Thursday, June 23, 2011

Save During the Summertime

Sure, going green has become trendy these days, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: it can help you save a lot of money! Read our tips to save on household expenses when it comes to your kitchen, bathrooms and more.

• Bamboo is an eco-friendly and can now be used in outdoor cabinetry!

• If you broke the bank on furniture accessories for your bathroom and kitchen, you’ll want to save on water heating costs. Installing a solar water heater can cut your water heating costs in half. Seriously!

• Invest in a ventilation fan to improve the air quality of your bathroom.

• If you need a new toilet or faucet, invest in the latest low-flow faucet or high-efficiency toilet.

• Super energy-efficient refrigerators use less energy than a 60-watt bulb.

• The latest models of dishwashers are quiet and eco-friendly, meaning they use up to 70 percent less water!

When you save money on household expenses, you can splurge on the traditional sofa set you have been eyeing for your Brooklyn apartment.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Surviving a Kitchen Renovation

Are you renovating your kitchen? Before you can pick up bar stools for your San Diego space, you’ll have to endure a few months (or maybe more!) of having your kitchen ripped apart. Read our tips for staying sane while your kitchen is being renovated. Bonus: you won’t have to resort to microwave meals or dining out during the whole renovation process!

• Think creatively when using the space you do have. If you can, transform your dining room or another space into a kitchen. Keep dry goods in a plastic storage bin, perishables in a mini fridge and use your contemporary dining room buffet as your countertop.

• Do you have a slow cooker? Use it! Slow cookers are so helpful for making one-pot meals. A microwave, electric skillet and toaster oven are also good to have for easy meal-making.

• Adjust your grocery store list. Spaghetti might seem like an easy meal, but boiling water without a stove is hard! Buy items like rotisserie chicken, microwaveable rice and steam-in-the-bag veggies instead.

• If you love entertaining, don’t stop just because your kitchen is being renovated! Invite friends over and have a picnic.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Are Your Book Cases A Clutter?

Whether you are a bona fide book worm or book shelves came with your Manhattan apartment, you’ll want to make the most out of your book cases. Read our tips for keeping them organized and looking their best:

• If the book cases in your San Diego home only feature a few scattered books, place picture frames, bud vases and other items on the shelves to add dimension and fill up the space.

• Select one color—if you aren’t afraid of color choose red or yellow—to tie everything together. If you have a red end table in the room, for example, tie in the color via a red picture frame and red vase.

• Paint the insides of your book shelves to add contrast and highlight the objects within.

• Even if you don’t have tons of books, place a cluster of books on each shelf.

• If you do have lots of books, arrange most of them vertically (to save space), but set up a few horizontal stacks to switch things up.

• Even though real estate might be at a premium, make sure to incorporate decorative items nonetheless. That goes with free space, too. Leave at least ¼ of each shelf free.

• If your book shelves house books and other forms of media, try not to display anything not worthy of display.

• Even if your book case is devoted to DVDs and other forms of modern media, add a few vintage touches for character.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Outdoor Dining Made Easy

The first day of summer is June 21, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to start eating al fresco! Bring a tray of food and drinks out and sit on the chaise lounges in your San Diego backyard, or bring your dining room furniture from your Manhattan apartment onto the roof of your building for dinner under the stars!

Here are some more tips for making the most of your al fresco dining experience:

• Don’t stop at furniture. Bring pillows outdoors too, to make the space as comfortable as possible.

• Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t get fancy if you want to. Add an elegant touch with a crisp white tablecloth.

• Instead of cut flowers, pick up potted herbs (bonus: you can use them in your meals) or tough annuals (like impatiens or white geraniums). They will last all summer long.

• Save pretty wine or sparkling water bottles. Remove the labels (soak them in hater water for a half hour or so), fill with water and place on the table as an alternative to a pitcher.

• Be eco-friendly and use pretty dish towels in lieu of paper napkins. Bonus: if you’re eating messy summer staples like ribs, watermelon or corn on the cob you won’t have to sacrifice your nice cloth napkins.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Lighting: A Two Part Guide

Last week, in Zara’s lighting guide, we talked about different types of lighting. But what is a pedestal lamp without a light bulb? Continue reading to ensure you pick the best bulb in the bunch!

Here are the four most common types of bulbs:

1. Incandescent: Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms. Bedrooms and dens, incandescent bulbs can be used on a dimmer and bring out warm yellow tones. Not a fan of a warm glow? Pick MB Halogen bulbs or GE Reveal bulbs.

