Decorating a bedroom for a teenage boy definitely requires his input!  Generally, teenage boys do not care about accessories that match and “pretty” fabrics.  They want a room that is “cool”, one that they won’t be ashamed of when their friends come to hang out.  This article offers ideas for decorating a teenage boy’s room so that it looks neat and attractive, but suits his idea of what his room should be as well.

Decorate around his hobbies and passions

Does your teenager love sports, hunting, fishing, music or video games?  Whatever it is he likes, use that theme in decorating the room.  If he loves music, consider hanging small records around the top of one wall as a border.

If your teenage boy is an avid video gamer, have a wall shelf or bookcase where he can display all of his games.  If you or your son have an artistic flair, paint a mural on the wall from his favorite video game.

Colors really aren’t that important

Unlike most girls, boys are not concerned about color coordination.  What you do want to avoid is using wall paint that is baby blue, pink or lavender; use colors that are neutral or lean toward a masculine side, such as beige, brown, rust or navy blue.

Of course you want the colors to match, but don’t make a big deal of it to your teenage son.  By painting the walls beige or a light shade of brown, you will be able to coordinate bedding, rugs and other fabrics while keeping a masculine color scheme.  Checked, striped and abstract patterns and fabrics are fine as long as they are filled with colors that are suitable for boys.

Consider an entertainment center

Almost all teenagers love to watch movies, play video games and listen to their favorite music.  If space allows, place an entertainment center in one corner of the room, with bean bag chairs and big over-sized pillows nearby so that your teen and his friends can relax and stretch out while they enjoy their entertainment.

You may want to keep a waste basket near this area for candy wrappers, soda cans, popcorn bags and other things your teen may enjoy while sharing a movie with a friend.

Furnishings

In a teenage boy’s bedroom, you probably want to avoid white painted wood or brass which can tend to look feminine.  Choose metal or darker colored woods such as oak and mahogany; iron or metal in a bronze or gunmetal shade will work as well.  Top the bed with a woodsy or solid colored comforter, and that’s all you need.

A nightstand, chest of drawers and an extra chair for reading or watching television are all the furnishings necessary to complete the look.

Allow your teenager to decorate the walls with posters of their favorite music artists, sports banners, pictures or whatever they like.  Teenagers spend a great deal of time in their rooms, so give them the freedom to make many of the decorating choices on their own!

Do you have a little girl who loves feminine, frilly things?  Pink and purple are the perfect colors for creating a bedroom that is all girl.  By choosing the ideal furniture and accents, you can decorate a bedroom that she is sure to love.

Furnishings make it feminine

When going with a pink and purple theme, furnishings should be white or brass.  White wood is airy and light, and really stands out with the pink/purple theme.  Brass is beautiful as well, as the gleam really sets the room off and makes it glow.

Maple furniture would also work well in this setting, as it is a lighter colored wood.  You want to avoid dark colored furniture, as it doesn’t complement pink and purple shades like lighter colors do.

Accent the bed with frills

Big throw pillows edged in white lace and colored in pink/purple hues add depth to the room and make the bed stand out.  A medium purple bedspread against a brass headboard is beautiful, and the pillows really make things pop!

You might also consider a lacy white bed-skirt to really set things off.

If you choose white wood furniture, continue with the look throughout the room.  A white nightstand, dresser and chest of drawers complete the room, and offer plenty of storage.  You can sand the edges of all of the white furniture if you prefer a vintage, worn look; this is often done in the cottage chic style of decorating.

Add a few more feminine touches

On the nightstand, place a small lamp topped with a frilly shade.  You might consider one that is beaded, or one with fringe around the bottom edges.

The curtains can be delicate white sheers with lace tie-backs, pink and purple lace material, or anything you like that complements the room. If you prefer blinds, top them with a ruffled valance for a splash of color.

A bookcase is the perfect place for dolls, flowers, photo’s and other whatnots.  If your little girl is really feminine, she probably loves jewelry and perfume.  Display some of her “little girl” lotions, perfumes and jewelry.  She may also want to place some princess figurines or even a carousel on the shelves.

