New Year's Resolutions...

If you had asked me when I was 15 if I would live to the year 2013 I never would have believed it, after all I would be old by then but as I approach yet another year I'm finally old enough to know that there are far worst things than getting older. Like the fact that I can't ever seem to get anything at home evens started unless somethings on fire. So these lists are useful in the sense that they can help to motivate us (I mean me) to get the things done that we avoid all year long like redoing our living room or cleaning out the gutters, or god forbid: starting a new exercise program. See, clearly there are far worst things than new wrinkles and saggy knees. So here goes...

1. Get Space! No one likes to clean, or at least I don't (my mother is a fanatic) but if you're like me and you avoid anything having to do with organization, bleach and sweatpant related activities then this is definitely something you leave until you end up in an all out wrestling match with dust bunnies the size of jack rabbits. But there is more to a little spring cleaning than just a dust rag: clear out those cabinets, reduce all the clutter and you'll be amazed at how much more open and lite your space feels.
2. The Little Changes...Paint the walls, buy a new area run or just rearrange your artwork. These small changes can help to make the space you live in feel like a space you want to live in. When you rearrange you artwork, instead of a straight line of frames how about clustering all of your frames together until the frames themselves are their own work of art. Or how about adding a bright patterned rug to add some contrast to your space.
3. How about a new sofa? You've been meaning to do it forever but the giant stores, fabric options and “Post Sofa Buying Regret Syndrome” or PSBRS keeps you on a procrastination loop. Now is the time to break out of that loop and donate your old sofa with its sagging cushions and out of date fabric to your favorite niece or nephews college crash pad. Come visit us at The SofaWorks and avoid PSBRS by bypassing the generic box stores and having us make you exactly what you want. Plus when you order with us its all hand-made in the United States and who doesn't like that these days.
4. No more New Year's Resolutions. Seriously, this year I'm going to resolve to get off my butt so that I don't need the impetus of a list to get stuff done.

Happy Holiday!

The SofaWorks Staff

Coming Soon!

Coming very soon we are having a floor sample sale! Huge discounts on floor models. We need to make room for all the new pieces we have coming in from the factory. After the sale we will be redoing the floor completely with lots of cool new pieces and arrangements. As soon as I know the date of the sale I will post the information or if anyone wants to contact us directly please do at thesofaworks@gmail.com

Thanks,
Amanda

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Come visit The SofaWorks Blog at thesofaworks.tumblr.com for more of me, ahem, I mean exciting sofa talk.

 

Plus more cool sofa pics.

To Sectional or Not to Sectional?

In the past I have thought of a sectional as a four letter word and while I've been known to utter a few of the other ones now and again the phrase, “I want a sectional” has always been on par with “Buy me some mom jeans and a minivan”. Absolutely. Frigging. Not.

Of course I help people design sectionals for their homes on a daily basis and over time that gut reaction has tempered and gradually I have developed some affection for the sectional outside of a media room. Its not the 80's anymore and there is no reason you have to purchase an overstuffed brown, chenille sectional like your parents had if you don't want to. You can be different than your parents, you can do what you want including have a super cool and stylish sectional that fits you whether you wear skinny jeans or something with an elastic waist. Of course that kind of thinking does lead me to eating candy for breakfast and staying up way too late on a work night but hey that's the joy of paying taxes. I mean we've got to get something out of giving a huge chunk of change to the government with every pay check.

So that being said, I'm including some oh my god awesome sectionals so you too can stay up all night on your spiffy new multi-piece furniture ensemble, with a box of chocolate donuts and watch Dr. Who reruns. On a work night. After all, you pay the bills, you can do what you want.

 

 

I love a contrast welt like nobodies business, also the sectional is pretty awesome too.

 

This traditional style looks incredibly updated with an attached chaise lounge.

 

Its true, you can get a Chesterfield sofa as a giant sectional.

 

 Can't you just see this in some hipsters loft space?

 Chartreuse. Velvet. Diamond tufted. Metal base. In a sectional. Need I say more?

