MODULAR SOFA VS. TRADITIONAL: WHY A MODULAR SET IS BETTER

Modular sofas offer you the ability to continuously change the shape of your sofa to fit your needs.  They come in many different shapes, styles, sizes, and the configurations are usually unlimited.  They are designed to fit different personality, styles, needs, and tastes with variety to choose from, whether you’re looking for a modern piece or just a standard one that offers you modular functionality.  They are perfect for larger spaces, a necessity for smaller spaces, spaces with restrictions and limitations, or for undecided people who’d rather get a piece in their home and then decide what to do with it.  If you take the time to shop around, and test out your sofa you’ll be happy you opted for a modular one!

Modular sofas are great for people like me who love to change the way their living room looks very often, but cannot afford to go out and buy completely new furniture every time they get the decorating itch!  Look at the sofa in your home now.  A year or two from now, will you still have the same needs for that sofa?  Can you change how it functions in your home?  Probably not! Traditional sofas are usually bigger, bulkier and are very limited in how you can move them around in your living room. Modular sofas run for around the same price as any ordinary sofa, looks great, and function 110% times better. 

 Judging a modular sofa to other types of sofas is a tough one.  Generally it boils down to what people are looking for in a sofa and their buying decisions. Usually people are more impressed by the modular sets because of the options it gives them to change and redesign their living rooms. They start to dream of all the possible ways they can use this sofa.  Watching TV is easier because now you have something to kick your feet up on; friends coming over is easier because you just put all the pieces together to make one big sofa or better yet a bed! Create a love seat, ottoman, and lounge all with just one set. Style? Check, Comfort? Check, Price? Check, Functionality? Check.   Hands down you get more for your buck with a modular set.

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY: AN EARLY SPRING 2011 FOR ONTARIO!

GROUNDHOG PREDICTS EARLY SPRING!!

*sighs with relief* I am so happy that today the groundhog did NOT see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter. After today’s wintry storm,  cancellations of schools across Ontario, snow ins, and the worst snow storm prediction since 1988 which really was only half as bad as we expected it to be. Let’s just hope that the groundhog gets it right this year and marks an early end for winter coats, blowing winds, temperatures below "0", snow boots, and lets not forget SNOW.Keep your finger crossed, and prepare for SPRING.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Read what the Toronto Sun had to say about Groundhog Prediction Click Here

THE 411: TORONTO INTERNATIONAL DESIGN SHOW 2011

All of us at Modern Sensibility went to the IDS 2011, earlier this week. It was my first time there and I must say I was beyond excited to see the new trends, what was hot and happening. We started the day with yummy lattes that they were serving at the show; I wish I could remember the name now. I saw many rooms that inspired me, took my breath away, or just really caught my attention. From the new Audi A8 (which I didn’t take a picture of, but it was smoking HOT) to different room design set up by different companies and designers and they all looked amazing. The one that really caught my attention and was definitely my favourite of the morning was the black, white and silver room, the picture does NOT do it justice, not in 50%. Then there was the Vitra Panton Chair made for the Casey House, HIV/AIDS hospice. They were designed by twenty designer, architects, fashion houses and graphic design firm. They were fun, fresh and full of colour. Modern fireplaces, the new cupboard design (with no handle), Persian rugs which were stripped and re-dyed in all different styles called the ‘Second Life Rug Collection’ By ‘ELTE’. Who knew they had the technology to turn your flat screen into a mirror when not using as your TV? I sure didn’t! I seen it all, I learnt a lot too! I must say my love for art has definitely grown after seeing ‘Oeno Gallery’ amazing set up, they have some very talented artist in their roster. 

I took pictures, so I’ll let you see for yourself. 

Did you see any styles you liked? Anything that stood out to you?

Leave a comment!

