Home & Design Luxury Home Magazine

SW Florida Articles

Same Day Satisfaction by Helena Wellesley See Entire Article Until now, the concept of instant gratification wasn’t typically coupled with the act of furniture shopping, but Brandon Home Furnishings in Naples has changed all that with a vast and varied range of home décor, from furniture to accessories, all of which is available on a same-day basis.
Decorate your home in a day by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article In 2002, when Alison and Craig Felzer, the hands-on owners of the Brandon Furniture franchise in Naples, opened the store located at 5450 Tamiami Trail, they had already immersed themselves in the Brandon Furniture business and company culture by working at numerous locations in Houston, Texas; Princeton, New Jersey; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and the corporate headquarters in Palm Beach, Florida.
Unfinished Beauty by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article The next time you are looking for quality, real wood furniture, start by browsing around Out On A Limb’s 4,000 square foot showroom, conveniently located on Trade Center Way in North Naples. Whether you need finished or unfinished furniture, Out On A Limb offers a varied choice of styles from a wide range of manufacturers. Owners Neville and Michele Young took over the reins of operation three years ago, when they relocated to Naples from England.
Outdoor Furnishings Have To Be Tough And Look Good See Entire Article Robb & Stucky proves that what was once called “patio furniture” has morphed into beautiful and durable furniture you would be proud to showcase anywhere in your home. From all-weather wicker to cast aluminum that emulates wood, furniture for outdoor living looks as fashionable as interior collections.
Enhance Your Home With Silk Florals See Entire Article A background rich in floral design and great customer service proved to be the essential ingredients of success for Saundra Riccardelli, president of Sweetgrass Designs, Inc. in Naples. Blooming where she planted her wholesale/retail silk flower showroom and office on Trade Center Way, Riccardelli followed in the tradition of other transplanted Northerners when she closed up her successful flower shop of 20 years and elected to follow the sun.
Outdoor Lighting Adds Magic To Your Home See Entire Article A beautiful home in daylight…a dazzling home by night. That’s the goal of outdoor lighting specialists, Kurt and D’Arcy Shearer, franchise owners of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. “Lighting is all we do. We’re dedicated to giving each home a look that will make owners and visitors delighted with the results they get after installation,” Kurt says.
Faux Finish Makes Illusion Beautiful See Entire Article In this world where artistry meets architecture, Joe Rairick of Hightide Custom Painting and Faux Design spends his days creating beautiful and elegant interiors in some of Southwest Florida’s most magnificent homes. Fine wood finishes such as bird’s eye maple, burled mahogany, and the use of raised and embedded techniques create dimensional designs that cast a shimmering veil of color—and yet these are but a sampling of the applications available.
Exquisitely Hand Crafted See Entire Article Beautiful, classic and timelessly stylish furniture is always in demand. Passed-down traditions of learning the refined techniques of famous cabinet makers are evidenced in the many furniture pieces available at Agostino’s Design Group. Expert craftsmanship and an appreciation of fine wood are clearly defined in each piece. Imported accessories add the finishing touch. Close your eyes and think Italy!
A Stroll Through History and More by Casey McCabe See Entire Article The eclectic home with mixed style is how most prefer interiors these days. Even contemporary interiors have room for at least one antique, and a renewed interest in more traditional European influences is well documented. At Eric Dumont, Inc. French Antiques, pieces range from the more provincial to the elaborate Louis XV.
Celebrity Designers Attract Buyers by J. A. Damon See Entire Article Until recently, a trip down memory lane in the furniture industry would not typically include tables by Laura Ashley, dressing chests by Jessica McClintock, beds by Jaclyn Smith or accessories by Kathy Ireland. In fact, each designer named above first gained design notoriety in the world of fashion before expanding into furniture. But as more and more celebrities began offering their own line of designer furniture, the front-runners moved from several-piece collections to entire furniture gallery presentations.
Beautiful and Practical Storage Solutions See Entire Article The new trendy concept of organizing your home into a beautiful functional space is now an affordable luxury. Custom Closets & More…LLC will work with you to provide pristine closets, multitasking family rooms, gleaming garages and utility rooms that offer beautiful and practical storage solutions. The transformation of your space begins with a free in-home design consultation with one of our professional designers. The design, drawings and proposal can be done the same day. Any adjustments needed are made on the spot and orders can be placed right from the comfort of your home.
