The Style Guide to Buying a Sofa

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By Michelle Shin,

Buying one is a big decision, and not just because it’s pricey. Here’s how to find a keeper that’s incredibly well-made, sink-inand-stay comfortable, and so beautiful, it makes the room.

Midcentury

Signature look: Mad Men–esque: low profile, high back, and squared arms.

Pros: Clean lines, good back support.

Cons: Too low for some people’s comfort.

Watch out for: Overstuffed cushions. “The structured design can make for a firmer sit,” says furniture design consultant Marissa Brown.

 

Camelback

Signature look: Upright and elegant, thanks to its curves and high arms. Also known as a Chippendale.

Pros: The tight back makes you sit up straight.

Cons: The shallow seat isn’t comfy for tall people—or for snuggling.

Watch out for: Wonky proportions. If the seat is nice and deep, the back can be too high.

English Roll Arm

Signature look: Also called a Bridgewater, it’s low and louche.

Pros: Soft arms and cushions; tilted at an inviting angle.

Cons: Leaving its embrace can be (physically) challenging.

Watch out for: Cheap assembly. “Low-end makers slap the arms on the outside,” rather than building them into the frame, says Brown.

Tuxedo

Signature look: Boxy but tailored. The back and arms are always the same height, the cushions firm.

Pros: Stylish, sometimes slightly feminine lines; good for small spaces.

Cons: The arms tend to be thin and hard. Single-seat cushions look sleek, but over time they may start to “smile” (lift on the ends and sag in the center). The fix: Buy a sofa with one you can flip, that’s anchored by little hooks on the sides or back.

Watch out for: Awkward arm heights. “If they’re too high, it’s hard to find side tables that work,”

 

Chesterfield

Signature look: At home in a library, with its leather-bound kin. Often tufted, with rolled arms the same height as the back, and a tight back and seats.

Pros: Formal yet remarkably cozy.

Cons: BYO pillow for napping.

Watch out for: Appropriate upholstery. “These look best in stiff materials like leather, heavy linen, or velvet,” Gambrel says.

Lawson

Signature look: Loose cushions; the back ones form a T shape over rolled sock arms.

Pros: Versatile and great for stretching out, with low arms that double as headrests.

Cons: Less statement-making than the others.

Watch out for: Fussy details. “I’d never skirt a Lawson,” Gambrel says. “That looks too traditional.”

Shop at: Centrepiece Furnishing Singapore

Visit: www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

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Contact us at www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

Sofa types and styles

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The most expensive piece of furniture for your home is typically the living room sofa.

In fact, it is generally the central focal point of most home design. Therefore, most homeowners spend a lot of time on choosing the right sofa for their homes.

However, selecting the appropriate sofa style and size is not easy.

The first step is for you to recognize that there are many sofa types and styles available and that their functions and features vary.

Sectional

Sectional sofa is designed to be separated into several sections which can be repositioned to fit the room.

They are usually sold as modules.

 

They are also typically bigger and longer and thus ideal for large living rooms. However, you can consider reusing sections of the sofa for your study room if it proves too big for your living room.

Love Seat

Love sofa, as the name implies, is designed for 2 people. Such sofas are perfect for smaller living rooms and are usually placed in at a corner.

 

Great for couples to spend time together.

Banquette

Banquette is an upholstered bench or settee custom made to fit for a particular space. It is usually common in restaurants.

 

In home designs, they are popular pieces for the dining areas.

Chaise Longue

Chaise Longue is French for “long chair”.

 

It is a small couch meant for lounging and comes with a chair back with one or two armrests at the sides.

Bergere

Bergere is a French-style upholstered armchair with intricate curved wooden frames.

 

It is largely used for Victorian home decor.

Slipper Chair

Slipper Chair is a “slimmed down” chair with no armrests.

 

Because of its slender profile, it takes up lesser space and is popular with smaller living rooms.

Barrel Chair

Barrel Chair, as the name implies, is originally fashioned after the half of a wine barrel.

 

It is semi-circular in shape and its back may be upholstered.

Wing Chair

Lastly, Wing chair is distinguished by a high chair back and “wings” along the sides with armrests.

 

They are popular for room corners.

Armchair and Sofa Tips

You should consider the following when choose a sofa:

Consistent Design and Style

Too many differing designs and styles will clash to make the space look jumbled and chaotic.

