The April Buzz is Out!

Get the goods from the queen bee in our What's the Buzz column

Warming the Oven . . .

I know, we have not even hit Halloween yet, how can you start talking about Thanksgiving? The answer to that is easy, its my favorite holiday and its never too early to start planning the perfect meal. Its not just about the food, but the setting is important too! Having guests at your house this year? Its time to start thinking about a dining room table fit for you, your ever growing family and mother earth.

Wood Top Care and Cleaning Information:
No matter how tough these tables are, they are made from wood, and any table made from wood can be scratched or burned or dented. When in use, we recommend using trivets, placemats, and tablecloths to protect the top from plates, hot pans, dishes, etc. Darker finishes will show scratches more readily. This is not considered a manufacturing defect.

Clean the table by using a slightly damp sponge or cloth - use a mild dish soap or detergent if desired - then dry with a soft towel or cloth. Try to wipe up spills quickly so cleaning is easy. Never use abrasive cleaners or sponges. Never let candle wax drip on the table - it will discolor the finish.

Be aware that humidity and climate will affect your wood furniture. Wood exchanges moisture with the air, expanding and contracting as humidity levels fluctuate. This movement can sometimes cause periodic gapping at the rule joints {the areas where leafs are inserted into the table top}. Such temporary gapping is a natural characteristic of solid wood and is not considered a manufacturing defect. Placing your table near heating vents, fireplaces, or wood stoves can damage your furniture because of the extreme changes in temperature and moisture.

Wood does have a tendency to darken and age over time - this will be especially noticeable on lighter finishes. Avoid direct sunlight - ultraviolet rays will change the color of the wood over time. And if your table is in a sunny area, never leave an object on your table for an extended period of time - you could very well find that the area underneath the object is a different color than the rest of the table! We also recommend periodically putting your leaves into the table allowing them to age naturally to match the color of the rest of the table.

Want to wow your inlaws with a brand new hardwood table made in New England from sustainable forests? Get those orders in today! Cut offs for in time deliver are just 10 days away!

Inspiration

So I moved to a new neighborhood recently and I am very lucky to have not yet taken a digger because I can not look where I am going. There is such much to see and observe walking through this thriving neighborhood. Everything is new, the murals, the people, the coffee shops and everything has a new STYLE. In the fashion world things seem to be constantly changing, but really I think they recycle the classics again and again with new twists. In decorating there are no rules and you rule your individual loves and passions. One example that hits close to home is the ocean. As Bostonians we are so lucky to have the great blue wonder at our doorstep. The big dig (I know should I even go there?!?!) has really changed the way we see our waterfront. It inspired us for this little seaside escape.




So what inspires you? Grab some photos, thoughts and scrapbooks and let our deign consultants help bring your ideas to life.

The Dude Abides

Rugs, they really tie the room together.

Whether your style is bold and colorful and you need to lay the thread work down to link a red sofa to your yellow walls; or your style is more clean and classic and you want to spice up the neutral tones, rugs are a great way to bring some color into a room.

Here are a couple of guidelines:

Firstly, what is your color inspiration? Check out tips from HGTV's color guru David Bromstad or bring in some pictures or swatches of the colors on pieces you want to keep in the room.

Second, talk to a circle designer about what the best options are for you. Do you want the eco friendly FLOR tiles that you can mix and match to create any size carpet? Or perhaps one of the many ready to go colorful patterns ready to take home in the store.

Third, see how it feels. As you start embracing the warmth and added sass of color you can expand, maybe add a few pillows or a cute accent chair.

Fourth, rent the Big Lebowski from your local video store if you missed earlier quote references.

Stay tuned for info on Circle's "Green With Envy" event coming up on April 24th!


***********UPDATE: I keep talking about how great this FLOR stuff is and showing you to their website, however (shame on me) I forgot to mention the SWEET DEALS on shipping you get by ordering through Circle! You can also come in to check it out and touch and play with our exclusive in store display.*******************************

Sectionals With Style

by Christine Cellucci

For decades now, sectional seating and family-rooms have gone hand and hand. In the 1970’s, overstuffed monstrosities plunked down in front of television sets were a staple in lower level ”playrooms” from coast to coast. At some point in the early 1990’s, Americans collectively shifted to a more casual use of the previously designated “formal living room” and comfortable seating was promoted, finding it’s place on the main floor. By the end of the decade, with interest rates hovering around 5 percent, the family room addition became the home owners upgrade of choice, second only to kitchens and baths. Again, Americans sought out in search of great looking pieces with exceptional comfort for their gathering rooms. At that time, American Leather was among a handful of fashion forward furniture manufacturers that was ready with a new generation of frame styles. These sleeker models were perfect for busy great rooms, covered in durable and spill friendly leather or Ultrasuede^®. Many styles included chaise or angled seat components, offering fresh options and sophisticated arrangements.

