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Design Tips For Your Backyard Office

Many of us have gone from thinking we will only be working from home for a few weeks to being home indefinitely. If you have found yourself in a less than ideal work from home situation, you’re not alone. While some people have created office spaces in closets, others have gotten even more creative and set up a workspace outside. If that sounds like something you could get behind, read on to discover five design tips for your backyard office.

Greenhouse getaway

If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse on your property, consider utilizing it as an office space. Greenhouses not only protect you from the elements but provide a consistent and comfortable environment because they trap heat. They also have the additional benefit of being aesthetically pleasing and allow you to grow some live decor.

Adapt your screens

A screened-in porch is a perfect space to set up an outdoor workspace. Pesky bugs will be barred from entering, and rain will have no chance of ruining your laptop or papers. So it provides the same benefits as working indoors! If you live in a climate that experiences the seasons, you still have options for colder weather. You can cover your screens in vinyl for an easy fix or get a professionally made porch enclosing kit. For extra protection from the cold and wind, install weather-stripping along the edges of your screens.

Salvage your shed

Many a shed has been left to collect dust while housing a shovel or two. If your shed is underused and spacious enough, consider transforming it into your home office. Clear out any garden supplies, clean up the interior, and set up a desk. An interior decorator in Knoxville recommends painting the inside of the shed an office-appropriate color, such as a warm earth tone. A natural color palette will create the right atmosphere for your office space and really get you into the work from home mindset.

Productive patios

If you don’t have a screened-in porch or shed, don’t fret. A patio can serve as an excellent outdoor office space. Canopy tents can be found online or in-store and will provide cover for when it rains. Some even have the added benefit of mesh screening to prevent bugs from ruining your workday. They are easily assembled and can be taken down and put into storage if and when the weather gets too cold to work outside.

Utilize an umbrella

The easiest tip to create a backyard office is simply to get a table and umbrella and bring your work stuff outside. The umbrella will ensure you don’t suffer from the sun’s glare all day and prevents you from getting burned. Outdoor patio sets are sold at various retailers, such as Target, Amazon, and hardware stores, making it easy to select one that works for your needs. Besides the convenient use as an office space, it will provide an excellent gathering space for guests too.

In these uncertain times, we all have had to make adjustments and get creative. We hope that you can create a beautiful backyard office space to get your work done from home in style by following these tips.

How to Decorate Guest Room

Guest rooms are often overlooked and relegated to acting as a dumping ground for excess stuff and unfinished projects. If you often feel a bit embarrassed by your guest room when friends and family come to visit, it may be time to undertake a makeover. Read on to discover tips and inspiration for decorating your guest room.

Clear out your clutter

Many of us are guilty of using our guest room as a convenient storage unit. An excellent first step when redoing your guest room is to get rid of accumulated clutter. If you still have items remaining after clearing out excess belongings, you can utilize many clever storage hacks. For example, consider putting your bed on risers to maximize space underneath for storage. Or, you could purchase a bed frame that includes storage drawers. Finally, be sure to remove any temporary clutter from the room before your guests’ arrival, such as laundry baskets.

Consider the quality of your linens

Just because it’s your spare bedroom doesn’t mean you have to give guests spare towels and sheets. When redecorating your guest room, it is a good idea to invest in separate, high-quality linens, bedspreads, and towels. Keep in theme with the colors and patterns of the room to create a cohesive look. Not only will your guests feel comfortable and taken care of, but you can rest easier knowing that your guests are happy.

Lighten things up

Lighting is critical in any room and often overlooked in underused spaces such as a guest room. If your overhead lighting isn’t cutting it, consider adding lamps at different places throughout the room to create a well-lit atmosphere. A bedside lamp is especially beneficial for late-night readers. If your room lacks natural lighting, an interior decorator in Richmond, VA, recommends the addition of a mirror. Not only will your guests appreciate the inclusion of a mirror, but it will reflect precious light and make your space feel larger and airier.

Furnish with purpose

Guest rooms are traditionally the smallest room in your home, which can make furnishing them extra challenging. If your place can fit a dresser, consider moving it beside the bed to act as a bedside table. Are dressers and nightstands too bulky? Installing a small shelf beside the bed is a great way to include a tabletop surface without taking up extra space. If you use your guest room as an office, a desk is a great addition. Not only will it provide space for you to do work, but it offers guests a spot to place their belongings and get ready for the day.