Enhancing a Homeowner’s Quality of Life by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article Armed with a wealth of experience and a principles of design wand that is chock-full of creativity and knowledge of space planning and textiles, in addition to materials and furnishings, wizards of wonder – more commonly known as interior designers – are turning Southwest Florida’s interior and exterior living areas into functional and harmonious living spaces.
Window Decorating Solutions See Entire Article Whether you favor elegant silk taffeta “ball gown” curtains, simple sheers or a pretty Provincial print, The Curtain Exchange offers a quick solution for your window decorating problems. Clients can get the look of expensive custom-made panels for less money and much faster than if they used the services of a custom workroom. The results, however, are just as lovely. “People in Naples have great taste,” says Elizabeth Crawford, owner of the franchised concept.“ They know what they like when they see it, and they will appreciate the quality...
Furnishing Your Home For Less by Andrea G. Rollin See Entire Article Marge Harkins was so impressed with DirectBuy in Pittsburgh that she decided to purchase a DirectBuy franchise of her own in Fort Myers. Thus, DirectBuy of SW Florida was created. “Marge learned about DirectBuy in Pittsburgh, where we are from, and she joined,” explained Paul Schuster, Harkins’ partner and vice president of DirectBuy of SW Florida.
Showering Customers With Attention See Entire Article In a fiercely competitive market, what does it take to stand out from the rest of the plumbing products showrooms? Dedication to providing personalized customer service and advice on plumbing fixtures, as well as offering a wide selection of quality products that reflects the needs of each customer.
Illuminating Life by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article Today’s designs in home décor are wide and varied. While some show a deeply traditional heritage, others display a transitional blend of many influences. Contemporary designs are just as popular with their smooth, clean balance. However, this wasn’t always the case.
Fabric, Texture and Color by Casey McCabe See Entire Article In tandem with a hot market, the proprietors of Stephen Todd Home Furnishings & Accents are in the enviable position of being in the right place at the right time. When Stephen Slosburg and Todd Warner moved to Cape Coral 5 years ago, they relished the thought of relaxation.
Decorate Your Home in a Day by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article In 2002 when Alison and Craig Felzer, the hands-on owners of the Brandon Furniture franchise in Naples, opened the store located at 5450 Tamiami Trail, they had already immersed themselves in the Brandon Furniture business and company culture by working at numerous locations...
The High Fashion of Home Fashion by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Historically, clothing and home fashions have always been closely entwined. The runways of Paris and Milan predicate the mood and direction for interior fashions, bedding and accessories.
Furniture Styles I See Entire Article Case goods is a term used to describe various types of cabinetry, desks, bedsteads, tables and chairs. Furniture finishes vary with construction materials and style.
Furniture Styles II See Entire Article There is no right or wrong when it comes to selecting a particular furniture style. What’s more important is the style you find most pleasing. It’s necessary to surround yourself with things you love and feel comfortable with.
Keeping Covered - Upholstery Guidelines See Entire Article During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, “stuffing,” as uphol-stery was once called, was essential to the royal family’s comfort. As one of the oldest charters in the City of London’s Guilds and Liveries Companies, upholstery originated from the tent-making trade as far back as A.D. 1465.
Lighten Up See Entire Article Although lighting is often treated as an afterthought and often the last element to go into a home, without the proper lighting nothing else in the home will come alive. Lighting sets the mood of a home as nothing else, whether it be festive, or quiet and relaxing.
Style for the Great Outdoors See Entire Article The steamy days of summer is the perfect time to laze by the pool or enjoy the company of family and friends on the patio or lanai.
antiques: History in Your Home See Entire Article Years ago when people were moving to Southwest Florida, they moved into a world of coral pinks and seafoam greens. Furniture from their Northern home was considered to be too dark and heavy for Florida.
art of a different sort by Helene LeComte See Entire Article There is a story from ancient Greece that two painters were rivals in a contest: Each would try to make a picture that produced a more perfect illusion of the real world.