The Advantages of a Sleeper Sofa

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Sleeper Sofas for Sale in West Bloomfield, MI

There are some pieces of furniture that certain people swear by, while others know they’d be a waste of money in their own homes. For example, your friend might get great use out of an armoire to help organize their massive closet, but with your minimalist clothing style the same armoire would just sit in your house gathering dust. Pieces that fall somewhere in the middle—ones you can see the potential in but aren’t sure if you’d really use them—can be a tough call.

One thing that we can assure you though, is that a quality sleeper sofa should be at the top of the “worth it” list for every home. With all the advantages they offer for you and your space, there’s no question you’ll get a lot of use and happiness out of your purchase—and here’s why!

You’ll have an extra sleeping space that won’t break anyone’s back.

A comfortable sleeping alternative will come in handy more often than you might think. There are many possible scenarios over the years that will call for additional sleeping space, sometimes without much notice. It might be friends or relatives passing through town, a slumber party for your kids, or a few nights when your spouse has to wake up much earlier and doesn’t want to disturb you. Whatever the situation is, you’ll be glad to have a decent place to crash when it happens.

Sleeper sofas save space.

A sleeper sofa is a multifunctional furnishing that serves as two major pieces of furniture in one. Therefore, any room you put it in will become multifunctional too. This is ideal for smaller spaces, such as one-bedroom and studio apartments, or if you don’t want to sacrifice an entire spare room to a guest room. A sleeper sofa will take up less space while still serving the function you need. Another space-saving perk is that many sleeper sofa models come equipped with extra storage components.

They save money too.

Buying a sleeper sofa doesn’t just give you two pieces of furniture for the space of one—you get two pieces for the price of one too! If you don’t want to spend money on an entire extra bed, a sleeper sofa is a great compromise for your budget without as much compromise on quality as other options (seriously, who wants to sleep on a futon?!). Plus, if you’re just looking for an extra sleeping space for when you have visitors, you can transform any part of the house into a guest room without actually having to spend the money to decorate and furnish a full guest room.

Sleeper sofas are versatile.

Sleeper sofas are designed to work in any type of space. You’ll have a lot of options to work with when it comes to finding a spot for one in your home. A bed may look funny in the home office, but a couch to relax on that happens to turn into a bed when you need it? That will be useful and enhance the look of the space! The bed feature is discreet on sleeper sofas and they’re available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, fabrics, sizes, and styles to work with any interior.

A sleeper sofa offers convenience.

Not only does a sleeper sofa provide a comfortable extra sleeping solution, it does so at a moment’s notice. Transforming this piece from a couch to a bed is a quick and easy process, so you won’t have to worry about dragging out an air mattress if an overnight guest spontaneously stops by. Sleeper sofas are also convenient because they’re easy to set up and move around. Whether you just want to move your sofa to a different spot in the same room, a different area of the house, or are moving houses altogether, it’ll be no hassle.

If you’re looking for a good deal on a top-quality sleeper sofa, Sherwood Studios has you covered!

Our selection of comfortable sleeper sofas spans a wide variety of styles, price points, and sizes to fit any room in any house. Plus, our team of interior designers are on hand to help you find the perfect one for your space. Stop by the store today for your dreamy sleeper sofa and all of the other home furniture you need!

5 Tricks for Dividing Up Your Open Floor Plan

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Interior Designer in West Bloomfield, MI

Open floor plans have reigned as one of the most desirable interior design features for several years now. It’s not difficult to understand their appeal—an airy, spacious feel to your home, easy entertaining possibilities, a sense of togetherness with other household members without being on top of one another. Plus, their popularity has been given a considerable push by the HGTV reality show gurus who yield a strong influence over current and future trends.

But after a while (and recently thanks to the coronavirus-induced quarantine), some people have begun to see the disadvantages of an open floor concept. Whether you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by all that open space, looking for some extra privacy, or just craving something new for your home, these tricks will help you break up that open floor plan and redefine your space!

1) Define areas with color.

Contrasting colors are a simple, yet effective way to separate areas within your open space. You’ll still want to carry one shade throughout the whole space in order to maintain flow. But then you can get creative with one or two distinctive hues in each section. For example, try painting your kitchen baby blue, your living room a soft peach, and pulling a crisp white throughout them both.

