Traditions Furniture

Something is up.

2012-01-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

Something is Up

Something is up, there is a change in the air. No, it is not the year, nor the season, nor is it politics as usual. Oops, can't talk about that.

No, change is coming to our stores in Overland Park and Wichita. Exciting new products are arriving daily prompting us to spruce things up a bit. And there will be changes to our websites as well. No, I am not going to spill the beans just yet, because we always like a surprise.

We could give you a few hints. That always seems fun. So, look at the images and see if the light turns on. Our changes will be electric.

While you are thinking about this, we want you to be comfortable. Relax in the chair of your choice, stretch out your legs and close your eyes. You know by now that we are the exclusive Stickley retailer in Kansas. You also know that we are the one place to go for Stressless recliners by Ekornes. And we show the best from manufacturers like Century, Sherrill, Vangurard, Paul Roberts, Charleston Forge, and many, many others.

Relax, you are among friends.

Welcome to the Dallas Market

2012-01-22T05:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Dallas Market held January 18th through the 29th.

Coming right on the heels of the Atlanta Gift Show, this one is a little daunting. Daunting because there are 15 floors in the Dallas Trade Center alone, not to mention the Trade and Apparel Marts. Still it is always fun to get away and find something new. Dallas, unlike Atlanta, has a better selection of lighting and florals. So, a five hour drive by car down I-35 to the Dallas World Trade Center at Market Center Parkway, and we are here.

Fine art fills up the many walls of our two stores in Wichita and Overland Park. I have always thought of art as an easy and inexpensive way to travel. So, here is a preview of some of the artwork you can find at Traditions Furniture.

Enjoy the trip.

Don't take it too seriously.

2012-01-15T05:45:00.000-08:00

Uniformity is important when one is mass producing the screws, cog wheels, and widgets that make up a clock. It is also important if one is one of a hundred-and-one trombones in a big parade. When it comes to styling your home, however, you can be as unique as you want, and, perhaps, even a little foolish.

Atlanta - Home of the Braves

2012-01-14T06:14:00.000-08:00

Atlanta, home of the Braves and Falcons, headquarter to CNN and Coca Cola, and the location of AmericasMart, the Atlanta Gift Show, that is held every January come rain or come shine. Thankfully, it is shining and the sky is a robin's egg blue. The air is crisp and cool. The trees line the streets like so many soldiers standing guard as the guests march to market. In winter the leaves have all fallen and the limbs point to heaven. And we are reminded that life on earth is short. The city, mindful of its night time guests, provides brightly lit streetlights in a turn of the century style. Oh why can't Wichita do the same along Douglas Avenue?

Unlike the High Point Market in North Carolina which showcases the major furniture manufacturers, Atlanta's market highlights apparel, rugs, gifts, and decor. The show is located in downtown Atlanta on Peachtree Avenue, Atlanta's answer to New York's Fifth Avenue or Chicago's Madison Avenue. If you are coming by plane the subway has a stop on Peachtree right at the market. Even so, we prefer to cab it from the airport to any number of hotels in walking distance of the market. The fare is a reasonable $35 and the cabbies are all friendly and foreign.

The more than 4,000 permanent showrooms are housed in three towering buildings that overlook Centenial Square and the CNN headquarters. Bridges connect the three towers on several levels making it easy to wander and walk back and forth between showrooms.

Traditions has been coming to the Atlanta show for over 20 years. Some of the recent finds at the showrooms have included brilliantly colored glassware, scented floral bouquets, and French milled soaps that have an air of Provence. There clearly is no rhyme or reason to what is shown at Atlanta, it is only the unique that strikes us.

More to come...

Stickley Winter Sale

2012-01-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

Stickley Winter Sale

It is always a good time to buy Stickley Furniture, but it just got better with the 40% off Sale starting now at Traditions Furniture. Traditions with locations in Downtown Overland Park and the College Hill neighborhood of Wichita, is your single source for Stickley in Kansas.

The sale includes all of Stickley's great products, from its fine upholstery and leather to its Mission, Williamsburg, Modern, Pasadena Bungalow, and Antiquities Collections. What a great time to come in from the cold and watch a game of basketball in front of a Mission Entertainment Center that will house all of your electronic equipment. Game On!

Everyone is familiar with Gustav Stickey and the Arts & Crafts Movement. Gustav and his brothers were Modern before it was cool. The Arts & Crafts Movement, Mission style as it became popularly known, was a transition to simplicity and craftsmanship. Instead of imported mahoganies, the Stickley brothers worked with native American hardwoods of oak and cherry. Quarter-sawn wood cuts reflected the natural beauty of the oak. Emphasis was placed on the quality of the craftsmanship and the practicality of the design. And after over 100 years, Stickley Mission Furniture is still highly sought after by collectors. Anyone who has watched the Antiques Roadshow will recall the many appearances of a well-worn but still beautiful Stickley furniture piece.

Fingerlakes Collection

This year Stickley has brought out a new collection that reflects the rugged beauty of upstate New York. The Fingerlakes Collection is made in cherry. Its hand-planed finish captures the spirit of the northern woodlands and the beauty of the Fingerlakes Region of New York. It is not a coincidence that Stickley Furniture, located in Manlius, New York, should choose this style. Stickley is all about American style.

When we say, "Gather the family and create beautiful memories," we hope to suggest a return to better, simpler times when sitting around the table with family and friends meant something. Sure, going out to a restaurant is all the rage today. Sometimes, it is a necessity. In the hectic pace of life, we don't have time to sit down at home and share the day's stories. But, life is short, and priorities should be the home spun values we prize. The relaxed feel of the Stickley chair, the smooth hand-rubbed patina of the cherry wood, will re-create the perfect environment for your kitchen or dining room. Share again the experience of dining at home with family and friends.

Stickley Story

There is a lot to the Stickley story. Come in today to Traditions Furniture in Downtown Overland Park or Wichita and take a seat in one of Stickley's Morris Chairs or kick back in a recliner and watch TV. You can see it all at Traditions, and enjoy the Stickley Winter Sale, going on now.

Gone to the Dogs

2011-12-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that we here at Traditions Home are dog lovers.

Currently, we are at three and holding. There are the Queen's dog, Lizzie, a Welsh Corgie; Sammy, the loyal German Shephard; and Toby, the Wonder Dog, as in, "I wonder what kind of dog he is?" dog. Actually, he is part Jack Russell Terrier, part Australian Shepherd, and a little Mountain Cur, which all adds up to a bundle of energy and a load of fun.

Dogs, what's not to love about them?

Our store reflects our love of animals and especially dogs.

In addition to the occasional canine visitor who comes in for a bowl of water and a dog treat, there are many wonderful decorative items that give into the love that most of us possess for our pets. These include art work, whimsical plaques, pillows to throw at your pet, when he or she is bad, and a porcelain dog or two to set around and guard the place. And if you are a cat lover, then there is also a place here for you.

What is our favorite item? Well, that's like asking me what is my favorite dog. To that I refuse to give an answer, for each dog has its own special attributes.

Dog Wisdom

As for dog wisdom, I like Dave Barry's remark:

"You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'"

True thoughts, Dave might continue, are best expressed in devotion, not words.

Last Sunday I went for a walk in the country with my dogs. Through field and stream, I walked, they ran. For the very first time we came across an Armadillo. If you have never seen an Armadillo - nature's little tank. The dogs were as confused as the Armadillo by this first meeting. But, eventually, after a sniff here and there and even a bark by the dogs, the Armadillo slowly scampered down his hole. The fun was over.

