All posts by Claire Cashe

Outdoor Furniture

How to Choose Outdoor Patio Furniture for Condo Balcony or Terrace?

1 Comment

Condominiums or condos as they are called are the most convenient type of apartments people prefer to live in nowadays. They are becoming so popular in the big Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal etc, that they have started selling like hot pancakes. Condos are usually quite affordable and hardly require any maintenance, everything is taken care of.

One of the challenges that condo dwellers seem to face is how to decorate their balcony or terrace when there is scarcity of space. Spaces in modern condos are often tight and that includes the outdoor patio space of the individual units. But it’s really not that big a deal if you know exactly what furniture to use. And then with a little imagination and creativity, you can turn your small balcony into a beautiful place. Here are a few things to be kept in mind.

Condo Balcony Patio Furniture

How to Choose the Appropriate Furniture that Suits the Balcony or Terrace:  If you are like most people and did not have the change for a million Dollar penthouse, your  condo balcony will most likely not be much larger than a stamp. And you cannot even think about accommodating a patio dining table or a trendy lounge, hm!?

So, time to exhale and do things wisely, saving you both time and money. First, inspect the layout of your space thoroughly and get the measurements of the balcony or terrace. It doesn’t take too long and after it’s done you are set to start choosing condo outdoor furniture according to your budget, lifestyle and taste. Keep in mind the type of condo that you live in. Is it modern like most new developments in downtown Toronto? Go with modern outdoor furniture!

Condo Balcony Bistro Set outdoor furniture

 

Furniture that looks best on the balcony of a modern condo: This is another question which tends to confuse people. But the answer, in fact, is simple. One of the most popular activities that people do on a terrace or a balcony is to eat meals or enjoy a morning beverage or an evening cocktail. Since the space is small options are limited. But a small bistro set is perfect to give that comfort and is also helpful for entertaining the guest. These bistro sets comprise of a bistro style table and some comfy chairs where you can just relax and enjoy  the company and – hopefully – the view. If your space allows it, you could even opt for a small outdoor bar set that can make an excellent hangout for family and friends.

outdoor wicker condo furniture

So, if the balcony of a condo can be decorated so stylishly with great furniture and a little effort, then who needs a bigger apartment?

This cool set of balcony furniture is by Beliani and fits everywhere.

 

Indoor Furniture

The Funniest Sofa Videos on Youtube

Leave a comment

Here is some fun stuff. We have been hunting for the funniest videos to do with couches and sofas and found some quite remarkable stuff. How to have fun with your sofa, check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXg7Fab9ujw

In this video, Nikki hollowes out a couch, hides inside, and scares the crap out of John!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzZrctQcNf8

Seinfeld, Season 6, Episode 91
Poppie pees on Jerry’s new couch. Kramer’s reaction is priceless…

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TR6aPdBgPI

He played Harry the old man and ran an ad on craigslist to sell his sofa. After some people drive 2 hours to pick up the couch, Harry tells them he had an accident on the couch. Then Harry leaves and let the fun begin!

 

Beliani – your sofa outlet in Canada

 

Indoor Furniture

Modern Sofas – Genuine Leather or Bonded Leather?

Leave a comment

genuine leather sofaLeather furniture can add beauty and sophistication to any room, no question. A well made leather sofa is durable and can last for generations. However, the market place is currently full of diverse leather and leather-like products for you to choose or rather confuse! Understanding the leather products will help you to make the right choice when shopping.

 

Difference between genuine leather and bonded leather

Genuine leather is made from the hides and skins of animals. They are then tanned with vegetable tannins and chromium salts. They are known for strength and grained texture. Whereas bonded leather is shaped when leather scraps and fibers are mixed together. They are then twisted into a roll using glue or other bonding materials.

It is very hard to differentiate between bonded leather and genuine leather as far as quality and looks are concerned. If the bonded leather is done suitably it may look akin to genuine leather with the same smell, appearance and function. In that case, you may look for the texture of the bonded leather which may not be as well-defined as that of the natural-grained genuine leather. While bonded leather has the reputation of being not as durable as genuine leather, the bonded leather on my BMW seats holds up very well. It actually looks even better than some of its genuine counter parts, which tend to become wrinkly over time. On the other hand, genuine leather has the reputation of getting better with age. It usually becomes more soft and worn in, giving it the unique look.

modern leather sofas, contemporary design couchThe cost advantage is the main benefit of bonded leather. Due to its economical price (bonded leathers are 30% percent less) many people can afford high-end furniture—great looking designs at low price.

And here is an entirely different perspective: Considering the fact that bonded leather is made from scraps, that would otherwise be wasted, it might be a good idea to go for bonded leather furniture from an environmental point of view.

