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Winter White bedroom décor.

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

With summer a distant memory, and colder days just around the corner, it is perhaps topical to mention a décor style often referred to as Winter White, which often appears in fashion and design circles during its namesake season. Winter white is in fact just an off-white or creamy white; some might refer to it as a vintage white, which is particularly appropriate for predominately white bedroom design, where you would use different values of the same colour, highlighting them with texture and subtle pattern, rather than contrasting darker or brighter colour accents, to create depth and visual appeal. Inherently elegant and serene, winter white bedrooms look pleasing in just about any home setting, whatever the season…

Establish a monochromatic theme by mixing and matching different hues of the same palette for one of the most charming styles in interior design. Paint the walls a creamy white as a backdrop for the subsequent layers of décor, and give the winter white bedroom depth by using a myriad of different fabric textures such as velvet, satin, faux fur and chenille, to create a space with optimal visual interest and dimension.

Allow the bed to become the room focal point by dressing it in layers of winter white linens. A vintage distressed wooden bedstead in French style white- washed finish would be appropriate here with a four poster bed version being particularly appealing whenever space and budgets permit. Alternatively consider a traditional iron bed design in satin white or ivory finish, for an equally appealing flavour. Whatever your bed preference, include a ruffled skirt and tufted comforter for a rich enticing look, and include decorative pillows in different textures, ranging from beaded to tapestry, to continue the theme. Complete the bed ensemble with a sensual faux fur runner at the foot of the bed to add a touch of elegance and luxury to the entire bedroom.

Use crystal light fixtures to add an opulent touch to your winter white bedroom design. Placing crystal lamps on side tables or nightstands adds a timeless look and feel to the room, and crown the lamps with ruffled cream-coloured shades for a stylish accent. Complete the lighting scheme with a crystal chandelier hanging over that romantic traditional bedstead for a spectacular room statement that can’t fail to please.

Anchor the room scheme by incorporating winter white area rugs to the side and at the foot of the bed that have interesting texture and subtle tone-on-tone patterns. In bigger rooms place a large cream-coloured shag rug elsewhere in the bedroom to further soften and define the space, or use smaller accent rugs in monochromatic patterns to notate a cosy corner for reading or to partner a richly upholstered bedroom chair or love seat.

Accessorize with stylish white accents, such as a little collection of picture frames decorated with natural materials such as white seashells, cream buttons, or pebbles. Arrange them on a dresser or as a collection on an accent wall for a touch of personalised room décor. Hang a white feather wreath on the wall behind the bed as a textural wall accent, or mix in a few coordinating accessories in hues such as ice blue or woody warm browns for additional visual appeal and just a hint of visual contrast. Finish the scheme with floral flourish such as a silver vase filled with white roses atop a bedside table or vanity table as an enchanting and crowning touch for a bedroom mood that is timelessly enticing…

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Men’s bedroom décor ideas…

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Contemporary bedroom styles are perfect when pulling together a masculine room scheme for a man. In part or in whole it’s all to do with the fact that modern décor styles focus on a clutter-free, easy to maintain and keep clean environment with modern easy-care fabrics paired with sleek functional furniture and simple artwork and accents. In essence it provides a soothing and eminently sophisticated bedroom mood without frills that appeals to modern lifestyles whilst remaining cutting edge and classy.

For this room style choose a suite of furniture with clean lines and little embellishments. Black or neutral wood tones always gel with the contemporary look and a low wooden bed design; platform style with neutral fabric or leather accents evokes an ascetic Scandinavian look that will appeal to many. Purchasing a complete matched suite of furniture unifies the room better than a mix of furniture styles and provides a blank canvas from which to begin the task of colour selection and decorating. Where space permits buy a 5ft king size bed which provides not only extra width but extra length in standard UK size making it a great choice for taller men. A larger bed also acts as an inviting focal point in the room, with sleek contemporary chrome bed designs or low rise simply styled metal beds in pewter, black or silver colour finishes, offering a different style proposition if wood is not your thing, and should you prefer something perhaps a little more urban and gritty.

Position a sleek modern chest at the foot of the bed to provide space to store blankets, towels and general bedroom clutter, and should you desire, mount a flat screen TV on the wall opposite the bed with an entertainment centre hidden away in purpose made furniture to reduce the visual noise. Although in contemporary design, electronics these days often take the place of art within the room; think Bang and Olufsen and other cutting edge design marques, and you are on the right lines.

