BrandSource Canada Blog – Page 15

February 3, 2019

5 Ways to Design Your Tempur-Pedic Bed and Room for Better Sleep

We all know that coffee and sweets before bed don’t add up to a restful night of sleep, but did you know your bedroom can also be helping or hurting your nightly Z’s?

That’s right, the way you arrange your room can have a big impact on how you sleep at night! If you’ve been tossing and turning despite following all the conventional bedtime wisdom, it might be time to take a closer look at your space. Here are a few ways you can spruce up your room and feel more rested on your Tempur-Pedic while you’re at it!

That Blue Light, Don’t Want It

You’ve probably heard this a hundred times before: don’t use your cell phone before bed! But that warning is about more than just the dangers of getting caught up stalking exes on Instagram – it’s about the blue light that most electronic screens emit.

TVs, computers, and even digital alarm clocks all send signals to your brain saying, “It’s daytime, get up and at ‘em!” Not exactly what you want in your space when you’re trying to sleep on your Tempur-Pedic bed. So, try to make sure TVs and computers are off and covered up at night, phones are far out of reach, and alarm clocks are dimmed or swapped out for analog options. Your brain will thank you!

Paint the Town Blue

Or if not the whole town, at least your room! Some studies have shown that people sleeping in blue bedrooms on average get about two hours more sleep than people sleeping in rooms painted purple or brown. Blue is considered a calming colour, associated with rest and relaxation, which helps signal to your brain it’s time to chill out and get your snooze on. A fresh coat of paint or at least some blue drapes can make a big difference in the quantity and quality of your sleep.

Here Comes the Sun

While we’re on the subject of drapes, you’ll want to make sure you invest in a good set for your bedroom. Light is the sworn enemy of a good night’s sleep, so be sure to cover your windows well. Street lights, passing cars, and the sun in the wee hours of the morning can disturb your rest and keep you from getting that refreshing REM sleep you need. Regular old blinds might look nice, but they tend to let light in between the slats. Blackout curtains are a great way to keep out unwanted light and make your bedroom feel more cozy and private.

Spring Cleaning

You don’t need a major room remodel to make your space more comfortable! Cleaning up clutter can make a world of difference in your nightly sleep. A messy space can cause anxiety and keep you from resting well, so spruce up a bit before you get cozy. A clean room and Tempur-Pedic mattress also limit late-night mental stimulation, so you’re not constantly distracted with visual reminders of all the things you have to get done in the morning.

Here is a complete cleaning list for your bedroom Your Complete Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist

Be Bed-er

Of course, the most important part of your room’s sleep hygiene is your bed. Your Tempur-Pedic bed should be perfectly set up for rest and relaxation, so that you just can’t help but doze off the second you hit the sheets. That means clean, cozy blankets, plenty of pillows, and of course, a mattress that suits you perfectly.

Your Tempur-Pedic mattress should be switched out approximately every five to seven years, or at the first visible signs of wear and tear. If you spend hours just trying to get comfortable every night or wake up with aches and pains all over, a new mattress should be the first bedroom upgrade you look for. There’s no single mattress type that fits everyone, so come into our store to try out all the options we have in stock, from soft to firm, twin to king, pillowtop to memory foam. A comfortable Tempur-Pedic bed is the first step toward the sleep of your dreams!

Your sleep is important, so make sure your room is doing its best to guide you into dreamland every night! If your sleepless nights are being caused by a faulty mattress, come on down to our store. We have everything you need for a better night’s sleep, and our expert associates are ready with even more tips and pointers to help you start resting easier every night.

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

February 3, 2019

The Benefits of a Signature Design by Ashley Headboard

So, you’re giving your bedroom a whole new look, a breath of fresh air, a total makeover. Do you have everything you need?

