Design Studio Furniture

Now On Display At Design Studio Furniture Chicago

2010-10-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Artist Dave Borchers creates 6-7 foot tall mixed media sculpture that combine found art-glass from the 1920's-1970's, with metal.The first display of this work, a collaboration with artist Corbett Reynolds, was at NYU University Broadway Windows in January, 2002. As a tribute to Reynolds: friend, mentor and collaborator, deceased shortly after this exhibit, each sculpture is signed in his name.

During his extensive travels throughout the USA as one of the premier antique art-glass dealers, Borchers has taken his knowledge of art-glass and applied it to finding perfectly suited pieces to create these unique one of a kind sculptures. Through his 20 years of collaborations with Corbett Reynolds on many forms of art, including: silk-screening, metal sculpture and installation art, Borchers has developed a keen eye for color, balance, and symmetry, critical in the creation of the sculptures.

Since 2002, Borchers has created sculptures that have been exhibited in major cities throughout the USA and have been purchased for collections in cities abroad, including: Paris, Moscow, Toronto, Mexico City, and Shanghai.

Borchers work has been written about in major publications, including:

Le Soleil Magazine- November 2009

The Los Angeles Times- April 2009

The Miami Herald- August 2006

The New York Times- March 2006

Private and public collections include:

Pearl Lam- Contrasts Galleries, Shanghai

Steve Wynn- Wynn Hotels, Las Vegas

Todd Oldham- Designer, New York City

Cindy Sherman- Photographer, New York City

Dana Galler- Design Studio Furniture, Chicago

SPECIAL EVENT

2010-10-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Going Pink for Breast Cancer Research

2010-09-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Best Made Sleeper Sofas

2010-08-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Most Beautiful and Artistic Furniture Finishes

2010-04-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Capo d' Opera is a luxury furniture manufacturer in Italy. The thing, I find most impressive about their pieces is not only their superior craftsmanship and quality, but their ability to make furniture into a work of art.

"Capo d' Opera continues its formal and stylish search by speeding times up and presenting a texture collection with a very high artistic ad handcraft value. Like no other company before, we have started a daring foray into decoration... This is the reason why we focused on how to dress, tailor-like, our pieces of furniture using particular finishes, printings and applications, which create surprising and unexpected results. Surfaces is the outcome of such a reflection. Our research has been an amusing and enthralling dive into signs, thoughts and manipulations. We opened art books and fashion magazines, we scribbled new graffiti and involved skilled craftsmen."

The Capo d' Opera "Surfaces" collection consists of 6 creative categories.

Creative Printing: new dresses for your interiors, new styles to interpret. Floral, art deco; baroque, optical, colonial, the sixties.

Creative 3D: a project of new signs, engraved into and hollowed out of the matter.
Speeding up times, Capo D'Opera interprets the best of design with
a 3D dimension study.

Elegance Edition: a new experience of creation: stylish, calibrated, experimental.
The aim is to reveal the matter, eroded, stroked, lacked
A delicate contrast, a moving deja-vu.

Pop Edition: Fantasy, daring, decor, non-sense.
Free interpretation of a wish for uniqueness.

Limited Edition: Fantasy, daring, decor, non-sense.
Free interpretation of a wish for uniqueness.

Special Edition: Fantasy, daring, decor, non-sense.
Free interpretation of a wish for uniqueness.

Just a few of the various options...

Example of how the 3D collection works:

1. Pick from a large variety of designs

2. Choose your finish colors:

engraved decoration in the following finishes:
- Matt lacquered decoration and panel in all Capo D'Opera colours (same colour)
- Matt lacquered decoration and panel in all Capo D'Opera colours (2 colours)
- decoration in foil finish on Matt lacquered panel in all Capo D'Opera colours
for all collections

3. Your piece is created!

If artistic designs are not quite your taste, all of these pieces are also available in one of many matt or high gloss lacquer finishes.

The options are endless!

Contact Design Studio Furniture for more information on this collection.

Beautiful New Collections Just In From Italy!!

2009-12-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

The "One and Only" Bedroom collection! Modern Luxury and Beauty

This collection is on display in both Design Studio Furniture Showrooms.

Please contact us for dimensions, options, and pricing.

