The bedroom is the place where you spend a great deal of time every day, albeit much of it asleep. This, of course, means that it needs to be a place of relaxation, and for many people, romance.
It’s all to easy to let the clutter of everyday life invade your bedroom, but this impairs your ability to relax in the one room in the house that should be designed for that purpose. It’s time to decorate your bedroom for its true purpose.
Start out by thinking about your personal style. What would you like to have in your bedroom? What would make it relaxing, romantic or both? If you’re married, what would appeal to your spouse?
Let’s start with the bed. As the largest piece of furniture in most rooms, as well as the most used, it is something of a focal point. Do you like the bedding? What about the bedframe itself?
Sometimes you will quickly realize that it is time to replace all your bedroom furniture when you decide to redecorate your bedroom. Maybe the old furniture just isn’t your style anymore. With today’s online shopping available, finding new furniture doesn’t have to mean running all around town anymore. You can shop from the comfort of your own home and often get better prices.
Back to the bed. What would you like it to look like? Huge, 4 poster beds are quite popular right now, but would it look right in your home? If your room is big enough, it might look perfect. In a smaller room it will just make it look crowded.
Once you have chosen your bed, pick the rest of your furniture to match, but not overcrowd your bedroom. The dressers need to have adequate space for the clothing you will store in them. Most bedroom sets have plenty of matching pieces to choose from, so that you can find a style you like, yet still have a choice of a couple different sizes for your dresser.
Now it’s time to pick the accents. Your bedding is one kind of accent for your room. What colors do you like? Do you love throw pillows or are they a nuisance? Of course, soft sheets and good pillows are a must, both for relaxation and romance.
Lighting matters too. You don’t need to light your bedroom up as brightly as the rest of the house all of the time... in fact, there are many times when dimmer lighting is perfect for the mood in the bedroom. Consider installing a dimmer switch on the main light or have dimmer lights as a part of your decor.
Another option for mood lighting is candles. They can add a lovely touch to the decor, and when it’s time for romance they’re just about classic. Scented candles can add a lot too.
One item I strongly recommend leaving out of the bedroom that has found its way into too many is the television. Putting a television in your bedroom limits your ability to relax, and it takes away from romance. Yes, you can enjoy relaxing in front of the television in the evening, but why not do that in the living room, and leave the bedroom for other forms of relaxation?
Showing posts with label decorating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decorating. Show all posts
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Bedroom Decorating Ideas Can Be Simple or Elaborate
For bedroom decorating ideas, there is a very large number of different themes from which you can choose. Naturally, your decision for bedroom decorating will be based not only on your personal taste, but will also have to do with the budget you have available.
Beyond that, when you’re decorating a bedroom, you also need to think about the amount of space the bedroom permits you. This will help to decide the type and amount of furniture and other items that you will be able to use without making the space too cramped or uncomfortable. Remember, a bedroom should be a calm and inviting space, not an obstacle course!
Therefore, your first step in decorating bedroom is to measure your space, and then come up with the theme or style that you like the best. Among the more popular decorating bedroom ideas are:
* Modern
* Mediterranean
* Cottage
* Southwestern
* Victorian
With your style chosen, you can look into bedroom decorating tips that will allow you to reach that final image. For example, if you were thinking of bedroom decorating ideas that are Victorian, you may consider the following tips:
* The Victorian style has a rather feminine feel about it, so bedroom decorating in this style will primarily be enjoyed by women. If you are considering making the master bedroom a Victorian style room, you will want to make sure that your spouse or partner shares this particular taste.
* Decorating a bedroom in this style is quite showy and dramatic. The bed will typically consist of a heavy four-poster of wood or cast iron. It may have a canopy, curtains, throw pillows and blankets, and a bedspread that is well embellished with patterns, fringe, bows, and ribbons.
* Decorating bedroom styles such as Victorian will also include a great deal of accessorizing, such as with enormous, overstated rugs, flowering plants, and ornate gold frames surrounding paintings of flowers, birds, children, or maidens.