Fun furniture for lounging? Check. A functional place to display all your favourite knick-knacks? Check. A new mattress to step up your sleep game? Check. How about a headboard to go with it? Uhhh …

The headboard is an easily forgotten addition to your bedroom, but having one can make a big difference! Whether you’re worried about staying stylish or keeping as cozy as possible while you sleep, a new Signature Design by Ashley headboard will be there for you.

They’re Stylish

Signature Design headboards come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles to suit any bedroom. Whether you like to keep it simple with a plain metal frame or want to lounge in luxury with a fully upholstered headboard, Signature Design by Ashley has options for you. If you have a small room, a sleek headboard with gaps you can see the wall though can actually make the room look more spacious. If you’re struggling to fill a larger room, a taller, heavier headboard can cozy up the room in no time.

They’re Comfortable

You might not be sleeping on it, but having a headboard can actually make your nightly rest much more comfortable. For one thing, those pesky pillows won’t slip through the crack between your bed and the wall anymore, so you can sleep a little more soundly. During the winter, a headboard also has the benefit of keeping you warmer. Cold air can seep into your house from the walls and putting a headboard between yourself and those chilly walls can keep you comfy all year round.

A headboard is also great for leaning up against if you’re doing some late-night reading or watching TV. Especially if you choose an upholstered headboard, you can get a little more back support and a little more comfort during your evening lounging hours.

They’re Easy to Clean

Over time, sleeping up against a bare wall can deal a lot of damage to the paint, and leave you with dirty, even stained walls. Especially if your walls are a lighter colour, sweat, heat, and nightly tossing and turning can leave your walls in desperate need of cleaning or even repainting. With a headboard between you and the wall, your paint is protected, and you have a much more easily cleanable (or replaceable) surface to work with.

They’re Good Luck

According to the principles of Feng Shui (the Chinese art of promoting positive energy flow through your living space), a headboard can have positive effects on your life and emotional state. A sturdy, wooden headboard without slats or holes is said to give your relationship a strong foundation, or if you’re single, attract a steady relationship. They’re also said to protect your sleeping head from stress and negative energy. Of course, science has yet to prove these claims, but you’ll never know for sure how a headboard will affect your emotional energy until you try one!

A headboard is a great addition to any home, and it might just be that finishing touch you’ve been looking for to complete your room makeover. For headboard options in any style, at any budget, come on down to our store! We have all the choices you could dream of, at prices that will make you pinch yourself. Visit our store or give us a call for more information today!

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

February 2, 2019

Induction vs. Electric Cooktops – How to Make the Most Out of Your Whirlpool Kitchen

Whether you’re trying to cook more, eat healthier, or even go vegan (good luck with that one!) the way we eat and prepare food is almost always part of our hopes for the new year. So when you’re searching for ways to step up your cooking game, make sure you’re getting the most out of your kitchen. The right Whirlpool cooktop can make a world of difference in your new culinary adventure, so make sure you know all the basics, and pick out the perfect one for your needs.

Most people might think of traditional gas burners when they think of getting a new cooktop, but both Whirlpool electric and induction cooktops are gaining popularity in contemporary kitchens, and generating a lot of buzz in the culinary world. But what are the differences, and how can they affect the home cooking you plan to do this year? Before you take the leap into a new Whirlpool cooktop for your new year goals, check out some of the things that set these two appliance types apart to decide which one will help you make the most of your new year.

Induction Cooktops

The Basics

First things first, what is induction? Many people have heard the term swirling around but aren’t sure exactly what it means. Essentially, Whirlpool induction cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that use magnets to generate heat. We’ll leave the science of it all to the scientists, but what that means for you is that, rather than heating up a burner, which transfers heat to the pan, your induction cooktop heats up the pan directly, allowing for more precise cooking.

Safety

One of the major appeals of Whirlpool induction cooktops is how safe they are. They require an induction compatible pan to start heating, so even if the power is on, your heating elements won’t get hot until the pan is placed on the surface. Conversely, heating stops instantly once the pan is removed from the surface. Though the pan may have transferred some heat onto the cooktop, it quickly dissipates, leaving the cooktop safe to touch in no time.

