Remember when I admitted to you that we sit on a dead couple’s sofa? I’m ashamed to admit it, but Pretty Handsome Guy and I have the same sofa that was handed down to us by my godfather when his parent’s died. Several years ago I agreed to stop bringing home inexpensive big furniture pieces. Instead, we decided to wait and save for quality furniture that would last a long time. During the wait, I made the best of an ugly situation and covered that old sofa in hunter green plaid in the 90’s.
Then I bought a bright red slipcover for it in the early 2000’s.
A few years ago, I added a white slipcover to hide it’s true identity.
But, when guests sit on it, they know. I know it by the looks on their faces as their rear ends collide with the hard cushions. It’s like sitting on concrete. Not to mention that the sofa is small. Not just in width, but in height too.
I was talking to my sister the weekend we were working on the beach condo. She is an interior designer and she expressed her disgust with my poor excuse for a sofa, “Brittany, for heaven’s sake, you are in your 40’s! Grow up already and buy a new sofa.” I was shamed and agreed that we needed to find some time to go furniture shopping again. But, this was akin to driving a broken ox to plow through a muddy field (Amazing Race reference.) Handsome Guy hates shopping…especially when it involves looking at multiple colorful swatches and fabrics. I on the other hand don’t mind that part, but I’m particular about quality and comfort. Finding furniture that will last the abuse of our boys and last for decades is important to me.
We set out one date night to hunt down the perfect sofa and drag it home to our lair. We went to half a dozen furniture stores, but none of the showrooms felt right. One was too modern. One had cheap quality sofas. One store had a pushy salesman. (Am I sounding like Goldilocks here?) Sadly, we returned home empty-handed.
In a twist of fate, I was introduced to the new look of La-Z-Boy when they approached me about participating in the Design Dash. Before then, I never considered buying a sofa at La-Z-Boy because — you know — my grandfather had a big fat roll filled La-Z-Boy and it wasn’t stylish! Boy was I wrong!
I walked into that showroom and was blown away…as in “Shut the Front Door! This can’t be a La-Z-Boy showroom.”
Everywhere I looked, there was gorgeousness.
I had to double check that I was in the right place because some of the room settings looked more like Pottery Barn than what I expected of La-Z-Boy.
And that’s why I knew that I wanted to select furniture for my living room from La-Z-Boy. After the Design Dash each blogger was promised a sofa or other furniture as a thank you for working so hard on our rooms. I asked if I could have a rain check because I wasn’t ready to work on our living room. After the holidays I decided to use that raincheck and made an appointment at our local showroom. I was greeted by a design consultant named Lexie. (Isn’t she the cutest?!)
Lexie insisted that before I begin picking fabrics and colors I needed to sit down. For the next half hour I did a lot of this:
My tushie sat down on every sofa in that showroom. And honestly not one of them felt like that brick we have at home. I wanted to move into the showroom and sit on sofas all day! Lexie asked me a lot of questions about what I liked and disliked about each sofa. She gently guided me to the back where I met this gal:
Pretty Handy Readers, meet Bree.
To me she has the right balance of elegance and comfort without being overly pretentious. She has stylish curves and beautiful piped trim. But, best of all, she is soft and plush, but supportive of my backside! 😉
As we finished up the initial consultation, I quickly pointed to a few fabrics I liked. Lexie said, “Great, I’ll bring them to your home when I come over for the next step in the design consultation.” Say WHAT?! You heard me correctly, La-Z-Boy has designers that come to your home to help measure your space and make suggestions based on your home! This has to cost money, right? Nope. It’s a FREE service they offer!
Fast forward a few weeks (because we had to contend with the holidays and an out of town trip) and Lexie showed up as she promised. She came with several catalogs of furniture and rugs…
…and with the fabric samples I had chosen plus some more she thought I might like.
While Lexie carefully measured the room, I laid all the fabrics onto our existing furniture to see how they looked in the lighting in our house. I also tried to envision them on the entire sofa and ottoman, etc.
Lexie helped me coordinate fabrics and made some suggestions, but she also let me make my own selections. She offered the perfect balance of design assistance without pushing her style on me.
A few days later this arrived in my email:
Lexie had put in our room measurements and worked on some furniture placement suggestions.
Itching to see how new furniture would look (or fit) in your room? There is a 3D Room Planner on the La-Z-Boy site if you want to play with your own layout and furniture arrangements.