2. Fluorescent: These energy efficient bulbs often have a bluish tint and are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms and tanning beds. They are usually linear, circular, u-shaped or grooved and sometimes flicker and make crackling sounds.

3. Compact fluorescent: Also known as CFLs, these small, even more energy efficient fluorescent bulbs last up to ten times longer than standard fluorescents. Although they commonly come in a swirly shape, you can find encased ones, too. Use them in the living room, bedroom, dining room, kitchen and outdoors but not the bathroom (high humidity can shorten their lifespan).

4. Halogen: The brightest bulbs in the box, these cost the most and last longer than other bulbs. Flood lights and flat tops are examples of these bulbs, which contain more blue and green than standard bulbs—making the light appear brighter and whiter.
Once you pick a bulb, you’ll have to choose the correct wattage. 75-150 watts are ideal for reading and other tasks, while 40-75 watts are perfect for mood lighting.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Lighting: A Two Part Guide

You can have the right furniture and accents, but without the right lighting your San Diego or New York space won’t shine as brightly as it could—pun intended. We hope the first part of our two part guide to lighting will help you fix all of your lighting woes.

First thing’s first – let’s address the four basic types of lighting:

1. Accent: The main function of accent lighting (aka mood lighting) is to highlight something—like artwork or a bookcase—that you want to stand out.

2. Task: Task lighting provides a beam of light for reading or doing another activity and is commonly used in an office or reading area.

3. Ambient: Most often found in schools, labs, office spaces and medical offices, ambient lighting mimics sunlight and illuminates the entire room.

4. Decorative: This refers to chandeliers, sconces, pendants, etc., which work as attention grabbers but also provide ambient lighting.
Stay tuned for part two of Zara’s lighting guide next week, in which we will tackle the many different types of light bulbs out there so you can pick which is best for your space.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Making the Most of Your Bed: Part Three

There are three factors to consider when picking out pillows for your traditional bed.

Do you sleep on your side or your back?

Foam pillows are the most stable and are the right choice for you if you sleep on your side or your back, because they keep your neck in a neutral position. Neck muscles can tense up if your neck doesn’t maintain its natural curve, which could lead to headaches. If you sleep on your side, choose a contoured version of a foam pillow (the front mound fills in the gap between your neck and shoulder).

Or are you most comfortable on your stomach?

Density isn’t as import if you sleep on your stomach (because your neck requires less support in this position), so choose a down pillow. Down compresses easily so when you move your neck in your sleep air passages won’t be restricted.

Do you suffer from allergies?

Down isn’t the right choice for you, as dust mites burrow into down. Invest in a miteproof cover.

Here at Zara Furniture, we hope our bedding tips help!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Making the Most of Your Bed: Part Two

Do you want a simple blanket, quilt, comforter or decorative coverlet to keep you warm and complement your bedroom furniture? Read ahead to find out in part two of Zara Furniture’s guide to all things related to your traditional bed.

Selecting a bedcover – pick from these common types:

• Quilts: Filled with cotton or polyester batter, quilts can be machine-washable but make sure to check the label.

• Simple blankets: Choose one with a border for the most longevity.

• Comforters: Choose from different types of fillings:

               o Cotton: The most breathable choice.

               o Fleece: Usually made of polyester fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. A plush choice.

               o Wool: This natural insulator will keep you warm. Looking to make your bed as luxe as possible? Pick virgin wool.

               o Down: Ask about the fill power (the space an ounce of down fills – 550 is adequate; 800 is luxury) and where it comes from (the fluffiest down will come from geese from colder regions).
Caring for a bedcover:

• If you use a top sheet, wash your duvet cover one a month. If you don’t wash it weekly.

• Down comforters should be laundered twice a year, or every three to five years if covered. To prevent clumping, put a few (clean) tennis balls into the dryer.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Making the Most of Your Bed: Part One

Once you’ve picked your traditional bed, you still have a lot to consider, like choosing a mattress, bedcover and pillows. Read the first part of Zara Furniture’s bedding guide and stay tuned for parts two and three later this week.

Selecting a mattress - choose from these three main types:

• Innerspring construction: A good way to determine the amount of support in this mattress—the most common—is to see the number of steel coils it contains. The coils are topped with layers of padding. 350 coils are recommended for a full-size mattress, 480 for a queen and 580 for a king.

