Many people don’t truly realize the impact that texture and pattern have on making the rooms of their home warm, inviting and appealing.  Every home should be a relaxing haven, a place where you come to at the end of the day to release all your stresses and cares.  From your kitchen and living room to the bedroom, your rooms should reflect not only style, but your personal tastes.  This article offers tips on adding texture and pattern to every room of your home, making for inviting, beautiful spaces.

Color isn’t the only thing that matters

Of course you want your home to be decorated with beautiful splashes of color, but texture and patterns make a room come to life.  Any room that contains only bland colors and a single texture such as smooth, shiny or rough is boring!  Today, mixing stripes with florals or checks and combining rough, shiny or smooth textures provide life and personality to an otherwise dull room.

Play up the kitchen

In the kitchen and bath, it’s easy to incorporate texture.  If either of these rooms have a sterile look with white tiled floors, white walls, white appliances, etc., pump up the warmth by using wood floors, cherry cabinets and nubby accent rugs.  Consider boldly patterned cushions for dining room chairs, or a wall shelf displaying rustic pottery.  In the bath, choose plush towels for display, boldly patterned rugs, and a sconce for the wall to soften the room with romantic lighting.

Liven up the walls

The walls in any room are an essential part of the overall decor.  Today, many people paint the walls using faux finishes that can be accomplished with ragging, rag rolling, rubber stamping and other methods.  This creates texture for the walls and helps alleviate the blank look.  Consider richly textured tapestries, or glue fabrics such as imitation suede or burlap to a single wall.  Ceilings are also important; they can be painted with texture paint, and even wallpapered!  Exposed wooden beams also add richness to the room, especially for those decorating in a country-themed style.

Accents are very important for pulling the look together.  For the sofa or love seat, consider layered throw pillows designed in stripes, checks, florals and even geometric patterns depending on your style preferences.  Vary the textures; some should be silky and sleek, while others are rough and nubby.  A colorful throw placed casually across a chair or rocker adds additional interest.

You can also blend furnishings from various eras to add appeal to a room.  Today, it is common to find upscale homes decorated with pieces from the 19th century, the ’30′s, and modern furnishings from today.  When various elements with diverse qualities are combined, the result can be very beautiful and unique.  Leather looks great when combined with wicker, and many pieces you have put away can be transformed into a something great for some room with a little paint or stenciling.

Create rooms that are truly your own and that offer a sense of intimacy that anyone who enters your home will love.  It’s easy, when you let texture and patterns work for you!

To some, monochromatic may sound dull or boring.  When done right, you can decorate your living room or any other room of your home using a monochromatic theme for a stunning effect!  If you think this style of decorating is bland and lifeless, this article will offer tips and ideas that help you create a room with depth and appeal.  White or beige isn’t the only color that gets used in this popular style of decorating.

You can, and should, use any color at all to create rooms that are full of personality and interest.  Save the bold reds, purples or emerald greens for rooms where you do not spend large stretches of time, as these colors can become overwhelming.

The Secret Lies in the Colors

When creating a monochromatic look, you want to use 3 different shades of the same color.  For example, if you want to use brown tones then a light beige, deep amber and chocolate brown will make for a stunning look, as will shades of peach and terracotta.  You want one color to dominate, preferably the medium tone.  As an example, paint the walls light beige, choose a sofa and love seat that contains strong amber tones, and accent baseboards with chocolate brown.  Amber should be the strongest color in the room.

Choosing Patterns and Adding Texture

The secret to adding depth and interest in a monochromatic decorating theme is in the patterns and textures you intermingle.  Bold stripes and geometric patterns are perfect in this style, as long as the strongest colors in the pattern are from the three that you have chosen.  Combine silky fabrics with nubby ones for the most appeal.  You may want to use silky curtains that offer sheen, along with nubby textured accent rugs.  Tapestries are also great for adding rich texture.

To add further appeal, consider painting a bold stripe of color around the room.  For example, on a light beige wall you may want to use an 18” wide stripe of chocolate brown about halfway up the wall around the entire room.  This visually extends the room and livens up the walls a bit.