2) Look to the ceiling.

A distinguishing feature or treatment on the ceiling can create a sense of separation between two adjacent open spaces. This could be something as simple as painting the ceiling over your living area a different color or using a different material for your kitchen ceiling. Or, you can install an architectural feature like beams or an archway. Even an ornate chandelier or unique lighting fixtures can be used to divide a ceiling to reflect separate spaces.

3) Ground different sections with area rugs.

Alternatively, you can create different zones in your open floor plan using the floor. Area rugs in particular are an easy way to differentiate between sections without disrupting the flow of the space with an abrupt physical barrier. Rugs also help to add texture, visual interest, and a cozy feel to a “room”. Group furniture around your area rug to establish clearer boundaries.

4) Arrange furniture strategically.

Speaking of furniture, your furnishings are another effective tool for dividing an open concept into distinct sections. Furniture is what gives a room purpose, and thus can be used to define unique areas in an open plan by their function. Have furniture pieces intended for the same zone facing one another. Larger pieces, such as a couch, dining table, kitchen island, or bookshelf, can be especially useful for visually and literally separating different spaces.

5) Add a room divider.

Room dividers are great alternatives to the cost and permanence of building an actual wall to break up your open concept interior. They offer a degree of separation while still giving you the option to retain some of that inviting open feel. You can get a cute decorative folding screen, hang curtains from your ceiling, hang a chain or bead divider, or even install French doors. The best part of the room divider solution is that if you want your open concept back in the future or temporarily for entertaining guests, all you have to do is open or remove it.

The interior designers at Sherwood Studios can help you take control of your open floor plan and enjoy your space once again. Our design solutions are tailored to the needs of every individual client, no matter how minimal or extensive they might be.

To set up a consultation with one of our talented interior designers, visit our West Bloomfield studio or give us a call today!

Consider These 4 Factors to Help You Choose the Perfect Coffee Table

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Living Room Furniture Store in West Bloomfield, MI

Every room has a staple furniture piece that defines the space. This piece is usually instantly recognizable and obviously points to the function of the room—the bed in a bedroom, couch in a living room, dining table in the dining room, etc. But the key to truly bringing a space together and making it feel whole is not just this one piece of furniture, but also the (often overlooked) supporting pieces that anchor it.

In the living room, which is likely your most-used space, one of the most important supporting furnishings is the coffee table. So, how can you make sure you choose the right one to achieve the look you have in mind? Just keep these four things below in mind as you’re browsing your options and you’ll be good to go!

1) Size

The first thing you need to take into consideration when choosing a coffee table is size. The dimensions of your table must complement your living room space, as well as the other furniture in it. A giant coffee table in a tiny living room, for example, doesn’t make any sense. The measurements should mostly be based on your living room staple piece—the couch. These are the three rules experts recommend you keep in mind for coffee table sizing:

  1. The table length should be no longer than 2/3 of the total length of your couch.
  2. Leave a 2-foot clearance between each side of the table and surrounding furniture.
  3. Table height should be the same as or 1-2 inches shorter than your couch cushions.

These are, of course, just general guidelines. If necessary, you should adjust your coffee table size to your own needs and style. If you’re taller, for example, get a table a few inches taller. Or, if you’re going for a more streamlined living room aesthetic, choose a table that’s a little shorter.

2) Shape

Just like the size, the shape of your coffee table must work aesthetically and functionally with the rest of your living room. Coffee table shape should depend mostly on your seating setup, as well as how you plan on using your space.

In smaller rooms, for example, a rectangular or oval table will strike the right balance, while a square table will just make it look smaller. Square coffee tables are, however, a good fit for larger seating areas such as a sectional or horizontal couch with a love seat (circular tables work well here too). If you are a frequent entertainer of guests, a table with a round shape will promote and facilitate easy gathering for groups. When you have kids, avoid shapes with sharp edges for safety reasons.

3) Function

Along with looking good in your living room, a coffee table also needs to be conducive to the ways in which you intend to use it. Think about how often you use your living room and what you typically do while you’re in there. Does it double as your home office? Then a spacious coffee table or one that can be raised might be useful. Or, if you tend to accumulate a lot of living room clutter, you might prioritize finding a table with extra storage like a cabinet, space for baskets, or drawers.