The Ultimate Bauhaus Doghouse: The Cubix

2009-10-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am always looking at new products for the Modern home lovers...I came across this blog and thought it was fabulous. Check out this ultra modern doghouse!

We've seen Bauhaus inspired Doll houses, miniature model homes, bikes and now, an abode for the pooch.

You may not want to drop thousands of dollars on a doghouse, but if you can (or are crazy enough to), this one is a beauty. Inspired by Bauhaus architecture, the spacious CUBIX is a hand built modern house for large or small dogs.

Designed by an architect, and entirely hand-crafted, the modern doghouse is made of wood and glass. The home has a seemingly free-floating roof with built-in water drainage as well as a cleaning flap on the back.

The house is one of four luxurious styles designed and manufactured by the German company Best Friend's Home, and is available in three sizes.

One of four style homes from Best Friend's Home, other impressive designs include a Fairytale castle, a Traditional Colonial, A Georgian Manor or they will create a custom one for you.

Check out this blog for more pictures and more info http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2009/10/ultimate-bauhaus-doghouse-cubix.html

Tour De Champagne CHICAGO

2009-10-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Featuring many prestigious Champagnes along with cuisine from some of each host city's most talented chefs, Tour de Champagne provides yet another reason to celebrate the most delightful fruits of France. During Tour de Champagne, a silent auction benefiting a local non-profit organization will take place. At each stop along the evening's "tour," guests will be able to experience various labels paired with cuisine from local renowned chefs. The evening ends with a fin de soirée where VIP guests will continue to mingle and enjoy live music and additional complimentary champagne and cognac.

For the past eight years, Tour de Champagne has been delighting Washington D.C. oenophiles with its annual celebration of the wines of France's finest Champagne houses. In 2008, the tour's first stop was Atlanta followed by Boston, Houston, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, DC, and New York.

Healthy Schools Campaign
Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC), an independent not-for-profit organization, is a leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children, and education. HSC advocates for policies and practices that allow all students, teachers and staff to learn and work in a healthy school environment.

Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Drake Hotel
140 East Walton Place,
Chicago, Illinois 60611-1501
312-787-2200

7:00 – 10:00PM : MAIN EVENT

»Taste Champagnes from over 20 houses
»Pair Champagnes with cuisine from local restaurants
»Live Music

9:30 – 11:00PM : FIN DE SOIRÉE (VIP ticket required)

SPONSORS
MEDIA & PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS
http://tourdechampagne.com/chicago.html

Fighting Cancer With Design For A Cure

2009-09-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

FIND YOUR OWN TOP DESIGN AT DESIGN FOR A CURE: INTERIORS

An integration of art and design to find a cure for colon cancer
Design for A Cure:™ gives you a glimpse into the latest trends in interior design at the first annual Design for a Cure: Interiors. This event allows you to tour a “Seasonal Showhouse” at the Belgravia Group’s 565 Quincy Lofts and Condominiums, where four condominium units will feature four different designs inspired by the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall. Discuss your own design dilemmas with the design team from each participating design group – Room & Board, Design Studio/Roche Bobois, Mitchell Putlack Interiors, Inc., and Schreyer and Associates.
Taste your way through the seasons at the Grand Opening VIP event on Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. This event will feature seasonally inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres created by Chicago-area chefs, live jazz music by the Dave Gordon Group and exclusive remarks by Dr. Jeffrey Wayne of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Design your own happy hour on Friday, October 1, 2009 from 5:30-8:00 pm. This lively cocktail party will feature live music by The Black Oil Brothers. Also enjoy access to a private bowling alley, putting green, movie theatre and game room.
A public viewing of the “Seasonal Showhouse” will take place on Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Design for a Cure:™ was founded in July 2009 by interior designer and colon cancer survivor Lauren Schreyer. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006, Lauren became aware of the importance of early detection and quality treatment as it relates to the success of patient care. This life altering diagnosis compelled Lauren to use her experience with art and design to advance cutting-edge research of this deadly disease that affects over 106,000 new patients in the U.S. every year. Through Lauren’s efforts and community support, Design for a Cure: is now a non-profit organization utilizing art to fund science and find a cure for colon cancer.
All proceeds from Design for a Cure: Interiors proudly support colon cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. By supporting this event, you can help save the lives of countless individuals – both in Chicago and worldwide.
To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.designforacure.net.

