2011's #4 Hottest Trend in Design!

New Paula Deen Line is In!!

Hey Ya'll!! I used to watch Paula Deen put 8 pounds of the butter in her recipes and think, "man this woman sure knows how to make something taste amazing!" Never in a million years would I think she would get into the furniture business but am I sure glad she did! When you think of Paula Deen you think of down home goodness, tradition, comfort & warmth. And all these things that we just know & love about Paula Deen's cooking is also transferred into her furniture. Working with the Universal designers, the inspiration behind her collection is taken directly from her Savannah home; plantation style antiques, coastal design, and of course, Savannah's own distinctive character. We are absolutely loving the furniture in our showroom! Beautifully distressed cabinets in antique finishes, our favorite is the Bag Lady, named after her first restaurant. Come check out her collection yourself in our showroom! We know you'll love it as much as we do!

Taking lessons from a chair

The alarm went off at 5:44am this morning. Pissed because I could have sworn I set it for 5:30am (or maybe I did and just didn't hear it because my body's been screaming sleep more!) I jumped out of bed and immediately grabbed a toothbrush.  I hate being late for yoga! It so stresses me out when I am...ironic?  Maybe...but I know I'm not alone in this. We rush from activity to activity from errand to errand from task to task and often forget that sometimes we just need to slow down, relax, unwind and take a little time from our daily list of to-dos to just knit a chair. That's why I love these Wooly & Stitch chairs, created by Susanne Westphal.  She asks the question, " Why do we have less time than ever before, although we've invented time saving tips?"  Each chair is unfinished and meant to be finished by the user. Using wool, the user stitches to finish and upholster the chairs.  Individual to each user's impressions of life & individuality, the more time the user spends finishing the chair the more beautiful and comfortable they are.

Although, we don't carry these chairs in our showroom, I believe in the lesson they teach and the importance of reflection.

Mixing New Furniture with Old Pieces

How do we mix our new furniture with our old furniture?

It may seem difficult to mix new furniture with older pieces, but really if done it right can be quite awesome! When mixing new furniture with old there really are no style rules but here are some pointers and ideas to help you pull it off! And when done right, you can create truly authentic & fascinating spaces! Just make sure when desiging to stay true to what you really love! 

Keep It Simple

Too much mixing of old and new creates distraction and clutter. Use your own judgment and remember some things no matter how hard you try simply do not go together!

Find a Similarity

There should be at least one common element present in the new and old furniture you want to combine in a room.

It can be anything from the color of the furniture to the type and shape of the wood. Even a visual theme such as the type of decor can be a common element.

Opposites Most Definitely Attract

Mixing contemporary with antiques add layers of style and personality.  In the dining room pictured, a black dining table with turned legs bridges the room's traditional and contemporary features. Host chairs, placed at each end of a table, break the ordinary rhythm of standard dining rooms.

Use Accessories

Accessories such as pillows and knickknacks can bridge the gap between new and old furniture. An old wooden bed frame can fit in with other traditional bedroom furniture if you add draw attention away from it with your bed coverings and pillows.

If you ever need more help, come by our showroom located off Clairemont Mesa Blvd in San Diego and we will do our very best to help you find the perfect new piece to match the old piece you just can't seem to part with ;)

How to Arrange Furniture to Create more Space

Q. How do I arrange my furniture to create more space?

A. So so SO important, given the small spaces we San Diegans choose to live in, is making sure we are deliberate in arranging our furniture to maximize our space.  Contrary to rational logic, the use of large furniture actual adds depth and dimension while mulitple smaller pieces of furniture just looks cluttered. Make sure you choose a focal point for the room, whether it's a fireplace, piece of art or large window and design around that focal point with the largest piece (typically) the sofa directly in front of it. It typically also helps to place them against the wall so keeping the middle area open.  Make sure you don't block pathways and the natural flow of traffic for the room as well. Hope this helps a little.

Here are a few other tios & tricks to making your space feel & look bigger than it really is:

- Use light & bright colors, dark colors absorb light

- Paint your moldings a shade lighter than your walls, it will make your walls look recessed & bigger

- Consider having a few pieces the same color as the walls, they'll begin to blend and widen out the lines of the room

- Set your furniture at an angle.  Your eye will tend to follow the diagonal lines which is always longer than a straight line

- Try keeping your floors as clear as possible.  

- Don't cover the walls with lots of accessories.  In small spaces, one large piece works better than many small pieces. 

- And finally be neat & tidy! No one wants to live in clutter! And if it's small it'll look even more cluttered!