A big factor in the functionality of your coffee table is going to be the material that it’s made of. If you have kids who like to rough-house, avoid breakable materials like glass in favor of something sturdier, like hardwood. If you know you’ll be doing a lot of eating and drinking in your living room, opt for a table with a moisture and stain-resistant finish. Choosing the right material will be key to making your coffee table last as long as possible in good condition.

4) Style

Lastly, your coffee table should, of course, fit with the style of everything else in your living room. You can choose to have your table blend in with your interior design. Or, you can decide to make it a centerpiece and get something that stands out but contrasts nicely. Just be sure it doesn’t clash with the other furniture and design elements you already have in place.

If you want your coffee table to be harmonious with the rest of the room, try getting one that matches your end tables, falls within the same color palette, and/or has a shape and texture that’s similar to your other furniture. For a table serving as a centerpiece, go with something with a color or material that pops (such as metal or stone). You can also choose a non-traditional piece for your coffee table, such as a storage ottoman or storage trunk. Don’t be afraid to think a little outside of the box!

Do you really want to nail your coffee table choice to top off the living room of your dreams? Sherwood Studios has you covered! In addition to a wide selection of coffee tables of every style, we have expert interior designers on hand in our store to help you make the right decision for your space. We can guarantee that you’ll walk out of our showroom with a table you’re going to love.

For more information about our furniture collections or interior design services, contact a team member today!

How to Decorate with Plants

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Interior Design Studio in West Bloomfield, MI

When it comes to livening up your space, what better way to do it than with actual living things? No, we’re not telling you to adopt another dog—we’re talking about plants! Live flowers and greenery have been on the upwards trend in the interior design world for the last few years with no signs of stopping. It’s easy to see why. Plants are a quick way to add pops of bright color, install an earthy calmness, and bring fresh energy to your home.

You can’t just pluck any old plant from your garden and plop it inside though. Successfully incorporating plant life in your space takes careful planning and forethought just like any interior design element. Don’t worry though, we’ve got a few tips to help you pull it off!

Research before you buy.

Even though you’re in a design mindset, it’s important to remember that plants are living things that require care and maintenance to look their best. After all, even the most beautiful flowers or charming succulents won’t do much to elevate your space if they’re dead. That’s why, before you head out to the nursery, you’ll need to research which kind of plants will thrive in your home environment and which ones won’t last. Consider factors like light conditions, humidity, room to grow, and the time and effort you’re prepared to put forth to care for the plants you choose.

Think about the colors in your space.

Just like you would with any decorative accessory or furniture piece, you want to choose plants and blooms with colors that complement the existing colors in your space. Plants that fall within your interior color palette will help your space flow better and, if you choose complementary colors, make the rest of your design elements pop. You’ll also want to be sure to select plant colors that work well with one another, so nothing clashes.

Pay attention to your planters too.

The pots and planters you use to hold your plants are an extra opportunity to enhance your design. If your space is mellow, choose planters with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and interesting shapes to serve as eye-catching accents. Or, if your space is already bold, go with classic and neutral planters to avoid clashing and keep the focus on the plants themselves. Have fun with your choices and try to incorporate your personal style.

Think beyond traditional potted plants.

You can’t go wrong with a vase of flowers as a centerpiece or simple potted greenery on an end table. But don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and get creative with your plant displays too. There are so many options these days—wall planters, hanging plants (great for small spaces), vines to wrap around furniture or décor, trees for the floor, plant carts, herb gardens, etc. These versatile display options also make it easy to incorporate plants and flowers in any room!

Try making plants a focal point.

One way you can approach plant life in your design is to plan your design around your plants, rather than the other way around. You can try putting blooms and greenery around the outskirts of the room as a sort of frame to soften the edges. Or, put all of your plants in one spot for a lively focal point that anchors the room. Making your plants the star of your space will bring the perfect balance of tranquility and organic energy.

If you don’t have a green thumb, go artificial.

