Kellum's Furniture | Furniture Store in Tallahassee

Author: Megan Perry-Thibault

  • Tip #7 – A Florida White Christmas

    Tip #7 – A Florida White Christmas

    When you say White Christmas to almost anyone in the United States, heck even around the world, people immediately think of Bing Crosby and the lilting refrains of Snow, Snow Snow!  Anyone except Floridians that is.  As the temperatures drop and the holidays start to roll around we know that few if any of us will see snow flurries but many of us still want a white christmas.  We call it Coastal Christmas.  If you are working on your own winter wonderland right now, here are a few tips that can make furnishing & decorating easier.

    First, think of the whites that are native to Florida; award-winning sandy beaches, seashells, weathered Cypress branches, Magnoilia blossoms, Christmas Cactus and big fluffy clouds.  Bring those looks and feels into your room settings.  A mix of those familiar scents, shapes and textures will lend a complexity that is stimulating and relaxing all at the same time.

    Second, If you just won the lottery then Congratulations!  You can afford to order new couches, chairs and ottomans.  Rush on over and Kellum’s will assist you.  If you’re like most of us though you’re looking for a cost effective way to bring your vission of sugarplums to reality.  An industry secret to achieve an all-white bacdrop on a budget is slipcovers.  Look for white or winter white in Velvet, Corduroy or Cotton Ducking that will have a cozy feel and suptuous look to them.  On an even tighter budget?  Over your existing furnishings, layer plush lap blankets, throw pillows and table linens in your desired white palette.  Rachel Zoe and Nicole Miller are two masters of the Coastal Christmas Aesththetic that you can shop for.  They each have outstanding seasonal white items in all these categories.

    Third, the general White Christmas theme can be dressed up or down.  Use lots of natural elements like pine cones and touches of forest green or pale blues for casual farmhouse or danish modern style.  This style is more spare and is best with small vignettes displaying your most treasured pieces.  If your taste leans to glitz and glam go with the More-is-More philosophy.  Adding lots of pearls, crystal, silver and gold.  Put out everything and then add some more!  With either of these styles white lights and an abundance of candles make everything look more special.

    Finally, finishing touches are what make the difference between boring & mundane or elevated; tasteless & tacky, or spectacular.  Unless you have an unlimited budget and can afford professional help try to avoid this year’s newest novelty in favor of more timeless touchstones.  There’s a reason you love angels, reindeer, trees and snowmen and so does everyone else.  Also think about photo opportunities.  You’ll likely take more photos over the holidays than you will at any time other than summer vacation.  Step back and turn a critical eye on your front door, fireplace, dining table or maybe that picture window with a great view of your outdoor decorations.  Do each of those special spots look as bright and exciting as possible?  If not, let the elf in you come out.  If so, then your work is done.  Put on Bing, pour a cup of cocoa and let the fun begin!

  • Tip #6 – Welcome Fall into Your Home

    Tip #6 – Welcome Fall into Your Home

    Cool, crisp mornings bring thoughts of Fall. Whether the daytime highs have come down or not a change of décor can make your environment seem as warm and cozy as you desire. The two secrets to getting that Autumn in New England appeal are Color and Texture.

    First, where to start. Don’t ignore your front walkway, porch and door. A beautiful wreath or doorhanger that makes a statement is a great touch; one that is in scale with your home but that can be seen from the street. It welcomes guests and sets the tone for what’s to come. If your budget allows add a seasonal door mat or rug and some potted fall foliage like mums or coleus. Pumpkins are a sure hit with their vibrant color and can stay in place through Halloween and Thanksgiving. Finally, a lantern or other source of decorative lighting in addition to your existing porch light is a smart idea. Layering light sources is more visually appealing, and, with shorter days, will be appreciated by both you and your neighbors alike.