This is feeling so REAL now! I am biting my fingernails as I need to actually decide what to choose for our living room. This is where I need your help. Will you be my BFF and virtually come to the La-Z-Boy showroom with me and help me pick out my fabrics and furniture? Lexie and I have already narrowed it down to the pieces I want, but I need help with fabrics. (If you really want to be involved you can actually go to your local showroom and ask to see the fabric swatches in person!)
You could walk around the showroom and lay swatches on different pieces. Then turn your eyeballs into a ping pong game and look back and forth at the fabrics to see if you think they coordinate. Just don’t sue me if you get dizzy and pass out. On second thought, maybe see if a designer there can help you.
I will be painting our living room a beautiful soft Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams. And I chose a gorgeous watercolor rug to coordinate with the walls. Here are the choices:
a. Bree Sofa in Piccolo Stone, Daphne Storage Ottoman in Bradstreet Lemongrass, Bradley Low Profile Recliner in Pearl Leather, Cosmopolitan Wingback in Ikat Fret Pewter, Crossnore Sofa Table
b. Bree Sofa in Piccolo Stone, Daphne Storage Ottoman in Bradstreet Lemongrass, Bradley Low Profile Recliner in Ikat Fret Pewter, Cosmopolitan Wingback in Wrigley Oasis, Crossnore Sofa Table
c. Bree Sofa in Piccolo Stone, Daphne Storage Ottoman in Bradstreet Lemongrass, Bradley Low Profile Recliner in Ikat Fret Pewter, Cosmopolitan Wingback in Pearl Leather, Crossnore Sofa Table
d. Bree Sofa in Piccolo Stone, Daphne Storage Ottoman in Tourmaline Ikat Fret, Cosmopolitan Wingback in Bradstreet Lemongrass, Bradley Low Profile Recliner in Leather Powder Blue, Crossnore Sofa Table
I’m so glad you are willing to help me. I definitely appreciate your input and will take your comments into consideration. We’ve waited a looooong time to upgrade our furniture and I’m hesitant to choose furniture that will look dated in a decade or more.
Disclosure: I decided to work with La-Z-Boy because I liked their quality furniture, product selection, and comfort. I was also impressed with how many readers commented on the durability of their old La-Z-Boy recliners. I approached them about working with me on my living room makeover. They agreed to partner with me. I received complimentary products, but I was not told what to write or share. Please know that I am very selective about which companies and products I chose to work with. And I will always disclose partnerships and sponsored posts to you the reader.
Your choices are lovely! I’m struck by how similar the sofa is to the IKEA Ektorp 3 seater sofa which used to be available in a hardwearing fabric in a soft greeny-gray colour. We are definitely in the IKEA price range, but its always nice to look at more expensive options! I hope you enjoy updating your room!
Linda, thanks for your comment. We are trying to move beyond our IKEA furniture (not that there’s anything wrong with them). But definitely looking for furniture that is heavier and more substantial. 😉
I hope you have more luck with your LaZBoy product than we did. My husband got a LaZBoy recliner and within the year the arm fell off. He put it back on himself and I guess it’s been Ok since then. I wouldn’t buy another one though.
Maggie, oh no. Did he ever contact customer service? I’m really surprised to hear this.
Go with B but snag that chair cushion in A, C, and D and put it on the sofa. B or D floor lamp. Good luck!
Good call. I do like that lumbar pillow ;-).
I love the choices in group D. We have had two sofas and too-many-to-count recliners. We’ve had leather, fabric, and rocker recliners, regular recliners and low profile (no lever) types. We got our first in 1965 and the most recent two weeks ago. The quality is great but I so have to say it’s not as good as 50 years ago. I love your blog and I have read all of Diane’s books. In case you think the multiple chairs have worn out – no – I just like to buy new ones! Haha
Jo Ann, this will be our first recliner. I’m actually getting it for Pretty Handsome Guy. He currently naps on that tiny sofa with his legs on one arm and head on the other. I think a recliner will elevate his naps to a whole new level 😉 zzzzz.
Will there be a ceremonial burning of the dead people’s sofa?
LOL. Hmmm, with s’mores and campfire songs? Maybe.
They are all gorgeous, but for me it would be a toss up between A and B. I love them both, but also just adore the floor lamp in picture D!!
Thanks for your vote. This is not helping. I like all of them! Aaahhhh. Oh and I like that floor lamp too but am leaning toward the one in “A” because it is mercury glass. Ooo la la.