• Air-filled models: Composed of air chambers surrounded by foam, you can adjust the firmness to your liking. A top layer of high-density foam is smart.

• Foam mattresses: Choose from latex (composed of natural or synthetic rubber), polyurethane (density varies) and viscoelastic (think: memory foam). If you get hot during your sleep, choose open-cell construction to maximize breathability.

Caring for a mattress -make the most of your investment with these tips:

• Flip and rotate your mattress every few months to ensure even wear and vacuum as well.

• Air your mattress out for a few hours once a year.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

More Than a Mirror

Mirrors are one of the most underrated decorating pieces. Sure, you use them every day, but did you know that a well-placed mirror can show off your style, make a room seem bigger or even give a room a drastically different perspective? Read our tips for making the most out of your mirrors.

• Tight on space? Prop a large mirror—at least ¾ the height of the wall—to fake extra square footage.

• Create instant artwork by grouping mirrors of varying size and shape and frame type on a wall for a spin on the current trendy picture wall.

• Have a room with only one window? Strategically hang a mirror so that it reflects the window and gives the illusion that there are two. Bonus: During the day this will bring more light in.

• Don’t have a table runner? Place a full-length mirror (the inexpensive kind you would attach to the back of a bedroom or closet door) on top of your dining room table. This unexpected table topper looks chic with flowers and candles on top or even on its own.

• During the warmer months when your fireplace is on hiatus, place a mirror inside and set pillar candles in front.

Whether you have a leaf mirror lying around or plan on picking up some mirrors for an easy decorating fix, we hope these tips help!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Making the Most of Your Small Space

Just because your home or apartment is small doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style! You can make even the smallest space appear roomier with a few simple strategies.

In your kitchen, make sure you can move around among the stove, sink and refrigerator without running into anything. It will save your sanity when cooking and also make the space appear larger. If your kitchen area is especially tight, consider replacing a traditional table and chairs with a bar table and bar stools for a contemporary look that is also space-friendly.

When dealing with limited square footage, try to find items that can do double duty by performing multiple functions. Coffee tables can serve as extra seating in a pinch, for example, and can also store books or other items. Although pushing furniture to the sides of the room might seem like it will make your living room seem larger, it actually does the opposite by making the space look like a waiting room! Use a rug in a neutral color to unify the room and give it a focal point.

Lighting also plays a major role in decorating a small space. The darker the room is, the smaller it will feel. So make sure to let in as much light as possible and add mirrors to the walls to open things up even further. Strategic painting can also help. By painting the walls a brighter color than an adjacent hallway or room, the space will feel less cramped.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Decorating Without Breaking the Bank

Just because you’ve filled your home with low cost furniture doesn’t mean your space is complete—you still have to decorate! Follow our tips for decorating your space without breaking the bank.

• Have shells and sea glass lying around from your last beach vacation? Make use of it by creating a display on an entry way table or bathroom counter. Bonus: it will remind you of your vacation all year long.

• Want to introduce a new color to your living room or bedroom without spending a lot? Brightly colored lampshades will pop and redefine your space.

• Make your own coatrack. Seriously. Even if you aren’t crafty, it is easy to glue found materials like stones and pieces of driftwood to a plank of wood to create a natural-looking coatrack that serves as a utility and conversation piece. Have kids? Make it an after-school craft project.

• Is your place tight on space? Prop up a large mirror to open it up. This decorating trick will create imaginary square footage and brighten your room.

• Don’t have enough cash to purchase artwork? Hang like-colored plates or oriental rugs on your walls for a dramatic (and inexpensive) answer to artwork.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Give Your Home a Beach Resort Makeover

Too pinched financially to take a vacation this summer? Have a staycation instead! Just be sure to summerize your space so it will feel like you’re at the beach all season long. Use the following easy tips to make your home feel like a beach resort:

• Scatter shells and other beachy items around the house to remind you of the beach. Who says a glass bowl filled with sea shells isn’t art?

• Wood hutches in neutral colors and white end tables lighten up your space, adding to the vacation-house feel you’re looking for.

• Drape a blanket over a chaise lounge to create a comfortable spot to read. It will be just like the beach—minus the sand!

• Get fresh flowers. Because they are an indulgence, it will add to the vacation vibe you are going for. Just try not to smile every time you pass by a vase full of fresh flowers. We dare you.