For more tips & tricks visit our facebook at www.facebook.com/realdealfurniture or check out our website as well! www.discountfurniturestoresandiego.com

Please Help me Buy a New Latex Bed!

Heard all the hype about Latex Mattresses but not convinced?  Here's a quick guide to why we love latex and why you might consider getting one for yourself as well.

Questions? Or wanna lay in one for yourself?  Come on by!

All things purple

I love how Alice Walker said, "I think it pisses God off when you by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it".  So true!!! If you're using purple you're making a statement! The color purple is comforting, spiritual, mysterious, restful, creative, & artistic and can work just about anywhere! Unlike most other colors we can design our homes with, purple has the ability to be cool and warm depending on the other colors it's combined with.
It's said purple encourages imagination and can draw out the creative in all of us!

In the kitchen, purple used is often associated with wine and grapes, and accentuates an Italian themed kitchen design. I love the contrast of the plum chairs and white dining table. Gorgeous!

A purple sofa makes a strong statement in this purple themed living room. It's dramatic but with a sense of calmness and balance.

In the bedroom, softer purples like lavenders and violets create a soothing and relaxing effect. I wouldn't mind laying my head to sleep soft upholstered headboard in purple each night!

And purple is always a fun idea for any kids furniture.  Although often associated with a more feminine look, purple can still be used in a masculine way with deeper tones.

Have purple designed rooms? Show us yours!

Vegas Baby!!

Real Furniture is in Vegas this weekend and everyone knows in Vegas the house always wins! Welcome to the largest and fastest growing new home furnishings trade complex in the world! The Vegas Furniture Market! Held twice a year in Las Vegas, nearly 12,000 exhibiting companies feature new innovations in furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textiles & decor! There's no better place than here for us to determine what we should bring in next, trade out or get rid of all together. But we'd love your opinion after all, we're really shopping for you.


What do you guys think about Bean Bags? Out dated? or Making a Comeback?


Or perhaps an over-sized comfy sofa instead?


Or perhaps some modern vintage?



Please send us your thoughts!

Real Deal Delivery Launch

It's been a long time coming! Real Deal Furniture has launched our own Delivery company! And we are stoked! For 6 years we've relied on the expertise and service of an outsourced third party company and for many years.  An even though it was a beautiful relationship, we've grown and expanded tremendously this past year and decided it was long overdue to begin bringing this process in house.  With the new team of seven, Stu, JC, Marcel, Seth, Matt, Moi, and Armando, the boys are rocking and rolling and already getting rave reviews with their quick set up, cleanliness and even helping elderly neighbors out in the process on yelp!!

Before & Afters we Love

There's nothing better than a makeover! I'm not really sure if it's the rejuvenating feeling of getting a fresh clean start or the exhilaration of change that I love so much.  All I know is when someone takes my un-stylish hair and makes it awesome or a drab looking room and makes it pop I get happy! And in the furniture world, makeovers are happening all the time! It's amazing how sometimes it only takes one piece to completely transform your space.  Here are some before and afters we just love!

 Outdated Busy and Clustered Before

 

Beautiful Sleek Contrasted After

Boring Cramped Alcove Before

 

Elegant Sleek Dining After

Disjointed Awkward Living Before 

Clean Classic Contemporary After

 

Blank Dull & Drab Fireplace Before

Defined Vintage After!

What are your favorites?! We'd love to see yours!

How to Select a Mattress: Part 2 Series 4

Real Deal CONTEST! Find the Dan!

Besides all the fantastic furniture & great prices (of course) one thing that seems to keep people coming back is our wacky and crazy but oh so loveable salesman Dan! What started off as just another satisfied customer referring friends & family soon turned into one the most craziest off the wall best sales guys to ever hit our floor. Which is why when our most recent marketing materials arrived (wacky highlighters with bright orange hair) we naturally thought to call them Dans! 

And to celebrate three years as part of the Real Deal team our first official contest showcases Dan & the "dans"! Each of the following pictures has the"dan" hidden somewhere in our showroom.  The first person to find the "dan" in all three pictures wins a $100.00 gift certificate to one of the finest restaurants we love, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion located in CA, AZ, MD, IL, NV, FL & TX.  Post that you've found them all on our blog and we'll send you an email to send your found dan pictures too!  Happy hunting! Dan's a sneaky one too so good luck! ;). CONTEST ENDS 7/26/11.

How to Select a Mattress: Part 2 Series 3

http://realdealfurniture.com/catalog/22,0,mattresses.html

How to Select a Mattress: Part 2 Series 2

http://realdealfurniture.com/catalog/22,0,mattresses.html

How to Select a Mattress: Part 2 Series 1

http://realdealfurniture.com/catalog/22,0,mattresses.html

Is your mattress destined for the dumpster?

