Springtime inspires many people to refresh their homes. More light, longer days, and warmer temperatures may reveal tired or worn-out furniture pieces or flooring. The urge for a home to reflect the newness of the season is not uncommon.
“Spring is a good time to make changes in the home,” says Sandi Coleman, sales associate at Stout Flooring & Home Furnishings. “Christmas and winter decorations have been put away. People want a fresh look – something that’s new and different.”
Located at 200 East Main Street in Russiaville, Stout is the oldest locally owned furniture store in Howard County. Still operated by the Stout family who began it 135 years ago, it is known for offering high-quality, American-made products. It has kept up with the times, and loyal customers who purchased from them 25 or 30 years ago return when they want to add another piece or update their home.
“Stout & Son Flooring and Furniture began in 1890 in Russiaville when Albert Stout began building furniture for the surrounding area,” says Owner Marty Stout. “Eventually Wallace, Albert’s son, began purchasing quality furniture to provide to customers in Howard, Clinton and Tipton counties, and added a line of rugs and other household items in 1940. It was at this time that a furniture selection room was added to assist customers in choosing furniture for their homes.”
“Kennard Stout and his brother, AB, expanded the offerings in the furniture store, and added wall-to-wall carpeting and linoleum as housing construction began to expand in 1950,” Stout adds. “After a tornado struck Russiaville in 1965, once again the store expanded the selection for furniture and flooring by building a new, larger building to assist customers in decorating their home. At that time interior design services were added as well, and continue today with two trained interior designers on staff to assist.”
During the 1980s, Jeff Stout introduced hardwood and tile as well as luxury vinyl plank flooring. Today the store offers the most up-to-date flooring from Mannington. Coleman shares that while many older customers love carpet, younger generations tend to prefer hard surfaces. For busy families with pets and dripping sippy cups, ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean.
“Current flooring trends involve mixing materials and using bold colors,” says Coleman. “Wide plank flooring is popular. Many people choose luxury vinyl flooring because it’s durable, water resistant and it looks like real wood. It’s also easy to clean and budget friendly. Laminate flooring is well-liked for its quick and simple installation. It’s easy to clean and has a waterproof finish. You can drop water on it and you won’t kill it, plus it’s scratch resistant. Our carpet and flooring installation is the best you can find anywhere.”
The furniture offered includes sofas from Lancer Furniture in North Carolina and Recliners from Ort Furniture in Ohio. Dining tables and chairs are made in a small Amish workshop in northern Ohio. All the furniture can be customized for cushion firmness, choice of legs and pedestal design. Delivery is free, and service and repair are available.
“The furniture is such excellent quality that it lasts forever and ever,” says Coleman. “Sometimes after 25 years a customer will need a spring changed out. As far as color trends, things are changing. Gray has had its heyday; it hung on much longer than expected. The hot new color is greige, a mix between gray and beige. However, people are embracing color again.”
Sectional sofas are still a favorite option. Customers can choose how dense they would like the feel of the cushions. Seniors tend to prefer a firmer feel that enables them to sit upright. While classic design is always in, legs can be customized to reflect various styles. Books of fabric and color samples allow for a multitude of alternative looks. American Lamp Company is the shop’s supplier of quality, stylish lamps. The store offers a selection of gifts. When a Bridgewater candle is purchased, the manufacture donates money to feed an orphaned child three meals.
“Stout and Son has remained committed to sourcing only quality furniture manufactured in the U.S.A., standing firmly in the belief that local is always better,” says Stout. “This commitment continues today as we continue to offer quality furniture and flooring in a comfortable, low-pressure atmosphere. We believe that customers are more than capable of making their own choices.”
“We work hard to provide options that the customer can choose from – fabrics, density and style,” Stout continues. “Our goal is to work with a customer and assist them in making choices that fit their budget, with pieces that are statement pieces that will last for generations to come. We value our customers. We value their right to be informed and to choose what they want – not what we want them to buy. We appreciate that our customers work hard for their money and want to spend it wisely.”
The store is located at 200 East Main Street in Russiaville. Call 765-883-7172 for more info, and also view them on Facebook.