    Moving your attention to the interiors, this is where most of your time and effort should be spent. Color sends an automatic and unspoken message about the change of season. If your home’s basic overall color palette is light the rest of the year this is the time to go darker and richer. For inspiration think jewel tones and fall leaves. Adding splashes of Hunter, Forest and Teal to a lighter blue/green palette will work wonders. Each family on the color wheel has darker shades you can gravitate to. If you have yellows and peaches add orange, copper, and gold. If you have red, white and blue add more navy, cranberry and gray. This can be done with pillows, throws & lap blankets, area rugs, table lamps and small decorative objects.

    Texture is another subtle way to amp up the impact of your decorative choices. Imagine the feel of nubby fabrics, soft blankets, brittle branches and leaves, oil-rubbed wood, and burnished metals. Work versions of these elements into your rooms, adding more in public spaces like living rooms and guest baths while adding a smaller dose in private places like bedrooms and home offices.

    The finished atmosphere should feel warm and cozy for the cold nights ahead. The reset will help you enjoy the change of season and make your home a haven for friends and family.

  • Tip #5 Bring Summer Indoors

    Tip #5 Bring Summer Indoors

    Bring Summer’s Sunshine Indoors!  This time of year invites thoughts of family vacations, pool parties and picnics with the kids.  But if you focus on small changes in your décor the inside of your home will seem as sunshiny and fun as the outdoors.

    First take a good look around your main living areas.  Your goal in turning a keen eye on the status quo is to determine what small changes can make a big difference in the overall feeling of the rooms.

    CURTAINS can be pulled back, changed to a lighter fabric and color, or taken down all together, leaving only wooden blinds or roll-up bamboo shades.  This in itself brings in more light and provides a tropical feel to things.  If you don’t have a chaise lounge or comfy recliner by the window, then consider purchasing a piece in either a bright tropical print fabric or a monochromatic fabric in a color that speaks to the blue skies or sandy beaches.

    PILLOWS are a quick and easy mood changer.  Take away everything in dark colors and heavy winter fabrics and substitute lighter choices like cottons, linens and sailcloth in that previously mentioned sand and sky theme.  For pops of other color use the palette of your favorite summer flowers as your inspiration, like red hibiscus, coral poppies, yellow sunflowers, and purple iris.

    TRANSITIONAL FURNITURE is always a smart choice.  It adds layers of sophistication to your home’s décor and helps your budget as well.  It is never more important however than when so many of your friends and family are dropping by on daytrips or summer vacations. Ceramic or metal garden stools can be used for seating both inside and out.  Place one by a chair or a grouping of three to display collectibles.  When company arrives, move the transitional pieces around inside or out for additional seating.  Wooden benches can hold packages at the door, cotton throws for afternoon naps and, in a pinch, provide extra seating at the dining table or on the patio.  The best pieces are sturdy but light enough to make relocation easy.

    CLEAR A PATH and develop a site line that leads people to your outdoor spaces, whether it is a small square of concrete with a potted plant or acres of land with forests and a pool.  Regardless of whether guests step outside or stay in and just enjoy the view it announces that summer has arrived! These few ideas can be quickly implemented over a weekend on a sparse budget and the results will make you feel like you’ve gone on vacation!

  • Refreshing, Renovating & Spring Cleaning

    Refreshing, Renovating & Spring Cleaning

    If you are stuck inside because of Winter weather, make the most of your time by getting ready for Spring.  Tackling a small project, like fresh paint on an accent wall or moving and regrouping how your artwork is arranged and hung, can give you a whole new feel for Valentine’s, Fat Tuesday, Passover and/or Easter.

    There is a reason for the old expression “Clean from top to bottom”.  It is the logical and most efficient way to clean any area, room or whole house.  Start with ceiling fans, walls, wall art, draperies, and work your way down to the furniture.  Vacuum all the upholstered pieces and use soft rags and a good polish on all the wood furniture and other wood trim.  Dust and dirt, as well as bacteria from winter colds and viruses, embed into your fabric coverings.  They leave odors, dull the color and shorten the life of your fabrics.  Finally, end with cleaning floors and vacuuming rugs.

    A bagless vacuum should have a good HEPA filter so you are catching all the dust, dander and any pet hair.  If not bagless, then make certain to empty the bag often and change the filters frequently.  No need to do double work keeping up with a lack of efficiency that puts much of the same particles back into your air and onto your surfaces.

