Monthly Archives

March 2017

Decor, Interior Design Ideas

Tips for making your home office more productive

Bree here, from Home Zone Furniture.

If you work from home, you know firsthand that a well-organized, aesthetically pleasing office directly affects your day-to-day productivity. If you’re facing a slump in your work life, it might be time to rethink how your office can work for you.

From lighting to ergonomics, these are the most important changes to make in your home office to encourage daily productivity and focus.

Placement

Loud noises and distractions are only going to hamper your productivity. Set up your office in the quietest part of the house or a location in the home that has thick, soundproof walls. This way, when you get started on a project or task, there will be no outside source of noise to impede your flow.

Lighting

Given the choice, always opt for natural light instead of fluorescent or LED lighting. Among other things, natural lighting stimulates the brain, provides a bright, even light for easy reading, and gives you both visual and mental clarity. Whether you have to relocate your office to find some light, or simply have to draw back the shades, a well-lit room is essential to staying upbeat and motivated throughout the workday.

Organize

One cardinal rule of being productive in your home office is to keep it organized! Nothing diverts focus faster than a stack of papers in disarray. Not only should your desk be clean and clear of clutter, your drawers and cabinets should be in order, too. This way, if you’re ever looking for a certain file or paper, you can find it quickly and directly without rummaging.

Ergonomics

You can’t be productive day after day without being comfortable. Invest in a chair that gives you good support and encourages correct posture. Also, make sure the chair you choose is adjustable. Should you change desks in the future, you’ll always want your seat to be at the right height so your legs fit underneath. With the perfect office chair, you’ll be able to sit still and stay focused for hours on end without causing long-term pain.

Plants

Last but not least, add a little life to a bland office with a plant or two. Whether you choose something that hangs or is potted, a plant will bring color to your space and purify the air. Keep in mind that some plants are happier inside than others. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at my five favorite houseplants.

Feeling a little more productive already?

Bree

Seasonal

5 accessories to take your home from winter to spring

Bree here, from Home Zone Furniture.

As the seasons change, so should your home accessories. This spring, go for key pieces that are easy on the wallet but make a strong visual impact regardless of your style. Whether you’re looking to tweak your bedroom, living room or kitchen, these are my five tips for inviting the color and beauty of spring into your home in no time!

Bed linens

Welcome spring into your home by putting the right sheets and blankets on your bed. As the weather warms up, you’ll want to swap out heavy textiles like flannel and velvet for cooler materials like cotton and linen. Lightweight fabrics like these will regulate your body temperature and help you sleep soundly at night.

Spring is also a great time to experiment with colored sheets. Try incorporating a soft, pastel palette in your bed linens for a look that’s both serene and cheerful.

Throw pillows

To quickly brighten up your bedroom or living room with the colors of the season, look no further than throw pillows. Simply swapping out your pillow covers with beautiful, garden-inspired shades is certain to lighten the mood in any home. Don’t be afraid to choose patterns and fun colors — you can always rearrange. Stripes and large-scale floral prints are two of my favorite choices for spring.

Rugs

Sometimes a room just doesn’t feel complete without an area or accent rug. In the spring, change out high-pile rugs in dark colors for low-pile rugs in a light or bright color. Natural textures like seagrass are also a nice choice for bringing in a laid-back, beachy vibe.

If you have a rug that just doesn’t seem to be working, this is also the perfect season to take it out completely and go for bare hardwood or tile floors.

Curtains

Curtains have multiple functions and should be adjusted according to season. In the winter, curtains protect windows from incoming drafts to keep you warm. In the spring and summer, well-chosen curtains can block out harsh sun rays and regulate the temperature inside.

For warm weather, go with a gauzy cotton or linen curtain. To keep inside temps as cool as possible, don’t forget to choose a light color — white reflects light, while black and other dark shades absorb it!

Fresh flowers

Last, but certainly not least, bring the outdoors inside with freshly cut blooms. Your flower arrangement can be as big or small as you like depending on where you want to put it. Place a small vase filled with delicate blooms next to your bedside, or create a larger, dynamic arrangement for a coffee table or entrance hall.

Other places in the home that could always use a pop of color and a dash of fragrance include the mantle, the kitchen countertop or the bathroom vanity.

Bree

Seasonal, Spring

Top Spring Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Home

It’s spring and time to enjoy a cleaner, refreshed home! Spring cleaning is both a refreshing and a completely exhausting exercise. While it feels great to clean up, clean out, and simplify, sometimes it feels overwhelming, and you don’t know where to start.

Sound familiar? If you’re not looking forward to this annual ritual, remember that you don’t have to finish your spring cleaning in one day. Pick a weekend, pick a room, get to work, and you’ll be done in no time! Also, if you’re wondering how best to spring clean, here are our top spring cleaning tips for your spring cleaning checklist in 2024.

grey couch in light formal living room
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Seasonal

How to achieve the home of your dreams

Bree here, from Home Zone Furniture.

One of the reasons I love interior design is because it’s about more than following trends — it’s about fulfilling your lifestyle dreams. Whether you long for a rustic, country retreat or a quaint seaside cottage, you can make your visions a reality with just the right furniture and styling.

These are our top three choices from the Home Zone Furniture collection to satisfy our fantasy living scenarios!

If you wish you lived in the country… 

…cozy up in the Idaho Sofa and Loveseat.

The countryside is all about casual, comfortable living, and the Idaho set from Home Zone reflects just that. From the oversized cushions to the worn-in leather and brass accent detail, this seating is rustic yet refined. The rich, brown shade along with the bagged and baffled back cushions promise that Idaho will provide unmatched durability and beauty for years to come. Depending on the season, decorate this sofa and loveseat with the perfect arrangement of colorful throw pillows.

If you wish you lived in Cape Cod…

…create a serene bedroom space with the Gardenia Collection.

When you think of Cape Cod, several things come to mind: relaxation, the beach and classic American style. The six-piece Gardenia Collection promises to bring the calming beauty of this seaside town into your home in no time. From the bed to the nine-drawer dresser, this collection brightens up any room with a soft white finish and clean, traditional lines. To make that carefree, beachy feeling really come to life, dress your bed in white, cream and pastel linen or cotton sheets, and don’t forget to place a vase of fresh hydrangeas on the nightstand!

If you wish you could eat in an upscale restaurant every night…

…spruce up your dining room with the Robinson Table.

With a round table and four dining chairs, this set is an easy addition to any dining room or breakfast nook. The Robinson has an undeniably chic, contemporary look. The table has a sculptural base and comfortably seats four guests. The high back chairs are eye-catching as well, with sleek upholstery and a comfortable seat. The sophisticated natural palette will not only draw attention to your food, but it will also invite you to play with subtle pops of color throughout the rest of the room.

French chateau, California bungalow — what’s your ultimate dream home? Share it with us in the comments!

Bree