No matter the bedroom decorating ideas you use, as long as you remain focused and follow through, you’re certain to enjoy the final achievement.
Beyond that, when you’re decorating a bedroom, you also need to think about the amount of space the bedroom permits you. This will help to decide the type and amount of furniture and other items that you will be able to use without making the space too cramped or uncomfortable. Remember, a bedroom should be a calm and inviting space, not an obstacle course!
Therefore, your first step in decorating bedroom is to measure your space, and then come up with the theme or style that you like the best. Among the more popular decorating bedroom ideas are:
* Modern
* Mediterranean
* Cottage
* Southwestern
* Victorian
With your style chosen, you can look into bedroom decorating tips that will allow you to reach that final image. For example, if you were thinking of bedroom decorating ideas that are Victorian, you may consider the following tips:
* The Victorian style has a rather feminine feel about it, so bedroom decorating in this style will primarily be enjoyed by women. If you are considering making the master bedroom a Victorian style room, you will want to make sure that your spouse or partner shares this particular taste.
* Decorating a bedroom in this style is quite showy and dramatic. The bed will typically consist of a heavy four-poster of wood or cast iron. It may have a canopy, curtains, throw pillows and blankets, and a bedspread that is well embellished with patterns, fringe, bows, and ribbons.
* Decorating bedroom styles such as Victorian will also include a great deal of accessorizing, such as with enormous, overstated rugs, flowering plants, and ornate gold frames surrounding paintings of flowers, birds, children, or maidens.
No matter the bedroom decorating ideas you use, as long as you remain focused and follow through, you’re certain to enjoy the final achievement.
Friday, November 12, 2010
5 Essential Factors of a Good Bedroom Design
Successful design is a relative term. But when it comes to interior design, there are certain factors which are always present no matter what the use of the space is. Let's have a look at the bare minimum design factors a space must have so that it can be called a comfortable and habitable space.
1) Proportions of the room.
The word "proportions" is always used in the design field. Every interior space which is being used by humans must be proportionate. Proportions are extremely important in any design.
Every 3 dimensional object has properties such as length, width and height. When these 3 are in accordance with the proportions of various parts of human body we call it a "proportionate" design.
For example a handle of a wardrobe must have dimensions such that our fingers can hold it properly for effortless and smooth action. or a chair seat must have enough are so that we can sit comfortably. Again the type of seating will change the dimensions of the chair. A chair in waiting lobby of a bank will be different than a sofa.
So proportions play a major role in interior design and furniture in your bedroom must also follow these rules. The dimensions of the double bed, it's height from floor level, height of wardrobe, dimensions of dressing table, etc...all these matter as far as function is concerned.
2) Natural light entering the room.
There is no alternative for naturally lit spaces. Sun being the strongest source of light and also helps to keep the biological balance of the planet Earth, it is very much necessary in the interior spaces.
Study shows that natural light can penetrate in an interior space up to 20 feet (Approx. 7 meters). Using appropriate position for window opening can easily achieve this.
3) Natural Ventilation
A free and unobstructed flow of air can be a great way to keep the atmosphere cool and clean in an interior space. This is possible where bedrooms are located at the corner of the building where 2 sides of the bedrooms have external faces.
Where it is not possible to provide windows on adjacent faces or opposite faces, a ventilator above the window is used. The concept behind the ventilator is simple. The lower half the bedroom height is always used by the habitants. Because of the constant use of this are the air temperature rises and air becomes light weight.
This hot air rises above and must need an escape. At such times ventilators above the window openings play a major role of circulating the flow through the room in an upward direction. When the lower portion of the room becomes empty fresh air from window takes its position, thus maintaining a balance.
4) Clear Movement Patterns.
Every bedroom has certain exit points attached to it. Such as
a) Exit to balcony/ terrace.
b) Exit to toilet block/ walk in closet
c) Exit to backyard (if on ground floor)
If we draw an imaginary line from the entry point to all these exit points, ideally the should not intersect. Since all other areas are already occupied with furniture, keeping the inside circulation space clear, helps to achieve a comfortable space.
