Selecting the Right Furniture for the Book Lover

Finding space for all their books is one of the many challenges of book lovers living on their own (or even with roommates or partners). This is a singular problem as books, unlike clothes, shoes, or accessories, cannot be folded or hung in a cabinet. Book lovers also tend to see storing away their most prized possessions as something of a sacrilege. Many furniture retailers have come to notice this niche market and are now stocking up on pieces that book lovers will love.

Image Source: countryside-studio.com

Versatility is key to finding the perfect closet for books while still keeping within the budget. Many closets now have adjustable grooves which can fit as many as four or five shelves. These shelves can be taken out to accommodate larger books or placed back in to shelve smaller items. Individuals who find a piece they love but are lacking in space can ask their local furniture retailer to add more grooves. This is a particularly useful suggestion for people who have vintage pieces they do not want to give away.

Another technique is foregoing standard pieces altogether and choosing furniture that perform multiple functions. One such example is a bed whose frame is actually a closet. Furniture designers have been creating versatile beds such as these for new parents to store their baby’s stuff. However, these bed frames can also be used as additional space for books.

Image Source: myyakimahandyman.com

For many years, Circus Furniture has been the go-to name for furniture needs. Learn more about the company’s products by liking this Facebook page.

Choosing the Right Funky Furniture for Your Space

Image Source: functionalhomedesigns.com

Perhaps because of that new song that talks funk, or perhaps because more people are exploring different design styles, funky furniture have been taking the forefront in many homes and businesses. Interior designers list the many aesthetic merits of owning an innovative chair, from it being retro-inspired and contemporary chic to the explosion of lines and colors that embody comfort and style. For the relatively conservative homeowner, however, these design jargon seem intimidating.

Unlike traditional furniture, funky pieces add a little excitement to an otherwise standard room. They are useful as a conversation piece and recent designs have made them quite comfortable. It is easy to be deterred by exuberant lines but it is possible for any homeowner to have a funky chair or table without going overboard.

Design furniture shops really talk it out with customers in order to get an idea as to what would suit not only space but personality as well. These pieces should be bought with a different mindset. The functionality should be placed second and appeal prioritized. Remember that these pieces are accents to a room. They should perform their intended function well but being functional is not their primary purpose. The chair or table must suit the interior and overall décor, while being an index of the homeowner’s personality.

Image Source: bedroomkitchen.com

It is generally recommended that only one or two funky pieces be placed in an area. Several of these pieces in a single room would be overwhelming and would jar any creativity or design, particularly if these pieces are in bright colors. 

Circus Furniture in Tucson, Arizona is a reputable store in the area. Learn more about its great furniture selection by liking this Facebook page.

REPOST: Interior design ideas for maximising space

All of us want to have a  place to call our own. But space – or the lack of it – is fast becoming an issue. Whether you live in the studio apartment or want to get more out of a small room, Jessica Hynes shares these small space design ideas to help you decorate.

Furniture placement makes a big difference in a large room. | Image Source: stuff.co.nz

Placing furniture in a room requires careful forethought, writes Jessica Hynes.

If there is one thing synonymous with great interior design, a full-scale renovation, room makeover, or new a season freshen up, it is the consideration and manipulation of space.

Whether it be an apartment, a sprawling country manor, or a freshly signed-off new build, how we work with the space of each room is key to the success of your interior design project.

Furniture placement makes a big difference in a small room. | Image Source: stuff.co.nz

Space evokes emotions, reflects functionality, and is the blank canvas that can be visually controlled through colours, furnishings, and objects.

However, not all amateur interior designers are aware of what can be achieved in the space they have without even picking up a hammer.

We want rooms in our houses to be one of two ways — either cosy and warm, or spacious and airy. How we want a space to work for us depends on the function and purpose of the room. Rooms where people gather, socialise, and spend the majority of their time should feel spacious while a bedroom or study is more likely to feel warm and intimate.

