16Jan2018
Company News
January 16, 2018 /
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Disney-Inspired Home Away From Home

When Buffalo’s John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital opened its doors recently, Ethan Allen of Western New York was there to help celebrate.

As one of many area donors who helped to raise nearly $55 million toward the establishment of New York state’s only freestanding children’s hospital, independent retailer Ken Slomovitz realized that he – and Ethan Allen – had more than money to contribute.

Ken and his team outfitted the hospital’s bright, airy 11th-floor Imagination Room with furniture and accents from the Ethan Allen | Disney collection – what a wonderful use of these fun, kid-centric furnishings! Families visiting the hospital now have space for playing, reading, drawing, playing games, and making new friends. It’s a fun area families can use during quick appointments, and a vibrant, welcoming retreat for families of kids who are at the hospital for long-term treatment.

“I want to just say that Ethan Allen is proud to be part of this, and proud to be part of the Western New York community,” said Ken during the donor recognition event.

And we’re proud to have thoughtful, generous people like Ken representing our brand. We hope the Imagination Room at the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital is a comfortable and happy space for patients and their families for many years to come.

 

12Jan2018
Behind The Design
January 12, 2018 /
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The right mattress just may put your sleep problems to bed.

Sleep is good. Good sleep is better, according to the folks who study zzzs for a living. Experts agree it’s the quality of your sleep that matters—not just the number of hours you spend in bed with your eyes shut. Bad for you: tossing and turning, waking up frequently, and feeling decidedly unrefreshed in the morning. There are dozens of science-backed ways to improve sleep—from adjusting the thermostat to hitting the hay in sync with your circadian rhythms—but sometimes the fix is as simple as finding the right mattress.

How to choose the best mattress for you?

START IN THE MIDDLE—the middle of the mattress, that is. We carry the most common construction types: traditional innerspring, gel/memory foam, and hybrid, which can be any combination of innerspring coils, gel, foam, and/or latex.

  • Innerspring. Steel coils or springs at the core of the mattress provide body support while balancing weight distribution. An innerspring’s comfort level (and cost) may depend on the shape, design, coil gauge and number of coils in a mattress.
  • Gel/memory foam. An example is our Luna mattress, featuring cooling gel and air flow vents for improved circulation and body heat dissipation. An interlocking foam core keeps motion transfer (and partner sleep disturbance) to a minimum.
  • Hybrid. An example is our Stellar mattress, designed with a combination of innersprings and gel-infused foam to provide mid-range firmness.

BE FIRM—OR NOT. Comfort options generally range from firm to ultra-plush, and your choice is largely a matter of preference. But there are a few things to consider:

  • If you like extra back support from a mattress that holds its own so you can rest comfortably on top and not “sink in,” choose a medium-firm to firm mattress.
  • Choose plush for the perfect balance between a pillow-like mattress and one with just a little “give.”
  • Go for the ultra-plush if what you’re after is a cloud-like feel, with extra “give” that allows the mattress to conform to your body.

TAKE A TEST REST. After you’ve found a mattress that meets your criteria, lie down. If possible, you (and your sleep partner) should try out a store sample, stretching out for at least 10 minutes, to see how it feels.

DON’T GO IT ALONE. If the mattress you’ve chosen requires a box spring for support, be sure to buy a new one, as warranties often only cover mattress and box spring sets.

By itself, a new mattress can’t guarantee a good night’s sleep (babies are still gonna cry and heavy meals before bedtime are never a good idea), but it can improve your odds! Take our Sleep by DesignTM survey for more on choosing the mattress that’s right for you.

3Jan2018
Behind The Design
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January 3, 2018 /
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Warming Trend: Throw Blankets You’ll Love to Cuddle Up With

We know it’s not like this everywhere, but in the Northeast, which all of us at HQ call home, it’s bone-knockingly, teeth-chatteringly, take-your-breath-away cold. As we write this, it’s warmer in Anchorage than it is here, and not by a little bit. It is, no joke, warmer in Antarctica right now. Can you forgive us for breaking out the blankets and wanting to hibernate until spring? Here are a few of our favorite throws – cozy, of course, and so cute, they’re perfect on that comfy sofa no matter what the thermometer reads!

Faux Fur Mink Throw

A luxurious faux fur adds texture and richness to any room. You’ll love the soft feel and warm taupe color of this extraordinary faux mink. It’s made in the U.S. and pairs beautifully with our Faux Fur Mink Pillow. This throw becomes a conversation piece in any room—and the perfect way to wrap yourself up in lavish comfort.

Herringbone Knit Throw, Black/White

Drawing inspiration from menswear styling, this graphic black and white herringbone knit throw is a real standout. Its handsome pattern is accented with ivory fringe at each end. A soft blend of wool and acrylic, the gently brushed throw is ideal for snuggling on a chilly night.

Cross Cable Knit Throw, Gray

Nothing compares to the comfy feel of your favorite chunky knit sweater—until now. Our wool/acrylic cross knit throw is beautifully crafted and generously scaled for supersize coziness. It’s made from a loosely spun yarn which gives the throw added texture and character. It’s perfect for snuggling up on a chilly evening with a great book—this throw is sure to keep you warm.

29Dec2017
Behind The Design
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December 29, 2017 /
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6 Inspiring New Year Resolutions for Your Home

It’s nearly New Year’s Day, which means it’s resolution time! We asked some of our team members here to share their “home goals” for the new year. Some are big picture game-changers. Some are small steps that can make you feel good all day. We hope they inspire you to make some of your own!

