So at long last I'm buying a house

[TransitJohn]

and being a single guy (with a wonderful 9 year old daughter), I am looking to buy some stylish furniture. I'm completely not into the whole country/pottery barn style that's the rage, or at least all I can find to buy. I guess I'm really looking for something w/ style and taste, but not foofoo. It's totally time to lose the college like cinder block and 1x12 plank bookcases, etc. Those, along w/ all the milk crate furninture are to be set up in the garage ("man town.") Anybody know where I might begin to look?

[obxhead]

1. Ikea...

Furniture you put together yourself.

[TransitJohn]

2. Been looking on their web site

Some stuff they have seems good...is it sturdy?

[obxhead]

6. some is, some is real crap.

If it's a cheap chair or sofa, thats exactly what your gonna get. Their shelving and tables are usually pretty good though. I've never been impressed by their desks however.

[Guy Fawkes]

3. actually...

yeah, I'd say Ikea. Pier One could also work. Levenger.com has some nice office/den things, too.

[TransitJohn]

4. Thanks

All suggestions appreciated.

[xmas74]

5. I'll go w/ the others and say Ikea.

Simple styles w/ nice lines. Just add a splash of color to it(colorful throw rug, throw pillows, something like that) and maybe some sturdy house plants for a nice look that not too feminine.

[TransitJohn]

8. Ah yes, plants.

I am pretty good w/ the house plants, that is WAS. Until I graduated...now w/ my geology degree I am gone for like a montha and a half at a time....so, no more plants, alas.

[xmas74]

10. Cactus.

Lots of them. Get them in different sizes to jazz up the room. They should be fine w/ some neglect and still give it a polished look.

[Sannum]

7. West Elm is cool

Ikea is what I would think for ya tho....

[Midlodemocrat]

9. Let me give you some advice. Take it for what it is worth.

Buy the absolute best wood furniture you can afford. It will last a lifetime and then some. As far as the upholstered stuff goes, buy the cheapest you can get away with.

This has served us, three kids, dog and Grandpa very well. We still have all the wood stuff, but have replaced the upholstered stuff and it didn't hurt all that much because there wasn't a lot invested.


JMHO.

[TransitJohn]

11. No doubt.

Sound advice...it's what my mom said too. Living in Wyoming, there are a number of local craftsmen/womes making totally smashing wood furniture...pricey, but REALLY nice. Thank you.

[xmas74]

12. Mom's had the ssame wooden living room set for over

20 years now. She changes the slipcovers on the cushions every five years or so. The whole set has held up much better than friends who bought theirs just a couple of years ago.
Good advice.