This spring American Leather once again positions itself as an industry leader with their introduction of the “Zen” frame.

The grouping offers plush seating, fantastic support and a beautiful sweeping profile, making it a showstopper when positioned to float within a space. Both this years “Zen” and the “Valero”, released in 2007 and designed by industry visionary Vladimir Kagan, are available in sectional configurations. These pieces offer the perfect combination of high style, amazing comfort and quality construction. You can even feel good about supporting our national economy since American Leather still makes their furniture right here in the good old U.S.A. Check out the complete line at www.americanleather.com.

Velero by Vladimir Kagan

designer’s notebook

by Christine Cellucci

02/27/08

New York’s Fashion Week

Take a Peek at Autumn

Color Trends
As far as I am concerned, Spring officially arrived on Friday February 1st, with the kick off of New York Fashion Week in the Big Apple. There is nothing like viewing autumn attire to fool the spirit into thinking spring is near at hand. During this, “Super Bowl of Fashion” the world is treated to a preview of colors and palettes that will impact every consumer product from plastic cutlery to stilettos in the coming months. Pantone, Inc., the gurus of color for design industries worldwide, released their Spring ‘08 color preview, last September. If you want to get a peek at the colors you will see hitting the racks in the months to come, visit: http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends/2007/Pantone-Fashion-Color-Report-Spring-2008.html

You will find a palette that is dominated by soft neutral pastels, with quirky saturated vibrant hues mixed in to accent and surprise. For a shot of adrenaline, check out the Spring Crocus and Rococco Red. Contrast these with tranquil Cantaloupe and Daiquiri Green. Combined, these restful notes evoke a sense of calm which easily translates to domestic goods, paint colors and area rugs.

If you would like to see what we will all be wearing next fall, check out pics from New York Fashion Week at http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/elements/2008/02/08/style_fashion/photoessay3807955.shtmlpreviewhttp://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends/2008/Pantone-Fashion-Color-Report-Fall-2008.html

Happy Spring

Something is missing in the bedroom

When designing your perfect bedroom don't forget the accent chair. A chair in your bedroom is something often overlooked when picking out the bed, dresser and lamps. Sometimes you want to curl up in the sanctuary that is your bedroom to relax or read a book, and you don't always want to lie down. I know if I lie down on that bed I am falling asleep, which is fine if its late, but not if its only 6 pm. A chair can create an atmosphere of a full room not just a place to sleep and can facilitate conversation as opposed to immediately lying down and flipping on the TV. Be sure to pick a chair that is cute and really ties the room together to avoid it being just another place to throw your stuff. Chairs come in all shapes and sizes so you can surely find one to fit your style and space. In my city apartment I have an armless Chloe chair with pink and green stripes to accent the other colors in the room. My parents recycled a beautiful blue and white striped chair to their bedroom with blue walls after they redecorated the living room. My little brother's room recently had a makeover and went from graffiti walls to a more mature, you are about to graduate from college, wallpaper. In the midst of this crazy time in his life he needs a place to kick back and relax in style, and what better way to do that than in a chaise lounge.

Designers Notebook: Yellow

How is this winter weather making you feel? With all these storm clouds stealing your sunshine the windows in your house are not adequately brightening your rooms. Well here is a tip: the color yellow can not only brightened a space but it can make a small space seem larger or draw attention to certain aspects of your room. White has always been a go to brighten and enlarge small rooms, but yellow can have the same wondrous effects with just a touch more sass. Yellow doesn't just look great, it and other bright colors bring a sense of warmth into a room that inspire memory and learning. Still not convinced to let Benjamin Moore lemon your walls?
Try out accents like a rug or a Maine Cottage Cubby Case, you will be amazed what just a splash will do to brighten up your home!

