TUESDAY’S TIP: How to choose the perfect sectional

A sectional sofa is exactly what its name suggests. It is a series of "sections" put together to create a connected sitting area. If you specify the right size and style, a sectional can be the perfect answer to your home entertainment needs. But like most everything in interior design, if you don't properly plan it out, it can lead to a big upholstered disaster.
The biggest mistake that people make when selecting a sectional for their space is deciding on their sectional style (L-Shape, Sofa with Chaise Return, U-Shape, etc..) before considering the actual space it will live in. This is a big NO NO that will lead to a non-cohesiveness lounge area.  

In wardrobe terms, this would be similar to buying a size 10 dress off the rack (just because you liked the color) and assuming it would fit your size 6 body....or the other way around. Like I said...NO NO.

So unless you're cool with a random fraternity lounge area look, keep reading...

A Park Avenue Sofa with a Chaise Return

Here are my top tips on choosing the perfect sectional:
- Let your space should dictate the shape. Invest in a roll of blue tape (or cut up some butcher paper) and actually lay out sectional options for you to consider. Make sure that the sectional doesn't overpower the room and become the focal point of your space. Also make sure you allow for enough space for end tables and a coffee table or ottoman(s).
- Extra sleeping. You may not want to advertise this on Facebook, but assuming one side of your sectional is large enough, you can have it custom built with a queen size pull-out bed for guests.
- Let the pillows pop. Since it's a lot of upholstery, I normally specify solid fabric on large sectionals. Save the patterns and colors for your throw pillows - this way you can switch them when you're in the mood for something new.
- Screen it. If you're using your sectional for a media space, make sure the largest portion of your sectional is facing the television.
- Lay it down. Place an area rug in front of your sectional to add symmetry to your space and complete the look.

An L-Shaped Sectional Sofa is basically two sofas connected by a corner piece

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08/10/2010 | Tags: , , |

PLEASE read this before you apply for an internship.

We receive several requests for internships.  It's difficult to find your way around the interior design business (let alone the world) as a young adult, so I thought it would be helpful to offer these DOS and DONT'S to young, aspiring designers:
DON'T send blind emails out that start with "Dear Hiring Manager".
DO take the time to research the firm, its history, principals, projects, and employees before you draft a cover letter.
That being said, DON'T harass the office with too many follow up calls and emails immediately after you have forwarded your materials.
DO follow up by sending a nice note and a hard copy of your resume in the mail.
DON'T expect to be handed the keys to a project.  I am amazed at how many interns we've interviewed who are opposed to doing office work or making coffee and expect to jump right into the driver's seat of a big job.
DO follow up with thank you cards after an interview.
DON'T ask too many questions during work hours.  Remember that an internship is not "school" - you are in a workplace.
DO dress appropriately for an interview.  Simple, clean, elegant.
DON'T text, facebook, or twitter from work.
DO know as many computer programs as you can.  This is probably the best way for a young person to break into the business!  If you did not learn it in school, learn it on your own time.
DON'T be the "office clown".  Please don't do this.
DO take initiative.  If you're done with a project and no one is around to assign you another job, figure it out.  Clean, organize, fill in a gap that needs to be filled.
DON'T bring your personal drama to the office.  Again, this is not school.
DO listen.  Take in everything that goes around you, so that you can better assist without explanation.
DON'T be competitive...with anyone.

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08/12/2009 | Tags: |

All grown up…

Sometimes I really cannot believe how quickly times flies by.  Both Ashley and Sydney have been interning with us since they were sophomores in high school.  Now they're spending their University Junior years abroad in Paris and Rome...I'm sure it's a lot more fun than book binding PLUSH HOME furniture catalogues all Summer, but I'd like to think that they miss us a little bit.
Please make internship inquires attention to Steven
MORE FUN DESIGN LINKS:

Back to Nina's Main Blog page

View the Plush Home furniture line

View Nina's Interior Design site

Time to E-Shop!
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02/06/2009 | Tags: |

Intern Interrupted

Steven recently spoke on an entrepreneurship panel at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California to meet prospective interns.  Like most businesses, we are always on the lookout for diligent students that may develop into exceptional employees...and like most businesses we have difficulties finding these kids. Steven came back empty handed that day as well.
I don't know if it's the area that we're in, or if it's the generation that we're dealing with, or if maybe our expectations are just too high for these positions?   Regardless, we go through approximately 2-5 interns a year - most of which don't work for us , but all of which we learn from.
Here are our top 3 intern moments.  But before I continue, I should qualify that Ashley (in photo, re-organizing our storage room) is one of my star girls, and not any of the interns mentioned below.

TOP 3 INTERN MOMENTS
1. I told "Gina" to discreetly listen in on conversations between our sales staff and a visiting interior designer so that she could get an idea of the process.   What I didn't realize she would do is literally stand a foot between our sales associate and his client.  She was seriously standing close enough to floss their teeth.  She didn't say a word, and simply stood there for a good 20 minutes keeping her head on a swivel like she was watching a ping pong match.
2. When filling out a bill of lading for a Carlisle Bed and End Tables that were supposed to be shipped to a client that ordered from our Denver showroom, "Joss" neglected to erase the last ship to address on the form...and accidentally sent the items to a client in the Hamptons.  It all worked out in the end, but not without a super-sized delivery bill that we ate.
3. "Veronica's" main job was to file.  She was extremely detail oriented and had few filing errors.  She was so organized that we actually found a piece of bread filed under "B" and salt, sugar, and pepper packages filed under their respective letters.  This is not a joke.
You can make internship inquiries attention to Steven.

MORE FUN DESIGN LINKS:

Back to Nina's Main Blog page

View the Plush Home furniture line

View Nina's Interior Design site

Time to E-Shop!

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10/02/2008 | Tags: |