STAY
Going on vacation is more than just a change in place, it's also a change in your state of mind. So, with the economy in turmoil, more Americans are tightening their budgets and taking staycations, or vacationing at home.
A recent survey conducted by KN Karen Neuburger revealed that two in three adults say they are spending more time at home than in previous years, and that three in 10 say the economy is the reason.
"Our lady (customer) is definitely nesting again," said Jenna Lowe, marketing director and lifestyle expert for the brand that offers home accessories, bedding and sleepware. "With the economic downturn and how things are looking around the country, people are staying at home, surrounding themselves with the comforts of home."
"More clients want to spend time at home with family and they are doing this by redecorating or purchasing furnishings for their homes that reflect a well-traveled sanctuary to relax in. This gives enjoyment for a longer period of time all year-round, whereas with a vacation the money is soon gone," agreed Michealena Perry, manager of the Four Hands showroom at the Las Vegas Design Center.
"We literally go to the ends of the Earth in search of the optimal blend of cultural influences for our award-winning furniture collections. Eclectic leather and upholstery is mixed with Asian case goods, Indian tables, lamps from the Philippines and much more, creating our signature 'Ethnic Chic' look," Perry said.
Pieces in the Congo collection, for example, feature carved ribbing, unique turned posts and rippled edging on chests and table skirts that are reminiscent of Africa and the British Colonial period.
Four Hand's Emperor collection offers handcrafted reproductions of Chinese antiques using aged materials. Each piece is unique, with differences in style, size and construction.
"Expertly trained craftsmen take original cabinet casings then rebuild them using old matched wood and traditional construction techniques, such as wooden pin hinges," she said.
Lowe also said that simple changes to daily routines can help infuse the home with the vacation spirit.
"Make your home a haven," she said. "One of the simplest things you can do is paint the walls."
Lowe suggested using a shade of green, which she called a hopeful and peaceful color. She also recommended changing the throw pillows on the bed. "It freshens and livens up the space and can cost as little as $25."
Another way to get that everyday vacation feeling, but without being trendy, is to create a timeless look with classic furnishings with an European flair.
One such collection is aspenhome's European Memoirs, which was highlighted in the Phoenix, Ariz.-based manufacturers' showroom at World Market Center Las Vegas.
"This collection, inspired by antiques from France, Italy and Spain, has a way of transforming a room to those romantic locations. Consumers can easily feel they are dining in Bordeaux or waking to the scent of a lavender field in Provence with European Memoirs in their home," said Jena Hall, vice president of merchandising and design.
For a more tropical look and feel, the collections offered by Padma's Plantation are ideal.
"Our philosophy is that every day should feel like you're on vacation, even when you're not, and you can count on Padma's Plantation to bring a taste of the tropics to your home," said Renee Fanjon, president. "Our focus on using different kinds of natural elements to create the most comfortable and inviting furniture and accessories, help us create that escape."
Showcased at the Las Vegas Design Center, Padma's Plantations furnishings and accessories are made of materials such as abaca, bamboo, rattan and driftwood, which can be fashioned into a variety of patterns. Its newest collection, Inside/Out, offers the same tropical look, but in a hand-woven synthetic wicker made of polyethylene that is weatherproof along with Sunbrella fabrics that are stain- and fade-resistant.
For more information, visit www.fourhands.com, www.aspenhome.com, www.padmasplantation.com and www.karenneuburger .com.