Design for a Cure™ is awaiting 501(c)(3) status. For more information, or to get involved, please contact (312) 266-CURE or designforacure@gmail.com

Working with Lauren has been a wonderful experience. We are very excited about the models and hope for a great turnout.

I will post pictures of the event on the blog in the near future!

Design For A Cure

2009-09-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

FIND YOUR OWN TOP DESIGN AT DESIGN FOR A CURE: INTERIORS

An integration of art and design to find a cure for colon cancer

Design for A Cure:™ gives you a glimpse into the latest trends in interior design at the first annual Design for a Cure: Interiors. This event allows you to tour a “Seasonal Showhouse” at the Belgravia Group’s 565 Quincy Lofts and Condominiums, where four condominium units will feature four different designs inspired by the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall. Discuss your own design dilemmas with the design team from each participating design group – Room & Board, Design Studio/Roche Bobois, Mitchell Putlack Interiors, Inc., and Schreyer and Associates.

Taste your way through the seasons at the Grand Opening VIP event on Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. This event will feature seasonally inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres created by Chicago-area chefs, live jazz music by the Dave Gordon Group and exclusive remarks by Dr. Jeffrey Wayne of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Design your own happy hour on Friday, October 1, 2009 from 5:30-8:00 pm. This lively cocktail party will feature live music by The Black Oil Brothers. Also enjoy access to a private bowling alley, putting green, movie theatre and game room.

A public viewing of the “Seasonal Showhouse” will take place on Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Design for a Cure:™ was founded in July 2009 by interior design and colon cancer survivor Lauren Schreyer. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006, Lauren became aware of the importance of early detection and quality treatment as it relates to the success of patient care. This life altering diagnosis compelled Lauren to use her experience with art and design to advance cutting-edge research of this deadly disease that affects over 106,000 new patients in the U.S. every year. Through Lauren’s efforts and community support, Design for a Cure: is now a non-profit organization utilizing art to fund science and find a cure for colon cancer.

All proceeds from Design for a Cure: Interiors proudly support colon cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. By supporting this event, you can help save the lives of countless individuals – both in Chicago and worldwide.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.designforacure.net. Design for a Cure™ is awaiting 501(c)(3) status. For more information, or to get involved, please contact (312) 266-CURE or designforacure@gmail.com

Chicago Art Exchange

2009-08-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

Making the right choice is essential when selecting the appropriate artwork for your home or office space.

Sometimes artwork is the finishing touch, other times it is the inspiration for an entire room. Art and furniture go hand in hand when it comes to setting the mood in your living or working space.

The Chicago Art Exchange is the perfect place to look for inspiration. Featuring Chicago's finest established and emerging artists, Chicago Art Exchange offers exceptional artwork in a wide variety of styles and mediums. View various works by 0ver 13 artists.

When searching for furniture and art it is often necessary to have pieces customized to fit your exact taste. The artists in connection with The Chicago Art Exchange will work with you directly and create a piece with your personal taste in mind.

Design Studio Furniture in Chicago has partnered with the Chicago Art Exchange. The downtown Chicago showroom portrays pieces by the artists. In addition, Design Studio will host "An Evening of Art" on September 24th, 2009. Many of the artists will be present and available to visit and answers questions.

To receive more information and invites to this and other events SIGN UP for the Design Studio Furniture email notifications.
www.designstudiofurniture.com

The Perfect Sleeper Sofa!

2009-08-16T22:37:00.001-07:00

SLEEPING BEAUTY

The best sofa sleeper in its class according to Consumers Digest, Apartment Therapy and tens of thousands of happy Comfort Sleeper owners. With the Comfort Sleeper you'll get more sleeping space in less room, a luxury sleeping area with five inches of plush foam and a choice of leather, Ultrasuede, fabric and microfiber.Here are just a few of the advantages of the Comfort Sleeper.

More sleep space requires less floor space. Our patented Comfort Sleeper mechanism folds out from the back of the sofa. When the bed is open, it takes up as much as 9 inches less floor space than a conventional sleeper. And the Comfort Sleeper is the only sleeper with 80-inch mattresses in King, Queen, Queen Plus, Twin XL and Cot sizes, just like all the beds in your home. Conventional sleepers are only 70 to 75 inches long.