As a San Diego mattress store we get asked all the time for tips on how to buy a mattress.  So much of what to look for when are shopping for a mattress depends on your personal preference so we created a really quick guide to hopefully help a little.  The best way of course is to sleep on your mattress for at least 15mins and in the position you typically sleep in. Don't worry we aren't watching you.... ;)

If You Want
A Firm, Traditional Mattress
Invest In: An Innerspring Mattress
What Is It: Inside are springs -- tempered steel coils -- and layers of upholstery on either side to cushion you. Some come with cushy “pillow tops” for a thin layer of comfy fluff. They come attached (it’s almost like having a comforter that’s sewn to your mattress) or can be purchased separately. You’ll probably need to buy fitted sheets marked “deep”. The pillow top can potentially add several inches to your mattress’ depth and a normal-sized fitted sheet may slip off.

If You Want

A Mattress that Cradles Your Body
Invest In: A Foam Mattress
What Is It: This isn't the flimsy foam you'd find on a college dorm bed. New deluxe styles are made of solid foam, sometimes in just one piece -- or a multilayer combo.

If You WantSupport without a sinking feeling
Invest In: Latex
What is it: Rubber based material that comes from a tropical tree with air infused to create large open cells. Made to provide balance of pressure relief, support & durability.

If Your Current Mattress Is Fine
But It Could Be Comfier
Invest In: Memory Foam
What Is It: This cushy foam sits on top of a normal foam mattress. Developed by NASA in the '70s to provide comfort to astronauts during takeoff and landing, it molds to your body depending on your temperature (the more heat you emit, the softer is becomes).

But again, you have to try them to really know what you want. Our beds are always open ;)

Random Acts of Kindness

I'll never forget the day my uncle took our family out to eat in Arcadia just outside LA.  It had been a long day of family time so naturally we were all exhausted! So when the man across the room started approaching my uncle I could tell he wasn't exactly in the mood to indulge in a hour long conversation with a strange man. But as he neared, it turned our my uncle had actually known the man, quite some time ago and somehow lost touch. They talked for a few minutes and parted.  After our dinner, I'll never forget what my uncle did next.  He called our server over and asked to pick up the entire family's dinner bill.  "Don't tell him who's paying but I want to cover his bill", were the words he used.
Practice random acts of kindness! Turns out it's not just a semi-annoying bumper sticker we see on cars that cut us off in California traffic. We believe it's actually a winning business strategy. It’s a way to show customers how much we care and how much we appreciate your repeat business and referrals.  It’s not new, of course. For years our dry cleaner has been giving away hard fruit candies (which we do in our showroom) and mushy red apples. But that’s not what exactly what we're talking about.  We want to transform it into our times today and by that we mean utilizing the power of social media.  Yes, everyone's doing it and you should be too.  Marketing & trend watching firms say sites like Twitter and Facebook have taught today’s consumers to be more touchy-feely. And because people now reveal their most private thoughts and embarrassing moments online, they really don’t mind if some random business eavesdrops on them and sends a coupon for a free cupcake--or spa treatment or oil change or whatever--when they’re feeling tired or stressed or sad or hungry or etc. It seems super easy to surprise and delight consumers with a random act of kindness. Whether it's sending gifts, responding to publicly expressed moods or just showing you care, random acts of kindness are a fun and lighthearted demonstration of how Real Deal Furniture can access information locally in San Diego to hopefully brighten our customer's days.
Send us your ideas of how we can brighten or bring some positivity into your day! We'd love to know!

there's no greater love than one between a father son...broccoli house....super cute! http://ow.ly/5xhIm

It's that time of year! The 10news A-List voting has officially started! Please show your love and vote Real Deal... http://fb.me/J7hLdklE

JD got a little excited ordering T-shirts for our store! We have tons and we love our facebook fans! Come on down... http://fb.me/JOyLNOIC

Someone relieve the pressure!!

Here's something new I learned about sleep last night....in our early stages of sleep our body will automatically move to help release pressure without you even knowing it. It's like being in an uncomfortable chair, you squirm and twist until you are comfortable. That's how your body relieves pressure. And I know we all know about relieving pressure. First thing I do when I get home (to my husbands great disappointment) is take off my jeans to put on my yoga pants, pressure in the tummy....gone! After walking around in shoes all day long, what's the first we do?...take off our shoes....again, relieving pressure.  It feels good, doesn't it? But when we are in our REM sleep, you are paralyzed and you can't move involuntarily. It's a good thing really, because otherwise we would act out physically in our dreams and that wouldn't be good.  But this is where your mattress comes into play. When you wake up and your arms are all tingly or your legs have "fallen asleep", its because your mattress created pressure on your body in REM sleep and you couldn't move involuntarily.  So now you know!  When making your mattress selection make sure you choose one with pressure relieving technologies.  

