Inexpensive Bedroom Decorating Tips

Your bedroom should be a place where you can 'get away from it all. Doing a bedroom-decorating project adds to your individual taste and a key thought. Above all things, you want it to be at ease. Think of your bedroom as a retreat, and let your imagination go!

Quality linens not only look great, they feel wonderful too. The higher the thread count, the more durable the fabric.

Painting is one of the easiest bedroom decorating ideas and most affordable ways to transform your haven. Once your walls are painted, wallpaper borders are a simple way to add attractive detail and integrate individual appearance.

Draperies and blinds provide some privacy, shy away from anything that's too heavy or overwhelming. Your floor and floor coverings aren't just something you walk on. They play a key role in your bedroom-decorating look, and feel of the room.

Most likely than in any other room as you're more likely to look at it in here, your bedroom ceiling is important.

Whether you like natural woods, painted furnishings, lacquer, or steel, try to choose bedroom decorating pieces that enhance the look you're trying to create.

This is an affordable way to light up your sense of style. Lighting can help create a relaxing mood, when it's soft and indirect.

Here's an area where your bedroom decorating ideas and personal tastes and creativity can really come through. Select a few pieces that you really love.

If you can walk into your bedroom and think, 'I love this!' you've done a great job. Keep comfort and your personal tastes in mind, and you should end up with your bedroom decorating project that's wonderfully and restful.

How To Decorate Your Bedroom Using Feng Shui

The bedroom is one of the most important rooks in the home and is associated with rest, relaxation, and comfort. One needs to be sufficiently rested to perform well during the day.
According to the laws of Feng Shui, If the main door of a home is directly opposite the bedroom door, the occupant of that room will face legal problems. Position a small decoration or a piece of furniture to interrupt the line of passage.

If you have bunk beds in a bedroom they should follow these Feng Shui Rules.
One's head should not touch the ceiling or this could result in ill health. The top of the mattress on the bottom bunk should also be at least 16 inches off the ground.

It is not favorable to keep a clock immediately behind or directly in front of a sleeper. Clocks should be placed on either side of the bed. If you have your clock on the headboard it should be placed on a stand beside the bed or on the floor.

A light bulb directly above the head of the bed will turn the sleeper in to a nervous wreck. If hung above the center of the bed, it will cause stomach disorders. The light should be placed to the side of the bed.
The dressing table should not be placed at the foot of a bed as it adversely affects health. Move the dressing table to any other position.

You can draw on the strengths of the elements by choosing a headboard that corresponds to your element as shown in the paragraphs below.
Square or rectangular shaped headboards are for people who represent wood and earth elements. It is also good for professionals, as it encourages stability and offers support.

Oval or wavy-shaped headboards are ideal for people who belong to the element water and also for artists, musicians and designers.

Angular headboards or those with spiked points, these are not recommended for anyone. It relates to the element fire. It prevents people from getting a good night's sleep.

A Study of Furniture Elements for Smaller Bedrooms

When we enter any bedroom the first thing we notice is the furniture. All humans always see interiors and all decorating ideas that are executed in "elevation". This means we always see the face of the furniture.

Every object in the bedroom large or small has a direct relation to dimensions of the human body. This relation with our body decides the comfort level in a bedroom. If a double bed is over-sized, it will naturally occupy more floor space by reducing the volume of empty space. That's why proportions of every furniture piece are vital to maintain comfort levels.

Let's examine some important factors about bedroom furniture units.

1) Double Bed....

This piece of furniture occupies the maximum amount of floor space. A typical double bed measures about 1800mmX1800mmX450mm height. Of course this is a comfortable sized bed but can vary depending upon the requirements at the interior site.

Double beds come in steel/wrought iron/wooden frames. The most important point to note here is that 80% of the structural framework gets covered by linen. The mattress, bed sheets, pillows cover most of the part that supports the load of the users. That's why the real beauty of a double bed lies in the linen used. Linen defines the shape of a double bed to some extent.