Beliani uses both bonded and genuine leather for their modern leather sofas. Thus, harvesting the advantages of both materials.

Outdoor Furniture

Singing the Tired Old Patio Blues? – Modern Outdoor Garden Furniture to the Rescue

2 Comments

Is this what your backyard looks like?

garden and outdoor furniture in TorontoLet us face the facts here, if you have a look at the average garden in Toronto, you will find that the outdoor furniture used is pretty
standard and boring looking. Thank god, the furniture has been removed to take this photo!

What’s wrong with us, are we afraid to experiment with this area of our home? Is it to burdensome to put some effort into or decks and patios, or do some of us just not appreciate being outside? I surely wouldn’t if my patio looked like that. And at the same time I get it, we all live busy lives and sometimes it’s hard fitting in all these chores. But this year it will be different…

What if your patio were to look something like this?

modern outdoor furniture in gardenHold on! One step at a time. Before you win the lottery and buy this home, one thing to bring you a step closer to a dream backyard is modern garden furniture.

The difference is that a modern garden furniture style will bring sophistication and add a great value to your patio and home. Modern outdoor furniture will add something special to your home, so instead of being stuck indoors all the time, why not buy outdoor furniture for friends and family to enjoy.

The cool thing about this type of outdoor furniture is that there are hundreds if not thousands of designs to choose from; anything from bizarre to simple to elegant, which all looks great, even if you don’t have a multi-millionaire backyard.

While you are searching for outdoor furniture for your home you should always consider
the space you actually have outside and how much you can fit in with everything else
added in. Take measurements before you go shopping! Try not to ruin the effect by having nice modern garden furniture alongside some old plastic furniture, or trying to fit too many pieces, leave it some space.

Now get out there, throw out these ugly old hand-me-down chairs that your parents bought at a garage sale 20 years ago, and start shopping, it is your time to be creative after all!

Indoor Furniture

How a Sectional Sofa Makes Your Living Room More Inviting

Leave a comment

The appearance of your living room reveals your personality and taste. Therefore it is essential to take all possible steps to make your living room look classy and elegant. A living room equipped with sophisticated furniture makes it more welcoming for guests and leaves a strong impression.

To often we see living rooms where obviously somebody tried but didn’t quite succeed in transforming the space into that distinguished, stylish retreat. Choosing quality furniture smartly and prudently is one of the secrets to having a stylish living room. So, consult your interior designer, whenever in doubt, or maybe sometimes just to confirm your plans.

modern sectional sofa contemporary sectionals

When beautifying your living room, one piece of furniture that you should always count on is a modern sectional sofa. A uniquely designed sectional sofa greatly adds to the elegance of your living room. Sectionals always look more inviting than standard sofas; they present a more open space to the visitor. Nobody will feel that they’re wedged in or awkwardly stuck in the middle of a 3-seater.

You will find sectional sofas made from leather, micro fiber or traditional fabric. These sofas usually provide a generous seating area with deep seats.  Some sectional sofas come in three or more sections with ottoman which makes it possible for you to decorate and redecorate your living room according to your mood, style and occasion.

Here are few tips to improve the look and feel of your living room:

  • In order to create a perfect setting for conversation during a family or friends get together, the ideal way to arrange a modular sectional sofa is to place two of the small sofas in “L” shape, just right for corners. You can place an ottoman at an angle. Add a coffee table and a create the right mood with free standing lamps. If your sofa is not modular, add other seating to complement the conversation area.

Sofa sectionals modern italian design

  • Another great idea to create a comfortable yet classy look with a sectional sofa is to go for a black leather. It’s a sign of sheer elegance and is perfect for you if you want to project a simple and straight-forward feel to the visitor. Moreover, having a black sectional means you more easily change other furniture and decor, as black complements well with other colours.circular design round sectional sofa

 

 

  • A round sectional sofa is again a great option if you want to adorn your living room in a unique way. If you are bored of square and rectangular sofas and have the space, a circular sectional sofa is great way to add excitement to your living room. A circular sectional sofa look great, even in a square shaped room and creates a cozy ambiance besides adding to the visual appeal of your living room.

 

A sectional sofa will be one of the smartest investments in your home; you can make your living room look warm and inviting and facilitate conversation with friends and family. You will have a hard time getting them to leave!

Indoor Furniture

10 Tips to take care of Leather Sofas

Leave a comment

The beauty and elegance of your living room depends on proper maintenance of the furniture that fills it. After all who doesn’t want to create a good impression on their guests and brag a little about their plush living room decoration, right? Leather sofas are an important component of many living rooms. Hence, proper maintenance of leather sofas is very essential to preserve the grace and beauty of your living room.