5) Good Provision For Inclusion Of Accessories.
Accessories in a bedroom have equal importance. When all other factors mentioned above are fairly met what remains is the use of accessories which can make quite a lot of difference in the comfort level of the habitants.
a) The first and the most important is a good provision of artificial lighting. This includes basic lighting as well as special decorative lighting for decorative purposes.
b) Special provision for upholstery and linen. Small details such as curtain rods, provision for bed canopies can make the room extra decorative.
c) Use materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example if you are using PVC flooring sheets on top of standard tiled flooring, is it washable? Think of what will happen if your child uses it as a painting canvas.
The discussion above was an attempt to look for some universal factor that can affect the comfort level of the users in a bedroom. Finally the feeling which you get when you use your bedroom is most important and is a good measure to decide the success factor of the design project.
However it is important to note that these are not the only factors that need to be looked upon, but I'm sure these can help as a starting point for further creative thinking.
1) Proportions of the room.
The word "proportions" is always used in the design field. Every interior space which is being used by humans must be proportionate. Proportions are extremely important in any design.
Every 3 dimensional object has properties such as length, width and height. When these 3 are in accordance with the proportions of various parts of human body we call it a "proportionate" design.
For example a handle of a wardrobe must have dimensions such that our fingers can hold it properly for effortless and smooth action. or a chair seat must have enough are so that we can sit comfortably. Again the type of seating will change the dimensions of the chair. A chair in waiting lobby of a bank will be different than a sofa.
So proportions play a major role in interior design and furniture in your bedroom must also follow these rules. The dimensions of the double bed, it's height from floor level, height of wardrobe, dimensions of dressing table, etc...all these matter as far as function is concerned.
2) Natural light entering the room.
There is no alternative for naturally lit spaces. Sun being the strongest source of light and also helps to keep the biological balance of the planet Earth, it is very much necessary in the interior spaces.
Study shows that natural light can penetrate in an interior space up to 20 feet (Approx. 7 meters). Using appropriate position for window opening can easily achieve this.
3) Natural Ventilation
A free and unobstructed flow of air can be a great way to keep the atmosphere cool and clean in an interior space. This is possible where bedrooms are located at the corner of the building where 2 sides of the bedrooms have external faces.
Where it is not possible to provide windows on adjacent faces or opposite faces, a ventilator above the window is used. The concept behind the ventilator is simple. The lower half the bedroom height is always used by the habitants. Because of the constant use of this are the air temperature rises and air becomes light weight.
This hot air rises above and must need an escape. At such times ventilators above the window openings play a major role of circulating the flow through the room in an upward direction. When the lower portion of the room becomes empty fresh air from window takes its position, thus maintaining a balance.
4) Clear Movement Patterns.
Every bedroom has certain exit points attached to it. Such as
a) Exit to balcony/ terrace.
b) Exit to toilet block/ walk in closet
c) Exit to backyard (if on ground floor)
If we draw an imaginary line from the entry point to all these exit points, ideally the should not intersect. Since all other areas are already occupied with furniture, keeping the inside circulation space clear, helps to achieve a comfortable space.
5) Good Provision For Inclusion Of Accessories.
Accessories in a bedroom have equal importance. When all other factors mentioned above are fairly met what remains is the use of accessories which can make quite a lot of difference in the comfort level of the habitants.
a) The first and the most important is a good provision of artificial lighting. This includes basic lighting as well as special decorative lighting for decorative purposes.
b) Special provision for upholstery and linen. Small details such as curtain rods, provision for bed canopies can make the room extra decorative.
c) Use materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example if you are using PVC flooring sheets on top of standard tiled flooring, is it washable? Think of what will happen if your child uses it as a painting canvas.