The patterns and decorations used on the linen also ads to the overall design theme of the bedroom. The headboard of the double bed (the part of the double bed which stands behind the head when we lie down on the bed) is a prominent feature and can be used effectively by using semi-circular shapes.

One creative use of the headboard is that we can add artificial lighting in it by providing blur glass and the effect of indirect lighting can be created. This is helpful if the master wants to read a book or magazine by relaxing in the bed itself.

Most of the time we see that the space below the mattress is used for storing linen. This is done in the form of sliding drawers which slide out from sides.

I have seen one more creative way of supporting the platform where the master lies down. By giving an angular slant to the supporting structure of the bed we can save valuable circulation space in a small bedroom.

2) Wardrobe....

A wardrobe is another element in a bedroom that creates a significant impact on the entire interior design theme. We always see a wardrobe in elevation. A typical wardrobe is most of the times measures 2100mm in height. The length and depth of the wardrobe differs from location to location but
is typically around 1200mm in length and 600mm in depth for a single person's wardrobe.

The internal compartments of a wardrobe are divided keeping in mind the various styles and sizes of clothes we wear. The internal design of a wardrobe also depends upon regional influences. For example in Japan, women wear a typical kind of dress or in Indian, most women wear a dress code called as "Saree" which needs much more space similar to trousers.

Depending upon the requirements a wardrobe might also include a small "money safe" with locking arrangements, drawers for keeping smaller sized clothes such as under-garments.

3) Dressing Table....

A dressing table is a place to be happy about. This is the place where we spend a lot of time shaping our faces. A small bedroom may not have enough space for a dressing table. At such times the outer faces of the wardrobe can be used to fix a full height mirror. This also creates a reflection of the rest of the room it and thus creates an illusion of more space.

A wardrobe needs special spotlight arrangements to throw light spot on the person in front of the mirror. This will include a flat mirror and small storage spaces for the makeup-kits, perfumes, etc...

In a case where the mirror is fixed on the outer surface of the wardrobe shutter,(as mentioned above) the storage space for make-up kit can be arranged inside the wardrobe.

4) Study Table with extra storage desk....

A study table is just a place to do some important daily tasks Sometimes it is useful to keep a computer on it. This study table can be designed to include an elevated storage space for books/files.

This combination of a study table and a book shelf is a great way to save space in small bedrooms. If the table top in not occupied by a computer or other objects, it can be made to fold and thus increasing more floor area.

This was a very basic study of the most commonly used furniture items in a bedroom. There are hundreds of creative ways to improve the performance and efficiency of furniture items in interior design. This article was just a starting point to trigger the creative genius in you.

A Quick Rundown on Rustic Bedding

These days, anyone looking to purchase home furnishings is faced with a seemingly endless range of choices. There is enough bedding, bathroom accessories and furniture products available for you to indulge in all your interior decoration desires, but with the wide assortment available it's sometimes difficult to know where to start!

A popular method nowadays is to decorate a room according to a theme; haphazard décor displays just doesn't cut it anymore. For example, you can choose to go the modern route with steel, glass and leather or an Eastern-inspired theme complete with a divan and mirrored bedspreads. However, one the most popular choices among home decorators remains the tried and true theme of a rustic lodge or cabin.

Rustic-inspired furnishings usually feature warm colors and tend towards practicality and comfort. You can co-ordinate your whole bedroom with appropriate rustic bedding accessories, matching drapes, carpets, lighting fixtures and bathroom accessories. One of the more distinctive features of a rustic bedding set is its colors and motifs. They usually come in warm colors like brick red, deep greens, oranges, blues and dark grays – all colors inspired from nature. The motifs are distinct in that they sport the themes of wildlife and the wild outdoors. They evoke the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of a lodge or cabin.

Most rustic bedding sets are available in a wide variety of sizes and sheet combination. A standard sheet set usually includes a top sheet along with a fitted bottom sheet and two pillowcases. It should be noted that in many cases only a single pillowcase is provided with the twin set of sheets. Rustic bedding sets come in all the standardized sizes – Twin, Full, Queen, King and CAL king. This makes it easier for you to choose a set according to your needs and you don't have to worry about the bedding set being either too small or too large for your bed.

