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Creating an Outdoor Room

When the weather starts to warm up, do you crave outdoor living? If your backyard currently leaves much to be desired, follow these tips for creating an outdoor room just in time for spring.

  • Choose the right furniture. You want to be equally as comfortable outside as you are inside your home. To accomplish this, you must choose your patio furniture carefully. Look for a combination of comfort and durability with weather-treated wicker and wood, quick-draining cushions, mildew-resistant pillows, and upholstery that won’t fade in the sun.
  • Provide some shade. To make your outdoor room more comfortable, make sure you have a covered area to retreat towhen it’s hot or raining. You might build a Southern-style porch, install a retractable awning, erect a pergola or canopy, or set up a cantilevered umbrella. The chance to relax in the shade helps you make the most of your outdoor room.
  • Incorporate a heating option. When you want to extend thebackyard fun into early spring and late fall, you need a way to keep warm. Your options include setting up a gas patio heater or putting in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Whichever you choose, this source of heat and light is sure to be the centerpiece of your outdoor room.
  • Remember lighting. A roaring outdoor fireplace might not provide enough light for backyard parties after dark. From tabletop lanterns to wall sconces to lights hanging from the trees, you can create whatever aesthetic you want with versatile outdoor lighting options.
  • Consider your flooring. The options range from concrete patios to wood decks to stone pavers. For covered porches, you can even lay down an all-weather rug for greater comfort underfoot. Remember, the material you choose changes the aesthetics and maintenance requirements of the space.
  • Address privacy concerns. Spending time outdoors doesn’t mean you must put up with your neighbor’s prying eyes. Create privacy with walls, fences, hedgerows, trees, vine-covered trellises, curtains, screens and more.
  • Decorate your outdoor room. Once you’ve added all the practical elements, it’s time to think about decorations. A fountain, pond or other water feature could add the tranquility required to use your outdoor room as a meditation space. Potted plants are also a must for softening hard edges, defining borders and adding life to your outdoor living space.

As you strive to create the perfect outdoor room this spring, be sure to visit Smith Village Home Furnishings for the patio furniture you’re looking for. We have outdoor dining tables, chairs, chaises, sectionals, heaters, fire pit tables, umbrellas and much more! Check us out in person or online, or call us today at 717-200-2018 for more information about what we offer.

5 Swaps to Put Your Home in a Holiday Mood

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to get in the holiday mood! A great place to start is your home, and even if you’re not ready to haul out the holly, decorate the tree, or light the menorah, there are some simple swaps you can make that will have your family feeling that holiday spirit. The best news? The changes we’re talking about require very little effort or expense.

  • Toss in some new throw pillows. No matter which holiday you celebrate, it’s easy to find pillows that match your traditions and fit your style. From whimsical to ornate, they’re everywhere this time of year, and can turn your furniture into a holiday display.

 

 

  • Make your bathroom a winter wonderland.                                          It’s simple as can be to switch out towels, bathmats, and even the shower curtain to go with your holiday theme. Want to go the extra mile? Switch your usual soap with a whimsical holiday-themed or elegant metallic  dispenser. If you keep a scent diffuser in your bathroom, you can easily change it to match the rest of the room.
  • Holiday up your kitchen. Just about every store you visit this time of year has their own spin on holiday dish towels, potholders, and more. If you’re able, it’s also a nice touch to hang up some kitchen linens that have been handed down through your family. You’ll feel nostalgic and cozy every time you see your grandmother’s fingertip towel, or your great-aunt’s potholders. On the table, a simple centerpiece can change the mood, turning it to all things holiday, even if it’s as simple as a potted poinsettia.
  • Make things merry with candles. Candles soothe and delight, whether they’re for a religious purpose or simply to create a warmer ambience. They don’t even have to be holiday themed! Simple tapers are an elegant and attractive addition to any centerpiece or holiday display.
  • Switch up your scents. Nothing triggers warm memories of the holidays like certain scents. Whether you use scented candles, oil diffusers, or even strategically placed cinnamon brooms, choose scents that take you back to happy childhood memories, and you’ll find you’re in a holiday mood.

Ready for a change in your décor that’s a little more substantial than linens and pillows? Smith Village Home Furnishings has bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture to suit your style and your budget.  A family-owned business for more than 80 years, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with top quality furnishings at the lowest possible prices. Visit us online to view our current stock or call us at (717) 428-1921 for more information!

Mixing Metallics for a Seasonal Update

What says “holiday season” more than a healthy dose of sparkle and shine? A little bit of blingy décor can make any home feel more festive, and make everyone feel more like celebrating. The best news? Metallic home décor is a hot trend right now, so if you choose wisely, you’ll be able to hang onto that shine even after the holidays are over. No matter what your style of décor, you can find metallics to mix with your existing pieces and brighten the look of your home.

Continue reading Mixing Metallics for a Seasonal Update

How To Choose A Mattress Based On Your Sleeping Style

Many people put off buying a new mattress because they know it can be an exhausting shopping experience, and they realize they will have to live with their decision for a while. With so many mattress brands, models, sizes, prices and features available, how are you supposed to know exactly what you want or need? The truth is that what works for one person may not be the best option for someone else. Read on for some helpful hints. Continue reading How To Choose A Mattress Based On Your Sleeping Style

Finding Your Perfect Sofa

Most Americans spend a good portion of their free time relaxing on their sofa, whether they are talking with family and friends, watching television, playing video games or reading.

Finding just the right sofa for your living space is very important, and there are many factors that should be taken into account during this process. Just because a couch looks nice in a store does not necessarily mean it will look as good in your living room. Continue reading Finding Your Perfect Sofa