The male bedroom colour scheme needs to be soothing whilst retaining a masculine edge, and blues, greens, greys and black variants all work well. Brown hues are also popular,but are normally best confined to an accent colour unless they are a rich chocolate or mocha or are teamed up with white accents. Bed linens should consist of plainly styled bedding with plain high thread count cottons and little or no detailing. Ditch the bed valance if the bed design style allows and keep with a matched set for cohesiveness. Accordingly, window treatments should reflect the simplicity of the bed fabrics with formal tailored or plain modern curtains or blinds in wooden or metallic finishes for an urban feel.

Abstract art for walls and modern sculptures make a contemporary statement, as do black and white framed landscape pictures or arty monochrome portrait photographs. Matted and framed in chromed or black frames such artwork is personal and inexpensive, introducing individuality and appealing style into the room design. If the underlying room colour is grey, black or white, add a splash of colour over the bed in the form of large piece of artwork or fabric accent. This is always going to be a compelling addition within a room set that might otherwise verge on the edge of austerity without a few visual pops to raise the decor temperature and flatter the eye…

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Glamorous bedroom themes for teenagers…

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Fashion and style savvy teenagers have a demanding eye for detail and design whatever their particular fashion and theme preferences. Glamour is never far from most people’s wish list when it comes to imagery and dress-sense and the younger generation are no exception to the rule. So when the time comes for a bedroom makeover for a teenage daughter consider incorporating some glamorous accents which might just be the perfect look for a young socialite who has friends to stay or for any girl with sophisticated tastes. It is a design statement that marks a child’s transition from a young child to a more mature individual, with the bonus that that glamorous bedroom design can be achieved easily and with great success on limited budgets, or with only a little more outlay for grander makeover schemes…

Rich sumptuous bedding is an instant way to create a glamorous room statement, as because in the average modern bedroom, the bed takes up so much space, an appealing modern or more traditional metal bedstead or wooden bed design with lavish linens, creates a bold focal point. Look out for rich fabrics with a contemporary edge, such as matte satin if you are creating a modern vibe, or for materials featuring a metallic sheen or accents, or heavy damasks creating a feeling of lavishness and old world glamour. For a more inexpensive option, look for richly coloured bedding and incorporate luxurious touches with accent cushions or silk effect pillow cases.

A Victorian inspired reproduction iron bed in darker finishes with enchanting brass or porcelain detailing, will always be the definitive glamour statementfor any bedroom scheme, but where space or budgets are restrictive, you may wish to forgo the bedstead or headboard route, and instead create an accent wall at the head of the bed to draw the eye and create focus. Use dark glamorous wallpaper in a bold or oversized print to create the mood or consider upholstering the wall French-style for an even more dramatic statement. If your teen is interested in art or has a particular theme preference, take this into account when making the selection, or trawl Interiors magazines and the internet for inspiration. For more traditional tastes, tone-on-tone fleur de lis patterns or Laura Ashley style cricket stripes are worth considering, whilst teenagers with a bold personality might appreciate an accent wall painted in a vibrant, saturated version of their favourite colour or a dramatic floral wallpaper pattern featuring orchids or lilies.

Bold rich colours bring inviting glamour to the bedroom, with pastel shades better suited to more restrained décor schemes. Deep greys, purples, greens and burgundy hues all have a part to play here, and slate grey walls, for example make a dramatic statement when paired with white accents. Jewel tones and metallic accents are equally inviting, and consider bringing those colours to life with some dramatic lighting above the bed for a touch of old world Hollywood glamour. Consider customising chandeliers to complement any room style from traditional to contemporary, with ornate chandelier designs with their multi crystal reflectivesurfaces being particularly appealing for a vintage touch.

Conclude the scheme with bold classy accents that turn up the glamour temperature. Keep the number of features and accessories to a minimum, but ensure that each element, as in the case of that accent wall or glamorous bedstead, makes a statement. Look out for example, for lamps in dark moody designs, a plush dark accent bedside rug, or sleek black and white framed prints or photos with gallery lighting for modern room themes. Choose pieces of furniture that complement the bed and provide practical storage solutions, such as a romantic steamer trunk or armoire to eliminate bedroom clutter and offer undiluted charm and timeless style…

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Retro bedroom design for girls…

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Retro design is back with a vengeance. In the bedroom it’s a funky alternative décor theme that is appropriate for adults and children alike. Colourful, vibrant and splashy, retro bedroom design offers teenage girls an opportunity to express a bold individualistic style within their own personal space. Retro styling sees zebra patterned, faux-fur covered sling chairs co-existing with bright orange shag pile rugs, minimalist metal bed designs, and rainbow coloured bead curtains. From the bright polka-dots of the 1950s through the era of the tie-dyed flower power 60s, and glitzy disco themes of the 1970s, retro décor is most glorious when it is eclectic and gaudy…the perfect alternative bedroom design statement.

