When should I get my Area Rug??

Not only are area rugs beautiful but they are functional too!!

A really good reason to decorate with area rugs is the benefit of sound echoing.  When you place a rug in a room it helps to distribute the sound around the room better,  lessening the echoing. 

A rug can add color and style to a room with little to no effort.  It gives your room a focal point to start decorating from.

Always buy the best quality rug you can, better quality wool rugs will take wear well and will even look better with time.  You can really tell a great quality rug just by looking and feeling it.

When you decide to decorate a room,  You might ask your self a couple of questions, 

Where do I start?

Should the rug be the first or last thing I buy when decorating this room? 

These are good questions. 

I personally think you should always start with the rug... The rug allows you something to build off, it has color and style which will make it easier to finish decorating. 

Take a few colors that are in the rug,  add a picture for the wall and a vase of flowers on a table and you are on your way to a better looking room.  

I think it would be harder to find a rug to fit into an already decorated room.

By picking the rug first you will save a ton time and energy and STRESS!! 

Choosing the size of a rug is pretty important,  some say layer rugs for added color and texture. Other's say choose a rug that is two feet shorter than the smallest wall in the room.  I feel like less is more, though too small would be unattractive as well.

I really like clean lines so because of that I'm not crazy about the layered look.  I would personally stick with the two feet shorter rule of thumb.  I think that creates a better look.

If you choose a rug that is too small your room will look smaller.  In a living room it is nice if your rug is large enough to have the front legs of the furniture on it.  

In a bedroom you want to step your feet onto it the first thing in the morning.  If the rug sticks out beyond the bed two feet you are sure to step on it every time you get out of bed.

Be careful of doorways,  when you open the door you really want to keep the opening bare so the rug doesn't get caught up on the door.  

Hall rugs should have a least six inches of floor showing on all sides.  

The biggest thing to look for in that special rug is WOW factor.  I feel like when you walk into a room decorated with an area rug, the rug should be the main focal point.  When you see it, you should go "WOW" every time you walk in the room!!  Make sure it is a design you will enjoy for years to come.   

We used these easy steps and tips to create a beautiful room....:)

Making Small Bedrooms BIG!!

There is no reason to feel cramped in a small space.  There are several ways to create space in a small area, whether its a bedroom, dorm room or a room filled with too many items,  You can have a much larger feel with a few simple decorating tips.  

Organizing

Before you run out and buy a bunch of organizing tools to hep you create more space, make sure you know exactly what needs to be organized,  Its a good idea to put all the same kinds of things together to see what is needed to store them best.
I like to store my things in cute baskets and containers to add style but yet provide function to a small room.

This room sure need help!!

  

Walls

Mirrors and glass have reflections so using them will give the room the illusion of more space.  
Using glass end and coffee tables instead of wood will help the room reflect light and create a more spacious room.  You can tuck them into hall ways or corners,  They will add a touch of character to a room too.  

Make sure curtains or blinds don't cut off light supply.  

Keeping the color light in your drapes and window coverings will help opening up the room.  

Choosing wall color is fun but can seem overwhelming at times.

Lighter wall color always makes a room look bigger,  Choose a creamy white, off white or yellow,  If you really like dark colors,  you can always add a darker accent color with flowers in a vase or picture on the wall.  Its always a nice touch to have that pop of color in any room.

The Bed

Usually the bed is the main focal point in a bedroom.  Putting a large chunky headboard in a small room would be a mistake if your gaol is to make the room look larger,  doing this would create a cluttered and unkept look which could affect your mood when you are in the room.  

A better choice would be clean sleek lines,  with this style bed, you will be creating a more spacious look and it will be more appealing to the eye.  

If the bed you choose has enough space underneath, it would make a great storage for out of season clothes, linens, or crafts etc.... 

I keep my extra knitting yarn and supplies in a plastic container under my bed out of sight.  

If room is too narrow for night stand then look for headboard that has some storage or shelving in it, this is a real space saver.

This bed is an example of what you could look for.  Now this bed is big, but it will save space in the room..  You could mount some lighting in the headboard for reading.  There is storage both in the headboard behind your head and underneath in drawers. You wouldn't have to have night stands with this kind of headboard.

This bed is big in structure...But its big on storage!!

The Lighting 

Floor lamps that are upward facing give the illusion of a taller ceiling,  which makes the room look larger.
If you need a reading light,  look for a headboard that has a reading light attached to the headboard, This will keep the base of the light off the floor or table.

These ideas are simple, and with just a little thought you can make your bedroom seem larger.

Summer Nights

 When this time of year rolls around I can't help from trying to squeeze in all the things I haven't done yet.  This year I haven't even been to the beach yet and its mid August.  We have the most beautiful beaches, lakes, and rivers they are so relaxing.  I guess you could say I am a fresh water girl.  They say where ever you stand in Michigan, you are no more than 6 miles from water.

I have always wished I lived on the water, whether it be a river or lake, it really doesn't matter.  I can imagine sitting with coffee in the morning over looking the glass like water finish, Listening to the birds chirping and the fish splashing as they swim around.  Frogs and crickets make a lot of noise too,  some people might be bothered by it but I love it and look forward to it every year.....