Light sculptural look: Anteo Table by Giorgetti, from ECC. |  Image Source: stuff.co.nz

Apartment living in New Zealand is becoming increasingly popular, with the rise in house prices looking unlikely to slow down soon. Challenging the Kiwi ideology of the three-bedroom detached house on a quarter-acre section (no longer a reality for most of us), the inspiration and resources available for learning to work with smaller spaces are becoming more prevalent in design and architecture.

Adding multiple pieces of furniture to an already small room quickly makes it overcrowded; a couch, a couple of chairs, a TV and coffee table, rug, artwork, and dining table, and your modern, clean lined space quickly resembles a junk shop, and items that once seemed practical now seem superfluous and clumsy.

On the flip side, a large and open plan space can prove just as challenging. Place furniture too far apart and run the risk of a clinical, sterile atmosphere. A new build boasting light-coloured carpets and walls can come across as cavernous when empty; trying to correctly place furniture can be like attempting to decorate the Serengeti with sofas.

But before sacrificing your Marimekko fabric curtains or your Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs, be aware that it's often how you place your furniture within a space that can determine its feel.

Having your furniture haphazardly arranged around a TV or coffee table in a small lounge can make it feel pokey. Invest in a rug and face your furniture symmetrically towards each other around it to anchor the area; a little formality goes a long way in visually increasing a small space. Rein in those formally placed chairs floating at the edges of a room in a large space, and form different dominant and submissive clusters of furniture, areas for socialising and those more suited to curling up with a book and a cuppa.

The introduction of different areas adds interest to a large room, and can make it appear visually smaller and more cosy.

'Grounded' furniture can affect the feeling of space in a room: Shadow Buffet by Ethnicraft, from McKenzie & Willis. | Image Source: stuff.co.nz

While most people don't have the budget to knock through walls or add extensions on a whim, accessories and colours are the two secret weapons great designers have in their repertoire.

A bathroom in varying shades of white will make a space appear larger, as the continuation of colour draws the eye around the room. A living area with textured, patterned wallpaper, furniture in different shades, contrasting curtains, and layers of accessories will keep the eye occupied, and visually bring the room in.

The great thing about using accessories to change the way the size of a room is perceived is that you can play with new trends, and make small changes with affordable pieces like cushions and artwork to give your room a brand new look.

Here are a few tricks to keep in mind when you are thinking about how to fill a room to suit its function and size, while maximising or minimising the appearance of space.

* Mirrors aren't only magic for Snow White. For small spaces, place a mirror opposite a window and voila — your room has just gained much needed depth and an added sense of space.

* Big, bold prints maximise a small space, while delicate prints bring the space together.

* Grounded furniture is a great way of making a room appear smaller, as it adds density. Floating cabinetry, or furniture with fine legs make a room appear larger.

* Simplicity and repetition of materials, patterns, and colours make a space appear larger, while contrast, irregular patterns, and lines reduce space.

* Light colours and reflective surfaces such as stainless steel, chrome, and metallics are ideal for small spaces. Dark colours and light absorbing surfaces such as brick, concrete, stone and unpolished timber are perfect in large spaces.

Learn more about choosing furniture and other aspects of interior design from this Circus Furniture Facebook page.

Interior design tips: Comfort and style in the bedroom

Image Source: townandcountrystyle.com.au

The bedroom is a place for people to relax and get a good night's rest. That is why it is important to design it in a way that is most comfortable for the person using it. Here are a few tips to improve the aesthetic and comfort of the bedroom:

Choose a focal point

The focal point is the area in the room with the most emphasis. Choosing a point of focus directs the eyes of the viewer towards a beautiful object in the room, be it a bed with an intricate headboard or a wall with floor-to-ceiling picture or painting. These points add interest and purpose to overall interior design.

Keep proportion and scale in mind

A large bed in a small room will make the room seem smaller. Take note of the size of the furniture in proportion to the space in the room. Mirrors can make the illusion of bigger space. Add more functional furniture and décor to a big room so it won't look too empty.

