Finding the perfect (kid-proof, cat-proof, life-proof) couch
We bought a white couch when I was pregnant. My husband told me it was a bad idea but I gave him a look that said “I am pregnant, no ideas I have are bad” and poof, it was in my living room. Fast forward a few years later and, friends, it was a bad idea. The worst. A woven fabric that my cat got claws literally stuck in… a colour that invites stains more than any other in the universe… and cushions that came off for the sole purpose of, I believe, fort-making? It took me seven years to admit defeat but I was certainly defeated. I asked my Instagram audience for help in what would suit my space, shopped around for ages, and finally found my perfect match at Palliser Rooms / EQ3. And, I ended up working with them!!
This is the part where I say with glee that this post is sponsored but all opinions are of course, mine. Now please take a moment to scroll through photos above of that white couch. You’ll see it was fine from far… but far from fine. I tried desperately to clean it but alas, it was toast.
Now, I’ve shopped at Palliser Rooms / EQ3 for years— it’s even where I got my current theatre room sectional 15 years ago. Why? The store is 100% locally-owned, they pride themselves on stocking Canadian-made brands, the quality is always fantastic, they’re happy to have kids in the store (this is important to me), and the team is service-driven, knowledgeable, and sincere.
My big question this time at Palliser Rooms / EQ3 was, “what will stand up to my life?” My home is open-concept which means my couch sees a LOT of life. Here’s what I learned:
Colour. White is just never going to be easy. Sorry. It requires preventative measures like ‘no eating on the couch’ and immediate maintenance when an accident happens. Which, with my kids or my love of red wine, it will. Even going a touch darker is helpful in the long-term. And a note on solid colours: a bit of marbling or pattern goes a long way. With Alison’s guidance, we decided on a tan colour that has more depth to it than my previous straight white.
Texture. Kids are one thing, pets are another. Some pet owners opt for a distressed leather because it can only become more distressed with claws. I’m vegetarian, so that isn’t my style. Typically, the worst wear for pets is woven. Think about the tight loops of a carpeted scratch pad & imagine your couch being a tempting giant version. Our solution was a durable, easy-to-clean fabric with a leather look. But it’s softer than leather. It kinda reminds me of a microfibre couch I had 10 years ago (also from Palliser Rooms / EQ3!) that would not die. It’s a great fabric for cats.
Shape. Sectional vs couch and loveseat, which would you choose? We had a sectional and my husband always thought two pieces would give more seating so I asked my Instagram followers. They always know. Over 80% of respondents said sectional is the way when you have kids. And upon some thought, I agreed! Cuddling in that corner with a book is where you’ll find me a few times a day. One thing I knew is that we wouldn’t have removable cushions this time around. But another piece of my followers’ advice surprised me, because I always assumed chaise ends were useless: the prevailing opinion is that they’re actually comfy, handy, offer multi-direction seating, and open a space up. Tristan Rawlings, Owner of Palliser Rooms / EQ3, said that the time he cautions against them is in a TV room where everyone needs a back rest to lounge on.
Me with my winning fabric, in front of my winning couch!
And speaking of Tristan, I got to chatting with him and thought “this is good information about Palliser Rooms / EQ3 ” so I asked if we could do a little interview. Supporters of local businesses, please read on:
Tristan Rawlings, Owner.
S&L: I bought the (still very comfy) couch in my theatre room an unbelievable 15 years ago from Palliser Rooms / EQ3 Furniture, not realizing at the time your store was locally-owned. And I think a lot of people still assume it's a corporate store, either because the showroom is so spacious and modern or because it's not called "Tristan's Furniture". But there you are as Owner, alongside a team I still recognize over many years. I'm curious about the backstory! How and when did you get into the furniture business?
TR: My Father in law opened Palliser Rooms in 2002, and I started with him in 2007. 6 years ago, my Father in law retired, and I have been running Palliser Rooms ever since that time. Our staff have all been here for a very long time so we have a great team here with a lot of experience.
S&L: I know because I now shop there for this reason, that Palliser Rooms/ EQ3 prides itself on supporting Canadian-made lines. Can you tell me a bit about that M.O.?
TR: At Palliser Rooms, since Day 1, we have always focused on Canadian Made Furniture. We primarily carry Palliser and EQ3 products which are mainly manufactured in Winnipeg. However, we also have several other Canadian brands such as Bermex Dining, Stylus custom Sofas, and Van Gogh Designs. Supporting Canadian manufacturers has always been a priority for us and in turn, it allows us to provide a better quality product to our customers.
S&L: What's the best part of your job?
TR: I enjoy helping people create a great solution for their spaces from style to function. We also take pride in providing a great customer experience from start to finish.
S&L: I’ve shared my reasons for shopping at Palliser Rooms / EQ3 Furniture but I'd love to hear your perspective from the other side of the sales floor: what do you think sets your store apart?
TR: We spend a great deal of time and effort making sure that our store is the best place to shop both in terms of product offering and the shopping experience itself. We do not have a pushy sales atmosphere, and we help people create a good solution for their particular space. Our sales staff are all very well seasoned, and are very knowledgeable about the products that we carry. We also have a top notch delivery team and great after-sales service that sets us apart.
Thanks to Tristan Rawlings and everyone at Palliser Rooms / EQ3 who always makes my furniture shopping experience so easy and to the friendly and fast delivery team who set up our Palliser Seattle sectional exactly the way I envisioned. I’m full of joy to have a new centerpiece that fits my family’s life.
Maygen
