CURIOUS SOFA Diaries

The Hunt

2009-07-10T08:22:00.014-06:00

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It's that time again which means I am in Atlanta shopping for the coming seasons. There is a good energy flowing through the market which is great to feel in this economy. Hearing and sharing the highs and lows of retail with other shop owners is encouraging. As a buyer, we are all in this together, trying to find the best items for you for the coming holidays. We know you want great products at good prices so we are digging and hunting and negotiating for you. But enough shop talk, take a look at some of the highlights:

Once again, this fabulous French style furniture had a new showroom to investigate. I am finally ordering a Curious Sofa version of the chair below to arrive in six weeks with a grain sack stripe ottoman to match (and string tufting!).

It's amazing how the fabric is a dead-on replica of the European grain sacks you see at some antique markets, but this version is soft and clean. Available with navy, red, black or dark brown stripes.

The Union Jack chair. One of my favorite new items I discovered.

Antique botanical prints available for framing.

Amen.

New linen and grey-wash chairs and European style accessories:

Antique feed bag scraps were patched over the bench above.

The perfect tufted mattress. Why can't I find a Kansas City upholsterer that can do this edging!!?

From Bella Notte, great new colors and styles available for fall. The owner of Bella came in and completely twirled the showroom and it shows. The best it has ever looked.

Also a new vendor below using raw edge cotton with velvet ribbon. Pillows, duvet and curtain panels shipping to the store soon.

Other finds.

Two of my favorite manufacturers pictured below whose products I love. You would too until you saw the price!

Something new: This industrial table made in South Carolina using rough bark. It was amazingly smooth and level.

And the one place I always get inspiration, the displays at Bobo.
Thousands of rice bowls piled everywhere...

The displays below stopped me in my tracks. Taxidermy from the Brussels, Belgium Museum of National History circa 1915. They had monkeys too!

Day two complete, now on to finalizing Xmas buying tomorrow. JUST WAIT until you see the Halloween surprises...
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Let Her Wave

2009-06-21T16:53:00.006-06:00

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My third article for the Kansas City Star, published 6/21/09

photo by Roy Inman, shot inside the store

Design Notebook | Betsy Ross: The Ultimate Style Maven

When George Washington asked Betsy Ross to sew him a little something back in 1776, little did anyone know history was in the making. Today, 233 years later, the American Flag, along with its many meanings, has passed the test of great design. I love seeing the red, white and blue wave 24/7/365, but what about decorating with it indoors too? Do not overlook America’s most famous graphic design to bring some patriotic pride inside your home.

There are very specific rules for displaying the flag, and I am not one for disrespecting our United States logo, but I guess I bend the rules a bit because I love it too much to limit its showing to what the experts say. The golden rule for displaying the flag is to honor it: keep it clean, show it proudly and use it smartly.

I like to display a large flag attached to its wooden pole in a large heavy vase or old-fashioned tree stand. Try it in a corner of the living room, your home office or hung against your garage wall. It can also make a striking centerpiece used as a tablecloth, but I would never do this if food were being served.

My favorite look is a bouquet of smaller flags in an old ironstone pitcher. Or try a smaller flag sewn on your favorite ticking pillow. Painting your own primitive flag on a slab of old barn wood or corrugated metal can still get the message across as well.

The American flag has strong graphic appeal and can be used with many decorating styles, depending on your taste. Here are different strategies to ponder:

• Keep it easy: An all white country setting with ticking pillows, metal lawn chairs and bent willow tables is always a perfect setting for the American flag.

• Make it majestic: A dark study with leather chairs and piles of books is begging for a flag in the room.

• Let it pop: A collection of colorful modern art, bubble chairs and shag rug can easily accept the bold graphics of an American flag. (Didn't Warhol used it a time or two?)

The American flag has been a symbol for so many important moments in our lives, to display it only a few times a year is a shame. Unfold this precious cloth and give it a permanent place inside your home. It will remind us daily of how lucky we are and what it has meant to so many.

DEBBIE DUSENBERRY
is the owner and creative director
of Curious Sofa in Prairie Village.
When not in her shop she travels,
antiques, and blogs- all with her
beloved pet Bichon, Pearl by her side.

3/50 in June

2009-06-09T22:57:00.010-06:00

Above, our custom fans were passed out during the Prairie Village Art Show.

