Quick Ways to Makeover Your Room

You don’t have to spend hours redecorating a room that has become dull. One new addition or simple re purposing can give your space a face lift without a complete makeover.

Update window treatments. Replacing heavy or dark draperies will change the perspective of your whole room. Opt for sheers to bring in more light for an airy feel, or panels for a modern, bolder look.

Add a surprising color. One of the simplest and least expensive ways to spruce up a room is to add splashes of color. To really mix it up, think outside the box. A coral, lime or fuchsia piece adds a surprising and refreshing element. Just make sure to stick to accessories or an accent chair to keep it from becoming overpowering.

For a more conservative approach, varied patterns and textures can be mixed with solid furniture to inject some life back into a room with minimal cost.

Mix up your flooring. Try a new rug in a different color, texture or size to brighten up a room in one easy step.

Go for a clustered effect. Sick of staring at that lonesome piece of artwork hanging in the middle of your wall? Update your wall decor by grouping several smaller pieces to fill more space and add more visual interest.

Adjust your lighting. Add a new table or floor lamp or simply update a lampshade or a light source. Changing to a softer or brighter light will change the feel of a space and it may also change the hue of your room’s color palette.

Add visual interest with mirrors. Mirrors add depth and richness to a room. Use several small mirrors rather than one large to give a room even more dimension.

Switch out your centerpieces. Group objects of one color together to add a monochromatic touch to a neutral space. Replace a coffee or end table with an ottoman with a flat top that can double as a table.

Use glass vases, wicker baskets or other containers and fill them with fresh fruits or vegetables. Using natural items to decorate with color is easy and simple.

Sprucing up a tired room is often as easy as switching out a few staples. Simply adding splashes of color, new lamps or switching out a table for an ottoman are easy and inexpensive ways to bring life back to your space.

Leather Furniture Care: The Whole Truth (and Nothing But)

If you’re like most consumers, when it comes to shopping for new home furnishings, there may be some lingering doubts about what furniture is best for you and your home. And if you are like many furniture buyers, you may be unsure if leather furniture is right for your home, or even how to find the leather that best fits your décor and lifestyle.

To help consumers in this buying process, American Leather, a leading Dallas-based manufacturer of premium leather and upholstered furniture, has addressed the most common myths and misperceptions about leather furniture – and the real truths that will have consumers making their next purchase in complete confidence:

Myth: Leather furniture just doesn’t last.

Fact: The truth is, leather furniture is something you buy for a lifetime. Since leather is a natural product, aging brings out its natural patina making it even more beautiful over time. And since leather furniture is something you can enjoy for years to come, this is a purchase that makes a sound investment –– and one that gives you excellent returns, time and time again.

Myth: Leather furniture is too expensive.

Fact: You don’t have to be rich to enjoy leather furniture – just smart. Since leather is a product that lasts four times longer than fabric, leather furniture is a great investment for your home that you can enjoy for many years to come. After all, don’t you deserve beautiful comfort that lasts?

Myth: Leather furniture is too hard to care for.

Fact: This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just use a conditioner every 6-12 months and wipe up spills as they occur with a clean cloth. You should actually avoid using your normal cleaning supplies—like soaps, detergents, solvents, etc. Can it get any easier than that?

Myth: Leather furniture is easily damaged by kids and animals.

Fact: Unless your dog thinks your new leather couch is a chew toy or your cat thinks it’s a scratching post, your leather furniture is as safe as any other furniture in the house. For more peace of mind, buy furniture with a pigmented finish coat. It helps protect the leather so you can let your pets and your kids sit on the couch with no more than the usual worries.

Myth: Leather furniture is limited in where it can go in the house.

Fact: Even though leather furniture is traditionally seen in living rooms, dens and family rooms, don’t let that hold you back. Surprise your friends with the versatility of leather furniture. Use it in unexpected places like your kitchen or bedroom for a look that is super stylish and trendsetting as well.

Myth: Leather furniture is either too cold in winter and/or too hot in summer.

