Archive for the 'Bedroom' Category

Mar 08 2011

Take Your Bedroom WAY Back With a Retro Theme

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.”

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Mar 08 2011

Ideas For Decorating A Toddler’s Room

Published by under Bedroom

Today, toddler’s can be just as opinionated as the rest of us.  They know what they want to eat, to wear, and what they want in their bedroom!  A little three-year-old girl may want princess or Dora decor, while a boy may lean toward sports themes or Spongebob.  Whatever you choose, you want your toddler’s room to be one that both you and he/she love.

Don’t overdo it

When choosing a specific theme, you may be tempted to buy everything with patterns or characters from that theme; be it curtains and sheets or a comforter, lamp and rug.  You may want to re-think this decision and choose curtains and a lamp that will match with any decor which may come to be in the room in a few years as your toddler grows.  Also, you don’t really want a room that practically screams “Spongebob” when you walk in, so taking it easy with the actual cartoon characters will make the room much more tolerable over time.

Choose furniture that will transition

You should think long and hard before you furnish your toddler’s bedroom.  Instead of brightly colored dressers or night stands that are designed for a small child, choose wood furnishings that will blend with any type of decor you may put in the room later on.  You may want to include a bookcase which will help encourage your child to read.  The same case can also be used to display some of their favorite toys or photos.  Teddy bears, toy trains and photos of your child in colored frames that complement the decor make wonderful additions to the bookshelves.

Imaginative artwork for the walls

If you stick to classic wood furniture that will be suitable for the changing decor, it’s okay to liven up the walls a bit with original artwork.

Murals are a great way to add color and liven up a toddler’s room.  Paint a mural of your child’s favorite character if you are artistic, or use stencils that suit your child’s gender; some options include stars, flowers, footballs or other shapes.  You might also consider copying images from favorite books or using pictures he/she colored in frames on the walls.

Accessorize the bed with fluffy throw pillows that not only add to the decor, but work double as toys.  Area rugs and bedding that are solid or designed in patterns that pull out the colors in the characters or theme of the room pull everything together, giving you a finished look.

Decorating a toddler’s room involves a bit of give and take; you want them to be happy when it’s complete, but you don’t want the theme to be over-powering.  Let your toddler help in choosing the accessories you will use to decorate the room, and you choose furniture, bedding and items that are more costly.  You will enjoy decorating the room with your child, and he/she will be proud of the room because they had a hand in its design.

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Nov 17 2010

Bedroom Decorating Ideas for Kids of All Ages

Whether you are a mother of four or have just one bundle of joy, sometimes you need help with original ideas with which to decorate a child’s bedroom.  From babies to teens, decorating any bedroom can present a challenge.  For those who don’t have that much of an imagination or simply need a little motivation, this article offers some great ideas that will help them create bedrooms every member of their family will love.

For baby’s room

Decorating an infant’s room can be very time consuming and costly; everyone wants their baby’s room to be perfect.  If you are decorating for a baby boy, then of course the first thing that comes to mind is blue, but you don’t always have to stick to that color.  There are several different colors that are appropriate for a boy as well; colors such as green, brown, and yellow.  Using these colors will allow you to expand your options, so that you don’t have to stick to blue themes.

Try decorating your baby’s room with a theme such as a football, soccer or even a Toy Story.  It’s extremely easy to find accents, wall paper and other accessories for these styles.  Pink, lavender, baby blue and other pastels are perfect for a baby girl’s room.  Consider a ballerina or cowgirl theme, or incorporate some well known characters such as Hello Kitty or Dora the Explorer.

As they grow

As children get older, decorating becomes more difficult and your kids may not want to cooperate with your ideas.  Completely redecorating the room can be very stressful, not to mention expensive.  One way to save money is simply to move the furniture around, which will give a completely different look to the room.

Consider changing the bedding as well for a fresh new look.  To give a room a whole new feel without spending a great deal of money, consider painting the walls or adding stenciled patterns.  Add a new lamp, and the room takes on an entirely different appearance.  Compromise with your children; let them have a say in decorating the room, as long as they stay within limits.

Go with what you already have

Completely redecorating a room can cost a small fortune, especially if it includes all new bedroom furniture, bedding, accents and window treatments.  Make changes that allow you to incorporate some of the existing decor in the room.  For example, if your daughter wants a princess themed bedroom and there is already a great deal of pink in the room, you can accomplish the look without spending as much money.  Make small changes here and there.  For example you may want to include a princess-theme mural painted on a single wall.