Many little girls love to “primp.”  If this sounds like your little darling, consider placing a vanity table with stool in her bedroom if space allows.  The mirror can be oval or heart-shaped; keep the color of the frame and top in line with the rest of the furnishings in the room.

Place a brush, comb, a hand mirror, a few barrettes and other hair accessories on a silver tray to make your little girl feel like a real princess!

Use these ideas or let them help you come up with a few creative ideas of your own.  With a little imagination, you can create a frilly room any little girl will love!  Nothing beats delicate pink and soft purple shades for decorating a room with feminine appeal.

If you have young boys, decorating their room can be a challenge.  In this article you will find tips for creating a bedroom that your boys will love and appreciate.

What to do with the walls?

Do you prefer sheet rock or paneling?  Oak paneling is attractive and well-suited to a boys room.  It isn’t too dark, and offers a rich, rugged look.  If you do decide to paint sheet rock walls, stick to a shade such as beige or any color that will complement the decor you plan to use in the rest of the room.  Neutral colors are always a good choice, as you can easily change up the decor as the boys grow older.

Bunk beds add to the atmosphere – and they’re fun!

Little boys love bunk beds.  Of course twin beds are fine as well, but oak bunk beds offer a rustic appeal that make your kids feel as though they are camping out or on a special adventure.  Either one will work fine; simply choose what would be best for the size of the room or the preference of your boys.

Choose a theme for the room

Little boys love a variety of things – animals, sports, cartoon characters, fishing, etc.  What do your kids love more than anything?  If they are huge soccer fans, consider using a soccer theme to decorate the room.

If your boys are partial to fishing or hunting, decorate the room in a real rustic look.  Camouflage, fishing gear on shelves, and a cedar chest to hold toys and other items create a look that is downright cozy and comfortable.

If the boys prefer an animal or cartoon character theme, you can find a wide assortment of bedding, curtains and other accents at most retail stores.

Consider putting a desk and spare chairs in the room if floor space allows; this will give your boys room to do their homework or play games, and more sitting room for when they have company.  If possible, have the desk and chairs made of wood that matches the rest of the decor.

A toy hammock or netting placed diagonally across one corner of the ceiling is the perfect place for stuffed animals, balls and other toys you want off of the floor – and it looks amazing!

Depending on the theme your boys choose for their bedroom, hang posters and prints on the walls containing their favorite sports players, a mascot, or their chosen cartoon characters.  If they chose an animal theme, you can mount pages from a magazine such as National Geographic or frame your own animal photos for a personal touch.

Of course you want plenty of storage space for clothes, games and other things.  You may consider plastic stackable shelving placed in the closet to hold games and other toys so they can be neatly hidden away.  Add a chest of drawers, a nightstand with lamp, and the room is one your boys are sure to be proud of.  They’ll be so happy with the look of their bedroom they will be begging you to have company!

The master bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home; after all, it is where you sleep, relax and rejuvenate from the stresses of daily life.  How do you decorate a master bedroom so that it looks soothing to the eye?  This article offers some helpful tips to get you started.

Choosing relaxing colors

If you choose a light blue sculptured carpet it will be easy to decorate the rest of the room.  Light blue goes well with other shades of blue, as well as cream or lavender which are all colors that enhance relaxation.  Avoid bold shades of red, purple, yellow and orange, as these colors can actually make you feel energetic, which is something you do not want when trying to sleep.

Choose furniture according to your preferences

With furniture, it’s really your choice as dark and light woods all work well in creating a soothing atmosphere.  Maple has a lighter finish, while oak offers a medium-dark shade.  Cherry has a red tint, and mahogany is very dark, almost black in color.

It’s also essential that you make decisions such as whether you want a firm or soft mattress; in order to get the best quality of rest, you must be comfortable!

