11 smart kitchen appliances that we love in 2020: Instant Pot and ...

For the past two decades, Smart Furniture has made and burnished its name in both the residential and office categories – indeed, the Chattanooga-based company has clients from Austin, Texas, to New York City and points between. But as Smart Furniture marks its 20th anniversary at the same time the COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions worldwide to work from their homes, furniture for the office and home are closer than ever to being one and the same. "We've definitely seen an increase in [orders of] office chairs and desks," says Chris Wilson, the company's CEO. "People want their home business spaces to be comfortable. Smart Furniture marks 20 years View 7 Photos "Working from home is a trend we've seen happening pretty aggressively in the last 10 years. Now that people are being forced to do it, and seeing it can work, I think it's a trend that will continue," he says. Anothe...

NASHVILLE – Marcus Mariota has officially closed the door on his time in Tennessee. The former Titans quarterback recently sold his Nashville home for $790,000, just under the initial asking price of $799,000, according to Realtor.com. Mariota bought the residence, a short drive from Nissan Stadium, for $745,000 when it was built in 2017. The purchase included all of the indoor and outdoor furnishings (beds, televisions, furniture, etc.) throughout the 3,000 square-foot structure, which has three floors, features an oversized master suite as well as covered and uncovered outdoor entertainment areas. Former Titans wide receiver/kick returner Marc Mariani, now a local real estate agent, represented Mariota and the buyer in the transaction. It was the second piece of property Mariota owned in his first professional home. In 2015, shortly after the Titans selected him with the second overall pick in the draft and he signed his rookie contract, he bought a downtown penthouse condo, which he...

Furnishing my apartment has been anything but easy. Once I have a specific idea in mind on how I want my room to look, I need to find exactly what I've been dreaming of. Along my shopping journey, I browsed every online furniture site you can imagine to find my ideal pieces, and time and time again I would find myself ending up on Article. The online retailer carries everything from mid-century modern pieces that look double their price, to minimal and sleek designs. Whether you're new to the brand or already a fan, I'm going to help you shop its best pieces. Ahead, I curated a list of some of its most popular and bestselling pieces, in addition to a few of my favorites from my own wish list. One of my favorite things about shopping the site is reading the customer reviews and looking at their photos. It makes you feel like you know what you're getting before it even arrives. Plus, it offers fast shipping and simple returns, so furniture shopping is literally easier...

Louisiana residents will have to stay at home a bit longer than people in neighboring states. On Monday, Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, announced that he would be extending the state's stay-at-home order until May 15. "While this is not the announcement I want to make, I am hopeful, and all of Louisiana should be hopeful, that we will enter into the next phase of reopening soon, in mid-May," he said. "I am anxious to get all areas of our economy reopened, but if we accelerate too quickly, we may have to slam on the brakes. That will be bad for public health and for businesses, bad for our people and bad for our state." Under the new order, businesses that had previously been ordered to close will be allowed to reopen for curbside delivery, including malls. Restaurants will also be allowed to have diners eat takeout on outdoor furniture, but are still barred from table services for those customers. E...

BOSTON — Bernie Rubin, the co-founder of Bernie & Phyl's Furniture, has died from the new coronavirus, according to a statement from his family. He was 82 years old. Rubin and his wife Phyllis opened the New England furniture chain — known for the ubiquitous commercial jingle "Quality, comfort and price: That's nice!" — in 1983 in Quincy. He died Monday in Florida, according to the statement. "He was kind, hard-working, fair and, above all, loved his family — which included his entire extended Bernie & Phyl's family," the Rubin family said. The furniture chain is based in Norton and has nine stores in New England, including Braintree, Hyannis, Natick, Raynham, Saugus and Westborough. There are stores in Nashua and Newington in New Hampshire and one in South Portland, Maine. Rubin was born in December 1937 and leaves behind Phyllis, to whom he was married 61 years, and his children Larry, Rob and Michelle, according to the statement. All three wen...

When deciding to work from home, the next thing you do is set up your home office. First, you'll choose the perfect place in your house or apartment for inspiration and efficiency. Then, it's all about choosing the right home office furniture and supplies to compliment and meet your needs. The problem? Some people underestimate or overestimate their office needs, which can be frustrating! The solution? Use this checklist that helps organize your needs fashionably and easily. Of course, you won't need all the items on the list. However, we cared to mention all items most of the home workers need. A Designated Space The first thing is first! Where are you going to set up your home office? How much space do you have? By measuring the space available, you'll choose the right desk and home office furniture to bring the best of this space. What if you have a small space? Do you need storage space? Will you manufacture or assemble products at home? Do you have the communicatio...

