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Sending a child off to college means setting them up for success in a well-equipped dorm room, and choosing quality functional furniture is part of the process.

• Your college students need furniture that’s comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain.
• When your child leaves home, you may find room to get some new pieces for yourself.

As the summer days wind down, it’s time to think about going back to school. For millions of families every fall, that means sending a child off to college. The experience can be hectic and emotional for parents and students alike, and many people aren’t sure exactly what to buy to furnish a dorm room properly. Parents sending their last child out into the world may need to shop for new pieces to fill empty spaces. Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses can help with all those furniture needs.

BACK TO SCHOOL FURNITURE

Choosing furniture for a college dorm means balancing comfort with space. Most dorm rooms are small, so college students need pieces that don’t take up much space. However, the furniture must also hold up through multiple moves, spills, and heavy day-to-day usage. While colleges often provide the basics, you may want to consider upgrading some items. Here are a few pieces to consider.

DORM ROOM FURNITURE

Most college dorm rooms come with a desk and a chair. However, the chair is probably built for durability rather than comfort. Since students spend a lot of time in their study chair, you want to be sure it’s comfortable and sturdy. Chairs are a matter of personal preference, so before departure day arrives, visit Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses to check out the variety of desk chairs with different features and materials. We have leather, wood, swivel-style, modern, classic, and models with and without armrests. Have your student sit in the different models to see what fits the body best.

FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE FOR STUDENTS

You may think college students never sleep, but they do eventually crash after the all-night study sessions. The dorm room may include a mattress, but you’ll probably want to upgrade to one of higher quality since you want your student to get the best quality sleep possible. Check out the Purple mattresses at Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses. It’s available in the Twin XL size required for most dorm bed frames, and it’s designed to keep you cool and comfortable, no matter your sleep position.

FURNITURE FOR EMPTY NESTERS

The term “empty nester” refers to someone whose children are now adults who have moved out of the family home to live independently. Parents may find themselves with empty rooms to fill once the children leave the nest. You can create an authentic home office, a study, or a game room. Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses can help with everything from a fluffy sofa to an efficient desk and hutch.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

When you need functional furniture for kids, dorm room furniture, or a comfy couch for your newly appointed study, visit us at Cardi’s Mattresses & Furniture. We have everything you need, and our team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals can give you some excellent recommendations. If you aren’t sure where to start, let our Decorating Solutions team help you get started. With locations all over New England, you’re sure to find one near you.

Most people sleep at least 8 hours per day. When you spend that much time on your mattress, you want to be sure it’s good for your health and the environment.

• Mattresses made from sustainable materials create less waste for the landfills of the world.
• Always try out your new mattress before you purchase to make sure you get the right one for you.

CLOSER TO NATURE SLEEPING SURFACES

A quality mattress makes a big difference in your sleep, and the quality of your rest contributes to overall better health. However, many consumers aren’t aware of how comfortable beds impact the health of the environment. Every year, Americans discard around 40 million mattresses into landfills. They require specialized equipment to break them down. Most mattresses are made mostly from plastic and petroleum-based products, and they’re often treated with chemicals that leak into the soil and groundwater.

MATTRESSES MADE FROM SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

The good news is that you do have many excellent environmentally-friendly options when it’s time for a new mattress. You can start by looking for comfortable beds made from sustainable materials. These mattresses are healthier for your body, but they also help save natural materials like trees. Here are some things to look for to help you identify sustainability.

• Look for materials that are ethically sourced, renewable, plentiful, and fast-growing.
• Rubber trees grown with sustainable practices aren’t sprayed with chemical pesticides during the growing process.
• Seek out materials with high durability for a long useful life.
• Recyclable materials don’t take up space in landfills.
• Sustainable materials are used in responsible manufacturing processes.
• Sustainability can also apply to a company’s social responsibility. For example, the Purple mattress company donates returned units to charity.

At Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, we carry many comfortable beds made with sustainable materials and processes. Here are just a few of the possibilities from which you can choose.

• The Repreve in the Natura line features a cover made from recycled plastic bottles.
• The Seaqual from Beautyrest Harmony uses plastic recovered from the oceans.
• Product lines from Natura, Biltmore, and Nature’s Rest use latex, which is a sustainable material derived from the sap of rubber trees. The tree doesn’t suffer damage in the process of gathering the sap. Latex is naturally occurring, renewable, and biodegradable. As a bonus, it’s also resistant to microbes and dust mites.

MATTRESSES MADE FROM ORGANIC MATERIALS

Whereas sustainability refers to both materials and manufacturing processes, organic applies to the components used to make the mattress. Organic materials, such as latex, cotton, and wool, are different from natural materials. The term organic means the component is certified according to the requirements of a qualified organization such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), or the United States Department of Agriculture.

TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT

Most people spend about a third of every day in bed. When you’re buying something so important to your health, don’t trust an online, sight-unseen buying process. Come into Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, where you can try out all the comfortable beds and see how close to nature a sustainably constructed mattress can make you feel. You can visit us at any of our New England locations to let our experienced and knowledgeable team help you choose the right mattress for you. We offer a wide selection at a variety of price points with same-day iDelivery available.