Children can be stubborn when it comes to decorating their bedroom.  Making a few simple changes can create an entirely new “vibe” in the room without breaking your budget!  Explain that you cannot afford to spend a great deal of money, and that there must be a compromise.  In the end, your child will have a bedroom they like, and you will save a bundle by making simple changes, and doing what you can by yourself.

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Sep 21 2010

Designing a Modern Bedroom

If you prefer things be kept simple and decorated to a bare minimum, the modern design is perfect for your bedroom.  This look is streamlined and simple, with a minimum of fuss.  Creating a modern bedroom is simple, and requires very little to accomplish.  Colors are basic, and the look open and spacious.  Even if you have a smaller bedroom, modern decorating can make it look much larger than it actually is.

In this article, you will find tips and ideas for creating a bedroom that allows you to relax and unwind in the tranquil atmosphere it offers.

Walls

For a modern bedroom, walls should be painted a tranquil color that offers a serene atmosphere.  This can be any color from cream or bisque to soft blue or pastel green.  Keep the color consistent throughout the room, and add very little wall décor.  One or two large prints that blend with the décor theme are enough – more, and the room begins to look cluttered.

Fabrics

The fabrics that are commonly used in modern bedroom décor include those that have a sheen or silky effect.  This finish is especially fitting for window treatments or throw pillows.  Nubby or rough fabrics can be used as well, as long as all patterns or prints complement one another.  A nubby throw tossed casually on the bed adds texture and interest.  Area rugs that have been designed in unusual or abstract shapes make a striking addition to the room.

Furniture

In this decorating style, furniture pieces should be straight and sleek, with no intricate designs or ornate carvings.  Basic and simple is what you are looking for.  The bed may be low to the ground, and have either no headboard or one that is simply made of plain wood.  A sleigh bed works for this style of décor.  You might also have a nightstand, dresser and chest of drawers.  If you have a very large bedroom, a chair with ottoman is fine as long as the style is kept sleek and simple with uncluttered lines.  Dark woods work best.

If you decide to go with no headboard, you may decide to place a large mirror at the head of the bed to enhance the spacious look.  Keep tables, dresser and other surfaces clear of clutter and junk, as this can make your “clean” space appear messy.  A single large vase filled with greenery, a bedside lamp and scented candle are all you need in the way of accessories.  If you desire, you can use a rich tapestry to decorate one wall in place of prints or other artwork.

The whole point of modern bedroom décor is to create an area of clean, undisturbed lines and an aura of little fuss.  Every aspect of decorating in the room should be kept at the simplest level, with no intricate details in the design.  Serene colors, interesting textures and simple furnishings give you a look that is relaxing to the mind and soul.  When a room is uncluttered, it helps clear the mind as well so that you can retreat from the day in an area that offers only good thoughts and restful nights.

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Jul 19 2010

Create a Romantic Victorian-Style Bedroom

Victorian style furnishings and décor are a touch on the feminine side, and oh-so romantic.  Are you ready to trade your modern bedroom, or perhaps one that just needs a little something to make it come alive, for one that offers a romantic, antique look?  You can easily make the changes yourself, and transform your bedroom into one that is relaxing, beautiful and perfect for those nights when you just want to cuddle up with that special someone.

The Perfect Bed

In Victorian style décor, you want a bed that is constructed of wood but one that includes intricate details.  Wrought iron or brass also work well and add a romantic ambiance.  Instead of blending into the background, a Victorian bed should be a bit on the showy side.  Period type quilts that look as though they were crafted in the 1800′s are a perfect topping, but you can use any materials that are frilly or flouncy.  Canopies, drapes and fluffy pillows outlined in ribbon and flourishes finish off the look.

Include the Perfect Furnishings

Tables are a must in the Victorian style of decorating, but not just any old table.  Nightstands are often square and to put it bluntly, lacking in style.  In this type of décor, you want round nightstands topped with marble or made of wicker or bamboo.  A delicate skirting that flows to the floor adds further to the feminine appeal.  You can often find tables like these in a local junk store or at flea markets.

Dressers and chests of drawers are typically made from dark woods such as mahogany, and are adorned with intricate carvings.  Embellishments may include fancy brass drawer pulls or intricately carved wooden pulls.  If you can find an antique looking dresser topped with a round tilting mirror, all the better!