Hence, place minimally two similar sofa pieces together and use accented pieces such as pillows and curtains in similar upholstered fabric to unify the look.

Create Zones

Set aside each area with a purpose in mind. For instance, if you intend to use Chaise Longue mainly for reading, you should consider getting a matching standing lamp besides it.

Use area rugs or large plants to further distinguish and define these spaces.

Scale and Balance

The size of the sofa should not overwhelm or underwhelm a room. The key is to strike a balance and evenly distribute the visual weight of the furniture pieces so that the pieces complement each other.

For instance, placing a sleek coffee table will look out of place with a chunky barrel chair.

Article contributed by renonation

If you noticed that the fabrics and the style being slightly outdated then you know it is time for rehoulstery. If you want to feel refresh and updated, then contact us at www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Design Trends for the Millennial Generation

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 By Travis Nagle

Millennials are probably fed up by now with the number of think pieces on the internet that are essentially clickbait pieces designed to start online comment wars between the generations. While there’s always a great debate to be had, this time we actually wanted to highlight the trends that millennials are driving when it comes to interior design.

The best part is that people of all ages can use these ideas to improve their interior spaces and their lives. If you’re curious about what those trends are, you’ll be surprised to learn that they probably aren’t all that different from your own thoughts about modern design. So without further ado, here are the top 5 design trends for the millennial generation.

1. Personalization

Millennials want companies that pay attention to their specific needs. For them, one size does not fit all. Customized interiors are important to the members of this generation who are trying to carve out their own identities and spaces in the world. Part of this requirement means having customized furniture and home décor that features your personal tastes on even the smallest level.

Millennials are also not afraid of combining decorating styles in order to achieve personalization of their spaces. In the millennial home, you’ll find everything from vintage to modern. Having a space that reflects your unique preferences and interests also becomes the perfect place to entertain, sleep or work.

2. Authentic Brands

You may have already noticed this trend as millennials demand more honesty and transparency from the companies that they purchase goods and services from. Millennials want to know about a company’s commitment to the environment and social issues, as well as, and the impacts of their purchases from that company on their health.

In fact, millennials have high expectations of businesses when it comes to social responsibility efforts. They want to make the world a better place for their own fulfillment, as well as, that of the broader society. They are also quick to dump brands that are only out for profits.

In the furniture world, this has translated to a push for more authentic brands that truly offer a better approach to design. Millennials want great designs and may even be willing to pay more for it in some instances.

However, even if they do buy more expensive furniture, this doesn’t mean that they will accept being overcharged for items that are more sizzle than steak just because the company donates a percentage of its revenues to saving homeless kitties. Millennials want to buy from brands who truly stand behind their products and deliver meaningful value.

3. Flexibility

When the cost of rent gets too high or new opportunities beckon in another location, millennials have no problem with packing up and moving some place else. In fact, with companies like Airbnb, they are also more inclined than previous generations to share their living spaces.

As a result, millennials want flexible designs that allow them to take their furniture anywhere or rearrange their homes periodically as they see fit. For them, changing things up shouldn’t mean buying all new interior items for their homes. Flexibility also means that the designs they choose can go with almost anything, which is one of the reasons why modern design is so highly prized among millennials.

4. Functionality

With smaller urban living spaces, functionality is an important design feature for millennials. Unlike previous generations where home and the office were two separate entities, millennials are more likely to work from home and they need a space that will allow for that.

As a result, millennials prefer multi-functional designs that mean that they don’t only have to buy furniture for one specific purpose at a time. An accent table should serve as a coffee table when guests are over. The bed or even the sofa arm could have storage for all of those little odds and ends.

Functionality is also important for organization. With multi-functional furniture items, millennials can stay organized while enjoying the minimalist designs that are so popular in modern homes.

5. Light and Small

The final trend that is again inspired by urban dwellers, is light and small designs. Millennials love designs that are very light and small that maximize their impact in smaller spaces. In fact, light and small items can feature unusual shapes or bold colors that instantly attract attention. Additionally, these items are preferred for the flexibility that they offer when it comes times to move or redecorate.

Get other design trends and tips. www.centrepiece.com.sg or emai: info@centrepiece.com.sg 

 

 

 

Art And Sofa To Uplift Your Home.