Accessories make the room

A dresser with a large mirror, a chest of drawer and a cedar chest placed at the foot of the bed gives the room a cozy, complete look as well as storage space.  A dresser topped with a couple of small lamps, a jewelry box, a decorative scarf and a sumptuously scented candle is a beautiful addition to the room.

Dress up the windows

Many people forget the windows when decorating their master bedroom; they simply cover them with mini-blinds and think they are done.  The right window treatments can add a ton of warmth to the room, and block out any outside light that may disturb your sleep.

A white lace tie back over a shade or venetian blinds is a nice touch, as is a pretty blue sheer mixed with white and matching valance.  If you want more privacy, a mingled blue pattern drape would complement the decor of the room.

If your bedroom is on the large size, consider placing a couple of chairs, either reclining or with ottomans in one corner of the room, complete with an accent table and floor lamps.  This is an area where you and your husband can read, watch television, or discuss matters you would rather not talk about in front of your children before retiring for the night.

Place some of your favorite pictures on the walls add a few what-nots to shelves and the look is complete.  When it comes to accents, it will always make the room more personal if you use only those accents that are truly your favorites.

Use these ideas in your master bedroom, and you will enjoy the beauty of the room as well as the relaxation it offers.  You will sleep like a baby!

Do you have a playroom for your kids, and you are thinking about re-doing everything in the room?  Perhaps you have an empty room and you’re thinking about transforming it into a playroom.  Picking a theme for a playroom can be very hard, especially since there are so many great choices. You can never go wrong with a Disney theme!  Today there are several different categories within the Disney theme alone such as classic Disney and Princess Disney.

You can’t go wrong with Mickey Mouse

When decorating a playroom with a Disney theme, determine which character you would like to go with; allow your children to put some of their own thoughts into it as well.  For the classic theme, focus on the ultimate Disney icon.  Of course, every child loves Mickey Mouse!  A great way to incorporate this into the room is to use black carpet and white walls.  We all know Mickey is black, white, and red, so for the red accent paint the trim around the wall a true red.

A unique way to add even more of Mickey to the room is to have a big red table and black chairs with rounded backs to resemble Mickey’s head.  This will be the perfect area in which the kids can color, put puzzles together and work on crafts.  A large red wall shelf with Mickey painted on both sides adds further appeal to the room!

If the red, black and white tones seem to be a bit overwhelming on their own, think about adding a splash of yellow here and there to break up the monotony and add a touch of sunshine.

Have a “princess” daughter?

The royal Disney theme is perfect for those little girls who love castles, princess fairy tales and dragons.  For this idea, incorporate many of the items that would be found in a princess fantasy movie – consider painting the walls or ceiling in a sky or cloud motif and add a carpet the color of green grass.  To further enhance the room, add a wooden table for arts and crafts; place a glittery “crown” in the center to hold crayons.

For the table and chairs, paint or stencil princess pictures on the backs to add color.  Add bedding, a comforter and throw pillows that incorporate a princess theme, and consider hanging sheer material embellished with sequins or glitter at the four corners of the bed for a canopy effect.

You can look through decorating magazines and online to get additional ideas for decorating with a Disney theme, but be sure to use a few original ideas of your own for a personal touch.

Whichever theme you choose a wooden toy chest decorated with painted characters helps keep the room tidy while adding additional color.  If your child has a television in their room, consider painting the stand a coordinating color.  Bright, playful colors are what you are looking for in a room that the children will love – and be sure to include them in the fun!  It’s a great opportunity for you to bond, and to create a room that is bright, cheery and playful.

Are you in the process of decorating a master bedroom?  Maybe you are tired of the decor of your bedroom, and just want to change it up.  When you have had the same old color scheme and theme for years, it’s natural to want to freshen things up a bit.  Why not consider primitive decor?  It is very easy to accomplish, and creates a warm cozy atmosphere in any room.

Rustic, antique colors set the mood

Before you decorate the room, consider what colors you want to paint the room and what type of decor you want to use.  When choosing the color for the walls, choose a deep color; this will make the room feel inviting and cozy.  Colors in primitive country decorating often include country blue, sage green, yellow and rustic red.  The colors are washed and “antique” looking.  The older your walls, accessories and furnishings look, the better.

