January 6, 2007 by admin.

Excelsior Designs is launching a licensed Nicole Miller rug line here, in collaboration with Thailand-based rug manufacturer Carpet Creation.Rugs are offered under the Excelsior Designs and Nicole Miller Collection brands. Approximate retail prices begin at $1,499. Custom rugs can be delivered within 10 to 12 weeks.

Six patterns were created exclusively for the Nicole Miller Collection and eight new patterns complement furniture from Excelsior Designs and Casa Novalia Leather, according to Steven Kayne, president of Excelsior Designs. Bold geometrics and subtle swirls in neutral hues are hallmarks of the Excelsior Designs collection. The rugs are hand tufted of New Zealand wool and Asian silks, and many feature a bevel cut construction. Customers can choose from a palette with hundreds of combinations of colors and yarns.

Designs can be adapted for the shape and size that best suits a room. Standard designs keyed to Excelsior furniture collections also are available.

The rugs are expected to debut at Excelsior Designs retailers(including Furnitalia) in January, and also will be available in rug specialty stores.

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January 6, 2007 by admin.

A guide to protecting your investment

After you’ve found furniture you love, it doesn’t take a lot to show it you really care, or to make sure the relationship will be a lasting one.
First, when it comes to placing your furniture in a room, bear in mind that wood furniture does best in climates with little temperature variation and relative humidity in the 50 to 60 percent range. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can cause the moisture that is present in all natural wood, to swell or shrink. Avoid placing your furnishings near sources of heat, (like vents), and in direct sunlight, which can harm the wood and finish.
Once you decide where to place it, remember that anytime furniture is moved, you may need to have adjustments made to the hinges and levelers so door and drawers open smoothly.
Right from the start, it’s a good idea to use placemats, table pads or felt disks under items placed on your tables or other pieces. Rubber or plastic protective feet on accessories can react with polyester finishes and should not come in contact with the finish.
To keep your wood furniture looking pristine, be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen with a clean soft cloth. Hint: 100 percent cotton or linen cloths are best for cleaning because they are more absorbent than cloth made from synthetic fibers or blends. Bear in mind that pieces of flannel, cloth diapers or old cotton T-shirts without buttons, decorations or trims work just fine.
Opt for a spray cleaner that is non-ammonia based or water on wood furniture, and use only non-ammonia based window or stainless cleaner on metal surfaces. Mist a little on your cloth and wipe gently to clean and proceed to dust your furniture. Hint: If your wood furniture has a polyester finish, never, never use glass cleaners, spray polishes or waxes of any kind. Despite what it may say on the bottle, cream, oil and wax cleaners can actually dull the surface of polyester finish and make it look cloudy.
As you clean and when you’re using your furniture, be careful not to drag anything across the surface. If damage does occur, the good news is that many finishes can be professionally buffed and restored.

Posted in Furniture Care | 1 Comment »

January 6, 2007 by admin.

3. MEASURE UP.
Measure the room where your new furniture will be placed. Draw a simple diagram of your room and remember to include window and door placements as well as any permanent fixtures, such as built-in bookcases, fireplaces, etc. Note the location of heat and air registers, as well as electrical outlets. Ceiling heights are important if your shopping list includes entertainment centers, armoires or china cabinets.

4. SAY CHEESE!
Take pictures of your room, from various angles and views, to use as an easy reference when you’re in the furniture store. Later on, they could also become a great addition to your “before and after” album.

5. JEEPERS - KEEPERS!
For any pieces you plan to keep, gather swatches and finish panels (or small drawers) to take with you - having something in-hand will help when deciding if the “old” will work with the “new”.

6. TRY IT ON.
There are lots of websites with free Interactive Room Planners that allow you to create custom room layouts. This gives you the opportunity to try out several looks without lifting a finger!

7. SHOP!
Gather all the information you’ve collected, don some confortable shoes, and then shop with ease and confidence…you’ll be organized and well-prepared to find those furniture treasures that will make your “Dream Home” a reality. Happy hunting!

Posted in Furniture Shopping | No Comments »