The discussion above was an attempt to look for some universal factor that can affect the comfort level of the users in a bedroom. Finally the feeling which you get when you use your bedroom is most important and is a good measure to decide the success factor of the design project.
However it is important to note that these are not the only factors that need to be looked upon, but I'm sure these can help as a starting point for further creative thinking.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Designing Your Home Office
Once you have taken the plunge and decided to work from home you are going to need to consider your working environment. Too many people think that working from home means that they can effectively handle phone calls from the kitchen table, or work well into the night cuddled up in front of the television. And while you may be able to get away with this type of working style once in awhile, you will need to design a home office space that is effective and efficient.
A well designed home office will allow you to be more organized, more productive and definitely more professional. There are a few things that you will need to consider when you are designing your space. Do you entertain clients in your office? If so, you will want a separate entrance to your home office. It is not very professional to have clients walk through your kitchen with dirty dishes in the sink in order to get to your office.
Even if you do not host clients in your office, you should strongly consider the benefits of having a separate space for your office. You will feel more professional if you have a designated room or space for your office rather than a corner of the living room. This will also allow you to tune out distractions such as the children, or the television. When you are working, close the door and focus on work.
Some things that you will need to consider are furniture, organization, lighting and ventilation. You will need to equip your office to suit your needs and for most people this means that you will need the standard desk. Your desk does not need to be fancy; in fact as long as it suits your needs, you can get away with a very simple table. Storage is also very important for a home office. Do not underestimate the power of a quality file cabinet and a good organizing system. If you have a lot of books a shelving system will go along way.
High quality lighting is also essential in your home office. You may need to install a better overhead light as most residential lights will not put out quality light that is needed for an office. Adequate lighting is essential for a comfortable and ergonomically sound working environment. Ventilation is also important, as you will need to work in a comfortable environment. If your space gets hot in the summer months, invest in air conditioning or a fan.
Last but not least, do not forget to make your home office inviting for you to come to work. Put up a few pieces of artwork or some prints, bring in some house plants or fresh flowers and create an environment that is not only functional, but enjoyable to be in as well. After all you're going to be spending 8 - 10 hours per day in there.
A well designed home office will allow you to be more organized, more productive and definitely more professional. There are a few things that you will need to consider when you are designing your space. Do you entertain clients in your office? If so, you will want a separate entrance to your home office. It is not very professional to have clients walk through your kitchen with dirty dishes in the sink in order to get to your office.
Even if you do not host clients in your office, you should strongly consider the benefits of having a separate space for your office. You will feel more professional if you have a designated room or space for your office rather than a corner of the living room. This will also allow you to tune out distractions such as the children, or the television. When you are working, close the door and focus on work.
Some things that you will need to consider are furniture, organization, lighting and ventilation. You will need to equip your office to suit your needs and for most people this means that you will need the standard desk. Your desk does not need to be fancy; in fact as long as it suits your needs, you can get away with a very simple table. Storage is also very important for a home office. Do not underestimate the power of a quality file cabinet and a good organizing system. If you have a lot of books a shelving system will go along way.
High quality lighting is also essential in your home office. You may need to install a better overhead light as most residential lights will not put out quality light that is needed for an office. Adequate lighting is essential for a comfortable and ergonomically sound working environment. Ventilation is also important, as you will need to work in a comfortable environment. If your space gets hot in the summer months, invest in air conditioning or a fan.
Last but not least, do not forget to make your home office inviting for you to come to work. Put up a few pieces of artwork or some prints, bring in some house plants or fresh flowers and create an environment that is not only functional, but enjoyable to be in as well. After all you're going to be spending 8 - 10 hours per day in there.
Friday, October 29, 2010
How to Combine Styles in Any Room
A well decorated home is one unified whole with rooms that blend and relate to each other like members of a family. The goal of any room arrangement in your house is a simple grouping of furniture pieces that work toward its purpose, dining, sleeping, working, or relaxing. Create easy access through your rooms with 3-fott-wide passages that suggest where you want traffic to flow. Use entry furnishings constant with the rest of your home.