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How can art and sofa fit into your home? Can art and sofa make your home look more stylish and expensive? Talk to us if you want a custom made art or sofa. 

Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

Find that chaise lounge that you have always wanted…

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Be uniquely different by having your sofa custom made in Singapore. It will cost more and takes up more time but this is only for those with descerning taste.

Contact us and tell us about your upholstery needs

We are a 2nd generation of sofa and upholstery makers with more than 40 years of sofa making experience in Singapore. Our Premium upholstery services that you want, will assured you with the best value for th dollar you pay. We want you to be happy with our products and services as we want to earn your referral to your friends.

Email: info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg for any inquiry or go to contact page.

Sofa fabrics matter as much as the actual sofa

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Aside from the bed, the sofa has got to be one of the most frequently used furniture in the home. In other words, you’ll need one that can last longer than a millenial’s attention span, and is both comfortable and compatible with the overall décor of the living room.

What we are trying to advocate is to pick a sofa based on fabric durability. Mind you, we are not advising you to select a sofa based on fabric colour or pattern. We’re talking about the actual material the sofa is made of.

As sofas tend to be heavily utilized, it is prudent to pick one made out of fabric which:

• Is able to withstand wear and tear
• Does not snag or easily come undone at the seams
• Will not easily wrinkle or leave stains
• Is lint free and does not attract dust (especially so if you or other family members have allergies)

The most common ones in the market are made of cotton or leather. That said, if you’re more inclined to purchase the former because its affordability, it is important to take note of the thread count and yarn density. In addition, it is more eco-friendly and there is less animal cruelty. At centrepiece, you will be able to choose what you need at our workshop in Ang Mo Kio avenue 5.

And if you think you prefer a sofa made out of other fabrics, there are others made out of synthetic (eg. nylon, polyester blends, rayon) or natural fabrics (eg. silk, linen, wool). Do bear in mind that each of these has their own pros and cons, so it is necessary to do more research before making a purchase.

Only in Singapore: Whatapps 90305057 and text a photo of what you want to custom made and get a estimated quote.

Email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg and check out www.centrepiece.com.sg

 

Home and house have such lovely information on hos to choose a sofa!

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Art, botanic garden singapore, custom chairs, custom made sofa, economical renew sofa, home and house, home decor, interior designs, MBS, scandinavian, sentosa, singapore, Singapore custom made sofa, sofa

https://centrepiecefurnishing.tumblr.com/post/173636682051/contact-whatapps-65-90305057-or-email

Contact us if you are in Singapore and is thinking of making a sofa that is very different from the rest of your friends.

Whatapps: at 9030 5057 and arrange for an appointment.

I need you to bloom for me, please.

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Art, beauty, design, flowers, fun, home, lifestyle, nature, peace, people, singapore, USA

It is always sunny in Singapore. We do not have the seasonal changes of Winter to Spring, so styles in clothes or fashion does not differ too much in-between seasons.

However, we do not have to be boring with the home decor during this “spring” time.

So… I am hoping that one of you will be buying into these “BLOOMS!”

 

Contact us at info(at)centrepiece.com.sg or text: 90305057.

www.centrepiece.com.sg

Here are some keys on how to make a decision without regret.

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1. Have a Life Vision

A life vision should be the foundation and reference point for every decision you make. In your deepest dreams, how do you envision your life in all areas — career, relationships, finances, lifestyle, etc.  What core values define this vision for you? Make a point of writing down your vision and the values that define it. Refine the vision over time as necessary. Then when a big decision comes along, you can use this vision as a guide.  If you deviate too far from the vision, it will cause you eventual pain and regret. Evaluate your choices based on your vision. Which one is in closest alignment with your vision?

2. Evaluate the Pros and the Cons

Consider the possible positive and negative aspects or consequences of your decision. Write down a list of pros and cons for each possible alternative. Then prioritize these points with the most important considerations at the top of the list. What are the possible implications of the cons? Do they outweigh the pros? Can you live with the potential negative fallout or consequences? What could you do to mitigate the fallout?

