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Choosing the Perfect Sofa – Advice from the Experts

The moment eventually comes around for everyone: It’s time to get a new sofa. While this experience can be a burden, whether it’s fighting against indecisiveness or having separation anxiety about parting with the current sofa, we all share the same struggle.  In order to put your mind at ease during your next search for the perfect sofa, Kravet has turned to the design experts, who have some guidance in choosing the perfect sofa, to share some helpful advice. What we discovered is essential to turning this impossible task into an overall positive experience. Focus your sofa search on fulfilling the five key aspects: comfort, mood, customization, practicality and personal preference.

Aspect #1: comfort -Windsor Smith

According to Windsor Smith, the most common need when looking for a new sofa is comfort. This is a purchase that will become not just a decoration, but a staple in your home or space for years to come. When comfortable, a sofa can become your new solace and friend, but if it lacks that much needed comfort, you will most likely find yourself counting down the years until it is time to purchase a new one. “I don’t own a sofa that isn’t at least 40 inches deep, so I can curl up. Anything shallower feels like it belongs in a dentist’s lobby,” say Smith.

Aspect #2: mood - Barbara Barry

Barbara Barry, who enjoys working with a variety of patterns, colors and textures, explains that when it comes to choosing a sofa, the color will dictate the mood of the entire room. Often acting as a main focal point of a space, a sofa has the power to incite a certain atmosphere that will be evident to any person who enters. Barry explains, “To establish calm, I upholster sofas in a solid that’s the same color as the walls and curtains.” Therefore, be careful in choosing a sofa, make sure the color compliments the room in the way you would like it to, creating the desired mood.

Aspect #3: customization - David Easton

Designer David Easton acknowledges an important lesson: certain sofas are right for certain rooms. “If you have 8-foot ceilings, you’ll want a low sofa, which gives the impression that the ceiling is taller than it is. In a room with a high ceiling, you want a high-back sofa to be a weighty presence that can hold up the room.” People spend so much time choosing the perfect sofa because they want it to look good so don’t comprise the look of the room by choosing an ill-fitting shaped sofa. This principle coincides with Easton’s strong belief that the architecture of a room should always be respected while decorating. Make sure to follow the rules and customize your sofa needs in order to make the room look the best it possibly can.

Aspect #4: practicality - Alexa Hampton

As a working mother, Alexa Hampton knows that when looking for a sofa, practicality takes priority. She believes in a fresh approach to classic, traditional styling, all while displaying the perfect amount of warmth and softness. “As a mother of three, my sofa needs are few, but firmly formulated: I needed my sofa to be comfortable and maintainable. So I selected a tight-back Bridgewater style, because it requires minimal fluffing (just the seat) to appear tidy. The saddle arm cradles my neck perfectly during naps, and although tufting is a detail I love on sofas, I avoided it because, with young children, tufts collect crumbs. I may turn to my sofa for naps but I don’t want to turn to it for snacks. Yuck!” Therefore, make sure to choose a sofa that will make your life easier, not harder.

Aspect #5: personal preference - Suzanne Rheinstein

Lastly, Suzanne Rheinstein reminds us that while searching for a new sofa, remember that this process is about you so always adhere to your own personal preferences. “I like 80% down, 20% feathers in my sofa cushions. Though I prefer 100% down in the decorative pillows.” It doesn’t matter if you have incredibly high standards or an extremely unique sense of style, you should always choose the sofa that will make you happiest. 

Now, the next time you find yourself in the market for a new sofa remember the five key aspects: comfort, mood, customization, practicality and personal preference and I ensure you that you’ll end up with the perfect sofa to accent your space.

-JB

*Quotes originally appeared in the May 2013 issue of House Beautiful

Alexa Hampton for Kravet Furniture

Following the success of her beautiful collections of fabrics and trimmings for Kravet, designer Alexa Hampton has created a line of stunning bespoke furniture for Kravet, made exclusively for us by Hickory Chair. Hampton is the President and featured designer of Mark Hampton LLC, the iconic New York City design firm founded by her late father in 1976. Under her direction, the firm is consistently ranked as one of the top design firms in the world.

Hampton’s designs hit the sweet spot between traditional and modern, and her signature look is sophisticated and relaxed. Here is Alexa, in her own words, describing the evolution of her collections with Kravet, specifically her new line of furniture. Take a look at the video, and let us know what you think of her new collection of furniture:

Living Room product credits: Drapery panels: Meadowmere in Sea 3540-516. Sofa: Carmen Skirted Sofa HC425-1S. Fabric: Heathered Linen in Fresco 31853-16. Back pillows: Millstone in Driftwood 31774-16. Trim: Peconic in Dune T30595-416. Center pillows: Laney in Natural 32082-116. Trim: Jamesport in Ocean T30594-5. Left chair: Victor Chair HC401. Fabric: Tuckahoe in Ripple 31838-516. Right chair: Callahan Stationary Skirt Chair HC417. Fabric: Plush Linen in Stone 31816-16. Bench: Celia Bench HC302T-N. Fabric: Heathered Linen in Fresco 31853-16. Mirror: Alice Mirror OTH499-4. Left table: Emilia Console OTH495-N. Right table: Rosa Chest OTH469-B. Cocktail table: Billy Cocktail Table OTH481-N. Carpet: Benue-Natural.

