heirlooms or memories.

Colour Me Happy

Colour, oh beautiful colour, how you make us happy! When it comes to a dining room table with different chairs, it seems like the opportunities are endless when colour comes in. Here are a few examples of how you can play with colours in your dining room.

• Same chair, different colours

• Same colour, different chairs

• Different chairs, different colours

Source: Godrich Interiors on Houzz

Find a colour, chair, or colour and chair combination that speaks to you and enjoy the happiness colour brings. A fun way to pick colours for your chairs and to look at what colours your favourite dishes and serving pieces are, this way your table-scape will always be Instagram-ready.

Mix It Up

Throw a bench in, use multicoloured chairs on the other side, and have the hosts flanking the table in style. Maybe add in a high backed sofa bench or some table height stools. The options really are endless when it comes to this mix and match dining room trend. Canadel has some really lovely on-trend pieces of dining room furniture that work really well as stand-alone items in a mix and match dining room.

Accents Galore!

We all dream of hosting the Pinterest perfect party, but ugly folding chairs from the basement don’t really help that dream stay alive. Draw from around the house (as long as they are table height) and grab all your accent chairs to create a look worthy of a spread in the latest Anthropologie catalogue.

Inspired? Shop our dining room chairs and tables to find the perfect addition to your new dining room.

Looking for more dining room inspiration? Find it on our blog.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

When we were young, a sofa and a coffee table in front of the TV often acted as our dining room. But as we grew older, the need to have a more “formal” dining place for entertaining and/or family dinners suddenly started to make sense.

If this is the first time that you are shopping for dining room furniture, and because buying a new dining room set is a major decision, here is a list of 6 things you need to consider while shopping.

1) Space

The first thing to think about is the space you have for the table. I suggest that you draw out the room dimensions first. You will need to allow 42 to 46 inches (107 to 117 centimeters) between the table and the wall edge in order for a person to rise comfortably and push their chair away from the table.

2) Traffic Flow

Review the traffic patterns by considering where traffic enters and exits the room. Does the hostess have room to move around the table? Do you plan to serve “family-style” or will the guests serve themselves? If family
and friends are getting up and down you will require more traffic space.

The following sketch shows you how to calculate traffic flow.

3) Table Size

In order to accommodate serving dishes, you will need to look at a table that is a minimum of 36 inches to 42 inches (91 to 107 centimeters). If you don’t need a large table now but would occasionally like one for those special occasions, you may want to consider a table with one or more extensions (leaves).

Your guests need to be comfortable. You need to allow 24 inches (60 centimeters) of table space per person around the table in order to ensure your friends and family can enjoy their time around the table together. For extra elbow room allow for 30 inches (76 centimeters). How many people usually sit at the table? Here’s a useful drawing to save you some time:

4) Table & Chair Height

Table height is another consideration. Most tables are 30 inches (76 centimeters) in height. The height of the chair seat is generally about 18 inches (46 centimeters) from the floor. In most cases the distance from the tabletop to the seat of the chair should be at least 12 inches (30 centimeters).

Tables over 30 inches, commonly known as pub-height tables (42 inches) or counter-height tables (36 inches), are also available from many manufacturers. These tables are particularly suitable for more casual environments.

Just like tables, chairs are available in various heights (for obvious reasons). Most collections will offer two heights – the highest chairs can also be used for lunch counters.

5) Table & Chair Design

Another thing to review is the leg style of the table. The selection of a custom table allows you to select what leg style suits your style preference as well as your entertaining needs. You will want to note that the selection of a pedestal style base gives you more seating space since none of your guests will have to struggle with the table legs.

When it comes to choosing your chairs, you must consider not only your preferred style but also comfort, especially if you like to spend long hours chatting around the table. The back of the chair, as well as the seat width, will determine how comfortable the chair is.

A bench is another very popular option that is perfectly suited to small spaces since it can slide completely under the table when not in use.

Depending on your lifestyle, the type of cover you choose for your chair (or bench) will be equally important. Wood, plastic and metal chairs, or one with leather covers, are ideal for young families, whereas a fabric cover, especially plain, will require more care. Fortunately, you can now find high performance fabrics that are stain resistant and easy to clean.

6) Multifunctionality

Is there some adjacent space nearby such as counter or bar height area in an open concept kitchen/dining that can be used for serving dishes or even to seat additional guests? Sometimes the younger generation likes the feel of being part of the event but appreciates the freedom that sitting at a bar stool brings.