Efficiency

Efficiency is perhaps the Whirlpool induction cooktop’s best quality. Induction cooktops boil water nearly twice as fast as electric and can achieve the kind of precise temperature control that pro chefs love about gas cooktops. When you can cook food twice as fast, you’ll have no trouble at all sticking to your resolutions to stop eating out so much.

Convenience

Though Whirlpool induction cooktops are convenient in how easy they are to clean (the smooth tops are as simple to wipe down as your kitchen counter), they do come with a few inconvenient quirks. Because these cooktops use magnets to function, you will need special, induction compatible cookware. Cast iron works on induction, as does any pot made of ferromagnetic iron, but some of your cookware likely won’t make the cut.

Additionally, because all the parts are built in underneath the cooktop’s surface, induction cooktops can also be difficult to repair. However, with your local appliance store on hand ready with all the replacement parts and repair services you need, repairing a broken induction cooktop doesn’t need to be any harder than a phone call to our store!

Affordability

Proportionate to their benefits, induction cooktops also tend to be more expensive than other types. The technology is still relatively new to the market, and induction is only just getting its big break, so expect prices to stay high for the time being. If you’re sold on induction but hung up on the price tag, however, you can always find the latest models at the lowest prices at our store!

Electric Cooktops

The Basics

Whirlpool Electric cooktops are pretty straightforward: they use electricity to heat up coils, which then cook your food. What’s nice about them is that they have different options you can choose from. Radiant smoothtops and electric coil cooktops both have their pros and cons, but the versatility and simplicity of electric makes it a gem of a choice.

Safety

Electric cooktops have some safety benefits over gas cooktops, as they don’t involve open flame or the possibility of gas leaks, but induction cooktops have them beat in this department. Electric cooktops are slow to cool and can remain quite hot even after the coils have stopped glowing. Some more modern cooktops have heat indicators, which stay on for as long as the cooktop remains warm, but most rely on you to keep little ones away from the burners long after the dish is complete.

Efficiency

It’s hard to stand up against Whirlpool induction in the efficiency department, but many electric smoothtops hold their own against gas at least. They are quick to heat and allow for steady simmering. A good electric cooktop won’t let you down when you’re sautéing those veggies, though don’t expect it to keep pace with the heating speed of induction.

Convenience

Smoothtops are as easy to clean as induction – since the whole surface is a single glass pane, you can wipe spills up easily with a cloth or paper towel. Coil cooktops might not be quite so easy to clean, but their convenience lies in the ease of replacing broken parts. A faulty coil can be easily unplugged and inexpensively replaced, unlike induction cooktops, which will require a specialist to fix. Finally, unlike induction, neither electric cooktop type requires special cookware. So feel free to use your favourite pots and pans!

Affordability

Whirlpool Electric cooktops are among the most affordable cooktop you can own. They’re cheap to buy and cheap to operate, making them a great upgrade from your rickety old gas cooktop at a reasonable price. If you’re shopping on a budget, you’re more likely to find a high-quality electric option in your price range than any other cooktop type!

This year, treat yourself to a Whirlpool cooktop that will help you make the most of your kitchen and check off your resolutions list with ease. If you’re still wondering which cooktop will work best for you, stop by our store or give us a call! We’re happy to help you explore your options and get you even closer to all your New Year’s cooking goals.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

February 2, 2019

5 Bosch Appliance Trends to Look Out for in 2019

New year, new you … new kitchen? As we welcome 2019, we’re looking forward to a whole new year of innovation and style in appliance design. Appliances like Bosch are improving by leaps and bounds every year, so get ahead of the curve in 2019! When you start your appliance shopping this year, keep an eye on these hot trends from Bosch that are sure to take the kitchen by storm.

1. Black Stainless Steel

The reign of plain old stainless is over and black stainless is here to take its place.