Sleep

So the holidays are over and with the new year comes resolutions and goals, but how about a little relaxation? With all the travel or hosting your family what we all need how is some rest, a good nights sleep. These days television is littered with ads for various sleep medications, but that should be a last resort. Any sleep center or expert will tell you there are many steps involved in getting a better night's sleep, they include routines, less caffeine and most importantly a comfortable place to sleep. So how is that mattress you sleep on every night? I recently discovered how valuable mine is as I went traveling for the holidays. Once I diverted from my ultra comfortable memory foam mattress I experienced the horror of a restless night's sleep on someone's old standard spring mattress. So you thought your mattress was fine but you are still having trouble sleeping? Do you share the bed with a tosser or a turner? Stop in and check out the Circle Furniture Private Mattress collection and see what a difference foam makes. Before you go here are some helpful tips to picking out a memory foam mattress from Google and Wickipedia:

How to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress

Looking for some zzzz on a memory foam mattress? Before you walk into a mattress store get the facts by following the steps in this how-to.

Steps

1. Make sure the memory foam is of high enough density to support your body properly. The best way to know is to check the package for the density of the foam. Cheap foam is normally 2 to 3 lb. density, mid-grade foam is 3 to 4.5 lb. density and good foam is over 4.5 lb. density. Usually, 5.3 lb. to 6.2 lb is considered the ideal density to properly support the human body. The lighter grade foam won't support you and will quit returning to its original shape after only a few months.
2. Look for memory foam that is temperature sensitive. The one thing that makes Memory Foam so unique is temperature sensitivity. When you first lay down on a memory foam mattress, your body weight causes the mattress to "melt away" from that pressure until your weight is spread evenly over the surface of the mattress. However, after you "settle in," your body temperature begins to affect the material, causing it to soften in the places where there is increased temperature. This fine tuning is what accounts for the unmatched comfort of the genuine memory foam mattresses.
3. Read the warranty information carefully. See exactly what will be required of you when you have a warranty issue. Will you be responsible for shipping, packaging, etc.? Most importantly, how long has the manufacturer been in business? A lifetime warranty from a company that's only been in business for a short while is probably worthless.
4. Check for ample testing done with real people. Many times, testing done in laboratories, without humans, isn't a true picture of what happens out in the "field." The human body is unique and it affects materials differently than a mechanical testing device.
5. Ask for a "comfort test" period. You should be able to sleep on a memory foam mattress for a short period, to see if you have any issues. If elect to try the mattress it will be covered in plastic to ensure it remains sanitary and the company can re-sell it if you return it. This will limit your ability to truly feel the benefits. If A high percentage of people love memory foam mattresses, but a few don't. Know what to expect if you are one of the few. Will you be able to get a refund of all your money? Or is there a re-stocking fee? Will you be required to "exchange only" with that merchant? If so, make sure they carry a wide variety of products so you'll have lots of choices.

Tips

• Get a written "comfort guarantee." Make sure it's at least 10-14 days or more.
• If you can take ice, in a zip lock bag, you can verify if the material is temperature sensitive. It will become firmer in the place you put the ice after 5-15 minutes.

Warnings

• Most people don't realize how heavy a solid foam mattress is. Solid memory foam or regular foam mattresses are a real job to move or even to turn around even for two healthy people, and you surely don't want to carry one up stairs.
• Nothing lasts forever.
• Salespersons will try to give you "facts" which will favor their product, no matter how inferior, so just remember density, temperature sensitivity and reading all you can about memory foam to be educated before you buy and you'll be happy with your purchase.
• Foam mattresses act like sponges, this means they absorb liquid. You should always use a waterproof mattress protector when you set up your memory foam mattress to prevent liquid from getting into the memory foam and to keep you sleeping cool during hot weather.
• Many memory foam mattresses are manufactured in China. Some of the latest products coming out of China are of super high quality and chemical free. Ask for the details of manufacture before you buy.

50's kitch offers seasonal glitter

Designer's notebook

This weeks contributer: Christine Cellucci

Over the years, my partner and I have inherited a number of holiday ornaments…little objects of affection from our childhoods. Originally purchased at the local Woolworths, these mid-century bobbles glitter, shimmer and sparkle in 1950's tradition. Although they do not quite fit into our holiday decorating scheme they do evoke a myriad of childhood memories, and if the truth be told, their sheer tackiness is heartwarming. This year I have finally figured out a way to display our collection; I filled a glass vase-like cylinder with them and placed the arrangement on my dining table, as a center-piece. Clustered together the collection sparkles in the candlelight, and the glass difuses the ornaments just enough to hide their small chips and imperfections. Just the perfect amount of glitz for a holiday table.