Real-size mattresses. Ours is the only sleeper with real-size mattresses in King, Queen, Queen Plus, Twin, and Cot beds.

The only sleep sofa available with a Tempur-Pedic™ mattress. The world’s best sofa sleeper pairs with the sleep system that’s out of this world with comfort. Originally developed by NASA scientists, a Tempur Pedic™ mattress conforms perfectly to your body, allowing your shoulders and hips to sink into the mattress just enough so that support is provided along your entire body.

Allergen-free, waterproof and stain-free with our exclusive Crypton® fabric mattress cover. Our soft, white mattress ticking is protected by Crypton, a remarkable fabrictechnology that is anti-microbial, allergen-free and a barrier to dust mites. The waterproof and stain proof covering adds years to the life of the mattress and ensures that the bed is fresh every time you open it..

Small space? Narrow hallways? No problem. We make Comfort Sleepers to fit the smallest apartments, condos and cottages. Your authorized Comfort Sleeper dealer easily can disassemble your sleeper to get it through tight entries. Perfect for converting any room into a guest room, queen-size Comfort Sleepers come as small as 69 inches wide. The unique design also fits through narrow hallways and doorways.

Dust barrier prevents dirt or dust from every touching the mattress. Every Comfort Sleeper is protected by a cloth under shield. When guests arrive, your Comfort Sleeper mattress will fold out without any dust bunnies clinging to the mechanism. they’ll never experience a cleaner sleep.

Plush seating option. For extra living room seating comfort choose the Plush cushion option. Our standard seat cushion is firm.

Extra firm mattress option. For those who like extra support choose our extra firm mattress.

Pictured above: The Lindsay comfort sleeper. Click here for pricing and information on this particular style.

Modern Mirrored Furniture

2009-08-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Mirrored furniture fits nicely with modern decor.

Mirrored pieces are often categorized and being "antique" and in some cases traditional. We are seeing more and more production of mirrored finishes in modern furniture lines.

Smooth surfaces, clean lines, natural elements, neutral colors, and low profile furniture, often define modern designs.

Lighting is very important in modern and contemporary interiors. Track lighting is often placed to draw attention to focal points within a room. Mirrored furniture reflects light and enhances this effect.

Take a look at some options of mirrored pieces in modern design settings.

For information on any of the pieces in the video email info@designstudiofurniture.com.

Feel free to share your thoughts on mirrored furniture in modern interior settings.

Design Studio Furniture

2009-07-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

Functional Furniture Part 1

2009-07-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

City dwellers as well as those who enjoy functional furniture will enjoy these multi-purpose modern options. Both the Capri table and the Elvis table are console tables that open up to be used as regular dining tables.

Essentially two pieces of furniture in one! Take a look...

The Capri Console Table opens up to be used as a small dining table. This table is available with stainless steel frame and polished white lacquer wood top and extensions.

Closed (Console): 55" x 20" x 29.5"h
Open with two leaves: 55" x 39" x 29.5"h
Open with three leaves: 55" x 55" x 29.5"h

The Elvis Console/Dining Table
Table Base in "anti-marks" stainless steel.; Top available as shown in wenge, polished white, or black laminated.

Available in two widths
Closed (console): 47" x 16" x 29.5"h
Open: (Table) 47" x 31.5" x 29.5"h

Larger size
Closed (console) 63" x 17.8" x 29.5"h
Open (Table) 63" x 35.5" x 29.5"h

I welcome comments. Let me know if you think this concept is interesting and something you would consider for your living space.

Modern Ideas: Storage Solutions

2009-07-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

A Modern Twist on Storage.

Interesting and functional storage units can be designed and customized
to serve multiple purposes in your home.

The above example is a fun option for shelving, media/book storage,
family "mail boxes", or organization and display for toys.

Modern Storage units can include an artistic component. The options are
beyond count. Choose from a variety of finishes (wood, leather covered, lacquer, glass).

Freestanding storage units can be used as a room divider.
This popular trend is fabulous for both small and large living spaces





Be it simple clean lines or decorated funky compositions; there
is a beautifully modern storage solution for your home.

Lacquer is available in any color of the rainbow and more.


