For example, adding a lovely chaise longue (which roughly translated means long chair) can instantly transform a bedroom into a retreat. A chaise provokes a sense of elegance and decadence that seems to whisper 'come sit here and rest a while'. What other piece of furniture can do all of that, I ask?
Chairs as art
I came across some amazing chairs this past fall when my husband and I visited the Fishfly Gallery in Winnipeg Beach. Owner Cheryl Tordon not only seeks out talented artists for her gallery but is a gifted artist in her own right. She created these wonderful pieces, some of which are art pieces only and others that are useable chairs. The skull chair, which is an art piece, is my favourite. Cheryl incorporated the skull (which friends of hers found in the woods) along with wood she harvested from the forest into this stunning piece. This chair would make a great statement in the right home.
Fun and functional
Places like Blue Moon Evolution, Wicker World, Changes by Design, Urban Barn and IKEA (online) have wonderful decorative chairs for most any decor. I particularly love the new wicker pieces, which range from tightly woven full wing chairs to a new item I happened upon on the Internet called Havana Stick Rattan chairs, which are made from thicker short pieces of rattan set in a random fashion. Very unusual. (www.wicker-furniture-showroom.com)
Stools, benches, ottomans
A decorative bench at the foot of a grand bed makes a lovely statement, as does a fireside bench flanking a grand fireplace. Benches are being used more and more as accompaniments to dining chairs at the dining table. Mixing things up by using chairs and benches together makes the dining room less fussy but still elegant and current. The right bench or large ottoman can be used as a coffee table and additional seating if you have small space. Some benches (and ottomans) also have the versatility of providing additional storage, which is always a plus.
Pub-style dining tables with tall bar stools are popular choices for casual dining. The right bar stools at a breakfast nook can make quite a statement in the kitchen. Bar stools come in such a wide variety of styles and colours that it might be hard to choose the ones that are right for your space. Don't be daunted by the vast array of choices. Choose pieces that will add visual interest and provide comfortable seating.
In the office
For the home office, you no longer have to sacrifice design in order to have proper seating. Office chairs have come a long way, baby, and are not only more ergonomic but are also stylish. Oh, you can still find the black leather desk chair on rollers that looks like it came from the Starship Enterprise, but you can also find moulded plastic chairs in vibrant colours, retro-designed desk chairs with coloured upholstery, or mesh chairs that can also be purchased in a variety of colours. For visitors, choose stunning pieces that make a statement yet are easily moved to keep the home office fresh and professional looking. There are some great seating photos on the Internet. Check out www.bizchair.com just to see the variety of seating available. This will give you an idea of what you want when you go shopping for new items.
For the younger crowd
Sitting on the floor seems to be a favourite of kids and teens. To make the experience a little more comfortable you can purchase floor cushions, beanbag chairs or flip chairs, which fold out into a single mattress for kids. Beanbag chairs have made a comeback, especially for kids. You can purchase them in themes from sports to camouflage designs in fun colours like pink and blue.
If you think about it, we humans sit around quite a bit. Choosing seating that is comfortable and stylish is easier than you think.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
