Seated with Furniture Row

Kossi, owner of Only Plants, joins Seated for a hands-on episode about making plants and florals feel more accessible, personal, and creative. The conversation moves from plant styling and affordable houseplants into ikebana, the Japanese floral-arranging practice that turns a centerpiece into an experience. It's part design inspiration, part plant-care lesson, and part reminder that tending something living can be a form of self-care.Kossi shares how Only Plants grew from his own plant-parent journey and content creation into a shop built around affordability and community. We talk about why a local plant shop beats big-box stores for pest prevention, healthier acclimation, and real plant care advice, then move into styling plants like design elements: tall anchor plants, corner plants, pet-friendly picks, and layered heights that shape a room. Kossi walks through DIY plant styling using thrifted bowls, pottery, picture frames, and propagation displays.The back half is a full ikebana lesson. Kossi breaks down the Japanese floral-arranging tradition, why it's built around balance, space, and living flowers rather than a standard bouquet, and how it works as fall and holiday table decor. He shares his framework: odd-numbered stems (3, 5, 7, or 9), height-first composition, restraint, and pairing dark tones with light accents. We build a full arrangement together, covering vessel choice, flower frogs, pruning with intention, and floating cuttings into a second and third display from one bunch. Kossi ties it back to self-care and previews his next DIY: kokedama.Timestamps00:00 Intro and episode setup02:25 Welcome back and intro to Only Plants03:50 Why Kossi opened a plant shop for affordability and community05:18 How plants change a room's mood and air quality06:13 Styling plants by height, placement, and pet-friendliness07:39 DIY ideas with pottery, bowls, and picture frames09:01 Why plant shops beat big-box stores for healthy plants13:40 Why ikebana stuck with Kossi15:07 Plants, flowers, and self-care16:31 Floral arranging as a social activity17:23 Why ikebana feels more intentional than a bouquet38:28 What ikebana is and how to start39:26 Choosing vessels and using flower frogs40:43 Fresh water and maintenance41:10 The odd-number and height-balance rule42:07 Building the arrangement with fall colors and texture43:44 Pruning with purpose45:51 Mixing mood, height, and complementary colors49:50 Why odd numbers and restraint work51:39 Floating cuttings and using leftovers53:05 Adding fullness and seasonal balance55:30 Less is more57:14 Splitting one arrangement into three59:15 Ikebana as an affordable, giftable centerpiece1:00:37 Housewarming and team gift ideas1:01:34 Teasing kokedama1:02:33 Closing thoughtsTry it yourself: build a simple ikebana arrangement with 3 or 5 stems in a reused bowl, cake stand, or vessel you already own, and share it with Furniture Row and the Seated team on social.#Ikebana #PlantStyling #HomeDecor

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Barb and Jessa meet Fresh Sam, founder of the sustainable denim brand Infatuation, at her first-ever solo art exhibit. Sam opens up about self-teaching her way into fashion, creating over 700 one-of-a-kind denim jackets, and building her "Pain and Prosperity" art collection after losing her brother.Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on how personal storytelling, sustainability, and bold self-expression can shape both art and interior design, plus a look at how to bring statement art pieces into any home.Key Topics / What You'll Learn00:00 — Introducing Fresh Sam, a self-taught fashion designer, stylist, and artist based in Denver01:17 — How a 19-year-old with $100 built a denim jacket brand from thrifted materials02:32 — The eye-opening sustainability fact that sparked her love for repurposed denim (1,200 gallons of water per jacket)04:51 — Turning down a $150,000 art school offer to spend 20,000 hours teaching herself design07:25 — The high school teacher whose belief changed the course of her career09:32 — Behind the "Pain and Prosperity" collection and the personal loss that shaped it15:22 — Creating a "safe space" at the gallery opening where strangers shared their own stories of pain18:06 — Why the collection includes painted plants representing self-growth, discipline, and self-love20:22 — Sam's relationship with perfectionism and why art embraces imperfection26:46 — Sam's minimalist home design style and how she curates art and color at home28:46 — Advice for choosing art that fits your personal style, from bold statement walls to traditional spaces36:12 — Why home should feel like a "wellness retreat" built around comfort39:12 — Life on tour as creative director for a major rap group, styling for Coachella, the