We were gone for four hours and nary a cross word was said between us. Try that with a spouse or a relative.

Santa's got a Secret

2011-11-26T09:18:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving may be over, and there's a mad to get the best buys.

Well, Santa's got a little secret. The best in home furnishings and holiday decorations comes from Traditions Home at Douglas in Hillside in College Hill.

Traditions carries Stickley, Century, Hancock and Moore, Vanguard, Sherrill, Paul Roberts, Highland House - the best American manufacturers of case-goods and upholstery.

But did you know? Traditions also has the area's largest selection of fine art, lamps, home furnishings, and accessories. Looking for Santa? At Traditions you'll find Santas galore and Frosty too. There are reindeer and angels, in colors of red, green, and gold.

Oh, and one last little secret. Traditions is now on Facebook. Join us today and get all the latest updates on what is new and exciting at Traditions Home, in Wichita and Overland Park.

Fancam - We are Likeable

2011-11-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

We are all likeable, aren't we?

Come into Traditions Home this week during our Holiday Open House and register with our new Fancam to get a chance to win a $300 gift certificate.

It is simple. Find one of your favorite things in the store. Find the camera. Take your picture, and if you are the most likeable, then Traditions Home will give you a $300 gift certificate.

Sorry, you have to be on Facebook to participate. Don't want to Facebook, don't blame you, but you can still sign up to receive Traditions Home's occasional emails that will keep you up to date with what is happening.

Fancam Santa

Pictures will be posted to Traditions Home on Facebook. There you will have the opportunity to see your friends and their favorite things. And be sure and vote for those you like best.

As for Traditions, we like our friends best.

Kick Off Party

2011-11-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, the weather outside is a little frightful, but inside Traditions Home it's delightful. And there is really no place else to go.

Join us Thursday evening for fun and food. We've saved the decorations for you to see. It's an extravaganza that you don't dare miss.

Parking in the rear next to Santa's sleigh.

Fall Open House

2011-10-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

This week and though October 15th come into Traditions Home to see the newest in decorating ideas for the fall. While you are at it, enjoy 25% off any one accessory.

Traditions has the area's largest assortment of fine art, lamps, florals, and even items that will scare the "beejeebers" out of you.

If all this is a little too scary, then you will enjoy the Stickley Fall in Love Sale going on thru the month of October. Enjoy savings of 40% off all Stickley and discover $100 of select items.

The Kings of Leon

2011-09-20T00:45:00.000-07:00

At least 20 of the kings of Spain are buried here in the Bascilica of Leon in the heart of the province Castile-Leon. Yes, once they were two separate kingdoms, but such was the significance of the two kingdoms as a power base, that by the 13th century, they were combined into one governing unit. Think Ferdinand of Ferdinand and Isabel and you will underestand. Today, the city of Madrid overshadows the ancient capital of Leon.

Leon's cathedral is better known for its dramatic stain glass windows. In scope and size they rival those of the cathedral of Chartres in France.

The church is one of the stops for the pilgrims of St. James.

Here is a teaser of the interior with more to come.

Falling Behind

2011-09-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

The End of the World

Since my last article, Ozzie has traveled to the end of the world. Well, not literally, but figuratively. Figuratively because the Spanish have chosen to name this rock Finistere, which means End of Land. One can imagine Christopher Columbus in 1492 sailing away to an unknown world and wondering if the trip was one way.

Ozzie and his friend are staying in the small fishing village of Portosin on Spain's western coast. The road along the coast winds up and down through the hills that provide a bulwark against the Atlantic storms that rage in the winter. Fortunately, it is summer. The sky is blue and the air is clean with a scent of fish and salt. In Portosin, each and everyday, excepting weekends and holidays, in Portosin, the fishermen bring in their catch from the sea. They work on boats that are perhaps 30 to 40 feet in length with crews of five or six. The catch is often anchovies. It is a fish perhaps five or six inches in length. The anchovies are quickly put on ice and loaded onto trucks for the market. These salty fish make a great dinner or snack.

Ozzie prefers the quiet of the villages to the bustling action of the cities. In Portosin, one can walk along the beaches and watch the seagulls pick among the debris left on the sand for their morning meal. Occasionally, one meets a Spaniard out for a walk, but it is not often. Here the water is cold and the currents dangerous.

Two days of relaxing in Portosin and Ozzie is on the road again. This time headed back to Santiago de Compostela, then east along the Camino Santiago, or Way of St. James. This is an historically significant route that since the Middle Ages has been a pilgrimage for the devoted. Pilgrims would walk from all over Europe to pay homage to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela's cathedral. During the Middle Ages, it is estimated that a half million devoted Christians made the journey each year. The number today is not quite as high, but it is still remarkable in this day and age to see the young and old walking along the old route.

Next, our journey took us to the northern Atlantic and along the coast to Luarca. For awhile, we strayed from the highway to join the dvout on sideways on their journey to Santiago. This was the first time that I have heard English spoken, when chance brought us together with two ladies from South Africa. Their husbands stayed home; they were making the jaunt together, a trip they said covered 20 to 26 kilometers a day.

From the seaport of Luarca in Cantabria, we travelled to the province of Astruria. Ozzie drove up into the Picos de Europa and onto the town of Covadunga. Here in 722, Pelagius (Pelayo) defeated an army of Moors and kept a Christian kingdom in northern Spain from which the Reconquista would eventually be launched. The drive through these mountains is spectacular, all the more so as they rise steeply only a few miles from the coast line. The steep hillsides have, like Switzerland, small farms where cattle and sheep graze on the hillsides.

Asturia, is that where John Jacob Astor gets his name from?

A week passes by...

Sometimes, I have internet, sometimes I don't. Traveling on the road is not always conducive to good writing habits.

Monday

We leave Pots and Pans behind for a trip across the top of the Picos de Europa.The route takes up to Riano through winding roads and deep valleys. Ranchers let their cattle feed on the hill side grass giving the impression of Switzerland. Finally, I understand what the triangular road sign is with the cow means. A Spaniard, his wife and dog are driving the cattle down the mountain road.

There is little traffic to mar the view, but the trip is slow. After 30 minutes, the beauty is worn thin by the need to pay attention to the cutbacks on the road.

A night in Leon - the cathedral is spectacular. Its stain glass windows rival those of Chartres. Stayed at the Hotel Eurostar, near the El Cortes Ingles.

Tuesday

A short drive to Benavente is about all we can take after the harrowing drive through the mountains. The drive is only 90 kilometers so we arrive early and take a break. Staying at the Hostal Universal, just off the main square. For that reason, as we will discover later that night, the party goers keep up their revelry til midnight and the trucks roll by at all hours of the night.

The city is quintessentially Spanish to me. By that I mean that the shops shut tight from 2 until 4 in the afternoon, dinner is not served until 8, and Spaniards come out in the evening to walk about. Ozzie wonders when is prime time tv in Spain?

Wednesday

A trip to Zamora is worth it just for the visit to the cathedral of Zamora. There one finds one of Europe's greatest collections of tapestries. My camera is full of pictures from the tapestries alone. The cathedral itself has a beautiful tiled dome. The interior is rich in art work and paintings.

By the end of the day, Ozzie finds himself in Tordesillas. It is a hot dusty town, a way station on the path to larger cities. Staying at the Hostel El Pardo.

