Monday, May 14th, 2012

What’s Your Design Style?

When purchasing furniture and accessories there’s always the question of style; what look are you going for? What style did you have in mind? There are so many styles, contemporary, modern, traditional, etc. How do you know what style is right for your home? Here are some design styles broken down.

Contemporary

If you have a contemporary style for decorating you typically like furniture and accessories that are in style right now. You like to include the latest trends and décor in your home. Contemporary styles are very comfortable and welcoming, which means the style can be used to decorate homes, lofts, offices, etc. This style focuses on space, more so than actual furniture. Contemporary rooms are open and uncluttered. Colors typically associated with contemporary style are black and white.

Calm Colors

Your color pallet consists of neutral colors. Designers typically paint walls a neutral color, which draws attention towards furniture and accessories.

Favorite Furniture

Furniture pieces that accompany the contemporary style are clean and simple. Pieces tend to be geometric shapes. Since the layout of the room is so open, each individual piece of furniture stands out. Contemporary furniture is sleek and stylish; the pieces are bold but very basic.

Traditional

If you have a traditional style for decorating you like classic furniture that is calm and collected. Traditional style typically resembles accessories and furniture you grew up with. The decorating style makes the room feel homey and fitting.

 Cool Colors

Your color pallet consists of mid-range colors. However, deep dark colors, and bright light colors can also be used. The colors of walls tend to be understated to draw more attention to the center of the room.

Favorite Furniture

Traditional furniture is comforting and reassuring. The pieces match, and nothing in the room is distracting to the eye. Everything is centered within the room. Typically furniture is displayed side-by-side one another. Patterns are common in traditional decorating styles. Stripes, plaids, and florals are very popular.

Modern

If you have a modern style for decorating you like furniture that is clean and structured. Modern styles are very similar to contemporary styles. Both modern and traditional styles are sometimes mixed when decorating. Modern styles of furniture and accessories are sleek, smooth and polished.

Nice Neutrals

Your color pallet consists of neutral colors. Modern rooms are generally painted white to allow for the furniture, décor, and layout to do the talking. Usually the furniture and accessories are comprised of the same color tones as the paint chosen.

Favorite Furniture

Modern furniture is crisp, new, and light. The style focuses on geometric symmetry and lighting. Most modern rooms consist of open full-length windows. Modern furniture looks somewhat futuristic, almost an industrial look. Modern furniture is both functional and practical.

So what design style are you? In addition to these designs, there are a number of other styles, including: Asian, cottage, eclectic, etc. Do some research, and determine what design fits your home. Once you’ve chosen your style, stop in to George’s, and we’ll help you bring your design to life.

 

 

 

 

Posted in accessories, color, decorate, Dining Room, family room, furniture, General, home, home decor, home design, organization, recliner, tables | Leave Comment

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Simple Dinner Solutions

The dining room table is the meeting place for the family, so put it to good use. Make sitting down to dinner with your family a priority. When life gets crazy, try some of these quick and easy dinner recipes.

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Total Time: 35 Minutes

Serving Size: 8 Servings

What You Need

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed, drained

1/2  lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 can (10-3/4 oz.) reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup

1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

How to Make IT

Heat oven to 375ºF

Combine first 4 ingredients in 13×9-inch baking dish

Unroll dough; place over chicken mixture

Bake 20 to 25 min. or until crust is golden brown

 

Beef Burritos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 Minutes

Serving Size: 4 Servings

What You Need

½ lb. extra-lean ground beef

2 tsp. chili powder

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed

½ cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick ‘N Chunky Salsa

2/3 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

4 flour tortillas (10 inch)

¼ cup BREAKSTONE’S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream

1 tomato, chopped

1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

How to Make It

Cook meat and chili powder in large skillet on medium-high heat 5 min. or until meat is done, stirring frequently. Add beans and salsa; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese.

Spread meat mixture down centers of tortillas; top with remaining ingredients.

Fold in opposite sides of each tortilla, and then roll up burrito-style.

 

Chicken and Broccoli Mac

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Total Time: 35 Minutes

Serving Size: 4 Servings

What You Need

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces

1 cup each milk and water

1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Made With 2% Milk Cheese

1pkg. (10 oz.) frozen broccoli florets, thawed

How to Make It

Cook and stir chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 5 min. or until done.