Bedroom product credits: Drapery panels: Galena in Linen Galena-16. Trim: Orient Point in Delphinium T30596-1515. Valance trim: Book Hampton in Delphinium T30593-515. Bed: Aerin Queen Bed HC460-Q. Fabric: Heathered Linen in Fresco 31853-16. Euro pillows: Keaton in Cornflower Keaton-1615. Trim: Peconic in Natural T30595-16. Kidney pillows: Fairlea in Bay 3539-15. Front pillow: Keaton in Cornflower Keaton-1615. Trim: Peconic in Natural T30595-16. Throw fabrics: Boyeson in Marina 31775-516. Laney in Linen 32082-16. Bench: Celia Bench HC302-B. Fabric: Tuckahoe in Linen 31838-16. Chair: Mullen Swivel Chair HC404S. Ottoman: Mullen Ottoman HC404-0. Fabric on chair and ottoman: Laney in Linen 32082-16. Pillow on chair: Towson in Cornflower Towson-1615. Trim: Peconic in Delphinium T30595-515. Table: Avery Side Table OTH466-B. Chest - Arthur Chest OTH467-N. Carpet: Leaves-Steel

Ask Alice: How is Linen Yarn Created?

 

Around this time last year, I wrote about the history of linen, and I received many emails asking how the flax plant is actually made into fabric. Because of your interest and questions, I have decided to follow up with more information about linen. In addition to the information provided below, please take a look at the accompanying video, which provides more in-depth visual information about the process.

Kravet Perfect Plains

Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, “Linum usitatissimum,” which is the Latin botanical name of the plant. Flax blooms in groups of bluish, navy blue, and occasionally in violet, rosy and white flowers. Each flower blooms for only a few hours. It opens up at dawn and closes and falls off at around noon when the heat sets in. The flax plant is not difficult to grow but it flourishes best in cool, humid climates and within moist, well plowed soil. Flax can only be grown on the same field twice before signs of “flax fatigue” begin to show. It will be another seven years before flax can be cultivated again on the same field.

The quality of the finished linen product is dependent on the growing conditions and harvesting techniques. Linen yarn is spun from the long fibers behind the bark of the plant stem. These fibers vary in length from 2 to 36 inches. The process of separating the flax fibers from the plant is a labor intensive and painstaking process. In order to retrieve the fibers from the plant, the woody stem and the pectin, or gum, which bonds the fibers together in a clump must be rotted away. To produce the longest possible fibers, flax is either hand-harvested by pulling up the entire plant or stalks are cut very close to the root.

After harvesting, the seeds are removed through a mechanized process called “rippling.” The fibers must then be loosened from the stalk. This is achieved through retting. This process uses bacteria to decompose the pectin that binds the fibers together. Natural retting methods take place in tanks and pools or directly in the fields. There are chemical retting methods that are faster but more harmful to the environment and to the fibers themselves. After retting, the stalks are ready for scutching. This process removes the woody portion of the stalks by crushing them between two metal rollers, so the different parts of the stalk can be separated. The fibers are set aside for other uses.

The short fibers are then separated by hackling or combing them away to leave behind the long, soft flax fibers. After the fibers have been separated and processed, they are typically spun into yarns and woven or knit into textiles. Linen’s natural off white color ranges between shades of ivory, ecru, tan and grey. Pure white linen is created by heavy bleaching.

It amazes me that thousands of years ago someone had the idea to take something from nature’s beauty growing in the fields, break it down and then weave it into one of the most luxurious fabrics that to this day remains in demand for homes all over the world.

Suzanne Rheinstein for Lee Jofa

Thom Filicia for Kravet

Alexa Hampton for Kravet

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa

Kravet Modern Colors

Brunschwig & Fils

Alice Guercio, Vice President of Product Coordination and a Kravet veteran for more than 15 years, travels the world to source and develop new product for Kravet. She is one of our top experts on textiles. If you have a question about fabric for Alice, email her at askalice@kravet.com and your question may become the subject of a future article.

*This article is modified from the original, which originally appeared in the summer 2011 issue of inspired.news.

Blogfest 2012 Day Two

Continuing the fun from the first day of Blogfest 2012, take a look at our continuing photo recap.

Tuesday morning, Kate Kelly Smith from Hearst Home Group welcomed our group to the 44th floor of Hearst Tower.

VERANDA editor in chief Dara Caponigro chatted with designers Darryl Carter and Timothy Whealon about the May/June issue.