Thursday

Traveling in Portugal

2011-09-15T01:40:00.000-07:00

Just a note to remind myself where I have been for the last week. Starting off in Toledo, it was west to Caceres and Merida. From Merida, it was into Portugal, staying first at Coimbra, site of one of Portugal's most important univerisites. Then, on to Aveiro for a little "R & R" on the beach. Aveiro is a pretty town with canals that the Portuguese liken to Venice. The canals are not as extensive as Venice's, but they are a nice centerpiece to the ancient downtown. Aveiro also hosts many beautiful churches, including the Catedral Se and Miseriacordia. The Miseriacordia especially uses tiles in both its exterior and interior decorations.

By Wednesday, we were ready to drive north through Porto and onto Braga, a religious center for all of Portugal. The Portuguese say that they play in Lisabon, work in Porto, and pray in Braga. The disrepair of many of the buildings in Braga suggests to me that the Bragans should pray a little less and work a little mor. Still, a visit to the Dom do Jesu with its beautiful view of Braga from the top of a hillside and the stariway that leads up to the church is inspiring.

Eventually, we stayed the night in Guimaraes, birthplace to the nation of Portugal. The massive castle inside the city is where, in the 12th century, Porutgal's first king, Alfonso Henriques rose to power. Again, there are many beautiful churches to view and a historic city center to wander.

Next it is onto Santiago in Spain's remote northern province of Galatia.

Put a Cork in It

2011-09-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

The next time you think about pulling a cork out of a bottle of wine, think about this.

1. Half of all corks used come from Portugal - some 70 million corks a day.
2. Dom Perignon, the champagne making monk, started the trend of using the odorless cork as a stopper in the 17th century.
3. Cork is peeled off an oak tree, called Quercus suber.
4. After it has been stripped from the tree, cork takes ten years to grow back.
5. The tree grows naturally in the wild, but is cultivated in large tracts on rugged hillsides.

The cork is environmentally friendly. Trees planted are carbon neutral, labor employed keeps the Portuguese happy, and then, there is nothing like pulling a cork and hearing the pop.

Can't put the cork back in the bottle? Solution - drink the entire bottle.

Top Ten Things to Remember in Having a Good Time in Spain

2011-09-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

1. Speak Spanish - hablas Espanol. The Spanish do, so should you.

2. Stay out late - after 8 is when the tourists go to bed and the Spaniards come out.
3. Try the menu del dia. For 10 euros each, we had a three course meal with a full bottle of wine. Try doing that at Yia Yias.
4. Look for out of the way places. You will be surprised to find quaint but beautiful cities everywhere in Spain. Sure, the big cities are famous, but the small cities have their own flavor - like the flavors of a gelato store.
5. Get out of the car and walk, or better yet, go for a run.

Day One - Toledo

2011-09-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

Holy Toledo.

Toledo is capital of the province of Castille-La Mancha. It is a short 45 minute drive from the airport at Madrid and along the route one sees the outline of a large steel bull, symbol of the province. With a little effort, one can also find the windmills that Don Quixote famously tilted at.

The city of Toledo is a World Heritage site, a must stop for any visitor to Spain. A short list of things to see and do must include the narrow winding streets of the city, its many cathedrals and churches which are home to paintings by el Greco, the Alcazar, and the view of the River Tagus. Just as engaging are the visits to the local shops which specialize in anything steel, which is what Toledo was famous for. While swords and steel suits are not necessarily the primary means of defense today, they still adorn many homes.

Since my last trip to Toledo, I had forgotten the sweet flavor of Marzapan, which is a specialty of the many pastry shops. But by far the favorite pastime of the hard working citizens of Toledo is to sit in a local cafe and sip a beer or a glass of the local wine.

Plan to stay in the city and be a part of the night life. You can drive, but remember the streets are tortuously narrow, but exciting. Be careful and retract your rear view mirrors or risk a scrape. Park in a garage and pay the 15 euros a day. Bring a Garmin to find your way or plan to get lost a lot.

My choice of hotels is the Hotel Eurico, a stones throw from the main cathedral in the city center. It is also convienient to the church of St. Tome, home of el Greco's famous painting, the Burial of Count Orgaz. The hotel is small and I consider this a plus as the service is friendly. The decor is a blend of the medieval and the modern. The rooms are cool, a must after a day in the hot Castillian sun. The beds are short, but firm and comfortable.

The city can be walked in a day, but you really need to stay for two or three to experience it all. And remember that the social life in Spain does not begin until after eight.

Doppelganger

2011-08-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

What is a Doppelgänger?

In common parlance, doppelganger has come to mean a "look alike" or "double". In German, the word literally means twice happening.

So, why is Traditions having a doppelganger sale this Labor Day Weekend? It is because our Overland Park location still has the Stickley Truckload Sale going on at 7911 Metcalf; and, because Stickley is offering a special Labor Day Sale of 45% off any special order in store.

What is not to like? Twice the opportunity to save. There are still some great buys on our Truckload items at last year's prices, but if you were waiting for that special piece, whether it is a Stickley sofa or chair, or whatever, buy it now and save big.

The Labor Day Sale ends Tuesday, so come in now and enjoy. Closed Sunday, open Monday, Labor Day.

The Morris Bow Arm Recliner

2011-08-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Morris Bow Arm Recliner

William Morris, 1834 - 1896, was one of the leading influences of the English Arts and Crafts Movement and creator of the Morris Bow Arm Recliner, which inserted pegs into the seat to allow the back to recline. His recliner was adapted by Gustav Stickley, 1858 -1942, and became one of the many featured items of the Gustav Stickley's Mission Furniture Collection.

Stickley's new furniture reflected his ideals of simplicity in construction, and return to native materials. Plain wood surfaces were enlivened by the cut of the wood to show the flaking pattern of quarter-sawn oak. Varnish and laquer was applied so as not to obscure the grain of the wood and mortise and tenon joinery was exposed to demonstrate the structural qualities of the works..

In 1900, Gustav Stickley and his brothers Leopold, Albert, and John George began making the finest in American Arts and Crafts furniture. Today, that tradition continues in the company still called Stickley Furniture, located in upstate New York.

Tsuba Chair

Over the years, Stickley Furniture has continued to innovate and refine both its style and method of production to improve on quality and design. One innovation has been the adaption of the Bow Arm Recliner to the style of Stickley's Pasadena Bungalow Collection.

Let's talk value.

Here is one of Gustav Stickley’s most famous designs - the Bow Arm Morris Chair, made by Gustav Stickley from 1901 to 1916 and still made today by the L. & J.G. STICKLEY of Manlius , New, York. The arched arms, pluralized by the arch along the seat apron gave this chair a little more sensitivity than Stickley’s straight lined recliners. How do you put a price on comfort and styling?

Discover what Sotheby's sold an original Bow Arm Morris Recliner for in 2010 by visiting Stickley's Antique of the Week Archive.

Strolling in Montpellier

2011-06-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Montpellier

Montpellier is perhaps better known to American school children as the capital of the state of Vermont. French children would beg to differ, and I would say, "Vive la différence!"

Montpellier is capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, located along the southern coast of France and facing the Mediterranean with its blue waters. Montpellier has a long tradition as a university city a distant relative to two medieval universities. Montpellier University. More than a quarter of Montpellier's 260.000 inhabitantsare students.

We say, "Summer in France" - the French, "été en France". Either way, it is a time for vacation for students and others. Strolling in Montpellier by Hovely, evokes the sultry air of southern France and the quaint streets of Montpellior, even if it sizzles.

