Professional, personal training tips to get fit and stay active. Staying in shape in the midst of a busy lifestyle can be a challenge. More people are finding time in the day for an at home workout. We sat down with Lauren Domanski a fitness trainer at MVP Sportsplex in Grand Rapids, Mich., for expert advice. […]
How to Winterize: Just as you prepare your family for winter by digging out the long-sleeve shirts, sweaters and coats or jackets, you can prepare your home for the onslaught of cold weather with a few relatively simple measures. Here are a few tips from Furniture Row experts: 1. Prepare your landscaping Trim weak trees and […]
It’s a mistake interior designers see all too often: A nicely appointed room bathed in soft, warm incandescent light. Attractive? Yes. Stimulating? No. Depressing? Quite Possibly. The notion of drab light dampening spirits is nothing new. In worst cases, lack of light can cause seasonal-affective disorder, or SAD, explains psychologist Melodie Schaefer, executive director of […]
Taking up the mantel. Electric fireplaces modernize hearth and home. Love your house, but wish it had a fireplace? You don’t have to endure the hassle and expense of installing a working chimney. An electric fireplace is an easy, affordable way to bring the look and feel of crackling logs to your living room — […]
You love the feel of an urban space, but want to include natural fibers to soften the feel of your decor. Or, your dining room furniture has bold lines, but you absolutely love the floral wallpaper in your new home. No matter your style, a fun and easy way to decorate — and showcase your personality […]
What’s always underfoot and in need of attention? Your floors. Floors take a beating from dirt, pets’ paws and debris carried in from the outside on shoes. Entryways, kitchens and hallways get an especially tough workout. Floor care is usually at the end of your list. “The Healthy Housekeeper” Laura Dellutri, author of several home-care books, […]
In this edition of Ask the Experts, we’re teaming up with Furniture Row Visual Merchandiser Barbara Chandler and talking patterns. Q: Where do I start? A: With your color palette. Choose a main color and a few accent colors. Look for patterns that use at least two of these colors. “Get free swatches from wallpaper […]
Home, sweet, home? Not always. Sometimes, it goes sour. Our busy lives leave little time to clean thoroughly. Still, any freshening does wonders for the eye and mind. “Freshening up,” delivers a sense of calm and order to homes, says Elizabeth Goldsmith, professor of family resource management at Florida State University and author of Green Cleaning […]
Before and After: Back in business with the home office. Once used for a little ironing, light fitness workouts, and occasional paperwork, this spare bedroom has been transformed into an inviting home office space. From cluttered catch-all to warm and workable. That’s the transformation we accomplished in converting a spare bedroom into a home office. First, we […]
Today’s must-have electronics aren’t always visually compatible with today’s home decors. Finding storage options isn’t always easy. Fortunately, says Dennis Crouthers, senior buyer for Oak Express, there are many clever, stylish ways to conceal, display and maximize accessibility to electronic equipment and media. 1. Inventory your technology- Make a room-by-room list of your equipment and […]
The possibilities are limitless when we begin buying art. We are potentially embarking on a lifelong journey of exploration and sharing— sharing with ourselves and our friends an artist’s message that we, too embrace and bring into our homes and offices. Many people often perceive art as a commodity reserved for the cold, white walls of […]
Remember that easy chair Dad used to sink into every evening — the one Mom felt was too big and clunky for her? Times have changed. Today’s recliners combine style and function in a way that will please everyone (and every body). Here’s how to choose the right recliner for you. 1. Look for Quality […]
Had it with that sofa you inherited? Tired of losing your appetite in that gloomy dining room? Feel hemmed in by an army of knickknacks every time you sit down in the living room? Well, everybody needs a change now and then, and a budget-friendly makeover can give you more of the atmosphere and surroundings you want and deserve. Here […]
Sofas are all about relaxation — but, before you can relax on one, first do a little homework and legwork on sofa materials. Sofa Mart Buyer David Cox suggests starting by measuring the space designated for the new sofa, as well as the dimensions of the hallways and doorways through which it has to fit. Bring those measurements with you […]
Two rooms take on a grown-up makeover as they transition from kid to tween friendly decor. As your kids move into their tween years, they want a space of their own to express their individual style and interests. And, since your tween has most likely outgrown the race car bed or My Little Pony wallpaper […]