You generally have the choice of two types of fabric: flannel and percale. While flannel is made from 100% cotton fibers, percale is 30% cotton and 70% polyester. The pricing also differs for the two fabrics – on the whole the percale bedding sets are somewhat cheaper than flannel ones. Apart from the usual themes like woods, moose, bear, fishing etc., some companies also offer a 'heritage' bedding collection. These are classic designs for the more traditionally inclined.

Apart from the regular bedding sets you can also buy matching comforters (available in all the standard sizes), pillow shams and bed skirts. Some manufacturers also provide throw pillows and shower curtains to match your rustic bedding set. To complete the look of your room, you can even go so far as to use compatible window treatments. The drapes usually match the pattern of the comforter, and the headers, rod pocket and tiebacks complete the set. Blanket ensembles made from the finest fabrics are also an option if you're looking to splurge. Heck, if you are so inclined, you could even invest in an heirloom quality handmade quilt with a rustic theme.

A Guide to Bedroom Decorating

When decorating a bedroom, keep in mind that the end result should produce a distinct and memorable impression. Colors, space and decorations all set a bedroom's mood, and when put together well, can create a definite, pleasurable look.  

When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone. A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing.  Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room. 

Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.

The Beauty of Wood

Have you ever walked through a forest and marveled at the beauty of it all– the green heaven, the rustle of fallen leaves, the whisper of the wind, the birds in the branches and the wonderful majesty of the trees.  That beauty can be transferred to the objects made from the wood of those very trees – mahogany furniture, cedar toys, rosewood jewelry boxes, teak decks on ships, ebony carved statues

Throughout the ages, wood has been a raw material.  The first peoples made shelters using wood and animal skins. The first tools were made of wood and the first hunting spears were wooden. Dating back to Neolithic times, bowls and plates carved from wood have been found, as have wooden idols. In some Egyptian tombs, ancient wooden chairs have been preserved. And in some cultures, coffins were carved from the trunks of trees.

In this country, the Native American tepees we made on a wood frame, and their canoes were, at first, hollowed out tree trunks.  Later, some built a lightweight wooden frame, probably of cedar, covered with bark sewn together with tree roots, and sealed with a mixture of sap and fats.  Of course, the paddles were made of wood.

Some of the most beautiful homes built by the pilgrims and other immigrants used wood from trees growing in the settled areas.  The inlaid designs in the furniture and floors certainly indicate the high level of expertise of the builders. Early settlers in the west built log cabins, and even today, log cabins are being built in some parts of the country.  Some of the so-called log cabins, however, that people are having built, mostly for vacation homes, are built with planks of wood, rather than whole logs.  These early settlers also built their own furniture and fashioned some interesting dolls and toys from wood, some of which have become prized family antiques, collector’s items, or are being copied today by talented wood workers to please more children.

Of course, everyone knows that early ships were built of wood.  Early Egyptians knew how to take planks of wood, hold them together with tree-nails and use pitch to caulk the seams. The first mast may have been two wooden poles lashed together at the top to make a triangular shape, to which a single sail was attached.  Although this was basically a sailing ship, it could be propelled by human power with oars.

Different groups designed their ships differently, but for a long time, all would be made of wood.  Some of the most beautiful model ships are replicas of the early sailing ships. The craftsmen who build these models to scale use some of the most beautiful woods.

In modern homes, wood is prized.  Hardwood floors are more desirable than cheap wood covered by carpet, solid wood furniture costs more, but it is chosen by those who can afford it.  One sometimes sees occasional tables made from a slice of a large tree trunk.  It’s fun to count the annual rings which indicate the age at which the tree was cut.

There are innumerable ways in which wood is used, but one seldom stops to think of what nature provided.

