Crowley Furniture

Let's hear it for the boys!

2011-06-19T13:43:00.003-05:00

As someone who has given her father many, let’s just say colorful father’s day gifts (e.g. several coffee mugs, an eyeglass repair kit…it is important to note that he did not wear glasses at the time and countless mini tool sets…because, of course, you need more than one), I feel pretty confident in calling myself an authority of what not to get your father on Father’s Day. That being said, with age comes insight. Or at the very least, the ability to recognize one’s gift-giving flaws. Because of this, the want to help others in their quest to find the perfect present weighs heavily on my mind.

Speaking from personal experience alone, the gifts with the biggest impact are the ones that play a role in his everyday life. We all know that dads have a tough gig. It is a lot of responsibility; there are no holidays, vacations or even time-off for good behavior. Essentially, being a father is the very definition of job security. So, here is my thought…just because fathers are always working doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable while doing so. Get him something to relax in (e.g. a recliner) or something that he can enjoy (e.g. an entertainment console for his plasma) the whole year-round. Coming from someone who is trying to forget the unforgettable eyeglass repair kit, it is never too late to remedy past mistakes. FYI: Crowley Furniture is offering free delivery until the end of June.

Happy Father's Day!

Summer days are here again!

2011-05-09T14:22:00.002-05:00

We are now on the brink of summer. Light has again become a welcomed friend; it visits for most of the day and only reluctantly saunters off to bed in the late evening hours. And with light, comes color. Vibrant and fantastic, flashes of color seem to be everywhere. Our yards have become littered with brightly potted flowers, gardens grow to their full potential and even our clothes tend to mimic the changing season. The world itself appears to have lit up as if it is under the gaze of a spotlight.

And color is infectious. For most, summer is a time to be outdoors. But there is no reason to not bring the outdoors in. It is time to give life to your home again. Add a colorful accent chair. Replace your sofa and loveseat pillows with a new, refreshing shade or pattern. Adorn your walls with brightly hued pictures. Throw out a colorful accessory or two. Above all, don’t be afraid of color. If Mother Nature isn’t, why should you?

Go Green!

2011-03-17T12:36:00.001-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! Enjoy the day!

Spring Forward

2011-03-13T14:34:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to reset your clocks! Let's not look at it as losing an hour of sleep, but instead as gaining an hour of light. Throughout the week, our stores are open until 7:00 pm. Come and enjoy the light with us!

All you need is love...and something to sit on!

2011-02-07T14:32:00.002-06:00

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Open your eyes and I promise you will see it everywhere. Schools, stores and restaurants alike are decorated with hearts (small, big or candy-coated), balloons (regular, aluminum or on sticks), streamers and many other perfunctory artifacts that supposedly embody the idea of love. And we, the masses hurriedly run to find the perfect gift. Cards, flowers and chocolates are in great abundance. What do we choose?!? Oh, the flowers are so beautiful! Wow, the chocolates look divine! Yay, this card is perfect!

However, I want you listen carefully because this is the cold, hard, unfortunate truth: they are time stamped (minus the cards of course). And the expiration date is quick. Flowers wilt. Once chocolates are consumed, they are gone forever…except on those pesky hips. And then for a whole year, Valentine’s Day is just a distant memory. I promise you, I love flowers and especially chocolate…but why not make Valentine’s Day a year-long event?

As a colleague said, “Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate our loved ones and the home in which we live.” Are you getting the hint? I’ll give you a clue…furniture. Furniture does not have a quick expiration date. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is constantly giving.

So here are a couple of options for you. You can either surprise your loved one with a gift certificate or you could make a seemingly impromptu stop at any one of our locations. Either way, come in together. This way you can avoid any decorative disagreements and walk away happy with your purchase. Plus, I don’t think I am far-fetched in saying this; there is something intimate about picking out furniture with the one that you love. Not only is it an activity that you are doing together (time spent together is always a bonus), but you are accessorizing your life and the home that you have built as a family. Okay, I admit that was cheesy, but it doesn’t make it less true!

Above all else though, enjoy the day! It is a rainbow of red, white and pink out there. Chase the rainbow.

To you and yours...

2010-11-22T13:02:00.002-06:00

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. - G.K. Chesterton

In the myriad of nationally prescribed holidays, Thanksgiving has found a niche. It has become a checklist if you will. Planning, grocery store shopping, cooking…check. Football, parades, eating…check. Napping, napping and more napping…check, check, check. Because all of this happens in a hurried bustle of excitement and energy we, well…we forget. Thanksgiving is a day for giving thanks. I promise. If you don’t believe me, the definition is right there in its name…THANKS – GIVING. See, I told you. So, I have a plan. Let’s throw caution to the wind this year and really remember the meaning of Thanksgiving. Let's truly consider and be grateful for all of the many things that deserve our thanks. We’ll start.

Crowley Furniture has been in business since 1954. It began with a family and is still successful because of that same family. However, none of this would at all be possible without YOU! We thank you for your business, your loyalty, and your trust. Thank you for being a part of the Crowley Furniture family! Happy Thanksgiving!

Falling for Fall

2010-09-27T15:07:00.003-05:00

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.

Attention, attention! Read all about it!

2010-07-11T15:00:00.012-05:00

Recently, Crowley Furniture has had the privilege of being recognized in two local magazines: Ingram's Kansas City Business Magazine and 435 South the Magazine of South Johnson County. Both articles not only focus on Crowley Furniture, the "business", but they also highlight the faces behind the Crowley name.