    Rearranging your furniture is a great next step.  As each piece is cleaned move it out of the way to a new spot.  Sit down on chairs, benches, and sofas to observe the new perspective.  Keep shifting until you get a fresh arrangement that offers new vistas.  There may be new horizons or cozy corners you’re missing with your furniture placed in its current “usual” position.

    Once you’re satisfied with the new placement, this is the perfect time to assess your belongings.  Do you need a new reading chair?  Are you missing a piece at your entry for changing shoes and dropping packages?  Has your collection of favorite things outgrown the tiny shelf unit it is displayed on?  And honestly, has your sofa seen better days?  If the answer to any of these questions or many more is yes, then make a plan.

    1. Make a prioritized list and set a budget,
    2. Start looking at home décor magazines and websites to get ideas, and
    3. Talk to a trusted source for the inside scoop on sales, special events and any perks or customer loyalty programs.

    By the time sunny skies start rolling in, your home will be ready for a brighter and better Spring!

  • Holiday Decor

    Holiday Decor

    Holiday Decor

    Bargain Shop Year-Round ~ As every bargain hunter knows, the best time to buy holiday decor is the day after the holiday. However, you should think of holiday shopping as more than that. Shopping off-season really is the key to finding great items. Big Box stores, specialty boutiques, antique malls and thrift stores have great finds throughout the year, and don’t be afraid to look in aisles that aren’t necessarily related to that holiday. Throughout the year local festivals & craft fairs are also a fun way to find some memorable, unique holiday items.

    Get Crafty ~ Some of the best holiday decor is just begging to be made. Consider hosting a craft evening with friends. Have everyone bring a favorite Pinterest idea or a project they worked on as a child and then let your creative juices flow. At least one project will be a total flop, but it’s always fun and creates memorable pieces to use pull out again each year.

    Don’t Let a Theme Box You In ~ Unless you have an heirloom collection the size of the Guggenheim sticking to a single theme can be overwhelming. Don’t be too theme-specific. Select a couple of themes based on colors you like together or that are suggested by one of your favorite collectibles and go from there. Use memorable heirlooms as centerpieces and then add table linens, pillows, and other décor that plays off their theme or color or both. For instance, Winter Wonderland would be a great theme if you have a collection of Delft, Portuguese pottery, or Chinese blue & white ceramics. That would allow you to add green with trees and forest items or reds with scenes of skating and skiing.

    Scale Back but Make Connections ~ Crowding every room with holiday décor can be claustrophobic. Make a big splash in your public spaces but keep secondary or private rooms free from all but a small touch that calls back to decor in the rest of the home. Each room gets its own moment, no matter how small or how festive, that makes it a piece of the whole. It should have a connecting thread throughout with the design. Maybe it’s the color of the lights or silver stars throughout. Tell your story.

    Picture the Scene ~ While lots of people might feel the need to maintain traditional holiday color schemes, you can also let your inner child go wild. Picture a favorite scene from a holiday book or movie and draw inspiration from that. If you want pink and turquoise to complement your beach décor and furniture, go for it! Do what you makes you happy and brings you joy – this is what the holidays are all about!

    Bring the Outdoors Inside ~ Even if you use an artificial tree or garland to save time and effort, splurge on at least one live holiday plant. Something seasonal like poinsettias, small potted pines or Christmas cactus. A natural touch in every room speaks to people, especially when it’s cold outside and everyone is huddled indoors.

  • Small Spaces

    Small Spaces

    Small Spaces

     

    Working with small spaces is an art in and of itself.  Historically, a small formal sitting room served as a receiving parlor for guests before they were brought into the main part of the home.  Eventually, sitting rooms evolved into living rooms. Today, there’s virtually no difference between a living room and a family room and they’ve given way to more casual spaces, including media and entertainment centers.  As housing costs rise more people are living in small spaces again so how do you make the most of the space you have?