Add color and personality

A guest room doesn’t have to be white walls coupled with a white bedspread. If you tend towards neutrals in your home, a guest room could be a fun place to play with color. Paint all the walls (or an accent wall) in a bright color. Add patterned wallpaper. Decorate the walls with the artwork you have been meaning to hang. Include plants or fake flowers to add in color where necessary. Whatever your personality is, try to inject it into the room.

Guest rooms are often an overlooked place for artful decor. By following the tips above, you can create a space both you and your guests love.

How to Design A Kid-Friendly Kitchen

With online learning in full swing and social playdates at a minimum, kids are spending a great deal of time at home. If you have come to realize your house, especially your kitchen, is not as safe or accessible as you would like, you’re not alone. The kitchen is a hot spot for congregating, as well as injury from sharp objects and hot surfaces. Read on to discover design tips for a kid-friendly kitchen so you can minimize worry and maximize fun.

Invest in spill-proof materials

There are few things as horrifying as watching a child spill something on a hard to clean surface. If spills are a common occurrence in your house, you will want to invest in countertops and flooring that are easy to clean. An interior designer in Montgomery, TX, recommends looking for non-porous materials, such as quartz or laminate, for your countertops. If you have a lot of wood surfaces, refinish them with a durable coating that prevents stains and scratches.

Foster cooking curiosity

Kids are naturally curious, especially when it comes to the kitchen. A great way to keep an eye on them while you cook is by including them in the process. A step up stool allows your child to watch what you are doing and makes it easier for them to help and learn. Plus, you avoid a potential accident caused by them trying to jump up and watch you in action. Step stools come in a variety of styles that can fit any kitchen.

Find storage for sharp objects

A common worry for parents is that young children will get into their knives and other sharp objects. To avoid this, consider adding a magnetic strip along the backsplash of your kitchen. This way, you can place your knives away from tiny, grabbing hands. Not only that, but you can also hang spice jars out of reach of curious youngsters who may want to dump out their contents. If you don’t have the space for such a solution, child-proof latches are a good option for your cabinets and drawers.

Use smarter storage

If your child is older and more independent, you may be familiar with the constant flow of questions asking where something is. To avoid messes brought on by a search for cookies and other snacks:

Switch up how you store pantry items.
Keep frequently sought after snacks on lower shelves.
Be consistent with where certain things go to avoid confusion.
Consider using clear storage containers to cut down on rummaging.

Change your view

Kids can get into some crazy shenanigans while your back is turned. If your cooking space faces away from the action, an island is a practical addition to your kitchen. Not only will you be able to see your kids while you cook, but you have the added benefit of extra storage. You don’t need to remodel your kitchen to include a built-in island; there are many portable options available that you can repurpose once your children get older and no longer require constant supervision.

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety while your kids spend time at home. We hope that the tips above improve your kitchen design and peace of mind.

How to Turn a Closet into a Workspace

With many people continuing to work from home through the autumn and kids starting back up with online learning, you may find yourself running out of space to get your work done. If everyone working from the kitchen table is not conducive to productivity, consider repurposing a closet into a workspace. Read on to discover tips on how to convert a closet into a workspace.

Measure the space

The first step in almost any home project is to measure the space you are working with. A particularly important measurement in this case is depth; you want to know how big your desk space can be. While it is entirely possible to fit a full desk inside a walk-in closet, you may want to consider making a custom desk if you have less room. One way to do this is to install a shelf and use that as your desktop. This way, you save space and can be confident the desk will fit perfectly in your closet space.

Allow for electricity

Most of us don’t have the luxury of having outlets in our closet. If you are transforming your closet space into a workspace, you will probably need to add wiring and an outlet to hook up a computer or laptop charger. It is best to contact an electrician to do this for you, as rewiring can be tricky and is apt to go wrong if you are unsure of what you are doing. Be sure the outlet’s location allows you to plug in all your necessary equipment, and the wires won’t interfere with your space. If this seems extreme and you have an outlet nearby, an extension cord and power strip should get the job done. However, the addition of electricity enables you to add a lamp or other lighting, which is undoubtedly necessary for a closet workspace.

Install shelving

Given that you probably have a limited amount of space, shelving is crucial for storage in your workspace. Shelving can be used to store any files, binders, or work supplies you need to have on hand. It also eliminates the need for drawers, which can take up precious space. Whatever you plan on storing, be sure to correctly measure from the ceiling to know that it will fit on the shelf.

