Falling for Fall

I love the fall. In my most humble opinion, it is the best time of year. Everything changes. Leaves turn into various shades of pretty and the incessant heat that is August finally subsides, giving way to cool breezes and more importantly, hot cocoa (personal preference: ditch the marshmallows, add whipped cream). And because Mother Nature herself feels the need for a makeover, then why not follow suit? It is the time to neatly pack away all of the brightly colored summer mementos and blissfully fall into the warm embrace of autumn. For fall makeover tips (and when I say makeover, I mean HOME makeover…men, there is no need to run away), look below.

TIP ONE: Accessories matter! If you have ever watched an interior design show (I am a self-professed addict by the way), the most popular tip mentioned involves paint color. Why? Because paint is the most economically sound, yet drastic change one can make to the very essence of a room. For furniture, accessories have the same effect. Switching out an area rug, replacing a lamp or even clearing out old knickknacks and strategically replacing them with quality products can completely transform the feel of your room. Because it is fall season however, I cannot stress enough the importance of an area rug. In contemporary design, hardwood floors have again become a popular trend (thank you interior-design-show-addiction). Despite their trendy looks, in the following fall/winter months, they need to be covered. Check out the Oriental Weavers website (link can be found on the Crowley website). The website not only showcases an assortment of rugs tailored to fit any design needed, the website itself is consumer-friendly. Complete with design ideas, size guides and even cleaning tips. Plus the rugs themselves, well, they are like eye-candy. Go and get your fill.

TIP TWO: When I am out in the cold weather, the one thing that I think about the most (besides the hot cocoa that is), is my nice warm bed. So, why not make it a new one? We carry mattresses of all types from quality brands such as Sealy, Tempurpedic and Justice bedding. Your chilled bones need the rest that they deserve. Treat them well. And just think, buying a new mattress set serves a dual purpose. As guests slowly trickle in for holiday festivities, you will feel assured that they will rest comfortably in the beds that you provided. And if you really want to assure their comfort, both physically and aesthetically, then place that mattress set in a new, let’s say, Vaughn-Bassett bed. Don’t forget the accompanying dresser, mirror and nightstand to complete the look!

TIP THREE: Dress to impress. The holiday season is right around the corner. With the cool weather and holiday festivities underway, the parties are moving from the backyard to the inside of your home. See where I am getting at? Dress to impress. Yes, I know someone out there is rolling their eyes at their computer saying, “How VAIN can you be?” But, is it vain to want your house to look the best it possibly can? Is it vain to want to showcase off your beautiful new Flexsteel, England or Lane living room set? What about your new Kincaid dining room table and chairs? Ok, maybe a little. But still, deep down I know that there is a part of you that wants to gloat…even if it is just a little. On a serious note though, it does always feels good to have your home look its best, right? So, here is the game plan: Get into the store early. As a rule, Crowley Furniture works diligently to keep as much product and variety in stock as possible. But for those of you who want merchandise custom designed to fit your needs, the process takes a bit longer. So, the earlier you shop, the better. And remember, once your room of choice is completed, be prepared for all the compliments (and with that, jealous looks) that you will receive throughout the holiday season.

ASIDE: To all of the summer entrepreneurs out there, meaning those who have tirelessly spent their days rummaging, gathering and finally parting with their old belongings in order to create the best garage sale that ever existed, I am talking to you. Buy yourself something pretty. You have cleaned and cleared your house successfully; it is time to treat yourself. Repeat after me, “I am owed.” Consider this mantra while perusing any one of our stores.