Accessories Add a Punch of Color

While you do want to keep furniture, walls and floors restrained to the three colors you have chosen, you can add punches of vibrant color in pictures and other smaller accessories.  If you go with the beige/amber/chocolate theme, consider pictures that contain a bright splash of red or yellow.  Set a bowl filled with red apples and bananas in the center of the coffee table, or create a floral arrangement that contains these colors.  Large pillar or square shaped candles in these shades help to add even more small accents around the room.

Just remember to keep the larger details of the room to the basic three colors, and then add pop with splashes of color in the smaller details.  Choose one single color to dominate the room, and you will have spaces that are beautiful, unique and appealing to all who enter your home.

Unfortunately, many people design their homes based on popular trends and magazine pictures.  Sure, the room is beautiful, but is it comfortable and inviting to you?  Does it suit your unique personality?  Or does the room seem almost foreign, because there is none of your personality displayed in the accents and furnishings you use?  It’s important that you decorate your home according to your particular likes and interests.  This article offers a few ideas to help you create rooms that are exciting, appealing – and totally yours!

Determine What You Like
Think about your interests, your favorite colors, even the music you enjoy most.  Are your favorite colors blue and gold?  Maybe you like black and white.  Whatever colors you love most, base your décor around those shades.  Use them in your furniture, the accents on your walls, and in paint preferences.  If you love country music, you probably love country décor as well.  If rap or hip-hop is your style, you may want décor that is funky and off-beat that includes bright, almost shocking colors.

If you are a modern, contemporary type of person, you most likely won’t feel comfortable with rooms that are decorated in a style that is too elegant or country themed.  You most likely prefer spaces that are simple, basic and uncluttered.  Clean lines and basic colors make you feel most at home.

What are Your Hobbies?
Do you collect nautical-themed accessories, porcelain dolls or teapots?  Include your hobbies in your decorating style.  Create a corner of the room that is specifically dedicated to your collection.  Consider using nautical prints for the walls.  If you collect certain items at flea markets, garage sales or online, put them on display!  Curio cabinets with a glass front or wood shelves you build yourself are great for displaying those special items you love.

Are You a Romantic, or the Sensible Type?
Are you one of those people who are extremely sensitive, or do the downturns in life roll off easily?  Your home should reflect your personality type.  Those who are romantics often love cozy, intimate spaces that are surrounded by things that hold a special meaning.  Photos, accessories and other accent items that have been given to you by those you love add intimacy.  If you are the type who is carefree and simply rolls with the punches, you may enjoy things that simply offer visual appeal, but don’t necessarily have a special meaning.  Abstract art and geometric patterns may appeal most to you.

The point is, don’t decorate your home in a style that you think will please others.  It’s your home, so decorate it in a way that makes you happy and comfortable!  If you love flowers, herbs and other plants, fill your home up with them.  If wild colors and bold patterns appeal to you, use them!  What makes you different is what makes you special.  Your home should be the same – a reflection of YOU.

You may be someone who has a variety of interests.  An eclectic look is often the most appealing, and best of all, it is never boring.  Mix different styles of décor according to what you love, and make your home one that welcomes you at the end of the day, offering you relaxing, peaceful surroundings.

Most people love large living or family rooms, but they tend to have a cold or cavernous appearance, especially when the ceilings are vaulted.  While you love the spaciousness, you may wonder how to make the room feel a little more warm and inviting, or cozy.  You want your home to have an atmosphere that is comfortable and welcoming, an almost intimate appeal that feels alluring.

There are several ways you can break up a large space in order to make it feel a bit more personal.  This article will give you tips on creating a room that offers interest, appeal and, most of all, warmth.

Arrange Several Furniture Groupings

The easiest way to break the room up is to group furnishings in different areas, each for a purpose.  Arrange your sofa, loveseat, recliner and tables in a small grouping around an area rug.  This makes a wonderful conversation area when guests visit.  Furniture should not be placed against the wall; this only makes things look impersonal.  You may want to add another area that is designed for enjoying a good book.  Place a rocking chair or recliner, along with a small table and lamp, in another location in the room – perhaps near a window.