Image Source: gotosofa.com

Layer with colors and patterns

Don't be afraid to use color. Layer neutral colors with loud or bright colors to add life to any dull areas of the room. Keep colors consistent and experiment with different shades. It's also a good idea to mix and match patterns on pillow covers and bed spreads to add depth and variety.

Add proper lighting

Light is one of the important elements of interior design and the bedroom needs ample lighting to set the right ambience. Natural light from windows can be muted with window blinds or curtains. Place lamps and other artificial lighting fixtures in strategic locations around the room like on the bedside table or near reading chairs.

Image Source: hgtv.com

Visit this Circus Furniture website to find the perfect furniture for your dream home.

REPOST: Color Combinations: 5 Bold Ideas You Haven't Tried Yet

Color is a very powerful design element that can really change the entire look and feel of a room. This Apartment Therapy article below enumerates some bold ideas you should try on your own space.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color is a powerful tool for interior spaces. Masterfully wielded, it can shock, excite, pull a room together and more. The challenge? Finding different, fresh ways to use color in your interior spaces so you're never bored! We've got five ideas to consider today.

Color + sliding doors

(Pictured above) You've seen interior doors painted before, and while sliding doors aren't exactly new, they are becoming more and more popular indoors. So combine those two ideas into very exciting bold colored sliding doors to wow in your rooms! Idea spotted on Femina.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color + two surfaces

Have some thrift store art you'd love to improve, and add some excitement to a room? Get inspired by the photo above and add some color halfway up the walland cover part of the thrift store art. This idea won't work in every home, but it's certainly bold! Seen on Domaine.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

 Color + a similar color

It's bold to use contrasting colors in the same room and definitely makes a statement. But you can be just as bold by stacking two similar colors together to create a more subtle but still really exciting combination of hues. This idea works best with two walls in the same room, or like above, a large furniture piece stacked in front of a boldly colored wall. Spotted on Sfgirlbybay.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color + architecture

This isn't a new idea, but it's so bold it isn't tried by many people. But look how awesome it looks! Painting your interior window trim a bright color not only highlights the architecture of a space, it really makes an entire room stand out. Seen on Country Living.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color + a casual, unfinished look

If you haven't tried a partial paint job yet — splashing color on one part of a wall and not using harsh, stark edges or lines — you could be missing out on a really fresh and bold way to add color to a space. Too much for a wall? Why not try this idea on a furniture piece? Spotted on Elle Decoration France via The Style Files.

 Follow this Circus Furniture blog for more design tips for your home.

Get busy: Designing an effective workplace at home

Image Source: dailybusinessdose.com

Today’s fast-paced lifestyles and cultural emphasis on work-life balance have made working from home a common arrangement. Most houses these days have a home office or a study, and the way they are set up can directly affect productivity. An environment where you can be inspired to work without interruption is the key to a great home office design.

There are a few things to consider when designing or decorating a home office – lighting, furniture and organization.

Adequate lighting is necessary for a person to stay focused without getting eye strain. Unlike the living room or the dining room where you want cozy, warm lighting, a home office should be bright, awash in direct light. Purchase a good desk lamp or install lighting fixtures on the walls or ceiling, and use incandescent bulbs or those that mimic the sun’s light spectrum. It is also best to have a window in the room to let in natural light, as exposure to sunlight can keep your mood and motivation up.

Image Source: gearpatrol.com

A spacious desk can ensure that everything you need is at arm’s reach, and an ergonomic chair can prevent back aches from hours of sitting. There should also be enough storage bins or shelves to file and store away work-related items.

Organization is also vital to a good workspace design. Remove all clutter from the desk and the entire room; things you don’t need should be put away in cabinets, loose papers should be filed in drawers, computer and phone cords should be neatly tied.

Designing a perfect and effective home office is not easy. Experiment with the layout, decoration, new furniture and technology, and balance it with your budget until you get it right.