Do without doors

If your closet space is small or your doors are on sliding frames, you may want to consider removing them. A doorless closet allows for more space, as your actual workspace can spill out a little beyond the door frame. If you would still like to be able to close off your area and keep your work-life somewhat separate from your home life, curtains are a great alternative and only require the addition of a curtain rod.

Make it your own

Your closet office workspace does not have to feel like a storage room. To keep the workspace from appearing like a broom closet under the stairs, a Louisville, KY, interior decorator recommends decorating your space like you would any other room. Paint or add wallpaper to the backdrop of your desk. If possible, hang small artwork or display decor on shelves, such as plants. Adding decor not only makes your space more aesthetically pleasing, but it can motivate you to get your work done, too!

Many of us are looking to create a dedicated work from home space given that some of us don’t know when we’ll be able to return to the office. Whether it’s for you or a child learning from home, we hope the above tips help you to transform an unlikely space into a workspace for productivity.

Smart Storage Ideas for Any Sized Home

With all of this extra time spent at home, has your house started to feel cluttered and messy? While decluttering is always an option, sometimes you just want to store your stuff in a more orderly fashion. No matter what size space you live in, the following smart storage ideas can help you organize your home and free up some mental and physical space.

Revamp your resting place

Your bed can be used for more than just sleeping. There are headboards on the market with built-in shelving units and bed frames with drawers built into the base. If purchasing a new bed frame isn’t in the cards, consider placing your bed on bed risers. Risers provide a few inches of extra space under your bed for additional storage. Use flat plastic or cloth bins to store sheets, towels, and other goods out of sight.

Clean up your cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are notorious for housing a mess of pots, pans, and lids. If you avoid opening your cabinets for fear of being bombarded with a mess of Tupperware, consider getting cabinet shelving units. They typically come in sets with shelves for larger items, such as pots and pans, and slots for lids. If your cabinets are too small to store your kitchenware, hanging your pots and pans might be a good alternative. Hang them above your oven or sink and they’ll double as industrial-inspired decor.

Find functional furniture

Investing in multifunctional furniture is a great way to store excess household items, says a Springfield interior decorator. If your living room feels cluttered, consider using ottomans or stools with storage space hidden beneath the cushion. You can store extra blankets or toys in this space. Another great option is a coffee table with a shelving unit at the bottom where you can put magazines, coasters, board games, and other knick-knacks.

Stack it up

If you have limited floor space for storage, consider stacking shelves. Many commercial shelving units come with wall mounts and can easily be placed on top of one another. Books and other decor items can be put on display while not taking up an excessive amount of space. If you are planning on storing clothes, invest in stackable cubes. Not only does stacking shelves free up extra space, but doing so can turn them into a focal point for your room and be a beautiful piece of decor.

Go high

Are your walls full of artwork and photos, leaving no room for shelving units or bookcases? Work around these obstacles and mount shelves close to your ceiling around the perimeter of your room. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also serves as an excellent storage space for items you may not use often but still want to put on display.

Life is chaotic enough right now. That’s why we should take extra care in keeping our homes in order. Free up space and clear clutter by following these clever home storage solutions.

Holiday Home Furnishings

The holiday season gives us a reason to celebrate with loved ones, get stuffed on food, and for some of us, refurbish our home! While the Christmas season does demand festive decorations, we may also want to consider purchasing new furniture to accommodate our guests. Before you start spending, consider these options to make sure you’re catering to your specific gathering needs:

Dining Room

The dining room table is considered the centerpiece of every home during the holiday gatherings. Factor in these elements to make sure your dining room is both stylish and comfortable for your guests to feast:

Shape. The key to deciding on the appropriate shape for your table is to know the number of guests you’re expecting. Rounded tables provide a more intimate setting for small gatherings. However, it can have an opposite effect with larger groups – a round table that’s too big may leave your guests struggling to hold a conversation across the table. For a seating of 12, a rectangular table would be most practical. Oval tables fare well with medium-sized groups, while square or rounded tables work best with small groups. If you can, find an expandable table that allows you to remove its leaves to best serve gatherings of various sizes.
Style. The style of your table should match the overall style of your dining room. According to the experts of Cape Coral, FL painters, pairing the right furniture with the right wall color is the key. Antique-style furniture creates a more historical setting for your dining room while showcasing beautiful craftsmanship and pairs well with richly toned colors, like burgundy or navy. If your room is more contemporary, we suggest opting for a glass or marble tabletop in a room painted in lighter hues. When choosing materials, mahogany and walnut provide a formal appearance while oak, while cherry and pine give a casual and relaxed feel.