When you are dealing with furniture the whole collection must take priority over individual pieces. It is easy to fall under the enchantment of an antique piece of furniture, but you have to consider how it will fit in with everything else. Plus, you have to ask whether it meets your needs. Everybody loves to buy new things, but before bring in new furniture you must figure out whether to take advantage of what you already have.
You may want to restore or renovate the external appearance of furniture if it is shabby or drab. Decorating is not merely throwing out the old and brings in the new objects. New furniture is certainly attractive, not to mention pricey, if you were to search secondhand market and antique stores, you would probably come across some surprising pieces of furniture that add a touch of distinction to our home. Remember that some old furniture has more personality than new designs and can be a source of inspiration as you seek to create your own decorating scheme.
Old furniture is adequately interesting to be the central feature of a room but be sure never to mix antique furniture with different styles. The general rule is that if you have one very quality piece of antique furniture, the other, more reserved pieces, should stay out of the limelight. In bigger rooms you can place two or three pieces of antique furniture without overdoing it. Decorating a home is a lifelong process that changes as you adjust. It’s an unfolding experience that lets you express yourself. Enjoy the time you spend doing it.
When you are dealing with furniture the whole collection must take priority over individual pieces. It is easy to fall under the enchantment of an antique piece of furniture, but you have to consider how it will fit in with everything else. Plus, you have to ask whether it meets your needs. Everybody loves to buy new things, but before bring in new furniture you must figure out whether to take advantage of what you already have.
You may want to restore or renovate the external appearance of furniture if it is shabby or drab. Decorating is not merely throwing out the old and brings in the new objects. New furniture is certainly attractive, not to mention pricey, if you were to search secondhand market and antique stores, you would probably come across some surprising pieces of furniture that add a touch of distinction to our home. Remember that some old furniture has more personality than new designs and can be a source of inspiration as you seek to create your own decorating scheme.
Old furniture is adequately interesting to be the central feature of a room but be sure never to mix antique furniture with different styles. The general rule is that if you have one very quality piece of antique furniture, the other, more reserved pieces, should stay out of the limelight. In bigger rooms you can place two or three pieces of antique furniture without overdoing it. Decorating a home is a lifelong process that changes as you adjust. It’s an unfolding experience that lets you express yourself. Enjoy the time you spend doing it.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Home Decorating Ideas for a New Look
Room by room home decorating ideas
Whether you live in small metropolitan apartment, a house in the suburbs, or a log cabin in the mountains, your living room creates a lasting impression on those who visit. It sets the mood and should reflect your personal taste. So, to begin our helpful hints for home decorating ideas, let's start with some simple tips for the living room.
You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to get a new look that will be a pick up for both you and your living room. Just add some color; here's how:
1. Paint just One Wall
This will really change the focal point of the living room without getting into a major redecorating project. If your room has a niche, it's the perfect choice for extra color. You can choose a bold, contrasting color picked from a floral fabric, or a subtle tone darker than the tone of the other walls. Any change in color will add interest and splash!
2. Throw a Few Pillows Around
Nothing adds color like strategically placed throw pillows. Choose solids for a floral print or colorful, patterned pillows for a solid color chair or sofa. This is just one of many home decorating ideas that will not only add a bright splash of color, but will also add comfort to your seating arrangements.
3. Add Green or Flowering Plants
If you don't have a green thumb, ask your nursery or home center to recommend ones that require little or no care. If you're gone from home a lot, settle for some of the wonderful artificial ones on the market now. You can find great looking plants, foliage, and flowers that only need to be dusted. The Internet is a wonderful source for these.
4. Put Some Color on the Floor
A colorful throw rug placed in front of a chair or under a coffee table can add color and texture to a living room (or any room). It can be put on top of any type of flooring, including carpet. If it is on a smooth surface, make certain to have a no skid backing. Choose a contrast color (from fabric you're using in the room}, or look for one with an interesting pattern that ties into the theme of your room.