The walls will set the tone of the room, and dictate the colors you include in your accessories so choose carefully.

Furniture:  Wood, wood, wood!

Wood furnishings are essential in the primitive country bedroom.  Think natural woods such as pine.  Dressers, nightstands and the chest of drawers do not have to match – in fact, it’s better if they don’t!  This adds to the old-time appeal.  If you have newer furniture or furniture that is dark or just doesn’t go well with the primitive theme, don’t worry.  You can sand off the finish, paint the wood and distress it yourself.

Light colored pine, country blue or distressed white furniture looks amazing when paired with dark colored walls!

“Natural” fabrics are the perfect fit for primitive country

The bed linens you choose for the bedroom should be made from natural cotton fibers and decorated in plaids, botanicals or solid colors.  Coordinate your bedding with the colors of the walls.  Curtains should be constructed from natural materials as well; consider a natural cotton fabric or even burlap for a real primitive look.

The walls are your canvas

Here is where the fun really begins!  The walls of a primitive country bedroom can include anything from a large country quilt to metal or tin art and wrought iron wall sconces are also a nice touch.  Old fashioned lanterns placed on each side of the bed add a comfortable, inviting glow.

If space allows, consider a small sitting area in your bedroom.  A small table and chairs made of twigs or wicker looks amazing; top them with cushions covered in natural materials, and set an old coffee can filled with wildflowers on the table for even more primitive appeal.  Country-scented candles in old mason jars are a great touch when used randomly around the room.

Primitive country decorating should bring to mind the days of long ago, when life was less complicated.  An old, comfortable yet coordinated look is what you are striving for.  Incorporate a few of your own ideas, and create a master bedroom that is beautiful, comfortable, relaxing and inviting.

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home; it’s where you sleep and relax after a long day.  It’s important that your bedroom is a soothing, relaxing haven – after all, it’s the last thing you see before you close your eyes at night and the first thing you see upon waking up in the morning!  If romantic is the mood you want to set in your bedroom, this article will help you accomplish that.

A bedroom is where many people cozy up with a good book or listen to music, so you want just the right atmosphere.

The bed should be the focal point of the room

In a romantic themed bedroom, the bed should be the first thing you notice.  Fabrics should be rich and filled with texture; lots of satin and a plush comforter or duvet adds richness to a room that is warm and relaxing.  A boldly colored comforter in rich burgundy and blue is soothing; tuck cream colored satin sheets underneath.

When it comes to the romantic bed, you want plenty of over-sized throw pillows edged in satin or lace; consider hanging a sheer panel  draped casually at each corner of the bed for an added romantic touch.

Surround the room in neutral color

The walls in a romantic bedroom should be painted in a neutral hue such as taupe, soft mauve or sand.  Texture for the walls can be achieved by using a stenciling, sponging or stamping technique; this will help avoid a boring, bland look.  You may also want to consider one of the popular faux finishes that are trending today.

Furniture

There are some styles of furniture that lend themselves better than others to romantic decor.  Antique and traditional furnishings add richness to the room; cottage chic will also work if you are seeking a room that is a bit lighter in atmosphere.

Instead of a dresser or chest of drawers, consider an armoire which brings an old-fashioned touch to the room.  Modern and contemporary furnishings can be used, but decorating in a romantic fashion is a bit more difficult.  Traditional wood and worn furnishings are best, as they have a glow and charm about them that is easy to incorporate in to the finished look.

Additional touches complete the look

The accessories and lighting you use in decorating your bedroom can make – or break – the look.  For the bedside lamps, choose low wattage bulbs to add a soft glow to the room.  A brass lamp base topped by a soft cream shade works, as does a lamp that is fashioned as a candelabrum.  Be sure to place softly scented candles around the room for an ambient atmosphere!

A large accent rug placed at the foot of the bed adds further color and appeal; lay it at an angle and tuck one corner under the foot of the bed for a look that is unique.  Add your favorite prints and photos to the walls; old photos or those taken in black-and-white work perfectly in the romantic bedroom!