Fact: You must be thinking about those leather seats in your car. Of course they get hot in summer and cold in winter, especially if you park outside. But if you keep your leather furniture indoors like most folks (trendsetters beware!), you’ll find that in the winter, it warms to your body heat, and in the summer since it’s natural and can breathe, it stays pleasantly cool, and even adapts to the temperature set in your home. Just keep it out of the direct sunlight.

For more information on leather furniture and leather furniture care and cleaning tips, visit American Leather’s web site at http://www.americanleather.com.

The Best of American Leather: The Anniversary Collection

Twenty years is a long time. Enough time to look back and see trends come and go. Enough time to recognize a flash in the pan from a classic.

Think back 20 years. What was your favorite song in 1990-91?

Chances are you were groovin’ to the sounds of some Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and M.C. Hammer. You may even have a pair of flashy harem pants like Mr. M.C. in some back closet waiting for a fashion revival. Don’t count on it.

Most fashion is meant to be fly by, thankfully. Trends come in with a fit of loud noises and splashy fanfare but they don't last. I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t try one of M.C.’s dance steps. I mean, that was back when MTV played the same 20 music videos every day. How could you miss trying?

That wasn’t the only thing happening back in 1990 and 91. Just about that time, American Leather was just getting started in the back of warehouse in Dallas. Three young entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to be the best and biggest leather furniture manufacturer in the United States and they took it.

Along the way they had their fashion hits and misses. Fortunately, the hits have far outweighed the misses.

Now, the company is celebrating those hits -- the classics. Over the last 20 years, American Leather has introduced almost a thousand different furniture collections. Out of those, the company has gathered the “best of the best” into a special “Anniversary Collection.”

The Anniversary Collection represents the top 11 (because 10 was not enough) collections over the last 20 years.

Take a look at American Leather's:

Tuscany

Allessandro

Randy

Kaden

Kendall

Astoria

Savoy

Carson

Inspiration

Lisben

Which is your favorite? There’s no doubt you’ll love it for a long time – even 20 years from now.

Have a Very Chair-y Christmas

2010 has been the year of the chair. With the recession putting a damper on all our wallets, instead of revamping big, most of us are choosing to update our existing rooms with a splash of small scale pizzazz.

There’s nothing more versatile than chair that sits well, shows off our personal style and adds some drama to a room.

Which one to get?

Enter the classic wing chair.

Antique lovers have always swooned for a chair that makes you feel tucked into your own special corner. In hot restaurants like The Bazaar in Los Angeles you’ll find yourself dining in a French oversized wing chair worthy of Marie Antoinette. American Leather’s McCartney (shown above) is the modern, youthful version of this beloved profile.

In Elle Décor's "Top 10 Wingback Chairs" they say of the McCartney, “Given its clean, modern look and apartment-size scale—44" tall—this is a “young

generation’s wing chair,” says Nanjoo Joung.

That’s not the only chair that has gotten its fair share of press this year. The Cole (shown right), a new introduction in 2009, made news this year with its retro “Mad Men” styling and its welcoming seat and back. It’s also very comfortable. Even Apartment Therapy gave its thumbs up!

The other trend this year has favored low-profile modern beauties that keep a contemporary room sleeks and beautiful. American Leather introduced the Turow, a t-back with a generous seat, is like jewelry in a room. It’s a smart looking cookie from all sides. For something a little more contemporary take a look at the Hugo, a worthy accent in the most modern homes. It even landed on the cover of Metropolitan Home last year.

Of course, no chair round up would be complete without mentioning two perennial favorites, the Bella (with or without) nail head trim, and Rick Lee’s Feliz (shown left) chair. These small-scale chairs look great in so many different fabric or leather combinations.

There’s still time to give a chair to one of your favorite people. Most furniture stores are happy to offer a gift certificate for all or some of the purchase price. Visit American Leather’s dealer locator to find a retailer near you.

Sofa So Good

Sinkable. Cushy. Sit-a-licious.

When American Leather launched their latest sofa collections last October, those were exactly the words that came into my head. Given the fact they don't appear in any dictionary, you can tell I was reaching for new, bigger, better ways to say, "Oh my gosh. This sofa is so comfortable I never want to leave."

It's about time for a unadulterated cush-fest.