And, if you can't get there for now, you can imagine the charm of the city and its cafes by purchasing this beautiful print at Traditions Furniture. C'est tres jolie.

Traditions

2011-06-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Life is a balancing act between work and family, between family and friends, between self and others. If we lean one way too far then we loose our balance, our way in the world.

The only way to keep from falling is to focus, to put one step in front of the other, eyes straight ahead. No worrying about kids when you are working, no worrying about work when you are with your kids. Spend time with the kids doing what they like to do, but relax with friends making adult conversation and sharing thoughts that matter. And sometimes, it is necessary to get away from it all and work on self improvement. Read a book, exercise, take a trip, whatever recharges the mental batteries and keeps the motor running.

When we choose the name Traditions for the store, we had in mind the musical Fiddler on the Roof. At the heart of Fiddler on the Roof is the theme that life is a balancing act like that of a fiddler on the roof. The opening song Tradition itself refers to the precariousness of life against which tradition is our guide. But the story is also about new traditions, new ways of doing things, and our attitude toward this process can be deceptively tricky to pin down. So, take a deep breath and place the next foot in front of the other.

And how do we keep our balance? Traditions.

It takes Someone Special to be a Dad

2011-06-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Older now, I reflect back on my time with Dad.

From birth to the age of ten, I really needed him. Whether it was baseball and biking or books and homework, Dad was there to teach and show me the way. From 10 to 20 years, I would occasionally check in with him. My friends suddenly became a bigger part of my life and time spent with Dad was a second here and there. From 20 to 30 years, I thought I knew everything and Dad was a phone call on weekends or a card on birthdays and holidays. From 30 to 40 years, I too became a Father. Then again, I saw my Father as a friend whose advice and wisdom I needed again. Maybe, I have finally grown up!

There are many quotes about fatherhood, but the one I like best is by Australian born photographer, Anne Geddes.

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a Dad."

Although my Dad is no longer with me, I can still see him sitting in his chair at the end of a long day at work. I hear his voice when I speak to my own son and try to be the father my father was to me. I feel his spirit when from the closet I take out the hat he used to wear and put it on my own head. I know that he is not far away.

Father's Day celebrates all that Dad has done. So, for all those caring Dads out there who dedicate their time, give love beyond measure, and sacrifice endlessly in the hope of creating happiness for someone else – Relax and Happy Father's Day.

Tent Sale Through This Saturday, June 10th

2011-06-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

Seeming far far far away, all the noise in my ear gets louder as if quite near; now sitting, thinking thoughts that mingle with dreams, of hills far away and their cool, cool, cool streams.

Sometimes, one needs to clear out the cob webs. And by cob webs, I mean the clutter that crowds in and confuses the mind with thoughts that really don't matter. So, it is nice to get a fresh start and wake up to something new and exciting.

Traditions Home is finishing its Tent Sale this week. We are clearing out the cob webs. No not old and dusty, but items that are slightly damaged, or items that have been around a little too long. And our wish to bring in the new is your advantage as we are selling all Yellow Tag items at great discounts.

Find us on Facebook.

Memorial Day

2011-05-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1971 Congress, with the passage of the National Holiday Act, established a three day weekend by making Memorial Day the last Monday in May.

While Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those who have died serving the nation in war, it is only fitting that this weekend serve to remind us that tragedy makes all of us Americans.A shared sacrifice is an American value.

The tornado in Joplin last week devastated an area six miles long and up to three-fourths of a mile across. There are over 120 dead and hundreds still missing. The tornado was indiscriminate in its destruction. Along with hundreds of homes and dozens of businesses, it struck a hospital and three churches. The tragic stories of love ones pulled out of cars or from the arms of a mother fill us with heartache. Missouri Governor Nixon said: "You almost felt like you were walking on the hallowed ground of a battlefield. ... We are going to battle back."

On Sunday President Obama plans to visit Joplin. No doubt he will remind us of the many natural tragedies that have occurred recently. These include other tornadoes in Reading, Kansas and in Oklahoma, along with the masive flood waters of the Mississippi. In a memorial service on Sunday, the President will recognize the significance of the loss in Joplin but also make plans to move forward. We are a resilient nation. Memorial Day reminds us of that.

This Memorial Day many Americans are spending the weekend helping out fellow Americans. You too can honor Memorial Day and help.

CNN - How to help Joplin, tornado victims.

KAKE - Find out how you can help Reading, Kansas.

Memorial Day has many other traditions - flying the flag, visiting the cemetery, simply remembering loved ones, wearing a poppy flower as a buttoneer, and yes, even the Memorial Day cook-out are all symbols that as a people we honor our traditions. Be American, take time off, come together, honor others on Memorial Day.

42nd Symphony Designers' Showhouse

2011-05-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

The 2011, 42nd Symphony Designers' Showhouse in Kansas City viewing ends May 22nd.

This 1912 English-style limestone home is located at 1000 Westover Road, just off Ward Parkway, north of the famous Kansas City Plaza. The house features an Italian-tiled roof, large veranda and sun room, along with its 6 bedrooms. In additions to its noticeable English style, one sees a colonnaded front porch reminiscent of Greek architecture, Gothic influences in the three front gables, and the influence of the English and American Arts and Crafts Movement its straight forward construction and attention to landscape.

More than 30 designers and the volunteer staff of the Kansas City Symphony Alliance are involved in making the 2011 showhouse truly beautiful. Traditions Furniture is proud to be a part of this effort having done the Formal Entry and Library.

Stickley Furniture's 18th century Hepplewhite Collection greets the guest in the entry. This mahogany sideboard is the epitome of the Hepplewhite style, a design that is slender, curvilinear and rich in detail. This includes the serpentine bow front drawers in crotch mahogany and serpentine cupboard doors also in crotch mahogany. Drawers and doors both have double maple inlay that provide balance and contrast.

Facing the sideboard is an arrangement of Sid Dickens Memory Blocks. The arrangement represent the several motifs of the house, that includes music and the appreciation of nature through landscaping and design. Sid Dickens Memory Blocks are hand crafted, made with attentions to detail, and truly unique.

From the entry one enters the piano room, and then into the library. The placement of the room to the east of the home gives an impression of light and airiness. French doors and over-scaled windows along all of the exterior walls add light to the room and allow the visitor to enjoy the beauty of the garden to the outside.

The library is long and narrow, but within the room are multiple study areas. Near to the entry is a Stickley writing desk in quarter-sawn oak. Quarter-sawn oak was used by Gustav Stickley in his furniture because of the beauty of its pattern as well as the durability of the native American oak. Decorating the desk are Stickley accessories and pottery by Door Pottery. Adjacent to the desk is the Leopold Leather Chair designed by Leopold Stickley, brother of Gustav. The lighting includes Tiffany style lamps by Quoizel. To the right of the desk is a Stickley Mica Newel Post.

The far end of the room features a built in cabinet with decorative accessories that befit a library, books, Door Pottery, and picture frames to record the moments of our lives. An upholstered sofa and chair by Stickley provide a sitting area where the affairs of the day can be discussed.

There are of course many other beautiful rooms in the showhouse. And the many great designers have added their own unique perspective on style. Like the flowers of Spring, creativity is blooming at the 42nd Symphony Designers' Showhouse.

Tickets are $15 at the door. Come and support a good cause, the Kansas City Symphony.