Image Source: designfup.com

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Circus Furniture offers top quality furniture and accessories for clients who are looking to update their home interiors. Follow this Twitter page for more about interior design.

REPOST: Designer Erin Gates on how to find your style

Many people judge others by how they set up their homes; their taste in furniture and overall interior design is a reflection of their personalities. This article featured in the Columbia Daily Tribune shares some tips about finding your own interior design style from designer and writer Erin Gates.

Image Source: columbiatribune.com

Designer and writer Erin Gates, 35, lives in a white clapboard Colonial in Newton, Mass., with her husband, two dogs and a leopard-print stair runner.

Gates pens the popular blog Elements of Style, where her advice is glamorous yet practical and often served up with humor. In her just-published book “Elements of Style: Designing a Home and a Life,” Gates shares secrets including dressing up a closet to finding a kitchen counter material that will fit your lifestyle.

The book has lots of lists and charts and advice. She has got a great list of housewarming gift ideas — terrariums instead of flowers, for example, or a return-address rubber stamp — and assorted tips for renters — if you’re not allowed to use huge nails to hang a weighty mirror in an entry hall, try leaning a tall wall mirror behind a console table. Her primers on the 12 best sofa styles and 45 favorite paint colors are keepers.

I spoke to Gates recently about her book and her insights into helping people discover their personal style.

Q: How do you find your own style if you haven’t a clue?

A: Go through your closet. Your wardrobe says a lot about the colors and patterns and textures you are comfortable with. If you see a lot of bright colors and patterns, this is what you are drawn to and should do in your rooms. If you have a more muted wardrobe, more businesslike, then I advise people to decorate with neutrals and clean lines.

Q: What other tools can you use?

A: Pinterest has been the most helpful tool for people to really explain and figure out their style. You can look back at your pins and say, “Oh, I have 57 linen couches pinned here. I must love them.” We always ask clients to make a board of anything they are attracted to, whether a wall color or type of chair or a fabric. When you gather these things and look at them as a cohesive unit, trends will pop out.

Q: What else do you have to consider?

A: Be honest about your lifestyle. If you are somebody who doesn’t throw things away or has lots of stuff or kids who have a lot of hobbies and toys, a streamlined space that is super modern with little storage will not function for you. Do you have dogs? Kids? That should play into the fabrics and rugs you choose, and the style of furniture and materials. You don’t want glass coffee tables or white silk fabrics if you have kids.

Q: How do you add personality to a room?

A: Add antique or vintage goods or hand-me-downs. If you see a room with brand-new, high-end and fancy things, it looks unlived-in, like a hotel room. I always try to bring something vintage or antique with a little patina. Look for things a bit quirky. If it’s too perfect, there is no warmth to it. Add a funky upholstered chair or cool piece of art. Make sure that there is something unique that is not in everyone’s Pottery Barn catalogue and seven people in your neighborhood have as well.

Q: What is one of your favorite neutral paint colors?

A: My favorite is Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist.

Q: What are five home accessories no home should be without?

A: A beautiful collection of books; greenery (either a fresh flower arrangement, plant or tree); an amazing-smelling candle; a work of art you absolutely love; and beautiful trays for coffee tables or as a catchall atop a bar or in the bedroom to corral jewelry.

Q: How can you make a personal statement in a tiny apartment?

A: Use wall color. Dramatic wall color changes everything, especially in a small room. The adage that small spaces can’t be dark colors is wrong; it actually makes them feel bigger. Another way is to incorporate a large-scale work of art; the dramatic size will be especially impactful in a smaller-scale space.

Q: Would you share a couple of budget decorating tips?

A: Etsy is the best source to find pillows made from trade-only, designer fabric for much less than even we designers can make them. It allows you to decorate with pillows that not everyone else has bought from the same company. Don’t overlook hand-me-down furniture: A fresh coat of glossy white, black or bold-color paint and a change of hardware can take Grandma’s dresser from blah to beautiful.

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