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Ottomans Are Here to Stay...

…well they never really went away, they just keep reinventing themselves into different looks and uses that keep our spaces looking fresh and up-to-date all the time! Chances are, you already have an ottoman or two in your home but don’t even know the power that this very versatile piece of furniture can have in your overall home decorating plan.
First, let’s consider that it is not really a major dollar purchase like a bed or a sofa; therefore, we can have more fun with it and be a little less conservative. It is mostly looked at as an accessory in the space that actually has functionality. So you can take more risks on this piece like funkier shapes, trendier styles, bolder fabric selections and more unconventional uses for ottomans or benches. The classic shapes and sizes are mostly rectangular, square, oval and round, but some real conversation pieces come in shapes like clovers, hearts, puzzles, ying & yang, flowers etc. These are wonderful as coffee tables, in front of a fire place, foyer or in youth rooms. The styles vary so much, as in traditional (tufted fabric or leather, pleat skirted, fringed, on turned legs with castors or even Queen Anne style), country shabby chic like (slip covered, wood bun feet or distressed pine legs), a casual contemporary lifestyle look as in ( faux suede hides, flip tray and storage ottomans, vinyl and hidden castors), a modern futuristic flair like ( lacquered, metal and chrome legs, metallic leathers, faux fur, patent leather materials and acrylics) and don’t forget the very popular Eco-Friendly environmental style ( which encompasses looks that have re-claimed woods, bio-friendly fabrics, natural metals as legs and handles, these are great for outdoors also). The wide array of fabrics that they can be seen in, are endless! Depending on the shape of the piece, you might want a bolder pattern as a statement or go with a simpler pattern so the shape stands out more. It is another great spot to tie in a fabric that you already use in the room for a more cohesive look.
Secondly, consider the use or actual function of the piece. Let’s go room by room: Ottomans or benches can look great in an entry foyer by themselves or as a pair slightly under a leg console table. In your Living Room along with your seating to put your feet on while relaxing, or as a great coffee table or some even some extra conversational seating. In the dining area, under a serving console to pull out for emergency seating or for a more modern approach instead of the actual dining chairs. Your kitchen space could handle an ottoman at the deskcenter or at the breakfast nook. Now your bedroom could maybe use one at the foot of your bed to sit and put your shoes on or at a vanity table/desk. Even your bathroom might handle a small one for extra seating and storage of towels. In Kid’s & Guest rooms they are also great for storage, video game seating, and pullout twin beds in them for overnight guests! As well as on the patio and even by the pool!
To coordinate the fabric cover with existing sofa or bed pillows, window treatments or chairs is wonderful, but you can even change the look of the ones you have by slip covering, reupholstering, changing the legs, placing castors or fringe on them. All in all, ottomans are fun pieces that you can play with and even move from area to area as you need them around your home. You probably even have one, but didn’t know what to do with it. Hope this gives you some inspiration ideas.
By:
Henri Yunes
Creative Director of Huffman Koos

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Have a question about interior design?
Looking for new ways to brighten up your home?
Our Creative Designer Henri Yunes is full of great home design ideas and he is ready to answer your questions! If you have a question about interior design, or are looking for new ideas for a specific room, you should email your questions to Henri and you may just see the answer published on this website!
Please send your interior design and furniture related questions (you may attach photos if necessary) to:
questions@huffmankoos.com
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