Knute Rockne

2011-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Spring in the Flilnt Hills

It is Spring 2011, and the Flint Hills of Kansas are ablaze as they have been for thousands of years. In the far distant past, the fires were begun by lightning. Today, ranchers who stock the hills with cattle for market burn the grass to remove weeds and to restore the nutrients. This annual rite of burning is celebrated each year by Kansas Flint Hills Adventures. It can also be observed by the traveler along Interstate 35 between Emporia and Wichita, but be careful as the smoke can make driving hazardous.

Knute Rockne

Kansas weather can be fickle - one day sunny and sixty, the next day a blizzard. This is especially so in spring, when the cold Canadian fronts battle the warmer weather of the south. Kansas weather takes on the personality of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and the result can be deceptively dangerous.

So it was 80 years ago, on March 31, 1931, when a single engine plane carrying Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne and 7 other passengers crashed on a stormy and foggy day. The tragic event has been remebered annually by family members and again, eighty years to the date, family members, including those of Knute Rockne, gathered at the crash site near Bazaar, Kansas. This time it was a beautiful Spring day.

History of the Crash

The AP wire service reported the crash and it became front page news across America.

Kansas City, March, 31 -- (AP) --

KNUTE ROCKNE, famous football coach of Notre Dame university, and seven others were killed when a Trans-Continental and Western air passenger and mail plane crashed in flames today in a pasture several miles southwest of Bazaar, Kas.

ROCKNE boarded the plane here en route to California at 9:15 a. m. and about 11 a. m. the ship identified by its department of commerce license number, crashed and burned as it fought a fog and storm en route to Wichita, Kas.

GenDisasters, as posted by Stu Beitler.

The plane, a Fokker Trimoter, went down when the wing separated from the plane. A young boy working in a field feeding cattle witnessed the tragedy. He heard a terrific explosion in the foggy sky. Looking up he saw an airplane burst into flames and rocket toward the earth.When he came to the crash site, he found that all were dead.

Kansas Turnpike Authority

The traveler can view a memorial to Knute Rockne and the others who died at the Matfield Green service area at milepost 97 on the Kansas Turnpike, between Wichita and Emporia.

The memorial includes large photos of Rockne during his playing and coaching days, as well as some photos from his business ventures as a motivational speaker. Also shown are some of his well-known plays as a coach and speeches made to his players. Many of the images at Matfield Green are posted by Irish Musings.

Tragic events touch all of us. The cause of the crash, the structural components of the wing, led to an investigation and improvements in existing and new planes. But there was also a personal side to the story.

I have traveled the Kansas Turnpike between Overland Park and Wichita for over 20 years. Often I will stop at the Matfield Green rest area and view the life-size image of Knute Rockne. But it was only when a long standing customer came into the store that I learned of the personal connection for our customer.

Chicago native, John Happer, a friend of Knute Rockne, happened to be on the same plane. Mr. Happer worked for Great Western Sporting Goods, now Wilson Sporting Goods. And he, like Knute, was on his way to California on business. In Knute's case, it was to help in the filming of the movie The Spirit of Notre Dame.

Mr. Happer was our good customer's grandfather.

The Finger Lakes of Upstate New York

2011-04-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Spring comes lately to the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.

But when it does come, it arrives in all its majesty. An azure blue sky on which are painted pillowy clouds in shades of grey and white. The water of the 12 Finger Lakes, so named because of their long narrow shape, takes on the color of the sky. This all leaves one to wonder where heaven and earth separate.

One hundred and eleven years old and going strong, L. & J.G. Stickley continues to build some of America’s finest furniture. And the home of Stickley Furniture is Manlius, New York, located deep in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. In such a beautiful setting, it is not unexpected that Stickley has been producing the finest furniture in America for one hundred and eleven years.

Since 1900, the Stickley philosophy has been "living in harmony with nature". And this philosophy is apparent from their commitment to using quartersawn oak, wild black cherry, and other natural woods, all of which are more abundant today than when Leopold Stickley started the company with his brothers in 1900.

In a tribute to the serene beauty of the Finger Lakes, Stickley Furniture introduces the The Finger Lakes Collection. It joins Stickley Classics with a unique interpretation of American Western design influences.

The 85” Ledyard Trestle Table offers a substantial top with breadboard ends and classic trestle elements.Wild Black Cherry has never looked so good.

The 60” Geneva Dining Table has a grooved plank top with a molded edge which rests on a lattice-and-post base, creating a charming birdcage effect. Four cabriole legs with dramatic reversed curving incorporate carved volutes.

There is of course more. The 27 piece collection includes four dining rooms and several occasional pieces all crafted from cherry solids and veneers.

And you can see them this summer at Traditions Home in Overland Park and Wichita.

Illuminated Chair

2011-04-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

A chandelier is a decorative ceiling-mounted light fixture with two or more arms containing complex arrays of crystal prisms to illuminate a room with refracted light.

Fabric is about a lot of things: style, beauty, dare we say, fun, durability, and, of course, your individual taste. Even Liberace would love this unique chandelier fabric from Sherrill, which looks as lovely on a chair as it would mounted on the ceiling.

Sherrill has thousands of colors, weaves, and patterns from which you can choose. And, of course, each piece is painstakingly hand-tailored by skilled specialists.

Click here to discover the variety and beauty of Sherrill fabrics.

2011 Arts and Crafts Conference

2011-02-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

"Nearly one hundred years ago, on July 12, 1913, guests began streaming into the Grove Park Inn, a new 150-room resort hotel built, as Frank Lloyd Wright said, "of the mountain, not on the mountain." Inside they were astonished to see what 400 men had built in just twelve months and twelve days. The world-famous Great Hall featured not one, but two massive fireplaces built not of rocks, but of granite boulders hauled in from Sunset Mountain. Four rock pillars supported the poured concrete ceiling, matte glazed tiles lined the stairwells and oak trim glistened under a fresh coat of shellac.

And it was all Arts and Crafts."

Arts and Crafts Conferance at the Grove Park Inn 2011

For 23 years, starting in 1988, Arts and Crafts enthusiasts return to the Grove Park Inn to experience the beauty and simplicity of Gustav Stickley's furniture and the decorative arts that adorn it. Visitors experience a three day educational conference and three shows: the Arts & Crafts Antiques Show, the Contemporary Craftsfirms Show, and the Books and Magazines Show.

Read more about Arts and Crafts

Presidents Day

2011-02-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Presidents Day celebrated on the third Monday of February, this year February 21, honors the presidents of the United States.

Originally, the holiday celebrated George Washington birth date February 22, but the idea was expanded to include Abraham Lincoln, who was born February 12. Today the holiday generally honors all presidents.For those who are counting, this year marks the 279th birthday of Washington and Lincoln' 202nd birthday.

Happy Birthday Mr. Presidents.

Everyone loves a birthday, even if you are more than 200 years old.Speaking of birthdays,

Gustav Stickley built his first piece of Arts and Crafts furniture in the summer of 1900. That makes this year Stickley Furniture's 111th birthday.

Traditions Home and Stickley Furniture are celebrating Presidents Day with a sale. One piece, any piece of Stickley Furniture at 45% off the manufacturer's suggested retail price, but only on February 19, 20, and 21st. If you want more, then take advantage of the Stickley Winter Sales Event going on now through February 27th, where you can purchase multiple pieces at 40% off.

Come celebrate with us and enjoy these great savings.