Although stainless steel appliances have been a mainstay in Canadian kitchens for the past decade, some appliance shoppers have found the look cold and uninviting, and all that shiny metal that once looked so futuristic is starting to seem dated. Regardless of your feelings on stainless steel, with the passage of time comes the changing of fashion, and now the warm, bold look of black stainless is all the rage. This trend is just starting to pick up steam and will likely continue full force into 2019 and beyond. So, if you’re thinking of updating your kitchen appliances soon, don’t get left behind in the land of plain old stainless steel, and start building your gorgeous Bosch black stainless collection.

2. Reimagined Ovens

The old bottom-hinge oven door is so over. Instead of hunching and reaching and hoping your oven door doesn’t swing shut on your hands, several brands are reimagining the traditional wall oven. Side opening ovens by Bosch are taking centre stage in a major way, and for good reason. Not only are they easier to use — especially for people in wheelchairs or with coordination problems — they also look sleek and gorgeous. As more and more brands are releasing French door ovens designed for home use, we expect this trend to take over the market big time this year.

3. Smart Appliances

Leave those old analog appliances in the past! 2019 is the year of smart everything, and that includes your appliances.

Nearly every major appliance brand on the market has at least one smart model available, and we only expect that number to grow. Now, you can control your appliances from across the house with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, or while away from home with your smartphone. Who doesn’t want to get work done around the house more easily? Bosch Home Connected appliances make mealtime, cleanup, and everyday living simple, and now that the smart appliance train has left the station, it’ll be full speed ahead all through 2019.

4. Under-the-Counter Appliances

Home design and appliance design trends are often closely connected, and perhaps the best example of that principle this year is the popularity of under-counter appliances. One of the biggest trends in kitchen design this past year is minimizing – or even eliminating – upper cabinets. As that trend gains popularity, appliances are adapting to match.

Under-counter fridges are becoming a popular choice to complement a regular fridge, and microwaves can often be found built-in beneath an island countertop rather than up above. As a result of this trend, drawer appliances are also having their day in the sun this year – you can get microwaves, refrigerators, and even dishwashers in built-in, drawer form.

5. Column Refrigeration

It’s all about custom this year, and column fridge freezers are just another way homeowners are being empowered to have their homes their way. With column refrigeration, you can mix and match your fridge and freezer, add extra fridge space if you need it, and design your cooling appliances to blend seamlessly with the rest of your cabinets. Column fridges also typically come complete with all the latest refrigeration technology, like odour seal, temperature zones, and so much more. The tech – and the designs – will just keep getting better in 2019, so keep an eye on the latest models as they’re released.

Don’t let this year’s trends catch you by surprise! Check back on our blog to keep getting the latest on appliance trends, styles, and tech, as well as expert help for all your Bosch appliance needs. We can help you stay up to date every day of the year – and at unbeatable prices too! So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

February 1, 2019

8 Simple Tips to a Good Night’s Sleep

When you toss and turn all night, you have tons of time to think of the reasons why you can’t get some shut eye. Let’s review 8 great tips to make sure you get the sleep you need!

You may have heard all of these tips before, but you are still not sleeping well for whatever reason. Studies show that our days are getting longer and our nights shorter and it has nothing to do with daylight saving time! Why aren’t you sleeping? What keeps you so revved up that sleep has become a hindrance to your productivity. Whatever it is, you need to change things up!

1) Coffee, drink less of it!

Yes, you’ve heard this before and yet you continue to drink copious amounts at the worse time of the day. This includes the caffeine in teas, colas, chocolate and that headache medication you just took, yup, that too! Being more aware of what you are ingesting may yield some interesting results! Go caffeine-free for a while and see what happens!

If you want to know more about caffeine consumption and sleep, read this Can’t Sleep: How Much Caffeine Are You Consuming.