Unique Home Decor - Thinking Outside the Box

Home accents and surroundings today offer much more opportunity for self expression.  Don’t be afraid to try something different. I’d rather decorate my home with items that appeal to my own individuality, than adhere to someone’s standards of what is the norm. Artisan crafted products truly create the ability to make one’s castle their own. It is our hope that by providing you with suggestions and ideas, we are encouraging you to enhance your home in a style befitting your distinctive personality.  

The charm of artisan crafted items is in the originality it provides. Imagine decorating your bathroom in tropical decor, accented by a hand painted shower curtain. The bathroom is the one room that is often overlooked, but it need not be. Add an artistic designed mirror that reflects your unique persona. “One of the most exciting changes you can make to a bathroom is the addition of a distinctive toilet seat” says Dawn Fowler, co-owner of Unique Decor Online. “Believe it or not, there are many design possibilities, including our line of limited edition lithograph seats. Our customers are delighted by the whimsical characters that highlight our toilet seats.”

Decoupage is a popular craft that turns ordinary items into incredible works of art. A simple glass bowl becomes a cherished heirloom. You can turn a tray or platter into a relative’s favorite gift. The possibilities are limitless, and the works created are quite stunning.

Lighting is another outstanding way to set your rooms off. Don’t be afraid to add color. Versatile and vibrant, lamps are stylish accents that can turn a whole room around without much effort. Lighting comes in many different shapes and sizes for table, floor, and ceiling. There are many options and you are only limited by your imagination. It’s a simple change that can make a dramatic change.

Don’t forget your walls! Everyone has paintings and photos adorning their walls. Be different, add a piece of metal wall art. There are patterns available for everyone’s taste, so don’t be shy. Try something new and out of the ordinary. Like the title says, don’t be afraid to step out of the box. You’ll be rewarded with a home that is a representation of your unique personality.

Last, but not least, simple accessories provide the finishing touch to your unique home. The small things sometimes make the most difference. 

Switch-plates
There are many different types of switchplates that can perk up a room while keeping within theme.

Picture Frames
Picture frames have become very popular over the past several years and there are literally thousands of designs to choose from.

Clocks
We can’t forget a very simple, yet important addition to every home in the world. Everyone needs a clock, but it doesn’t have to be your average run of the mill clock. Don’t settle for dull and boring, when you can have unique and striking in appearance.  Christine Francis, co-owner of Unique Decor Online says “Another popular item that our customer’s often request is our line of whimsical clocks. We have a large variety from which to choose and each one is an artistic original design.”

There are many more accents which seem subtle, but really play an important role when decorating your home. We must not forget the many styles of mirrors, outlet covers, fans and more. The possibilities really are limitless. It is our mission to impart to everyone, don’t settle for ordinary, when you yourself are extraordinary.

Using Concrete for Interior Applications

Concrete is an extraordinary material that is practical, expressive, and aesthetic all at once. From a primal and formless slurry, you can transform it into virtually any shape that becomes a solid mass. The possibilities for creative expression are endless. You can grind, polish, stamp, or stain it. You can embed meaningful objects within it.

Concrete has substance and mass, permanence and warmth. It feels earthy, and is at home in both traditional and modern settings. It assumes forms that irrevocably touch our daily lives-bridges, highways, floors, walls... even countertops. Concrete is also surprisingly tactile. Cast and shaped, it can feel like stone rounded by the sea. Textured and colored, it can echo the patina of timeworn tile.

It first occurred to me to make a countertop out of concrete in 1985, when a friend and I were hired to design and renovate a professor's house in the Berkeley Hills. He gave us a modest budget and announced, "This is all I can afford to spend; do whatever you want." Armed with this rare creative license (and plenty of youthful exuberance) we aimed to be as innovative as possible.

This invitation to imagine, play, and explore inevitably led me to experiment in my own kitchen, where concrete and I began what is now our nearly two-decade dance. My first countertop was a single piece containing 11 cubic feet of concrete. It weighed nearly 1500 pounds and took 10 people-and 2 engine hoists-to turn it over once it had cured. We barely managed it, but the piece came out beautifully and is still being put to good use today.