If you have more space, consider placing an additional sofa and television, stereo and game station in an area that will be used solely for entertainment purposes.  Creating areas designed to be used for specific activities is a great way to break the room up into smaller, more intimate spaces.

Use Paint or Wallpaper to Draw the Room In

In smaller spaces, most people avoid using dark colored paint.  When you have high ceilings and a very large room, dark paint is the perfect solution.  Consider painting the ceiling a dark shade as well to bring it down visually.  Boldly patterned wallpaper containing dark shades is an option as well.

Avoid Decorating with Mirrors

Mirrors tend to make rooms look larger, especially when they reflect light from windows or other light sources.  If you feel that you have to use a mirror, hang it where it reflects a favorite piece of décor or accent.

Add Lots of Accessories!

Adding lots of accessories such as baskets, pottery, plants and bookshelves can really scale a room down.  Using small to medium size accents helps reduce the appearance of a large room and balances bigger items like furniture.  Consider placing a potted tree in one corner of the room to match the scale of a high ceiling.

Bulk is Great

For spacious rooms, bulky large furniture is perfect.  Consider using “heavy” looking fabrics such as tapestries, and keep the colors dark.  Dark colored wood is ideal as well; light colors tend to make spaces look larger.  Avoid glass topped tables completely.

There you have it!  Five great ways that you can visually reduce the size of spaces which look cold and uninviting.  No matter how big the living or family room are, you can give them a cozy, warm appearance that everyone will appreciate.

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to decorating their home, but you would be hard pressed to find many that do not like the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of a country style kitchen.  The kitchen area is often the “heart” of the home.  This is where family congregates to enjoy good food and good conversation!  This article offers tips and ideas on how to incorporate an old time country look and charm in your kitchen.

A country style kitchen often displays a good deal of early American character.  A farmhouse comes to mind in this style of décor; rooster, cows, hens, pigs and other farm animals are often on display.  It is typical for the theme to focus on a particular animal.  It is perfectly fight, though to use a combination of animals and display them in various locations around the room.

The Kitchen Table is Central to the Theme
Many country themed kitchens are one big room.  In other words, the table may actually be in the kitchen itself, as there is often no separate dining room.  In this case, it is essential that your table and chairs are designed in the country style.  High backed wooden chairs may have cushioned or decorated seats.  To add even more to the old time charm, try to find a solid wood table that displays visible knots from the tree that the table was made from.  A hutch or buffet will complete the furnishings for the room.

Antique Touches Add Charm
Another great thing about a country style kitchen is that you can find many of the accessories you need at flea markets and garage sales.  Old butter churns and iron skillets create a look that reminds everyone who enters of years gone by at grandma’s house.  Hang old cast iron skillets in varying sizes on one wall; display an old butter mold on the counter top.  Any accents or trivets that look as though they were a long time ago are perfect for this type of décor.

Carry Through With a Theme
If you do decide to choose one central theme for the room, carry it throughout.  For example, if roosters are what you decide upon, use them everywhere.  You can find cookie jars, canisters, hot pads, dish towels, clocks and more that are designed in a rooster pattern.

For the windows, you may want to consider using curtains that coordinate with the colors in the room.  The colors often used in the country decorating theme include rustic hues like dark red or rust, golden yellow, blue, dark green and brown.  Use a solid colored curtain or a pattern that complements the rest of the décor.  You may also decide you would rather use wood shutters, which are perfect with this type of decorating.

As for lighting, nothing adds more charm than a wrought iron chandelier.  This look is not too elegant or dressy, as some styles of chandeliers would be for country decorating.  Hung over the table, this will add to the cozy and comfortable atmosphere.  Place a basket filled with fresh fruit or pine cones and other natural foliage in the center of the table, and your charming country kitchen is complete!  Nothing beats country for charm, beauty and the warmth of family gatherings.