3. Phone a Friend

Carefully select two or three trusted friends whose opinion and judgment you value. Tell them about your life vision, show them your list of pros and cons and ask for their input about your decision. Someone who is removed from the turmoil of the decision and who has a different perspective can help you see things in a clearer light. A personal coach also can help you gain clarity around your decision by asking you pointed questions related to your motivations, feelings, and desires.

4. Invoke a Higher Power

Go to a quiet place. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes. Go within. Pray or meditate (or whatever feels right to you) and ask for guidance. Your own inner wisdom and intuition will often rise to your conscious mind when you calm the mental chaos of over-thinking your decision. Imagine yourself in all of the possible outcomes and pay attention to how you feel. Keep a pen and paper handy to make notes about your feelings after reflection. Give it a few days. You may be surprised that the answer presents itself unexpectedly.

5. Try the Coin Trick

I love this idea because it puts you in touch with you real desires. Grab a quarter and assign one decision choice to heads and the other to tails. Flip the coin and before it lands, pay attention to side you hope it lands on. If there are more than two choices, balance each choice against another using the same trick. More than likely, this immediate reaction is what you truly want to do. Something in your heart is pulling you in that direction. Examine this result carefully, because even if the choice conflicts with all of the practical considerations, you may be dishonoring your deepest desires.

6. Research and Experiment

Do the work to gain as much knowledge as possible about the options. Research, ask questions, talk with people who have experienced each scenario. If possible, experiment with the alternative outcomes. If you are considering a move, spend a good amount of time in the city you are contemplating. If you are exploring a job opportunity, ask to spend a day or two shadowing someone in the office. If you are thinking of ending a relationship, test some time apart before you make your decision.

7. Don’t Look Back

If you have done the work, honored your vision, examined the pros and cons, sought guidance, done your due diligence, and connected with your intuition, then make your choice, take the leap and don’t look back. There are millions of paths we can take in a lifetime, all leading to different opportunities and potential consequences. You won’t have a guarantee, but you don’t need one. Uncertainty is part of the adventure of life. Once you are on this new adventure, have confidence that you made the best decision with the information available, and move forward with a spring in your step. There is something good to be learned on every path we follow.

The ability to make a decision is the fuel for personal and professional growth. If you enter a decision with the knowledge that uncertainty is inevitable, and you accept you must decide in spite of uncertainty, then you will never get stuck.  By taking the steps outlined, you empower yourself to make an informed and thoughtful choice, leaving little room for future regret.

By Barrie Davenport

BUT SERIOUSLY… if you are just thinking of getting a custom made sofa or to decide on the best fabrics to upholstery your favourite armchair? Just go with your fancy and decide whatever you want… we will help you along the way:P

www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

Or Text Vince chiang at 90305057 for an appt.

Are you expecting too much from them?

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okay, you probably have heard of people telling you that the greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment?

Seriously, if we limit our hopes and dreams in our life. Would’nt that be self limitating beliefs? Will we achive the same kind of satisfaction in life if we do that?

I suggest that we may try to look further/deeper into our expectations and hope.

Reflect on what we need and want in our life.

Afterwhich, if you still feel that that is what you want. Then it may be a clear indication that you should expect it to happen and to keep your hope up there!

SO it is okay to be disappointed sometimes and be sad. But dont ever give up on having high expectations and to have high hopes! Just look around more and you may be able to find the precious joy of fulfilling what you have always expected to be fruitful.

Of course, if you are looking for custom made sofa, high quality fabrics and upholstery services. Text us or email : info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

www.centrepiece.com.sg

 

 

How to choose a couch that will support your lower back

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There is a large variety of sofa styles out there;

Chaise, sectional/modular, Divan, Chesterfield, sleeper etc

When  buying a couch or sofa it is important to not only consider how it looks but also whether it will support your lower back adequately, whilst you sit and as a result prevent you from slouching.

Why is this important?

Sitting in a slouched position, for as little as 10 – 20 minutes will result in increased stretching of the spinal ligaments, muscles and spinal discs as well as increased muscle spasm. This can result in micro-damage or strain to these soft tissues which often occurs without you being aware of it. It can take more than 24 hours for the soft tissues to recover from this type of stress and if you happen to sit in this way again, within that time, you will be in a position where you are stressing already strained spinal soft tissues. Given that many of us sit for long periods at home and at work, this is a real possibility.