Have any of you heard of the 3/50 Project? If not, I want to tell you about the wave sweeping across small businesses in the U.S. What's so cool about this is my friend Cinda Baxter invented it! I met Cinda when I was asked to be on the GHTA retail advisory board in 2007. She had a successful store for many years and is now a buyer, consultant, national speaker and cheerleader for all things retail. The 3/50 Project was created out of necessity to get the message out that if you want your favorite brick and mortar stores to survive, you must support them! We need more than cheers and concern, we need your dollars. What I love about 3/50 is it is not all about me, it is about me and two more of your favorite stores!

Basically the 3/50 Project says this:
1. Pick 3 independently owned businesses you would miss if they disappeared. Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that makes you smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.
2. If half of the employed population spent $50 each month in these stores it would create over $42 billion in revenue.
3. For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend this money online, nothing comes home.

If you read this blog I assume you are a fan of Curious Sofa. Many of you shop in the store often and some of you we only see now and then. However often you frequent the store, it is almost impossible to have a conversation these days without a customer asking sincerely, "How are you guys doing?" Now if you make a living in retail you know how to answer these questions with the right amount of political correctness. I am not one for lying or even stretching the truth. I simply do not do it very well. I will always tell someone how we are really doing because it is just habit.

The truth is, we're fine. We're as fine as everyone else is. How's that? I know of no one who is flourishing right now. My staff and I are on board 200% to keep things alive at Curious Sofa for as long as you help. We're still having our events, buying new merchandise every week and the antiques are still coming (and going!) but we cannot survive without you no matter how creative we get- nor can any of your other favorite stores. Please take note of the 3/50 Project and do what you can to keep us all going. We want to continue to be here for you.

So for now, take a look at what we've been up to and believe it or not the Halloween and Christmas goods are already trickling in too!

More ruffled slipcovers just arrived.

One of two original antique Kewpie's I found last week.

The red, white and blue is flying proudly throughout the store.

A pair of vintage concrete eagles just in time for Independence Day.

This antique baby bathtub would be perfect for the household catch-all. I also love the distressed bench/coffee table.

Frosted antique glasses, summer cookbooks and vintage sailboat.

Our collection of salvage is growing too.

I love it when I find a pair of good vintage boots to sell.

This painted vintage buffet just in.

From a weekend road trip, this great collection of cigar boxes.

We've gone global.

Every summer we get the seashells out. I especially love them displayed in this grey cabinet.

Within a week I found this melange of modern items: 60's buffet, industrial light bulbs and vinyl rocker. A nice, clean change for us.

As always, hope to see you!
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Crude Style

2009-06-04T17:48:00.005-06:00

I posted a blog post years ago about this great shop I discovered called Bailey's Home and Garden outside London in Bridstow, England. The Bailey's have published a few books and they have become my new favorites for simple, unfussy living. Buy them here.

How easy to collect little chairs and hang them on the wall as sculpture (or a shelf).

This chair above is a perfect example: Great lines, fabulous style but made functional with throw pillows. Forget the new upholstery!

After styling my home and shop for various magazines this year, I have a new desire to make things less perfect. I am calling this new look Crude Style. I love to see interiors when things don't match, objects are used as-found, tables and chairs less than perfect and an overall ease and simplicity to everything- but somehow a great style still appears. Some may look at it and think it is not finished enough, but that is what I love about it because I believe every object has been carefully picked to appear unstyled.

I love the mix of sizes and stripes for these pillows. They match, but they don't.

A few raw boards screwed together for a make-shift desk. Perfect!

As a shop owner I am forever concerned how things look: What is hung on the front door, the furniture placement in the store, the objects on the tables, how pictures are hung, how bottles are faced... it's never ending. With so much product there has to be an order to things to look good to the customer and be easier to shop. But when it comes to my home, I am forever trying to find that balance of style and simplicity while being undecorated but still fabulous! It is in the eyes of the beholder as many may think it's just a pile of junk!

Who doesn't want to plop down here for a couple hours? The apple crates as shelves and the shoes!!! on the bottom shelf- in the living room! Why not?

Perfect crude style: a slab of distressed wood for a quick headboard and no-fuss bedding. Who needs more?

As I antique for the shop, I buy what is appropriate for the majority of our customers but for myself I am looking for objects that have been left out in the rain for years, the chair with simple rust or a box that has been wired shut to make the perfect little table.