Decorating your summer home is easy with these exciting trends.

• This summer’s home decoration trends bring an emphasis on clean lines and versatile colors.
• The variety of options makes it easy to coordinate your furniture with the style of your house and the personality you want to express.

WHAT ARE SOME HOT SUMMER DECORATING TRENDS?

The temperature is rising, and it’s time to start thinking about summer. If you’re looking to spruce up your summer home decoration, Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses is here to help. Here are some of the hottest trends coming your way.

• Barrel back chairs have a rounded, low curve to the silhouette. These chairs are lovely in an understated and simple way with their clean lines. However, they’re also super comfortable as they hug your body. They’re available as part of a complete outdoor dining set for your summer enjoyment.
• Outdoor furniture with or without cushions is an innovative way to outfit your summer living space. Creative designers found a way to give you comfort and beauty without cloth cushions to keep clean. When a summer storm blows through, you don’t have to worry about your pillows flying into the neighbors’ yard.
• Modern styling with clean lines and simple materials is taking summer homes by storm. Matte finishes, low-profile designs, and simple frames make these pieces versatile enough to go with every decor style. Low-profile pieces with simple lines and fabrics cut down on the look of clutter and minimize maintenance.
• Focus on neutral colors when decorating outdoors. Grey, ivory, and white never go out of style, and chambray is hot this summer.
• Consider outdoor lighting. Patio and pathway lighting is an enduring trend that adds hours to your enjoyment of your outdoor space. It also makes your home safer and more welcoming to guests.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

At Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, we have everything you need to decorate your summer showplace. If you know just what you want, we can help you bring it to life with the right pieces of furniture and accent pieces. If you need some ideas to get you started, our design services can help with possibilities you might never have imagined. We can help you define your style with the help of an experienced professional. Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses offers four design packages, so you pay for only the level of assistance you need.

Visit any of our locations around New England to see all the great pieces for yourself. For nearly 100 years, Cardi’s Furniture & Mattress has outfitted homes in beautiful furniture, comfortable mattresses, and fantastic customer service. We can work with you to make the best choices for your home, family, and budget. Visit us today to get started on bringing your summer home dreams to life.

UTDOOR DESIGNS, FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

You probably spend a lot of time and resources on the interior design of your home. However, many homeowners don’t know that they have just as many outdoor decor and design options.

• When choosing decor for the exterior of the home, several factors must be considered.
• Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses can help you with everything from design to furnishing and accessories.

Your choices for the exterior of your home make a big difference in curb appeal, which is especially important if you’re considering selling your home. There are more factors to consider than paint colors and shutters. Here are a few things to consider when you’re designing your ideal exterior living area.

How’s the Weather?

Some New England locations have brutally cold winters with several feet of ice and snow. If that sounds like your neighborhood, you probably won’t spend much time outdoors during those months. Instead, you can focus on designing space to accommodate warmer days and nights. A fire pit is an excellent choice for making smores and spending time with friends and family. You may want to choose exterior home chairs and outdoor sofas with cushions in spring and summer decor colors since that’s when they’ll be on display most often.

How Do You Spend Your Time Outdoors?

No matter how good it looks, it’s time for some new home exterior design ideas if your outdoor living space doesn’t suit the way you want to use it. Families with young children may want to go with minimalist furniture to keep the lawn open for running and playing. If you love to entertain, consider an outdoor dining set with plenty of seating for friends and neighbors. If your patio is your place to enjoy some quiet time with a good book, choose a big comfy chair in a nice shaded area of the lawn.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Just as your indoor style must fit your rooms, your design plan for the outdoors must consider how much space you have. For example, if you have a big front porch on your house exterior but not much green space, you may want to make the porch decor your focal point. Adirondack chairs come in a variety of colors to compliment your home’s exterior style. If you have large areas of shade around your home, you could design your seating to take full advantage. If most of the outdoor space around your home is open to the sun, a lovely table and umbrella set might be ideal for your home.

Remember that even if you don’t have much room, you don’t have to go with traditional outdoor home furniture. You have many options, including porch rockers, banquettes, and outdoor rugs to dress up your exterior space. In and out rugs come in various colors and patterns to coordinate with your home’s style. Ottomans, side tables, and end tables make lovely home exterior accent pieces.

How Can Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses Help?

For almost 100 years, Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses has helped families in the New England area decorate the interior and exterior of their homes. We offer a full line of furniture and mattresses to bring your home interior and exterior design ideas to reality. Whether you know exactly what you want or don’t know where to start, our friendly and professional team can help. We even have expert design and home decorating services available over the phone, in your home, or in our showrooms. Contact us today to get started on bringing your vision for your home to life.

• Outdoor furniture can make your patio or lawn as comfortable as your indoor living room.
• Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses offers unique pieces in a variety of colors and materials.

When it’s time to get outside and enjoy the sun and the fresh air, your patio furniture can help make your outdoor living space more enjoyable. You can turn an ordinary stone patio into an outdoor dining experience with the right comfortable pieces. You can also recreate your cozy living room outside with a wicker couch and fluffy cushions. You are only limited by your imagination.