This very modern sofa/chaise sectional is neither overstuffed or brown and look! it seems to be floating. How neat is that?

 

 

This is a personal favorite of mine, both clean and modern but with some traditional accents which makes this piece perfect for more transitional spaces.

 

 Ok, this thing is giant but with clean lines and a floating base this sectional based off uber cool Italian designs is definitely not your mothers sectional.

 Sectional? This thing is only missing a satin gowned starlit draped on one end.

 I love this mid-century modern sectional.

This roll arm sectional is slightly more traditional than some of the others but its still super stylish and really comfortable as well.

So what do you think, ready to take the plunge?

Sofa Candy? Do you dare?

I know, I know. Everyone says it, beige or gray is the fabric color of choice when designing a sofa. If you choose a neutral color then when the time for a change comes all you have to do is repaint or change out your throw pillows. I spend hours a day helping people sort through hundreds of samples of beige colored fabric with minute variations of shade so I know just how popular neutrals are. Its a practical choice no doubt about it but sometimes it feels like the khaki pants of furniture.

This year its all about color: neon colors, jewels tones, color blocking. Yes even for your sofa. After all, the sofa is where you retire to at the end of a long day to relax and watch TV with the kids or even your cat and its also the piece of furniture that you really invest in. So why not make it the focal point of your living room? Here are some fantastic possibilities but don't let these limit you. We have hundreds of beautiful fabrics in a variety of spellbinding colors.

The Orange Roxy Sofa from The SofaWorks, starting at $1595. This sofa will be the focal point of any room and will add a lot of old Hollywood Glamour to boot. Time to bust out the diamonds and your silk robe.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a blue slope arm custom sofa which is always a popular choice. This style starts at $895.

 

The Constanzo Sofa in blue starts around $995 from The SofaWorks. This mid-century classic will kick your living room up a few notches.

 

I know, these are definitely not a sofa but these sandwich chairs in bright yellow are spectacularly eye catching.

 

Small light blue velvet settee, its so sweet I want to eat it up.

 

Burgundy Roll Arm style starting at $895. This sofa combines classic style but really pops with some deep jewel like color.

 

One of my favorites. This green leather Chesterfield will be around when your grandchildren are ready to build forts and will still look as beautiful and stylish then as it does today. Email me for a quote, amandaatsofaworks@gmail.com

Of course, despite my diatribe against neutrals, there is a definite possibility that when the time comes for us to buy a new sofa it will probably be gray. However I like to think that I can blame that oatmeal everyday choice on my significant other but don't tell him that or we may end up with a red leather Chesterfield.

Trendy? Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern furniture is incredibly popular at the moment and I have found in the shop that  most people either love it or hate it with a passion. Is it a style that works for you or is this one of those styles your going to let pass you by like mixed metals and frosted lipsticks.

What is mid-century modern and where did it come from? Mid-century modern was a design movemet that characterized American design from roughly 1935 to 1965 and really flourished post World War II when people left the cities for the dust lined suburban streets. When most people think of this style they think of Frank Lloyd Wright as the forefather of this clean lined, original aesthetic movement however one look inside a Frank Lloyd Wright space and its easy to see that the mid-century movement was really an Americanized version of the International and Bauhaus movements of Gropuis, Mies Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier. Its generally recognized that the American take on this styles is slightly more organic and slightly less industrial but mid-century is still more closely related to these pre- and post war German, Brazilian and Scandinavian styles than any other.

You may wonder why clean lined, often machine made industrial styles suddenly become so sought after post-war but you only need look at the history of art and design to see why. Art and design styles are often more about a teenage style angst filled rebellion against previous styles and their masters than coming from any purely self-referential impetus. In the nineteenth century as a rebellion against the popular gilded, mass-produced furniture and kick-knacks of the time a movement developed characterized by flowing lines, romantic, organic styles and hand-made craftsmanship. So of course the next generation wanted something very different. Obiously this is a very parred down explanation of a much more complicated part of art history but it gives us a general idea of why mid-century modern was so popular and to a lesser extent, why it is so popular today. For soldiers returning home from a savage war abroad it was about bringing modernism into their homes. For us today its probably more a combination of a desire for non-fussy, modern styles and a sustainable vintage chic (even if the sustainable part of the equation doesn't actually exist).