Why bother replastering that wall? It works so well with the ease of the kitchen.

This idea stopped me! Patches of old tapestry rugs used as a runner up the stairs. Tack away.

The September issue of Romantic Homes magazine will feature my home and the store. For the first time a national magazine is showing my store the way I have always wanted: a complete spread of both interiors with great images. Lucky for me I was able to style each and every picture. This has been six months in the making as I have been waiting and waiting on what issue it would appear and finally got the word two weeks ago. Since then, I have been answering the email interview so I hope all of it ends up a great read for you.

Again, the mix of found wood creates so much texture and interest and I love the old palette hung on the wall for display.

Throwing a variety of textiles over the sofa is easier than a new slipcover and I love how they hung the light on the spare outlet on the wall rather than ignore the strange placement.

As a store owner (especially in this economy) I am forever preparing for store press. Whether it is my home or the store being featured, I have to keep the buzz going so customers can see what we are doing and keep business flowing. Yes, it is a lot of work but it is all part of shop-owning. Now that Romantic Homes is in the can I need to move on to the next thing so Crude Style is my new direction for my home! Maybe not completed this year, but stay tuned for the next.
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Curious Sofa Art Show

2009-05-28T08:46:00.010-06:00

.ART SHOW THIS WEEKEND! Read more here...

Look up and look around and erase your calendar as the Village is the place to be this Friday, Saturday & Sunday. This center will be home to over 100 artists showing their goods along the streets and sidewalks and inside the store we will be offering some unique work as well. Take a look at the art that will be for sale inside the store during our Second Insider Art Show.

Kama Darr
Valerie Dumas

Julie Fjell

Mary Green

Adalaide Johnson

Dianne Ripper

Lisa Souers

Jon & Lisa VanDusen

We hope to see you to support these national and local artists and to also take a look around at our new goods. Flags, seashells, metal lawn chairs, benches and lots of odds and ends. Don't miss it!
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R & R

2009-05-23T11:37:00.007-06:00

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BEDDING SALE
Now through June 3.
20% off all in stock and custom orders.

Call us today: 913-432-8969

Matteo & Due, Pine Cone Hill, Bella Notte,
John Robshaw, Les Indiennes and Utitily Canvas

Call us today: 913-432-8969

Call us today: 913-432-8969

Call us today: 913-432-8969

The Jane

2009-05-20T06:53:00.001-06:00

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My new favorite website: The Jany NYC
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All Ears

2009-05-12T15:47:00.006-06:00

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Listen tonight as I am interviewed on Spirit Quest Radio: Brainfood- Living a Creative Life with host Mark Sackett & Betsy Donnelly.

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Botanically Challenged

2009-05-02T12:58:00.004-06:00

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My second article for the Kansas City Star, published 5/3/09

Botanically Challenged
Maybe your imagination should do all the growing.

Awe, it’s Spring! Lawns are turning green, tiny buds are blooming and the nurseries are buzzing with weekend gardeners ready to get their hands in the dirt. Not me, I am scrambling for the sunscreen.

Allergies aside, if you do not like the look of lovely flowers and fresh plants something might be wrong with you. If however, you cannot decorate with them for fear of the inevitable, then come join my club for the Botanically Challenged. Each time I think I’ll buy a little planted something for the interior of my home, it lasts about seven days. Where did I go wrong? Too much water or not enough? Should it have been morning light or afternoon? I give up. I’ll nail a seed packet to the wall and dream.

As a retailer it is nearly impossible to keep things alive in my semi-lit store. And as much as faux flowers are so, well, not cool- I admit there are a lot of great brands out there than can argue the point. Lately I have discovered ways to negotiate decorating with nature and I have to say, my way has much less maintenance.

Pressed botanicals
The Europeans had this figured out a long time ago. Explorers would travel the world, collect plant clippings and flatten these specimens under glass and store for research in Herbarium houses. Little did they know they would become great works of art. Today many affordable reproductions are available as well as antique originals.

Tree and shrub branches
Roam your own back yard or the local park for fallen branches or clip a few sprigs from your favorite flowering shrub. When used in a giant glass bottle they make the perfect centerpiece.

Natural accessories
Adding a touch of nature can be accomplished in almost any room by adding a tiny nest or feathery bird. A large bowl of hedge apples make a colorful display as well.