Choosing velvet furniture is choosing to make a bold style statement in your space—there's no ignoring its soft sheen, rich color, and innate elegance. But velvet's commanding presence also means that any discoloration or stains are that much more visible. No more hiding a dusty apartment…once the sunlight hits a velvet couch, there's no hiding those annoying, allergy-inducing particles. Anthropologie's website has pages of swoon-worthy velvet sofas and chairs to peruse, so who better to ask for advice on how to clean velvet? According to Anne White, the brand's head of home interiors personal styling, the first thing you should think about is actually completely unrelated to the furniture. "If you've opted for a bright, richly pigmented color, like navy or chartreuse, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade," she says. "Consider window coverings substantial enough to protect your piece but lovely enough to catch ...

These patio furniture sales will get you set up for spring. (Photo: Thomas Bullock/Getty Images) — Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. We've been counting down the days to warm, sunny weather for months, and now, it's finally upon us. If you're itching to get out and enjoy those stunningly blue skies but have nowhere to go, not to fret: You can easily create your own outdoor oasis with all the great patio deals happening right now. Need help finding products?: Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It's free and you can unsubscribe at any time. Retailers such as Kohl's, Home Depot, World Market and more are offering substantial price cuts on everything from bistro and dining sets to outdoor umbrellas and chairs that will help transform your patio space into a most relaxing retreat. Below, find the five best deals I found on a few of these items below.  1. 67% off: This best-se...

BERLIN (Reuters) - German consumers are counting their pennies rather than returning to shop in large numbers as stores gradually reopen after being locked down during the coronavirus crisis, the national retailers association said on Wednesday. A re-opened shop is pictured in the district of Friedrichshain, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Berlin, Germany, April 22, 2020. REUTERS/Christian Mang Europe's largest economy allowed stores of up to 800 square metres (8,600 square feet) to open again from Monday, along with car and bicycle dealers and bookstores, provided they adhere to strict social distancing and hygiene rules. On Wednesday, larger furniture outlets were also allowed to open in the western state of North Rhine Westphalia, such as 11 stores of Swedish chain Ikea [IKEA.UL]. "It was very relaxed, there were no lines, there were no crowds," said Stefan Stukenborg, head of an Ikea branch on the outskirts of the western German city o...

"We're calling it Food for Furniture," said founder Bree Barber. "And they can collect receipts from anyone they want to in the food industry. Whoever they feel like they want to patron, whoever needs the traffic the most, we're not going to police it, that's not what it's about. It's about supporting the neighbors that we need to support." Only in Claveria : Bahay Kubo Kawayan Cafe sneak peek

From House Beautiful Last week, the Property Brothers' new show Celebrity IOU premiered with Brad Pitt joining Drew and Jonathan Scott to surprise his makeup artist with a stunning new guest house. In the latest episode, the brothers head to Chicago, where they meet actress Melissa McCarthy and help her with a special renovation project for her "heroes." "They're like two of the kindest people and they just don't put themselves first," McCarthy says of her aunt and uncle, Connie and Jim Perusich, both career police officers. McCarthy—along with her cousin Jenna Perusich (Connie and Jim's daughter)—wanted to give the couple a more up-to-date space. Not only that, but a space that's safe for Jim, who was paralyzed from the waist down on the job, but has since regained his ability to walk. To get them out of the house, the cousins convinced Jim and Connie to go away on a three week vacation to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. For this proje...

"We've had people crying," said Jack Freed, marketing manager for American Home Furniture. "Saying they're so thrilled and happy they're really appreciative." The company is planning to partner with hospitals in the coming weeks to donate mattresses to staff at the hospitals. Furniture store donates new mattresses to health care providers

This historic mansion on Beverly in Highland Park makes its architectural significance known from the curb with its grand, white facade, manicured grounds and 1920s charm. The house was built in 1920 and designed by noted architect Hal Thomson. At 12,940 square feet, the main house has enough room to host 100 people for a seated dinner. Significant social events hosted by the home's previous owners that called for a room that size often made the social pages of The Dallas Morning News in the 1920s and '30s. In the 1920s, the house was owned by H. E. Spalti, who co-founded one of Dallas' first manufacturing companies in 1899, the Olive and Myers Furniture Manufacturing Company. Mr. Spalti was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. In the late '30s and early '40s, the house was passed on to Spalti's daughter, Lenore Spalti, who became Mrs. J. Fred Engler. The historic home was the site of many socialite gatherings hosted by Mrs. Engler according to our archives...

HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point Market Authority announced Thursday the cancellation of the Spring 2020 High Point Market due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The next High Point Market is scheduled for October 17 – 21, 2020. Originally set for April, the Market Authority previously announced market's postponement until June, allowing for the possibility that conditions would improve in time for the show to happen. "While our hope was that restrictions enacted in March would improve the situation enough to allow for a June show, it is clear now that such is not the case," commented Dudley Moore, Jr., chairman of the High Point Market Authority's board of directors and president of Otto & Moore. High Point Mayor Jay Wagner said this will have drastic impacts on the city and Guilford County economies. He said businesses will be hit first but governments will be hit too. "The loss of sales tax fo...