Wood Configurations.



Individual pieces can be ordered and placed together to ad your own artistic touch.



All of these pieces can be ordered and customized at Design Studio Furniture.

Choosing Leather For Furniture

2009-07-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Determine Which Leather is Best For You.

Like a fine wine, leather enhances and improves with age. Leather is the most durable of upholstery options and proves to be a wise investment.

Leather is treated and prepared in various ways. Price, look, and feel, fluctuates based on treatment and preparation.

Full or Pure Aniline Leather
Also know as “naturally finished leather.”
• Maintains the “look” of natural leather, showing the natural grain and any markings.
• Receives the least amount of treatment and processing and remains as natural as possible.
• Available in several different colors (dye lots may vary)
• Most expensive, but also most supple
• Should not be places in direct sunlight (may fade)
• Requires normal leather care and maintenance

Semi-Aniline Leather
Also know as protected or lightly treated leather.
• A small amount of pigment is applied to help protect and maintain uniformity.
• Natural grain and markings are still apparent.
• Consistency of color is much more even.
• Considered “the best of both worlds” offering a natural look, with some added protection from wear and tear.
• Ideal for families with children and/or pets.
• Easiest to clean and care for

Nubuck Leather
Also known as “brushed” leather.
• Polished to create a unique texture.
• Natural marks and grain variations are still evident.
• A lush appearance.
• Often preferred by initials that like a softer look.
• Requires more care than leather and should never be placed in direct sunlight.
• Quickly damages when exposed to liquid

Distressed Leather
Also know as “waxed” leather
• Goes through a distressing process to make the leather appear aged or antique.
• Will continue to age beautifully.
• Color variations are common, but add to the “rustic” beauty of this leather.
• Natural markings are very apparent.
• More resistant to stains.

Other “leather” options
• Embossed Leathers
Leathers that have been embossed to look like exotic skins.
Vegetable tanned and aniline died.
• Bicast or Coated Leather
Synthetic type of leather that is made by applying polyurethane to the surface.
More durable than most leathers
Often used in commercial settings such as restaurants
• Faux Leather
Man made and the least expensive option for obtaining a leather look and feel.

The Beauty of Natural Stone

2009-07-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

One of the beauties of natural stone and marble is that each piece is completely unique and can not be duplicated. Natural veins, pores, and color variations make your table one-of-a kind.

Natural stone and marble present all variations and unique coloring that is found in nature.

Design Studio Furniture showcases a variety of stone, marble, granite, and onyx pieces. Many of our clients inquire about the differences between these stones. This post is a summary of each of these natural beauties, examples of some of the options to choose from, and finally, information on how to properly care for each.

Take a look ...

Travertine

Travertine is extracted from the ground and is the result of a chemical precipitation of thermal waters; also know as, hot springs. As it is deposited and compressed in successive layers, the conditions of deposition may vary, resulting in a banded structure. Travertine is a sedimentary rock that is naturally porous. Depending on the mineral content in a particular piece, dark veins may randomly occur on the tabletop or edge of the table. In some instances there are tiny openings that are not filled and remain open.

Unfilled and unpolished Travertine (as shown below on the left) is naturally beige in color and extremely porous. Black carbon deposits are common, resulting in what appears to be small black lines. When travertine is unpolished and unfilled, the stone will appear naturally dull, as opposed to the shiny surface of polished travertine.

When Travertine is filled and polished, the holes are "filled" with a putty like substance. A natural paste wax is used to give the stone a polished brilliant shine and a protective covering. When ordering a travertine table, you can choose between filled or unfilled.

The beauty of travertine is in its neutral coloration and sedimentary "banding" of time.

Left: Unpolished and unfilled

Right: Polished and filled

Walnut Travertine

The brown color to walnut travertine is natural to the stone. The color of any stone is determined by the mineral content present in the earth, during its formation. This stone can rang in color from beige to dark brown or light gray to black. In its natural state, walnut travertine is porous, resulting in an uneven surface. In order to make walnut travertine suitable for tabletops, a clear resin is used to fill the pores, making the table even.

Click to see a walnut travertine table.