Use your own unique ideas as you decorate your bedroom.  If you aren’t sure whether something will work, try it out!  You will never know unless you give it a whirl, and if it doesn’t add to the appeal take it out.  Your bedroom is a room that should be decorated with your own tastes in mind, so don’t worry about what anyone else thinks as long as you love it.

Do you have a little girl who dearly loves cowgirl and western things?  Perhaps you live in the country and your daughter’s favorite hobby is riding horses.  If it’s time to update the decor in her room, why not incorporate a feminine western theme?  The look will be rustic yet feminine, and oh-so appealing – and you will enjoy spending time working on the project together!

When you think western; think stars, horseshoes, beads, spurs, rope and cowhides.  For the feminine touch, add lace and feminine colors.  Denim is another fabric that adds to the western atmosphere and appeal.

Surround the room with western inspired walls

Most girls love the colors pink or purple; paint the walls and consider using a few sponging techniques or stencils to add stars randomly throughout the room.  Rhinestones are a staple in country western, so add rhinestone touches to the walls as well for a stunning and unique look.

To add rustic color to the room, color in the stars on the walls with a sepia or chocolate brown toned paint.  Run a length of rope around the top of the wall next to the ceiling for a look that is definitely western!

Furnishings

Wood furniture is perfect for a country western themed room; choose furnishings that have a worn or rugged look and then top the bed with a cotton-candy pink comforter paired with caramel or tan sheets.  A bed skirt dotted with rhinestone stars and edged with lace is adorable and further enhances the western appeal.

If you already have a white wooden headboard and footboard along with dresser and nightstand, think about playing them up with random splotches of brown or black paint to mimic a cowhide!

Now for feminine accents

When decorating in a cowgirl theme, you want to make sure to achieve a good balance of country western and feminine appeal.  Lace panel curtains for the windows add a girlish touch; pull them back with plastic beads strung on crafting wire for a truly original look.  Horseshoe accents are perfect when used as artwork for the walls, and also work as tie-back holders for the curtains!

You may even consider using pale purple or pastel pink bandanas as a valance for the windows.  Throw pillows for the bed can be rustic colors of denim or brown surrounded by lace trim to incorporate a look that is rugged yet feminine.

A denim comforter tossed casually over an antique-looking trunk placed at the foot of the bed adds further to the western appeal; add a few cowboy hats on wall shelves, mixed with candles and other accents or knick-knacks that lean toward the girlish side.  A jewelry stand for necklaces and bracelets is a nice touch when adorned with turquoise and beaded jewelry.

There are many ways you can achieve a country western theme in your daughter’s bedroom that is rugged while at the same time feminine.  The look is cute and original – and your daughter will love inviting her friends over to spend time listening to music, watching movies or playing games in her newly decorated room!

If you’re a dog lover who has a sweet companion but have nowhere but the yard to put him at night or when you are away during the day, have you considered renovating your basement?  A basement can make a great kennel for your dog, especially if you have a basement that is rarely used for any other purpose.  You can create an area for your dog to play, and a separate area for him to sleep at night.

Of course, you want to have your pet stay outside whenever possible for the exercise and sunshine, but on those days or nights when inclement weather brings rain or snow or extremely dangerous temperatures, an inside “kennel” of sorts is perfect!

Inspect your basement

Before you jump in and begin renovating your basement for your “best friend,” check the area out thoroughly.  Make sure the basement is dry and free of leaks.  Is there a door exiting from the basement where you can insert a doggie door?  If there are no windows to allow natural light to come in, you will need to place some sort of lighting in the room so that your pet isn’t left in the dark.  Fluorescent light is perfect for this as it replicates natural light better than regular light bulbs.  Determine if there are any safety hazards that need to be repaired before you begin the project.

How big will your pets “palace” be?