So now that we know where mid-century modern came from, what exactly does it look like? Molded plastic chairs, boxy lined sofas and avocado green toasters is what most people think about but there is more to the style than your grandma's plastic covered living room might lead you to believe. Open spaces, durable and functional furniture pieces and high style is what this design movement was all about. Everyone is watching Mad Men these days and drooling over Knoll sofas and pantyhose and for good reason. This style is an appealing mix of sexy and everyday. Its high fashion that you can live with, elegantly modern instead of coldly Italian, kitten heels instead of five inch studded platforms.

The best part is that a lot of designers are remaking and updating these classic styles for everyone’s budget. That means if you love this style then you no longer have to spend your weekends dumpster diving or spending hour after coveted hour at antique shops and flea markets in no name Texas towns looking for a piece of furniture that hasn't completely fallen apart. Another benefit to getting a remake instead of an original (besides the lower price tag and higher quality) is that you can update this furniture for your lifestyle and the 21^st century. A low back, clean line sofa can have a durable, polyester velvet fabric that the kids can't destroy instead of those gold tweeds that snag at the first pair of jeans. Go the custom route at a place like The SofaWorks and you can update any feature of the piece while still getting that mid-century feel. Just think, your living room can be both hip and practical. I guess my snarky parents were wrong after all, your soul doesn't have to whither just because you have kids and a dog.

And hey, if mid-century modern isn't for you then don't despair, eventually Mad Men will go off the air and gasp! Next the 80's will be back. Plus, if you want to find a style that is timeless or if you already know that you love French Country then come see me at our showroom, we can design a sofa to fit you and your space whatever it happens to be.

Thanks,

Amanda Bolender

The SofaWorks

214.760.1181

www.TheSofaWorks.com

How to Pick a Sofa

When trying to find the right sofa the sheer amount of choice available can seem overwhelming, especially if your going the custom route. But by breaking the process down into small steps and with a little perseverance you can end up with a sofa that will tie your room together and last you for years to come.
 

Its important to remember that there are only a few sofa styles out there, the majority of the differences are minor variations of arm, leg and fabric style. The great thing about going custom is that you can incorporate a variety of elements to make the best sofa for you.

1. First things first, what's your style? Do you like French Country, Mid-Century Modern or Transitional. Take a look at interior design and home and garden magazine. Cut out pictures and stock up on fabric swatches. Don't get overwhelmed here, decide on a general style such as clean lines or traditional roll arms and the details can be narrowed down later.
2. Measurements! What size is the room where the sofa will be placed? Is it a square room or does it have any awkward angles? Lay down newspaper and measure the footprint of what you want to be in the room. Remember that a sofa that looks large or small on a showroom floor may over or underwhelm your own space.
3. Measurements again! If your Yeti tall or a major shortie then this is super important. How high do you want the arms, what sort of seat height and depth are you comfortable with? Don't worry about style here, find a sofa that feels good to you and those measurements can be incorporated into the sofa style that you want.
4. Take advantage of the salespeople. Here at The SofaWorks all the staff has extensive design experience and are very familiar with color theory, proportion spacing and furniture construction methods. We can suggest options that you may never have considered but would solve any number of issues you may have with your space or with previous sofa purchases.
5. Cushion fill...this is important. Everyone likes a different feel and firmness of cushion but there are some things everyone needs to keep in mind like durability. Durability can be a subjective issue because down wrap cushions are durable but have a slouchy look which is popular with Parisian Apartment, English Library and Shabby Chic styles. However slouchy is definitely not for everyone. Getting a cushion with a high resiliency foam core is optimal no matter what fill you are looking for and they come in a variety of firmness levels and will keep their shape for years to come. Do you have children or allergies but still want a softer feel, synthetic down may be for you. Whatever your preference sit and lay on as many cushions as possible until you find what you love. Also keep in mind that fabric, tufting and seam style will affect the feel of the cushion you choose.
6. Legs or skirt? Its your choice. Wood legs can be stained in a variety of colors or lacquered white or black for a stylish look. Metal legs give a very modern look but are much more expensive. There are many different styles of skirts and if you are more traditional they can be a great alternative to legs. The style of leg or skirt you choose will affect the style of sofa so work to keep the look consistent or take a chance and go for a more eclectic look.
7. It all comes down to quality. Most people keep a sofa for ten to fifteen years and is the piece of furniture most used so most experts suggest trying to buy the best sofa your budget allows. Kiln dried wood, well made springs and high quality cushions are the top three things to look for and ask your salesperson about. Also ask about warranties, there should be lifetime warranties of the big three! Also, check the leg construction, the seams and feel the frame to make sure its not hollow and that the flat surfaces are padded and not lumpy. These are all elements of a quality piece of furniture. If your purchasing a leather sofa, ask about the quality of the leather and make sure they don't substitute vinyl or bonded leather on the sides and back to save money unless that's acceptable to you. Be wary of too low prices on leather, large hides are expensive and if the price is extremely low then there may be a reason why. Cushions and sofa should all be heavy, if a sofa is extremely lightweight then the manufacturer has cut some corners.