2) Reduce the lights and noise in your bedroom

The idea of creating an oasis in your bedroom should not be a big surprise or impossible to achieve. Sight and sound are the two biggest disruptors to sleep especially when you are tense and need to relax quickly. Getting room-darkening curtains or if you prefer an eye mask to remove any visual stimulation is a great start. If you live near a busy street, playing white noise while you sleep will cut out any distractions keeping you awake.

3) Don’t mess with the internal clock!

When you get to sleep at the same time every night, even on weekends, it keeps your internal clock on steady mode. Sleeping and waking at various times during the week creates some internal confusion and your body loses its routine and balance.

4) Start a sleep hygiene routine

Routines keep us on track, balanced and help us sleep. Before bed, have a cup of calming chamomile tea, or a hot bath. Practising yoga or gentle stretches before hitting the bed helps trigger your mind that it’s time to wind down. Whatever you think, your body will obey! So, think happy thoughts and write them in a gratitude journal.

5) You’re having what for supper?

Making the evening meal a light and nutritious feast can impact how you sleep. Moving away from fried and fatty foods at dinner to a vegetables, lean protein, and healthy carbs dish could make all the difference. Healthy before-bed snacks are possible if you follow the suggestions listed in my previous article: Snack Attack at Bedtime: Easy and Healthy?.

So, what’s on the menu?

6) Nap at your own risk!

Naps are great, don’t get me wrong! They are excellent at boosting energy and productivity. It’s the time of day in which you indulge that will impact your nighttime sleep. You must make sure they are less than 20 minutes and early in the afternoon.

Read this article from my colleague Gerry to become a successful napper: Habits of a Successful Napper.

7) Sleep disorders can be keeping you up

If you suspect that you suffer from such disorders as snoring, or sleep apnea, it is always best to consult with a health professional. This blog on helping you determine if you have one is a great read and full of issues to look for: How Do You Know If You Have a Sleep Disorder.

8) Keep it cool!

Your room temperature should be at a cool setting to promote a comfy sleep! Extra blankets on the bed, microfibre sheets and comfy pj’s can offset the cooler air so drop those temps!

Check out more tips on temps here!

Keeping these tips in mind can make all the difference in the world because how you sleep affects everything!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

February 1, 2019

Smart Kitchen: What’s New in Kitchen Appliances for 2019

The 2019 International Consumer Electronics Show, the launching pad for the latest in consumer innovation has come and gone. And holy cow – your kitchen is about to take the world by storm!

To sum it up in one word. Connected. Building on current smart appliances, manufacturers have taken up the call and 2019 promises to be the most innovative, and the most interconnected appliance space we’ve ever seen.

We have already given you 2019 hottest trends, but when it comes to innovation these three features are changing the way we think about appliances, forever.

Home is Where the Hub Is

Samsung was first to market with their Family Hub refrigerator in 2016. Featuring an integrated WiFi connected tablet, the Family Hub was designed to manage your connected home in one convenient location. In 2019, Samsung is taking the Family Hub in bold new directions with 5G connectivity and an expanded Bixby home assistant. More than just voice assistance, Bixby promises improved connectivity across your entire family of Samsung products with enhanced AI that learns and adapts to you.

Not to be left behind, manufacturers like GE Appliances and KitchenAid are also bringing their own hubs to market. The GE Kitchen Hub has an integrated Over-the-Range design featuring a 27-inch smart touchscreen/ventilation combination, while the KitchenAid Smart Display is a multifunctional stand-alone smart device featuring a 10” interface.

Both hubs feature Google Assistant offering compatibility with over 10,000 Google integrated devices; voice command functionality; thousands of recipe options; and like the Samsung Family Hub before them, an easy way to manage your interconnected home in one place.

Smart Display in a Whole New Way

Despite the functional similarities, the GE Family Hub stands out from the competition in one important way, the 27-inch smart screen display features dual HD cameras for direct video chat. Conveniently positioned, you can catch up with friends and family as you prepare your dinner. Or just Netflix and cook, if that’s more your style.