Nervous about your ability to be a good plant parent (or has history proven that gardening is not likely to be one of your future hobbies)? Don’t worry—you can still enjoy the aesthetic benefits of flowers and greenery without the responsibility. Artificial plants can make your space look just as warm and inviting as their real-life counterparts. If you really want to sell it, you can even get a diffuser or two to get that refreshing flower or plant scent too. Another option is to incorporate images of flowers and greenery into your décor, fabric patterns, and other design elements.

To really make the most of your space and incorporate plants and other design elements for the greatest effect, your best bet is to work with a professional interior designer. At Sherwood Studios, our interior design services cover all rooms and all levels of intervention. Whether your space just needs a few finishing touches or a complete facelift, our designers are ready to take on the challenge.

Contact our studio today to set up a consultation!

Interior Design Tricks to Make a Small Space Look Bigger

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Interior Designer in West Bloomfield, MI

Bigger does not always mean better when it comes to the place you call home. Sure, there are a lot of people who dream of big, spacious houses with rooms to be filled with furniture and décor to their heart’s content. But others crave the cozy atmosphere and simplistic lifestyle that come with smaller spaces. You can’t go wrong either way—as long as you master your interior design.

Small rooms and spaces don’t have to feel small. There is, after all, a difference between charmingly intimate and uncomfortably cramped. If your small space is starting to make you a little claustrophobic, here are a few tricks to help it feel bigger and more open!

Keep clutter to a minimum.

A lot of the time if you feel like the walls of a room are closing in on you, it’s actually your stuff that’s causing the congestion. We’re not just talking about piles of magazines on the coffee table or dirty laundry on the floor either. Too many pieces of furniture or home accents can also clutter your space just as easily. Make an effort to keep smaller rooms tidy and organized (hidden storage pieces can really help you out here) and implement a design that’s simple and minimalistic.

Scale down your furniture.

To create an open and spacious environment, furnishings should be proportional to the room that they’re in. A three-piece sectional, for example, will overwhelm your tiny studio apartment living room. A sleek couch with a separate accent chair, however, will offer just as much seating space without feeling bulky.

Choose furniture that’s multifunctional, such as a shelf floor lamp or coffee table with drawers, to cut down on the number of pieces in the room. Furnishing with pieces that are lower to the ground, leaving more space above them, can also help create a sense of openness in a small room.

Use a light color scheme.

Dark colors absorb light, while light hues reflect it, creating the illusion of more space in a room. For smaller spaces, go with light neutrals (beige, pale gray, off-white, etc.), softer tones (especially blues and greens), and colors with warm undertones.

Coordinate your wall colors with your furniture and décor as well to keep that open, airy vibe flowing throughout the room. A little contrast in colors is good for adding depth, but be careful not to make it too dramatic, as this can break up your space in a way that shrinks it.

Optimize lighting.

Well-lit rooms naturally look and feel larger. Your best option for a small room in this regard is to maximize whatever natural light you can get. You can do this by strategically using mirrors, glass, and other reflective surfaces to help bounce sunlight around the room. You should also ditch any heavy or dark drapery, opting for sheer curtains or none at all.

If natural light is limited in your small space, stock up on artificial light sources to supplement. Lamps, ceiling and wall fixtures (bonus points for using reflective materials here!), recessed, and track lighting should be used to illuminate your space evenly for the most expansive effect.

Choose few larger pieces instead of many smaller ones.

As we mentioned earlier, a bunch of small or medium-sized furniture and décor pieces can make your space feel just as cluttered as accumulated household junk. In small rooms, select a few larger pieces to fill out the space without cramping it—one or two wall pieces, one main furniture piece with a few accent furnishings, a piece of décor placed here and there. This will leave you with much more open and functional space, making the room feel bigger and more comfortable.

Need a little help making your small space feel larger than life? Get in touch with Sherwood Studios! Our interior design services can help you transform any room in the house to achieve the look and feel you’ve always wanted.

Give us a call at 248-855-1600 to set up a consultation with one of our designers!

5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Home Bar

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Bar Furniture in West Bloomfield, MI

The advantages of a home bar are obvious. It provides a convenient space for you to entertain your guests, serves as another area of the home where you can relax and unwind, and takes the look (and value) of your space to a sophisticated, elevated level.