Interior design has always been the foundation of Kris Van Assche's creative vision at Berluti. The starting point for the Belgian artistic director's runway debut for autumn/winter 2019 was a table. He spotted the piece at the house's workshop in Ferrara, Italy – a marble-topped workbench used by Berluti artisans to hand-colour the signature Venetian leather shoes in their distinctive aged patina. Not only did this innocuous hunk of furniture give rise to a painterly print on coats and shirting that mimics the smudges and stains on the square tabletop; it dictated the palette of the collection. In Van Assche's mind, the table represents the craft that has been a hallmark of the brand since its inception by the Italian Alessandro Berluti in fin de siècle Paris.   "I've been on a double mission since starting here two years ago," he says from a cavernous white studio space at the brand's headquarters on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. "To push Berlut...

SAN ANTONIO – While you're at home during this time, are you realizing you need some new furniture? Furniture stores may be closed temporarily, but there are ways to support local businesses online. During the stay-at-home orders, Louis Shanks Furniture store is still available to assist with your furnishing needs. "We've seen a lot of ups and downs over those years," said Michael Forwood, store owner of Louis Shanks Furniture. "It's because of the amazing customers in Austin and San Antonio. We'll get through this and be here for our community for 75 more." The retailer now provides a portal (the blue bubble) on its website to directly communicate with customers. If you would like to speak with a representative, just click on that bubble, and an associate will get back with you quickly. You can also experience a virtual tour of the showroom while in the comfort of your home, via FaceTime or Skype. Louis Shanks Furniture is adding 25% value to any gi...

AUSTIN, TX — Austin's Couch Potatoes, a family-owned furniture maker, has redirected its manufacturing operations to creating masks and gowns to help ease the personal protective equipment shortage crisis, officials said. In late March, the company issued an appeal for the community with a GoFundMe fundraiser soliciting donations to help finance efforts to help those battling the disease on the frontlines of the fight. Hoping to double its efforts amid increased demand for personal protective equipment — PPPE in the medical parlance — the comany's plea for donations was aimed to help cut the cost of masks from $1 to $0.50 each in terms of production costs. To date, the company has raised $10,399 of a $100,000 goal, and continues working to make these materials available to those who need it most. In addition to that effort, the company recently began offering at-home sewing kits for those wanting to sew needed garments. The goal is to create 1,500 masks and 6,000 gowns using th...

DETROIT – The first coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan were reported March 10. VIEW: Tracking COVID-19 cases, deaths by Michigan county Days later, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer temporarily closed all K-12 schools and banned events with more than 250 people. In the month following the first cases, Whitmer has signed numerous Executive Orders limiting event sizes and temporarily shuttering businesses. March 13, 2020 -- Schools temporarily closed Whitmer ordered all K-12 schools in the state temporarily closed on March 13. The closures started on March 16 and were to remain in effect through April 5. Around this same time, many colleges started moving to online classes. March 13, 2020 -- Events with more than 250 banned The same day schools were closed, events with more than 250 people were banned. The ban was supposed to remain in effect through April 5. March 13 confirmed cases: 28, Death toll: 0 March 16, 2020 -- Gyms, cafes closed; bars, restaurants limited to carryout With St. Patrick...

© Provided by The i A Shropshire couple have decided to downsize from their spacious, Grade-II listed farmhouse - but instead of putting the property on the market, the pair are to hold a prize draw and intend to give tens of thousands of pounds to charity. © Provided by The i Nigel and Jane Chalenor have lived in their six-bedroom farmhouse for 18 years and now it is time to move on. Set in three acres of land, the house is located in the village of Loppington, 10 miles from Shrewsbury. The house is set on three acres of land (Photo: winmydreamhome.co.uk) Hot tub and lawn mower thrown in Three independent valuations have put the farmhouse at £630,000 to £650,000, the couple said. They want to raise an additional £100,000 on top of the property's value and donate 10 per cent of all ticket sales to the Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury, which has cared for several of their family members and friends. The new owners will enjoy scenic views and ...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – American Home Furniture wants to help ease the strain on health care employees at work and at home. Saturday, the company loaded up and sanitized brand-new mattresses that will be donated to health care providers across the state. Up to 200 of them will go to workers who have set up separate sleeping quarters from their loved ones to help maintain social distancing orders. "Some folks are working in the hospitals with COVID-19 and then are coming back and want a safe area to keep their families safe," said Marketing Manager Jack Freed. Health care providers wanting mattresses for donations next weekend can email webadmin@americanhome.com. Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share this story ...

CHICAGO – Creativity is key at the moment to getting routine sports activities done during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sometimes its for necessity while other times it's simply for recreation and much needed distraction. Friday's "Isolation Inspired" features both as another "Stay at Home" weekend approaches. Cubs commentator Jim Deshaies wanted to get a little golf in while staying at home, and he decided to create his own "putting green." He used some carpet and a furniture cushion to create it and he finished out the minute-long video by hitting the ball into a glass box. Naturally, Deshaies followed it with a strong celebration as his creation produced results and an entertaining video. White Sox reliever Steve Cishek's sports home activity was much more out of necessity since he's trying to keep in as much shape as he can duri...