Living Room Furniture

Does your living room look uninspiring and in need of a makeover? Before you head over to the furniture store, make sure you get these things in check:

Measure your room. Take note of the length and width of the room.
Devise a floor plan. Sketch a few different plans to determine how much space you’ll need for holiday furniture.
Check the size of doorways. The last thing you want is to find out your newly bought furniture can’t fit through the doors. Make sure you measure your doorways accurately.
Consider how the room is used. If you plan to have your guests gather in this room during a party instead of staying in the dining room, consider increasing the number of furnishings you buy.
Determine the space for your Christmas tree. What is Christmas without a classic old Christmas tree? Make sure you set a space for your tree while leaving additional space on the ground for presents.

Once you’ve gone to the store and bought your furniture, it’s time to arrange it!

Sense of entry. Make your rooms open and welcoming to your guests by setting an easy path for them to walk through it. There should be a clear path that separates the seating areas and dining areas. This way, separate conversations can take place on each side.
Intimacy. If you have a large living room, consider arranging your furniture into small groups. Your guests can sit down in clusters to engage in conversation instead of having to lean over the coffee table to talk.
Forget about television. Television can be a means to relax at times, but for holiday parties, it actually serves as a diversion from good conversations. Rearrange your furniture so it faces the opposite direction and fosters conversation between guests.
Allow foot traffic. Don’t forget to leave some space between furniture to allow for pathways. By allowing enough space for foot traffic, our guests will be able to circulate your rooms with ease.

This time of year can be stressful if you’re not well-prepared for the heavy traffic of family and friends in your house. However, don’t let that ruin your holiday mood. With the right setting, you and your guests can focus comfortably on what really counts – each other!

Library Furniture

Many people enter a library to further their knowledge on a certain subject, while others simply wish to escape from their everyday stresses. Whether you’re seeking refuge in a home library or headed to your school campus to study, a library is a quiet sanctuary where knowledge and productivity are abundant. The atmosphere of a library is essential, and how a library is furnished plays a large role in that.

In honor of School Library Month, Jaron’s wanted to touch on the importance of furniture within a library. Read on to discover the furniture we offer that is a perfect fit for any library!

Lounge areas are a great spot in a library to get comfortable and dive into the latest novel. The Alfresco Chair would be perfect around any coffee table in a library. Not only are the colors vibrant, but the plush cushions are so comfortable you may never want to leave them.

The Sonoma table and chairs would be put to great use in a workspace. The table is large and sturdy enough to fit at least six people working simultaneously. There is enough room for patrons to bring their laptops and paperwork and get down to business. Plus, its oak coloring is perfect for a library.

What’s a library without bookshelves? The Cross Island Collection comes in three different sizes and has a beautifully detailed richness that enhances whatever space they occupy. These shelves can be lined with books, magazines and periodicals of different sizes. If it is a home library you’re looking to set up, you can add photos or sculptural pieces to the shelves for some added flair.

If you’re looking for additional storage for organizing card and media files, there is no more need for the boring, old metal filing cabinets of the past. The Lobink File Cabinet is a sleek, contemporary piece that still serves its office function.

For those who like to work alone, the Hamlyn Small Leg Desk might be the spot for them. It is a very traditional, yet elegant desk that is most suitable for those who are looking for their own space. These desks can be scattered around a school library in little nooks to optimize privacy, or placed in the center of your home library as a stand out piece.

Here at Jaron’s Furniture Outlet, we are happy to accommodate all of your furniture needs, whether you’re furnishing a home library or a school library. We offer unbeatable prices and a variety of selections to choose from. Say goodbye to your traditional library furniture and create a modern space with Jaron’s Furniture today!

Moving Furniture Safely

Are you ready to move? If you answered that question with a grumble or a groan then you’ve most likely had to move before and loathe the idea of doing it again. Moving is time consuming and draining, but when managed properly you can lessen the strain. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you have to pack up.

Safety Materials – Drop cloths, furniture sliders, back braces, furniture straps or ropes, and dollies (hand trucks) should be used whenever possible to prevent injury and damage to items. You can never have too much when it comes to padding for your furniture and boxed items.