Because of its adaptability, concrete finds itself welcome in all areas of the home, especially in the kitchen and bath, but also in fireplaces, patios, garden paths, or water features. Concrete can also be used as a floor material with enormous creative advantages whether seeded, stained, stamped, broomed or diamond-finished. It can be a sole performer or play the supporting role to tile, mosaics, decorative aggregates, stone, wood, or metal. It is inexpensive, durable, noncombustible, impervious to decay, and also very effective for passive solar gain in the right application.

With vertical treatments, concrete gives us an opportunity to recapture some of the feeling of the monolithic wall-the feeling of substance, of protection. Walls are also a great place to explore form. A wall doesn't have to be flat or straight, but can curve and undulate. It can be textured to be rough as stone or smooth as glass.

Surrender to the impulse... carve your initials in concrete.

Paint Neutral Tones

Neutral tones are especially practical in the world of decoration because their neutrally means they can easily be teamed up with other colors. Warm colors make a room seem smaller and more homey, a place where we can retreat to unwind. There are many techniques for increasing the expressiveness of the walls and for making your home a place where you feel at ease. Many neutral tones are associated with natural materials, stone, earth, wood, straw, sand or with artificial materials such as metal, glass, and concrete.

Here are ten household helpful hints for choosing colors and wall covering fabrics to decorate your home:

1. White and neutral tones are an ideal backdrop to make a work of art or tapestry stand out.

2. Neutral tones should be applied when a space is overloaded architecturally, or when we want something to fade into the background.

3. Neutral tones age well so they can be used where you do not redecorate, or touch up, very often; or if our intention is to specifically create an aged effect.

4. Variations on neutral tones are ideal for small rooms.

5. White and neutral tones are a great way of combining different decorative styles as they act as a neutral transition zone between one style and the other.

6. Gray metal or gray concrete, two neutral tones, are especially apt for creating modern ambiance with a cutting edge feel.

7. Textured neutral tones, like limestone or temperate paint, are perfect for creating rustic effects.

8. Neutral tones fabrics, carpets, curtains, or tapestries are a great help when decorating because they go well with all the colors.

9. If you want a room steeped in neutral tones to be livelier, you can introduce a few dramatic color touches dark colors, even black, are a good solution.

10. A neutral tone is perfect for painting a wall or doors that you want to be inconspicuous.

Home Interior Design

When most people move into a new home, there is some changes that they want to make.  The rules of interior design are especially powerful when it comes to the ladies of the house who can walk through any home and easily spot furniture that needs to be moved and cabinets that need refacing.  The entire idea behind interior design is to make the home that you have purchased your own.  It stands to reason because you are living in a home that was built by someone else and their style may not be yours.  Interior design and home improvement is the way to go. 

Most people consider home improvement to be a daunting task, which it can be if you go to extremes.  Those who attempt to completely renovate their entire home at once are faced with a multitude of problems that are associated with having to move furniture and other items out of the way so the interior design process can take place.  For others, it is easier to do a little bit at a time to make sure that each project gets completed with the minimum of hassle and interruption to daily life. 

One of the easiest things to start with when it comes to interior design and home improvement is cabinet refacing.  Cabinets that you are going to reface will not interrupt the day to day activities as other type projects can and will when doing home improvement.  To reface cabinets it is best to start with the doors as they simple to remove and take to a workshop or basement.  When you reface you are basically just changing the tone of the wood that is used for design of the cabinets.  This is done most times because the color or tone does not fit with the new furniture that has been purchased.  This is a common practice among existing home buyers who want to create their own personal style.

Cabinet refacing also entails changing the front face plate of the cabinets to match the doors that have been changed.  This is another common practice but it can be quite difficult.  It is best to hire a professional when you are planning on refacing any type of cabinets as the skills required to do so do take a long time to learn. There are several books on the subject floating around but they tend to only give the base knowledge that is necessary and do not give the complete picture for dealing with all the different types of problems that you could run into.