    #1: POSITIONING

    Keep your furniture, particularly your sofa, to the scale of your room.  Smaller rooms look best with a streamlined, compact sofa rather than one that overwhelms the space.  Next, position your sofa to maximize its effect.  Especially in small rooms, place your sofa so it’s facing the door.  This makes a big difference in how a living room feels when you walk in.  If it’s a sectional, have at least one side facing the door.  You’ll feel more comfortable if you can see what’s happening without craning your neck or getting up all the time.  In addition, seeing the front of the sofa when guests enter a room imparts the feeling they’re walking into one giant bear hug!

    #2: ORGANIZING 

    Because the living room is also the family room and vice versa, organization is more important than ever.  An organized living room is soothing to the eye and soul.   Clutter Central is the coffee table.  If you’re choosing a new table, opt for one with drawers or a low shelf.  On top try to curate the items that are meaningful and/or essential and stash the clutter below.  Look elsewhere in the room where you can neatly stow items with style in baskets.  Lidded baskets take care of magazines and paper. You can stack them in multiples or slide them under furniture.  Open oversize baskets hold extra pillows, throws, children’s toys, and pet items.  Baskets easily blend into the room adding subtle texture to the space while looking polished.

    #3: FOCUSING

    Every room needs a focal point.   It grounds you in the space.  A focal point is whatever you want to draw attention to that makes you happy.  Typically, a fireplace is a natural focal point.  Play it up with a decorated mantel.   Include a dramatic piece of art or a mirror. If there’s no fireplace or other inherent focal point, add a piece of art or a mirror to the farthest wall in the room. Or especially in a small space, paint that wall with an amazing accent color.  But remember, in small rooms stick to a color palette of only two or, at most, three colors.

    #4: WARM & WELCOMING

    How do you achieve that warm and welcoming look?  Be true to yourself ~ the best compliment is “It looks just like you!”.  Fill in your room with accents such as lamps, rugs, and decorative pillows that resonate with you.  “Less is More” is a successful aesthetic for small, streamlined spaces but “Over the Top” can be done well in a small space if you stick to your color scheme and curate your collection to avoid confusion and visual cacophony.  Mix styles, match styles – it’s up to you.  Envision a living room that you’ll love coming home to every day and it’ll be an even more special place when everyone you love gathers there!

  • Working With Neutrals

    Working With Neutrals

    Working With Neutrals

     

    Neutrals can be many different colors and each color has different shades and tones so there is a lot to choose from. The only word that doesn’t apply is “boring”!

    Architectural Details
    Understanding that almost every room has some architectural value to start with, whether it is your baseboards, crown molding, columns, an interesting window, or the best view, whether outside or to another room, is key. Work with what you have or if you have it in your budget to enhance the elements that are missing or need improvement. This gives you the best starting point.

    Layer Fabrics and Textures
    Once you select a palette, greys, beiges, taupes, whites, etc., focus on “feel good” fabrics. Linen, velvet, cotton, brocades, crepes, and silks are just some examples of fabrics that bring on the “ahhh” when you touch them. Each of these fabrics and more all catch the light differently, produce different sensations and recall different sense memories for people. Use them in abundance!

    Add Soft Elements of Color for Sophistication
    When using neutral colors, it’s so important to have a few elements of color which really enrich the room, so the result is cohesive, sophisticated, and restful. A pastel shade of almost any color is a good choice to broaden the appeal of a neutral palette.

    Combine with a Bold Color for Drama
    For a more dramatic room select one bold color and use it as the “yin” to your neutral “yang” color palette. Look in your closet for ideas about what colors you are drawn to. Fire Engine Red, Eggplant, Reflex Blue, Pucci Orange, or Hunter Green are all good choices but play with a color wheel and see what part speaks to you and the mood you are trying to create.

    Layer Rugs, Lighting, and Accessories to Finish
    This step is like putting the jewelry on your room. Old school says to start with a good rug and then once your furniture is in place add artwork, lamps, mirrors, and more to make the room truly your own. But today you can start with just one good piece you love, like a quirky painting, and add things as your budget allows. A well-curated space comes with time and living with the things you love. Enjoy!