Teamwork – If you plan on moving lots of furniture, make sure you have lots of help. Don’t try to move all of it alone and know the limits of what you can carry. Moving heavy furniture and items can wear you down quickly, so be sure to take a break when you need it. If you’re moving anywhere in Bucks County, the experts at Mooney’s Moving are prepared to help you move safely and efficiently!

Remove Drawers/Shelves – Don’t try to move furniture with drawers still inside or shelving still intact. Always take out items from furniture to be moved and place them in sturdy boxes. Remove shelves that aren’t bolted into shelving units and drawers from dressers and bureaus. Basically, if you put it together, you should take it apart when you move. Disassembling furniture reduces the chances of damaging it and saves space in the moving van. If your furniture came pre-assembled, then wrap it up as much as possible. Use bubble wrap for legs and plastic sheeting for fabrics.

Lift, Don’t Drag – Always use your legs when lifting furniture or heavy boxes. Also, don’t drag any furniture or you might damage it and the flooring. Use furniture sliders or have someone help you lift the item.

Wrap Items – Use bubble wrap for moving delicate and fragile items and wrap fabric furniture such as sofas and armchairs in plastic sheeting to protect it from being damaged. Large, heavy items such as mirrors should be wrapped in a moving blanket and moved vertically, not horizontally, to protect the frame.

Stack Items By Weight – Pack the moving truck or van from back to front and heavy to light. Place heavy items on the floor of the moving truck and lighter items on top. By the same token, keep awkward furniture and décor on the sides of the truck and have them strapped down if necessary.

There’s no easy button to push that can magically have all of your precious possessions moved in the blink of an eye. However, by planning out your move and giving yourself the time needed to pack properly with the right tools will surely help make your moving day less stressful than you anticipated.

Tips to Prevent Furniture Tipping Injuries

At Jarons, our customer’s safety and satisfaction is always a priority. Furniture tipping has become a growing epidemic in the United States. On average 40 children are taken to emergency rooms daily with injuries caused by furniture tipping. A majority of these injuries are caused by heavy furniture items, including desks, bookcases, and dressers.[i] Jarons, along with a number of businesses are recognizing the dangers that furniture tipping poses to children. Some retailers are recalling products that are known to be a tipping hazard.

Furniture tipping is preventable. When purchasing new furniture, keep your child safe by following these tips:

Secure cabinet doors and drawers with child-proof bumpers that prevent children from opening them. This will inhibit their ability to climb onto open drawers or doors, which can cause the furniture to tip.
Affix heavy furniture, including bookshelves and televisions, to walls with L-brackets to prevent them from tipping. These anchoring devices are inexpensive, and can withstand the weight of the furniture should your child decide to climb it.
Store televisions on a low stand with a wide base, and ensure the television does not exceed the weight limit of the stand. If necessary, mount the television to the wall.
Avoid top shelf teasing – don’t punish your child by taking away a toy and storing it on a high shelf. In this way, you are challenging the child to try to find a way to access their toy, which can bring them to climb up furniture.
Ensure that electronic cords are tucked away so that children cannot trip or pull on them and cause the electronic to fall.[v]

If your child is injured in a furniture tipping accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Naftulin & Shick. Often there are financial and emotional damages caused by a furniture tipping injury, and Naftulin & Shick are experienced in dealing with these types of cases.

Protect your child from a furniture tipping injury with these furniture safety tips.

Jarons Supports Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton provides essential services such as food, clothing, and shelter to more than 100,000 New Jersey residents each year. Their programs are in place to help people and families to learn to be self-sufficient. The “On My Own” Supportive Housing was developed by the Catholic Charities’ staff to create safe and comfortable home environments for those diagnosed with persistent and serious emotional disorders.

For more than 12 years, Jarons Furniture has been assisting in the furninshing of consumers’ homes. They are proud to partner with Catholic Charities “On My Own” Supportive Housing program. In the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Spring 2014 newsletter,The Spirit, Jarons furniture owner, Greg was quoted saying, “I hope in the evening when you and your staff put your heads down on your pillows you take a moment to grasp the true beauty of the holy work you do. To hear you describe how the furniture makes a house a home and brings beauty and light to someone who may not have had the beauty of light in their life is remarkable. It really caused me to stop and reflect on the purpose of our work at Jarons Furniture. At times, we all go about our day with urgency but seldom stop to realize the great impact something as insignificant as furniture can make in a home. Keep up the good and holy work you do and Jarons will continue to do our small part in the process.”

To learn more about Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, click here.