Red, White and Ooh!

A Subtle Approach to Patriotic Decorating

There’s something refreshing about a red, white and blue color palette. I think I’m attracted to it because nothing says summer more than decorating with this patriotic theme.

We love this twist on red, white and blue from Southern Living.

The history of Americana decorating goes back – you guessed it – to our country’s independence. If the traditional primitive country, red-white-and-blue look isn’t for you, you can take a more subtle approach. Here’s some ways to incorporate a patriotic theme into your home décor without being kitsch.

Red, White, and Blue Color Combination

You don’t have to match our nation’s flag. Choosing a red/white or a blue/white theme is still patriotic without being too literal. Or consider using different tones of blue paired with red and white for a more sophisticated look.

Country Living showcases a red-and-white themed room
with muted blue painted floors, a life preserver and vintage quilt.

Flags

Incorporating a flag motif into your decorating can be as easy as adding a throw pillow, blanket, framed flag or folk art to your space.

Stars & Stripes

Using elements of our grand ol’ flag is yet another way to get that patriotic feel. Stars as wall art or a striped area rug underfoot can be the perfect touch to your patriotic inspired room.

Vintage Quilts

Old, handmade quilts are a favorite of patriotic decorators. They exude comfort as well as a nostalgic nod to our past.

Another subtle patriotic themed living room from Country Living.

Advertising from World War I and World War II

There may never have been a more patriotic time than during the World Wars. Uncle Sam, Ruby the Riveter and other iconic symbols from these eras are popular subjects for reproduction and antique décor.

Nautical Décor

Another aspect to patriotic Americana decorating is a nautical motif. Because much of patriotic decorating is centered on the symbols of New England, nautical symbols fit in perfectly, such as:

• Lighthouses
• Ships in bottles
• Old lobster traps
• Fishnets
• Fishing weights
• Carved shore birds and decoys
• Shells
• Anchors
• Lanterns

You’ll find oodles of handmade and vintage patriotic décor on Etsy.

Vintage Maps

Commonly overlooked decorating items are vintage maps. Find old maps in magazines, in antique shops, and in bookstores that carry antique books. Once framed, these worn, yellowed maps are a fantastic wall accent. If you like to do handcrafts, you might decoupage a few to an old desk top. Using these materials in unusual and unexpected ways brings character to your home.

So go ahead, try a little patriotic decorating this summer!

 

10 Must-Haves for Every Outdoor Room

Transform an ordinary outdoor area into space that adds value and comfort to your home.

1.     Furniture

The backbone of every outdoor room is the furniture. Think about how you will use the space and choose furniture that best fits your needs. Will you primarily use the space for lounging and reading a book? Enjoying your morning coffee and newspaper? The options, styles and colors of patio furniture that are now available are abundant.

 

2.     Something Under Foot

Bring the luxury of an indoor room outside by adding an outdoor rug. It will not only add comfort, but also color and style to your space.

3.     Pillows + Throws

Another inside-the-house luxury must-have coming outside are textiles. Throw pillows crafted from all-weather fabric and cushions are an essential part of creating a cozy space.

4.     Lighting

Extend the life of your outdoor room into the evening hours by adding lighting. Candles (real or electric), solar lights and electric hanging lights are great options and create ambiance.

5.     Plants

Chances are your outdoor space will be near your landscape, but consider bringing potted plants into your “room.” Plants add color while adding to your room’s coziness factor. Depending on the amount and size, plants can also be helpful in noise reduction.

6.     Shade

Vitamin D is great, but too much sun isn’t. Remember to add shade to your space with natural elements such as trees, hanging vines and larger plants, or with structures such as pergolas, trellises or umbrellas. If your patio is south facing, consider adding a roof or a sun sail for maximum coverage.

7.     Color

Just like an interior space, color plays a huge role in determining style. Cushions, pillows, rugs, accessories and plants should be part of the color palette that you create.

8.     Fire & Water

Sitting around a fire is a backyard staple. Instead of building a fire pit, consider buying a stand-along fire pit or a fire pit table. Another great way to add ambiance and reduce background noise is to add a water feature. Whether it is a waterfall or a trickling tabletop fountain, nothing beats the sound of water for relaxing.

 

9.     Dining

Even if the main purpose of your room isn’t for eating, having a place to set down your drink is a must. Add side tables to your space or a stylish serving tray to your ottoman.

10.  Privacy

Integrating elements that provide privacy to your outdoor space adds to that “room” feeling. Instead of walls, think curtains, climbing vines, hanging baskets, and shrubs.

Design Recipe: 10 Ingredients for a Festive Holiday Table

Creating a festive holiday table is easier than you think. Here are 10 must-haves to keep in mind while decorating for your next gathering.