The Morris Chair

2010-12-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Morris Chair - so famous it is celebrated in Irving Berlin's song You'd be Surprised:

"At a party or at a ball,
I've got to admit,
He's nothing at all,
But in a Morris Chair,

You'd be surprised."

The original idea for a recliner was that of English architect and designer, William Morris. Gustav Stickley improved on the design with the bowed arm and exposed joinery. He was also recognized for his superb craftsmanship. As with all Stickley, these chairs are keenly collected today and originals will fetch several thousands of dollars.

How do we see life?

2010-10-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

In looking at things, life often becomes a familiar pattern of shapes and colors. So it is refreshing to take a fresh look at things from a different perspective.

Robin and Carol look at the Vanguard showroom like subjects in a psychology experiment, moving from square to square in search of just the right piece of furniture.

Things that go bump in the night...

2010-10-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,

Good Lord, deliver us!

Mike Danial - Stickley Corporate Historian

2010-09-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mike Danial began his career at the L. & J. G. Stickley Furniture Co. in 1975. His great-uncle, Vinchenzo Mellache, worked for Leopold Stickley from the 1940's until 1959. Mike has worked in every department, including rough mill, fine mill, sanding, cabinet room and finishing.

In back-to-back events - first, at Traditions Home in Wichita on Wednesday, September 8th, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and, then, the following day September the 9th, at Traditions Furniture in Overland Park, Mike will share some of his knowledge of Gustav Stickley and other great American Arts & Crafts designers;.

There will be hors d'oeurves and wine at both events. Attendence is by invitation and an R.S.V.P is required because of the demand and limited seating.

Just a few interior design tips!

2010-08-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

Do premote conversation.

Conversation areas should be within 8 to 10 feet any farther away than that will discourage conversation and make people feel uncomfortable.

Do define your space.

Add area rugs to furniture groupings to make it feel complete and cozy. This will help define the space and make the arrangement feel solid like it belongs there.

Don't skimp on side tables.

Always make sure there is a place to put a drink down by every place there is to sit. Adding side table and coffee tables to seating arrangements also gives a space to create lighting situations.

Do encorporate line.

Use lines to give a room the feeling that you want it to have. Verticle lines like tall window treatments that go all the way to the ceiling emphasize space and help give the room sophistication and power. Put something on top of a tall shelf like a basket or art to create more drama with lines that pull your eye up.

Don't line your wall with furniture.

Don't push your furniture up against the walls of your room. Try to arrange the room with the furniture away from the walls and closer together to create a cozier more conversation based arrangement.

Do save your money for the things that count.

Don't spend big bucks on the trendy pieces for your home. Instead, add less expensive trendy accents to jazz up your design, like throw pillows, vases and art. You will want to spend your real money on big pieces that will last a long time and still be in style.

Don't clutter your room.

Keeping lots of trinkets around because someone gave them to you or they were inherited will just clutter up your space. You don't have to keep everything. Things do not have value like memories. Take picture and get rid of those kinds of things. Only keep the things that complement your home. If you have lots of things you just can't part with, pack some of them away and rotate your accent pieces in your home.

Feature: Paul Roberts furniture

2010-08-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Traditions offers Paul Roberts furniture. A fabulous line filled with affordability, quality, style and craftsmanship. Below are a few of the styles that Paul Roberts can create for you.

Meet Sidney, Sidney is a smart sophisticated chair. Sidney has a classic personality and fresh lines. Sidney looks good in any outfit weather it be cowboy leather or sleek blue satin. Sidney wants to come home and live with you!

I would like to introduce you to Cody. Cody is in love with old Hollywood and is dressed to impress at all times. Cody is looking for a sophisticated home and lots of complements. Bring Cody home with you!

Ladies and gentlemen can I please have your attention? Please offer up your most polite curtsies and bows as I introduce Court! Court is a true royal and expects the royal treatment! Court enjoys the opera and great feasts in his honer, and you can bring Court home with you today!

Say hello to Darcy! Darcy enjoys eclairs and fine french fromage. Darcy looks great all dolled up in lace and satin or with a tan and in leather. Bring Darcy home with you and let Darcy accent your life!

This is Dale. Don't let the name fool you, Dale has many leather bound books and his pillows smell of rich mahogany. You should take him home. He's kind of a big deal.

Watch out gentleman I'm about to introduce Deirdre! Deirdre may seem a little uptight at first but she is really quite a wild cat! Her curvaceous lines makes her irresistible and her smart sense of wardrobe give her the power to get what she wants! Deirdre would make a great addition to your home don't you think?

(read this in a Transylvania accent) HELLO my darlings I am Ivonne. Some people have called me a vamp but I only wish to make you comfortable. Please, come and sit with me. I promise I will not bite you. I just think of how irresistible your room will look with me sitting in it. Muah haha!

This is Savannah! Savannah was born in a far away land filled with kings and queens and princesses. She enjoys long interesting conversations and tea at noon. Savannah wants to help fill your home with love and entertainment! Bring her home with you today!

Introducing Oakley! Oakley travels the world and visits only the most sophisticated of cities. France, New York, Japan and Sidney are among some places traveled by Oakley. If you bring Oakley into your home you will have a little bit of the world right in your living room!

Last but not least there is Drew. Drew is so excited to meet you! Drew is ready to take care of you and keep you cozy. Drew is reaching out with open arms!

All of these pieces can be ordered through Traditions. Contact us if you would like any of what you have seen.

316-684-2177

These are not all things that Traditions has on the showroom floor.

Picking paint colors: Tips and tricks

2010-08-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone struggles with paint colors, even the best designers. There are some tricks to picking out the perfect paint colors and we have pulled a few of them together for you.

Don't decide on the paint at the store. Bring multiple paint chips home of the color you think you like and attach them together on cardboard. Put the cardboard on your wall to see how the light in your home effects the paint. Even better just buy a quart of paint and paint a patch to see what the color will truly look like in your home.

Remember when you are choosing paint swatches, that there are undertones mixed in the paint and they may be different colors that you think. Not all gray is the same. Sometimes brown can look purple and sometimes it can look green. Taupe can look pink if it has to much red it in. This can happen with any color. There are pigments in the color that can take on personalities of other colors depending on where you put them and what light they have.This is why making sure the paint will look good in your home and not just in the store is important.

The psychology of color really does work. Red is vibrant and exciting and you will have a harder time sleeping or relaxing in a red room. Blue and green are soothing and calming but can also make you feel depressed. Choose your colors for each room based on the feeling that you want to portray.

Last the but not least, leave the painting for last. After you get all the other elements for the room then you should choose your paint color. It would be much harder to match your furniture, fabric and upholstery to your paint color.

Shelf decoration DIY: How to create a great shelf display

2010-08-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Decorating shelves and mantles can be frustrating. Even the most outstanding and unique piece can get lost in a mismanaged display. We came up with these decorating tips that can help you to create a more visually stimulating display in your home. I hope this helps to make your home feel fresh and organized.

Tip #1: Odd numbered grouping...

When decorating a shelf or table, it’s usually best to create odd numbers of groupings. One, three, five, seven and so on. You can place one large piece alone or three pieces on a table or shelf.

Tip #2: Escalating scale...
Make sure the proportions are visually soothing to the eye by using escalating sizes. Create layers by incorporating a tall medium and short item in a group. Always put the tallest piece in the back of the display and let the height come down towards the viewer. Doing this creates a dynamic, interesting display.

Tip #3: Make it you...