HOW TO: SPICE UP YOUR HOME WITH THROW PILLOWS

Throw pillows are a must have for any living room.  Nothing else spices up your sofa or brings your colour theme together better than adding decorative pillows. Changing your decor can be as simple as changing your pillows to add a whole new feel to the room.   Decorative pillows come in multitude of colours, styles and fabrics; this makes for an easy way to decorate your home, without hassle, especially on a budget.  Throw pillows can be used anywhere you want to add a bit of style to the room. The sofa, chair, table, or bed are the most common places. You really can do whatever you want when it comes to throw pillows.  Big or small, pairs of two or three, or have a group of 4 or 5 of them together.  Don’t forget though, that you can have too much of a good thing. Remember to keep the size of your sofa in mind when choosing the amount of pillows to use.  Also, they don’t have to match as long as they all tie into you’re theme. 

5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THROW PILLOWS: 

- Show your style.  Pick something that fits your lifestyle at the moment.  If you have children and the living room is a place they use a lot, accommodate them with fun colours and make the living room a place your whole family will enjoy. In this situation the pillows should also be easy to clean, we know how children can be! Married no children? Remember nothing too feminine or too masculine, strike a happy balance.  Tie it all together so that you will both be happy with your selection. Single, then it’s all up to you! Ultimately it's about showing your personal taste and style. 

- Be creative. The throw pillow can be used ANYWHERE you want it to be.  They come in all different sizes, shapes and style so you can be as creative as you want to be. If you're into a more laid back look, line a wall with over-sized pillows for increased sitting space. If you're like me and like loud colours, girly styles choose pillows that are bold, have added accessories like a belt or some frills. You can also change the pillows on your dining room chairs, or add them if you don’t have any already. The good thing about throw pillows is they are also easy to make, for those of you who love a DIY project, you don't have to spend a fortune whenever your taste changes.

-  Have fun.  It’s your home you should be able to add or subtract as you like.  Experiment with colour and get a feel for what you like and dislike. Keep in mind whether you want to tone down your sofa, or spice it up. Choosing the right colour for the room and then your accent colours (throws, pillows, vases,etc) make both these options possible.  When in doubt, always go with the opposite.  E.g "I have light/neutral colours in my home (sofa, walls) I want to spice it up" use louder colours to brighten up the space. Same goes for if I had a bright colour sofa, I would use softer coloured throw pillows to tone down the bright colour and bring the look together.

-Make good quality choices.  Pick pillows that are going to look good sitting on your sofa.  A lumpy pillow is never cute, even with the best designs on it.  You should also fluff up your pillows to keep them looking plump and fresh.

Our website has a great selection of throw pillows available. View our collection of Canadian made throw pillows by clicking here. You never know, maybe you'll find the ones you love!

How do you use throw pillows to spice up your room ? 

Leave a comment and let us  know !


Or better yet add our Facebook Fanpage and show us a picture!

NEWSLETTER CONTEST WINNER - DECEMBER 2010

THE WINNER OF THE DECEMBER WALL ART NEWSLETTER CONTEST IS...................

SIMONE WONG !!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

This Is What She Had To Say:

"Modern Sensibility Rocks.  Best Furniture Ever; Yo.

We Now Have A Great Couch + Awesome Art Work"

WANT TO BE A WINNER ?????? 

WELL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! 

HOW TO: CHOOSE THE RIGHT COFFEE TABLE FOR YOUR SPACE

A coffee table is a main staple in anyone’s home. It is the center piece of the living room and usually a main focal point. A coffee table has many functions; a good place to kick your feet up (even though we know we shouldn’t do this, many of us still do), it is the home of your remote control, magazines, and drinks. What a lot of people don’t realize is that a coffee table is also a decorative piece in your home. That’s why so often people don’t explore the different types of coffee tables that are available and end up sticking to something standard and readily available. The best way to choose a coffee table is to combine style and function together. Here are some tips that are important when choosing the perfect coffee table for your space.