5. Add Interesting Artwork
A colorful piece of art placed in a living room not only adds a decorative touch, but also introduces colors and shapes. Try framing simple photos with colorful mats and bright frames.
6. A Throw Adds both Warmth and Color
A handmade quilt, nubby woven throw, or cozy, colorful blanket adds interest when draped over the back or arm of a neutral sofa or chair. Choose a color that accents other pieces in the room, as well.
7. Reflect Color
This is one of the home decorating ideas that appeals to many. Place a large mirror on a bare or boring wall. Buy an interesting frame or just decorate a piece of mirror with cording or braid. If you have an old frame, consider painting it a bright color. The mirror will reflect the color from around the room and add light to the space.
Tips for the guest room
Not too many people give enough thought to decorating the guest room in their home, but, if you like to have guests stay over, here are some simple home decorating ideas for your guest room. Your budget may not allow you to provide all the amenities of a five star hotel, but there are certain things you can do to make your guests comfortable.
1. Buy the Best Bed Your Money Can Buy
Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. If you can't afford a new bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. They're quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor.
2. Clean Bedding a Must
Just make sure you have nicely laundered, clean bedding.
3. A Place to Put a Suitcase
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. Even a chair is better than nothing!
4. Keep it Uncluttered
Get rid of anything that you would not find in the room of a fine hotel. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar. A good reading lamp would be a plus!
5. Hanger and Drawer Space
If your guest room shares space with a home office, clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes and clear out one or two drawers for small items. Both you and your guest will feel better with odds and ends out of sight.
Whether you live in small metropolitan apartment, a house in the suburbs, or a log cabin in the mountains, your living room creates a lasting impression on those who visit. It sets the mood and should reflect your personal taste. So, to begin our helpful hints for home decorating ideas, let's start with some simple tips for the living room.
You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to get a new look that will be a pick up for both you and your living room. Just add some color; here's how:
1. Paint just One Wall
This will really change the focal point of the living room without getting into a major redecorating project. If your room has a niche, it's the perfect choice for extra color. You can choose a bold, contrasting color picked from a floral fabric, or a subtle tone darker than the tone of the other walls. Any change in color will add interest and splash!
2. Throw a Few Pillows Around
Nothing adds color like strategically placed throw pillows. Choose solids for a floral print or colorful, patterned pillows for a solid color chair or sofa. This is just one of many home decorating ideas that will not only add a bright splash of color, but will also add comfort to your seating arrangements.
3. Add Green or Flowering Plants
If you don't have a green thumb, ask your nursery or home center to recommend ones that require little or no care. If you're gone from home a lot, settle for some of the wonderful artificial ones on the market now. You can find great looking plants, foliage, and flowers that only need to be dusted. The Internet is a wonderful source for these.
4. Put Some Color on the Floor
A colorful throw rug placed in front of a chair or under a coffee table can add color and texture to a living room (or any room). It can be put on top of any type of flooring, including carpet. If it is on a smooth surface, make certain to have a no skid backing. Choose a contrast color (from fabric you're using in the room}, or look for one with an interesting pattern that ties into the theme of your room.
5. Add Interesting Artwork
A colorful piece of art placed in a living room not only adds a decorative touch, but also introduces colors and shapes. Try framing simple photos with colorful mats and bright frames.
6. A Throw Adds both Warmth and Color
A handmade quilt, nubby woven throw, or cozy, colorful blanket adds interest when draped over the back or arm of a neutral sofa or chair. Choose a color that accents other pieces in the room, as well.
7. Reflect Color
This is one of the home decorating ideas that appeals to many. Place a large mirror on a bare or boring wall. Buy an interesting frame or just decorate a piece of mirror with cording or braid. If you have an old frame, consider painting it a bright color. The mirror will reflect the color from around the room and add light to the space.