Marble

The intense pressure and the folding of the earth create marble. During this process, sedimentary limestone is crushed, ground, and heated, creating a homogeneous, crystalline, condition of great density. Melting together with other mineral elements and materials creates the background coloration of marble. For example, the black coloration comes from coral; the red color comes from the presence of iron, green by copper and so on...

Marble comes in natural colors and each presents natural veining. The coloration and veining depends upon the minerals present during formation. Veining often provides a certain inconsistency in the surface texture of the table and may require some fill during manufacturing. These variations and natural markings are NOT flaws and are to be expected. Below are some examples of the various colors of marble.

Click here to see a marble table.

From left to Right: Imperador, Cortina White, Garmisch Black, and Trani.

Granite

Granite is geologically the same composition as marble, except that it was formed nearer to the earth's surface during the volcanic eruption giving it a greater component of oxygen. The oxygen or air and steam bubbles contained in the mass, eventually crystallize, which creates the quartz that differentiates granite from marble. The addition of quartz gives granite a hardness that is similar to glass. In fact, granite must be cut with the same diamond heads that are used to cut glass.

Granite is a very "hard" stone that is the most (but not totally) forgiving to stains and heat. The color and surfaces of granite are mostly consistent, however natural markings are always possible. There are many colors of granite to choose from. Below is an example of two.

Left: Grey Granite

Right: Black Granite

Onyx

Onyx is part of the alabaster family. It gets it brilliant colors from minerals and elements in the earth. Onyx can vary considerably from slab to slab. Natural fault lines and small cracks are common to this material and are not considered defective. The polishing process of this extremely dense stone renders a stunning glass like finish. Design Studio Furniture has a variety of onyx pieces available.

Left: White onyx

Right: Green Onyx
Cleaning and protecting your natural surface

Marble is denser than travertine, and granite is the densest of them all. Keep in mind that all of these natural materials are porous and should be cared for just as if it were a fine wood.

Use coasters, trivets and place mats to protect any natural material.

To avoid rings or marks, any and all liquid that is spilled needs to be removed immediately. Rings and marks (just like on a fine wood) are very difficult to remove. Re-polishing is the best way to attempt to reduce the appearance of stains.

For day- to- day cleaning, we recommend using regular rubbing alcohol.

Design Studio Furniture carries a wide range of natural stone tables. Much of the information provided above comes directly from our manufacturer. Take a look at the slide show to see some of our collections.

Contact us for information on any of the pieces you see: mailto:info@designstudiofurniture.com
http://www.designstudiofurniture.com

Interior Design: Choosing the best upholstery for your home.

2009-06-30T12:52:00.002-07:00

Choosing upholstery for your furniture can be an overwhelming process. Here are some of the basics that you need to know before you make your decision.

One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive at Design Studio Furniture is: What is the best and most durable upholstery option? The answer to this question lies within the answers to various other questions:

Do you have children?
Do you have pets?
Will your furniture be exposed to direct and consistent sunlight?
How often will you use your furniture (is it the main seating...)?
What type of setting will your furniture be in (formal or lax)?

After taking all of the above into consideration, it is time to take a look at some options.

There are two categories of upholstery to choose from; Natural fabrics and Synthetics.

Natural Fabrics: Cotton and Cotton Blend:
A durable option that provides relatively good resistance to wear and consistent use. However, cotton tends to be less resistant when it come to stains, soiling, and wrinkling. This is where blending comes in handy. Cotton blends, that is blending cotton with other fibers, often helps to reduce soiling and wrinkling. Cotton blends tend to be more durable and forgiving, but the extent of durability depends on the weave.
Silks and Linen:
Both Silk and linen are considered fragile upholstery options. Although they do provide a beautiful look, they often dirty, stain, and wrinkle easily. Both Linen and silk will most likely have to be professionally cleaned; therefore, it is best for formal living areas and rooms that have less traffic.
Wool:
Very durable and forgiving to excessive wear. Wool usually an be spot cleaned and holds up well to pilling, fading, soiling, and wrinkling.
Leather:
If you enjoy the leather look, it is indeed on of the most reliant options when it comes to upholstery. Leather is a sturdy material that can with stand heavy use, is easy to clean, and often develops more character and smoothness with time. One caution with leather is that the color can fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Coming soon: a new post all about leather! Check back soon.
Synthetic Upholstery:

Microfiber:
If you have pets or small children, microfiber is a great option. It is also the material that is most likely to withstand sunlight. Microfiber is soft to the touch, extremely comfortable, easy to clean, resistant to stains and abrasions, comfortable in all climates, and extremely durable. Most stains can be lifted easily by mild soap and water.