Brittany, I adore your writing style! 🙂 You reminded me of the beginning of the movie Just Like Heaven when Mark Ruffalo’s character is trying to rent a furnished apartment based on how comfortable the sofa is. If you haven’t seen the movie, I dare say I believe you would enjoy it. Romantic comedy.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/gAljpQSxgJs
That said, I vote for B. … it’s colorful, comfy and slightly funky. :)))
Enjoy your new living room decor and thanks for the heads up on La-Z-Boy!
~ Christina
Christina, no one has ever said that before. Thanks for the compliment. I haven’t seen that movie but looks like I’d enjoy it. I’m not sure which combo I’ll go for, but lots of votes for B and D so far. I might have to combine the two ;-D.
I think D is the best. The print on the recliner makes your eyes dizzy. Also, because of the curves, it will never line up totally. I don’t like the floor lamp though. Too colonial. Solid color large pieces are the best. In ten years when you get tired of the print on the ottoman, you can just drop a slipcover over it. The yellow ottoman is blah. Just too safe. Good choices.
Ann, yes, I’m struggling with being too safe vs. not pushing my design sense far enough. But, as you can tell, we hold on to furniture a loooonnng time, so I need to also be smart about my choice. I like the idea of the slipcover when I get tired of it ;-).
Definitely d…the colors & patterns flow together! If you were to put an ikat pattern on anything it should be the ottoman. U will get tired of the gray patterned chair and it will start to look dated. The ottoman can be changed out cheaper than the chair! By the way….love your blog!!!
Cheryl, you and AnnW have the same mindset. I agree with you about going bold with the least expensive piece. And I do love that ikat pattern!!! Thanks for the comment.
D but with B’s chairs…I like the blue ottoman better than the yellow
I like the way you think girlfriend. Okay, how about this combo: D but with the lemongrass Cosmopolitan wingback and a white leather Bradley recliner? I am anxiously awaiting your opinion.
I like D…the colors seem to balance each other out. The chair colors are picked up in the pillows and the rug. I can’t wait to see the finished room! I have been trying to get my DH to pick a new recliner for a year and a half. MY new chair is over a yr old..and still no decision! When we redo our bedroom, that recliner is NOT going back in!
I think D is in the lead. Although, I’m contemplating changing the recliner to white leather in photoshop to see how I like that. Your thoughts? Oh and too funny about trying to get rid of the old recliner. It must be comfy!
I like B best. I think it’s because of the blue chair. The other choices seem like such light colors for a family with young children.
We got a La-Z-Boy sofa bed several years ago and guests have said it’s the best sofa bed they’ve ever slept on. It has an air mattress instead of a thin, folded mattress. We love it!
Gail, that’s great feedback! Thanks. Yes, I’m thinking if I go with white, it will be white leather.
i am liking B and D but not the lamps. my husband chimed in to say he likes D best. i love the blue/green color on the leather recliner in D. it helps bring in the colors in your rug. a light color will definitely show more dirt, especially with boys. that saying i also think lazy boy has excellent furniture and a recliner will change your husband’s life.
Michelle, thank you and your husband for weighing in! LOL, I’m looking forward to changing his life (but not his personality. He’s a keeper in my book ;-).)
Yes those two chair selections would be good….but also the lemongrass wingback and the Cosmopolitan wingback…unless you have to have a recliner… And I am trying to get rid of blue in my house (oh and that paint color I was just looking at it last week) nice grey that pulls out blues or greys. I find myself looking at greys and yellows but leaning towards blues..
Loving Sea Salt! Can’t wait to finish painting our living room that color. It’s currently on the backs of the bookcases.
my opinion? esp with low maintenance in mind and kids, and pets – is to go leather fabric. and best advice i was ever given was to go the CHEAPEST leather fabric i can find. it will survive anything the children and pets do to it. over a decade later, it still looks brand new and i never even got the leather kit out of the packaging. i would just wipe off spills and oops moments with kitchen wash cloth.
i do love the pretty fabrics you chose – anything will look good. but i am sold on leather fabrics – before i had the leather stuff in living room, i always had pretty prints – but now, i won’t consider anything BUT leather for living room and kitchen chair covers as well. . .
Great feedback. Especially with the kids. I do know that if I go with the fabrics, they will have the stain guard on it for certain!!!
Brittany, no, he never contacted customer service as he’s sort of a diy guy. He must have done a good job though, because it’s been there ever since. We, too, were quite surprised it happened, especially considering how much we paid for it.