Grammys, and international shows47:25 — What European fashion and design taught her about sustainability and a slower pace of life51:46 — Gallery walkthrough: the meaning behind grommets, red light, and gold leaf in her pieces54:30 — The story behind her fashion brand, Infatuation, and how it has saved over 650,000 gallons of water01:04:27 — The psychology of color: why cobalt blue, red, and gold anchor the entire collection01:12:55 — Where to see the exhibit before it closes and how to connect with Fresh SamQuick TipsChoose art that feels true to you rather than what's trendingStatement pieces work in both traditional and modern spaces when scaled thoughtfullyMix bold color pairings (like red, gold, and cobalt blue) to add depth to a roomTreat your home like a "wellness retreat" that supports comfort and calmRepurposing materials (like denim) adds sustainability and one-of-a-kind character to designDon't fear imperfection. It often makes a piece more authentic and meaningfulFeatured HostsBarb Chandler — Interior Designer, Furniture RowJessa Murphy — Marketing Director, Furniture RowFresh Sam — Denver-based fashion designer, stylist, and artistCalls to ActionSubscribe to Seated with Furniture Row on your favorite podcast platformFollow Furniture Row on Instagram, Facebook, and X for more design inspirationFollow Fresh Sam (@freshsam) on social media to see more of her art and fashion workVisit Fresh Sam’s exhibit at Pulse Art Gallery in Denver's RiNo district, open through August 2nd.Additional ResourcesVisit Pulse Art Gallery on Walnut Street in Denver's RiNo Arts District to see Fresh Sam's "Pain and Prosperity" collection in person, open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Whimsy is having a major moment in design, but it is more than just a passing trend—it is a mindset that brings joy, playfulness, and a childlike sense of wonder into everyday life. In this episode of Seated with Furniture Row, Barb and Jessa unpack what whimsy actually means, why we are seeing it everywhere from high-end fashion to big-box retailers, and how to bring it into your home in ways that feel fun but still refined.They explore whimsical inspiration from nature, travel, fashion, and favorite brands like Anthropologie, then translate those ideas into accessible interior design moves—think unexpected color combos, playful ceramics, statement lighting, and even a betta fish named Muffins. You will learn how whimsy differs from eclectic or maximalist styles, how to scale it from “just a little” to “all in,” and how to use whimsical touches to make your home feel more joyful, personal, and alive.What You’ll Learn (with Timestamps)00:00 -- Welcome back to Seated with Furniture Row and why whimsy is having a major cultural moment right now02:20 -- Where whimsy is showing up: fashion, advertising, home décor, travel, and everything in between05:20 -- Why whimsy resonates today: a "more enjoy please" era, Pinterest predictions, and the return of childlike wonder11:30 -- Is whimsy a trend or a lifestyle? How it has always existed, and why it feels so relevant now14:00 -- Finding whimsy in nature and everyday rituals: birds, flowers, Trader Joe's candles, and simple greenery19:30 -- Brand inspiration: Anthropologie, Saks, and imaginative window displays using found objects and upcycled materials26:10 -- Defining whimsy in interior design: objects that spark joy, plus Barb's whimsical lion artwork story30:10 -- Whimsy vs. eclectic vs. maximalism: what overlaps, what differs, and how to mix styles thoughtfully33:10 -- A teen bedroom in Colorado Springs: faux-fur bed, squiggle mirror, mushroom bedding, and balancing whimsy with neutrals38:30 -- Modern whimsy in 2026: High Point Market finds including kites, painted key holders, soft pink leathers, and florals-in-teacups46:15 -- Whimsical animal motifs: playful tigers, dog portraits, cats, and charming critters in décor49:10 -- Granny chic, China teacups, and ceramics having a moment: tomato vases, garlic vessels, and food-inspired objects55:40 -- Muffins the fish and vintage whimsy: how small, personal design decisions become joyful living art1:02:00 -- Whimsy as a functional solution: sculptural felt art, sound-absorbing panels, and playful mirrors1:05:20 -- Statement lighting and whimsy in mainstream spaces: Tiffany-inspired lamps, disco blobs, and sculptural shapes1:12:00 -- How to scale whimsy from subtle accents to full-on statement rooms without overwhelming your spaceQuick Ideas to Add Whimsy at HomeUse unexpected color combinations—like periwinkle with deep burgundy or soft pastels with rich earth tones—to energize a room without changing every piece of furniture.Turn teapots into vases, use vintage China teacups for small floral arrangements, or cluster candles in creative containers to give familiar