The last couple of years we've been dazzled with button-tufted, shelter back, Regency glam by the likes of Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler and American Leather's own dynamic duo, Goodman Charleton.

I do love the glam.

But there are times, I'd like to just to pull out the Snuggie and watch a marathon day of the Housewives of Beverly Hills in down pillow comfort.

That's when I want the new Moore, shown here in fabric with a flat welt, delivered immediately.


It's like two structured, down-filled pillows framed by two more boxy pouf arms. There's a great tension between the casual devil-may care comfort and the subtle nod to structure, like a beautifully crafted linen suit that elevates plain and rumpled into aristocratic insouciance.

As American Leather does in this picture, pair it with bling accessories to bring out some attitude. Go even further and try a waxed lustrous leather like Haven for all around sheen. Heavenly!

If the Moore is a little too deconstructed for your modern-loving style, you can get the same comfort with a more polished look. See the Tuscany.


The Tuscany is so European chic you practically need a passport to buy it. Low profile. Wide arms.

It's still Snuggie-worthy but but instead of watching TV like me, you'll probably be perusing the latest wedding news about Prince Wills and Kate Middleton on your iPad. Who says all the drama is on reality television?

Either way, I'll race you to the corner.

Geometrics Rule!

Triangles. Heptagons. Polygons, rectangles and the lot. They’re not just for engineers, architects and math professors anymore.

Geometic shapes are lending their clout to the best in fashion and design these days. Clean-lined and edgy, they’re a sharp, urbane look – updated to hook your heart.

Take a peek at Elle Décor’s recent “Trend Alert: Geometrics” by Anita Sarsidi for some striking examples. Jump here to see the whole slideshow. Here’s my favorite:

Don’t you love how this halter dress from Pucci’s 2009 collection beckons the eye with clear, colorful shapes? Who knew geometrics could be so flirtatious?

Bold and sure, that’s how geometrics grab your attention and take command of your heart. I don’t know about you, but I could sure go for a measure of boldness and sureness in my life – say an alluring accent piece to take command of my living room.

That’s one reason I yearn for American Leather’s Metro collection. Its wood outlined arms, bold frame and straight back define geometric power.


Don’t you agree? The Metro is a tour de force of geometric lines – a collection that’s destined to be the love of your living room. Its inviting rectangular lines are the perfect place to recline when you need to think outside of the box.

Can you see it in your home? I’m already drooling over its strong, dynamic lines.

And perhaps best of all – it’s designed for lounging, conversation and all kinds of linear and non-linear activities. You’ll find yourself seeking it out time and again.

Who knew geometrics could be so seductive – and so comforting -- at the very same time?

- Marya Smith

Comfort Sleeper Sectional wins a Good Design Award

What's better than the best? Good. The Chicago Athenaeum's Good Design Awards, an international competition, has spoken. The organization that has recognized products like the iPod, iTouch, Riedel's Swan, the Bionic Hand, Mercedes GLK, and the Traveling Fireplace....

Good company, no? American Leather's new innovative Comfort Sleeper sectional is about to join the ranks of these illustrious products in June 2010. The Chicago Athenaeum has bestowed this very prestigious award on the Dickinson Comfort Sleeper. My those judges have good taste.

Not just leather anymore

It's been a year since American Leather introduced a line of fabric sofas, chairs and accessories.

This fall, we're offering fabric on EVERYTHING we make. How many other companies can make the sofa of your dreams, just the way you like it, here in Texas within 30 days?
None.

Make mine a Cole one

Did you see the new November House Beautiful? Check out their feature, "I'm looking for a leather chair." to see their pick...American Leather's Cole. Retro without a hint of old school boredom, the sexy wraparound club chair is a bit of a chameleon. Put it in leather and you have a library chair with attitude. Choose a fabric and the edges of the chair move into softness. Settle into a nubby velvet and suddenly you have a bedroom accent chair to die for. Tonight, it's champagne in honor of the noble Cole. Any other excuses to pop open a bottle?

Who's coming to dinner?

Turkeys, smashed potatoes, and our favorite, gooey-crunchy salty crusted pecan pies - they are all coming to your dinner table soon. Who will be there? Hopefully a houseful of wonderful family and friends ready to make some new memories.