Here are 10 essential tips that will guide you to take proper care of your leather furniture.

1. Follow Instructions: In order to take proper care of your couch, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

modern black Leather Sofa loveseat
Image Source:alspics.com

2. Cleaning: Ideally you should contact the manufacturer to clean your furniture. Alternatively you can use the help of professional cleaners to clean leather sofas without damage. If you prefer to clean modern sofas yourself, always use a vacuum for loose dirt or soap to remove stains. Ensure that you are using a soap without chemical additives.

contemporary white leather sofa loveseat
Image Source:white-leather-sofa.net

 

 

3. Avoid harsh cleaning solutions: You should never use harsh cleansing solutions to clean modern sofas as they might damage the surface of the leather drastically.

4. Protect leather sofas from direct sunlight: Excessive heat and direct sunlight can damage leather and cause it to develop cracks. Therefore, ensure that your leather furniture is placed away from direct sunlight or shield your living room with blinds or drapery for protection.

5. Clean up spills immediately: Leather is extremely porous in nature and if you don’t clean the spills instantly, the liquid will penetrate and can leave an everlasting stain on your furniture.

6. Take special care for removing stains: You should follow different procedures to remove different kind of stains. For example, in order to get rid of an ink stain, use a cotton swab and dipped in Isopropyl alcohol. Then gently rub the cotton swab on the stain. Next, dry the area with the help of a hair drier, set on the lowest heat setting. For removing grease stains, avoid using water and instead clean the stain using a dry rag.

7. Daily Maintenance: Clean your leather regularly using a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to get rid of dust from the surface. Also, you should use a leather conditioner once every three months. To protect the natural sheen of leather, use leather protectant spray once every month.

Modern Leather Sofa Furniture love seat
Image Source:designwagen.com

8. Get professional help: If you notice any cracks or rips on your leather sofa, contact your retailer or ask for the assistance of a professional sofa repair company.

9. Protect sofas from sharp objects: You should always protect your leather from sharp objects like knives or scissors. Even jewelry can leave ugly scratches.

10. Keep pets away: Pets can seriously damage leather furniture. I know you love your little ones, but make sure you train them to not jump on your furniture, or assign them their spot on a blanket to protect the sofa.

 

Sofas constitute the main component of a stylish living room; therefore you should take regular care of your leather sofa. The above tips will help you maintain the integrity of your product and enhance the longevity of your leather sofa.

 

Indoor Furniture

4 Best Modern Sofas for 2012 to Jazz up Your Living Room

1 Comment

Are you bored of your sofa set and planning to give your living room a facelift with new modern sofas?

Here is a peek at the best sofa designs for 2012 to jazz up your living room.

 

1) Modern Pluff Sofa: For those who are looking for unique sofa designs, these modern pluff circular sofas designed by Massimo Losa Ghini would be the ideal choice for you. The pluff sofas are designed to provide you with optimum comfort and luxury. The extravagant sofas made in Italy are available in a wide variety of designs and colors. These exceptionally designed plush sofas can be a great addition to pep up your living room as well as your library.

2) 2012 Red Nest Style Circular Sofas: If you are looking for a comfy couch for your living room, then you might consider the Red Nest. These modern sofas are uniquely designed to steal your heart at first sight. The round shape and corners of this sofa make it a cozy cocoon. Nest style sofas are so comfortable that once you sink into it, you will never want to get up! The European design is especially suited for sleek interiors.

modern design loveseat sofa

 

 

3) Small Trendy Sofa Design: Do you have a small living room with limited space to place a sofa? For those who find it difficult to beautify their living rooms with classy sofas, a small trendy sofa could be the best choice for you. Many fashionable designers are creating small couches and settees specifically intended for small spaces. Besides being comfortable and stylish, these sofas are an efficient way to add elegance to a small living room. So overcome the challenge of redecorating a small living room and wow your guests with a small trendy sofa this year!

two seater comfortable modern sofa

 

 

4) Colorful Exotic Sofa: Are you someone who loves to experiment with different colors? If yes, then these colorful modern sofas are meant for you.

contemporary designer sofa 3-seater

Each color has its own significance and expression. Moreover, a colorful ambiance uplifts our mood and spirit. Why not give your room a colorful makeover this year with a sofa like this? The popular European design will symbolize your lively and jovial personality. So, get this trendy sofa for your living room and let the colors do the talking!

 

 

 

A sofa is a very personal choice and reflects on your personality. If you are looking to add a stylish European design sofa to your living room, visit Beliani.com and check out the new collection of leather sofas and modern sectionals. A unique sofa design will surely spice up your living room and enhance your quality of life.