One bed you can try is a latex bed. (the one we have in our San Diego showroom is by (Pure LatexBliss) Our general manager, Christina, sleeps on a latex bed which incorporates a bottomless pressure release design, the gold standard of pressure release.  It's like you're sleeping in space or as Christina puts it on a cloud.  She got her bed as a birthday present a few months ago and its the best present she's ever got.  Before her latex bed she used to wake up with a completely "dead" right side and strange tingles in her arm. Since getting the bed she now wake's up completely relaxed, with no pain and no tension.  Makes it even harder to get out of bed in the mornings!

We just got a new microfiber sofa....now how do we keep it clean?

One thing everyone always tells you about microfiber is that its very easy clean.  And it's true but overconfidence in your sofa may get you in a little bit of trouble.  I just got a new sofa and chose microfiber since our living room often doubles as a dining room...I know ;( San Diego spaces are so small. But even with microfiber I know my husband's messy eating habits will eventually result in spills and stains on our new light cream sofa.  And that is a scary thought for me, so I did a little research and here's a few tips &tricks on what I learned.

1. Check your tags! Tags will either say W, S or S-W. W means you can clean with water...congrats lucky you!. S means you have to use a "solvent" cleaner. S-W means you can use both.

2. Always clean spills immediately.  Microfiber will repel the spill but not forever. If left on long enough it will eventually soak in.  When cleaning make sure you blot, not rub. Use a hair dryer to dry.

3. Vacuum your sofa once a week to insure crumbs and other materials that can cause staining are removed.

4. Microfiber is polyester.  That means that most things that can be used to clean polyester can be used to clean microfiber, ammonia and alcohol, rubbing alcohol and clear alcohol such as vodka can be used.

5. After cleaning if your microfiber becomes hard. Gently rub the hardened section with a soft brush or old toothbrush and this should help soften your sofa right up.

6. Try to concentrate when putting the fork to your mouth. I know the TV is very exciting but getting the food actually in your mouth is very exciting too....wait this one's only for my husband. ;)

Searching for what's real

It's been three weeks and exactly one day since I was adopted into the Real Deal family and I'm so happy to be here! ;) How I got here is actually a story in and of itself that will be probably be in a separate post shortly but in three short weeks I've learned some quite valuable lessons that anyone part of the Real Deal family should know.



Ten things I've learned at Real Deal:
1. Family is number one! Always!
2. When it comes to food sharing is caring and there's plenty of caring here to make me fat!
3. Business is all about relationships. You can't have a successful business if you don't have successful relationships.
4. When it comes to someone's furniture, it is a big deal and nothing means more than meaning what you say and saying what you mean and then delivering on it all.
5. When you need a minute to get away, just stare at the fish...they'll always make you smile.
6. The phones will never stop ringing....ever!
7. Change can be hard but unless you're willing to get a little uncomfortable, you'll never grow.
8. You CAN have enough candy and you will when you spend all day in the showroom.
9. All  good things have missions and I like our mission here.
10. Working together as a team is always better, for us and for our customers.

The Real Party: Real Deal Grand Opening Launch Party & Charity Fundraiser

Hello Family!!
What a fantastic weekend we had!! There's no way better way to show how excited we are about our brand new showroom and the great year we are having than throwing a party! But not just any party, a party/charity fundraiser to support one of favorite organizations, It's All About the Kids.  We truly believe in order to make money you need to give it away.  So that's just what we did!  It's only going to get better from here and we're so excited you're here to join the ride! Check out all our pics!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/realdealfurniture/

We'll have updated numbers for you all soon!

Hello Family!

Hello Real Deal Family! Welcome to our blog and our life at Real Deal Furniture.  Here we truly are family and by joining our blog, you've officially joined our family!  We want to take you for a behind the scenes look at what goes down behind our showroom and warehouse doors and in the lives of our favorite customers and employees.  Curious about the process our furniture goes through before arriving to your door?  Love the  stories behind our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee even when mistakes happen? Looking for ideas on how we design and organize our space or innovative ways in which furniture can be used? Then you’ve come to the right blog!
We are a true family owned business and we all know with families you have to take the good with the bad. But one thing we will always promise is authenticity and honesty, the real deal. Welcome!