Torino Recliner at Crate and Barrel

Let’s face it, men love recliners. I can’t really blame them since they tend to be very comfy and put you in the perfect position for rest and relaxation. Even I have to admit that my family and I have been guilty of paying way more to watch a movie at a theater featuring motorized recliners. The only problem with recliners is that they are usually big, bulky and pretty unsightly.

The good news is that today’s recliner is not your granddaddy’s recliner, unless you want it to be. Manufacturers have reinvented the recliner so that homeowners don’t have to compromise style in the name of function! I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve saved a few marriages along the way.

With Father’s Day looming around the corner, you may be thinking of getting your favorite guy a brand new recliner. But before you plunk your credit card down, let me offer a few words of design wisdom. Here are 4 ways to get the most out of your recliner search.

Broaden Your Search

Oxford Recliner at Bassett

The first retailer that comes to mind when I think of the term “recliner” is La-Z-Boy. There’s a reason for that; La-Z-Boy has built their entire brand around the idea of comfort and relaxation. However, many brands from West Elm to Bernhardt carry recliners. It’s just a matter of doing your research. The Oxford recliner from Bassett (pictured above) has a more traditional vibe to it.

Look For A Contemporary Profile

Belmont Leather Recliner at Grand in Road

For the most part recliners tend to be large and chunky, but there are some that are much more streamlined and sleek. Looking for a recliner with a more contemporary profile is a perfect way to marry style and function. This is especially true if the recliner is going into a living or family room.For a modern or mid-century look, the Belmont Leather Recliner at Grand in Road is a sure winner! Meanwhile, the “traditional” recliner works really well in media rooms, man caves and recreational spaces, where the look can be much more casual.

Complement Your Décor

Randall Leather Recliner

Since a recliner is generally purchased for its functionality rather than its decorative properties, I often notice that they that do not match or even complement the rest of the décor. This is a definite no-no.

The key to making a recliner fit into your current décor is to look for one in a complementary hue that is similar in design style. Taking the time to do this will ensure that the recliner flows with your décor instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. In the photo above, the Randall Leather Recliner is a great example of a recliner that isn’t your everyday recliner. With its linear back and arms, it can easily adapt to any decor.

Likewise, if you have a recliner that you just can’t seem to part with, have it re-upholstered in a fabric that works well with the rest of the space.

Read the Reviews

Cortlyn Accent Pushback Recliner at Macy’s

If you plan on purchasing a recliner online, be sure to read the reviews. In fact, read them even if you are actually going into the brick and mortar store to try the recliner out in person. Nothing is worse than dropping a few thousand on a product that isn’t comfortable in the long run.

Paying close attention to things such as the weight maximum, the length of the extension, the height of the back and the cushion firmness are important details that you cannot afford to miss.

Final Shopping Tips

Sage Recliner at Bernhardt

Even though the base of a recliner will probably be much larger than a normal chair, it is possible to find something comfortable that looks just as good. Don’t give up; be determined to not settle for less. Ultimately, a recliner that is practical, stylish and fits in with your current design aesthetic is a win-win for everybody.

The post The Reinvention of the Good Ole Recliner appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

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It’s been said that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but when it comes to Christmas gifts everyone loves a pretty package! Just like chefs carefully plate a dish to make it more appealing, we can create beautiful presentations as we gift give for the holidays. With just a few days left in the season, I know I am turning my attention to getting these gifts wrapped beautifully!

If you have children (or even if you don’t), you are probably scrambling to get last minute gifts and stocking stuffers. As for me, I am still scouring the Internet and making a mad dash for the stores this week. I wish I could say that I am one of those people who start shopping for Christmas in June, but unfortunately I am not. I am in good company too; statistics reveal that most people do their Christmas shopping in the month of December.

Part of the reason I do not have Christmas wrapped up yet is because I really think through my gifts. Every single gift that I purchase has to have meaning for the receiver or I am not buying it. That’s how I have always been and it’s not changing anytime soon.

In previous posts, I mentioned that I am really good at wrapping gifts. I am not sure if it was some kind of punishment on the part of my mom, but for as long as I can remember, my mother has made me wrap all of the gifts. I also had to write up all of the greeting cards for pretty much everyone.

So here are a few tips of my tips for giving a beautifully wrapped gift.

1. Buy quality gift-wrapping paper.

Source: http://www.artwrap.com.au/

Inexpensive wrapping paper wrinkles and tears easily. Invest in quality wrapping paper from companies like Papyrus or Paper Source. These companies offer designs and colors that are unique and exclusive. Moreover, if you buy your wrapping paper right after Christmas, you should be able to get a good deal on it.

2. Use fabric ribbon.

Source: Pinterest

When professional gift wrappers wrap presents, they always use beautiful ribbon instead of curling ribbon or pre-made bows. Once you get the bow tied, use your scissors to create a fishtail cut at the end of each strand. Sidebar: Try to stay away from glitter ribbons. The gift receiver will be reminded of you (and not in a good way) until April because that’s how long it will take them to get rid of all that glitter!

3. Add a special touch to your gift.

Source: Paper Source

At the nose of your ribbon, attach a decorative object to add that special touch to the gift. This can be an ornament, a candy cane or a small toy if it’s for a child. The receiver of the gift will appreciate the added gesture.

4. Use invisible tape or double-sided tape.

Source: Pinterest

The best gift wrappers hide the tape. If you are challenged at wrapped gifts, begin perfecting your skills by at least using invisible tape. If you are more advanced in your gift-wrapping skills, switch to double-sided tape so that there are no visible signs of tape.

5. Use gift tags.

Source: http://coolmompicks.com/blog/2015/12/15/free-printable-gift-tags-gift-wrap-for-holidays/

Instead of using stickers to add names to your gifts, try using gift tags, like this one that I found at Target. You can simultaneously add the gift tag when you attach the decorative object to the nose of the ribbon. Plus, nowadays you can print gift tags for free from the Internet.

6. Purchase different kinds of gift-wrap paper.

Source: http://gcan.net/nifty-black-christmas-wrapping-paper.html

If you are playing Santa this year, purchase different types of paper. I usually use the same paper for all of my gifts, except for my son’s gifts. Children are smart and they can figure out that if Santa has the same exact gift-wrapping paper as their parents do, something is off. I hide the paper that I will be using for my son’s gifts so that he has never seen it before. That way he doesn’t pose any uncomfortable questions that I am not ready to answer.

Happy gift-wrapping and enjoy your holiday!

The post It’s a Wrap! Gift-Wrapping Tips appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.