I would go with D and let hubby pick the color of his “recliner then”. I am liking the idea of them coming to the house I will try and look into the service as well….
Michelle, isn’t that the most brilliant idea? The designer comes to your house to see how the furniture will look and fit in your home. Love that!!!
Brittany, I’ve been going back and forth between all of the choices for a while. D is definitely most pleasing to my eye. The combination of textures and colors, specifically the chairs, has a cozy, comforting feel. The leather chair is a perfect color, not too dark and not too light. My feeling is that leather needs a bit of color to draw someone to it. The color is very soothing. The color of the ottoman is perfect. Love, love, love it. The pops of yellow and yellow grass color are just enough. I like the floor lamp. The style and soft lines of it work well with the curved lines of the sides of the sofa. It looks very kid friendly. Good luck and have fun. It will be beautiful, whatever you select.
Thanks for your thoughtful insight Cher. I agree with what you said. I’m still on the fence between a white or light blue leather chair. But, I appreciate your thoughts on leather needing a color.
I really like all your choices but I think you will be happiest in the long run if you choose group C . It is the most neutral and you can change accent colors easily.
Beth, my thoughts were definitely in that camp last week. I’m all over the place. It seems that I could go neutral and add my color in pillows and accessories. Thanks for your comment.
I sent an email with a floorplan attached. x
I like D the best. It would make me happy every time I saw it and with kids I think the colors would do better. I have had kids then grandkids. I always pick the color of dirt. Brown.
Susan, LOL “always pick the color of dirt” brown. Yup, I know what you mean ;-D.
I love B and D! Can’t wait to see if all installed in your home.
Melissa, you and me both! I might have to combine B & D. I like them the best too (today.) That might change tomorrow.
I think I’m the lone solid A here. Yes, A without a doubt because I’m looking at the wall color as well since I’m all about walls. I want to desperately know where you’re getting that watercolor rug from…Please? I love that, could use that & want that!?!
Awww, it’s okay Colleen. You weren’t alone, there were some other “A” lovers that weighed in via email and social media. The rug is from Surya. There are a couple of different color ways in that pattern.
Great frame on that sofa! But if you want it to last and last and last, I’d rethink the that piping on the cushions. In my experience, it’s the first thing that frays and thus ruins the sofa’s looks. Especially the piping on the upper edge of the seat cushions. When I made the leap for a new sofa many years ago, I chose a custom fabric and had the piping left off the cushions. It was the best decision ever. My sofa is – yes, it gets used everyday – 25 years old. Granted it was hellaciously expensive in the first place, but the point is that there is no wear anywhere on the sofa. (If I’d realized it was THAT good, I’d have chosen a more classic fabric!) No piping equals longer wear!
Ann, oh noooo. I’m going to have to seriously consider this. But in all honesty, the piping is what drew me to the Bree. It looks so pretty and trimmed out. Like crown moulding in a room. Wow, that’s awesome that your sofa is still ticking along at 25 years! Thanks so much for your input.
Isn’t it funny how easy it is to make decisions for someone besides yourself? I much prefer B or D. I think D would be my choice. Have fun!
Maggie, oh definitely! I can help anyone and everyone with their own furniture choices. But, when it comes to my own… I’m blind and mute. Thanks for your vote.
I vote D with the white chair and lamp from C. Switch the ottoman color to the pewter Ikat. Good luck! All of them are beautiful options! Makes a very tough decision.
Lisa, thanks for your opinion. I’m considering that option with the pewter ikat (safer decision), but I love the aqua so much…what to do ;-).
I love your choices! As much as I love them all, I kept scrolling back up to that first design board. The rug and pillows murmur sweet nothings to each other, while the ottoman quietly nudges you to pay attention to it, and the pattern on the chair is just the right amount of visual texture to balance the rest.
So, I’m voting #1!
I love this post and now gives me something else to look at when it comes time to replace our sad furniture! I really like all of them but my vote is D!!
You reach a point in life you just NEED to have a recliner and it’s great that La-Z-Boy has found a way to make them attractive. I love ours with the bamboo arms that fit in well in a sunroom. We use them constantly and they are like new at 10 years old. Can’t wait to see the new loot in your living room!
I would have to say #2 is my favorite for the simple reason that there is no leather furniture. Leather is old in the winter and in the summer you have to pull your skin off it if you wear a skirt or shorts, unless you keep it covered and you are all ready doing that. So # 2 and it is beautiful.
Love d…..love that teal automan, may just have to get one myself. I have a hard time adding color to my rooms.