It is important to put your personality into your home decorating. Use mementos of vacations, keep sakes and hobbies that are important to your family. Use the books you have accumulated over the years by mixing them into the display. Lay three on their side and one leaning against them. Use the books as elevators for other objects.

Tip #4: Utopias create interest...

Create utopias of similar items like picture frames, teacups, buttons, glass bottles or trophies. Arrange things by like colors, like shapes or like textures to create a pop and a focal point. By putting lots of small objects together you will build scale and minimize clutter.

Tip #5: Use your balance judgment...

The most common way to create balance it by making each side symmetrical. Sometimes this can get boring and stuffy. Try using asymmetrical balance. Some things may not be the same size or color but they are visually the same weight and can balance each other out. By putting small things together you can create a grouping that visually balances out the weight of a larger piece.

Tip #6: Create areas of relief...

Don't cram shelves full it's not attractive. Leave some breathing room between objects. You can treat a utopia of small objects as one large object and leave space around that instead of each individual piece in the utopia. This will make more of an impact and little items won’t get lost on the shelf.

Tip #7: Hide clutter in attractive containers...

Adding baskets or boxes allows you to hide small busy looking trinkets or eye sores like remotes, papers, magazines and DVD's. Be sure to use boxes or baskets that go with your decor and look clean and visually attractive.

Tip #8: Let there be light...

Illuminate your shelf decor with small lamps or strings of lights. Make sure you hide the cord so that is isn't cluttered or visually distracting.

Hopefully these tips will work for you. If you still struggle with loving the display you have created, have someone else do it for you using these tips. Sometimes its just better when you don't do it yourself! Remember, Traditions offers design service complementary to your purchase so take advantage!

New items at Traditions Furniture:

2010-08-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

These are moss balls, and they are super great for summer and spring. They give your home an element of earthiness and freshness. They are whimsical, fun and a great accent to any decor. You can put them in a bowl on the table or add them to a shelf display of books.

Traditions just got these new LED lit flowers in! They are shaped like silver dollars and put off a beautiful glow! They look great mixed in with real live flowers, dried flowers and silk flowers. They also look amazing by themselves.

These little boxwood pots are so cool! They are real live box wood! All you have to do to take care of them is use a spray bottle to spray them with water once a week and they will stay bright green! They smell wonderful and they look cute anywhere!

These are wax candles that wont burn your house down! They are battery powered but they look like real burning and flickering candles. They give off the same ambiance. These candles come with a decorative metal holder that you can hang from the ceiling, put on a table or on your front porch. They are great for outside because the wind can't blow them out. The most unique thing about these candles is that they have timers on them. When you set the switch to "timer", the candle stays lit for 5 hours before it turns itself off and it continues this every day without you having to touch it. When the battery burns out, just replace it. Great idea!

These small clocks are super cute and decorative. They come with little stands so you can put them on your shelf or table.

These are adorable little faux boxwood balls. They look adorable by themselves or piled in a basket.

This is a frog fan! He is so cute for a whimsical room decor. He puts off a nice amount of air flow. Who wants a boring old fan to sit in the corner when you could have a fan shaped like a frog!?

A very special dog blog!

2010-08-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

We LOVE dogs at Traditions! full breeds, mutts, big dogs, little dogs, dogs with tails, dogs with stubs, good dogs and even naughty dogs! This post is a tribute to all dog lovers. Enjoy the dog quotes and look at some of the dog themed items we have in the store!

"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."
- Fran Lebowitz

"Dogs never bite me. Just humans."
-Marilyn Monroe

"I would rather see the portrait of a dog that I know, than all the allegorical paintings they can show me in the world." - Samuel Johnson

"Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart." - Dorothy Hinshaw

"My husband and I are either going to buy a dog or have a child. We can't decide whether to ruin our carpets or ruin our lives." - Rita Rudner

"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Better not take a dog on the space shuttle, because if he sticks his head out when you're coming home his face might burn up." - "DEEP THOUGHTS" by Jack Handy

"The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's." - Mark Twain,

"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic." - Henry Ward Beecher

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog."
- Gene Hill

Juliana Daniel Antiques

2010-07-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Traditions is blessed to be next door to Juliana Daniels Antiques. This eclectic collection of the past's treasures is run by Julie and Danny Greenburg, hence the name Juliana Daniels.

Juliana's is the best places in Wichita to discover fine but affordable antique furniture and vintage accessories. "Owners Juliana and Daniel Greenberg love antiques, but they also have an eye for the unique and whimsical." Juliana has an eye for design. There is the blue room, with its turn of the century furniture, the white room with vintage clothing, and upstairs, the man room where one finds all sorts of sporting memorabilia. Somewhere there is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

This is not their real store. Rather, it is an imaginary scene, as if the store was in Colmar, France. It is not a far stretch of the imagination. Entering Juliana Daniels is a trip through time and space, where one finds a little piece of France or a hundred other exotic locations.

Visit Juliana Daniel online and let your imagination take flight.

The roosters are back in style!

2010-07-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Remember in the early 90's when roosters were all the country rage? Well, their back! This time they are not just country. They can be used in many different design schemes. It's likely that what brought the rooster back was a surge in country French design and the country French style creeping into eclectic design. The French have always loved roosters as well as Americans, but while Americans see roosters as farm animals, the French look at them a little different. To the French, roosters are a sign of hope and faith as well as power, kind of like the eagle in the United States. This new rooster that has become popular is not just a farm animal. He is our prestigious, cheese and wine loving fine feathered friend. So, next time you see a rooster, don't curse the early 90's, just buy him, take him home and put him near your wine cabinet. Below are a few photographs of some new roosters.

What is your style? A mini-style guide:

2010-07-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Traditional style

If you love traditional style, you are the kind of person that enjoys elegance and old world luxury. Vintage pieces like guilded mirrors and furniture with scrolling catch your eye. Warm soothing deep colors tend to be your go to's. Sophisticated floral patterns, toile and tapestry get you excited.

Eclectic style

If you call your style eclectic, you have a love and respect for many different styles. You love to mix them together to create a space that feels comfortable and artsy. Antiques of all types modern and traditional are what you love. You also have an appreciation for modern furniture as well. You are probably a collector and know how to blend different items and make it look great.

Contemporary style

Minimal, sleek and clean is your mantra. Strong bold geometric patterns attract you. You like clean and simple lines, bold colors and materials such as stainless steel, slate and glass.

Country/French

Country french lovers have a Passion for rustic but fresh at the same time. Old paint finishes but bright floral patterns mixed together. If you are a country lover you will probably be into farm animals such a roosters and pigs.

Rococo inspiration

2010-07-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Rococo also called "Late Baroque" is an 18th century style which developed as Baroque artists reacted against symmetry. The style fit a world that literally was turned on its end with revolution and political thought. Voltaire, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin, the American Revolution, followed by the French Revolution and Napoleon, the world had revolved into new world of thought.

Increasingly artists used designs that were more ornate, florid, and playful. Rococo rooms were designed as total works of art. Furniture was elegant and ornate. Decorative arts included small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and tapestry complementing architecture, reliefs, and wall paintings. Rococo style took pleasure in asymmetry, a taste new to European style. The French called the practice of leaving elements unbalanced for effect "contraste". Today, we would say, vive le difference, and imagine Liberace at the piano.

At Traditions you can find tons of beautiful Rococo inspired furniture. Below are some examples of a few of the pieces we offer. You can use these pieces to add a little Rococo inspiration to your room!

