POUF

The magic of moveable furniture & home decor to love

If Merriam Webster determined a phrase of the year instead of simply a word of the year, I suspect it would be “unprecedented times.” Though truly we’re living in them, the phrase is worn out. Yet, when refl ecting on how much time we have collectively spent on our couches, in our recliner chairs, or at our makeshift offi ce desks, it seems we’ve all spent unprecedented time actually using our home furnishings. Perhaps you even had that moment where you realized you hate your uncomfortable green velvet couch that shows absolutely every pet hair and child spill. Or perhaps you came to know fi rst hand why the dining room chairs make horrid offi ce chairs after sitting in said chair for nine straight hours. Whatever your home furnishing revelation, if you’re anything like fellow Americans, you’ve decided to freshen up your space, organize that junk drawer, invest in a proper desk (and chair), and add some decor to those naked walls. Online furniture juggernauts like Wayfair saw more than a 65% jump in year-over-year sales in 2020, the company’s CEO said in November. While convenience and safety remained paramount for shoppers, there are a plethora of local stores offering great furniture selections and a safe shopping environment. One of those local shops is Livingston Home Outfi tters. For inspiration on how to transform a room, we talked to the furnishing gurus at LHO. Hannah Pauli, one of the shop’s furniture buying experts, offered three suggestions for adding some zest and function to a space.

1. Poufs.

You’ve likely seen them at a friend’s house or a trendy hotel. Poufs are the comfy quasi chairs that come in an assortment of sizes and fabrics. Available in a variety of shapes - cubes, rounds, rectangles - poufs can easily be moved around a room to offer additional seating. Poufs also add a punch of color, texture or pattern to liven up your space. So whether you’re into leather, wool, knitted fabric, velvet, or denim, there’s a pouf (or two) for you.

“Poufs are a fun way to incorporate color, pattern and versatility to a room,” Pauli says.

“The shapes people gravitate toward are our square poufs that loosen up over time. Poufs that are a little malleable are very popular because

they’re like a comfy stool. They are also great for extra seating for kids or lounging with the animals.”

2. Benches.

We’re not talking the church-pew type that illicit memories of sore backs and hymnal books. Pauli says benches are gaining popularity for their versatility. Bonus, you can tuck those handy poufs under many benches, just check the dimensions on both items. Benches are handy for just about everything, but especially in a space where you need to put on or pull off clunky winter boots and muddy tennis shoes. “Benches have been fairly popular recently,” Pauli says. “In the entryway, or in a utility room, or at the end of a bed, benches offer extra storage or a place to rest that’s not a formal sitting place. You can also hide things, like a vent, with a bench.”

3. Wall Art to Inspire

So, you’ve added more comfy seating to accommodate everyone at movie night. You also bought a bench to offer a pop of practicality where you need it most. Now, it’s time to personalize your home with wall decor. Banish the old “Live, Laugh, Love” craft store sign in the hallway and replace it with something with panache, something you actually love (or that makes you laugh). At LHO, Pauli says art with a Montana flair appeals to customers. A Hamilton man makes barnwood signs for the store that showcase the best of what the Treasure State has to offer. “We’ve got rodeo signs, Yellowstone signs, Glacier signs, signs in the shape in Montana, we have ‘Get Lost in Montana’ signs,” Pauli says. “They’re great for gifts, too.” If Montana-themed art isn’t for you, Pauli and the LHO team have plenty of other vibrant art options for you. If you’re in the market for something else altogether, LHO offers lamps, bedding, rugs, lighting, leather lounge chairs, sectionals, ottomans, poufs, coffee tables, throw blankets, desks, decorative trunks, bar stools, and more. If that sounds overwhelming, start with a simple consultation with an expert by calling or visiting the pros at Livingston Home Outfitters. Whatever your home revolution this season, picking quality, comfort, and colors you love will help you enjoy your space, no matter how much time you’re spending there.