Statuary
Although there is nothing botanical about it, adding an object indoors that is normally found outdoors helps give the illusion to garden living. A concrete pot, fence piece or birdhouse can be used throughout your home tucked in the most unlikely of places for stronger impact.

Bringing the outdoors in is not a new concept and can also be achieved with illustrated fabric, beautiful floral prints and preserved boxwood. I believe keeping it maintenance free is just what Mother Nature had in mind all along. Let her do all the work, after all, she’s better equipped!

DEBBIE DUSENBERRY
is the owner and creative director of Curious Sofa in Prairie Village. When not in her shop she travels, antiques, and blogs- all with her beloved pet Bichon, Pearl by her side.

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Curious Goes Modern

2009-05-01T17:17:00.008-06:00

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As promised, the after pictures of the Florida condo I just staged for selling, 98% completed. A few items arrived the day after we left but the idea is still there.

555 on 5TH AVE SOUTH
NAPLES, FLORIDA

ENTRANCE
(Big seashells to come to sit here)

STUDY

KITCHEN DINING
(Candles are sitting in a pool of sand)

KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM BAR
(A series of b/w vintage photographs of scenic Naples are coming to hang behind this wall)

LIVING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

LIVING ROOM
(The piece de la resistance- a Curious Sofa linen slipcovered sectional sleeper)

LIVING ROOM
(An amazing seven foot distressed mirror is coming to hang over the sectional)

LIVING ROOM SKYLIGHT
(I chose the brushed metal fan at the last minute from Home Depot)

MASTER BEDROOM
(Lush bedding not shown, still waiting on the bed frame)

MASTER BATH

GUEST BEDROOM
(Duvet covers and more pillows to come)

GUEST BATH

BALCONY

What you are seeing above is my first real design job where I met with a client (Angie), listened to what she needed and gathered what I thought was appropriate for her project. This is an eight unit condo in downtown Naples that my client has owned for many years. After a hurricane, she bulldozed the lower level retail shops and decided to build two additional floors of luxury condos above. Cache and White & Black Market are her tenants. These are pictures of the model unit the realtor will show potential buyers. This unit had no decorative touches to start with except the tile, appliances, cabinets and floors. All else was bare.

My assignment was to keep it clean and cool, simple and modern so it would appeal to a hip, second-home buyer. She didn't want it cluttered with paraphernalia but shown in a way others could see that it was big enough for a large screen TV, sectional sofa and a Queen bed. This is not the usual model condo decor you'd find in Florida.

I spent approximately six weeks and over 75 hours shopping for this job online, talking with the property manager and architect for specific details and arranging deliveries and pick-ups 1,400 miles away. I tried to time all shipments to get there a week before we arrived so all would be ready. We flew down last Saturday and began. Angie and I unpacked boxes and arranged and kept shopping for what we still needed, then schlepping and hauling each and every item to the third floor. She would unpack and clean as I was was building, hanging, drilling and steaming for four days and five nights. Many items were ordered and shipped through my store while other items were ordered through Target, West Elm, Sears, World Market, HSN or found in Naples (Pottery Barn, Home Goods, Pier One). Keep in mind this was a little more than a staging job as Angie and her family will come here to work and vacation until this unit is sold. So everything from mattresses to dishes, flatware, trash cans, a vacuum, alarm clock, TV, dish soap, towels, etc. had to be ordered to make it livable for them. Some things came broken, some were returned and some never arrived at all. We delayed our flight one extra day to fine tune, add more details and clean, clean, clean.

There were also many problems to fix that come with a new development and long distance living: the hot water heater didn't work, the cable wasn't connected to the building, the electricity wasn't working in one room, locks weren't locking and the first realtor was fired as I watched the business of real estate unfold. There was also some comedy relief when Angie put dish soap in the new dishwasher (screaming, "It's leaking!"), cooked the plastic manual pack in the new oven, tried to wash the clothes with detergent and bleach in the dryer saying, "The washer is not working either!" and left the rental car idling for 5 hours in the garage because of a new off button they have now.

We were so tired most nights we didn't have the energy to go to many of the good restaurants in Naples but opted for ice cream or grocery store take out instead -and- I only saw about 1" of beach peaking over a park bench at 30 miles an hour!