Asian décor is bold, elegant and beautiful. There is no better way of achieving a look in your home that demands attention and displays style. This is a style that is not for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere, but for those that want to delve into the bold and dramatic! With the tips in this article, your home will be transformed into the envy of all that enter.

Though it may sound surprising, Asian décor actually offers simplicity. Eliminating clutter is no problem since furniture and accessories are kept to a minimum. Bold and dramatic colors are found in the pieces in order to provide greater visual impact.

Use of Bold, Dramatic Color
The use of the colors red, black, gold and shades of tan, brown and grey is prevalent in Asian décor; this is especially true in Japanese style decorating. A black lacquer that shines like glass is often used on furniture. Walls and trim may be in gold.

Incorporating Texture
Natural textures are a staple of Asian décor. Bamboo is of common use in furnishings, window coverings and plant containers. The use of paper surfaces may be included in wall prints, and natural rock adds to the drama. You will usually find that bamboo plants are in containers adorned with red and gold hues.

Oriental Rugs are a Must
You cannot hope to complete the look and style of Asian decor without the addition of oriental rugs! Not many styles of decorating hold the floor to such high importance however, in this style of décor the floor holds great significance and is the basis for it. In this style of décor furnishings are chosen to complement or draw out the colors on the floor.

This style of décor also relies on screens and window accents. Shoji screens can be used as décor that serves to divide the room or as cover for unattractive spaces. The screen can also be used as a covering which can block the views for a window. These simple, yet ornately decorated, screens are a vital characteristic of the oriental theme.

Simple and basic, this is the usual way to decorate windows as it will create balance along with the dramatic floors and furniture. Windows are often simply accented or covered with bamboo or wooden blinds. Consider gold window accents if your furnishings and flooring are in neutral tones; as for Asian window accents, the Chinese often use accents with tassels.

The drama of Asian décor can also provide serenity and peacefulness. Always keep clutter to a minimum, and use bold accents along with the natural elements. Your tones will not only be dramatic and bold, but they will also offer simplicity and serenity.

Take note of the décor the next time you find yourself in an oriental style restaurant. Examples of this beautiful style of décor can help you figure out how to better use this look in your own home, and finding these examples is as easy as going online. If you are aiming for elegance, there is no better style of décor than the beautiful and bold Asian style.

Sometimes, personality and character just seem to be missing from a room and there’s just nothing there to draw your interest, or perhaps they simply are dull or boring in appearance. Does your home look like this? By using color and texture, you can really infuse warmth and personality into a room that was previously nothing special. The best part about it is, you can achieve the look you want without spending a lot of money.

Although there’s nothing wrong with a room that’s entirely beige and cream, often these kinds of rooms can use a little drama. By using various textures and colors, you can create rooms that are either vibrant and energetic or tranquil and relaxing. If you’re looking for ways to transform a room, here are some tips to get you started.

When Tranquility Is What You’re After
With neutral colors, a room feels relaxed and tranquil. You can create an atmosphere that’s totally calm and peaceful with the colors of Earth such as tans, sky blue, and terra cotta. The hues of the sunset accenting cream-colored carpets and walls helps inspire a tranquil setting. The majority of furniture can be light in color, but don’t forget to add artwork, throw pillows, and accent rugs in splashes of terra cotta and sky blue. Pillows, rugs, and wall hangings can add either a nubby or sleek texture to the décor.

Warm Things Up and Welcome Visitors
The vibrant atmosphere created by warm colors is welcoming to anyone who enters your home. To create a welcoming atmosphere for anyone who enters your home, use warm colors that create a vibrant look. You’ll add a spicy appeal to your décor by using all the colors of autumn: oranges, reds, brown, rust, and navy blue. If you’re trying to achieve a warm, comfortable look, choose furnishings with bold patterns tha include the colors of fall. Choose solid-colored throw pillows that don’t compete with the patterns of the furniture. Hang a large print on a single wall painted deep orange for the perfect focal point.