1. Fabrics

Add a touch of elegance to your holiday table with fabrics. Tablecloths, fabric napkins, seat cushions, ribbons and slipcovers soften the hard edges of wood furniture and give your everyday dining set a luxurious feel.

2. Mix and Match Dishes

Create an eclectic look by mix and matching your dinnerware. Combine casual pieces with more formal sets. Short on inventory? Visit your local thrift store for unique pieces and be creative!

3. Creative Centerpieces

Centerpieces need not be complicated. A bowl of oranges, a vase of grocery store blooms, your favorite glass ornaments or even your mother’s reindeer figurine are all good choices. Combine different items to create an interesting tablescape. Remember to keep centerpieces low to allow conversations to flow across the table.

4. Candlelight

Adding candles to your table setting is always a good idea. The glimmering light is beautiful day or night, and its very presence elevates the sophistication of any gathering. Combine votives, tapers and pillars for interest.

5. Additional Seating

If your everyday dining set won’t accommodate your guests, dust off your table’s leaf and add a rustic bench or upholstered chairs from other areas of your home. Remember, more is definitely merrier during the Holidays!

6. Place setting

At a holiday table, each place setting deserves a little extra attention. Layer placemats and chargers with different sized plates and bowls for texture and interest. Be creative with your silverware placement. Include small candles at each setting along with fabric napkins with napkin holders for a special touch.

7. Favors

photo from partycity.com

Add some fun to your table by including a little something your guests can take home with them. Favorites include mini presents, candies, small plants or hand painted ornaments.

8. Area rug

If you don’t normally have an area rug underfoot, consider purchasing one or borrowing from another room. Area rugs will add color and comfort while creating a feeling of coziness.

9. Color

Think beyond traditional red and green. Choosing colors that complement your home’s decor and furnishings will give your table a sophisticated feel while bright, contrasting colors add a sense of excitement and whimsy. 

10.  Interest Overhead

Don’t forget to look up when decorating your holiday table. Drape greenery, garlands, ribbons or ornaments from your chandelier to bring your guests’ eyes up and create even more holiday coziness.

*all photos, unless otherwise noted, were taken from pinterest.com

Choosing the Perfect Dining Room Table

The Holidays are fast approaching – time for family gatherings, cocktail parties and neighborhood dinners. It’s this time of year that we forgo the breakfast bar and put our dining furniture to good use.

If you are in need of a new dining set, don’t fret. Visit your nearest Hennen’s showroom in St. Cloud, Willmar or Alexandria. With many styles in stock and convenient delivery, you can be ready for the Holidays in no time.

Choosing a dining table that works for your family and your space can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’ve got this. The friendly, professional design consultants at Hennen’s will help – but a little preparation never hurt anyone. Jot down your thoughts to these five questions and you’ll be ready for a great shopping trip.

1. How Many People Do You Want to Seat?

How many people will use the table on a daily basis and how many for special occasions? If your current space is smaller than you like, consider borrowing space from an adjoining room or swapping rooms for more possibilities. Many tables come with leaves or extensions that will help you transform your entertaining power from modest to mega.

2. How Often Will You Use Your Dining Table?

Will you use your table daily, once per week, or only on special occasions? Knowing this will help your design consultant assist you in choosing the right materials. If your dining table is also Homework Central, then a stain-resistant veneer top may be a good choice.

3. What Shape Table Will Fit in Your Space?

It’s time to think outside the box. Dining tables can be rectangular, round, square, hexagon and many come in counter height pub styles. Bring a photo of your space and room dimensions along to help sort out your options. If your dining space is situated near a window, consider maximizing the view outside.

4. What Style of Table Do You Like?

To articulate your design style, bring photos from your Pinterest board or your favorite magazines. Taking photos of other rooms in your home will also help your design consultant help you choose a table that’s perfectly you.

5. What Colors Are You Drawn To?

Along with style, consider color. Do you want your table to match the other wood in your home? Or do you want to make a statement with an accent color? In addition to stained options, consider partially painted or fully painted pieces for a pop of color.

To browse Hennen’s large selection of dining sets, follow this link: http://www.hennenfurniture.com/BrowseDiningRoom.aspx?LinkID=432

Happy Shopping!

September Customer Appreciation Sale

Hennen Furniture is proud to be voted the number one furniture store in the 2015 Central Minnesota’s Best Of. We would like to say thank you with our September Customer Appreciation Sale, going on now!

Big Savings Throughout the Store
You’ll find big savings in every department – up to 30% to 50% storewide. Take an extra 10% off all Sealy Posturpedic sets. We’ll even pay your sales tax! 

Thank You

The Hennen family has helped make furnishing your home easy and affordable since 1967. You’ve welcomed us into your homes just as we’ve welcomed you into our stores.

Your patronage has helped Hennen Furniture stay strong and family-owned, right here in Central Minnesota. 

