A bedroom that has been decorated in bold, rich colors is warm and inviting – and perfect for inducing sleep.  On the other hand, it can look as dark as a cave because of the colors you chose.  How can you retain the ambient, relaxed atmosphere of the room and still cast a little light on the subject?  This article offers some helpful tips and ideas that will allow you to put a few bright spots in your cozy bedroom.

Years ago, people wouldn’t dream of decorating a bedroom in warm shades of pumpkin, chocolate brown, rust, mahogany or dark blue.  Now, it’s all the rage.  Intense color for bedrooms is in, and the look is rich, elegant and appealing.

Be absolutely certain before you paint walls a dark color

If your bedroom is on the small side, it will look even smaller when you paint the walls a deep shade of burgundy or pumpkin.  While the look is beautiful, you may want to stick with a rich medium beige or gray tone for the walls.  Neutral colors tend to make deep, dramatic colors pop.

Flood the room with light, both natural and artificial

One of the easiest ways to let light in to the room is to use window treatments that are light in texture and color.  Dark colored curtains will block some of the natural light so you may want to consider shades or blinds which you can open fully during daylight hours.

The artificial lighting you choose is important as well.  Bedside reading lamps on a nightstand, accent lighting to showcase wall art, and strategically placed floor lamps help add to the ambience while lightening up the mood a bit.  Keep in mind that dark colors absorb light, so it will take more light to compensate for the dark colors in the decor.

Even small accents can make an impact

If you do have dark burgundy walls or for that matter any dark shade, why not display that hip artwork you love so much?  A dark wall is the perfect backdrop for wall art consisting of bright, bold colors.  Abstract paintings, geometric designs, even bold, brightly colored floral prints look amazing against a dark background.

While it may seem minor, removing the clutter from a room will make it appear brighter, simply because it is more open and spacious.  Take away all of the small knick-knacks, and remove tables or other items that aren’t necessary.  The more open you keep the floor, the more spacious and airy the room will appear.

Hang a mirror framed with wood, brass or a gold finish on the wall for additional light.  The mirror will reflect not only the natural and artificial light, but the room itself, making it appear brighter and more open.

Even when you love deep, rich shades for the bedroom don’t be afraid to use small touches of lighter, complimentary or contrasting shades occasionally for an added pop.

These ideas will help you lighten up the overall appearance, while keeping the rich, romantic and elegant look intact.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most people want their bedroom to be a relaxing retreat from the craziness of the world, but many time it doesn’t end up that way. Sometimes trouble relaxing and sleeping at night can be traced to the way the bedroom is decorated and organized. If you want to create a peaceful and relaxing environment in your bedroom, here are some things to keep in mind.

Get Rid of the Television
The number-one distraction in the bedroom that keeps people from relaxing and even falling asleep at night is the television. One room in the home that a television definitely doesn’t belong in is the bedroom. Although some people swear by falling asleep to the television at night, many experts believe that having a television on before you go to sleep does more harm than good. So when planning out your bedroom, skip the television, because you absolutely don’t need it.

Choose Relaxing Colors for the Walls
If the colors in your bedroom are either too bold or too dark, that can also be a distraction. Be sure the colors on the walls are relaxing and peaceful, which will result in a more serene environment. Stick with neutral or pastel colors in your décor. Colors such as tan, cream, light pink, and light yellow work great in a bedroom. Harsh colors such as red, black, and dark green can actually affect your mood in a negative way and thus you want to avoid them in the bedroom.

Get a Comfortable Bed and Mattress
While it’s nice to have a wood bed that matches your bedroom’s décor, it’s much more important to be sure that it’s comfortable. It’s not easy to fall asleep at night if your bed and mattress are uncomfortable. If you absolutely must have a certain type of design for your bed, than be sure to buy a really comfortable mattress in order to compensate for any awkwardness.

Include a Water Feature in the Bedroom
When creating a relaxing bedroom atmosphere, consider adding a water feature such as a small fountain. Many people really enjoy falling asleep at night to the soft trickle of water. For many, the sound helps clear and calm the mind, allowing them to fall asleep much faster. If you’re considering putting a water feature in your bedroom, just be sure that the sound is soothing to you, and not annoying.

Buy the Proper Window Treatments to Block Out the Light
In the bedroom, window treatments have double duty. They need to be functional, as well as adding some character and style to the décor of the room. Your bedroom’s window treatments should be able to block out the light. That way, you’re not having to wake up at 5:00 a.m. with the sun. A great option is to choose a great curtain or valance with which to dress the window and then add a pair of functional blinds as well.

Before you start to decorate your bedroom, consider what items most help you to relax. These are the things you’re going to want to incorporate into the room’s design. No matter how perfectly a décor item fits with the theme of the bedroom, that doesn’t necessarily mean it belongs there.