 

Backyard Living, Outdoor Furniture

7 Ideas for Patio Furniture Use in Winter

Leave a comment

A lawn or garden decorated with stylish outdoor furniture adds extra splendor to a patio seating space, transforming your yard into a beautiful place to relax. We all love to spend time outside on patios throughout the year, but with the advent of winter, most of us either abandon our outdoor furnishings or pack up our patio furniture until summer is back. But winter doesn’t need to be a deterrent and in no way an indication to abandon the use of outdoor furniture.

Outdoor Patio fire-pit with furniture
Source: outdoorfirepits.org

It is true that the biting wind of a cold winter may prevent you from relaxing outdoors, but with proper arrangements, your outdoor patio space can be transformed into a cozy place despite the cold weather.

Using a Patio Heater:

      Make your winter evenings warm and comfortable by using a patio heater to protect yourself from the cold waves of winter. Patio heaters are easy to install and convenient to use. They can raise the outdoor temperature by up to 25 degrees, transforming your outdoor space into a cozy spot to enjoy the winter with family and friends. Please note, this is not the most ecological solution and frequent use of patio heaters can be a strain on your wallet.

Installing a Patio Fireplace:

      The larger size of an outdoor fireplace requires it to be installed in a particular location. Arranging patio furniture around an outdoor fireplaces is nice no matter what climate or season. The added ambiance to your patio makes outdoor lounging a real treat. Add a blanket, a cup of tea, and a book and you are good to go!

Placing a Fire Pit Table on your Patio:

      Fire-pit patio tables are quite en vogue these days. Adding a fire-pit patio table is a great way to warm you up and most of them look fairly stylish too. Fire pits are ideal for winter parties and get-togethers, however, the heat coming off of them is limited. Once again, add blankets for your guests and you’ll be fine.
Patio Wood fire pit table
Source: fireplacemantelblog.com

 

Installing Wind Barriers:

              Winter winds can reduce the temperature on your patio by 10 degrees or even more, spoiling the cozy outdoor ambiance of your winter patio. Getting wind barriers made of bamboo or other light weight wood enables you to shield yourself from the biting winter wind.

 

Incorporating Good Lighting Features:

Installing patio lighting is a great way to illuminate your patio area in winter when the days are shorter and light becomes scarce. Soft and subtle lighting not only enhances the visual appeal of your patio but also allows you to spend more time on your deck and in your garden.

Choosing the right patio accessories:

The final and most important factor is to choose the right kind of patio accessories and furniture to enjoy the perfect winter outdoors. Selecting comfortable patio cushions and patio blankets is essential to shield your family and guests from wind chills. When choosing these accessories, make sure that the cushions and blankets are made from water resistant fabric. And remember, fall and winter are both great seasons to find a fantastic patio furniture sale.

With all these preparations you can surely enjoy the best our winters have to offer on your own deck or patio and offer your friends and guests a special treatment when the come over for a visit.

 

Indoor Furniture

Michael Bublé on Beliani Leather Sofa

Leave a comment

leather chesterfield sofa with Michael BubleIs Michael Bublé sitting on a Beliani Chesterfield sofa?

I found the photo in the House & Home magazine and can’t get the thought out of my head that this might be a Beliani couch. The photo shows Michael Bublé in his Los Angeles home, nothing short of a mansion, btw. The man has made oodles of money in the past years, selling his music albums all over the world. He is currently featuring a Christmas album, which I have not yet heard, but the marketing looks excessively cheesy, unfortunately. But that’s not the point here. He is a fantastic singer, so definitely deserves all the success, and oh, yes of course, he is Canadian, what else!

In the photo, he is smiling at us from a leather couch that could be mistaken for a Beliani Chesterfield sofa. I know, the man can afford the top of the line brands. But why not save close to two grand and buy a leather sofa with Beliani, that is almost identical to the original designer piece. Who can’t use that money for some other nice things, especially when the holidays are right around the corner?!?

 

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Wicker Furniture Production

Leave a comment

We get often asked, how wicker furniture is produced. Here is a little video that I found online that shows exactly that.

The production process is practically identical, whether we talk traditional wicker or all-weather resin wicker. The starting point is the construction of a frame, which then serves as the base for the wicker weave.

In the case of Beliani Outdoor Furniture, the frame is made from lightweight aluminum. The main advantage of this material is its resistance against corrosion. It is 100% rust free. The wicker fibers used are made from polyethylene. In an artful manner they are woven around the frame by hand. Skillful workers ensure that the weave is tight and does not shift over time.

Interested in seeing some of the outdoor furniture by Beliani?