In the end, I learned I was not half bad at this interior design stuff even though it was not hard core Curious Sofa style. But good design is good design. It was nice to buy things and put them out without cleaning, fixing, rewiring like you usually do with antique goods. We left proud of our efforts and talking of the next unit we would love to do in tan and blue with sisal rugs and painted furniture. The real test will come when buyers walk through and give their two cents (because everyone has their two cents!). If it sells within the next 3 months, despite the off season in Naples and the soft real estate market, I know I will have done my job!

Enjoy.

Divine Design

2009-04-26T21:12:00.006-06:00

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A quick post:
I am currently in Naples, FL helping a friend (and client) stage a new condo for selling. As I was searching online for some last minute extras I found this bedding on Linens 'n Things and thought it was fabulous. The design caught my eye but when I enlarged the image, the shot was styled just right. Great odd leather chair 'side tables', botanical sketch poster and the small round bulbs used in the perfect-shade-of-gold chandelier. buy it here.

And the (before) Florida condo I'm decorating:
Florida Condo for sale in Naples, FL 34102 $999,999.00
Serious inquiries call Angie 913-381-8972.

April Greetings Y'all

2009-04-08T21:56:00.016-06:00

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I'm back from Texas, the Miss Frenchie show is coming and another May Day event is on it's way to the Sofa. Whew! We've been busy.

Views from Texas (Leftovers)

My friend Carol and I set off at the last minute to shop the famous Round Top Antique Show via Austin. Four days of shopping and 13 hours of straight-through driving, we we're battered, bruised and wind blown but (un)loaded with lots of goodies. Some are out and some are hidden waiting for the Frenchie show next weekend.

The following are some of the items I brought back from Texas: a wonderful 10' painted farm table, vintage dressers and tables, ruffled kitchen chair slipcovers, patio tables, English sideboard (my favorite!), iron urns, lawn chairs, French towels and table linens. Much more not shown.

While I was gone other items arrived at the store to brighten the shop for Spring. Check out these new kitchen goodies, cookbooks and Spring paper products.

Don't forget, we still have some cute Easter items at 50% off.

Also, CALL FOR ENTRIES
Send me pics of your original artwork to be sold inside the store during the Prairie Village Art Fair. We have room for four more vendors.
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Can I Help?

2009-04-02T13:42:00.004-06:00

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I just discovered this little site that is sure to take off like Facebook one day. Due to the emails I get I thought this might be a better way to respond to some of you. I hope you can use it.
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All Is Bright

2009-03-20T10:42:00.005-06:00

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This Tuesday, Christmas took place in my house and I wanted to share a few of the pictures with you without giving it all away. What I thought would be a piece of cake turned into quite an ordeal! But then isn't that what Christmas decorating is usually about? Beads and baubles, ornaments and wire, paper and ribbon, festive food and greens. I am stilling piling up the debris after all was said and done.

Better Homes & Gardens does a special issue each September titled Christmas Ideas and this year I will be included. The editor, Ann Blevin found my blog, saw my style and thought I would be a good fit. (or diversion!). After twirling my mantle in five different ways I suddenly thought, 'Has anyone ever done a Goth Xmas?!' -because it looked like I was about to! I had an idea to use this fabulous black tree I bought for a friend last December. After helping her decorate it I was in love with the contrast of the black tree against the bright turquoise ornaments we used. With her modern decor it looked like something for Domino magazine. So I thought I would buy one for me. After adding some appropriate ornaments, hurricane candles and gold frames on the mantle, I was very happy but couldn't help but wonder how it would fit with all the other green and red the issue will indoubtably have. It did look a bit Gothic because of the black but as I said to the editor, "If I saw this in the magazine it would make me stop!" So on I went doing the black tree.
Here are some other shots:

A hodge podge of silver (most on the table that you cannot see)

A great shot on the porch with champagne cooling in a giant urn of snow...

A shot with my friend Julie Reed's folded paper sculptures and Wendy Addison's new line coming this Christmas...

My vanilla vignette using every ivory prop I could find (many off camera here)...

Not shown, a sofa set-up with a giant lamb painting, stone angel and French sconce. Only six months until you can see more!

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Debut Column

2009-03-17T22:39:00.003-06:00

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My new column for the Kansas City Star, premiered Sunday, March 15.
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Hurry Spring

2009-03-04T22:08:00.009-06:00

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.We've been very lucky here in Kansas City to have minimal snow and an easy winter but despite all that, warmer weather is still something we hope for in March. Tomorrow we are expecting 72 degrees and just three days ago there were five inches of snow on the ground. Ahh the Midwest. Love it or leave it. We are jumping the gun for Spring here at the Sofa because we can't wait any longer.