• Give your bedroom furniture a mini makeover. For the summer months, transition to unfussy bedding in relaxing shades of white and blue. Bonus points for splurging on a high thread count.

• Frame those pictures from your last beach vacation that have been sitting on your digital camera. They will summarize your home and get you thinking about your next beach getaway.

Monday, April 25, 2011

What I Love About Decorating

I don't know what it is exactly about the coming summer and the change of the seasons but it makes me so excited to change up the look of my apartment. Maybe it's because in the winter we are naturally inclined to darker, warmer colors and then by the time the sun comes out, we just want to lighten everything up. But no matter the reason, I love to redecorate!

Decorating is so fun for me. I think it's because it gives you the ability to add your own personal flair to your living space. I think it's so true that your living space can affect your mood. If my apartment is cluttered even in the least, I can't feel relaxed. Even if it's something small, like how my bookshelf material doesn't match my bamboo coffee table. Having matching furniture sets is probably the first place I start when it comes to redecorating, because I like things the base of my decor to match and then I add variety from there. But anyways, now I'm rambling. Back to the point....

The whole thing decorating is that it gives you complete control to create an environment all for yourself. You go to work everyday and can't control every situation there. You go out in public and you definitely can't control that. But home, home is your place. It is all yours and you can make it look and feel exactly how you want it to. You can choose the colors, the patterns, the furniture. You can keep it clean, or let it get cluttered. It is completely up to you.

So, how will your home look? For design advice, reach out to us anytime at Zaraliving.com!

Friday, April 15, 2011

This Summer - Decorate With White

You know what we love about Spring? Well on top of the great weather, the flowers blooming and the smell of happiness in the air, we love that's it's time to dust off those corners of our homes and redecorate! With so many options for wonderful discount furniture online, you can practically redesign any room with ease. Here is what i am thinking personally for this spring and summer...

Let some light in! No, I don't just mean open the curtains and blinds. I also mean let's focus on lighter colors. Especially, white. My suggestion this spring when it comes to decorating is to go classy with white. Mix and match different whites, creams and ivories in a number of different patterns and textures to give your room a rather elegant and clean look. One thing I love to do is play up textures and bring in pops of natural wood. For a beachy look I might bring in a dritowood lamp. Perhaps a bamboo coffee table. Or a teak bookshelf. The point is to mix and match your whites and creams. Get pillows for the coach that have different patterns - but are still all white. Then add in those natural pops of texture.

Trust me, it will be feeling like a light and east summer in your house in no time. If you have any fun decorating projects that you've been working on, feel free to comment below!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Go Big at Home

You know the saying, “Go big or go home”? Well, we think you should go big at home! Most people make a common mistake when it comes to choosing furniture. They tend to shy away from larger pieces in favor of several small pieces. The result is a cluttered, messy hodgepodge that makes the room look smaller. While it is possible to crowd a room with oversized furniture, one well utilized piece not only adds visual appeal, it also provides storage, thereby making the room seem larger.

Don’t be intimidated by large furnishings. Depending on the room size, you should stick to one or two pieces, like a contemporary sectional and patterned rug or an oversized piece of art. When a substantial, attention-grabbing piece is introduced, a visually stimulating focal point is created that gives the room direction.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Personalize Your Space

Follows these tips to bring a customized touch to your home!

Monograms: An inexpensive way to personalize any room. Add them to bed linens, towels or a cozy blanket left draped over a chair. Many stores offer a monogram service for a fee when you buy their products.

Family heirlooms: Why keep your grandmother’s keepsakes in an old trunk in the attic? Display old photos and collectibles on console tables and walls throughout your home. Even if it’s an odd piece, like the barn door from your great uncle’s dairy farm, there are creative ways to incorporate it— possibly in your backyard garden? By displaying heirlooms, you’re adding an instant conversation piece and making something old new.

Frame-ables: Give accomplishments their due. Showcase things you’re proud of by putting them in frames. Word to the wise: don’t clump pictures together. Give each picture its own frame. Then, arrange the frames in an odd numbered grouping. Odd numbers give more visual appeal than an even numbered set.

Photos: Get creative with a photo editing software. By playing with the crop and saturation, you have the opportunity to create mini-works of art.