How you renovate your basement depends largely on the size of your dog.  If you have a small dog, you may want to enclose one corner of the basement to be used as a play or sleep area for your pet.  If you have a very large dog, you may want to allow him/her to use the entire space and simply section off areas that are to be used for sleep and play.  A large playful dog who loves to jump and frolic will need plenty of room to move around!

Consider these factors before you choose flooring

You will want to put some type of flooring in your basement to cover the concrete.  Concrete can be extremely cold in the winter time, and it wouldn’t be a very comfortable surface for your pet when resting or sleeping.  Carpeting would be warm and plush, but isn’t really suitable for pets because it collects hair, dirt, dust and other materials that can absorb odors.  A vinyl floor works well as you can sweep and disinfect it by mopping.  Simply buy a pet bed for your pet to rest and sleep in, or make a bed out of old quilts or blankets.

Spoil your pet with plenty of toys!

Why go to all of the trouble to renovate your basement for your companion if he won’t be happy?  Make sure you put all of his favorite toys and play things in the basement, such as rawhide bones, chew toys, balls, etc.  Provide plenty of fresh food and water, and your pet will think he’s gone to pet Heaven!

Make the basement “injury proof” for your pet

You love your pet, and you want to make sure he is not only cozy and warm but safe as well.  Cover electrical outlets; remove any electrical cords that he/she may get to or chew.  Look for any sharp objects could potentially be dangerous, and just make certain the basement is safe in general.  Your kids and the entire family will enjoy participating in renovating the basement and coming up with ideas; after all, what member of the family is more beloved than your pet?

Are you crazy about the colors and decor schemes from the 1950′s and 60′s?  If you love all things bright with an atmosphere that reflects the tastes from decades ago, you will love having a bedroom decorated in a retro theme.  You can often find many accessories with which to decorate at antique shops and flea markets; most of these items can be found at bargain basement prices!

The 60′s were all about peace and love.  To recreate the look of an era gone by in your bedroom, incorporate beads, leather, fringe, peace signs and over-sized flowers in the look.  This look is cool and thoroughly “hip.”

Furnishings for a “groovy” look

Even in the bedroom, you must have a couple of bean bag chairs if you want the style to have an authentic look and feel.  The bed and other furnishings should be basic and sleek; no bulky furniture or intricate carvings in this look!  Bedspreads made of velour, chenille or other “furry” looking fabrics will fit right in.

Flowers are really “cool”

Back in the 60′s, you could find daisies everywhere you looked!  Stick-on daisies are perfect for decorating a border around the top of the wall, or for sticking on the nightstand.  If you would rather not stick these peel-off stickers on your furniture, paint them on!  Today, painting with stencils is a huge trend, and you can design your own daisies – and paint them any color you like.

Cover the windows and doors!

If you’re too young to remember, but have seen pictures from this era, you may know that beads were all the rage for covering windows and doors.  To give your windows a bit of covering while making them really “cool,” hang strings of beads.  You can also do this in your doorway; just make sure to hang them on the inside of the door frame if you want to use the door.  You can find beaded curtains in every color imaginable online.

Color it vibrant

When striving for the 60′s era look, nearly anything goes!  Colors are bright, even fluorescent.  Consider bright blues and yellows, red, purple and even orange.  Paint a single wall sunny yellow, then incorporate an orange bean bag chair and beads of all colors for the windows and door.

The walls hold special appeal

What would a retro bedroom be without plenty of retro artwork?  Find a few Peter Max prints and hang them on the walls.  Pictures of Bob Dylan, the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix will really bring back memories for those old enough to remember this time period.  You could also consider hanging a few peace signs on the wall.

Other ideas for creating a “retro” look are square or round corduroy and silk throw pillows for the bed in jewel tones.  For additional seating, a boxy 1950′s style chair covered in aqua, yellow or green leather really makes the room pop – and don’t forget the lava lamp!

There are an endless number of accessories that will help you generate a look reminiscent of a time that was loved so many.  The look is fun, vibrant and filled with love.  Use some of the ideas above when creating a retro bedroom you and everyone else will really “dig.”