Rayon:
Often used as an imitation of silk, linen, and cotton. Rayon is a durable option, but does tend to wrinkle. For the most part, rayon is a good option for busy households.
Nylon:
Although nylon is often blended with other fibres, it is indeed a very strong and durable option. It is resistant to wrinkling and soiling, but tends to fade and pill.

Acetate:
Acetate is much more durable than silk (often uses as an imitation for silk) but still tends to stain, wear, wrinkle, and fade in the sun. This upholstery option may work best in a room that is moderately used.

Acrylic:
High resistance to wear, pilling, wrinkling, soiling, staining, and fading. It is often used as an imitation to wool. Be careful when choosing the quality of acrylic, lower qualities will not hold up as well.

Olefin:
A durable choice for indoor and outdoor use. A good choice for high traffic rooms with consistent use.
Polyester:
Polyester is almost always blended with other fibers. Once it is blended it becomes more resilient to wrinkling and fading.

Vinyl:
The alternate for leather. Less expensive, yet similar look and feel. Vinyl is easy to care for, is durable, family friendly, and practical for home with children and pets.

So now we attack the issue of choosing a grade. When purchasing furniture, price often reflects the grade of fabric that you choose. It is very important that you understand that the grade of fabric has NOTHING to do with how durable and stain resistant it is. Grade is basically an indication of how much it cost to make the fabric.

The most important thing to consider when choosing upholstery is how it will be used in your home. There are countless options out there to choose from. Look for something that you absolutely love and ask a Design Studio Furniture professional to help you choose the best choice for you.

Modern and Contemporary Mirrors

2009-06-30T12:45:00.001-07:00

Modern Entertainment Centers

2009-06-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Due to the popularity of flat screen televisions, modern day entertainment centers have also evolved. Many people are looking for minimalist designs with style and versatility. The "low profile" look has become a common trend, allowing the use of sideboards and consoles to morph as the core for entertainment centers. Low profile options are perfect for wall hung televisions and small spaces. For those that are looking for storage options, modern entertainment centers offer a sleek, clean look, without sacrificing storage space. There are so many options when it comes to beautiful interior design and a functional entertainment center. Choose from "open" units, where components are visible, or of course there are many options that allow all equipment to be concealed.

Traditional entertainment centers are made of wood. Modern and contemporary units are made of a variety of materials and finishes. Choose from various woods, lacquers, covered in leather, metals, and glass. Extra shelving, display cabinets, and book cases are often combined in the structure for more storage and multi-purpose use.

There are many options to choose from and if you can't find exactly what you are looking for, it is not difficult to piece together various components to create the perfect match for your home.

Take a look at some options.

Modern Italian Leather Sofas & Sectionals Ã¢Â€Â“ What you need to know before you buy

2009-06-25T11:59:00.001-07:00

Modern Italian Leather Sofas & Sectionals. What you need to know before you buy

Shared via AddThis

2009-06-23T12:47:00.001-07:00

What's Hot: Platform Beds

2009-06-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

There are endless options when it comes to platform beds.

The platform bed contains a flat base, usually made of wood or metal, that is meant to support just a mattress. Some platform beds are made to accommodate box springs if desired.

Platform beds are available in all standard sizes and, depending on the style, may or may not have a headboard or a foot board. In the world of Modern design, platform beds are often described as low to the floor, with clean lines, and a solid look and feel.

When it comes to style, there are many options to choose from. Platform beds are made with in various wood finishes. can be covered in leather or upholstery, and may be designed with interesting headboards or wall paneling. Some have nightstands and shelving attached, appearing as one piece. Since platform beds are low to the floor, it is not possible to store anything underneath the bed. To make up for the lost storage space, some platform beds can be ordered with built in storage mechanisms, that lift up to reveal a large area for storage.

Take a loot at this link to view some of the many options of platform beds.

http://slideshow.designstudio.imageloop.com/

Video

2009-06-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a sampling of our collections.