2 Furniture Rules for Keeping Your Couch Clean

Your furniture is an investment, and spending a little time taking good care of it can go a long way! The couch is usually the most frequented spot in the house, and sometimes spills and stains happen. By taking action immediately, you can keep your couch clean and fresh. Follow these two simple rules to keep your couch looking as new as the day you got it!

1. Vacuum your couch once every two weeks

• Using the attachment pieces of your vacuum on your couch allows you to get any dust or small particles out of cracks and crevices. Occasional gentle vacuuming keeps upholstered couches looking new and helps to prevent discoloration and set in stains. 
• Don't just vacuum the tops, make sure you pull off the cushions and get between the sides and back of the couch!

2. Remove stains as soon as they happen

When spills happen it is best to clean them immediately to keep them from setting in.

•  For upholstered couches, a mix of equal parts vinegar and water will suffice for couch cleaner in a pinch. Simply soak a paper towel in the mix and gently blot the stained area (do this only after you have removed any solids.) After blotting with the mix, blot with cold water to remove any extra vinegar! Allow to dry completely before sitting on that area of the couch.
• For leather couches is it best to use commercial leather cleaner rather than run the risk of damaging the leather. Contact your couch manufacturer to get the best directions on how to clean your leather couch.

For other tips and tricks around the house visit our Pinterest tips page:  http://pinterest.com/hudsonsfurn/helpful-tips/ 

Arranging Your Living Room

Now that you have your new furniture, the next step is arranging it. Where you place your furniture in a room will ultimately set the tone for how you live in it. Here are seven must-know tips for arranging your living room, whether you’re relaxing with family, entertaining friends or watching TV.

The first step in arranging any room is determining just how much space you have to work with. You can use a tape measure to get dimensions or simply measure your foot and walk heel to toe across the room.

To add visual interest to a room you should incorporate a variety of furniture with different characteristics. For example, use an extra-large sectional with small armchairs and side tables to create an energetic vibe in your living room with various volumes.

When furnishings are out of scale you’ll notice that it just doesn’t feel comfortable or right. That being said, make sure you use scaled pieces to create balance. Note that similarly scaled pieces create a more serene atmosphere when used together.

There are two forms of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Decide which you’d like in your living room. While symmetry is very restful, asymmetry adds visual motion and excitement. Asymmetry refers to imbalance, for example to candles of slightly different sizes next to each other.

When designing your home, try thinking like an artist. Look at your space like a painter looks at a piece of art. One trick painters use is ‘triangulation’. In interior design, this can be utilized by placing two end tables on either side of a sofa with a painting above it.

Another trick painters use is the creation of depth in artwork. Paintings often have foreground, midground, background and vanishing point. Placing a chair at an angle can be the foreground. A cocktail table will provide a midground and a sofa with the wall behind it will serve as the background. A window or painting placed above the sofa will give you a vanishing point.

All furniture arrangements should have a certain gestalt, or ‘totality’ or ‘form’. For instance a long, narrow living space can be split in two by creating different zones of function. Create one half for the sofa and the function of conversing, and the other half for a dining set and function of dining. Dividing rectangular rooms into squares according to their function helps to make us feel more comfortable and less formal, which is exactly what we want for our living room!

What’s your home decorating style?

We all have a certain style to fit our personalities, habits and likes. Why shouldn’t our homes reflect it?

By expressing yourself at home -where you sleep, eat, play, and lounge- you give visitors (and the rest of your family) a chance to see a part of you through different distinguishing elements. It can be hard at times to get started, and you may be worried that changing your home to reflect your personality is a huge time investment. Another common issue may come to mind- you spot things literally everywhere that you love… but it doesn’t go well together. Don’t panic, we’re here to help you with that. Let’s get those creative juices flowing with this list of styles from TLC Home. All you have to do is pick and choose.

Traditional Home Decorating

Traditional home decorating — frequently associated with older generations — has been updated with a look that young families can embrace. Learn how to create a cozy room in the traditional style.

Country Decorating Style

Whether you like simple American country or the more elaborate French provincial design, there’s a country style for you. Learn more about the widely varied country styles.

Cool Contemporary Decorating

No longer strictly cold and austere, contemporary decorating still embraces clean lines but can be warm and welcoming, too. Learn more about how contemporary designs have pushed into the environmental arena as well.

Eclectic Decorating

Do you already have a number of objects and pieces of furniture you love but don’t fit into one coherent design style? Find out how to combine your favorites and create a style that reflects you!

Decorating Retro-Style

A room can provide the perfect platform for vintage collectors and flea-market shoppers to display their most treasured finds. Discover how to decorate a room retro-style.

Decorating with a World Flair

African, Indian, Asian, Scandinavian…styles throughout the world are as varied as the countries and their unique cultures. Find out how to create an interior design plan that celebrates the world in your own home.

Arts and Crafts Decorating

The natural colors and patterns of wood and stone are the inspiration for Arts and Crafts Decorating. Simple and clean lines give rooms a sleek yet warm look. Find inspiration in an Arts and Crafts design.

Casual Chic Decorating

This country style is a blend of patterns and colors that is inviting and homey. A mix of patterns and textures make a room rich and welcoming. Learn how to create a comfortable, casual, and chic design.

Southwestern Decorating

The wide-open spaces and spare look of the Southwestern landscape inspire Southwestern design. The furnishings may be minimal, but a Southwestern room is filled with character. Find out how to incorporate your favorite aspects of this style into your own home.

Spacious Decorating

A spacious and elegant design can unify areas of a home with an open floor plan that are used for different purposes. The design flows easily from seating areas, to the dining room, and even into the kitchen. Get tips on how to give your own space a feeling of spacious unity.