With the changing of the guard in Washington comes the changing of the furniture. We all may remember the scandal created when the Clintons left the White House a little less full than it was when Bill took office. I heard a pretty funny story about that the other day from someone who had to endure the not so gentle probing of the Washington Post, but not wanting to be one to spread rumors I won’t repeat it…unless you twist my arm.
My friends at Vanguard Furniture have the honor of making a special tufted settee for the Obama girls. 
Rank hath its privileges which is why the President got his settee made in about a week while the rest of us have to wait the normal eight to ten. Michelle Obama has shown a strong sense of style in her choice of furnishings as well as some financial restraint as compared to her aforementioned predecessor. Check out the photos I got from my inside source! 
Great site! Beautiful furniture, I was wondering, what’s the best way to fix a little nick in leather upholstery, I have seen kits that don’t really look like they would work, what do you suggest?
This furniture is beautiful but white can get pretty dirty. How often should you clean your leather upholstery and what do you suggest to use to clean it with?
This furniture is beautiful but white can get pretty dirty. How often should you clean your leather upholstery and what do you suggest to use to clean it with?
Beau/Mary Ellen,
Great questions about leather care! I decided to get your answer straight from the source…my leather rep who has been in the business forever. His first response was that for me to give a generic answer regarding leather care would put me in a “deep hole” that I could never get out of. Gee, thanks.
There are different kinds of leathers and they are all treated differently. Finished leather, the kind that is “painted” or “protected” (the pizza proof stuff) can be cleaned with a moist cloth and further cared for with leather cleaners and conditioners twice a year, mostly in the areas where heads and hands contact the leather and leave oils.
Pull up leather, the kind that takes on character like a bomber jacket, should not be treated with cleaners and conditioners. Neither should Nubuk. There are companies like Leather Medic that can be called to take care of any problems that arise.
Another one of my leather furniture manufacturers suggests that you can vacuum your leather as your vacuum your house! Then you can moisten a clean white cloth with distilled water and wipe it down as periodic maintenance. Spills and stains can be blotted with the same clean white cloth and distilled water in an area 4 times the size of the spill. Repeat if necessary after it dries. Do not use soaps or alkaline products on leather as they may cause your leather to dry and crack.
Many top manufacturers put a tag under the cushion with a number to call with questions regarding care of that piece. I would advise checking with the manufacturer to get their answer regarding your specific furniture before trying to clean spots or condition it yourself.
Beau, let me know more about the nick and I can answer that specifically. There are ways to color nicks, but if a repair is needed you may need to call a professional.
The variety of styles is as wide as there are people, but even though this piece is far too formal for me, I would like some style hints. I am a contemporary gal, and am replacing flooring in my house. I am torn between carpet and hardwood. I think hardwood would work great in living areas, but would carpet still be up to date enough to use in a bedroom?
Thank you Alan for your response. It’s amazing how many types of leather there are. You are very detailed orientated and I appreciate it.
Thank you Alan for your response. It’s amazing how many types of leather there are. You are very detailed orientated and I appreciate it.
Gail,
Builders and clients are still carpeting bedrooms, with a cushy and luxurious feel in the master. So the answer to your question is yes, but let me give you a couple of things to think about.
The advantage of using hardwood over carpet is that it should last longer and is easier to clean, but you would want to use area rugs to keep your toes warm when you get out of bed and to help with the acoustics. Since you are a comtemporary gal, you can find a nice area rug that fits your personality which can be replaced easily when you want a new look. As you know, having contemporary taste is a state of being. You can’t do your house in a contemporary style and let it be, because over time you will no longer be contemporary. The other advantage of hardwood with area rugs is you can take the rugs with you should you move.