Art: All rooms can benefit from a well-placed piece of artwork. A small painting will look strange as the focal point on a large wall, so consider the size of your space first! Use a painting as a focal point or to bring together all the colors in the room. The best part is, art doesn’t have to cost a bundle to be an original. It just has to mean something to you. Plenty of DIY sites can show you ways to create your own. But if making art isn’t your thing, you just want to appreciate it, then acquaint yourself with budget-friendly options.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring Décor

Dust off the winter doldrums, spring is around the corner! Chances are you’ll soon be spending more time outside, so why not bring the outside in by inspiring your space with these 3 basic tips?

Color. It’s the name of the game. A gallon of paint can do wonders for a space. Bright shades of blue, green, yellow, purple and coral are associated with spring, so are pastels. So pick a color and go for it—whether you’re covering an entire room or just one wall, your space will stand out. And if you tire of your selection in the fall, you can always cover it.

Textiles. Designers have already brought out their spring lines: pillows, slipcovers, rugs and linens. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a bundle to get the look. Add a burst of white to the dining table. Floral patterns are inherently springy. Swap a heavier floor covering for a jute or seagrass rug. Drape a vibrant throw over your favorite chair. If you want a custom look, go to your local fabric store, where you can coordinate color, textiles and window coverings for a seamless look that’s sure to impress.

Window Coverings: The dark days of winter are over. While the sunshine is a welcome change, it may be more intense than your house can handle. So how do you avoid heavier drapery fabrics in favor of a more season appropriate window covering, without sacrificing shade? Roman shades are a simple, clean option to block the sun and maintain privacy. If you hang them in a basic white or cream, you can then layer them with patterned or bright colored drapes. It’s also possible to have linens lined with a thick, sun-stopping fabric.

The best part about switching up your style? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By integrating a few updated pieces, your room will sparkle like new.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Laid Back Design Style We Love - Cottage Style

Ok, here's the last of our suggestions for the day. The laid back cottage design style.

"Laid-back best describes your way of life, which means cottage style is right up your alley. You love rooms that feel casual, breezy, and informal. Consider slipcovered furniture and painted wood pieces to achieve a put-your-feet-ip vibe. Use crisp white as the ideal backdrop for layers of soft accent colors found in pillows, rugs and vintage accessories."

Think of your favorite little cottage by the sea or in the countryside for inspiration. Simple and quaint and relaxing are all things that are synonymous with this style we love so much. Check out our website for furniture to match this!

Polished Casual Design Style

Ok, so onto another popular design style that you can incorporate into your living room and bedroom design and furniture. It's called polished casual.

Here's Better Homes and Garden's great explanation:
"You love to mix and match your favorites from several styles, so polished casual is the best way to describe your look. Crisp, fresh and always comfortable, this approach anchors itself in neutral, subtle hues and furniture that isn't fussy but isn't slouchy either. Pair your clean-lined sofa with a dark leather wing chair or a weathered metal table - anything goes, but simplicity is key."

This look is great for the casual, fun person. It allows you to bring in different pieces of your personality and mix and match.

Country French Design Style

Let's explore some design styles in the next few posts. To start with, we want to talk about one of our favorite classics - country french.

Better Homes and Garden does a nice job of explaining this look:
"If this is your particular design style, you are probably drawn to a rustic but refined style that feels comfortable and livable for today's families. Your version of country french might be rustic - think glazed pottery and chunky woven baskets - or more refined - think gilded details. Either way, patterned fabrics such as toile, stripes, and fleur-de-lis motifs will help you set the tone. Incorporate details such as stucco walls, wrought iron accents, and furniture with carved details for an old-world look."

We love the elegance of the country french look. It's sophisticated and demur and harkens out to lovely Provence, with all it's beauty and splendor.
If you are looking for some country french living room furniture, check out our website for ideas!

Warm or Cool - Color Schemes to Fit Your Mood

So, we recently posted about color theory in regards to home decoration. We'd like to continue that discussion by talking now about the different types of color. Let's start with the main colors and what type of feeling each conveys.

Cool colors -
Cool colors in general convey a sort of serenity and peace in a room. They are soothing and zen-like. Blues are remeniscent of the ocean and sky. Blue can also show professionalism. Purples are cool tones, but convey a sense of regality and money. Cool colors in general tend to recede in a room. They are not the dominant colors.

Warm colors -
Warm colors are stimulating and advancing. They command attention and power. They spark creativity and warmth. In a sense they reflect objects in nature - the sun is yellow, fire is red and orange. Red and yellow make us hungry. Look at the colors of all your favorite fast-food joints. These colors tend to be the dominant colors.