Laura Crowley, one of our fearless Crowley leaders, has been recognized in Ingram's third annual "20 in their Twenties" edition (June, 2010). Here, you can introduce yourself to Laura, both the person and the entrepreneur. The article discusses her philosophy on business and her constant drive toward success, saying "It [Crowley Furniture] was built on hard work and treating people right." See full article below:

http://www.ingramsonline.com/

In 435 South, the article titled "Not Just Their Father's Daughter" discusses both the work and familial relationship between Greg and Laura Crowley. It is an inspiring article that highlights the fact that hard work, dedication and the impenetrable bonds of family can lead to the success of one business. See full article below:

http://www.435southmag.com/FeaturedArticleDetail.aspx?aid=299&gid=27

Bragging Rights

2010-07-11T14:50:00.010-05:00

One difference in the “Crowley Furniture Difference” can be found with the quality of our staff. Every person within this organization not only has a precise goal, but carries a specific knowledge about this business. This (and I want to make this perfectly clear), is not a mega mart (wink, wink). We do not just happen to carry furniture; our business is furniture. And our staff is designed with that understanding in mind. Because of this, we make furniture shopping easy. With a knowledgeable sales staff and a diligent office/warehouse/delivery crew, we are able to aid in making your furniture vision come true. Let us help you experience the difference.

To Set the Record Straight: Mythbusters

2010-05-02T17:49:00.003-05:00

Mythbuster #1 - Greg Crowley and Laura Crowley (as seen on TV)

Do you watch commercials and ever wonder about the lives of those inhabit them? Well, just recently I received a phone call from a woman who began our conversation with, “I know this sounds silly, but I just have to ask…Laura and Greg Crowley…um, are they married?” This is not first time this question has been asked, nor, I daresay, will it be the last. Unfortunately though (and this is directed to those who are fascinated with the whole “cougar” phenomenon - btw, what is the male equivalent of a “cougar”?!?), the answer is this, no they are not married. This is a father/daughter relationship.

Mythbuster #2 - Do the Crowley’s actually *gasp* work?

Contrary to popular belief, the Crowley’s are not merely figureheads. In fact, the opposite is true. They are essential components to the successful infrastructure of this business. Greg Crowley acts as a hands-on owner. He is most at home on the showroom floor, interacting with customers and helping in the sales process. On any given day (almost everyday in fact), he can be seen in any one of our three locations. Laura, his daughter (thought I would write it again for extra emphasis, see the above mythbuster), acts as our Buyer. The majority of our merchandise has been first found, and then approved by Laura. Because she has grown up in the business and has attended High Point annually (think Comic-Con, minus super-heroes, add furniture), she has an “eye” for trends in the industry, enabling us to provide our customers with the best possible product.

Accessories Galore!!!

2010-03-15T13:13:00.004-05:00

Like a shiny pair of red stilettos to a designer black dress, we, at Crowley Furniture realize the importance of an accessory. For those of you who have never visited our stores (btw, this is easily rectified…we have three stores in the Kansas City area), our showrooms are not simply lined up according to product, i.e. recliners, sofas, chairs, etc. Instead, our floors are compartmentalized into miniature living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and more. From the rug under your feet to the lamp above your head, we have created small oases that can easily be transferred from our store to your home. Thanks to the expertise of Beth Crowley (our accessory guru) and to quality companies such as Uttermost, Oriental Weavers and Pacific Coast Lighting, we carry a variety of accessories ranging from the classical to the contemporary. To quote Carrie from SATC (as if we could talk about accessories without mentioning the Queen herself), “…maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we’ve been dealt, and accessorize what we’ve got.” Let’s accessorize!

Furniture Lingo

2010-02-25T18:21:00.001-06:00

Like most businesses, furniture has its own dialogue. Listed below are a few explanations to our own linguistic language:

What does 3/3, 4/6, 5/0, 6/6 or 6/0 mean? (Mattresses)

Although these numbers sound like gibberish, I promise they are not just randomly strung together to confuse people...they have a purpose. Each of the above numbers represents the size of a mattress, meaning (in order) either a twin, full, queen, and king or California king. Why these numbers? The specific number for each mattress is in reference to the width of the product itself. For example, 3/3 means that a twin mattress is 3 feet, 3 inches wide. A full mattress is 4 feet, 6 inches wide. A queen mattress is 5 feet wide. A king is 6 feet, 6 inches wide and a Cal King is 6 feet wide.

What are case goods? What are soft goods?

The material in which a product is composed of is the primary difference between a case good and a soft good. Case goods generally fall under the category of wood, wood-related products, metal, iron, etc. To be more specific, case goods are non-upholstered pieces. On the other hand, soft goods refer to any piece that is either upholstered or textile based, meaning sofas, loveseats, chairs...and so on, and so forth. Technically speaking, all that is comfy.

How do you correctly pronounce the word chaise?

To let you in on a little secret, no one really knows. You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say chaise, I say chaze. Although this is still up for debate, there is one thing that we can guarantee you; they are as relaxing as they look. Think Cleopatra...just without the pressures of ruling Egypt and, of course, the whole snake debacle.

Consider yourself invited....

2010-02-05T14:42:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Crowley Furniture Blog!!!

We have created a blog just for you! Whether you are a patron of Crowley Furniture (CF for short), have seen our commercials, or have never even heard of us...we are still the blog for you. Why? Because even though we are in the business of furniture...furniture is still everyone's business. That's the beauty of it. Furniture is an unbiased entity. It likes you and frankly, you like it. Whether you are lounging on your sofa watching a game, sitting at your computer desk reading this blog, or tucking your kids into bed at night, furniture is an intricate part of your life. So, here is what we are proposing: A forum where you can learn more about furniture, learn more about our company and most especially, voice your thoughts, questions and ideas. Remember this blog has been created for you! Tell us what you want!!