Our Spring beginnings.

New slipcovered loveseat.

New slipcovered slipper chair.

New slipcovered chaise.

The Custom Furniture Sale ends Sunday so please run in to order any furniture or fabric by the yard and save 20%. We even had brand new pieces delivered this week and to stay true to the sale they are also 20% off. We have also been marking down many items throughout the store to prepare for new Spring goods. Actually, Debbie is in one of her makeover moods and I have decided my new motto is 'No More Compromise'. It's time to sell exactly what I envisioned my store to be: 99% of what I would want in my own home. What a concept! Speaking of, take a look at the March issue of KC SPACES magazine and the 10 page spread on my home. We have 45 copies for sale in the store if you cannot find it on our local newsstand.

March SPACES with a spread of my home.

Back to my revelation: to be honest, the economy has most retailers rethinking every move they make and instead of bringing my customers quick sell, cheaply made, see-anywhere goods, I am going to do just the opposite. We're making it more fabulous than ever! Gone will be the generic filler and something for everyone mentality. Now don't expect this to happen overnight (unless of course you come in and buy it all this week, which would be just fine with me!) but by Fall you will see a different, funkier more specific look. Not to worry- we are staying true to who we are- in fact, even more so.

Egg wreath, lamb box, faux chocolate bunny, birdhouse.

Ivory glitter bunnies and white chocolate eggs.

What does this mean? WE NEED YOU. Fans of the Sofa UNITE! It's hard as the owner not to want to buy merchandise that will keep the store looking full, honor the season and have an assortment of things that will please 95% of the visitors. So the true-blue, die-hard Curious Crowd need to support this because, well, we will lose some of those customers that want to know where all the wreaths are! You cannot imagine the requests we get being in the Village. Someday I may tell you. So the young at heart, home decorator, do-it-yourselfer, "I don't need a decorator", artist, professional, junker devotee need to cheer us on (and I know you're there!)

A lot of wonderful artwork has just arrived and new lamps.

For now I am still happy and proud with what has been coming in and ready for some serious antiquing too. Take a look around.

My new favorite: lamps and pillows with applied fabric.

African glass bead necklaces in ocean colors.

A real-live cuckoo clock, the newest pet in the store!

Vintage rings.

Glass paperweights.

New French books.

Hope to see you!
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Online Store Now Open

2009-03-02T23:00:00.004-06:00

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Well it only took eight years to get this finished but Curious Sofa has finally created a real online shopping cart! Don't get too excited, for now we are only posting DEB'S DOZEN. 12 items a month will be featured (and replenished as they sell) until we get the hang of this. Once we get in the routine of shipping, we'll offer so much more. Enjoy!
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Heavenly Beds

2009-02-26T16:47:00.007-06:00

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This just in, wonderful new photos of the bedding we offer. Who wouldn't want to crawl into these? Call the store for to order 913-432-8969 or email: curiousstaff@curioussofa.com

WHISPER WHITE LINEN BEDDING
As soft and delicate as it looks.

Queen size bed shown:
Euro shams $125
Standard sham $101
King sham $117
Body pillow (great at the foot of the bed) 18" x 60" $242
F/Queen Duvet $466
Fabric by the yard (used to cover this headboard) $51

Other colors available:
MIDNIGHT BEDDING
A deep rich navy color shown with a mix of satin, embroidery and velvet fabric styles.

Queen size bed shown:
Neckroll: $97
Euro shams $117 - $136
King sham $163
F/Queen Duvet $689
Fabric by the yard (used to cover this headboard) $92

Other colors available:
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Fans of Curious Sofa

2009-02-17T21:29:00.004-06:00

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We're on Facebook!
Please join here
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We Make Great Sofas

2009-02-13T12:22:00.015-06:00

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If it's time to get comfy and nest in your nest, let me tell you about us. Yes, Curious Sofa has all kinds of soaps and lotions, beads and baubles, art and oddities- but we have always been true to our name: we have amazing sofas. Why are they different?

- They are well made (built like a truck) in the USA but then filled with down, feathers and foam for super comfort.

- We have so many of options to choose from you can virtually design your own pieces with size, shape and fabric. (we can only display 10% of what we can do).