KitchenAid is betting that consumers will prefer the smaller, independent interface of the Kitchen Hub, featuring an easy to clean screen with an IPX-5 water resistance rating; while the Samsung Family Hub expands the functionality of their touchscreen interface with more customizable options.

Putting the App in Appliances

Taking integration to the next level, the Whirlpool family of appliances come bundled with Yummly and Yummly Pro apps to seamlessly take your cooking to the next level. From guided cooking to personalized recipe recommendations your Whirlpool Appliances will automatically adjust temperature and settings based on Yummly’s recommendations.

Taking the experience even further, Yummly Pro promises to feature exclusive content from professional Chefs and Influencers from Step-by-Step cooking experiences to yet-to-be-named exclusive content.

Other manufacturers have their own answers to Yummly in apps like LG’s Drop Kitchen OS or GE’s SideChef. With deep app integration, manufacturers are offering more than just connectivity, more than just convenience.

When everything else works, you don’t have to. And that means you have time for more important things.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

February 1, 2019

How to Use 2019 Colours of the Year in Your Kitchen

Source: Studio McGee

Every year the major paint companies release their picks for colour of the year. This year, the three big paint companies each picked a bold and unique colour.

Behr chose this solid blue, Blueprint S470-5 which they describe as “An honest, approachable colour that conjures up the blueprints builders rely on to bring architectural designs to life, Blueprint creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life—where awareness of what we want to build for ourselves can transform into action.”

Benjamin Moore chose this bold grey, Metropolitan AF-690 which they describe as “A stylish gray with cool undertones, metropolitan reflects the modern sophistication of 21st-century design.”

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And finally, Sico made this deep green Grand Manan Black 6161-83 their colour of the year. They describe it as, “Rich and vibrant, this colour fulfills our growing need to get away from it all. Let nature into your home for the ultimate comforting effect. This dark green will lend modern elegance to your interior.”

While they are all different, they are each strong, captivating, and offer up a calm (but assured) confidence in their choice.

Love the colours but don’t know what do in your kitchen with them? I’ve rounded up inspiration.

Here are three ways to use the 2019 colours of the year in your kitchen.

1) Paint Your Cabinets

Bold blue, green or grey, each of these cabinets is as FAR from boring white kitchen as you can get. And with kitchen appliances offered in so many different finishes, you can really create some inspiring colour combinations.

Source: Better Kitchens Source: Elizabeth Roberts

Interested in finding more about kitchen trends? Read our previous blog 10 Kitchen Trends to Love in 2019.

2) Paint Parts of Your Dining Room Set

A simple coat of spray paint or some fun fabric in a bold colour is a simple way to update your kitchen chairs without breaking the bank.

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Your dining table has seen better days? Painting your dining table top can give your dining room set an instant facelift.

Source: She’s Crafty

3) Add in Colourful Décor Elements

Don’t want to go big and paint the cupboards? Try making smaller updates with bold colour. Something as simple as a small collection of green plants on the kitchen sink can add in a much needed pop of colour.

Source: Bo Dedre

A bold tile also makes quite the (back)splash!

Source: Houzz

There are so many ways to refresh your kitchen with this year’s colours, will you add a few small décor pieces or go all out?!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

January 30, 2019

Top 3 Reasons to Buy Custom-Made Furniture

For most of us, a house is a long-term investment, both financially and emotionally. True, you’ll make changes along the way, even major ones, but you’re not likely to tear the whole thing down and rebuild from scratch. Our hope is that the structure we spend our lives in – our home – will stand the test of time.

In this day and age of the disposable, that yearning for something more durable and timeless can apply to furniture too. And so, if it’s furniture you seek that will stand the test of time, there’s no better choice than custom-made.

Never considered custom-made furniture? Well, if you’re looking for reasons, we’ll give you our top three.