Some additional information: The SofaWorks: we have great prices and build a high-quality product but we keep our overhead down by not producing expensive catalogs and by owning our own manufacturing facility among other cost-effective solutions so that we can provide the best possible product for the best possible price. Keep in mind that a lot of high end furniture stores charge such high prices because of the cost of overhead and determine if have a name brand is worth a $20,000 price tag. For some people its totally worth it and for others the brand is significantly less important than the style and craftsmanship, know which you are.

How long does it take to get my furniture? A standard time frame for a custom piece of furniture is about 8 weeks, The SofaWorks generally is able to produce and ship your piece within 5-8 weeks. Some business can take 12 weeks or longer and even the big box stores can take 4-8 weeks for a stock piece of furniture made on an assembly. Make sure to ask how long it will take and if it will fit in with your time frame. Handmade custom furniture is a labor intensive process but if you have the time then its so worth it to get just what you want. Remember because the furniture is custom and hand made there are no guarantees about time-frame, fabric can be delayed or the craftspeople can pull a piece from shipping if they think the quality isn't up to par but the final result is better than you can imagine.
 
There are so many options out there, if you can imagine it then someone out there can make it for you. Here at The SofaWorks we specialize in fabric and leather upholstery and we are happy to help you design the perfect sofa for you.

Thanks,

Amanda “B” @ The SofaWorks

How to Pick an Upholstery Fabric

How to Pick an Upholstery Fabric

For some people this can be the best part of designing your own custom sofa or bedframe, for other people its definitely a chore but however you feel about choosing an upholstery fabric its going to make or break the look of the piece of furniture. There are so many fabrics to choose from these days and when you're trying to pick a fabric for a piece of furniture that is going to last for years to come the task can seem daunting. In this day and age there are a variety of textiles formulations from natural fabric like cotton to man-made fabric such as rayon that the choice can seem endless. We hope this blog will help you choose the best fabric for your home.

Things to Keep in Mind: Durability and Aesthetics Remember

Keep in mind where the furniture is going. Will it be in a media room, a sitting room or a sun room? Do you have children, pets, or red wine drinking pals? Upholstered furniture that is going to be subjected to heavy daily use needs to be covered in tough, durable and tightly woven fabrics. Polyester is great for this and there are a lot of soft, breathable versions of this material to choose from.

Its also important to keep in my where this piece of furniture is going and whether is compliments the style of the furniture. Silk brocades on mid-century couches? Probably not. But a highly texture tweed or velvet would look great. Also, if your picking a pattern its important to keep in mind the room dimensions so that the printed fabric doesn't overwhelm the space or is too dark or too light for the amount of lighting in the room. Don't choose a fabric just for its color, make sure the undertones of the fabric go as well. Is it a cool or warm tone and does that go with the colors you already have?