Add milk, water and macaroni; stir. Bring to boil; cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 8 to 10 min. or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in Cheese Sauce and broccoli; cook and stir 5 min. or until heated through.

 

When rushed on time, try these simple dinner solutions to bring your family together. Looking to update your meeting place? Stop in to George’s today. We’ll help you find the perfect dining room table for your family. Want more dinner recipes? Visit www.kraftrecipes.com. Don’t skip dinner, make family time a must.

Posted in Dining Room, General, home, kitchen | Leave Comment

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

Napoleon at a Glance

Founded: 1834, and was formally incorporated in 1950

Location: Henry County, along the Maumee River

Origin: Community is named in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Henry County is named after Patrick Henry

Population: 9,300

Attractions: Henry County Fairground, Sauder Farm & Craft Village, Mary Jane Thurston State Park, Farnsworth Metropark

Four buildings in Napoleon are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the county courthouse, the sheriff’s house and jail, First Presbyterian Church, and St. Augustine’s Catholic Church

Known For: World’s largest Campbell’s Soup Company plant

Education: Napoleon City Schools

Upcoming Events

Varsity Boys Baseball vs. Bowling Green

5:00pm Bowling Green High School

Monday, April 23

Napoleon High School Musical

7:30pm Napoleon High School

Friday, April 27

Coed Varsity Track and Field vs. Springfield

4:30pm Napoleon High School

Tuesday, May 1

Varsity Girls Softball vs. Springfield

5:00pm Napoleon High School

Wednesday, May 2

Junior Varsity Boys Baseball vs. Maumee

5:00 Napoleon High School

Monday, May 7

Varsity Boys Tennis vs. Archbold

4:30pm Archbold High School

Monday, May 7

Junior Varsity Girls Softball vs. Sylvania Southview

5:00pm Napoleon High School

Monday, May 14

Posted in General | Leave Comment

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

A Look Back at George’s

George and Donna Higbea started George’s together back in 1962; take a look back to the sixties.

Cost of Living Cost of a new home: $12,650

Cost of a new car: $2,500

Average yearly income: $5,807

Gas per gallon: $0.29

Average cost of a new car: $3,233

Loaf of bread: $0.22

Tennis shoes: $5.00

Gallon of milk: $0.49

A dozen eggs: $0.54

Movie ticket: $0.50

Fast food hamburger $0.20

Notable Events:

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary known as “The Rock” closes.

First US State Lottery in New Hampshire.

Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers his “I have a dream” speech.

Zip codes implemented in US.

The Beatles release their first album, Please Please Me.

The Lava Lamp or The Astro Lamp was launched by Edward Craven Walker.

Popular Films: To Kill a Mockingbird, Laurence of Arabia and The Longest Day

Popular Musicians: The Beatles, Buddy Holly and Jim Reeves

Popular Television Shows: The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mister Ed and The Flintstones

Posted in General | Leave Comment

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Meet George’s owner, Chris Chamberlin

A quick interview with Chris Chamberlin, owner of George’s Furniture as he discusses what George’s means to him, fond memories of the store and how George’s has changed since its initial opening.

When did your father first open George’s Furniture?

He purchased George’s from Donna Higbea in 1993. George and Donna Higbea started George’s together back in 1962.

What is your first memory of George’s Furniture?

My first memory of George’s was our first delivery truck. It was rusty, had big sliding doors on each side and little lap seat belts to keep you strapped into the seats. That truck delivered a lot of furniture in those first couple of years after Dad purchased the store.

What was it like growing up with your father’s business? When you were younger, did you help out with the store?

My Dad purchased George’s my senior year of high school. It was a huge leap of faith on the part of both him, and my mom. He left a large company and took the risk of going into business for himself. My summers were spent delivering furniture and learning the business from the ground up in those early years.

In your opinion, what is the best aspect of George’s Furniture?

We have always believed that small business should play an important role in the betterment of a community. Whether its supporting local non-for-profit programs, churches or families in need, we have enjoyed being part of a community that helps others. Our staff also represents those beliefs as well.

From a business standpoint, was George’s a learning experience for you?