House Beautiful editor in chief Newell Turner invited three New Wave designers (from left, Michael Herold, Jill Goldberg and Jon Call) to discuss their career paths and the "a-ha" moments they've experienced along the way.

The ELLE DECOR Modern Life Concept House, awaiting bloggers for a pre-lunch reception.

Anne Foster, Marisa Marcantonio and Suysel Cunningham at the ELLE DECOR Modern Life Concept House.

Robert Brown discussing his collection of furniture for Holland/ Macrae, on display at the Lee Jofa showroom at the D&D Building, where Traditional Home magazine hosted a Nantucket-themed luncheon.

Management consultant and author Keith Granet spoke to our group about design branding and taking your business to the next level at the Kravet showroom in the D&D Building. 

Alexa Hampton and Traditional Home editor in chief Ann Maine had the crowd in stitches talking candidly about the industry.

Designers lingered at the Kravet showroom for a chance to meet Alexa after the Traditional Home panel.

Marisa Marcantonio and Brunschwig & Fils showroom manager Andrea Brooke selecting a favorite piece to photograph for the Brunschwig Laduree Twitter contest. 

Baccarat invited designers and bloggers at Blogfest, along with guest of honor Vicente Wolf, for a "hard hat" preview of the new showroom. We sipped champagne and beautiful crystal chandeliers hung at eye level for perfect photo-ops.

Enjoying delicious food and drink from the kitchen experts at GE Monogram, our host for Tuesday's cocktail party. From left, Beth Greene, Ann Feldstein, Paula Cecere, Cary Kravet, Lisa Kravet, Jennifer Powell. 

Blogfest Day Two – What to Expect

Whew. We’ve gotten through day one. Well, talking about day one. Are you tired yet? No? Good. Moving right along…

Hearst Tower

House Beautiful and Veranda have great presentations prepared for us this year. After you arrive, check in and get settled (please, please don’t be late!), take in the floor to ceiling 180 degree view of New York City from the 44^th floor of the Hearst Tower. WOW! Ok, time to kick things off. House Beautiful editor in chief Newell Turner, joined by a few up-and-coming designers, will talk to our group about what it takes to get your projects, and yourself, noticed by a major magazine.

Veranda editor in chief Dara Caponigro will talk with Timothy Whealon and Daryl Carter about how the May/June issue came to life. Both designers have projects in the magazine, and they’ll discuss all aspects of a large scale project, a magazine shoot, and Dara will speak to how a magazine like Veranda comes together every month. Inspiration overload!

Elle Décor Modern Life Concept House

Buses will be waiting to whisk us from Hearst over to the west side where we’ll be some of the first to see this stellar show house. Snap photos, chat with editor in chief Michael Boodro, and meet some of the designers of the space. You’ll have lots of time to take it all in before we head to the iconic D&D Building for lunch.

Traditional Home Lunch at Lee Jofa

Traditional Home has prepared a summer feast for us, featuring Luke’s Lobster, Nantucket Nectars and more. Designer Robert Brown will be on hand to chat about the furniture he designed for Holland/ Macrae, which will be on display in the front room. Management consultant Keith Granet will speak to the group about some of the amazing work he’s done in our industry, and sign copies of his book, Business of Design.

Ann Maine and Alexa Hampton at Kravet

Following the lunch, we’ll head upstairs where Traditional Home editor in chief Ann Maine will lead a lively discussion about what it means to be “traditional” in today’s world with interior designer Alexa Hampton. Hampton designs fabric and trimming for Kravet, and her work is on display in the Kravet showroom.

Brunschwig & Fils and Laduree Twitter Contest

When you have a few minutes to explore the D&D Building, stop by the Brunschwig & Fils showroom on the 12^th floor. Snap a photo of yourself with your favorite item in the showroom, fabric, furniture or otherwise, and post it to Twitter for a chance to win a beautiful gift basket from iconic French brand Laduree. Be sure to use the #blogfest2012 hashtag and mention @BrunschwigFils.

Hard Hat Preview Party at Baccarat

Champagne and sweet treats await upstairs at Baccarat. Our group of Blogfest attendees will be the very first to see Baccarat’s brand new showroom in the D&D Building. It’s so new, in fact, that the space is still under construction. You’ll see how they hang chandeliers and some of the behind the scenes care that goes into the brand’s beautiful crystal products. You’ll also meet designer Vicente Wolf, who is involved with the brand and will join us as a special guest speaker.

Party at GE Monogram

The partying doesn’t stop there! Following Baccarat, we’re heading across the street to GE Monogram, where chefs will have been busy whipping up some great treats for us in their state of the art kitchens. Food and drink will be plentiful, and you’ll love interacting with some of GE’s great products.

Ok, you didn’t get to change your shoes all day, but we sure had fun, didn’t we? Go get some rest and we’ll see you on Wednesday!