items a new, playful purpose.Look for vases and objects shaped like tomatoes, garlic, fish, or breakfast foods to add a lighthearted moment to shelves, consoles, and table settings.Choose a single item—a faux-fur bed, a squiggle-edged mirror, a quirky animal print, or a fun pillow—that makes you grin every time you see it.Incorporate heirlooms or vintage finds (like grandma’s novelty salt-and-pepper shakers) to bring story and personality into modern spaces.Featured HostsBarb Chandler – Interior Designer and Buyer, Furniture RowJessa Murphy – Marketing Director, Furniture RowVisit a Furniture Row showroom near you and let our team help you find playful pieces that still fit your style and lifestyle.Explore the Furniture Row blog for more styling ideas, inspirationFollow us on Instagram and Pinterest for even more whimsical design inspiration

Buying new furniture should be an exciting experience, but with endless options available, it often leads to analysis paralysis. In this episode of Seated with Furniture Row, Interior Designer Barb Chandler and Marketing Director Jessa Murphy break down exactly how to navigate furniture buying without the stress. They cover everything from identifying your lifestyle needs and establishing a budget to the finer details of frames, cushions, and upholstery.Whether you are deciding between performance fabric and top-grain leather, or just need to know how to measure your space properly before heading to the store, this episode has you covered.00:00 — Welcome back: Season 2, and why buying furniture is harder than it sounds02:50 — Barb's dual role as Interior Designer and Furniture Row Buyer, and why it matters for you05:00 — Step 1: Define your lifestyle — pets, kids, how you actually use your space08:30 — Sofa vs. sectional vs. chaise: Choosing seating based on how you live and entertain12:55 — Step 2: Find your style — how to use Pinterest and Instagram to identify your aesthetic17:00 — Start with the big pieces first: Why accessories should always come last18:55 — Step 3: Set your budget and priorities — why budgeting is really just prioritization23:35 — Where to spend vs. where to save — and why your mattress comes first26:30 — Bedroom essentials: What to look for in a bed frame and dresser (dovetail joints, ball-bearing glides, and more)35:35 — Step 4: Measure your space — why this is the single most important thing you can do before you shop43:10 — Painter's tape trick: How to "try out" furniture placement before you buy44:20 — Step 5: Quality and materials — what to look for (and avoid) in sofas, frames, and cushions50:20 — Fabric vs. leather: Breaking down the decision, plus corrected vs. uncorrected leather explained01:05:50 — Veneers are not cheap: The real story on wood veneers for dining tables and case pieces01:28:20 — Solid wood dining tables: Colorado climate, caring for your table, and why this is the year of the dining room01:34:55 — Step 6: Where to shop — in-store vs. online, the risk of aggregator sites, and why going in-store is worth it01:44:40 — Recap: Barb and Jessa's 6-step framework for buying furniture with confidenceBefore purchasing, start by drawing out your floor plan with dimensions — include windows, doors, and any architectural features like a fireplace.Use painter's tape on the floor to map out the footprint of potential furniture before you buy.Spend money on furniture you use every single day (your mattress, your sofa, your dresser) and be more flexible on the rest.When buying a dresser, look for English or French dovetail joints and ball-bearing glides for long-lasting function.When buying leather, look for top grain leather all the way around — avoid split hide on stationary pieces.Don't fear veneers — at a reputable retailer, quality veneers allow for beautiful patterns and are a smart, cost-effective choice.Barb Chandler — Interior Designer and Buyer, Furniture RowJessa Murphy — Marketing Director, Furniture Rowhow to buy furniture; furniture buying guide; how to measure room for furniture; leather sofa; top grain leather sofa; solid wood furniture; hardwood frame, sectional vs sofa; performance fabric sofa; how to shop for furniture; Furniture Row; best furniture stores; living room furniture ideas; bedroom furniture buying guide; sofa for small living rooms; dovetail drawer joints; ball bearing drawer glides; how to arrange living room furnitureFollow and rate Seated with Furniture Row on Spotify and YouTube to help other shoppers find this episode.Ready to shop with confidence? Visit a Furniture Row showroom near you — bring your measurements and let our team help you find the right fit.Learn more on the Furniture Row blog for additional buying guides and style inspiration.Have a furniture question for Barb and Jessa? Leave a comment or send us a message!