Home bars are becoming more and more popular, making it much easier to find inspiration for creating your own and a wider selection of bar furniture and accessories to complete your setup. To ensure you get the most out of your bar, in terms of both design and function, use these tips below to start your planning and bring your new entertainment space to life!

1) Choose your location carefully.

Theoretically, you could make a bar work in almost any area of the house—the basement, living room, dining room, back patio, etc. The key to choosing the right location is to consider both technical and functional factors when making your decision.

First, think about your practical bar needs, including electricity for lights and appliances, plumbing for sink and any fridge/freezer connections, ventilation, and physical space. Then, consider your functional needs. Where do you usually entertain friends? Do you prefer to hangout inside or outside? Do you want your bar to be close to other features of your home, such as a media space, bathroom, or pool/hot tub, for example? These are all questions you need to answer before you even start planning your design.

2) Set a budget.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of building a home bar and go overboard with luxury features and materials. That’s why it’s best to determine how much you are willing and realistically able to spend from the beginning. You’re more likely to stay within your price range this way and create a home bar that won’t break the bank.

As you’re budgeting for your bar, take into account what you’ll need to buy first. For example, work you’ll need to hire out for vs. work you can do yourself, any building materials, furnishings, accessories and décor, appliances, and bar supplies are all items you will need for a functioning home bar. Then, move on to the features you want your home bar to have, listing them from most to least important. Allocate your remaining budget after covering your needs to your top wants.

3) Decide on what style you want to go with.

There are a lot of different directions you can go when it comes to the design elements of your bar. You could go with something modern, traditional, elegant, minimalist, rustic—the list goes on and on. Whatever style you choose, it should be something that works cohesively with the rest of your space but still stands out.

An at-home bar should be the focal point of a room without clashing with any of your other interior design elements. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add personality. Experiment with unexpected decorative accents, bold color schemes, and a mix of finishes and materials to create an inviting, eye-catching space.

4) But don’t sacrifice function for aesthetic.

When planning out your home bar design, keep in mind the elements you’ll need to make your bar as functional as possible too. Consider things like space for ample seating, a bar shape and size that provides enough space to work, and storage for your supplies.

You should take advantage of vertical space to optimize the layout of your home bar. Wall cabinetry or floating shelves, for example, are perfect for creating an attractive display of your spirits or barware that doubles as storage.

5) Be smart about the materials you use.

The materials you use to build your bar should be selected carefully. You want them to be attractive, but also durable. A bar is very similar to a kitchen in terms of functional needs, so consider what you would and wouldn’t use in that type of space. Your furnishings need to be able to withstand wear and the damage that often occurs in eating and drinking spaces (spills that stain, acidic citrus juices, moisture buildup, chopping garnishes, prepping snacks).

It’s best to use hard, sturdy materials for your counter surfaces, such as hard wood, quartzite, or granite. Save the more vulnerable materials, such as glass, soft woods, or vinyl, for things like wall accents or decorative features.

At Sherwood Studios, we carry a wide selection of home bar furniture to help you serve and enjoy your drinks in style. You’ll find bars, carts, stools, lighting, and decorative accents for every style and vision to create a bar space that is uniquely yours. If you need help planning, our interior designers can work with you to make your ideas a reality.

Browse our furniture collections online today or get in touch with our team to make an appointment at our West Bloomfield showroom!

Key Design Elements to Nailing the Modern Farmhouse Look

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Interior Design Services in West Bloomfield, MI

The farmhouse style is a longtime interior design staple. Rooted in the original design of many American homes, people are drawn to the simple pastoral charm and homey feel of the farm life. But that doesn’t mean they want to come home to a space that feels like they’ve walked through a time machine and back into the 19th century. So, how do we bridge the gap between countryside comfort and modern taste? Modern farmhouse style!

The modern farmhouse interior offers a contemporary twist on the cozy appeal of the classic farmhouse look. If you want to pull off this warm, but sophisticated style in your home, there are a few staple elements you’ll need to incorporate.

Neutral Color Palette

Neutral colors are a fundamental aspect of modern design, but they also help achieve the natural feel of a farmhouse space. If you want to go heavier on farmhouse comfort, choose warm neutrals like earthy browns and sandy beiges. If you prefer to emphasize the modern component of your look, lean more on cool neutrals like grays or even pale blues. For the walls, white-washed is usually the best way to go. This neutral palette will serve as the perfect backdrop for vintage farmhouse pieces, through which you can incorporate pops of accent colors.