The ABC's of Life

2010-07-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Shopping can be life changing.

For example, this timely message will tell you all you need to know in order to find happiness in life. Accept differences, be kind, count your blessings, dream, ... yearn for peace, and zealously support a worthy cause - all are positive thoughts to live by. These are the ABC's of Life.

The sign measures approximately 12 x 17 inches and is made of crushed resin that give the sign the look and feel of marble with gold lettering. These invaluable words of wisdom are priceless, but the sign is sold everyday at Traditions Home for $38. Email us if you would like us to ship it to your home or office. A small shipping fee will apply.

Don't stress! Buy destressed! How to own a destressed piece without the work.

2010-07-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Traditions offers distressed furniture!!

Distressing furniture at home is a HUGE job! Who has time to do that? Traditions offers many lines of furniture that include distressed pieces. These unique pieces can transform your room from plain to dramatic and even exotic. Distressed furniture can go in so many design directions its hard to name them all. Some of these design themes include country, country French, old world, shabby chic and even modern. Below are some examples of different distressed pieces and ways to use them in your decor.

How amazing is FLW? How can you incorporate the look of Frank Lloyd Wright in your home? Read on...

2010-07-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Why the continued fascination with Wright almost 50 years after his death? Architect/interior designer Constance Ramos (http://www.constanceramos.com) thinks his style endures because of its contemporary, organic lines. "My dad, also an architect, was a great Frank Lloyd Wright fan and that rubbed off on me," she says. "Wright was really searching and finding the design of American democracy. And he had these amazing people who followed him and still carry out his work and philosophy. So Wright is still everywhere, and he's still relevant."

Wright was arguably one of the most multi-talented people of the 20th century, according to interior designer Mark McCauley, ASID. "Not only did he help create and define the Prairie School style — open floor plans, horizontal lines, a nod to nature — that is still popular today, he also designed everything from furniture and textiles to lighting and accessories," says the author of Interior Design for idiots (http://businesswebsites101.com/idiots).

Wright was born in Wisconsin and worked for decades in Chicago, but his buildings are elsewhere like Hollywood (private homes), Tokyo (The Imperial Hotel) and New York City (The Guggenheim Museum).

Traditions Furniture offers Stickley furniture, a line that goes perfectly with Frank Lloyd Wrights style of decor.

Clean lines and pureness of function make the Stickley Mission Collection truly timeless, and the look is as appropriate in today's homes as it was over a century ago. Possessing a distinguished pedigree yet uniquely modern, Mission furniture makes itself at home in every room of the house, telling the world that you appreciate sophisticated comfort and solid craftsmanship.

The New Modern

2010-07-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

At Traditions Furniture we like to say that what is both new and classic becomes a "tradition".

Traditions don't need to be old. Think of a wedding as a new tradition, a new way of looking at life and starting anew. Your style reflects your tastes.

The "new modern" look is both clean and classic. The style reflects a more contemporary feeling. The table is round and set for company. The chairs are comfortable. The furnishings are classic.

Glassware has been manufactured for over two thousand years. Its translucence gives the illusion of space and airiness. Ironware has been manufactured far longer. It suggests strength and longevity.

The geometric shapes of the room provide balance and symmetry. It is a "feng shui" thing bringing harmony to your home. Whether your taste is modern or traditional, our designers can help make your home a new classic.

The Fourth of July

2010-07-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

All Americans come together on the Fourth of July to celebrate.

We may disagree politically and philosophically on many issues, but we can all agree that it is through our united efforts that America has become the great nation that it is. In this spirit let us remember the sacrifices of those who have preceded us, as well as those who now are risking their lives to continue our freedoms, and join together to celebrate a great people and nation.

President Barack Obama's Fourth of July Address:

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.

We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July.

Happy Birthday, America!

More history

Under the Tuscan Sun

2010-06-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Frances Mayer is the author of Under the Tuscan Sun, a memoir of living in Italy, renovating an old Italian house, and discovering the meaning of life. She continues to travel and write while enjoying la dolce vita.

Frances Mayer

The book became a movie in 2003 and generated many memorable quotes. One of my favorites, "Never lose your childhood enthusiam and things will go your way." The only problem is that the older I get, the harder it is to remember my childhood; but then that is why we have books and movies.

This little piggy went to market

2010-06-27T06:10:00.001-07:00

Traditions is bringing back all sorts of gifts from the Dallas Market.

Colorful Beds

2010-06-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

The bed of today reflects your mood through color. What is your color?

Pick a door!

2010-06-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

The Truckload sale is still going on through this Saturday. And, just in the middle of it 100's of new pictures just arrived.

Take advantage of the disarray and save an extra 15% off any picture in the store. Come in while the savings are good and enjoy some ice tea.

French Country Truckload Sale

2010-05-21T06:33:00.001-07:00

Going on now at Traditions Furniture in Overland Park is the French Country Truckload sale.

The sale ends May 30th, so hurry in.

Laura Bush visits Kansas City

2010-05-21T06:21:00.001-07:00

Former First Lady Laura Bush appears for her new memoir Spoken From The Heart, today Friday May 21, 2010, 7:00 PM, Unity Temple on The Plaza in Kansas City. Laura and her host Vivien Jennings of Rainy Day Books will be sitting on Stickley chairs courtesy of Traditions Furniture of Overland Park.

This event may be sold out. For more information visit Rainy Day Books.

For a description of the book and to read an excerpt.

Photo from Wikipedia Commons.

Lighted flowers at Traditions Home

2010-03-24T15:06:00.001-07:00

Flowers are the harbinger of Spring.

New at Traditions Home are the illuminated flowers in an assortment of flowers and colors. The white orchid pictured here has multiple blossoms on several stems. It is also available in sunset red. An extention cord provides a continuous source of power to keep these beauties glowing forever.

Other choices include the cherry blossom, plum tree, Chinese Lantern, autumn flower, Dragon Fly, and Pussy
Willow. Visit TraditionsFurniture.com and see the full listing of flowers available.

Spring Open House

2010-03-06T10:53:00.001-08:00

Spring, the sweet spring, is the year’s pleasant king,
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

from Summer’s Last Will and Testament by Thomas Nashe (1600)

Spring Open House

Going on now! Save on special orders on Sherrill, Hancock and Moore, Stickley, and other great sofas and chairs. Enjoy savings on exciting new accessories.

When we say homefurnishings, we mean plates, flowers, lamps, artwork, pillows, bedding, and more. Traditions Home is the place to go for all your decorating needs.

Did we say unique? These colorful plates in the shape of flowers will make your table setting blossom.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

"I love you to the moon and back. " The origin of this saying is obscure, but the sentiment is universal.

This Valentine's Day, February 14th, make sure that you tell that special someone how you feel about them.

Traditions Furniture in Overland Park is open tomorrow, Sunday, for our President's Day Sale. Discover great savings on Stickley Furniture.

President's Day Sale

2010-02-09T07:33:00.001-08:00

February 13, 14, and 15, come into Traditions Furniture for the President's Day Sale. Save 45% off the suggested retail price on any one piece of Stickley Furniture.

Visit the Stickley Museum and learn more about the history of Gustav Stickley and his brothers.

Shop Traditions

2010-02-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

Can spring be far away?

There is more to Traditions than just furniture. After all, all work and no play just isn't fun. So when you're not studying hard, discover fresh and colorful accessories to brighten your day.