Jazz It Up with Energy!
Jazz up any small room or space that simply looks blah. With bright, vibrant colors, you can make even the plainest of rooms take on a whole new life. For a botanical look, choose shades of bright green, orange, blue, and peach. Be brave and pick a bright, bold color to paint on one or two of the walls.

Find throw pillows with wild, bold patterns. Liven up the floors with a geometric or abstract patterned throw rug or add interest to the walls with some botanical prints or abstract art. Now all you have to add are a few exotic looking plants. When everything comes together, you won’t believe your eyes! Using bright colors and bold prints makes a world of difference when you’re trying to create rooms full of energy and life.

Color has an effect on everyone, which is why people typically can name their favorite color. Not only do colors make you feel calm, relaxed, energetic, sexy, or playful, it does the same for your rooms. If your home is lackluster with no personality, don’t settle. Liven up the look by adding some color and texture into the mix. For only a few dollars, you can completely transform the look of your home, adding character and personality, and making things shine!

Let’s face it—a room filled with white walls, brown carpet, lackluster furniture, and few to no accessories is just plain boring. It’s no fun to return from work each day to a home that simple screams DULL! The good news is, there are plenty of ways to make any room more interesting, adding an element of appeal and excitement to the décor. Read on for some great ideas on how to create dazzling rooms in your home that you will love coming home to.

Texture is the secret to creating appealing rooms that are both comfortable and inviting. When you have a good mixture of textures, you achieve a depth to the room that simply isn’t there when all surfaces are smooth. If you’re looking to transform your rooms into amazing works of art, here are a few simple tips to get you started.

Add Texture and Interest to Walls
Boring walls tend to be flat and light-colored. However, there are plenty of ways to dress up those walls. A wallpaper with rich hues in a vertically striped pattern can really liven things up. While this is perfect in homes with a low ceiling, you want to avoid using this design technique in high-ceiling rooms, as those ceilings will look even higher.

There are many other options for those homes with high ceilings. Take full advantage of color, and paint your walls with a textured paint. Paint the baseboards a contrasting color to really set things off. To add even more interest, create stencil patterns on the wall.

Don’t Forget About Scale
When you go to decorate a room, you want to keep things on the same scale for the most part. Thus, if you have a small room, try to keep floral and abstract patterns small as well. Likewise, you can use large patterns in larger rooms. However, if you’re looking to really highlight an area, you can use a very large pattern in a small area or corner of a small room.

Mix It Up!
What really sets off a room is the combination of different textures and patterns. A tapestry or mural on the call will provide a nice focal point. Choose from nubby textures, satin smooth textures, and everything in between to create a beautiful and eye-catching décor. You can really draw out the colors in the room with throw pillows that are striped or checked. A nubby thow casually tossed over a sofa or rocker makes a nice touch. Whether you have carpet, tile, or wood floors, using area rugs will add even more texture and color. Another great option is to place boldly patterned runners over a few tables.

Years ago, colors either had to be complementary or match each other. Things have changed, however, and now contrasting colors abound. These days, practically anything goes when it comes to your décor. You can create a totally unique look using the special pieces and accents you love, thrown together with special little ideas that suit your own personality. Keep in mind that there really are no rules when it comes to home décor. When you incorporate plenty of color and texture, then the finishing touches can come directly from your own creative.

You want your home to look beautiful and stylish, but you don’t have the money to hire an interior decorator.  In many cases, doing it yourself is best anyway, because your natural style preferences and personality come out.  This article deals with some of the things you should keep in mind when decorating your own home; you might consider this information the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of decorating.

Good Bets for Success

To make the most of your home, consider the architectural design and location.  Your goal should be to maximize the architectural assets of your home while incorporating your own unique style and personality.  This helps you achieve the perfect balance, and lessens the need to redecorate on a frequent basis.

Use a signature piece to decorate every room.  Whether modern, abstract or elegant, this piece can serve as the basis for decorating the room.  Once you have chosen a signature piece of wall art, for example, you can begin to incorporate colors, textures and design for the rest of the furnishings to complete the look.