Wooden Accents

There is no farmhouse style, modern or otherwise, without wood. Wood pieces, tones, and finishes are crucial to getting that signature rustic farmhouse look. There are plenty of opportunities to implement wood in your design—furniture, flooring, décor. For the modern farmhouse, featuring pieces made of reclaimed wood is a great way to put a contemporary twist on rustic warmth. If you live in a home with wooden architectural elements, such as exposed beams or hardwood floors, style your space in a way that makes them a focal point.

Natural Materials

Classic farmhouse style is heavily inspired by nature. Along with wood, the use of other natural materials and fibers will help to bring that organic element into your space. Rattan, wool, and linen are characteristic of traditional farmhouse, while materials such as leather, bamboo, and even faux fur can infuse a touch of modernity. These materials don’t have to be overwhelming. A simple wool rug in the bedroom, wicker baskets for coffee table storage, or even a leather accent chair can be enough to bring the outdoors in. Organic, nature-inspired materials will also add texture and visual depth that helps bring your look to life.

Industrial Metallics

Interior Designers in West Bloomfield, MI

Metal-based décor and finishes act as both a nod to modern cities and original farmhouse structures. Industrial accents, such as wrought-iron drawer handles or iron light fixtures, are reminiscent of farm machinery but still in line with current trends in interior design.

Metallic finishes are also a good option for updating the industrial farm look, but avoid anything too glossy that would look out of place in a countryside home. Look for metallic and industrial-inspired pieces that are also functional, as most decorative items in a classic farmhouse home serve a purpose as well.

Mixed Furniture

Farmhouse furniture, and décor for that matter, should look like a carefully curated collection, not a boxed set. Mix and match your furniture and accessories for a cozy, but elegant look that balances rustic and modern elements. Furniture should have clean and simple lines that reflect both the traditional farmhouse architectural style and modern penchant for minimalism. You’ll see a lot of antique pieces in a farmhouse space for this reason—to get that unique, vintage feel. Just make sure everything still works together, so it doesn’t end up looking like a cluttered mashup of random items.

It can be tough to find the right balance between modern flair and rustic simplicity when it comes to implementing the modern farmhouse look in your space. If you find yourself struggling to pull it off, get in touch with the interior design team at Sherwood Studios!

We offer professional interior design services for the entire home, whether it’s just one room you want to tackle or every nook and cranny. We also have a wide selection of furniture and home accents for all different styles to help fill out your space with those fundamental pieces and finishing touches you need to bring it all together.

Give us a call at 248-855-1600 today to discuss creating the home interior of your dreams!

How To Make Your Formal Dining Room More Casual

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Dining Room Interior Design Services in West Bloomfield, MI

Depending on what you do with it, your dining room can be one of the most useful and enjoyable spaces in your home. If the idea of that surprises you, then you’re probably stuck on the image of a formal dining room that gives off the impression you’re only supposed to be there on holidays or when eating a proper meal.

When you implement a casual style in your dining space, you’re much more likely to want to spend time in it on a regular day-to-day basis!

Here are a few interior design tips to help you get that relaxed and inviting feel:

Brighten it up.

Light and airy colors make your space feel more open and casual, whereas darker, deeper shades have a heavier and more elegant effect. A simple way to soften your color scheme is to refinish darker wood tones with warmer, more welcoming ones—think farmhouse style with yellow or even light grey undertones. If your walls are dark, paint them something neutral or go a little bolder with a pastel hue or patterned wallpaper.

Dress down the table.

A fully set dining room table creates a very formal atmosphere. Leaving it open and accessible makes the room more approachable and functional. Until you’re serving food, ditch the placemats and china settings and opt for one simple centerpiece instead. A seasonal floral arrangement or decorative bowl is all you need to add the right homey touch.

Use modern accessories.

A lot of what makes a traditional dining room feel formal is in the ornate details and antique accents (oriental rugs, china cabinets, crystal chandeliers, etc.). By modernizing these accessories, you turn it into a friendlier, more casual space. Try decorating with some vibrant botanicals, light linen drapery, and a simple chandelier or table fixtures for lighting. Add a larger contemporary piece, such as a dining bench or a bar cart, to complete your casual, contemporary look.