Accessories Make the Room

Some decorating styles require a minimum of accessories; with Victorian décor, the beautiful accessories that you add complete the room and add dimension.  Consider including period style art for the walls.  Baroque and brushed brass frames are perfect, and add to the elegant appeal.  Place old-style vases around the room and fill them with fresh flowers.  Old or antique figurines, china and other Victorian style collectibles fill the room with character.

For the floors, oriental rugs and wicker mats are perfect.  Place a large oval rug at the foot of the bed, or two smaller rugs, one at each side.  Wood floors work well with Victorian decorating, but if you have carpeting the accent rugs will pull the look together.  Window treatments should be elaborate as well; velvet or brocade can be used to dress the windows, while a lace sheer can line the underside.  Delicate florals, braids, and lace all work to make the windows an intricate part of the room.

You can definitely see that the Victorian style of decorating is not for those who prefer simple, basic lines!  If you love rooms that offer the atmosphere of years gone by, touched with a little romance, Victorian décor will make the bedroom your favorite room in the house.

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Jul 09 2010

Ideas for Creating a Contemporary Bedroom Setting

Are you a modern woman who loves things kept sleek and simple?  If you desire a contemporary bedroom, you are most likely the type that likes to keep fuss and details to a minimum.  In creating a contemporary bedroom, your objective is to make the room blend together, and not have any one thing that attracts attention and overshadows the rest of the room.  This article explains how to go about creating a simple, modern bedroom with plenty of interest and appeal.

In most decorating themes, a focal point is necessary to draw the eye in any room.  This is exactly what you want to avoid in modern décor – you want the entire room to be well put together, so that all of the lines flow without interruption.

Take a Minimalist Approach
With contemporary décor, you want to keep accessories, clutter and other things that are not necessary to a minimum.  The only thing you really want in abundance are light and space, so light, neutral colors work perfectly in this style of decorating.  Sand, cream, tan, and light brown work to create spaces that are relaxing and open.

Furniture should also be kept to a minimum.  All you really want in this room are a bed, nightstand, dresser, mirror and possibly a chair, all styled in clean lines that flow without the interruption of intricate details.

Leave the Accessories in the Closet
While lots of accessories may look great in a room decorated in a country or chic theme, accents are not a vital aspect of contemporary decorating.  All you need are a modern lamp for the bedside, and possibly one or two large pieces of modern or abstract wall art.

Extra pillows for the bed, accent rugs, and knick knacks are definite no-no’s in modern decorating.  The more visual effects and clutter, the harder it is for you to relax your mind and enjoy a restful sleep.  Contemporary bedroom décor is all about a tranquil environment with no visual stimulants.

Easy Tip to Determine if You Have Accomplished Your Goal
Here is an easy way to decide if you have been successful in creating a modern bedroom that offers peace and tranquility:  Upon leaving the room, turn around quickly.  Does anything catch your eye?  If it does, it needs to go.  Any one accent or accessory that immediately jumps out at you when you look at the room is a distraction.  That is precisely what you want to avoid in this style of decorating.

A bedroom decorated in the contemporary theme makes a statement all in itself and needs no fussy accents and accessories.  It should look totally harmonious, feel natural and comfortable, and look absolutely beautiful.

Creating the sleek, simple atmosphere offered in modern décor is simple!  Just remember to keep color and accents to a minimum, and make the room flow by using basic, simple furnishings in contemporary shapes.  No fussiness here – just a pure, natural and totally relaxing atmosphere meant to be thoroughly enjoyed.

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Jun 23 2010

Turn Your Bedroom Into an Exotic Island Get Away!

Many people think of their bedroom as simply the place where they sleep at night.  While you may not spend a lot of your waking time in this room, you want to create an atmosphere that is relaxing and comfortable – this helps you sleep better at night!  Besides, you do want every room of your home to be as attractive and appealing to the eye as possible.  This article will provide a few exotic decorating ideas for your bedroom.

Create the Atmosphere in Your Mind
What do you think of when you imagine an exotic island get away?  Most likely, lush tropical foliage, fresh island breezes and a totally relaxing atmosphere play a big role in your mental picture.  The word ‘exotic’ often brings to mind wild animals; zebra and leopard prints are common in this type of décor.  Interestingly enough, this look usually combines a fresh, light and calming aura with the bold excitement of the exotic.  Asian inspirations add to the relaxed, easy charm.