Because of you we’ve grown from one little store in St. Cloud to 170 employees and three locations, including Willmar and Alexandria.

Our Promise

Bob Hennen gave us our start. He founded the business on hard work, honesty, family, fairness and doing what’s right. We promise to always hold onto these values as we continue to provide exceptional customer service to your family.

With three stores to choose from, we have the largest selection of quality brand furniture in Central Minnesota. Our everyday low pricing makes it easy to find what you are looking for – any style and for every budget.

From our family to yours, thank you for making Hennen’s number one in Central Minnesota!

Is It Time To Update Your Flooring?

It’s sometimes easy to forget what’s right under your feet. The truth is even with proper care, your home’s flooring will begin to show wear over time and that can make even new furniture appear dull. A new shade of carpet, hardwood floor, or area rug can help accent your furniture and bring a fresh sense of style to your home.

There are many different types of flooring available for every style and budget. If you’re ready for a change, take a look at these different flooring options and imagine the possibilities.

Carpet

Traditional wall-to-wall carpet is the tried and true preferred choice for many homeowners. Carpet is easy to care for and feels cozy under bare feet. With endless colors and patterns to choose from, carpet looks great in any home and with any style of furniture.

For homeowners looking for a good neutral carpet color, consider choosing gray or taupe. Both of these colors come in a variety of shades and are currently trending along with blues and greens. Carpets with geometric or textured patterns are also very popular.  

Hardwood

From dark woods to white wash, the classic look of hardwood never goes out of style. Hardwood floors are durable, easy to keep clean and are a beautiful addition to most any room in your home. To keep your hardwood floors looking their best, floors should be kept dry and care taken to avoid scratches. Real wood floors are not suitable for bathrooms.

Vintage hardwood, as well as distressed or reclaimed wood floors, gives your home a rustic feel. When choosing your wood floor, consider the width of the planks as well as the color or type of wood. Wide plank wood floors are growing in popularity and can add drama to your decor.

Tile

Tile always looks great in the bathroom, but why stop there? Glazed tile is durable, stain resistant and can be a gorgeous upgrade to other rooms in your home.

Choose from a variety of color and pattern options for your kitchen, entryway, or even your dining or living room. And, speaking of bathrooms, consider bright or bold tile designs to add a pop of color to small bathrooms without overwhelming your guests.

Vinyl

Like carpet, vinyl is also a first choice for many homeowners looking to add style and color to their home. Vinyl flooring is scratch and stain resistant and can offer the look of wood or tile without the added expense.  

Area Rugs

Area rugs make a great focal point for any room. When searching for an area rug, think large loop, soft, or even fluffy for the perfect balance to your hardwood or tile floors.

Central Minnesota’s Best Flooring Selection

At Hennen’s Furniture in St. Cloud, our huge flooring showroom offers the area’s best selection of carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, laminate and area rugs with many colors and styles to choose from.

Our experienced design experts can answer your questions and help you select from our many top quality brands. We offer Armstrong, Shaw Floors, Mohawk Flooring, Florida Tile and many other popular brands. And with Hennen’s superb customer service, you can rest assured we’ll stay with you right on through your installation.

At Hennen’s, we make updating your home affordable with special financing, so you can get the look you love. Come see us today!

Win a Room Makeover During Our Summer of Love Event

Hennen Furniture gives you more to love this summer with a chance to win the Summer of Love Room Makeover! Stop in to any Hennen Furniture location and enter for your chance to win a room makeover!

Simply add your name to the drawing and YOU could win your choice of a room makeover – a $2,000 value*! NO purchase necessary!

Winner Chooses Their Room Makeover

1. Flexsteel Furniture – Great for any room in your house! Choose a sofa, loveseat, or reclining furniture. 
2. Mohawk Carpet – Spread the love around with your choice of a plush, berber, or NEW corn carpet. Carpet excludes pad and installation.
3. Master Bedroom Suite – Dreaming of new bedroom furniture? Choose from our selection of queen or king bedroom suites.
   
4. Tropitone Patio Set – Enjoy the summer breeze with new patio furniture from Tropitone. Choose from a large variety of dining tables and relaxing swivel tilt chairs.

Summer savings

The summer won’t last forever and neither will this special offer! The drawing will be held on August 24, 2015, so head over to Hennen Furniture and register to win today!

Register in store at one of our three convenient locations for a chance to win:

St. Cloud

1995 State Highway 15


St. Cloud, MN 56303

Willmar

3901 Abbott Drive


Willmar, MN 56201

Alexandria

419 Broadway


Alexandria, MN 56308

*Rules: Must be 18-years or older to enter. Winner is responsible for all taxes. Enter at any Hennen Furniture location. Can only enter once per visit. Winning room makeover is for a total purchase of $2,000. Winner is responsible for anything over $2,000. Drawing will be held August, 24, 2015.