Combine Various Design Elements

You want your home to be unique and appealing, right?  In order to accomplish a look that is totally yours you want to blend various design elements.  Wood pieces, bold patterns, stripes, plaids and florals can all be used together to add interest and depth to the room.  A wood floor is dazzling on its own; throw a couple of boldly hued geometric patterned rugs down and the floor comes to life!  Same thing for solid colored sofas and other furnishings – add boldly colored throw pillows and throws with varied patterns.

Pay particular attention to the scale of a room.  Furnishings should be of similar size and shape.  The repeated use of shapes, fabrics and colors helps bring the design of the room together, making it look as though it was professionally decorated.

A Few Things to Avoid

When you decide to decorate your own home, there are a few things you should not do.  For one, don’t let a friend or relative tell you how to decorate!  Of course you are willing to listen to their suggestions, but it is your home and the goal is for you and your family to feel comfortable and pleased with the décor and design.

Many people make the mistake of placing furniture against the walls leaving it spread out in order to give the room a more spacious appearance.  This is a mistake!  Furniture should be arranged in an intimate grouping, away from the walls.  Group your chairs, tables and sofa around a large area rug to give the room a more personal and welcoming look and feel.

Don’t Try to Display Everything You Own

You may have many collectibles you have picked up over the years.  Many people have an attic, basement or closet packed with their favorite accents and accessories.  When you decorate a room, don’t try to use them all.  This can give the room a messy and cluttered look.  Instead, save some of them for later!  You can refresh the room later on by switching out the old collectibles and decorating items for the ones you have stored.  Using less also helps add to the importance of each piece you have carefully selected to display.

Remember these tips the next time you feel a need to refresh and update your home.  You can have a professional look and feel – even when you do it yourself!

Living in an apartment or small condo does have limitations.  Since you don’t own the property yourself, there are certain things you cannot do.  You can’t change the floors, put nail holes in the walls, or change the kitchen counter top.  Does this mean you must be resigned to live in something that is less than appealing or drab?  Not at all!

Usually, all of the apartments in a specific group look exactly the same.  They all have boring white walls, the same flooring or carpeting, and bare windows or, in a best case scenario, windows with white mini-blinds.  How can you make yours look original and add your individual style?  Here are some tips.

Decorate Your Walls

You may or not be able to paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!  Many apartment managers will allow you to paint, since they can easily paint over your color if you move out.  If you can, paint one wall a bold, bright color to add visual impact.  If you cannot paint, hang a very large and intricately patterned tapestry on the wall.  You might also want to consider bold, colorful prints without a frame, or with a simple mat edge.

When decorating walls, be sure to use hangers you can purchase for this purpose.  This way, you don’t have to put holes or nails in the walls, which may not go over well with the management!

Add Some Drama to the Floors

While you can’t rip up the carpet or cut out the linoleum, you can use colorful area rugs.  In the kitchen, consider using brightly colored botanical patterns.  Bright sunflowers, daisies and poppies add a cheerful look and break up the monotony.

In the living area, consider a couple of smaller rugs, or one large area rug strategically placed in front of the sofa.  Consider your color scheme, and choose bold patterns for this room.  Intense stripes and plaids make a great addition, particularly if you have solid colored furniture.

Add Flair to the Windows

You may have to leave the mini-blinds hanging, but you can certainly add a little color!  Hang sheer curtains that coordinate with your other décor, or create drama by draping a boldly colored satin sheet above the window allowing it to cascade down the sides and onto the floor.

The most important things you can do to dramatically change the look of your rooms is to add color, pattern and texture.  Accomplish this with paint, throw rugs, big fluffy throw pillows and other decorating accessories.  Keep several big pillows on hand; they are great for floor seating when several guests are coming to visit!

Keep furniture to a minimum to create a spacious look.  Low profile furnishings without arms help add to the open feeling.  Coffee or end tables should be simple and not too big or bulky.  Add a few creative accents of your own, and you have an apartment that looks and feels like home!  A little imagination can go a long way in creating appealing spaces.