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR YOUR NEW PATIO FURNITURE

Choosing new outdoor furniture can be overwhelming because you have so many choices.
Here are a few things to consider before you go shopping:

• Consider how much available space you have. You can make large and small spaces equally comfortable if you choose the right pieces. Measure the room carefully, and then measure each piece you’re considering to see how it might sit in the space. Take into account windows and doors.
• Think through how you plan to use your outdoor living area. If the primary purpose is to share meals, you’ll want to focus on a table and comfortable chairs. However, if you plan to entertain or host garden parties, you will need more seating. If your outdoor space is a cozy place for you to enjoy some quiet and a book, choose a chair or couch that’s comfortable for you.
• Estimate how much storage space you will need when it’s time to put away your outdoor furniture. Protecting it from the elements can add years to the life of your investment. Measure your available space in your garage or other storage area and take those dimensions with you when you shop. Folding or stackable furniture is a good option if you have limited space, as is furniture that’s easy to take apart and put back together.
• Look carefully at the colors that make up the outdoor style of your home. You don’t have to stick with neutral shades or types of wood. Coordinate with your landscaping, the stone in your patio, or the color of the house itself. You can paint some pieces yourself to get the shade you want.

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you’re ready to go shopping. You’ll find a wide selection to choose from at Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses. Here are some tips to help you narrow it down when you’re browsing:

• Try before you buy. What looks appealing online may or may not be comfortable. Outdoor furniture is something you want to touch and sit on or stretch out on before you commit. It can be challenging to return if you buy something and then find it doesn’t suit you.
• Research how much maintenance is required for the furniture you’re considering. You don’t want to spend hours cleaning your pieces or worrying about what the sun will do to them. Some materials hold up better over time than others, including metal, cedar, and all-weather wicker.

WHY CHOOSE CARDI’S FURNITURE AND MATTRESSES

Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses offer outdoor seating, dining, fire pits, and more. No matter what colors and materials you’re looking for, we can help. Visit us at any of our New England locations to see for yourself.

Featured Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

DESIGNATED WORKING SPACE

While it’s tempting to flop down on the couch in the living room in front of the TV, that’s almost certainly an environment for decreasing productivity and increasing distractions. It would be best to have a dedicated home office, whether that’s an office space or a guest bedroom. It should be a quiet area without television so that you’re not tempted and you stay productive. In an effort to create a work life balance, don’t allow your work area to be used for anything else by you or by other household members. This plan has the added benefit of making it easier to separate your job and family time when you work from home. 

DESIGNATED WORKING HOURS

Some employers set your work hours for you, even when you’re working from home. However, if your manager lets you choose your work time, or if you are self-employed, like many people, you have the opportunity to set your work schedule. Some people focus more efficiently early in the morning, while others are night owls. Whatever schedule you choose, it’s important to keep it the same every day and try not to deviate from it, but do take breaks to get up and move around. This strategy helps business contacts know when you are available and lets others in your household know not to interrupt or distract you during that time. It might be helpful to post something on the door of your work area that lists the work hours. 

DESIGNATED WORKING WARDROBE

What you wear has a direct impact on how you feel and how productive you are. Even if you aren’t conducting face to face meetings, dressing in a way that is appropriate for an office setting helps keep you in a professional frame of mind. This one tip is also beneficial if you have to jump on a last-minute Google Hangouts or Zoom video conference call. When you dress for whatever comes, you’re ready for the day.

DESIGNATED WORKING SUPPLIES

Stock your workspace with all the standard office supplies, such as pens, folders, and paper. Designate them for work mode only and not for use for the kids homework or household projects. Keep these supplies within easy reach, and when you start to run low on something, replace them right away. You don’t want to run out of something right in the middle of a big project. 

DESIGNATED WORKING EQUIPMENT

The equipment you need to get more work done at home varies depending on the kind of work you do. You will probably need one or more monitors, a phone, and a headset for communicating. You will also want a comfortable computer chair and appropriate desk furniture for your work space . If your home is noisy, you may also want noise-canceling headphones. If you have equipment that you keep on hand but don’t use regularly, check it on a set schedule to make sure it works properly. You don’t want to wait until you need it to discover that it doesn’t work.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE OPTIONS

Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses has many options to help you set up your ideal work environment to stay more productive while working from home, throughout the day. Our innovative furniture choices in office and desk chairs let you customize your space to work for you. Visit us today, and let us help you build the ideal work area in your home.

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Image Credit: Shutterstock/ MT-R

Lofts at Lyman Mill, managed by WinnCompanies, located in North Providence has been meticulously preserved and re-introduced as modern apartments! With Kristen Ford, Alyssa Amorella, Patricia Cicione from Rhode Island Design Center and Designer Kim La Fontaine with Lafontaine Interior Designs, they have transformed this mill into unique loft-style apartments, with access to bustling Providence foodie scene and entertainment! For more information, click on https://goo.gl/wiiBbx

Kim La Fontaine

Patricia Cicione

WRITTEN BY CARDI’S FURNITURE