Now more than ever there is a global push to "Go Green." Cars are becoming more eco-friendly, factories are getting cleaner and energy is being sourced alternatively. But what about in the home? Here are 4 easy ways that you can go green in furniture and do your part to help our planet remain the beautiful home it is.



1. Buy furniture made with sustainable wood. Sustainable wood is wood harvested from forest that are carefully managed or wood that has been reclaimed from old buildings or furniture. Wood that is truly sustainable is in no way negatively impacting the environment or stripping a forest of its most precious commodity: trees. As it becomes more and more popular, it is easier to find sustainable wood furniture. Check the labels and materials of your product and ask where you can find sustainable furniture. You can get just about every piece of furniture for the home in a sustainable form, often at a reasonable price.



2. Look for recycled material furniture. Another popular trend in an eco-friendly home is the use of recycled material in furniture. Many companies are now offering entire lines of furniture made out of previously used materials. Everything from plastic to metal to wood can be recycled and reused to create beautiful and functional furniture pieces. Read carefully to be sure that the materials are truly recycled and you can add a little green to your living space.



3. Get more durable furniture. One of the easiest ways to get green in the home is to buy pieces of furniture that are going to last. When shopping for a new living room set, consider buying a more durable couch that will last years rather than one that is going to need replacing. Also, reconsider tossing old pieces. Sometimes, simply applying a fresh coat of paint or stain can bring life back into an old tired piece. Also, think about reupholstering your old armchair rather than getting rid of it altogether. And if you must have new, look into donating your old furniture to a family in need or a college-age friend furnishing an apartment. Finding a new home for your old things is a simple and fulfilling way to go green.





4. Check out bamboo. Did you know that bamboo can grow up to a foot a day? This fact makes it one of the greenest materials to work with. Because it is so quick to grow, it is easy to farm and replace bamboo without depleting the crop. Bamboo also happens to be a beautiful woody material that can withstand weather and wear and tear. Bamboo makes for a great outdoor furniture material and you can feel good knowing that you are using a material that is fast-growing and highly sustainable. Consider bamboo the next time you are in the market for an outdoor furniture set.



The hottest trend in furniture today is the push to go green. For many people it is not just a fad but a way of life. Helping to save our planet is just one of the amazing benefits of green furniture. You can also provide a safer living environment for you and your family, save some money and give your home a beautiful and mind-comforting face-lift. Check out the green furniture options the next time you are in the market for some furniture. You will be amazed at how easy it is to "Go Green" at home.

Aside from your home, many of us will spend the majority of our lives in some sort of an office or work setting. Just as you wouldn't skimp on your living room sofa or your bedroom set, you shouldn't skimp on your office furniture. Perhaps the most important piece of furniture in your entire office is your office chair. Use this guide to help you choose the best chair for your needs and for your comfort.

Where will the chair be? Based on the chair's location in the office, there are a few different options. For example, if you're looking for a desk chair, you may tend toward a high quality, ergonomically designed executive chair. This type of chair is made with the ultimate in comfort in mind. Oftentimes, the chair will have rolling casters, arms and a nice padded seat. No luxurious detail is spared in the making of this chair, as it is likely the chair that a typical office worker will sit in for hours throughout the day. Alternatively, a chair for a boardroom or a waiting room area can be much less luxurious. Usually a traditional padded chair with or without arms will do. Choose your chair based on the need and the traffic that the chair will see.

Who will be using the chair? When you are looking for a chair for yourself, you will probably want to get the best and most comfortable one that you can. Knowing that you are going to be sitting at a desk or at a computer for lengthy amounts of time should motivate you to find the best chair for your needs. Likewise, you know that if you are filling an office waiting area with chairs, you don't have to be as luxurious. Yes, you want your clients to be as comfortable as possible, but they certainly do not need to sit in executive leather cushioned seats. Think about the type of people using the office furniture and make your decisions based on that. You will save money where you can and you will find the best chairs to suit your specific needs.

How much are you looking to spend? Depending on your budget, the type of chair you can get varies greatly. There are many functional, comfortable task chairs that can be used for a permanent desk chair that fall within the range of $50-100. These chairs are less luxurious than an executive chair, but they also take up less space and are usually more ergonomically correct. This is a great option for a small home office or even a college dorm room. On the higher end of the money spectrum, there are amazingly luxurious and indulgent executive chairs made with soft leathers and real wood. These chairs can range anywhere from $150-900. Knowing how much you are willing to spend on a chair narrows your choices down and can help you to decide exactly the chair for your needs.

Above all else, when choosing an office chair, you must keep in mind quality. With office chairs, there are often moving parts, levels, swivels and detachable pieces. Look for the highest quality pieces that will last the lifetime of the chair and that will keep you safe in the process. Using these quick tips to find an office chair can help save you time and energy and can increase your productivity levels!