Quality

Hands down, the most compelling reason to buy a custom-made piece is the quality. It out performs the prefabricated box store item by leaps and bounds.

Quality goes beyond basic construction; it’s infused into every detail including the basic ingredients. From the use of sustainable wood and fabric choices, to nontoxic glues and stuffing, custom furniture makers care about every aspect of the quality of their product.

Quality also means durability. Let me tell you a story. My mother has had the same sofa for over 30 years. In that time, it has witnessed our family’s history and, although it has required some upkeep, like a reupholstering and slight reshape to reflect changing tastes, it has endured gracefully. Through numerous holiday celebrations, family get-togethers, TV binge-watching marathons and even a marriage, that custom-made sofa my mother bought 30 years ago has been an investment that is still paying dividends in comfort.

Of course, custom furniture is pricier compared to the big box store variety that has quite literally been designed to fall apart in a fairly short period of time, so if you add up all those sofas you’ll be buying every eight to ten years, the custom-made option makes sound economic sense! Think of it as an investment in the quality of your life.

Unique/Personalized

Custom-made also means personalized. From shape and fabric, to colour and trim, every detail is according to your specifications, making it truly your own. Who wants their home to look cookie cutter, like it fell out the IKEA catalogue? No, you want to show your personality and unique style and custom furniture allows you to do just that.

Look for canadian upholstery brands such as Palliser, ElRan, and Decor-Rest to have access to a large selection of leathers, fabrics, and configurations and at dining room manufacturers like Canadel and Bermex for a complete customization of your dining room set.

Green

Beyond the fact that custom-made furniture is made to last, and therefore not likely to end up in a land fill anytime soon, something that cannot always be said about the product offerings by large retailers and manufacturers, it’s a greener choice by how it is made. In many instances, the materials used are obtained locally and from renewable sources, thereby reducing the carbon footprint through shorter transportation times and promoting a sustainable exploitation of the environment.

Local sourcing also means supporting the local economies, which means your purchase can represent a more ethical choice in that many of these companies also support fair wage policies for workers and are closely tied with their communities.

So, go ahead, buy custom-made for these reasons and many more! Your friends are sure to be “green” with envy.

Custom furniture is our speciality! Come in and speak to your local expert today.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

January 30, 2019

Getting Our Beauty Sleep is Actually a Thing

Sleep studies have revealed that sleep has a direct effect on how our skin looks and feels. Let’s examine how our body reacts to insomnia and how it shows up on our skin!

During sleep, our body recovers and repairs after a day of activity. Imagine the night shift crew on construction job hurrying to get things done before the alarm goes off in the morning. While our body is at rest, internal systems are working on all cylinders to fix what we didn’t know was broken and fill up what we didn’t know was empty.

Blood flows more easily to the skin while we sleep. While our body is not busy standing, sitting, eating, thinking and so much more during the day, it gets busy on doing other tasks. During the recovery and repair process going on silently while we sleep, the body boosts blood flow to the surface of the skin giving us that rosy complexion. Less than 7 hours of sleep can result in a dull, pale and tired-looking complexion.

Collagen works hard while we sleep. Collagen, the protein that keeps our skin from sagging is produced during sleep. The more collagen our body can produce, the plumper and more youthful-looking our skin will appear. Our body naturally produces less collagen as we age, and wrinkles are generally looked at as a sign of a life well-lived, but let’s not rush them because of a lack of sleep!

Water and hydration are important while we sleep. During the winter months, our skin tends to be drier and while drinking extra water will help with some of the hydration, sleeping in a very dry environment can cause our skin to become dry and irritated. Sleeping while running a humidifier will help boost the water molecules and keep our skin healthy. So, spending at least 8 hours in a richly humidified room will hold marvelous benefits.

Hormones need our body to be well-rested. Hormones which are produced in our 7 major glands are charged with a specific task to accomplish in our body like stimulating puberty, and bringing on menopause. When they are overactive or underperforming, we will know it and most often it will show up on our skin. Getting little sleep will have a strong impact on how balanced our hormones are and our skin can easily erupt, overnight just before that big date, or a final exam.