Summer is coming to an end, and some of us are checking off those summer bucket list items like camping. Earlier we gave tips on How to Pack for the Road. Now we’re giving you an easy list of items to always bring when camping. To ensure the best camping experience possible, plan ahead and […]
When it comes to packing, organization is key. Whether you’re loading up your car for a family road trip, filling a picnic basket for a day at the park or gathering camping gear for a weekend trip, a bit of preparation goes a long way. How to pack for the road: It’s easy to be […]
We all collect things over time. But the key to getting — and staying — organized is to simply have less stuff to manage. Utilize storage bins and label them for a specific person or purpose. Enlist the help of the whole family in keeping your home organized. By creating designated bins to store items, […]
With back to school around the corner, it’s time to reclaim your space. This month, we’ll be giving you strategies to organize all around the house and keep clutter at bay. Designate a drop-off area and create strategies to keep items organized. Creating clearly defined storage areas can go a long way in keeping your […]
You can make any current living space new again by re-envisioning its purpose in your home. And with changes that all families experience — whether it be a growing or shrinking number of children at home, a need for more storage or a desire for a dedicated area to work on projects — comes an […]
Whether you do it at the beginning of spring or, like most of us, somewhat later, the annual ritual of spring cleaning is all about the heavy lifting that gets rid of dirt and debris, especially in places unseen. Tackling them signals a breath of fresh air in any season. Before the soap/water/vacuum detail of cleaning, confront your stuff and discard or reorganize. De-clutter […]
An easy and affordable way to add creative drama to a room is by carefully selecting accent pillows. By including pillows with distinct patterns, textures or colors, you can give character to any space. 5 Tips for Decorating with Accent Pillows: 1. Bring the outdoors in with pillows that showcase botanical patterns. 2. Pillows are the perfect […]
Have you ever wondered if there was a rhyme or reason to all those layers on the bed? In this “Ask the Experts” feature, Bedroom Expressions is answering all your bedding questions. Follow the guide at the end of this article to create your own perfect bed. Head over to The Linen Shoppé for all of […]
Shopping at the farmers’ market is a way to support local commerce, try new produce and even make new friends. Oak Express sat down with Anja Mast, co-owner of Trillium Haven Farm, CSA in Grand Rapids, Mich., gives some tips to roaming the open aisles with success. Q: What should I bring to the farmers’ market? […]
Backyard Camping: Summer is made for adventure. And you don’t have to travel far to find it. With just a little bit of preparation and some basic equipment, you can create an unforgettable camping experience— right in your own backyard! Head on over to Oak Express for their NEW Outdoor Living Collection. With warmer weather […]
Accent tables complement a room without demanding the spotlight. Selecting the right accent table effortlessly joins function and feel, fosters continuity in a room’s design, directs traffic flow and serves as a building block for just-right interior design. It’s important to keep in mind accent tables are not bound by one style, color or shape. […]
Subtle changes can go a long way when it comes to creating a tranquil bedroom. Take lighting, clutter, and even texture into consideration when giving your bedroom a tranquil makeover. For the full article visit, Creating the Tranquil Bedroom. Tranquil Tips: Rugs– Use pattern very deliberately, taking care not to overdo it. Rugs […]
Adding value to your home doesn’t always mean spending a fortune on costly home improvement projects,” says Terry Churches, real estate broker from Grand Rapids, Mich. “There are also many smaller improvements you can make to your home in a series of targeted weekend projects.” These weekend projects, says Churches, not only help to spruce […]
Add a little drama, and extra seating space, in your home. A well-placed accent chair can add a dose of personality — and practicality — in a living area. By placing a colorful, comfy chair near a window and adding a lamp and side table, you can create an instantly stylish reading space. The Pacific accent […]
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to revive your bedroom is with fresh, new bedding. By changing out your linens, you can add flair to your room at an affordable price. START WITH THE FOCAL POINT Since the bed is generally the most prominent piece in the room, a new comforter or duvet […]
In this week’s ask the experts, we’ve teamed up with sleep experts to answer the most common sleep related questions. These simple but powerful tips will help shave time off tossing and turning, and make more time for some serious shut eye. QUESTION: How can I get a good night’s sleep? ANSWER: Unless you’re suffering from a serious […]