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Seated with Furniture Row, Barb sits down with Kossi, creator of Only Plants and Denver’s beloved “plant daddy,” to explore how plants can transform how your home feels, functions, and supports your wellbeing. From turning a millennial-gray townhome into a moody, cozy oasis to opening a glass-front plant shop in Denver’s Dairy Block, Kossi shares real-life design stories and practical styling tips anyone can use.You’ll learn how to start from zero plants, what thrives in low light, and how to decorate with greenery in apartments, small patios, and pet-filled homes without sacrificing style or your security deposit. The conversation also covers biophilic design, washable checkerboard rugs, sofa beds in plant rooms, terrariums as mini ecosystems, and how plant care can support self-care and personal growth.Key Topics00:00 – Intro: How former franchise consultant Kossi launched Only Plants12:28 – Only Plants: Community, Plant Bingo, and a nontraditional retail model16:31 – Glow & Grow: Transforming millennial-gray homes with plants & furniture25:14 – Styling: Decorating with plants in apartments and small spaces34:12 – Biophilic design: Living walls, natural textures, and everyday spaces39:05 – Starter Plants: Beginner options, watering rhythms, reading plant signals43:24 – Plant care basics: Drainage, nursery pots, and simple routines61:13 – Pet-friendly homes: Plants, pets, and washable rugs72:07 – Mini ecosystems: Terrariums, flowers, and plant care as self-care96:25 – Bringing plants home: Getting help and visiting Only PlantsQuick TipsStart with easy-care plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, pothos, and philodendrons.Keep plants in nursery pots placed inside decorative planters for easier watering and drainage.Use existing surfaces—books, coffee tables, fridges, kitchen islands—as plant stands.In pet homes, choose washable rugs and patterned styles that hide wear and mess.Use hanging plants or higher shelves for curious pets; prioritize pet-safe species in reach zones.Turn a guest room into a multifunctional space with a sofa bed, shelves, and layered plants.Add grow bulbs to table or floor lamps for low-light rooms while keeping a warm ambiance.Treat plant care as self-care—schedule a weekly “watering walk-through” to reset and check in.Featured Hosts / GuestBarb Chandler – Interior Designer, Furniture RowJessa Murphy – Marketing Director, Furniture RowKossi – Founder of Only Plants (Denver’s Dairy Block), content creator, and community builder known as “plant daddy”Suggested SEO KeywordsHouseplants, indoor plants, plant decor, home decor with plants, interior design plants, houseplant ideas, plants for the home, plant room, green home decor, small space plant styling, biophilic design living room, beginner houseplants, pet-friendly plants, apartment plant decor (no drilling), monstera decor, snake plant indoor, pothos stylingCalls to ActionFollow and rate Seated with Furniture Row to help others discover the show.Ready to build your own plant-filled sanctuary? Visit a Furniture Row showroom to explore modular sectionals, sofa beds, washable rugs, and storage-friendly shelving.Learn more about plant styling, small-space layouts, and biophilic design on the Furniture Row blog.In Denver? Visit Only Plants inside the Free Market at Dairy Block (1801 Blake Street) for in-person help and inspiration.