- We can do modern! (and traditional and romantic and contemporary). We have sleek lines, square arms, black leather, ruffled skirts and even bright orange fabric.

- We can custom make a sofa for you in any size you need.

- We want you to wash our slipcovers while other brands tell you they 'recommend dry cleaning'. We also upholster, tuft, cord, trim, pleat, etc.

- One of our manufacturers we have worked with for eight years and I even have the owners home number! The others are there to help with anything. Our pieces are not factory made on an assembly line. These vendors bend over backwards for us as they depend on the small boutique owner not the big box furniture stores. It's all about the relationship.

- You know us, we know you. We call, we check, we make things right.

- Call or email us for an appointment with Debbie to help you make your selection. Every Saturday 1-4:00, February 15 - March 8. curiousstaff@curioussofa.com 913-432-8969

Just a few of our top selling styles below. See more here.

Ask to see our new line of French Laundry furniture! Just in with amazing fabric by the yard made to look like European grain sacks.

Above, fabric by the yard $50 and up.

Due to the response of the chair above, we are making it available with an approximate 2-3 week delivery. Priced at $2,300 with shipping included in the U.S. 50% down, 50% when ready to ship. V, MC, AX, DV accepted. Call if interested. 913-432-8969 or email: curiousstaff@curioussofa.com
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Art Show PIcs

2009-02-10T16:21:00.007-06:00

Our LOVE HURTS Art Show was a big success last weekend and all who attended left with some amazing things. Take a look around and make note to be here for the next one.

Lesa Dailey
also participating in the Miss Frenchie Show!

Michelle Spaw

Greg Johnson
artist of our favorite calendar journal! Also participating in the Miss Frenchie Show!

Sally Calvin for Widgeonwood Farms

Tammy Smith

Diane and Madeline Tompkins

Vintage Rings from Lisa Coffman

Curious Sofa coming events:
Sofa Sale, February 15 - March 8
Miss Frenchie's April in Paris, April 17 & 18
Curious Sofa May Day Show, May 2 & 3
with garden plants by Marcia Bailey of Bristleridge Gardens
Prairie Village Art Show with Insider Art May 29, 30 & 31

LOVE HURTS

2009-01-29T19:21:00.015-06:00

Now that January is behind us it is time for Curious Sofa to get back on the special event bandwagon. Our first stop: this coming Friday night and all day Saturday our first LOVE HURTS Valentine Art Show.

I have gathered some of the best artisans in the city and they are bringing original, handmade, one-of-a-kind treasures: gifts, wall art, sculpture, jewelry, paper crafts and if that wasn't enough for the eyes we also invited Widgeonwood Farms back for her delectable goodies to add to the already sweet mix . Sally brings her gourmet chocolate truffles, bon-bons, English toffee, biscotti and more. Don't miss this one!

LOVE HURTS
Valentine Art Show
Friday, February 6, 5:30-8:30
Saturday, February 7, 10-6

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OUR FEATURED ARTISTS:

TAMMY SMITH

GREG JOHNSON

MICHELLE SPAW

DIANE & MADELINE TOMPKINS

LISA COFFMAN

LESA DAILEY

WIDGEONWOOD

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Ode to the Bandana

2009-01-24T22:50:00.018-06:00

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I have had a love for bandanas for quite awhile now and although this may seem like a strange blog post, I decided the bandana is a classic design who's style and function need to be acknowledged.

It began in 1990 when (I thought) I was moving to Europe. I condensed my luggage to just one carry-on as I knew I would be walking everywhere and jumping on and off trains. I remember throwing a bandana in my bag thinking it would serve me for so many things:
A headband
A wash cloth
A Kleenex
A napkin
A shower cap
A luggage tag
A towel
A necklace
A Band-aid
A carry-all when tied hobo style
And finally, a scarf

Some of you may avoid this universal accessory thinking you look like a cowboy or pirate when wearing one (not that there's anything wrong with that)- but not to worry. Designers from Louis Vuitton to my beloved Ralph take this scarf to a whole new level by adding their familiar signature.