A great way to celebrate spring while bringing a little fun and relaxation into your home at the same time is through creating an indoor garden. Instructions: 1. Begin by scouting out the best location in your home for an indoor garden. Southern-facing areas are ideal, but any area with good sunlight will work. 2. […]
Sara Shalls, principle designer at the award-winning interior design firm Jennifer Adams Design Group, and recently seen on HGTV’s DIY Dominator, shares her take on creating elegant environments tailored to make you feel right at home. A TAILOR-MADE CHILDHOOD While many of us share stories from the setting of a single-address childhood home, Shalls’ […]
To guide your choices in pet-friendly furniture, we consulted with Bruce Galbraith, Sofa Mart’s national merchandise manager, and David Cox, Sofa Mart’s leather buyer. Question: What’s the best type of furniture to buy if I have pets? Answer: No furniture is indestructible, but many options are perfect for furry friends who just want to curl […]
Transform a tiny spare room into a beautiful baby sanctuary. Our experts have teamed up to create this beautiful neutral nursery that is suited for both baby and parents. Before: The tiny guest room was sparsely decorated with a few items of furniture. It lacked storage, character and a clear purpose. After: The room was transformed […]
Doing laundry is a chore by most anyone’s standards. So, in attempt to mitigate our loathe for laundry, we looked for a few simple ways to begin organizing laundry room spaces and implementing a few systems the whole family can follow. Laundry Organization: Simple Solutions. Easy-to-implement ideas for hanging laundry disorder out to dry in your […]
“Because this couple is very outdoorsy, we wanted to bring in elements of nature to make their newlywed bedroom a calming space.” — by Elizabeth Marcus It’s only natural that the most intimate room of the house [the newlywed bedroom] should reflect a couple’s personal taste. Of course, when that room once housed only half that […]
Habits: Break them, or make them? Most would say that we’re creatures of habit — and habits are hard to break. We spend much of our time and energy trying to break these behaviors. What if we thought differently, and instead of trying to break all of these bad habits, we create healthy ones? We […]
“Being a host comes with a lot of responsibility,” notes Ann Marie Sabath, owner of At Ease Inc., a national etiquette consulting firm. To help an overnight stay go smoothly, she’s opened up with tips for minding your manners as a host. MINDING YOUR MANNERS Map Out the Visit. Discuss arrival and departure dates, food preferences […]
Overnight guests need a comfortable, private (or semi-private) place to sleep, dress and relax. The ideal situation is a guest room outfitted with a comfortable bed as well as an accent chair and a place to read or simply relax. A guest-room bed should be queen size, if there’s room, and topped with a medium-firm mattress […]
“Company’s coming.” If any phrase can stop you in your tracks, that’s it. No matter how long they’ll be staying, your guests will need extra care and attention, and that means lots of planning and thought. Being the perfect host or hostess has one overarching principle: “The best way to make guests feel comfortable is […]
Finally, a step by step guide on how to set the perfect table. We have recreated examples of every dining situation, and how to properly set the table. Head to Oak Express for your next dining table, chairs, and accessories. A properly set table is a canvas for a beautiful meal. But when it comes […]
The final installation in our Easy and Elegant Entertaining series is all about the party details. We created a woodland-inspired themed dinner party and are sharing all of the details with you. One thing Furniture Row’s Regional Visual Merchandising Manager, Greg Utsinger, stresses is to not worry about things being perfect. “Don’t make things so […]
Part II in the Easy and Elegant Entertaining Guide by Oak Express. We’ve gathered the best tips from around the industry and created the perfect pre party checklist for your next gathering. As a bonus, we’re also providing easy Party Dos and Don’ts to keep you on track at your party. Pre Party Checklist: […]
It’s a WRAP. Quick and easy unique gift wrapping ideas brought to you by the experts at Sofa Mart. These gift wrapping tips will add a touch of unique eclecticism to any gift large and small. It’s the thought that counts, but clever packaging can make any gift more special.
This week, Sofa Mart is rocking the area rug. Looking for the perfect solution for adding that just-right touch of color and character to your room? With a few simple considerations, area rugs can help you create your own show-stopping space. Area rugs provide color, comfort, warmth and an easy way to update a room. A […]
Easy & Elegant Entertaining from Furniture Row: The wonder of the season’s first snowfall. The warm glow of a fire. A house full of laughter. And a mug full of cheer. May you thoroughly enjoy all the sights and sounds of this new season! When it comes to hosting an elegant party, Greg Utsinger, Regional Visual Merchandising Manager […]