Whether you are downsizing or moving on up; you’ll probably discover a need for new furniture to fill in the special nooks and corners of your lovely new home. There are literally thousands of furniture choices and price points that will match your taste and style. It’s more than a little overwhelming to decide where to begin. Here are a few suggestions that can help you create a home that’s both serene and kind to the planet.

A beautiful new Centerline Home could be a townhome perfectly sized for a young couple or active seniors. You can choose from a variety of home sizes and floor plans, each designed to maximize the very best in building materials as well as less tangible features such as a sense of ample space and natural light.

First, think “Green.” If you love the comfort and coddling you get from your old sofa, and so does your 90-pound dog, you don’t have to kick either your pet or sofa to the curb. Did you know you can have your favorite sofa refreshed, refurbished and re-covered for about half of what a new one would cost?

In the South Florida area we are lucky to have two excellent upholstery fabric shops located side-by-side in Boca Raton. Calico Corners (which happens to be a national chain) is beside the local shop Boca Bargoons. These stores, and others like them, specialize in discontinued high-end upholstery fabrics from brand name manufacturers offered at deep discounts. If you’ve always wanted a bright-red chinoiserie patterned fabric or one that is a particular shade of alpaca greige you thought only existed in your imagination, there’s an excellent chance you might find it in shops like these. The helpful staff can help you estimate the yardage you’ll need for any sized piece.

With your fabric purchased, it’s an easy task to research upholsterers in your area. Pick two or three and ask them for an estimate. Some even offer to visit your home to get a clear idea of the work involved. Many will simply slip-cover your piece, however, be forewarned. Fabricating slip covers is often more expensive than entirely reupholstering your sofa, even if you might need to replace cushion fill or have new cushions made.

When you consider the cost efficiency and good environmental practice of renewing soft furniture you already love, you’re really practicing great interior design.

www.CenterlineHomes.com