Is your closet overflowing with shoes and handbags? Does your tie rack need a serious overhaul? Is your office desk a mess of papers and memos? It's time to get organized! With so many amazing and practical storage solutions out there today, organizing your life and your living space becomes a breeze. Take a look at some of the best organizers on the market and how to use them.

Shoe Storage and Organizers — If your closet seems to be overrun with your shoes, it is time to consider a shoe organizer to help alleviate some of the clutter. Let's face it, shoes take up a lot of space. A cubby-like shoe rack can be one option for getting them all organized. With a space for each pair of shoes, you can easily see what you've got and where it is. Another less obvious choice is a shoe storage chest that closes to hide your shoes. This is a good option if closet space is tight and you want to keep your shoes in your main room. There are even hanging shoe bags to help you organize your shoes. Whatever you decide to use, keeping your shoes in check is a great step in cleaning up your closet.

Bathroom Cabinets and Space Savers — The bathroom is one place that can be difficult to organize simply because of a lack of storage. Not many closets have nice built-in storage and cabinet space. This is where a great space saver can come in handy. Whether it's a simple corner shelf, an over-the-toilet rack or a hanging towel cabinet, there are ways to add some storage to every bathroom. The key in bathroom storage is to optimize the space you have with as much storage as possible. Although you may not have space for that granite-topped vanity, you probably can fit a small towel shelf. Take a look at what you have and don't forget to optimize empty wall space.

Kitchen Storage — Another room where space and storage always seems to be in demand is in the kitchen. There are some amazing and creative storage solutions just for this area that can make your life so much easier. To start, there are a plethora of kitchen racks to help you get organized, from pots and pans racks to baker's racks to plate racks. There are also simple drawer storage units in a variety of kitchen-friendly materials like rattan, stainless steel and solid wood. You can even find a garbage can storage unit that is a separate island that can be tailored to match your kitchen's décor. The bottom line is, no matter how basic or fancy you want your kitchen storage to be, there is something available to suit your needs.

Office Organizers and Space Savers — A final place that so many people need to get organized in is the office. Whether it is your home office or your work office, the desk is usually a sure-fire place where organization needs to be updated. Luckily there are a wide variety of desk organizers available that can make this chore a breeze. For starters, simple desktop organizers can make a huge difference. Everything from pencil cans to vertical files to letter trays can help keep the surface of the desk a neater place. Furthermore, any office could benefit from a neat system of filing cabinets, bookshelves and paper sorters. Keep in mind that any office that is organized is going to be more efficient and productive than one that is not.

Spring is almost here and with it comes the opportunity to clean up and get yourself organized. Using some of the wonderful organizational furniture pieces on the market can assist you in making your home a more neat, organized and presentable place.

Are you sick and tired of falling asleep looking at your unmatched bed, dresser, armoire and nightstands? Have you skipped your bedroom on your home tours because of its unmatched furniture? Are you just ready for a new look in the bedroom? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it's time to think about a new bedroom set. With so many great options out there, you are bound to fin a perfect set for your bedroom. Follow these simple tips to get started.

What is your style? The first step in buying a new bedroom set is deciding what your style is. Do you prefer a more traditional décor, with detailed carved wood, fancy upholstery and rich fabrics? Or are you more inclined to opt for modern pieces with clean lines, cool colors and sleek design?

Choosing your style is a perfect place to start as it sets to tone for the entire room. Think of what makes you feel the most comfortable and choose pieces based on this. Your bedroom should be a reflection of yourself and by figuring out what décor you prefer, you will be one step closer to creating your ideal sleep space.

Pick a Material. After you have decided on a style an equally important decision has to be made: what material do you want your bedroom set to be made from? With so many amazing options on the market, this can be a bit overwhelming. The important thing to keep in mind is the way that you use your furniture and your lifestyle. For example, if you are a newlywed couple trying to save some money, a simple wood set with little ornate details may work perfectly for you. If you are a busy couple with children and pets, an easy-to-clean surface may be the best option for you. Likewise, if you are a lover of high fashion, a richly textured wood with fine details may be best for you. Whatever your lifestyle, choosing the right material for your room can be a huge decision.

To Match or Not to Match? That is the real question. Bedroom sets come in a variety of sizes and shapes today. Most commonly though, they consist any combination of the following: a bed frame, a nightstand or bedside table, a dresser with or without a mirror, and an armoire. Not all sets include all of these pieces and certainly some will contain more, these are the typical pieces found in bedroom sets. It is up to you if you want to have all of your pieces match. Some people prefer the ease of shopping for a set all at once and like the fact that they can get everything all together and in the same style. There are often price breaks on sets as opposed to buying each piece separately. Other people don't have the budget to afford all pieces at once or just prefer to build up their bedroom set one piece at a time. Whatever category you fall in to, there are so many different pieces and styles of bedroom furniture available that you are certain to find a set—matching or unmatching—for you!

