Norwood Furniture

Creating the "Simpler Life" with a dining table

Can the simpler life really be found at the dining table?  Can a piece of furniture such as a kitchen table really help us create the family traditions and the kind of lasting memories we desire?  I believe it can. 

When you think about it, the dining and  kitchen table is a place we all have memories around.  From the everyday breakfast with your brothers and sisters eating cereal and somebody spilling the milk to special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas with lots of family and friends gathered together for a meal, we all have memories that include coming together around a table.

I believe we can greatly effect the feel of our homes by selecting the right furnishings and accessories.  The table you choose for your home can add to the feel you want to create.  If you desire a "simpler" more relaxed life and want to create a warm and inviting feeling in your home I suggest our new collection called "Champlain" from one of the best dining manufactures Canadel.

This collection is inspired by a French explorer named Samuel De Champlain who over 400 years ago founded the first permanent French settlement in North America in what is now Quebec City.

This collection is marked by the colonial charm and rustic simplicity of the early 17th century.  It is hand assembled and hand finished from North American birch creatingng durability and timeless heirloom quality.  The design trademarks are straight forward, unadorned lines and the simple beauty of the wood and natural colored finishes add rustic charm to your kitchen or dining room. 

There are 8 unique finishes that have warm inviting colors with incredible hand antiquing that really makes the pieces look like heirlooms that have seen generations of children eating breakfast before school and families gathered together for Thanksgiving dinner.  The warmth and depth of character of these finishes will create a feeling of casual comfort in a dining room, kitchen or breakfast nook.

                

One of the greatest features of these pieces is they all have a protective catalyzed finish.  This finish will make them easy to maintain with just soapy water and a damp cloth and with the distressed nature of the antique finish this a great table for everyday use.  You and your family won't have to be so delicate with the table and worried you will mark the table because it's already distressed!  This will create a more relaxed atmosphere when using the table.

There are 7 different table sizes, one extending to 132" for seating up to 12, 6 bar stools styles and 7 chair styles to chose from. Also, many of the tables are available in the popular 36" counter height

If you desire a beautifully rich table that will add a causal, relaxed and warm feel to your home stop in and see "Champlain".  You can get a little closer to the "Simpler" life by creating happy family memories and traditions that begin around a wonderful table.

  

 

 

 

  

 

Wishing us all a "Simpler Life"

Robin Muralt  

Norwood Furniture

Does your furniture fit your lifestyle?

I'd like to start this post with a confession, I am a dog owner.  Not that there's anything shameful about that, but I am one of the dog owners that will freely admit how much it affects my lifestyle choices.  This includes home decorating decisions.  It's not too hard these days to find something that can survive our 9-year old Golden Retreiver, Sadie, who has mellowed and slowed down in recent years, but the newest addition to our household, a 9-month old Belgian sheepdog mix (we think) from the Humane Society named Mario is another story entirely.  If it's not dog-proof, epecially Mario-proof, it's most likely not coming to live in our home.  Mario brings much joy to our lives, but he also brings muddy paws, twigs, leaves, dirt, rocks, and a cheerfully wagging tail .

I have described my personal style as "comfortable/casual" for a long time, but I don't normally tell the "why" behind the style.  Part of it is about the dogs, but it's not just that.  When my husband and I entertain, it's always casual and easy, and most of the guests probably have dogs too.  Our vacations are also casual, usually to a beach.  We are just not formal people.  I love more formal styles, but they just wouldn't work for me.  I have a very practical streak in my nature that keeps me from even attempting to make my home more formal.  It would be impossible for me to keep up, so I don''t make myself crazy trying.  Especially when there are so many great choices available that fit into my comfortable/casual lifestyle.

What made me decide to make this my topic for this post is a new slipcovered sofa from Rowe Furniture that recently debuted in our store.  I have learned from past experience that slipcovers are a great way to go for my lifestyle.  And I love the option of two different sizes of  sofas in this style.  There is a big, 97" long, three cushion sofa shown on the left, or a two cushion version that's only 82" in length shown below. 

Each comes with four down blend throw pillows that you can contrast from the fabric on the sofa.  The square arm gives it a clean, uncluttered look and I have personnally found that it's a great place to rest a book or a plate for a snack.  The height of the arm is just right for a breif nap.  The standard cushion is cozy and soft, but if down blend is your preference, you can have that with the Feather Soft cushion package option. 

There are so many styles to choose from.  Big sofas, smaller sofas, loveseats, chairs, ottomans, even sectionals are available.  And I almost forgot, even dining chairs.  The lines can be clean, but casual, or relaxed traditional.

The fabric selections vary from comfortable cottons, environmentally friendly hemp or bamboo (look for the green dot on the fabric sample), easy care microfibers, or soft and cozy chenilles.  Colors can be light and neutral, bright and fun, or deep and dramatic.  You can get looks from modern to cottage to traditional.