If you’re in love with images from the time of “rock and roll” pick a theme that suits a daughter’s personality and get busy with paints and accents. Pink painted walls with posters of rock stars such as Elvis Presley epitomise this era, or you might prefer an all-American vibe with pink poodles, ponytails and ribbons, bobby sox and saddle shoes for a true touch of 50s nostalgia. Select window dressings and bed linens made from natural cotton in solid colours, polka dots, or those that depict patterns relevant to your chosen theme. Team them together with a retro styled iron bed in a bright finish to form the perfect room focal point. Decorate walls with a collage of magazine covers and movie posters featuring stars like Marilyn Monroe, Rock Hudson and Marlon Brando. Old copies of Life magazine make for great inspiration and you might like to frame a page or two. Hunt them down at specialist antique stores and estate sales.

Moving on to the 60s, the era was personified by the hippie movement and the height of British musical and fashion talent from The Beatles and the Rolling Stones through to Twiggy and Mary Quant on the catwalks of the western world. Colours, designs and accessories were distinctive and expressive, so include elements within your room décor such as tie-dyed fabrics for bed sheets and pillows on a low platform wooden bed or strings of funky multi-coloured plastic beads hanging from curtain rods to evoke the flower power mood. Complete the look with a display of peace symbols or oversized daisy flowers in bright lime green, sapphire blue, orange, yellow or bright red on a shelf or hand-made headboard feature. Liven the walls with a collage of posters or old album covers of a favourite band, artist or musical for a true taste of sixties nostalgia.

The 1970s were all about glitz and disco on the teenage scene, so be bold and integrate vibrant accents and accessories into the scheme that awaken the flavour of 70s culture. Paint walls with a glittery silver finish and hang sequined or retro patterned curtains at the windows. A mirrored disco ball feature is the epitome of nightclub style, and no room scheme would be complete without the ubiquitous lava lamp…all the rage back then and enjoying something of a retro revival today. Place a large freestanding design in the corner of a room along with some scatter cushions to create a cosy nook for lounging or reading, or a smaller version on a bedside table. Spice up the mood with a brightly coloured thick shag rug and faux-fur animal skin or psychedelic patterned bedspread atop vivid bed linens on a contemporary chrome bed, with a bean bag or two completing the 70s vibe for good measure…

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Exotic bedroom moods…

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Escape the mundane and give your bedroom a lift with an exotic makeover with tropical colours and sensual fabrics and furnishings. Look to faraway lands for inspiration and give your imagination a free reign. From the fiery rich style of Morocco to the colours and heat of India, or the laid-back vibe of Mexico, there is an exotic mood to suit all tastes, or just mix and match styles for a personal touch. Design your personal bedroom space with an enticingly exciting flair and you’ll create the bedroom of your dreams that stirs the senses and fulfils your fantasies…

Colour is the key here, so take time to research your desired theme and choose a bold colour palette that evokes the right mood. The best balance of finishes often incorporates one primary colour and two accent colours, but whatever your choice keep them rich and exciting, as it is this backdrop that will add exotic spice to the room. Rich blues and a deep green are great for bedrooms with a Mediterranean twist whilst burnt oranges and turquoise would work well if you fancy a Mexican flavour, with rich reds, gold and aqua perfect for Indian inspired room themes. Use colours that inspire without overwhelming the room as a whole. The furnishings and room fabrics also have a big part to play and to swamp these accents would spoil the rhythm and flow of the décor style. For an alluring aesthetic you might wish to save your boldest colour for the accent bed head wall for example, with quieter complementary shades on the remaining walls.

Choose stylish but comfortable furnishings that mix functionality with exotic intrigue that breathe life into the room setting. A focal point traditional bedstead with rustic or ornamental styling provides inspiration for the room scheme as a whole and can be integrated perfectly with other exotic room décor. An iron bed frame in a dark finish would pair well with a mahogany armoire, and dark wooden bed designs are ideal for a Moroccan theme. Mix wood tones or iron and wood furniture pieces together for an eclectic look should you prefer. Ornate styles are going to be in keeping here whatever the décor message and consider rich or sheer bed drapes or canopies, suspended from the ceiling to tumble down the side of the side and head of the bed for a touch of sensual drama.