I love D (that ottoman!), but maybe with the cream leather recliner from A instead of the green? I like it both ways really. But the floor lamp in C is so great that i almost want to say C just for it! I got a sofa, love seat and ottoman from them over 8 years ago and they have been thru a lot and are still great! You’ll love them! Does that ottoman open for storage? If it does than I think its the same one I have…best choice ever!
I can’t weigh in on your options as I find design to be so incredibly personal – we don’t entertain that much, and my rooms just have to be ‘mine’, like I KNOW I can commit to the furnishings. However, wanted to say that although I knew Lazy Boy was pretty cool and comfy, I did NOT know about their service! You’d mentioned the pushy sales guy at another place, and L.B.’s complete opposite approach is the way to go – build a relationship and end up buying something that excites you & you know you will love and will last!
Also, wanted to approve of your selection of Surya rug – at any price point they are nice; good quality and just a notch smarter design and colour palette-wise than the others. I am out in the boonies and have to order rugs on-line; this can be tricky but Surya actually lists descriptions of all their colours and their rug selection is fabulous!
Have fun!
Thanks Gabrielle! Yes, I’m in love with that rug and hoping it is as beautiful in person as it is in the picture 😉
I really like the gray ikat wingback chair in A and I think the yellow ottoman is bright and cheery. However I would definitely avoid the white leather recliner. I just think you won’t be happy with it in the long run. What about switching out the white recliner in A? Could you get it in the beautiful Wrigley Oasis fabric you used in B? I guess looking back it would be all the same patterns you picked in B, but just reversing the fabric on the recliner and wingback. 🙂
Good luck with whatever you choose!
Brittany,
Wow I am excited for you and your family. Alright I have studied the plan and have a few suggestions. First I Love La-Z-Boy! Heck they gave me a beautiful free recliner I have napped in many times at the lake. OK back to your choices. I loooove the sofa choice ti will live on in style for many years. Then the chairs I agree Misters recliner his color choice. I think I would steer him towards the gray or a putty tone, the pearl is to light a for a long wearing fabric choice even in leather. Your final chair I like the Fret Pewter Ikat or Bradstreet Lemongrass. Pop your color on the ottoman because it is the easiest to re do in the future with your teal Wrigley Oasis, plus I think it will ground your room. If you’ve already made your choices I am sure they are beautiful as any of these rooms are stunning. I can’t wait to see. Enjoy your new furniture.
Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
Definitely D with the lamp from C (I like the way it goes with your other wood choice for table) and let hubby have the final say on the leather recliner. I think the pearl is just too light to wear as long as one with more color to it. I have to agree with Ann on the piping on the cushions being nixed..Without wears longer, and if you decide later to slipcover the piping makes it look awkward and the main reason for me is that I am short (5’2″) and my legs stick out straight on most sofas and the piping hits in a very uncomfortable place.
I’m sure you will love what you come out with. They are all good and it really comes down to your taste and what you want to live with until you die on the sofa..lol
Hello. I love La-z-boy. We almost went with them but we went with a local furniture place that also was American made. I was going to chime in with my choices, but realized you might have already made your decision. Have you?
I have loving the light and airiness of D! I also am a huge fan of La-Z-Boy. I’ve furnished three homes with their products! We are moving again and I can’t wait to shop there. Their furniture really takes a beating, stays comfortable and I love that you can pick your own fabrics.
D speaks to me also. And I love my Lazyboy furniture – got it a few years ago and it was the best investment we have made. Couldn’t find a couch long enough to sleep on anywhere else. We love sleeping on the couch (especially when sick). Our LR is completely furnished with Lazyboy, including couch, large chair with ottoman, and recliner. LOVE our ottoman. Always wanted one, and am so glad we got it. Many people told me it was a space waster, but I use it everyday. Plus makes great extra seating for company.
I, too, am partial to the selections in the “D” grouping. It is beautiful, looks sturdy for some real living
and the colors are so soft and calming. I think your room would turn out lovely. Good luck on your
contractor classes. ♥
Maybe you can help me!! I just bought a chair in the fabric u show earlier, with red, teal, beige flowers. It’s discontinued but I’d love to find out the name and other details, of the fabric, so maybe I can track some down to make pillows! Any help appreciated 🙂
Susan, oh I wish I knew the answer to your question. That is a beautiful fabric. Why don’t you download the picture from this post and show it to your local La-Z-Boy designer. They will hopefully be able to remember or help you.