How To Choose the Right Fabric Type

When shopping for fabrics, you’ll find a vast array of different patterns, textures and fiber contents to select from. But your choice will come down to two basic fabric types: natural fabrics and man-made fabrics. Let's look at the options:

Natural Fabrics

COTTON

durable, but absorbs stains

This natural fiber provides good resistance to wear, fading and pilling, but is less resistant to soiling and wrinkling.

COTTON BLEND

sturdy, family-friendly

For everyday use, it’s a good idea to apply a stain-resistant finish.

LEATHER

very forgiving, easy to clean and should last a lifetime

This tough material comes in many colors and finishes and develops more character and softness with age.

LINEN

Absorbs moisture

This fabric is best suited for formal living rooms or adult areas because it soils and wrinkles easily. While it won't withstand heavy wear, linen does resist pilling and fading.

SILK

delicate, soft

This fabric is only suitable for formal areas. Must be professionally cleaned if soiled.

WOOL

water repellent, durable

Wool and wool blends offer good resistance to pilling, fading, wrinkling, and soil. Generally, wool is blended with a synthetic fiber to make it easier to clean. Blends can be spot-cleaned when necessary. Wool is warm in the summer and cool in the winter.

Man-Made Fabrics

ACETATE AND TRIACETATE

imitation silk, tends to wear

Acetate resists mildew, pilling and shrinking. On the other hand, it offers only fair resistance to soil and wrinkle and fade in the sun. Not a good choice for furniture you will use everyday.

ACRYLIC

resists wear, lightweight

Developed as imitation wool, acrylic resists wrinkling, soiling and fading. Low-quality acrylic may tend to pill excessively in high-wear situations. Better-quality acrylics are manufactured to resist pilling. (Sunbrella is a good example of acrylic durability.)

MICROFIBER

durable, easy to clean

Microfiber fabric is lightweight, highly absorbent and does not stain or wrinkle easily. Microfiber fabrics that are electrostatically charged can pick up small particles, such as dust, without the use of cleaning solvents, and leave no lint behind.

NYLON

soil resistant, durable

Rarely used alone, nylon is usually blended with other fibers to make it one of the strongest upholstery fabrics. Nylon is very resilient; in a blend, it helps eliminate the crushing of napped fabrics such as velvet.

RAYON

durable, wrinkles easily

Developed as an imitation silk, linen or cotton. Rayon is the oldest manufactured fiber. Rayon is made from wood pulp, which is passed through spinnerettes to form filaments. Recent advances have made high-quality rayon very practical for upholstery.

VINYL

easy to care for, much less expensive than leather

Vinyl is a practical choice for busy family rooms and children’s furniture but does not age well and isn't for everyone.

What Is a Fabric Grade?

You may have to decide on a fabric grade. Fabric grades typically range from “1” on the less expensive end, to “20” on the pricey side. Depending on the manufacturer, the grade of the fabric can vary. Intricacy of the weave, fiber content, construction and performance are all variables. But it’s important to note that grade is NOT an indication of quality or durability. It’s just an indicator of how expensive the fabric was to make. The trick is to read the details on the fabric card attached to the swatch and to make your decision accordingly.

Do I need help?

No. Anyone can pick a fabric out on their own without hiring an expensive interior designer. However picking out fabric may not be for everyone and not everyone can see color the same or envision a custom piece of furniture in the right fabric. If this is you then hiring an interior designer can save you from making costly mistakes that you will regret down the road. Of course if hiring a designer isn't in your budget or seems intimidating we at The SofaWorks will be happy to help you select a fabric based on your style and preferences and many fabric companies also have attentive staff that can help you select COM fabric.

Thanks,

Amanda Bolender @ The SofaWorks

www.TheSofaWorks.com

214.760.1181