Fabric choices, whether for the bed or windows or elsewhere within the room, should add colour and texture to extend the exotic theme. Silk is ideal because it is both a little decadent and comfortable, whilst animal prints are great for an African safari theme. Shop for window treatments with the same intent, with options again including, silks, sheers or rich and heavy brocades. Linens also work well with a variety of room styles because it is such a versatile fabric, and look out for curtain rods that add faraway flair. Forged iron or brass rods with ornate finials draw the eye upwards and create interest, and simple bamboo shades are a suitable option for safari themes.

Set the room lighting to suit the décor. Free standing table lamps create warmth and are versatile when it comes to varying artificial light intensity at any given time, so be generous with your ceramic or iron lamp collection so that it becomes easy to transform the mood from normal background light to something a little more dark and mysterious at the flick of a few switches. No exotic room scheme would of course be complete without a candle and oil lamps collection to provide a cosy sensual touch, and be imaginative with intriguing accents and accessories to complete the exotic vibe. Look out for interesting weaves at craft fairs or ethnic markets to hang on the wall or provide accent interest on the floor. Likewise, richly coloured tapestries dress up such room schemes instantly with Tibetan-inspired rugs lending a mysterious style. Wooden carvings and bamboo accessories are also pleasing here and chancing upon pieces that are “just right” is half the fun.

With an exotic themed bedroom, night time is just the start of the adventure…

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More small bedroom design tips

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

In many modern homes, apartments or older cottage style dwellings, it’s a common problem that requirea particular set of solutions… Tiny bedrooms can feel trapped and claustrophobic, but opening up the space becomes possible with a bit of careful planning and attention to the style that space limitations impose. Start by picking a design that you enjoy that will work within these constraints; there are a wealth of possibilities from which to choose, from the cosy attic-style to a charming cottage motif, and plenty in-between, there’s a small room theme that can transform a space that is mediocre and cramped into one that appears purposefully intimate…

Maximise natural light by increasing the size of the windows wherever planning regulations, budgets, and aesthetics permit if the windows are on the small pokey side. Windows add two main features to a small bedroom, namely light and a focal or “exit” point. More natural light immediately increases the impression of space so turn your attention to the window on the side of the room that receives the most hours of direct sunlight whenever possible. Skylights in more modern room settings are another option, that allow natural light to flood in during the day and capture the moonlight during the night. Should adding a replacement window not be an option, include features around the window that will accentuate it, such as colourful curtains, instead of blinds. Attractive window dressing fabrics in the form of borders or valances and ornamental drapery across the top edge of the window, attracts the eye, promoting a refreshing openness in any bedroom, however small.

When it comes to furniture, think small or at least multi-functional. Where rooms have only space for a few pieces ensure that they service several needs. For example, choose a modern or traditional metal bed or wooden bedstead design that can accommodate drawer storage underneath or has drawers built in. Standard double bed 4.6ft sizes take up far less room overall than a queen size bed divan or bedstead, and for whenever space is particularly tight, you might like to consider a day bed design that converts to a useful seating and lounging area when circumstances require. If you wish to incorporate a table, choose one with storage incorporated for books or CDs, or position a handy trunk at the foot of the bed to serve the same storage purpose. Likewise, bookshelves do not have to take up a whole block of wall, but instead install shelves on the wall to feature book collections and decorative accents.

For wall treatments, light colour options are the way forwards for an airy open flavour, whilst for a different approach consider adding broad striped patterned wallpaper to open up the space. Wide stripes in in a lighter shade such as beige, cream, light blue, or gentle yellows, add dimension and warmth. Echo perhaps the stripy vibe with a matching bedspread or striped pillows.

Another wall treatment worth considering features mirrors, and for a contemporary space an entire wall of floor to ceiling mirrors can be highly effective… Alternatively incorporate a wall of picture frame size mirrors that punch a feeling of space into the room. An antique wardrobe featuring mirrored doors is an ideal solution for small traditionally styled bedrooms, offering functionality with the usefulness of a dressing mirror that does not need to feature on other walls, freeing up room for wall artwork or other furniture pieces…

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Design success for shared twin-bed rooms…

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Whether it’s a dorm room, a room for your children or twins, or perhaps a cramped studio apartment, designing a shared bedroom is always bound to throw up a particular set of challenges as décor and style preferences are rarely alike. So whilst each individual might wish to express his or hers own particular décor and colour design trend, there is a way forwards with compromise being the key in pursuit of the creation of an attractive bedroom. Provision for ample storage space and privacy is essential here, and choosing a few accent design pieces and furniture elements can tie the whole look together without making it look or feel cluttered. Furniture can in fact with a little care, easily be arrangedto maximise space and create an inspiring room theme that becomes a pleasure to share.

