Parrot on a PorchA Journey Toward the Little Mansion Dream

We have started canvassing for a sofa that will complement and bedeck our Little Mansion’s living room since last year. It was quite taxing at first because the husband and I were having contrasting preferences but thankfully we came to agree after reading and digesting the tips we’ve collated from the internet. These helpful Sofa Buying Tips indeed saved us from having endless debates and further nerve-wracking discussion. It is then that I realized that buying a living room furniture set is not as challenging as it sounds. Although there are several factors to consider, it’s just as if one is looking out for a new wardrobe only putting a little emphasis on the quality and durability. But unlike clothes and apparels, it’s not every other day, weekly or on a whim that we buy and change sofas. So it’s advisable to invest on one that will suit the family’s needs and will last for a very long time.

Here are the helpful points that influenced our decision when we selected the perfect sofa for us:

1. Determine a reasonable budget. Do note that the price will be determined by its size.

2. Assess the size depending on the need. In the same way, figure out the correct dimension that will just fit right in the intended spot in the living room. For a single or couple dwellers, a two-seater might be enough. A longer sofa that can seat four to six people is ideal for a family. Have the measurements handy when shopping.

3. Get familiarized about the different type of sofa frames. Bear in mind that a good frame of common lumber (pine or oak) held together by screws and bracket dowels is more durable than a frame made of particle board, plywood or plastic.

4. Be particular with the coils and springs. Feel the springs through the upholstery. These should be close together and firm.

5. Consider the upholstery. Leather upholstery will cost more than other types. Fabrics provide more options in terms of color, designs, etc.

If only my browser could talk, it would have complained already how long the list of my home inspiration sites that have been bookmarked already. I’ve been adding up some more sofa inspirations and here are just some of the few:

A very striking, country style and homey couch from Anthropologie

A cozy and dainty love seat from Williams Sonoma Home

A daring and sexy red lounge from Spacify

A contemporary and stylish sofa from Spacify

An elegant, dramatic and formal sofa from Williams Sonoma Home

Aside from the Christmas tree, the wreath is also a favorite Christmas decoration of many. Perhaps it has got to do with the vibrant colors, the elements and its symbolism: Jesus’ birth and God’s grace and immortality. It is usually hung on the front door, the very first thing that greet and welcome any guest coming into the house.

Next year, when we celebrate our first Christmas in our new home, I’d definitely hang one..perhaps, I can work around with my very own artistic thinking caps and hands to make a Do-It-Yourself one.

Just a few of my would-be inspirations:

I find the last one most appealing. It is a Martha Stewart style, thus, the genuine and one of a kind beauty and elegance.

Our soon to be “little mansion” is figuratively small. I’m just coining it as a “mansion” because it’s our very own “palace” only in a small-scale. The space is not really a concern because, after all, it’s just in the perspective and in the interior that we can make it huge by maximizing the limited space. The use of functional and stylish Futons can address this concern. They make a stylish seating by the day, and by night they can be converted into beds.

Luck is on my side as I chanced upon great deals and promos on the web. I can use these Affordable Futons Coupon Codes for further discount on the wide array of Portolino Futons on sale. I just have to consult the husband’s first and agree on a specific design that we can order.

I find this modern coffee table attractive, functional and versatile. This furniture piece, Trio Contemporary Coffee Table by Statements International, allows for a lot of mixing, matching, and the appearance of a different furniture piece each time. The detachable drawer box features an inside drawer with storage compartments in the rear. It may form an L or T shape, when set perpendicularly, or it may be pulled in or out. The drawer box could also be pushed out to function as a magazine rack. The dimension in inches is 48W x 26D x 15H and made out of Rift Oak Veneer material. (Posted via Spacify)

A picture of a lazy boy recliner that I just saw on Home TV Shopping and a former colleague being added as a Facebook friend recently made me reminisce something. It’s been more than a year since my resignation from the call center so seeing pictures of my former office and of my ex-officemates at her album makes me walk down the memory lane. I so miss my closest buddies, our pantry, my workstation and even the cozy office furniture recliners and sofas that were set up in the reception area. Since it’s a call center and it operates 24/7, our furniture then were carefully selected. The management preferred to have it a homey feel so that it isn’t so formal for the agents and they can just let loose and relax during their breaks. Here’s a similar Lazy Boy Recliner that they has. These recliners are also perfect for the living room or in the entertainment room at home where we could relaxingly sit while watching our favorite flicks and TV shows or when we take our power naps.

I’m sure Asher, who’s a water baby, would love to have this indoor waterfalls in our dream home. I can just imagine him enjoying the trickles of water running through his hands. Stylish, subtle and soothing. Yes, it’s lovely but for a country where Dengue Fever is quite rampant, having such isn’t actually advisable.

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are out, modern fireplaces are in. These modern fireplaces are actually versatile and functional. They also adorn living rooms great as furniture and tables.

Mom in law is thinking and planning of redesigning the living room. She would like to try out a new curtain and some matching throw pillows which she bought from Divisoria. She’s also thinking of rearranging some furniture, possibly some will retire and be stocked in the storage room. Lastly, she might also be placing some plants to add some greens in the room. But with the rainy days ahead which mean Dengue season is also approaching, I suggest to put up artificial silk trees instead to avoid Dengue-causing mosquitoes from hibernating in the room. It’s equally beautiful anyway. Silk Trees provide the the feeling of the outdoors within the comfort of our home.