Exterior Surroundings
The exterior of your bedroom, areas such as the walls, floors, ceilings, should be kept light and airy.  To create this stunning look, start with cream or lightly colored walls and flooring.  Wood floors that are of a light shade or cream colored carpeting are the perfect foundation for the exotic island look.  Integrate colors from the beach – pure white sands and caramel browns create the perfect foundation for the rest of the look.  Any shade from the lightest beige to rust, caramel and coffee incorporated with bold black and white accents work amazingly well in this style of décor.

Make the Bed the Focal Point
Boldly carved Colonial style furniture is the perfect choice for this décor.  Decorate with an abundance of plush coverings, toss on several thick throw pillows in dramatically bold designs, and your bed will become the center attraction of the room.  Now, it’s time to add the finishing touches!

Furniture, Plants and Other Accessories
To complete the exotic island look, add a few silk tropical plants, a touch of rattan and a simple yet elegant chandelier.  A simple rattan chair makes the perfect addition to the room and a few Asian inspired woven baskets add interest without detracting from the focal point.  Windows should be adorned with light, airy curtains.  The romantic chandelier should be simple; nothing overly dramatic or too detailed.  Throw a zebra skin rug into the mix, and the look is just original enough ensuring that the bedroom is your favorite room of all.

Incorporating décor from different countries is a growing trend.  In this example, you can easily see how Asian accents blend with the exotic patterns of Africa, while the overall theme of the room is totally relaxed, light and seems to float on a breeze.  You can almost visualize basking at the edge of the ocean, while warm breezes gently float across your body.  Make your style your own!  With a little creativity, your bedroom can be transformed from the everyday ordinary to a world all its own.

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Jun 17 2010

Making a Small Bedroom Appear Spacious

This is it, you have finally found your dream home; it seems perfect, everything is in place, at least until you get to the master bedroom. This is something that occurs all too often. The rest of the home is exactly what you have been searching for, even though the master bedroom is a bit small. The living room and kitchen are perfect. What can you do to make the master bedroom look and feel larger? This article offers many tips and ideas that will assist in visually opening space in your room. Most of these tips may be used in any small room.

The appearance of space can be a simply accomplished feat. You don’t need to sacrifice personality and style when making your room look open, all that is necessary are a few small changes. These ideas will help you create a larger looking master bedroom. However, they aren’t exclusive to that area of the house, they can be used anywhere!

Use Mirrors!
You have probably heard of this trick millions of times before, but it works. A mirror should be hung on your bedroom wall, opposite a window. A perfect place to hang a mirror is on your bedroom wall, just opposite a of a window. The window’s reflection, especially with light colored curtains, makes the room appear spacious and sun filled. You can use this trick in a bathroom or living room as well.

Paint – The Solution for Many Problems
You can do many things in your home with the help of paint. The walls of a small room should be painted with light colors. Cream, off-white and soft pastel shades of peach and yellow are great colors to use in a small room. White paint for the ceiling will add a lighter look to the room. Light shades make an area feel more open, darker shades will diminish it.

Floors Should Be Light as Well
Small rooms should have lightly colored floors to visually add space to the room. If you are more inclined towards using carpet, using carpet with light hues such as sand and cream also works. In the case you use wood flooring good choices are light colors and natural woods. If you do not have the means for replacing a dark colored carpet, light colored rugs can always be added to each side, and the foot, of the bed.

Headboards usually look bulky. Solving this problem is as easy as taking the headboard out and replacing it with a tapestry or rug hung on the wall behind the bed. This can really open up the area, adding a more spacious feel to the room. To open up space on your night table hang swing arm lamps on the walls instead of using lamps.

Here is a cool tip: Use light colored curtains that are higher and wider than your windows in order to visually open up space in the room! This will make it appear as if you have larger windows, adding to the openness and airiness of the room. If you have the room, opening up the floor area can be as easy are moving a chest or drawer into a closet.

Keeping comforters, curtains and throw pillows light colored is always a good idea. Always keep in mind that darker colors tend to absorb light causing the area to recede and diminish; this is not something you want. Things should be kept as light and as open as possible in your master bedroom; this will keep things looking large and spacious.