Speaking about serving dishes – you will want to consider a server or open buffet to have those extra plates and platters readily available for that uncle who insists on a healthy second helping.

Console tables and occasional furniture are also great ways to maximize the service area of your dining room. Once the focal point of more formal spaces, the hutch over a buffet is almost no longer used.

Dining room furniture will always remain a personal choice influenced by factors such as lifestyle, style preferences, budget, space available and the number of years we wish to keep our furniture. Whatever the case, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when choosing finishes or combining unexpected elements.

Bon appetit!

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

Source: Earthscape

Everyone dreams of having a little outdoor retreat to call their own. A place that you and your family can go to just enjoy the fresh air and the warm sun. Everyone’s dream space looks a little bit different, but no matter what end result you’re after, there are five elements you must consider.

#1 The Furniture

In order for your outdoor living space to feel like a true extension of your home and to make it cozy and welcoming, you need to start from the ground up by selecting your furniture and accessories.

First, pick your dining set. Depending on the size of your patio, several options are available. Think in terms of seating; if you like to entertain several guests at the same time, consider a dining set that offers at least 6 seating places. If all you have available is a small balcony, then a 2-piece set is what you need. A small server on wheels may be a good choice to keep those large platters or refreshing drinks off of the dining table.

Wouldn’t it be nice to relax and enjoy a drink (or two) in a more casual setting? How about an outdoor living room? Larger spaces will easily accommodate a sectional while others may require individual pieces such as a loveseat and armchairs. When selecting your pieces, make sure that your guests will have enough room to maneuver around.

Source: Hobson Landscape

To cozy up your new outdoor living space, consider adding an outdoor rug to bring the seating area together and coffee table and/or side tables to provide a spot for those delicious summer cocktails and cold beers. Garden stools and bar carts are also other items you can consider to make your space more practical.

But before making your final decision, make sure you have a look at the materials. Not all materials are created equal and not only would they affect the care and maintenance of your outdoor furniture pieces but they will also have an impact on how you would be able to store them when comes winter.

Want to learn more about outdoor furniture materials, read our previous blog Outdoor Furniture: Types of Materials.

#2 The Kitchen

If your outdoor living space is going to include an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to coordinate your counters and any appliances you’ll be installing, whether that’s a BBQ, fridge, or a sink.

The layout of your outdoor cooking space will have a huge effect on how quick and easy it is for you to navigate while using it. Think about the functional layout of the appliances but also consider the aesthetic appeal.

If you plan on having many guests over, it may end up being a better choice to have the grill on full display to the seating area, but you should also think about whether the layout will be conducive to conversation so that those in the kitchen can converse while cooking.

You can learn more about outdoor kitchen design in this article: Become the King or Queen of Your Outdoor Kitchen

#3 The Mood

Source: Earthscape

Once the basics of your outdoor living area have been put together, it’s time to figure out the mood of it. These next elements are going to bring things together and completely decide the mood of your outdoor living space.

First, think about lighting. The perfect lighting will transform your space in the evening and invite your guests to relax and linger. Add candles, lanterns, or strung lights to make your space welcoming. If you can, add a chandelier on a dimmable switch to help you set the mood for any occasion.

Your surroundings are also a big component of the mood you want to create. Think about privacy and install large plants and privacy screens where needed. This is when you’ll likely begin thinking about the landscaping around the entertaining area.

Finally, what is outdoor entertaining without music? Wireless outdoor speakers controlled via your smartphone now comes in different shapes and sizes, you just have to pick the right ones for you.

#4 Heating & Cooling

No one will ever want to use an outdoor living area that’s too cold or too hot all of the time. That’s why you need to think about patio heaters or a fireplace for the cooler nights.

For the hot days, think about shade which can come in the form of a basic umbrella or an elaborate patio cover that can be retracted as needed. Use natural shade where possible to help keep the seating area comfortable. Outdoor fans may also help make your living space more enjoyable too.

Whenever you add an element into the space to help control the climate, think about whether it is controllable (like a fan or fireplace that can be turned off).

#5 The Uninvited Guests

Finally, to keep your outdoor living space in full swing with nothing bugging you, consider the extras that you might find useful to install in your outdoor living space.

One such extra is an insect repellent like a bug zapper that will keep the area around your outdoor living space fully enjoyable all day and night. Citronella candles, OFF Deep Woods spray, mosquito nets are other options that can also help you enjoy the outdoors.

Now, are you ready to put together your dream living space? Go ahead and have fun in making your backyard your family’s own personal oasis.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert