Author: Stressless Furniture Store

You’ve spent all of this money on great audio and visual equipment for your home theater. Now what?

It’s time to consider your theater seating so that you can start enjoying the room!

Before you start buying anything, however, there are a few key things that you must consider.

What features do you want for maximum comfort? How much can you spend? What is the aesthetic of the room supposed to be?

Keep reading to find 6 tips for choosing the best home theater seating for your new theater.

1. Consider Field of View

One of the most important things that you must do before you plan seating arrangement layouts for a home theater is think about the field of view.

The field of view matters because you should be able to easily see the screen from every single seat in the home theater. If not, there will always be seats that everyone will avoid and that’s a waste of money.

Try to get around a 30-degree field of vision relative to the screen’s location. In addition to that, try to make sure that whoever is sitting in the chair is close to having their eyes aligned with the center part of the screen. This will avoid neck strain.

It can be hard to figure this out before you get seats, so it may be easier to think of it as an arc instead. A 90-degree arc from the center of the screen should be enough to work with and you can always adjust before actually installing the seats if it isn’t exact.

If you’re planning to have more than one row in your home theater, you may want to consider risers to make sure that each person is able to see the screen looking forward.

2. Think About How Many Seats You Need

Obviously, there are different theater sizes and each size will be able to incorporate different features. How many seats can you comfortably fit into your home theater room?

If you have a really large space, you can think about having theater seating with aisles. If you’re dealing with a much smaller room, you probably will want to consider including only 2 or 3 chairs arranged around the space.

Regardless, you have to make this determination before you can really start to budget for seating or think about the type of seating you want. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting a lot of time and money trying to rearrange furniture that may not fit.

3. Measure the Amount of Space You Have

After you consider how many seats you can fit, you will need to get some measurements. Not only does this help you with determining if your seat idea will actually work, but it also helps you figure out the size of seats you want before you shop.

The seating available for home theaters is usually pretty bulky and may take up more space than you think. This is to maximize comfort, but before you can get that comfort, you have to make sure it’s going to fit well in the room.

Measure the room all around and be sure to consider where you plan to have the walking area. This needs to be wide enough for people to comfortably get around.

You’ll also want to be sure that there is space around the front and back of each chair for feet on the floor or a reclining function if needed.

4. Budget How Much Money You Can Spend

It’s not a secret that home theaters overall can be pretty pricey. As a result, you need to make sure you know how much you’re able to spend in order to not break the bank.

You can get lower-end home theater seating, especially if you don’t plan to use the home theater often, but remember that lower-end typically means lower-quality materials and structure.

You can also get high-end seating if you plan to entertain in that room or you want the extra status.

In the end, it will depend on how much you want to spend and what you’re trying to do with your home theater. It may be worth it to wait a little while to save more money for nicer seating if that’s your goal.

5. Consider Any Accessories You Want

If you want your home theater to stand out, consider including a few key accessories. You may even be able to get your home theater seating with additional features that will make it more special.

There are a lot of extra accessories that you can find in various home theaters, but some of the popular options for seating include:

• Seats with cup holders
• Storage spaces
• Seats with armrests
• Attached or detached headrests
• Built-in LEDs under the seats

You might be able to even get customized accessories that include some of the key things you’re looking for, but be sure to consider your budget before doing this.

6. Determine Which Style Works Best

After you know what you’re looking for and how many seats you’ll be getting, you can start to think about how the seats will look.

The good news is that there are a ton of options available, but the bad news is that it may make it more difficult for you to narrow down what you like best.

The first thing to do is consider the different furniture types out there. Are you looking for a sofa style or would you prefer recliners? Do you want the seats to be connected or should they all be separate?

The second thing to think about is color and design. What type of finish do you want? What materials do you want to use for your seating?

You will usually find theater seating in leather or vinyl options because they are durable, but also stain-resistant. Fabric-covered chairs are also an option if you would prefer it.

Think about the type of look you want your home theater to have. You can look at pictures of modern home theaters versus classic home theaters to see the stark contrast.

Do You Need Home Theater Seating?

If you’re in the process of creating a home theater, the seating you choose is absolutely crucial. It may seem difficult to narrow down what you need to buy, but we are here to help.

We have a variety of leather furniture and other home theater necessities that you can use in your home.

If you’d like to learn more about creating the perfect home theater, check out our blog post regarding what design elements you may want to look for.

Don’t forget to check out our home theater catalog as well for even more inspiration!

Your home is your sanctuary, your place of peace, and comfort.

It is true that a well-decorated home can ease your stress and anxiety.

Too much clutter, undesirable decor, and nonfunctional pieces can make you overwhelmed and leave you feeling anything but relaxed in your house.

There is a solution though…

We have put together a list of the 7 timeless interior decorating trends that will keep your house stylish and save you from outdated decor.

So say goodbye to that shag carpet and let’s decorate!

7 Timeless Interior Decoration Trends That Never Go Out Of Style

Let’s take a look at the trends that have stood the test of time.

1.Black and White

This color duo is a timeless combination. The classic colors are high contrast and give a room an elevated look. Consider trying the following:

• A classic white kitchen with black appliances and cupboards
• A clean and modern white bathroom with a black door and black framed mirror
• A black recliner or sofa with mixed textures of white pillows and throws

These are just a few options to choose from. The black and white color scheme is incredibly versatile and easy to play around with.

2. Oversized Mirrors

Mirrors serve many purposes in the home. We use them to get ready, to take pictures in, and they reflect light within the room. Mirrors are both functional and decorative which is why they have never gone out of style.

Your eyes process images in just 13 milliseconds. Mirrors can help you trick your eyes into thinking that the space you are in is larger than it actually is. Try using an oversize mirror in your bedroom leaned against the wall for a more casual look than a mounted mirror.

3. New and Old

This is another timeless duo that is loved by interior designers. Mixing bold new pieces with classic heirlooms is a great way to incorporate favorite older items without making the space look too dated.

Here are some examples:

• A modern dinner table with antique place settings
• An older cabinet with updated fixtures or paint
• An upcycled mirror in a newly renovated room
• An antique chair that has been reupholstered

Upgrading older pieces with newer trims or finishes is a smart way to preserve the timeless items you care about and keep with current decor trends.

Consider buying items that you will get the most use out of new, such as, sofas, dinner tables, and office chairs. Then you can accent those items with older or antique decor.

4. Fireplaces

Nothing says timeless like a fireplace. They are another function staple in the home that doubles as a decor focal point.

While they are a timeless decor standard, they can look outdated if not maintained or updated. For example, if your fireplace has glass doors with gold trim, you should consider removing them to give the fireplace a more modern look.

Consider upgrading the fireplace by refinishing the mantle or if you have a brick fireplace you could try white paint with black accent bricks.

Even if your fireplace is purely decorative it still serves a function as a key piece. Fireplaces scream luxury and sophistication so long as they are maintained and clean.

5. Area Rugs

Whether your home is all wood or carpeted or anywhere in between, area rugs are a timeless decor option that your home needs.

Area rugs can completely change the vibe of a room in seconds. They can add color, texture, and dimension to a room.

Using rugs that have deep complex patterns can immediately make a room feel cozier. On the other hand, brightly colored more abstract patterns can liven up a room making it feel more youthful or energetic.

Try using rugs with different materials than carpet for an even more unique vibe. The area rug will help you to define space within a room with proper placement.

Placing a large rug under the dining room table can help split the room if you have an open floor plan.

6. Neutral Walls

The world is your oyster with neutral walls. Having a muted color scheme on your walls will not only make your space look bigger, but it will also let you get creative with decor without competing with the wall colors.

Try sticking with time tested neutrals like off-white, light grey, or taupe. These colors are easy to dress up so to speak.

Once you have your walls painted you can decide on decor that will add flair to the room such as uniquely patterned throw pillows or antique mason jar vases.

Adding little pops of color with throw blankets or rugs won’t fight with your wall color if you stay neutral.

When you grow tired of the decor it is easy to change than the paint.

7. Minimalism

Clutter is always a big NO! Not only does it add stress to your day to day it just looks…bad.

No matter which decor options you choose, remember the mantra, less is more.

Minimalism also helps you keep your home organized and it makes it easy to keep clean. Not every wall needs a painting hanging on it and not every corner needs a little table.

Your eyes will see the negative space created by the minimal look and you feel more peaceful and relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Your decor is really up to you. You want your personality to shine. Creating a timeless interior is really about finding the pieces that are true to you and making them shine.

Check out our blog for more tips and tricks.

Let’s face it: before the Coronavirus outbreak struck the nation, more than 5 million Americans were already working from home. Now, that number has likely skyrocketed as people who ‘could’ work from home (but didn’t) are now forced to. If you are new to working remotely, it may be difficult to know how to get the perfect home office setup for you.

That’s where we come in. If you’re looking for tips for working remotely, take a look at our productivity and office setup guide today!

Tricks to Make the Transition

For those of you who are working from home for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. We understand how difficult it can be to make the transition, so that is why we have a few tips for working from home up to our sleeves.

Here’s the thing. It’s not uncommon for you to feel anxious, frustrated, or isolated at first.

On the flip side, some of you may be feeling energized, relax, or relieved. Wherever you are on the emotional spectrum, it is important to give yourself some time to adjust to this challenging transition.

One of the first things you should do is set an alarm to take a stretch break every half hour or so. Even those of you who work at a standing desk can benefit from walking around your home while talking with a colleague or a friend.

Another word of advice is to take a 30-minute scheduled lunch break away from your computer.

In addition to this, it is a great idea to stick to your office hours, whether you are “in the office” or not. Better yet, ask your roommates or family members not to disturb you during the working hours either. If you are not a fan of confrontation, just tape a simple “Do Not Disturb sign” on your door.

Pro tip: it doesn’t hurt to buy a white noise app or machine to reduce noisy interruptions in your at-home office.

Besides this, you’ve got to have the comfiest, ergonomic office chair that you can get your hands on. Plus, finding a hands-free headset is a super useful addition too. Problem solved!

Tips for Working Remotely

When it comes to tips for working from home, we’ve got you covered. First things first, it never hurts to over-communicate with your colleagues. This is particularly true if you have two members of different ages on your conference call or email conversation.

While you’re at it, it pays to know your new work policies for remote workers too. Has your company has made you work from home due to the Coronavirus? If that’s the case, your human resources department has probably sent out guidelines or handbooks for you to review during this time.

What better time than now than to look over all this essential paperwork?

Also, if you’re a manager at your company, it’s important to let your team members know how they can get in touch with you as well. So, this can include letting them know if you prefer to communicate via:

• Email
• Text
• Instant message
• Skype
• Zoom

Again, the only mistake that you can make is not communicating with your team members. Additionally, it is a smart idea to let your coworkers know when the best time to reach you will be.

For example, do you prefer to check in during the morning or in the middle of the afternoon? The sooner that you let your colleagues know what your time preferences are, the better. This is especially the case if they work in a completely different time zone than you do!

Setting Up Your Home Office

And now, for the fun part: setting up your home office. Before we dive in, you should know that having a proper workstation is more than just a chair and a desk. The way you furnish or decorate your home office will set you up for success for weeks (or months) to come.

To begin, choose the space in your house that is the best location for your office. If you’re lucky enough you may be able to relocate to an empty basement or even an empty corner of your bedroom will suffice. Otherwise, setting up shop at your kitchen table is a more space-friendly idea.

Additional ideas include the following:

• Unused corners
• Large closets
• Under the stairs

To be quite honest with you, all that it takes is some creativity to get the job done. That said, there’s no harm in purchasing a room divider to separate your office from your home if possible. Even better, hang up a curtain from a rod or the ceiling to give you some privacy for your office. If you don’t have a space you can comfortably make into an office, you may (depending on your means and budget) consider adding a home office. Ideally though, you will already have some space suitable for work and privacy when needed.

Also, think about who else will be using the furniture in the space along with you. For instance, will you share your office with your kids to do homework? Is your partner also working from home?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might want to pick up a desk setup that can fit two people at once. And even though you may not have clients stopping by for a while, it’s always nice to add some chairs or seating to your office for others in your household.

Your Work Setups Is Key to Office Productivity

Looking for more tips for working remotely?

Fortunately for you, we’ve got exactly what you are looking for. We can’t emphasize this enough: a clean and organized work set up is the key to office productivity. Now that you know what to do, good luck!

Searching for Stressless ergonomic office chairs? Don’t wait – call us for the best price today!

Understanding the Key Similarities and Differences between Scandinavian Design and Minimalism

If you follow trends in contemporary design, two terms you will often hear are “minimalism” and “Scandinavian”. And ever since Ikea rose to prominence, the two terms have often been conflated.

But while the two styles share similar roots, minimalist and modern Scandinavian styles do differ in a few substantial ways.

They reflect different mindsets. They demonstrate different reactions to social and environmental conditions. 

But how do two seemingly similar styles represent a clash in conception? And how does that difference manifest itself aesthetically?

Keep reading to learn more about these two styles and answer these questions.

Modern Scandinavian vs Minimalism

The way people decorate their homes reflects the society in which they live. In this respect, both styles reflect similar but distinct reactions to industrialization. 

As the 19th century ended, the effects of the Industrial Revolution crept into day-to-day life. What we would now call “modernism” was beginning to manifest.

This point is important because the two styles we are looking at demonstrate two different ways of reacting to a changing cultural landscape.

Minimalist Design

The term “minimalism” first appeared in the 1960s. It was used to describe the work of American visual artists like Robert Morris and Anne Truitt. 

The movement was a reaction to contemporary art. Specifically, abstract expressionism, which the minimalists felt was self-indulgent and stale.

Abstract expressionism relied heavily on a biographical component to relay meaning. Presented in a vacuum, a piece would appear either incomprehensible or meaningless altogether.

This was one of the primary philosophical differences of the minimalist mindset. Eschewing biography, they attempted to make art that could be anonymous. In a way, this also made it more universal.

This reaction would extend into all areas of art, including interior design. Minimalist design is defined by functionality, geometry, and its penchant for prefabricated industrial materials.

Its functionality comes from the absence of clutter. Say you knew nothing about minimalism but the word. You would still probably image an open-concept floor plan with sparse ornamentation.

Minimalist design is also characterized by bold, clean lines and geometric patterns. In terms of color, it favors a neutral base with accents of black and chrome.

In regards to how minimalism reflects changing attitudes, it embraces modernism.

Modern Scandinavian

Scandinavian design as we now know it was codified around the same time as minimalism. The style emphasized sleek, accessible, affordable furnishings and interiors. It also drew inspiration from the region’s climate.

During Scandinavia’s long winters, the days are cold and short. The popular design reflects this by contrasting that reality as much as possible.

Light, for example, is a key aspect of Scandinavian design.

The style combine open spaced-floor plans, pale colors, and minimal ornamentation. All aspects which contribute to an effort to maximize the amount of light in the space. The idea is to make the home bright and inviting as a reprieve from the cold gloom of the outside world.

Functionalism is another defining attribute of Scandinavian design. Again, due in large part to how harsh the Scandinavian climate can be, function has long been favored over form.

As part of the effort to de-clutter the space, single-function areas like dining rooms are eschewed. Instead, the open design is intended to be flexible. Each space can accommodate a variety of activities, maximizing the economy of space. 

But that is not to say that Scandinavian design is just about empty rooms with muted walls. On the contrary, it expresses a desire to marry function and form rather than favor one over the other.

It takes inspiration from nature in its choice of materials. And that distinction is one of its big differences from minimalism. 

Material and Mindset

A primary distinguishing characteristic between modern Scandinavian and minimalist design is the materials used.

Minimalism is distinguished by its industrial inspirations. It incorporates materials like steel, chrome, and lacquered plastics. While minimalist spaces can feel open and streamlined, they can also feel sterile and cold.

By contrast, modern Scandinavian seeks to move in the opposite direction. In creating a respite from winters of northern Europe, modern Scandinavian goes for a space that is open, but still lively.

It incorporates natural materials and organic shapes that appeal to the human eye on a basic level.

Minimalism can feel almost brutish in its utilitarian functionality, Scandinavian design is softer. It is cozy, without being overly rustic.

It is still defined by functionality but lends itself much more to a home than to a factory or a workplace. It typically allows for a wider range of colors than minimalism. Using bursts of blue as an accent is a trendy choice in Scandinavian design right now.

Further, if minimalism is industrial in nature, then Scandinavian is lived-in by contrast. Gently worn leathers and other natural textures are ways in which the style makes itself feel homier and more inviting.

If minimalism is embraced modernism, that Scandinavian subtly resists it. Its penchant for natural materials and organic forms is something of a throwback. It brings to mind the arts and crafts movement of the early 20th century. Which itself was a sort of post-romantic resistance to industrialization.

This places the two styles in contrasting positions.

A Homestead or a Workshop

While the two share some core similarities, the difference between them is primarily a matter of philosophy.

Minimalist design is an offshoot of an artistic movement that drew inspiration from the inorganic and was in part defined by its anonymity.

Modern Scandinavian came about in response to the environment. It was to provide a warm, inviting escape from a long, dark winter.

This difference in philosophy manifests itself in the choice of material, form, and color.

If you want to see more Scandinavian design, check out our 25 favorite Scandinavian style blogs. Or consider visiting our showroom to view examples of Scandinavian-infused design in person.

Modern Scandinavian design was popularized in Europe and America in the 1950s, blending traditional Scandinavian style with the clean lines of modernism. The look is timeless and the feeling it creates in a room is so zen that it’s no wonder that modern Scandinavian design is still popular today!

You’ve seen the look in magazines and on HGTV. You want to incorporate Scandinavian designs into your own home, but you’re not ready to part with the pieces you have now.

But how do you blend the two together? How can you create harmony in your home with different styles of furniture and decor?

Read on to find out some of the best ways to bring a taste of modern Scandinavian design to your home without having to replace everything you already own!

Let There Be Light

One thing you’ll often notice in modern Scandinavian design is the abundance of neutral tones. Light neutral tones like white, tan, and soft grey maximize the natural light in a room. Dark neutral tones like black, brown, and charcoal should be saved for accent pieces to create visual contrast.

Paint your walls white if they aren’t already. Get rid of heavy curtains that may be blocking natural light and leave windows bare or covered with light, semi-transparent curtains. Finally, amp up your unnatural lighting with modern fixtures like hanging globe lights!

Reduce Clutter

Scandinavian decor is minimalistic and practical. If you have a lot of small accent pieces in the room you’re hoping to make a little more Scandinavian, consider redistributing them in other rooms or spacing them out so no one area looks too busy.

Ultimately, try to stay on top of your cleaning game. That doesn’t mean that you need to vacuum the rug and dust the bookshelf every day! It just means that you should cut down on the clutter like junk mail and stacks of magazines.

The lack of clutter is perhaps one of the most soothing aspects of modern Scandinavian design. Clutter has been shown to increase anxiety and irritability and having a clutter-free space to relax can really boost your calmness.

Bring in Natural Materials

If you’re looking for a few Scandinavian-style furniture pieces, think natural. Leather, wood, and metal are all suitable for a room with modern Scandinavian influence!

For a living room, look for couches and chairs with dark leather upholstery, like the Ekornes Stressless Recliner. For a dining room, look for a dining room table made of a light wood with clean, modern lines, like the Toscana Dining Table.

Natural textiles are also a great way to incorporate natural materials. Look for area rugs made of wool or sheepskin or add chunky wool-knit throw blankets to your seating area. Chances are, you already have some items like these–now it’s time to display them!

Mix Clean Lines with Organic Shapes

Part of what makes modern Scandinavian design look so neat and tidy is the use of clean lines and sharp angles. Look for couches, tables, and chairs that will give your room an almost geometric appearance.

That being said, too many clean lines may take you out of the Scandinavian zone and into something more modern industrial. Remember that Scandinavian design is heavily influenced by nature, and there are some seriously funky organic shapes in nature!

Don’t be afraid to hang onto some of your furniture or decor that has a rounded, jagged, or uneven shape. Use them to add some whimsy to your otherwise modern space!

Be Smart With Color

If you’re holding onto your old design elements while ushering in the new, you’re going to need to think hard about color. In most modern Scandinavian design, you’ll see pops of color like blue, green, and soft pink. Even those pops tend to have a minimalistic vibe, mixing a single bright color with more neutral tones.

So what do you do with your favorite prints that are both colorful and busy? Don’t worry, you don’t need to hide them away. You just need to use them wisely.

Use your brightly colored pieces to create contrast. Put together a gallery wall with a few of your brighter prints and a few neutral, minimalistic prints. Go for a cleaner look by framing your prints in single-tone black frames.

Remember that you’re not going for an exact Scandinavian look. It’s perfectly fine if your favorite decor doesn’t look like it walked out of a modern art museum! It’s all in the way you style it.

Go Green with Plants and Flowers

Once you’ve maximized the light, reduced clutter, and created a balance with your textures and colors, it’s time to add some plants and flowers!

Got any bowls or vases you’re incorporating into your modern Scandinavian design? Fill them with cut flowers!

Does your mantel look a bit bare after cutting down on clutter? Spruce it up with potted greenery!

Plantlife is the one thing you can go crazy with in Scandinavian design. If you’re having a hard time adjusting to the minimalist vibe, this is the best solution for you.

Go Modern Scandinavian Without Sacrificing Your Favorite Pieces

If you’re drawn in by the modern Scandinavian look but don’t want to get rid of everything you already own, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of ways to incorporate this clean, minimalist look into your home without doing a complete overhaul of your belongings.

Now that you know the different elements of modern Scandinavian design, it’s just a matter of picking the ones that suit your taste and your home the best. If you’re in the market for new furniture with a Scandinavian twist, contact us so that we can help you find the best pieces for the best prices!

Time For a New Look

So you want to update the look of your living space, but you’re not sure where to start or what style you want to incorporate.

Maybe you need new furniture. You’ll have to decide between fabric and leather, or something more minimal.

Are you interested in updating your color schemes? What do you want to convey? Most people want to go with a neutral color scheme, something that isn’t too jarring. Here’s a hint, Light Blue is a great contrasting color to go with this season.

Beyond color schemes and furniture, you also need to figure out what kind of ambiance you want your environment to have. Some families are opting to make their living rooms tech-free and others want the most minimalist furniture possible (even getting rid of furniture completely).

A quick search for “interior design ideas” could cause anxiety for anyone — ideas and options are near endless. But for our tastes and interests, we love the design, styling, and aesthetics of Scandinavian design.

What is Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian interior design has been a popular and influential part of design since the early 1900s. Unique design ideas and trends still come from that Nordic region of the world and change the ways that rooms across the world are decorated.

Here are just a few of those Scandinavian interior, decor, and furniture trends you might expect in 2020 and beyond.

LAGOM

One thing that is common in most design trends is having a “balanced” lifestyle. This is something that is stressed over when redesigning any room, in Sweden, they do it naturally.

But what, exactly is lagom? Well, lagom means “finding just the right amount,” which is an approach to life. Basically, it means not too little and not too much — “just right.”

This means living a lifestyle free from clutter but not so much so that you feel you absolutely have to get rid of something. The point is for it to feel right and balanced to you.

Incorporate Storage Into Your Decorating

Another wonderful design trend out of Scandinavia is the use of storage furniture as a focal point of your design scheme. Under normal circumstances, these pieces of furniture are a bit boring, but with a little ingenuity, you are able to make anyone want to copy your style. You can use anything from what was once a boring clothing basket to clothing racks in order to add some functional design to your living spaces.

Accenting With Bold Blue Colors

What is the perfect accent color? Well, a favorite from Scandinavia is blue. A bright blue is often used in order to stand out in a brilliant way. A monochromatic scheme is fine, but throwing in that bright blue rug to contrast the white walls could be a wonderful addition.

Leather

Leather is a classic material, and a great Scandinavian trend is worn leather. Many Nordic interiors are transitioning to using worn leather. One great thing about worn leather is that it gives your home a wonderfully rustic feel, all without having that stuffy antique feel.

Feathers

Feathers have been catching on a little in the United States for a while, but they are also trending in Sweden. Everything from feather motifs to wall hanging decorations adds that nice texture to your home. You can work it into anything from your tabletop decorations to your wallpaper and even into your bedding. There is a definite trend of nature-inspired elements into any and every room.

Using Gray Colors for Your Walls

Grayscale has always held a special place in Scandinavian decorating. You are sure to have seen the black and white color scheme done many times before and may have been overdone. It’s a great thing, then, that grey walls are coming back into popularity. This is a great way to get the same appeal that comes with monochromatic design schemes without such stark contrast.

There is something about grey walls, white floors, and and black furniture to create a balanced monochromatic look. Choosing a perfect area rug will really finalize the look and bring the room together.

Going Tech-Free

Nowadays, people are really concerned with going tech-free. Some family vacations are even centered around this fact, getting away from the technology and reconnecting with loved ones. This is also a way to balance yourself, just like the previously mentioned lagom lifestyle.

Having areas of the house, even if it’s just one room, designated as tech-free is a great way to get the same effect in your own home. This allows you to create a space that is truly customized for you. By removing the distractions of computers, phones, and television you are able to make the environment more warm and welcoming. These make for great spaces to unwind after a long day in a frenetic, tech-heavy world. You don’t have to stick with just one room either, we recommend making the bedroom as tech free as possible as well. Several studies show technology in the bedroom robs you of sleep, affects weight gain, affects your love life, and more.

Cottage, Finland Style

Most Scandinavian design revolves around Sweden and Norway, but Finland styles are beginning to trend just as much. Finland, said to be one of the happiest countries on the planet, has trending designs that focus on the outdoors. They have what has been referred to as “cottage culture.”

A lot of these designs incorporate communal living and eating spaces. They also utilize lights to simulate natural lighting. As stated, much of Nordic design takes a minimalist approach to everything, this includes tableware and decorations.

Whimsical Lighting Fixtures

Another popular trending coming out of Scandinavia is the use of whimsical and fanciful lighting. Asian light fixtures, like the giant paper lanterns, inspire many of these. My favorite place for these is around the dining table. These make for a lighter and happier atmosphere for family dinners.

Loving the Wood Slats

You can line one of your walls with wood slats in order to give it a subtle serene feel. A great example of this is the Finnish Dream Hotel. They give of a wonderful ambiance that fans of Scandinavian design would love. This design doesn’t have to be overdone — it only takes one wall to change the entire feel of a room.

Tent Beds

Tent beds aren’t just for your little princess anymore. Kids and adults love falling asleep beneath one of those cute wood-stick tents that are coming out of Scandinavia. You can get this in many different styles and color schemes, but I’m particularly fond of the monochrome design schemes.

Graphic Calendars

You wouldn’t think it, but those over-sized Helvetica calendars are beginning to trend in a big way.

Highly customizable and easily affordable, these make for wonderful additions to living rooms, as well as for any kids room. First: they are functional — if you can’t remember if you have plans the next day, just glance at your calendar. These calendars can also double as “artwork” on the wall. Why would you ever deal with your standard phone calendar app when you could have a customized calendar sitting in front of you that brings real character to your living spaces.

Simple Art

We have already mentioned how monochrome color schemes and simplistic styling is used in Scandinavian decor and artwork is no different. Monochrome artwork has been on the rise, in both Scandinavian and American designs. Picking the right wall art is a conundrum for most amateur designers, but you can’t go wrong with black and white photography and monochrome images.

Scandinavian design has long been trendsetting, paving the way for many designers. Whether you want all of your furniture and decorations to be monochrome or you want to throw in one of those bright blue area rugs, you can’t go wrong with these Scandinavian interior design trends for the upcoming year.

 

The Scandinavian design has remained a prominent icon in the interior design universe.

These Nordic styles focus on neutral color schemes, paired with pops of calm colors and natural elements that bring the outdoors in.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Scandinavian interior design is the concept of Hygge.

The word Hygge isn’t one that translates perfectly into English, but it references the feeling of coziness, simplicity, and warmth in a home.

Imagine a cool, rainy day spent cuddled next to a fireplace with fuzzy socks and a warm blanket. This is the feeling that is meant to be captured in the Nordic style, one of complete sufficiency, contentment, and warmth.

Learn how to infuse your home with five of the most recent trends in this traditional and minimalist style.

1. Pops of Blue

In the past, Scandinavian interior design consisted primarily of white, black, and wood. But, one new color has come to bring life into neutral spaces.

The perfect compliment for the pale, cool colors, blue promotes relaxation and breaks up the monotony of neutrals.

Consider incorporating a blue accent such as a rug, painting, or blanket to bring this deeply natural color into your peaceful space.

2. Gray Walls

This style usually emphasizes the dichotomy of black and white in terms of wall hue. However, gray walls are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative.

Gray is perfect to adhere to the overall theme while adding a level of unique beauty between the two predominant colors.

3. Worn Leather

There are few things in the world that blend as naturally and as beautifully as wood and leather.

These two elements of nature at a rustic charm to the Scandinavian style that would otherwise be overshadowed by the modern design.

The key is to find worn leather furniture that can provide the coziness that is the foundation of this interior design style, without sacrificing true quality.

4. Big Paper Lanterns

These large, white lanterns provide a modern and elegant alternative to regular chandeliers.

The placement of three to four of these in key spaces such as above a kitchen table is an ideal statement piece.

The lanterns come in different styles that can be customized to your preferences and placement.

5. Cacti

Last year, succulents completely dominated the indoor plant world. These resilient plants are not only hardy but also extremely unique.

However, their close cousins in the cacti family have slowly been gaining traction. Perhaps it’s the dangerous, yet innocent nature of cacti or perhaps it’s the pure beauty of these green life forms.

Either way, add small cacti to your space to bring the outdoors in while improving the aesthetic of the room.

Scandinavian Interior Design Principles

The key elements of all of these trends are the Nordic love of pale colors, nature, coziness, functionality, and contentment.

It can be easy to incorporate even a few of these design techniques to promote happiness and well-being in your home.

Simply invest in key elements that will bring make you feel “just right” rather than endless decorations that clutter and complicate your space. Keep it simple is the key piece of advice.

Check out European Leather Gallery’s high-quality leather furnishings to add to your new cozy little Scandinavian haven.

Recently Ekornes Stressless has launched a brand new Stressless Dining Tables and Chairs furniture line — with this awesome endeavor in mind, we at European Leather Gallery have decided to tackle a common design problem: How to Design and Layout the Perfect Dining Room.

Continue reading “A Complete Guide to Designing the Perfect Dining Room”

Your furniture defines the look of your living room. The styles you choose and the colors you love help create the personal vibe you seek. But don’t forget that after all is said and done, it’s important that your chairs and sofas contribute to a healthy lifestyle, not just a beautiful one.

When selecting a new chair or sofa for your living room, don’t forget to consider the impact it will have on your back.

We’ll leave the design options up to you but for help with choosing furniture that won’t break your back, here is a good set of guidelines to follow. They’re worth considering if you care about the health of your spine… and judging by the long hours most of us spend sitting down, you probably do!

See Our Full Line of Stressless Recliners

What’s Wrong With Your Current Recliner?

To know what to buy, it helps to understand what’s probably wrong with most of the furniture out there. Most people choose their living room furniture according to their own set of design principles:

• Does the color match the rug?
• Does it fit my unique sense of style?
• Do I love the way it looks?

…with some thought given to comfort:

• How does it feel when I sit in it?
• Can I stretch out and relax?
• Does it recline? Is there a matching ottoman?

These are all very good questions. There’s nothing wrong with getting the right look but the way most people approach the comfort element is severely short-sighted.

The feeling you get when you first sink down into a recliner on the showroom floor can be misleading if you don’t know what you’re doing. Does it feel soft?

Wrong question…

A better question would be: Does it support my back and feel comfortable? Another good question: Does it adjust to my body instead of the other way around?

If you chose your current recliner because it felt ‘soft’ when you tried it out, there’s a good chance it doesn’t provide you with the proper support for long-term sitting and relaxing. For people who need to pay attention to spine health (and who doesn’t?), that can turn into a problem — a very uncomfortable problem.

Lucky you, since you’re in the market for a new chair and you can avoid that all-too-common mistake.

Here’s Your Guide to Choosing The Best Ergonomic and Back-Friendly Furniture

So, what should you look for if not temporary show-room comfort and ‘softness’? Here’s what to do to ensure your living room seating pleases the body as well as the eye.

1. Buy the Right Size

Most people don’t think of their furniture the same way they do their clothing. That’s a shame since the right size is a key feature of back-friendly seating. You’ve probably noticed that people come in all different shape and sizes.

Just as Goldilocks discovered, it’s just no good sitting in someone else’s chair.

Just because a chair feels fantastic on Uncle Frank’s back, neck, and tush, it doesn’t mean you’ll find seating Nirvana once you try it out. Seating should be fitted to the person who’s going to be using the chair most often.

Look for seating that comes in various sizes and then select the one that’s right for you. Consider height, of course, but don’t forget to check the width. Don’t assume that a chair that’s too wide will be suitable. It’s not just about k making sure you can squeeze into the seat. A chair that’s too wide can mess with your spine just as badly as one that’s too narrow.

For the vast majority of us, any seating that’s not good for the spine is bad news. The percentage of the population that suffers back problems at some point in time is shockingly high: 80 percent(1). If you can alleviate any problems simply by purchasing the correct size seating, this is a good first step.

2. Check for Lumbar Support

If you’ve ever driven a luxury car, one of the first things you might have noticed is how comfortable the seating was.

That’s partly due to the extraordinary amount of attention given to lumbar support by designers of premium cars. Not only does good seating have lumbar support but it also comes fully adjustable. That means you can find the ideal setting for your back. It also means you can switch things up when you need a change during those long drives.

It’s the same with back-friendly furniture. You’ll have the best outcome when there’s good lumbar support. Even better is when you can adjust the lumbar settings. That makes a huge difference during those long periods of sitting while bingeing on Netflix or otherwise relaxing for long stretches at a time.

3. Make Sure the Seat Can Adjust to Your Actions

It’s not your typical living room seating that can adjust to the different ways you sit. That’s usually a feature of high-end office seating. It’s also not common to find seating that moves with your body but certain companies specialize in making chairs and sofas that can accommodate different activities.

For instance, when you’re watching TV, it’s good to have neck support so you can see the screen without straining. The same goes for reading, where you’ll want to have your head tilted slightly forward. Your chair should cradle your head at the base, keeping it in a natural position.

Napping, on the other hand, requires a different position. For comfort and maximum spine health, it’s better to have the head rest flat. Chairs that come with movable headrests are optimal so you can easily switch from reading mode to napping. ‘Easily’ is the keyword, since if the headrest is difficult to adjust, you probably won’t end up moving it at all.

4. Look for Other Automatically-Adjusting Features

There’s no such thing as magic furniture, but there are chairs that can automatically adjust to your body weight and your position. That ensures not only maximum comfort but also better support for your back. Again, the keyword is automatic. If it takes any effort at all, most people won’t bother to turn that knob or adjust that lever for better ergonomics.

Picture it yourself: can you imagine fussing with knobs while you’re transitioning from watching TV to slipping off into nap mode? Chairs have to be automatically adjustable (or at the very least, easilyadjustable) in order for you to enjoy the maximum ergonomic benefits your spine craves.

People whose job is to advise other people on ergonomics will always tell their clients to keep moving throughout the day. Having a recliner that adjusts automatically (or at least easily) to a number of different positions will help you keep moving even when you’re sitting down at home.

No matter what position you’re in, however, you’ll want to maintain the natural curve of your spine —especially your lower back. This is recommended by chiropractors giving advice for proper sitting(2). Features that adjust automatically to your spine may do a lot to help you keep the right position while sitting.

5. Watch for the Golden Seal of Approval

Finally, there’s one more thing to look for if you’re seeking spine-friendly furniture for your living room. It’s considered the gold standard for ergonomic furniture standards: an endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

The ACA is the largest professional organization in the country for chiropractors. Their public-facing role includes publishing tips for healthy spines, good posture, and endorsements for products that support chiropractic health principles. At the time this guide went to press, there were only six manufacturers who were given the official seal of approval from the ACA:

1. Ekornes Stressless (ergonomic sofas furniture, reclining sofas, and chairs)
2. The North Face (outdoor clothing)
3. MoonRock (bags)
4. La-z-boy (furniture)
5. True Innovations (furniture)
6. Magniflex (mattresses)

This last criterion isn’t required, especially since it’s a rare find. But if you can score approval from the leading spine care organization in the United States, your spine is all but guaranteed a much better experience. Good luck in your search and here’s to your healthy back!

References

1. https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics
2. https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Spinal-Health