My love for the bandana is two-fold. I not only love the classic paisley print because it falls somewhere between masculine and feminine but the soft cotton texture of a well worn bandana is equally appealing. Once the starchy stiffness is out there is nothing like reaching in your bag and pulling out that 'ol friend. I try to collect the dull, neutral colors whenever I find them (what a surprise) from Wal-Mart to the dollar shop but my favorite place to hunt for bandanas is the local thrift store. There they are always soft and worn and often found in offbeat colors and patterns. I even search for them on eBay now and then.

I roll them, fold them, sometimes iron them and have been known to coffee stain them to dull the colors down a bit. They're in my hair, around my neck, in a pocket or worn as a belt. (OK, not me, but maybe some of you). I also cut them in skinny ribbons to wear alone or with a pendant.

From pirates to bandits to rock stars- the bandana is one of the few accessories that are fun and functional- and sometimes found for only a $1.00! So tie one on.

My own personal stash.

New January Products

2009-01-21T20:49:00.007-06:00

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January means we can see the walls of the store again! Frosty trees, mercury ornaments and fake snow have been replaced by new furniture, Valentine gifts and the beginnings of Spring.

Take a look around at where we are going for February and also mark your calendar for our first 'Love Hurts' Valentine Art Show, February 6 & 7. (More on that to come).

For Valentines Day the color starts to trickle in:

Beautiful journals.

Crystal, enamel and gold heart necklaces.

Glossy printed heart boxes.

Cards, notepads and French berry bowls.

Tiny devil rubber duckies.

Just in! French General stationery and labels inspired from antique textiles.

Oilcloth coin purses and bags.

New furniture:

Tall Rustic Wood Bookcases.

Raw Wood and Dark Charcoal Upholstered Arm Chair, Crochet Throw, Burlap Bolster.

A pair of new Chenille Bergere Chairs are in. Here shown against our newly painted wall and silhouette tree I finished Sunday night.

A trifold room divider with beveled glass and upholstery base.

A new/old wing chair with fresh ticking fabric.

A perfect size French style Loveseat with soft, burlap linen upholstery and whitewash trim.

Sticking with my neutral accessories:

White and black bangles with various sayings.

Glass lamp, vintage clock and recycled newspaper frame.

Tin containers in three sizes.

Duck cloth nautical pillows with large stenciled numbers.

Also, XL messenger bags.

My new favorite: Large match boxes with antique Asian photographs.

The first birdhouses have started to arrive.

...also new lamps, jewelry, pillows, kitchen items, books and more. Please stop in!
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In or Out

2009-01-19T21:18:00.016-06:00

I always love seeing those 'What's In, What's Out' lists you inevitably see this time of year. After my eyes jump back and forth over two columns of familiar items, my first reaction is always, "Who says so?" I imagine a group of bored editors sitting around a glossy table with tons of tear sheets throwing out comments like, "Yes! I agree, I'm starting to hate pink skirts too..."

The following is a current list I tore out of a trade magazine. This list of Ins & Outs were submitted by retailers commenting on what they say customers like and don't like.

Some of my favorites (with personal commentary included):

IN
Monograms (Why wouldn't they be? They're personal!)

Scent diffusers (Wrong. We've all learned it was a great idea but short lived. Most are not worth their money and rarely scent a room.)

Cheeseboards, platters and bowls (Seriously, these are 'in'?)
Decorative bathroom rugs (So many choices, so little time.)
Window treatments. (As opposed to bottles of Windex).
Owls, penguins, monkeys and Buddhas. (Please, not on the same shelf).

Rustic glamour. (I would love to know what this is).
Living rooms as lounges. (Consult your local air traffic controller).
Jewel tones. (Someone please put these on the OUT list).

Permanent botanicals. (A nice word for fake plants).
Velvets, linen, cotton and silk fabric (What's left, corduroy?)
Comfort (I hope so).

OUT
High maintenance furniture (Oh darn, I was so hoping to sell some!)
Unnecessary extravagance (Does this include two-ply tissue?)
Muddy earth tones (However, bright, fluorescent earth tones are in!)
Boring lamps
Boring lampshades (Really!, These were listed separately)
Matchy-matchy (I love that they used this description as if it were in Websters)
Country, primitive, shabby, Victorian or vintage looks (Wanted: Buyer for retail store in Prairie Village, KS)

My own short list of What's In/What's Out
IN: Buying something significant and useful with an emotional reaction. From a fancy coffee to a well-made, comfortable sofa- enjoy it!

OUT: Buying to buy. Buying to feed the hoarder in you. Adding to a collection. Enough already!
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