 

If you would like to see some of these sofas and fabrics and see first hand how comfortable they are stop by Norwood Furniture in downtown Gilbert, Az.

Debbie Stuck,

 

Norwood Furniture

 

Fantastic dining furniture to beautify your home

We just got a fabulous new dining set on the floor at Norwood Furniture and it is gorgeous!  Plus, it's extremely well-priced.  The collection is called Hill Country from Universal Furniture.  Universal is known for making an excellent product at a great price and they have done a fine job again with this group. Currently, we have the round dining table and upholstered side chairs on the floor.  There's also a rectangular dining table and wood chairs with upholstered seats and carved backs (shown at right).

The picture on the far right is the catalog page from Universal.  As we discovered by seeing the pieces in the showroom, the fabrics and finishes are much more warmer and interesting in person.  The seat is made of an ulta suede that looks similar to leather, but is one of the easiest materials to clean.  The back is a luxurious woven textile fabric with warm shades of gold, browns, and copper tones.  Both the seat and back are outlined with antique brass nailheads. 

The beautifully carved details on the chars are completed in a warm honey finish with a chocoate glaze that gives it depth and sophistication. The seats are generously padded, so they are comfortable for you to sit in through long dinners or while entertaining.  Universal has definintely considered functionality and style with this collection! 

 

A new introduction to this collection is the 58" round dining table seen below.  The table has a plank top in the center with a perimeter ring around the edge.  An ornate metal scrollwork design serves as the base.  The curved lines of the base perfectly accompany the curves of the chair legs and stretchers as well as the arched chair backs.  I've included a detail shot of the exquisite base below. 

These pieces would look great in so many homes, whether you like Old World, Tuscan, Traditional, or Southwestern.  If you'd like more information about this fantastic collection or would like to see it in person, stop on by to see me at Norwood Furniture.  I can also be reached via e-mail at ShastaI@norwoodfurniture.com.

Shasta Ireland

Norwood Furniture

HOW NATURE INFLUENCES DESIGN

  Nature has a significant influence in the design of interiors & exteriors, furniture, window coverings, accessories for the home, as well as our own fashions and jewelry.  Elements in nature can be thought  of as the jewelry of the design. For example, living coral from the sea can influence an entire room by the shapes it forms influencing the pattern and color of the fabric.

           

We look at todays' runways and fashion magazines for tips on what's new this season and apply that to our own wardrobe and accessories.  The same can be applied to our living spaces.  In design, the shapes, colors, design, accessories; especially window treatments and bedding are THE JEWELRY!

Not long ago, Norwood Furniture hosted a color workshop, where I featured a segment called "Ebb & Flow", which talked about how water influenced everything from the colors of fabrics, and the design of the fabric patterns, to the selection of paint colors and the theme of the rooms. Colors from the sea in hues of  aquamarine blues, sea blues, spa blues and as well as sky blues were featured.

   

In the book, "Colour Futures" by ICI Paints, the author writes: Water is, and always has been, both a necessity and a fascination of mankind. It speaks to our collective imagination in practical, spiritual and symbolic terms. Fluidity, liquidity, translucency and reflection are qualities and characteristics that fascinate designers.

Consider nature to influence your next home project, it is the jewelry of your design!

Karen,

Norwood Furniture 

 

 

 

 

Fab New Bedroom & Finish on the Showroom Floor

Hi, my name is Cathe and I am one of the interior designers available to work with you at Norwood Furniture. I wanted to share some information with you today about a new collection of furniture on our showroom floor. The "Loft" collection from Fine Furniture Design and Marketing www.ffdm.com is like nothing else we have shown before. This is a transitional group of furnishings with an attitude that can lend itself to the hip urban individual while makeing a fabulous statement in a more traditional home where the love of fine line and great quality are appreciated. If I had to choose one single aspect of this new collection that first captures my attention,it would be the finish. A rich smoky brown,with an ever so subtle white pumice highlight, gives the pieces a unique look that must be seen live to appreciate.  The soft grey in the finish makes an ever so soft hue.

O.K. I said I was only going to mention one aspect of the line, but I have to tell you about the hardware too. The hammered metal in smoky grey, with copper undertones allows you to play up metallic in window treatments and bedding. It can also be played down for a soft earthy look. You must come in to see how the finish works with the chocolate and sea-green bedding that we have placed on it.

One more thing, be sure to notice the unique shaping of many of these pieces. The tiered configurations will have your friends asking "Where did you find that!"

There is so much more that I could say about this collection, but you really must come it to see it for yourself. If you do have any questions, please respond to this blog or give me a call at the store. I love these pieces. Thanks for reading. Cathe Weeks