When guests arrive, give them a great place to sleep. We know several. Have you tried the American Leather Comfort Sleeper? At the risk of exposing our lack of humility on the subject we are proudly featured on Apartment Therapy's sleeper of the week.



Even better you'll find the Comfort Sleeper on sale at stores all around the country. Sale goes until October 5.

That's plenty of time to decide which leather or fabric you'd like. And to find a great new pecan pie recipe.

Is yours this cute?

Some of our favorite seats are in this ad. Visit Sarah and Andy at La Diff in the VA/DC area to see some more cute ones...on sale too.

A Touch of Pillow Whimsy

What’s the common denominator of sophisticated living spaces?


Classic design, assured color palettes, graceful room arrangements – they’re all good answers. But the answer I’d give is whimsy. A touch of it in a room is a sure-fire mark of sophistication.

That’s right. One light-hearted, highly individual item can be all it takes to move a space from safely presentable to memorable. A whimsical element never dominates, but rather, sparks its own small magic.

It could be that crayon drawing your five-year-old niece made of your cat that you framed and placed on a living room bookcase, or the vintage diner sign you found at a flea market and have hanging in your dining room.

It might be as simple as a pillow that makes you smile every time you see it on your living room couch.




The tongue-in-chic Happy Hot Dog pillow pair was created by award-winning designer Supon Phornirunlit (www.nakeddecor.com) and recently featured in Elle Decor. And the witty Google pillows -- captured on Metropolitan Home’s Savvy/Chic blog – are the creation of French designer Elodie Blanchard (www.elasticCo.com).



Here we have two sophisticated artists who take fun seriously. Picture pillows like these in your life. A small, soft touch, but a mighty one. Put something this charming in your living room and just try not to smile.

And for the perfect backdrop for these touches of whimsy? I’d pick the universally pleasing Lola sofa or chair.





(by Marya Smith)

Soy foam makes for a better world

What's better for your health and the environment? Read about how soy foam from BioH makes a difference.

Orange You Glad?

Just try not to notice the color orange. It’s a scene stealer.

Never shy, orange is firmly front and center these days, deemed a hot color for 2009, a vibrant hue on the high-fashion horizon. Orange is the new orange. Its pow is now.

“Orange candy” is how trend spotters at Metropolitan Home and Elle Décor describe it. Here’s their collage of invigorating examples:



That lacquer box proves the point to me. A box in any other color just wouldn’t be the same. But I don’t think I’ll soon forget this one – très Hermès. The eye-popping orange just grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.

Just as no one could forget a room with American Leather’s Sandy sofa.




Just by entering a room, the high-impact Sandy creates an instant focal point. Designed by John Charles Designs, the sofa’s charisma comes from its combination of sophisticated styling and a cutting-edge color choice.

With hints of a transformed Plain Jane park bench in its sleek lines, this design would sensationalize any space with its unabashed Glamour Girl looks alone. Add orange upholstery, and this sofa is guaranteed to hold everyone in its thrall.

Not surprising, considering that the orange chakra is associated with creativity and sensuality -- adjectives that sit nicely with this memorable sofa.

Orange also combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. So you might say that any way you slice it, orange has lots of juice.

There’s nothing quite like it.

Orange you glad that life isn’t all black and white?

(By Marya Smith)

Hugo girl!

When Metropolitan Home calls you answer! That's what we did when the editors asked us to make a Hugo chair, the swiveling conversational sweetheart, in Pantone's color of the year: Mimosa Yellow. We matched Pantone with Duval Maize, the happiest yellow leather on earth. Hugo's beauty impressed everyone, enough to make the June cover!

Apartment Therapy Showcases Kendall

You have to check out Jora and Bryan's gorgeous midcentury house tour on Apartment Therapy (www.apartmenttherapy.com). Stunning! I don't know where to begin...the gorgeous hilltop view? The stunning architecture? The xeriscaped yard with chicken coop? I love the way they weren't afraid to mix the different wood patterns throughout the house. And I couldn't help but notice they have American Leather's Kendall in the den below a piece of art by Venice, California artist Mark Hobley.