If you need help taking your dining room from formal and stuffy to casual and lively, the interior design team at Sherwood Studios can help. Our designers will work with you closely to achieve the vision you have for your dining room, whether it’s sophisticated, casual, or something in between.

Give us a call at 248-855-1600 to speak with a team member about your project!

Smart Furniture Shopping: Where to Splurge and Where to Save

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Furniture Store in West Bloomfield

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone. You finally have the opportunity to make a space that’s completely your own without the limitations of renting. While it’s normal to want to splurge on your dream furniture and accessories, it’s not really prudent to spend that much money when you’re now responsible for the costs of home ownership.

But you don’t want to live in a house filled entirely with cheap furniture, right? So, how do you know which pieces are worth the higher price tag right now and which to conserve on? Don’t worry—we’ve got some insight that can help!

Pieces to Splurge On:

Couch

Your couch is going to be one of the most used pieces in your home. It needs to be durable, comfortable, and last longer than your other furniture. Invest in one you love now and you’ll be set for years to come.

Mattress

The only piece of furniture you’ll be using more than your couch is your bed. Sleep is so important to a healthy (and happy) lifestyle, spending a little more on a good quality mattress is going to pay off big time.

Dining Room Table

In many ways, the dining room table is the heart of your home. It grounds the room and serves as a place for your family and guests to gather and fuel. You need a sturdy table to strongly define the room.

Pieces to Save On:

Lighting

Your main concern with lighting is that it is functional. When it comes to fancy fixtures, there’s no reason to overspend on something you can find a cheap version of that does the job just as well.

Art & Décor

As with your lighting, imitations and cheaper artworks and decorative accents will add the same personality and style you’re looking for in your space without breaking the bank. Plus, you’re probably going to be swapping these pieces out every few years anyway as trends and your tastes change.

Area Rugs

Area rugs are going to suffer so much wear and tear that it’s not worth it to buy anything too expensive. No matter how much you spend, within a few years most rugs will be damaged beyond hope. You’re better off saving your money to replace them when the time comes.

Sherwood Studios’ full-scale furniture store in West Bloomfield has something for every style and every budget. Just tell us what you’re looking for and what you want to spend, and our professionals will set you up with pieces that will exceed your expectations, not your bank account.

Shop our furniture online today or stop by our showroom to start exploring!

How to Clean A Fabric Sofa

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A quality sofa typically lasts anywhere from 7-12 years with the proper maintenance. Maintaining your sofa includes routine cleaning to ensure it is in its best condition. Fabric sofas require special care to remove stains, dirt, and lingering bacteria. 

Here are a few tips for cleaning your fabric sofa: 

Start by Vacuuming 

Remove any pillows and removable cushions. Thoroughly vacuum your couch to remove any loose dirt, debris, and pet dander. Use a handheld vacuum with a narrow suction tube to get in small spaces .

Check Clean Code 

Before you begin cleaning your sofa, check the clean code. This tells you how to clean your sofa and what solutions work best. 

Here is a breakdown of the furniture cleaning codes: 

WUse a water based cleanser. Can be spot cleaned or shampooed. 
SUse solvent cleaners only or dry clean. 
W/SCan use a water-based and or dry cleaning solvent cleaner. 
XCleaned with vacuuming or light brushing. No water or solvent cleaners. 

If you can use a water-based cleanser on your sofa, you can purchase a sofa cleaner or simply mix equal parts baking soda and water. Spray this on your couch to remove lingering odors and disinfect it. Be sure not to saturate your furniture with too much water as it will be difficult to dry. 

For tougher stains, you can mix another solution of baking soda and water into a light paste. Apply this to the stains and gently brush in circular motions.  

If your cushions have removable covers, take them off and wash them according to the label’s instructions. Most cushion covers can be cleaned in a washer machine. 

Dry 

Use a dry towel to soak up any moisture. Allow your sofa to air dry for at least one day before you resume regular use. 

Sherwood Studios in Michigan is a full-service furniture store and interior design studio. Browse our sofa selection online or visit us in-store located in West Bloomfield.