It is my dream that someday to own a little place on a lake or river so I can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or hot cocoa at night while listening to all nature has to offer.

This Outdoor Rocker Set is one I would have sitting on my deck that over looked the water for sure.  I feel all outdoor furniture has a place, some are perfect for sandy beaches and some for backyard entertaining.  This set would be great under a covered porch over looking a river or just looking out into the wooded backyard.





The water and nature has a very calming effect on me.
So for me this summer, while it is still around, I need to write on my calendar in permanent ink.
GO TO THE BEACH or GO TO THE RIVER!!!  Because before long the beach will be covered with a blanket of snow...:(
You can get this beautiful Outdoor Rocker Set at Up North Furniture.  I am going to get me a set as soon as I get the house on the water.........

Off to College

This time of year its hard not to think about all the students getting ready to head back to college.  I would imagine they have so many things to get ready to prepare for the next years journey..
New classes, new teachers, new friends etc.  Some of the best memories are just ahead, memories that will last a life time.
I never had any interest in going to college,  I wish i had.  I have heard some really good college stories from friends and family.  Really funny stuff!!! :)

Don't leave home before you cross these 5 off your list!!

1)  Make sure financial Aid is completed.  It's always good to double check.

2)  Check the directions and arrangements for getting to final destination. Make sure your car has all the necessary repairs, oil change and good tires.  These things will be easier to take care of in your home town where you know and trust who is doing it.

3)  Go over the list of events for  the first week of entering school. This first week is usually full of fun activities to get you antiquated with new people and get you familiar with the area better,  Hall meetings, football games and welcome parties to mention a few,.

4)  Don't forget to have that going away party with all your friends and family.  Make sure to have a camera handy for all the pictures that will make memories for a life time

5)  Living arrangements-  Whether it be a small apartment or dorm room.  You will need to know what items to bring. Coffee pot, small refrigerator, Futon or Chaise Lounge sofa. At
Up North Furniture we have a selection of small sofa's perfect for small apartment living.  Whether it be for a guest to spend the night or an afternoon nap.  They would be great in a college students new pad.



This Lounge moves quickly from chaise to sleeper with its multi-position Click-Clack technology.

It would be so easy to accommodate that last minute overnight guest.

Just look at how simple and yet beautiful this is.  It would make a great place to lounge or hang with friends.  It looks to me like a great place to read a book, whether it be for study or pleasure.

My guess is that no matter how much you try you will never be as prepared as you should for what lies ahead. Enjoy!!!

Grandma's Rhubarb Pie

Grandma's Rhubarb Pie

A great family tradition in my house is Rhubarb Custard Pie. My favorite grandmother made these pies every spring and throughout the summer. In Michigan Rhubarb ripens and is ready for eating in early May. As soon as it is available we make pies, breads, and cakes etc...

When I make my Rhubarb Pie, I use my favorite kitchen tools, I always make my pie crust homemade. It's so much better that way!! Don't ever use store bought ones. You CAN tell the difference. I love how homemade crust has that rustic look to it.  
When I get compliments on my pies, my response is always the same, I tell them that the reason they are so good is because I make them with LOVE!!I have this great. Contemporary Bakers Rack that I store my pie baking supplies in. My rolling pin and rolling cloth are tucked away and out of sight. My favorite pie plates and serving plates display wonderfully on this rack. Its beautiful and a show piece in my kitchen. Its the simplest things can bring such warmth to a home. Its the little things that make a house a home....

Here is Grandma's family favorite Rhubarb Custard Pie recipe:

Rhubarb Custard Pie

In a large bowl add 4-5 cups cut up Rhubarb
2 cups sugar
4 T flour (5 T if you are using frozen rhubarb)
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 large eggs beaten slightly with fork
3 T milk

mix first 3 ingredients and add beaten egg and milk, mix well.
Stir into rhubarb chunks
Pour into unbaked 9" pie crust
dot with 1 T butter
Bake @ 400 1 hour or until bubbly

Bake one today and make it your family favorite too. Let me know how it goes!!

Not only is this bakers rack really a beautiful piece of furniture, but it also displays collectibles, pottery, pretty dishes and cools grandma's rhubarb pie... :)

We have this Contemporary Bakers Rack and others at Up North Furniture.

Welcome to Up North Furniture's Blog

Welcome! We're excited to have you here at Up North Furniture's very first blog post. We want to be the first to say thank you for visiting and welcome!

Our blog is going to focus on providing its readers with quality content, including industry news, product releases, product reviews, home decorating tips and tricks, new furniture buying tips, giveaways, and much more! Come visit us often to see what's new, as we'll be staying up-to-date.

Our commerce store is found here: http://www.upnorthfurniture.com. We carry some of the following categories: 

1. Kitchen and Dining

2. Living Room

3. Bedroom

4. Bathroom

5. Office

6. Patio

We'll be adding new categories and products often, so come see us soon!