A tip to follow when decorating - For either color scheme, warm or cool, make sure to balance it with pops of a color from the other side. Perhaps add a green plant to a warm room, to cool it down. Add red pillows to a blue and white living room sofa to warm up a cool color scheme.

Either way, carefully plan what type of feeling you want your room to have and plan accordingly. The worst thing to do is to start decorating without a plan.

Using Color in Your Room Decor

At Zara Furniture, we have an in-house team of interior design experts, ready and able to help you with all your design needs and advice. Today, we want to talk about color and how it can affect the design process.

So, let's start with a little lesson in color theory. Traditionally, artists defined red, yellow and blue as the three primary colors from which all others on the color wheel can be mixed. For decorating purposes, we like to point this out because you need to understand the relationships and harmonies between different colors. For example, how purple relates to both red and blue and how green derives from yellow and blue.

The basic color wheel that you are most likely familiar with, shows the pure hues of colors. However, with design and decorating, you most likely will be using tints and shades of those colors. Tints are lighter values of a color. Shades are darker values. Colors that lie opposite each other on the color wheel are known as complementary colors, meaning that when paired, each makes the other appear more vivid. The next thing you need to know is that colors that sit next to each other on the wheel are known as analogous, meaning that the always look good together because they share a common hue. Lastly, triads are any three equally spaced colors on a wheel. The purpose of this combination is to obtain a lively balance.

So, why does all this matter? When it comes to purchasing furniture for the room you are designing, and choosing paint colors, you need to best plan out a color scheme that works best for you. Otherwise, you may run into a poorly colored room, with mismatched colors all over the place. A room should be a neat reflection of yourself. It is your space, so when picking out living room furniture or choosing paint colors, think about yourself and what you are trying to express.

In the next post, we will talk about the different colors and how they make you feel. Stay tuned...

Friday, February 18, 2011

Budgeting a Redesign

Decorating a room can be fun and invigorating. It can bring you a fresh look to your home and express your unique style. But, it can also be expensive and with anything that requires financial budgeting, comes headaches. But buying new living room furniture or putting up new paint does not have to cause you stress. If you approach it with a clear plan in mind, the budgeting of the project should be fairly easy.

First things first, design your dream room. Set all financial burdens aside and plan the room as if it didn’t cost a thing. This way you can have fun and get out your creative side. Include practical stuff that needs to be fixed, upgraded and purchased. Next, determine your real budget and start be brutally honest with yourself about what you can and can’t afford. If you really don’t have enough money to make all the necessary changes to make you happy, then set the project aside for awhile until you do rather than maxing out your credit card.

Before you start making an itemized list of things you will change, do your research. Go online, open catalogs, hit the stores. Shop around and get to know how much things cost and what you can get for the money. Use an online furniture discounter, like us at Zara Living, to look for lower costs. In stores, you will see a lot of markup. Now, if you’ll need to hire anyone to help you with the redesign work, shop around for labor prices as well.

Sit with your itemized list of costs, your dream list and your budget in front of you. Think about what you can afford and what can be changed into something a little less expensive. After you’ve gone through it all and come to some conclusions, draft up a plan for the project. People work better with a clearly laid out plan and instructions. Especially if you have to assign tasks to others. Now you will have a way to make sure things get done on time so the project doesn’t drag on longer than it should.
Spend big money on the big room items. The things that will make guests say “wow.” And scrimp where you can on the smaller cosmetic changes. For the wow pieces, look online for a great furniture supplier. For smaller items and décor, check out secondhand stores, estate sales and discount retailers. It may be like looking for a needle in a haystack but when you do find something it is usually a great steal.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Decorating For Your Zodiac Sign

You know what we love about interior decorating? We love that you can design a room to reflect your unique personality and change it based on your mood. Decorating a room is like getting dressed. You can design in a way that expresses who you are and how you feel. We came across this fun article the other day about decorating based on your zodiac sign and it got us thinking and creating….