Our eyes never lie. Droopy eyelids, dark circles and bags under our eyes are tell-tale signs that we haven’t been sleeping much. The lack of adequate sleep will stifle the boosts of blood flow that happen during the night resulting in glazed-over and tired-looking eyes. If bags for example have become a chronic issue, elevating our head on a couple of pillows will help reduce puffiness.

Dark under-eye circles, blemishes in the worst of places, or more severe issues like eczema and other rashes can be the result from the lack of sleep. We may not have given it much thought before but, as one of the three pillars of good health along with proper nutrition and sufficient exercise, sleep is often dismissed as a beauty treatment. So, while we take another look in the mirror, what are we going to think about now?

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

January 30, 2019

Fall in Love with These Spring 2019 Interior Design Trends

Just like your wardrobe, your home can enjoy a bit of a spring update, and with the interior design and décor trends we’re seeing for 2019; it definitely won’t be hard to incorporate a few of your favourites.

The key in “décor trends” is to take those you love and toss the rest. Make your home your own by incorporating your unique style, family favourites, cherished heirlooms, and a few fresh updates so it doesn’t start to feel stale.

Trend #1: Sustainable Materials & Shopping

Think less is more with this trend. You don’t need 42 throw pillows or an overstuffed living room with too much furniture. Focus on what matters most and buy, use, and incorporate those things. Upcycle furniture to reduce what goes in the trash, or choose products that have been manufactured sustainably. Locally made Canadian furniture is a great option if this trend is one for you.

Trend #2: Nature-inspired

Bring the outside in! Add plants to your decor, blur the lines between outdoors and in with your furniture as well as through your fabric choices. We’re also seeing a big resurgence in floral fabrics and wallpapers.

Source: Houzz

Source: Reena Sotropa In House Design Group

Trend #3: Embrace Your Curves

Women have known this for years and we’re glad to see the interior design world has caught on. Curves are in! Curved furniture and uniquely shaped items are making a big statement in 2019.

Source: Reena Sotropa In House Design Group

Source: Houzz

Trend #4: BIG and Bold

Patterned and bold backsplashes (goodbye boring white tiles) are back. So are BIG beds – upholstered headboards or giant four-poster beds, giving you a sense of comfort and cozy. We’re also seeing BIG bold colour choices (like black for a bathroom!) with walls going from basic white to literally everything in the rainbow. When it comes to art; more is more and the bigger, the better. Forget the gallery wall, how about a GIANT piece of art that dominates the entire wall?

Source: Houzz

Trend #5: Mix ‘n Match

This is definitely a trend we see sticking around for a while. It works so well and really allows you to make your home your own. We’re seeing mixed materials, furniture styles, fabrics, colours, patterns, and even metals (goodbye entirely brassy rooms!).

These two rooms show us how individual this trend is. Both are mixing colours, fabrics, styles, and yet are completely unique.

Source: Houzz

Trend #6: Acrylic

Acrylic furniture has been coming into the interior design scene for the past few years and for good reason. Acrylic is almost essential for small spaces since it gives us usable space without crowing our sightlines. Acrylic is also great as a foundation for your home decor to build up layers (see mix and match!) with vases, coffee table books, flowers, and more. This is one material trend we don’t see going anywhere anytime soon.

Source: Houzz

Trend #7: Comfort is King

This is a trend we should embrace forever. Comfort is indeed King (or Queen!). Think comfortable sofas, chairs you want to spend hours in, soft carpeting underfoot, rooms that make you want to stay, linger, and enjoy.

This room incorporates many of the trends we’re seeing for 2019 in home décor, upholstered bed, wallpaper, bold use of colour, and oozing comfort.

Source: Houzz

Which trend do you want to embrace in 2019?

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

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