The decision to purchase a new bedroom set is a huge one. Thinking through all of your choices and options before stepping into a store or surfing the web is a wise move. Keep in mind your own personal style and preferences and remember that your bedroom is where you spend the majority of your time. Why not make it the oasis that you have always dreamed of?

With the New Year comes the desire to change, to upgrade, to make anew. This includes many facets of life from health to fitness to profession. How about home decoration? Take a look around your home. Is it time for a facelift? Could your space use a makeover? Follow these tips to create a quick update to your living space.

1) Invest in some good slipcovers. If your couch is looking ragged and a bit used, a quick and easy way to make it over is to cover it with a quality-crafted slipcover. Rather than purchasing a whole new couch or armchair, slipcovers are a simple and cheap way to keep what you already have and make it look new. There are so many beautiful choices available, you are bound to find the perfect slipcover to fit your needs.

2) Framed artwork on the walls. One of the most cost efficient and easy ways to make over your home is to take advantage of framed artwork. There are so many beautiful poster prints available and transforming them into a wall piece is as simple as finding a great frame. Frames come in a plethora of woods and finishes to accommodate any style. Also, take advantage of local artists and galleries as some of the most unique and affordable art can be found there.

3) Change up the window treatments. Yet another fast and affordable upgrade can be made with the purchase of new window treatments. Whether it is a beautiful Roman shade, a sleek panel curtain or a matching valance and curtain, changing the style and color of your window treatments can make a noticeable and positive change to your living space. Not only trendy, new window treatments can control lighting and even heat to and from the house.

4) Update the lighting to create a new look. Perhaps nothing makes for a more dramatic change to a home than the lighting. Adding a lamp to a dim living room can create vibrancy and liven up any space. Toning down harsh light in a dining room can make a more intimate and personal atmosphere. Track lighting and a few modern lamps can take any room from plain to modern chic. Available in any color imaginable, lamps and lighting can transform any room in no time.

5) Accentuate the positive. The beauty is in the details when it comes to home décor. Accenting your large pieces with small decorative touches can take any home from boring to lovely. Whether it's a lamp or a vase or a candle centerpiece, decorating with accents is now easier than ever. Be careful not to overdo it however. Keep it simple with one or two great pieces as the focal point per room. Using vibrant colors in your accents can be a wonderful way to brighten up any space, but neutrals are a safe bet for any novice decorator.

Using these quick tips for decorating, it is possible to update your home's look without the hefty bill. Keep in mind while redoing a space that sometimes less is more. Just a quick update—a fresh coat of paint, a few new throw pillows, a shiny set of cabinet fixtures—can make a world of difference in a room. Choose a few simple touches for your home to start the New Year in a fresh and innovative style!

You’ve got the living room of your dreams. A beautiful sectional sofa, comfy armchair and chic entertainment center. So why does the room feel so empty? Decorating with occasional furniture pieces is a wonderful way to fill in empty spaces while enabling you to add a splash of style that represent who you really are. For everything from end tables to coat racks to ottomans, there are a plethora of perfect occasional pieces just waiting to be discovered. Here are just a few examples of occasional pieces that could enhance your living space:

Coffee Table—The coffee table has become quite standard in the American home and is one of the easiest ways to accent your living room. Traditionally made lower than a typical table, a coffee table is the perfect height for a sofa or low sitting area. Coffee tables come in a variety of styles from contemporary brushed steel to rustic dark wood to decorative shadow box. Whether you want a storage solution or an artful accent, a coffee table can provide a much-needed decorative boost to a room.

Bookshelf—Adding a bookshelf to a room can provide a touch of sophistication and grace to your home. A bookshelf is also a great way to create a functional display area in a room. More than just books, a shelf can be used for decorative accents, glassware, and even picture frames. Whether stand-alone or built-in, a bookshelf is a perfect occasional piece for anyone looking to add a little character to any room.

Ottoman—Traditionally an ottoman was used as simply a place to rest your legs. Nowadays the ottoman often doubles as a footrest and a storage unit. Many ottomans are built to open on top to provide a space for holding a blanket, pillows or any other small items. In materials like solid wood, leather and plush fabric, ottomans are a wonderful way to accent a room while providing a splash of style.

Cocktail Table—A fairly new addition to the occasional furniture family is the cocktail table. An extremely useful piece, the cocktail table provides a place to store bar items and table linens while giving guests a place to place their drink. Whether it’s kept in a dining room or a kitchen, a cocktail table is the perfect accent for any living space.

End Tables—Nothing accents a beautiful sitting area like a pair of strategically placed end tables. End tables provide a neat place to place a drink or even to hold a carefully chosen decorative piece. Often available as a matching set with coffee tables, end tables come in countless styles to fit in with your room. Many even have shelving and drawers for an added storage feature.

By no means does this list encompass all of the occasional furniture that is available. Also included are coat racks, television units, baker’s racks and kitchen islands. Occasional pieces provide perfect solutions to the empty spaces that exist in your home. With so many great options, you are bound to find an occasional piece to fit your lifestyle!