  • Aries – You are into gadgets, like a large screen TV, and clean, clutter free spaces. Try pops of bold color, like a red sofa. Keep the space clear of excess clutter by storing things away.
  • Taurus – You like worldly things and lush living spaces. Try decorating in all white. A white sofa, a white coffee table, white carpet. Add pops of gold or brass to add elegance.
  • Gemini – You like art that functions as a statement piece. Modern design appeals to you too. Try a contemporary sofa that focuses on clean lines.
  • Cancer – You are all about family values. Perhaps dedicate a wall to family photos. You also love the color blue, for the ocean. Turquoise or sea blue wall colors or used in decorating will make you feel right at home.
  • Leo – Bold and passionate, find a great yellow or orange color that speaks to you and decorate in that. To bring out your party side, make sure to have board games on hand and leave out a prominent wine rack.
  • Virgo – Use warm woods and natural hues for a refined country look. Stock up on stylish storage chests.
  • Libra – Try fun pops of light blue and orange for a modern, fun look.
  • Scorpio – Since your sign is all about transformation, you’re great at taking flea market finds and turning them into beautiful pieces of furniture.
  • Sagittarius – You are all about world travel and having fun so your room should reflect that. Display your treasures from all across the globe and invest in some beanbag chairs for fun entertaining.
  • Capricorn – All about regality and uniformity, your room shouldn’t look too soft. Invest in some firm leather couches with armrests and a sturdy oak table. Add an Oriental rug for that special touch.
  • Aquarius – You love gadgets and gizmos so your home should contain plenty of those. You will feel right at home.
  • Pisces – A dreamer, your home should feel whimsical and soft.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

WAKING MY BEDROOM UP FOR SUMMER

The other day I was taking a look at my bedroom and started to think that perhaps it’s time to make some updates. Spring is upon us, and that always reminds me of cleaning, shedding layers and starting afresh. Now that winter is coming to a close, I want to try out a different look in my room. Something fun, something to rejuvenate me.

I’m thinking of a textural, beachy feel. Something reminiscent of Caribbean romance and cool ocean breezes. To obtain that look I am going to focus on draping the bed in white linens, adding a few textural pieces and fun pops of color. Let’s start with the bed. Covering it in white linens, I am planning on adding a nice gold and pink bedspread to lie across the foot of the bed. I want to create a mosquito net feel, by attaching white, gauzy linen to the ceiling and to the head of the bed frame.

Next, let’s move on to the flooring. I may consider ripping out any carpet and replacing with wood paneled flooring or tile. A really fantastic area rug, with a great jute-like textural feel would look phenomenal here. As for new bedroom furniture, a desk or armoire made of darker, teak wood would look great, especially with a vase with a couple of fan palm leafs on top. Rattan seating would complete this look giving the room a generous touch of rustic island flavor.

With just a few changes here and there, it would be very easy to get rid of my stale, winter bedroom look and lighten it up for the spring and summertime. I think I’ll go for it. How will you rejuvenate your room this spring?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Feng Shui Your Room For Better Rest

So you are thinking about rearranging your bedroom to make it more of a peaceful place. Have you ever thought about applying some feng shui tips to your room? Feng Shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. Its purpose is to reveal how to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. If you believe in it, it has some pretty cool ideas to make the energy of a room flow better. Let’s see how a little arranging of your bedroom furniture can make an impact on the feeling of your bedroom.

The first important thing to do is to position your bed correctly. The ideal placement of your bed allows you to see the bedroom door while laying in it. According to feng shui, being able to view the door, even while sleeping, allows you to feel more safe and at ease. The foot of the bed shouldn’t point at the door. According to feng shui, this is called the “coffin” position and puts your bed in the main flow of traffic, which is not relaxing. The head of the bed should be placed against a wall as opposed to under a window or away from the wall. If it is against a window it is thought that the chi of a room will be able to enter and leave the room quickly, causing unrestful sleep.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to have your bedroom act only as a place to sleep. Television, computers or exercise gear are believed to distract you from sleep and take up energy. If you have to have a TV in your bedroom, consider buying an entertainment center or armoir that matches the feel of your room. That way you can close the doors to the TV when not in use.

Following these few tips should help you have a more relaxing environment in your bedroom.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Valentine's Day Means Deals at Zara Living!

As Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, we are offering our online buyers a couple of great incentives. If you check out our homepage right now, you will find a coupon for 14% off all items except special order items until February 15th. The coupon code is “valentine14.” What better way to celebrate the upcoming holiday than by buying your loved one a unique piece of furniture through us.

If you check out www.couponsmamma.com right now you will find another awesome coupon for our site with similar offerings.

Check it out today – you will love the deals!