SHAWN LANG, Consultant/Lifestyle Blogger:  “My New Year Resolution this year is pretty simple but important: I vow to make my bed every morning. And not just throwing the blanket over with the sheets all crinkled up underneath. I’m actually going to make my bed just as I do when guests come over: Perfectly. The way I see it, it’s the first accomplishment of the day! Getting it done will give me the motivation to accomplish other projects throughout the day. And nothing beats coming home to a freshly made bed where you can relax with a good book.”

MISSY GRASSO, Senior Designer: “My place is a tiny apartment on a working farm. I love it. It keeps me in balance, which is really important if you work three jobs, like I do! When I moved here three years ago, I didn’t take the time to reorganize my life, and it’s about time I did. So, I resolve to get organized, especially with my finances, to get a laptop (my phone’s just not cutting it), and despite lack of space, to find a filing solution. I’m looking forward to feeling like things are under control and living happily in my tranquil haven!”

MARIA LAPIANA, Copywriter: “Like a lot of people, my New Year Resolution is to clear the clutter; specifically, the clutter on my dining room table. Most of the time it’s piled high with mail and miscellany. It’s also a way station for pretty much everything that’s on its way into or out of the house. The mess is controlled chaos, but it still drives me nuts. So in 2018, I’m going to give it a clean sweep. Or a sweep. At least a dusting… Well, I’ll do my best. After all, how hard can it be to move everything to the kitchen counter?”

LAURA CHAPMAN, Senior Director of Design: “I may finally alphabetize my spice rack, but it’s not certain. I like the thrill of the hunt when seasoning my food, and it makes my mom and mother-in-law crazy when they visit, so the chaos may be worth keeping!”

KAREN PEASE-MARINO, Senior Art Director: “We recently downsized, so my resolutions involve two spaces in our new home. The first: to make a collage of art, mirrors, and found objects on our blank dining room wall; I have all the pieces – now it’s time to get them up there. The second: to set up my studio. I’m planning to write a children’s book about extreme poverty in Africa, and my goal is to have it finished by June. I don’t need much – just a place for my computer, a table to work on my collages, and an “inspiration wall” for swipe, African fabric swatches, beads, quotes, and any other forms of inspiration that get my creative juices flowing.”

ILENE DORENBOSCH, Design Manager: “A good friend breeds golden retrievers, and as of Christmas, we have a new addition to our family! Our new little girl joins Cassie, our beloved  12½-year-old Golden – it’s been a long time since we’ve had a puppy in the house.  Our dog-driven New Year Resolutions are to give Cassie as much attention as the puppy, to make sure we don’t leave socks and anything that can be eaten within puppy reach, and to not argue about who will get up in the middle of the night to take the puppy out in the winter cold. We’re so excited for the sound of little paws running through the house again!”

We at The Daily Muse wish you a safe, happy, and prosperous new year.

27Dec2017
As Seen In
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December 27, 2017 /
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Spotted in the December of Country Living: Our Quincy bed, featured in the home of award-winning lifestyle blogger Nora Murphy.

Our Quincy bed is handcrafted in our American workshops. With its dramatic curves, boldly turned posts, and a graphic, Sheraton-style headboard, Quincy starts in classic eighteenth century design and finishes with a fresh, modern twist.

26Dec2017
Behind The Design, Home Styling Tips
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December 26, 2017 /
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On With The Show! How To Style an Open Display Cabinet

Display cabinets offer a creative and sophisticated way to showcase your style and interests, and they add lots of personality to your home. Go beyond traditional curio cabinets or glass door styles and choose open display cabinets; they offer an updated, casual feel that complements many of today’s lifestyles.

Here are a few ways to put your best style on display, right out in the open.

COLLECT YOURSELF

Mix and match your favorite curiosities or unique accents to create a curated look. Treat each shelf as a little vignette, combining artful pieces, books, and other decorative objects you love. Be sure to create a focal point in each space, playing with various heights and coordinating colors for balance. Love the well-traveled look? So do we! Decorate your display cabinet with treasures you’ve collected from your travels and globally inspired accents from our latest look, Passport .

Our Ming display cabinet, decorated with hand-sculpted vases and accents inspired by faraway places, becomes the perfect setting for an intriguing showcase.

GET ECLECTIC

Incorporate a variety of pieces into your collection, but choose a common theme for your cabinet, such as color, subject, type of piece, or material—this helps you avoid a cluttered look. Hand-painted porcelain jars and vases or ceramic platters make stunning choices. If your style leans more on the contemporary side, display one distinct piece per shelf to create a striking art gallery effect.

This themed display of dinnerware and entertaining pieces in our Christopher china and buffet cabinet makes a perfect complement to everyday dining style.

DO IT BY THE BOOK

If you have a ton of books lying around or in boxes, pick your favorites and display them for all to admire. Coffee table books are the best choices to create this look, and they make great conversation pieces! When arranging your books, play with proportion. Stack them vertically or horizontally, or organize them by color to create a curated look.

Unique artwork and dazzling silver accents add visual interest and dimension to stacks of books.

Whatever your style, opt for pieces that speak to you and you won’t go wrong. If you’re not sure where to start, just talk with one of our design pros. They can help you find pieces to complement your personal treasures or build your collection entirely from scratch, and their help is always on the house.

21Dec2017
Uncategorized
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December 21, 2017 /
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Winter Solstice: A Time of Renewal

Today is the shortest, darkest day of the year. It’s when the sun is at its southernmost point in the sky, marking the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere. While the Winter Solstice is a time of celebration in many cultures, it’s also a time of rest, reflection, and renewal. This year, we invite you to join us as we pause, take a breather, and drink in the beauty around us—both indoors and out—knowing that starting with tomorrow’s sunrise, there’s more daylight on the way!

 

 

© 2017 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.