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

A general rule is to take some measurements before you buy a coffee table. Prevention is always better than cure. Just like you wouldn't buy a sofa without measuring what space you have to work with, you should apply the same efforts in purchasing your coffee table. Start by figuring out the correct measurements by measuring from the floor to the top of the sofa cushion. Generally, a good height for a coffee table is one that is levelled with your knees while sitting. Rule of thumb, a good size coffee table is 1/2 to 1/3 the size length of your sofa. Also, remember to measure the distance between the sofa and the space where the coffee table will be so you know that there is enough room to walk freely. The standard width is about 18" for comfortable movement. 

STYLE

Now that you have your measurements out of the way, consider the type of look you are going for. There are many options available now-a-days in many different styles and shapes. No longer are you limited to a square or rectangular wooden or glass top standard coffee table. You can choose something that shows your personality and is modern and fun. Or you can go with something that is more laid back and simple. As long as you have an idea of what it is you’re looking for before you go out, it is completely up to you. I made this mistake when I moved into my apartment. I had no vision of what I wanted in a living room, I thought ‘hey, a coffee table is a coffee table’ I ended up buying a modern coffee table, but it didn’t fit the functions that I needed it too and the legs ended up weakening quicker than I had expected them too. 

SIZE

Consider your size before you buy a coffee table. You just spotted a beautiful coffee table; on impulse you buy it only to discover when you get home that A. it doesn’t look as good as it did in a big showroom, or B. You have no space between your sofa and your coffee table for easy walking. Not only will this make your already small space look more cluttered, the frustration it will cause to be stuck with the coffee table will be much more worse. If you are short on space try pairing two smaller side tables together. It is a great option and still looks modern and fresh and offers variety.

FUNCTION

This leads me to function. What is your coffee table going to be used for ? Are you the type of person who likes to sit on the ground and read a book, write, or eat on your coffee table? Choose a sturdier model in this case, one without separate legs so that you won’t have to worry about them wearing down over time, or becoming loose. Do you have children or pets that will be knocking into the coffee table? Are you a clumsy person? I’d suggest rounded edges so that no one is harmed during an accident. Do you need a coffee table that can double as storage, or place decorative pieces on? Or do you just want it to sit there and look pretty in the middle of your living room. If that’s the case, you’re lucky! You have millions of styles and options available to you and don't have to worry about how it will work in your space. 

DON'T FORGET

subscribe to our newsletter by clicking herewhere we will be showcasing our new coffee tables line up. We have some really modern and fun options. So stay tuned! You will also be entered into our monthly draw. Winners are announced EVERY month.

COMMENTS + THOUGHTS WELCOMED! 

MONTHLY UPDATES: WHATS NEW + GREAT DEALS!

HEY EVERYONE! :)

Time for some store updates.  Read and Pass it along!! 

So.... The 'Newport' has FINALLY arrived!!   

Can we say excited ? E-X-C-I-T-I-E-D!
I am absolutely in love with this piece, I plan to purchase one myself in Indigo. They are amazingly priced, are so comfortable and look fabulous in a room.  The picture does not do it justice, I suggest everyone come down and take a look, sit back and *sigh*   This happens to almost every customer who has come in and sit on The 'Newport', myself included and I guarantee you will feel the same! We are now calling this the *sigh* effect!

Its the perfect item to just kick your feet up on sit back and really relax.   The arch in the sofa not only adds distinction to the piece, but adds to the comfort of this piece as well.  You can watch TV, read, lounge, it is even comfortable enough to take a nap in.

See for yourself, visit us at

380 Alliance Ave Toronto ON M6N2H8! 

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SHIPMENT IS NOW IN !

WHAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ! 

  See your favorite sofas in brand new and old colours. Join us on twitter and facebook because we will always update on what is NEW, HOT and FRESH in our store.  We want to make sure our customers are always "in the know"

WHATS NEW  ? 

1. THE 'INCA' IN PEARL

2.THE 'CITIZEN' AND 'AUSTIN' IN TURQUOISE

(If your wondering turquoise ?  I like the idea but don't know how to match it click here or read the newsletter at www.modernsensibility.com! 

3. THE 'ORION' IN LAVENDER

4.THE 'SAKURA' ACCENT CHAIR IN TURQUOISE + NAVY BLUE