Tips for the guest room
Not too many people give enough thought to decorating the guest room in their home, but, if you like to have guests stay over, here are some simple home decorating ideas for your guest room. Your budget may not allow you to provide all the amenities of a five star hotel, but there are certain things you can do to make your guests comfortable.
1. Buy the Best Bed Your Money Can Buy
Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. If you can't afford a new bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. They're quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor.
2. Clean Bedding a Must
Just make sure you have nicely laundered, clean bedding.
3. A Place to Put a Suitcase
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. Even a chair is better than nothing!
4. Keep it Uncluttered
Get rid of anything that you would not find in the room of a fine hotel. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar. A good reading lamp would be a plus!
5. Hanger and Drawer Space
If your guest room shares space with a home office, clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes and clear out one or two drawers for small items. Both you and your guest will feel better with odds and ends out of sight.
Home Design Tips
Home design is not only a big business; it can be very enjoyable for you the homeowner. When you’re building your home, or just giving your present home a makeover, taking the lead role in your home design can be a very rewarding experience. Doing your own home design allows you to express yourself in a way that no one else can do for you. Choices not only become easier when you do your own home design, but you’ll find that you have more of them than if you’d hired a professional to do it for you.
One of the first things you should consider in your home design project is the function of the room you’re working on. Function is a key home design factor. It will dictate the majority of what items will go into the room. Two major points in function to consider is the intended use of the room and who will be using it. Naturally, a room which will receive high traffic would need more resilient flooring and furniture than a room which would not get as much traffic. Knowing what the room is going to be used for and by whom is the first step in home design.
Style is another key factor in home design. After the function of the room is determined, you’ll need to decide the style of décor you’ll be incorporating in your home design. Certainly a family game room would have a more modern style with clean lines, while a country kitchen may have more of a cottage style or rustic home design. Fabrics like furniture, drapes, throws and pillows would play a major role in the feel of the room. Colors used properly in home design can alter a person’s mood upon entering the room. Earthy tones and light blues have a calming effect, while bright reds and contrasting colors can create a sense of excitement. Style when used properly can make any room a success story.
The placement of items and objects in a room will always alter the flow of movement to both the body and the eye. Flow is yet another key factor in home design. The flow of the room is crucial, as you don’t want the room to be awkward to navigate. This not only applies to the person moving across the room, but also the eye of the person moving from one part of the room to another. Of course the physical flow in home design is achieved by the placement of furniture such as sofas, chairs and tables. The eye flow of the room can be controlled by the decorative items placed in the room, as well as how the room is painted. Colors which flow easily into each other create a nice even sense of movement to the eye from one area to another.
Home design should never be a daunting challenge, but rather an enjoyable experience to those who wish to do their own home design. By following the three major factors of function, style and flow, every home design project you complete will be a successful one.
Style is another key factor in home design. After the function of the room is determined, you’ll need to decide the style of décor you’ll be incorporating in your home design. Certainly a family game room would have a more modern style with clean lines, while a country kitchen may have more of a cottage style or rustic home design. Fabrics like furniture, drapes, throws and pillows would play a major role in the feel of the room. Colors used properly in home design can alter a person’s mood upon entering the room. Earthy tones and light blues have a calming effect, while bright reds and contrasting colors can create a sense of excitement. Style when used properly can make any room a success story.
The placement of items and objects in a room will always alter the flow of movement to both the body and the eye. Flow is yet another key factor in home design. The flow of the room is crucial, as you don’t want the room to be awkward to navigate. This not only applies to the person moving across the room, but also the eye of the person moving from one part of the room to another. Of course the physical flow in home design is achieved by the placement of furniture such as sofas, chairs and tables. The eye flow of the room can be controlled by the decorative items placed in the room, as well as how the room is painted. Colors which flow easily into each other create a nice even sense of movement to the eye from one area to another.
Home design should never be a daunting challenge, but rather an enjoyable experience to those who wish to do their own home design. By following the three major factors of function, style and flow, every home design project you complete will be a successful one.
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