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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.