Furniture

The CPSC, Health Canada, and Kennedy International Inc., announced the voluntary recall of folding step stools.

These stools can collapse or break unexpectedly during use, and the reports that New Jersey based Kennedy International received, included a few injury reports also. Consumers should stop using these stools, and apply for a full refund. You can find more recall details here.

It should be remembered that it is illegal to sell any recalled products.

Sure Fit has been providing slipcovers for sofas and chairs for years. It's newest introduction is not a different style, but a different category: slipcovers and cushions for wheelchairs.

These slipcovers go beyond simple cosmetic cover ups by providing greater functionality. They offer greater comfort, support and hygienic solutions for users who are wheelchair bound.

Designed to fit standard manual wheel and desk manual wheel chairs, the covers fit seat sizes 16" x 16" and 18" x 16". The quilted backs and arms are padded for extra comfort, and the dual sided seat has memory foam padding on one side and support foam on the other. There is a storage pocket on the side.

You are not restricted to just one color, as there are four color choices. The 100% cotton twill covers are machine washable and treated with ScotchGuard stain release.

Starting today, you can begin shopping The Shops at Target at all Target stores as well as online.

This is Target's newest design partnership progrm, and to begin, five specialty stores and boutiques are bringing limited-edition collections across five different product categories. These collaborating stores are Privet House, Cos Bar, Polka Dog Bakery, The Webster and The Candy Store. See the LookBook here.

Connecticut based Privet House offers a collection of antique and vintage accessories and furniture at its stores. For Target, the Privet House collection brings its unique sense of style to products for the home and garden.

The pricing is pretty affordable, for instance the bowls featured here are available at $3.49 each, and the indoor/outdoor rugs at $19.99 each.

Today's homes are smaller, but that's alright. We want them that way.

Recent studies show that while home ownership is important, we are not willing to pay extra for larger homes. We just want them more efficient and stylish.

Multipurpose rooms, smart products, style and storage are very important to consumers, with style ranking high.

Not surprisingly, the two most popular furnishing styles today are Mid-century Modern and Transitional. Both have clean lines and smaller profiles.

And the love for furnishing with Mid-century modern design is not just limited to a home's interior, outdoor furniture also reflects those trends.

It is not something new, although it seems ikat has caught everyone's attention.

This ancient method of weaving with tie-dyed yarn has been around for a while, and by "for a while" I mean centuries. It is not particular to any single part of the world, but each region has its own heritage of patterns and symbols.

And what patterns and symbols! They are as much at home in today's home decor as they were in the past. Today you can see ikat on pillows as well as upholstered chairs, and sofas. But ikat is not confined to fabric alone, as today you can find rugs, wall papers and lampshades with ikat patterns.

Who can deny the importance of trees?

Arbor Day has been celebrated in the U.S.A since 1872, and is now celebrated internationally. Trees sustain life on our planet. Take a look at some of the world's greatest trees, and then read what John Muir had to say about America's forests in particular.

Sustainability is one of the reasons you should look for FSC certified wood and recognize manufacturers who are using resources responsibly and doing something to propagate forests.

And the best thing to do on Arbor Day? Go plant a tree.

Photo (c) Megan Finkelstein/SXC

Design on a Dime, a three day event that begins Thursday, April 26 is drawing 56 design stars.

One of new York City's most popular benefits, and now in its eighth year. It is presented by Housing Works.  The event is drawing designers who help create room vignettes with new, donated merchandise  to be sold for 50 to 70% off retail prices. For example, this Timothy Oulton sofa below, retails for $4725, and will sell for $1900.

The event opens on April 26th with a ticketed Opening Night Reception with hundreds of VIPs, designers, and A-list design enthusiasts. Guests will not only enjoy live entertainment and cocktails, but have a chance to preview the room vignettes and shop. There will be a Free Public Sale, April 27-28th.

Housing Works, the event sponsor, was founded in 1990 to help homeless and low income New Yorkers whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. All profits from Design on a Dime will go towards helping them. Design on a Dime has helped raise over $2 million in support of Housing Works since 2005.

Design on a Dime takes place at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., New York City (between 6th and 7th avenues)

When the High Point Market kicked off on April 21, the Made in America Pavilion came back bigger and still growing.

Demand for American made goods keeps growing along with consumer awareness, and the Made in America Pavilion was introduced last year to cater to that demand. It has now grown to occupy more than 32,000 square feet this Market, double its size of last year.

American made products are now being sought after not just by domestic buyers but also international buyers. And in keeping with the increasing demand, more and more manufacturers are introducing US made home furnishings in all different categories such as furniture, lighting, rugs, wall art and home decor.

Ceilings are quite possibly the most neglected part of any room, but the latest design trends are bringing them into play.

And it is not just through paint, although that may be the cheapest and easiest way to go about it. Chandeliers and overhead lighting create more possibilities, but also consider the ubiquitous ceiling fan, as it has come into its own.

There are lots more design and material options out there now. There are sustainable materials such as bamboo used in the Haiku fan featured above, along with visually arresting designs. Even better, these new fans are also more energy efficient.

I just pledged a green act for Billion Acts of Green for Earth Day.

April 22, 2012 is the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. The first Earth Day observed by millions of Americans was in 1970, and it led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In 1990, Earth Day went global.

This year's theme is Mobilize the Earth, and Billion Acts of Green is a way of involving individuals and communities to help protect the earth and offset their carbon footprints.

I was appalled to see my carbon footprint, as it turns out I need 3.6 planets to support my lifestyle. However, adding some green acts might help neutralize it.

Check out the Carbon Footprint Calculator to see how many planets will sustain your lifestyle. And then pledge some acts of green.

Photo (c) Horton Group/SXC