Furniture is another big issue when it comes to interior design.  When moving into a new home many people like to get new furniture but they cannot always afford the new stuff as prices seem to go up every year.  The best course of action is to try and buy the new items piece by piece instead of all at the same time.  This will actually save you money in the long run as you can get a better deal as the pieces that you want go on sale over the time that you are purchasing them.  There are plenty of furniture dealers around the world and all you need to do is search through them instead of dealing with only one place.  There is a matter of finding all the best for the best prices and that is not hard when you take and do a little research on the subject.

If you are planning on doing any painting as part of your home improvement project then it is best to do so before you have moved in.  This will save you a lot of hassle as it is hard to find a place to put everything when the house is full of furniture and other items.  Paint does not take a long time to dry so it should not hold up the moving in process for very long.  The best course of action is to go with the higher quality of pain.  The better the quality the better coverage you get when you are painting in the darker colors.  If you are painting before you move in then you have the option of using a paint sprayer with a lot more ease.  This will cut your painting time in half and will save you money in the long run as you use about half as much paint as you do with the brush and roller method. 

Don’t forget to check all the walls for holes before you start any projects.  It is easier to reface a wall when there is nothing else going on.  You will need to read up on wall refacing before tackling it to make sure that it is done properly.  If not then you may end up with a not so nice looking wall that is full of dimples and holes and other unsightly blemishes.  Hiring a professional is the best way to go when you have something that needs done with the walls.  A professional drywall contractor can easily repair all the problems in less than a day and most likely for a fraction of the cost that you would pay if you tried to do it yourself and messed it up. 

Interior design is a fun and exciting time for a lot of people but it can also make for a lot of stress and cost if you are not careful.  Before tackling any home improvement project you should first make sure that you have the required skills and funds to complete the project.  If you don’t then it is best to hire a professional.  More than likely they will be able to save you money in the long run even though their fees sound like they are high.  They do have the right to charge higher fees as they have spent years learning their trade.  You will find that hiring a professional for your project will make the time a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.

Make Your House Your Home - Interior Decorating

There is no better haven than our home. “East or West, home is the best,” is a common saying. Whoever it may be, whatever position he or she may hold, finally everyone returns home to find peace and relax.

A home is cozier and more comfortable than any other place. We build our homes with the utmost care and sincerity. After all, it is a place where we spend most of our lives.

Home decorating means a lot to the owner. It also demands hard work and devotion, as it is not an easy task. Decorating includes both the interior as well as exterior aspects.

As far as home interior decorating is concerned, every nook and corner has to be studied so that the available space is utilized to the maximum. A good interior decorator should be able to help you in selecting the correct interior decorating solution for your home. Before actually starting the work, you need to be sure whether the emphasis is going to be on beauty, comfort, or the appearance of your home.

You need to attend to all parts, namely, doors, windows, floors, furniture and accessories. For windows, curtains, blinds, rods and panels should be attractive and appealing. Some people prefer light colors, while others prefer heavy and striking upholstery. Doors can be tastefully designed and the material itself can be exotic.

There is a wide range of flooring options available. You can choose from marble, granite tiles, bricks, slates, concrete, or steel. To add more color, suitable carpets can be spread. Rugs can be used to complement them.

Walls, pillars, and other standouts can be decorated using artifacts, paintings or wall hangings. Modern arts are becoming a common choice.

Not just the living room, but also every part of your home needs your attention. The kitchen should be convenient and easy to use. The gas tables, racks and shelves, cooking range, utensils, and all other accessories should be chosen carefully and arranged neatly to avoid messing them.

Further, furniture selection should be done wisely. The sofa sets, chairs, dining table, dressing table and cots must reflect your taste.

Pottery and decorative plants are also a welcome addition in home interior decorating. Sculptures or a mini-fountain may seem incredible. An aquarium can add beauty to your home. You need to pick the right colors and paints for your wonderful home.

While deciding on the interiors, themes like energy-efficiency can prove useful. As you see, there is no limit to home interior decorating.