Design with a Slob in Mind
Local designer takes the headache out of cleaning a home
Courtesy of Slobproof
Living with two boys and a self-proclaimed slob of a husband, Deborah Weiner took matters into her own hands when it came to finding furniture that would hold up in life. Through her research and design, she now brings the life of Slobproof furniture to all.
We caught up with Weiner who told us about the company, the furniture and the realistic design of living in a fast-paced, modern home.
How it all began
[Slobproof] started a year ago in March. My design business (Design Solutions) became focused on families and busy working parents, which lead to a book, “Slob Proof: Real –Life Design Solutions.” The next logical step was into furniture design. I couldn’t find what I wanted on the market—not for my own family and not for my clients. I decided, ‘If it isn’t there, I’m going to make it. I’m going to offer and alternative to expensive furniture that doesn’t last.’
The philosophy of Slobproof
To be honest with you, my house is a mess. It never looks like a page in a magazine. But, here’s my point: At any given moment, I can clean it up in five minutes and have it look sparkling new. There won’t be any stains on my floors or seating, or marks on my walls. So, if I choose to I can make it look brand new, and that is the whole point of Slobproof. I’m not saying ban your slob or change your slob, just outsmart them.
We are really busy people. We are working, driving carpools, schlepping kids, running errands, and regrettably, spending a lot of time just sitting on the Beltway. Your kids may get home before you. Your husband may work from home. Who knows what it going on in your house? The point is, why worry about it.
With the price of real estate now, it’s ridiculous now to make rooms off-limits. Every room should be comfortable and usable, and every room should be Slobproof.
Design is always about supporting the people who live in the house, not a work of art that is roped off. My home should work for me, not me work for my home. Really look at your lifestyle and choose furnishings that support it.
Courtesy of Slobproof
Making the jump into furniture design
We went to several factories. I knew my furniture had to be made in the U.S.A., and I wanted control over the styling. So we spent a lot of time in North Carolina, visiting factories and learning about the process. I reviewed all my choices—frame styles, springs, cushion fills. There was a lot of trial and error. The one thing that was clear in my mind and stayed focused on was it had to be made in the U.S.A. and it had to be sustainable.
The secret ingredient, Crypton
[Crypton] is made through a proprietary process encapsulating each fiber in a moisture-proof, odor-proof, anti-microbial barrier so unlike every other fabric out there where the finish is sprayed on and wears off, this is built right into it at the fiber level, so it never wears off. Nothing leaks through. It’s truly full-metal jacket gear for the home.
I wanted to use Crypton, because as I wrote the book and in the course of my work, I discovered that there was no other fabric that could do what this fabric does. The problem there was because it was made for hospitality and adult-care facilities, it was hard and not very appealing for a residential market.
The woman who runs the company is not only a mother but a grandmother, and together we came up with a selection of fabrics that offer great color and softness without skimping on any of their indestructible properties.
Designed for you
We researched which arms work best, which back heights work the best, which legs work the best, and we came up with a set of frame styles that range from the traditional to the contemporary. And, if you can live within those frame styles, you can choose any of our fabrics that we offer, contrast welting (which is the corner round the cushions), contrast top pillows and make it uniquely yours.
Slobproof tip
Neutrals are like having another child in the house. They require constant care and vigilance. I always say when someone asks me, ‘What color would you use?’, the answer is at the end of your nose.
If the spots on your carpet are grey and the marks on your white sofa are red, you need to be choosing a medium brown or grey carpet and a red sofa.
You need to be thinking: Who is going to live here? Who is going to spill on this? Who’s going to use these rooms? And then, what are the best choices I can make so I never get upset with the people living in my home.
(May 2011)