Owning your own business and learning how to adapt and overcome challenges has been an invaluable learning experience. The fun part is also, “learning never ends.” I believe that’s part of what can make owning your own business so rewarding.

What is the most rewarding experience about George’s Furniture?

We are a family and staff that care about people. Getting the opportunity to serve our community and experience it together is extremely rewarding.

Next year, George’s Furniture will be celebrating 50 years of service. What does that number mean to you?

It’s always humbling to be a part of something that has been in existence so long. It’s motivation to see how we can improve the business and take it even further.

How has George’s Furniture changed since its initial opening?

Styles of product, hours, and even our mission have changed over the years. Three years ago we instituted the Worry Free Guarantee, which has become the mantra for our store. Customers can return furniture, whether stock or special order, for any reason. We wanted to give our customers’ confidence in what they purchase and who they purchase it from.

What is one thing you want George’s customers to know?

We love being a part of our community and we look forward to our business continually evolving and serving.

In one word, describe your journey with George’s Furniture.

EVOLVING. The quest for improving and getting better never ends.

What does George’s mean to you?

When I look back at the risk George and Donna Higbea made in starting George’s, and the leap of faith my parents took in doing the same, it speaks volumes to how a business can evolve and adapt over time. A lot has happened to our nation and community over the past 50 years. Despite all that, George’s Furniture continues to move forward and grow.

Posted in furniture, General | Leave Comment

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Forgotten Furniture

There are pieces of furniture that are often overlooked when planning a room. These furniture must haves are necessary for making the final touches in your rooms.

Table Lamps

Lighting, from task to mood, lighting is a necessary feature in every room in the home. Table lamps provide necessary lighting for reading, but with the addition of three-way bulbs, the lamps can also provide ambiance to the room.

Table lamps and shades come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors which can add character to your room. Task lighting in the kitchen using under the counter lights can help spotlight chores, the stovetop, and your work surfaces. Task lighting using smaller lamps are useful on pianos, desks and near computers.

End Tables

End tables next to your couch or favorite recliner are great places to hold your new table lamps.  End tables are also useful for storage. They can hide those remotes, magazines and newspapers. Choose an end table or a pair of end tables that add another dimension of color to your room.

Coffee Tables

Coffee tables are another often forgotten piece of furniture. If you have a large room, a coffee table can be a great place to showcase your favorite books, piece of pottery or candles. Use the coffee table as the center of a conversation area.

Sofa Tables

Want to move your couch from its usual spot, but don’t have another wall space available? Try floating your couch and placing a sofa table behind your couch to act as a divider and anchor the room. This is a great way to alter the traffic flow and add years to the life of your carpet. Sofa tables can be used to display family photos and also for additional lighting.

Entry Tables

Entry tables are a nice way to improve the plain foyer or entry hall. Add an entry table to add dimension and color to the foyer. Entry tables are great for storing your keys and mail.

Just by adding one of these overlooked but necessary furniture must haves can change the personality of your room.

Posted in accessories, color, decorate, family room, furniture, General, home, home decor, home design, tables | Leave Comment

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

De-Clutter the Kitchen

If you’re like most families, you spend a great amount of time in the kitchen. Over time, kitchens tend to become cluttered. Clutter can be attributed to our fast paced schedules, and an accumulation of new utensils and groceries. Take a look at your kitchen; do you have overstuffed drawers and an overflowing pantry? Do you feel that you just don’t have enough space for everything?

Unorganized drawers and pantries make kitchens look messy. Start off 2012 organized. Here are a few simple organization tips to help you control the clutter in your kitchen and won’t take you a lot of time.

Use a knife block

Using a knife block allows you to get rid of the knives sitting in your drawers. A knife block is safer than keeping sharp knives in the drawer, and the block keeps knives sharper. Placing the knife block near the sink allows for easy access when cutting fruits, vegetables, etc.

Use a utensil holder

Try using a utensil holder. Place all of your favorite utensils in the holder, and set the holder next to the stove. This will allow for more room for silverware.

Hang measuring spoons

Hang your measuring spoons on the wall. Hanging measuring spoons allows for easy access, and you avoid digging through drawers to find them.  Place decorative canisters on your counter, and fill them with the ingredients you use most.