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Mar 17 2010

5 Feng Shui Tips for Your Bedroom

The bedroom is one of the most popular rooms in which people like to practice feng shui. With feng shui, you can create a bedroom that’s a peaceful retreat and the ideal place in which to get restful sleep every night. When you practice feng shui, you can design and decorate a balanced room filled with positive energy.

When it comes to decorating with feng shui, there are several guidelines, but some are more important than others. If you’re looking to create a balanced and peaceful bedroom, here are some feng shui tips that can help get you on your way.

1. Your bed should be the main feng shui element in the room.
Above all, wood beds are the primary source of intimate, personal energy in the room. It’s hard to get restful sleep at night if you have an uncomfortable bed.

2. By placing the bed in a feng shui position, you can create optimal positive energy and love.
For instance, you should be able to see the doorway from the bed, but you shouldn’t be directly in line with the door. Choose a strong supporting wall against which to place the bed.

3. You should have balanced energy on both sides of your bed in feng shui.
This means you have the choice of placing side tables on both sides of the bed or on neither side. You also don’t want to have any sharp angles from the tables or other furniture in the room facing the bed.

4. When you remove the television, you maintain balance in the room.
The less electricity flowing through your bedroom the better, as removing as many electrical appliances as possible is a key part of feng shui. By removing electrical flow from the room, your body won’t take in those harmful EMFs that can cause an internal imbalance. The distraction of a television or computer can also keep you from getting good sleep at night.

5. When designing your bedroom, don’t get obsessed with the rules of feng shui.
For instance, your bedroom may be too small for you to follow all the correct guidelines of feng shui. This attitude can cause you to feel stressed out, creating disappointment. It’s important to remember that feng shui is all about creating positive energy. Concentrate in making the room comfortable for you by doing what you can with the space that you have.

Some people may not believe in feng shui or find it too difficult, but its goal is to create the most comfortable, healthiest room you can. Feng shui has been born from a long philosophical tradition that demonstrates how these decorating principles can improve your sense of being and life. Start with these tips to improve your bedroom and fine-tune your feng shui.

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Mar 01 2010

Simple Tips to Spruce up a Dull Bedroom

When it comes to decorating, it’s not uncommon for people to leave the bedroom for last since no one else really sees it. It’s hard to know what to do with that dull and boring bedroom when you don’t have a lot of time or money left for decorating. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to spruce up that dull bedroom.

Paint the Walls
The easiest way by far to spruce up a boring bedroom is to paint the walls. Nothing adds style and color to a room more quickly than adding a coat of paint or two to the walls. Although it’s important to choose a color you like, it’s also important that it adds some interest to the room. Be sure the paint color accents or matches the accessories you have in the room, as that will make the décor look more cohesive.

Add an Interesting or Colorful Bed Set
Since the bed tends to be the largest item in the bedroom, it usually serves as a focal point for the space. Therefore, by adding color to the mission bed, you can instantly add interest to the room. You want a bed set that’s interestingly patterned or colorful but also coordinates with the other items in the room. Add a few decorative pillows to the new comforter or bedspread. If you’d prefer to stay away from a patterned bed set, then get a set that’s a single color and add accent pillows in a contrasting color to add interest to the area.

Hang Photographs on the Walls
If part of what is keeping your bedroom dull is empty walls, then you need to hang up some items to add some style and pizzazz to the décor. An easy way to cover your walls is to hang up framed photographs of you and your family. You might also consider hanging photographs of nature scenes such as ocean shots or pictures of flowers. Or if you like, go with some old black-and-white photographs.

Perhaps photographs just aren’t your thing or you’re looking for something a little different. Then consider hanging a large piece of artwork that’s caught your eye. You might even make the artwork yourself, if you’re feeling creative. If you like, you can base your entire bedroom scheme off that one piece of art. This approach to decorating can be very inspiring when it comes to design.

Add a New Piece of Furniture
If you have the space, consider adding a new piece of furniture to your bedroom to make things more interesting. Replace your old or out-of-style furniture with new pieces, as this will lend more style to the room as well. You might get a new oak dresser, a chest or bench for the end of the bed, or a new bed if you can afford it.

You want your bedroom to be a place where you can relax and enjoy hanging out. If your bedroom is dull and boring, that can certainly be a drag. So follow these simple ideas to create a stylish and interesting retreat in no time at all.

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