If you were to continue to repeat this pattern of sitting over days, weeks and months this would result in a more significant injury to the spinal discs and ligaments which would result in the onset of neck, middle back and low back pain and/or pain radiating down the arms or legs from the spine.

So how do you choose a couch or sofa that will support your lower back and stop you from slouching?

Consider the following features;

Back rest / back cushion

• Avoid back rests / cushions that reclined too far back (ie beyond 110° from the vertical).
• Avoid head rests that force the head forward (this will result in neck strain)
• Avoid back rests which are too thick and soft and cause you to sink too deeply into them. Also avoid backs that cause your back to bend forward “like a banana” or those which are dead straight.
• Ensure that the back rest cushions provide plenty of support. They should be “comfortably” firm and made from a high quality foam or equivalent. Cushions with a 8 way tied spring mechanism can provide even more support.
• Ensure that the back cushions do not move excessively; this will lead to an unstable sitting position.

Seat base depth

• Make sure that when you sit on the couch, most of your thighs are supported and you are able to freely move your legs and bend your knee to 90° whilst still being able to feel that the back rest is supporting your spine. (Too deep a seat base will result in slouched sitting and too short a base will result in increased stressed being place on the thighs.)

Seat base height

• Ensure that you can comfortably place your feet on the ground whilst still being to feel that your spine is well supported by the back rest. If the couch base seat is too high for you it will cause you to sit more forward in the seat and as a result slouch your spine in order  to rest it on the back rest

Seat base / cushions

• Ensure that the base cushions are also comfortably firm and made of a high quality foam and/or foam and down combination.
• 8 way tied springs embedded in the seating cushions can offer an even more stable seating base of support as well as a more independent seating suspension (if a person sits next to you this will have less impact on your sitting position)

Frame

• Make sure that a high quality frame is used in the construction of the couch. This will ensure that the couch does not move excessively when you are sitting on it which will in turn enable you to adopt a stable sitting position.
• High quality frames are usually constructed from kiln-dried hardwood and screws, timber dowel and glue are used to join the timber together.
• Cheaper frames are made from soft pine which is stapled together.

Legs/footing

• Make sure that the legs that are used for the couch are very sturdy and preferably wide. This will again prevent excessive movement of the couch and enable you to sit with a more stable sitting position.

Posted on 19. May, 2011 by JOEARICO

Speak to us on your requirements, custom make your sofa and chairs for the best fit. You do need to be kind to your body.

Text Vince Chiang for an appointment at 90305057 or email: sales(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

http://www.centrepiece.com.sg

feedback: Justin(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

Look What We Got In The Lookbox (Singapore) Cover Page

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Art, centrepiece, chair, custom made sofa, design, eco, expatliving, furniture, god, home, interior, joy, manufacturer, nature, sales, sg, singapore, teakwood, upholstery

This is what I saw on the cover of this interior decoration magazine. You will notice that on the bottom left hand corner is a blue wooden armchair? Yes, it is available in our workshop!

We have featured it before if you have noticed from the previous posting. See?

 

 

Okay, I kinda preferred it in fresh green but the thing is… it is custom made! I mean, the wood is re-used solid wood. However, the cushion, foam and fabrics are up to you to choose and decide. If you are creative enough, you may sent in a design and we can check with our specialise sofa maker to see if it is possible to make.

Let me know, I like your feedback:) Justin(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

Text 90305057 for an appointment if you want to visit our workshop at Northstar@AMK. http://www.centrepiece.com.sg

okay okay… we are a little of a wannabe.

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well, our FB page is kinda not known and empty… ermm… haha… “like” us there… please? pretty pleaseeee… 😛

Find us on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/centrepiecefurnishing

Nevertheless, let us know if you have any request for questions that you want to ask us about a custom made sofa or upholstery.

Call Vince 90305057 or email: sales(AT)centrepiece.com.sg

http://www.centrepiece.com.sg

We are moving to NORTH@AMK by 10 March 2014. Find us here:)

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We will be at NORTH @ AMK, 7030 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 #06-62 Singapore 569880. Come visit our new bigger and better factory space! We will be able to bring you more variety as we have have more space now. At the same time, since we are not a retail space. We can still assure you of better quailty for the same price you pay at retail malls.

call us at 90305057 or email: info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg for more information.

www.centrepiece.com.sg