Use a breadbox

Find a unique and stylish breadbox, and sit it on the counter. Bread stays fresher and lasts longer when left out of the refrigerator. Keeping bread in the box allows for more room in your refrigerator.

Use a fruit hammock

Try keeping your fruit in a fruit hammock. The holes in the hammock allow the fruit to stay fresh. Keeping apples on the counter allows for easy access, and more refrigerator room. Also, try using a hook for your bananas.

These simple organization tips will bring some décor and organization to your kitchen. Once you’ve organized your kitchen, treat yourself to new dining room furniture. Stop into George’s and receive the best deal on a variety of dining room products that will fit any budget. So clear off the clutter, slow down the fast pace, sit down at the table, and eat dinner with your family.

Posted in color, decorate, furniture, home, home decor, home design, kitchen, organization | Leave Comment

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Paint Your Personality

Just bought a new home? Thinking of giving your home a makeover? Whether you’re starting fresh or looking for a change, you always go through the same routine-research. You look at magazines and catalogs to try and find design ideas. You spend all day on HGTV.com, looking for design tips and inspiration from professionals. When you’re at a dinner party, you scope out your friend’s living room to see if you like their color themes.

After doing extensive research, you choose your furniture, paint, décor, etc. That routine is perfectly fine, but where are you getting your inspiration? Before you start your remodel, here are a few steps you should take.

Make a collage

Make a collage, not just filled with furniture but colors, photos, accessories, anything and everything you want your home to look like. Flip through magazines and see what catches your interest. Cut out inspirational quotes and pictures that make you feel happy. It may seem silly at first, but the end result will help you determine your creative style. Making a collage helps to showcase your personality.

Write down your hobbies

Write down a list of your interests and hobbies. What do you enjoy doing? Think about things that bring passion to your life and your goals for the future.

Describe yourself

Write down words that you feel describe yourself. Whether you’re adventurous, shy, outgoing, calm, patient, etc. After completing those three steps, research what is right in front of you.

Include your whole family

You want a house that your whole family will love, so include them in the process. Have your kids pick the color for their bedroom, ask them to find photos of rooms they love.

After completing those three steps, research what is right in front of you.

It’s your home, and it should showcase your personality. After examining the collage and lists that you’ve compiled, pick furniture and accessories that accent your unique personality. Once you’ve mapped out a blueprint of your dream home, stop into George’s and we’ll help you turn your dream into a reality.

Posted in color, decorate, family room, furniture, General, hobbies, home, home decor, home design, recliner | Leave Comment

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Man Cave Must Haves

Hey guys! Does your man cave need some updates? There are just some things that all man caves must have. With March Madness less than a month away, transform your space into a place your friends will want to spend every game day. We know guys don’t decorate, but these simple updates will help give your cave a masculine quality.

The first man cave must have is a great bar. Whether it is a cooler full of drinks or a built-in bar, a man cave is nothing without a bar. Your friends are excepting to have something to drink when they come and watch the games, plus there is nothing like serving drinks to guests from behind the bar. Whether your bar is modern or vintage, a bar is an essential part of a man cave. You have the drinks, but did you remember the snacks? You got to have something to munch on! Snack can be as simple as chips, pretzels, or pizza. An overflow of beverages and snacks are a sure way to keep your guests happy.

The second man cave must have is sports memorabilia and vintage signs. Men love sports. Show off your favorite sports team with posters, team jerseys, pillows, etc. Along with displaying your favorite team, advertise some vintage signs. Choose a neon sign that promotes your favorite beverage, or go to a flea market and pick out vintage clocks, sings, posters, etc.

The third man cave must have is a big screen, high definition television. Nobody wants to watch the big game on a tiny television. So get a TV that all the guys are talking about!

The last, and most important, man cave must have is a place to sit. Nothing beats a leather recliner. Browse our online catalog or come in to the store and find a recliner that’s right for you. While you’re shopping, check out our selection of chairs and couches. You want to make sure you have enough seats for your friends. At George’s we make it our goal to provide you the best deal and pricing on furniture. Make over that man cave, and transform it into a unique place that’s right for you.

Posted in decorate, furniture, General, home decor, man cave, recliner | Leave Comment