Start by considering each person’s needs in order of importance. There is likely to be a fair bit of parity here, but make the task easier by having each room-mate list down his or her wants: closet space, an area for study, or space for a television, are all likely to be high up there. Include preferred design colours also at this stage, although err towards neutral backdrop shades if possible such as beige or white hues for carpets and wall treatments, as this will allow each individual to choose accent pieces in favourite colours without them clashing with the overall design. It also gives you a clean slate when tastes change without the need for a complete makeover, so is particularly relevant in children’s rooms.

Select modern or traditional furniture that coordinates. Wooden or metal bedstead designs, bedside tables, and desks should share a colour identity to tie the room together. Each bed or bedstead can have its own unique duvet, bed throw and pillow set as long as you look out for, and are prepared to compromise on similar colour trends.

Everyone needs privacy and a space to call their own, so create division. Place a plush area rug on either side of the room and consider placing an open bookcase or a long desk down the centre of the  room. Give each person a chair on opposite sides and ends, and hey presto…you have a functional divider.

Make the most of the available space by placing mid-height shelves around the room perimeter to display decorative personal items and memorabilia without eating into valuable floor space. Install fitted or free standing floor-to-ceiling corner shelves in a small, seemingly unusable corner of the room for clothes, books and other bedroom clutter. Look out for bed designs that feature under bed storage units or have sufficient floor clearance to accommodate under-bed storage bins. This makes a great alternative to a stand- alone dresser whenever space is tight. Install hooks on the back or doors from which to hand coats, dressing gowns, or similar items and add baskets, a trunk or a seat with storage for a place to stash blankets and odds and ends. Any places that provide a sanctuary for clutter are always going to be welcome, whoever the room occupants.

For children’s rooms hang matching bulletin boards at each side of the room, which will lend a coordinated look, but gives each child a chance to personalise with photos, notes, and other mementos without cluttering up shared room space…

Life is full of compromises, but here we have the beginnings of one room style solution that should appeal to all…!

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Masculine bedrooms with Black Furniture

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Black furniture in the form of a stylish metal bed frame, dressers, desks, and perhaps a contemporary work bureau, can give the blandest of room spaces an instantly functional and sophisticated vibe that inspires other colour and decorative accents within the room. The real beauty of black furniture is that it complements a vast range of textures and colour trends, and with such flexibility, any number of décor styles become possible. Depending on personal taste and preference, choose furniture pieces in moody black wooden finishes, assertive wrought iron, steel, or softer finishes such as acrylic and rattan. Richly upholstered headboards or upholstered bedsteads, would also be in keeping here, in lustrous black suede finish or dark leather for a clubby feel. Take into account hobbies, interests and family links when choosing accents and features within such a room scheme, for a makeover that is a true reflection of personality for a bold personal décor statement.

Stick with wall treatments, be that paint, fabric finishes, or wallpaper, in the light natural colours of neutral white, taupe or pale silvery greys, to provide a backdrop contrast for the black furniture elements. Avoid colours that are too dark if you want to avoid a closed-in cave-like feeling, although a darker accent wall in a rich burgundy or burnt gold might make for an appealing feature in larger rooms. Choose black furniture pieces that complement each other. That doesn’t necessarily mean going for a room set, but there should be colour and/or design style that ties them all together. For example, select a black contemporary or traditional iron bed or metal headboard, that has masculine rustic or modern appeal, depending upon the overall room theme, and marry it up with a wooden black dresser. A black fabric or rattan headboard would work equally well here, but if you are working to a tight budget, consider transforming existing furniture pieces with a lick of black paint to give them a new lease of life.

Enhance the bed with a duvet or bed throw that complements the black scheme whilst exuding comfort and style. Subdued tones such as burgundy, dark grey, storm blue, or a mid- tone beige will do the job, and consider accenting the bed with black decorative pillows and a matching runner at the foot. Place a plush black area rug to the side or at the foot of the bed to soften up the mood, particularly if the bedroom features a bare hardwood floor.

Incorporate a space in the bedroom for reading and relaxation when budgets and room dimensions permit. A comfortable black leather recliner with a chrome or brushed nickel reading lamp, and a bookcase filled with favourite novels, would be the perfect addition to a contemporary room theme, with perhaps additional chrome room accents to extend the design message. Drawer pulls, chrome  light sconces flanking the bed, or some brushed nickel shelving to display personal memorabilia, should all push the right décor buttons.

Lastly, choose chrome or polished metal frames for favourite posters or family black and white photographs to hang on the wall or beside the bed for that final individualistic touch…

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Attic bedroom style…

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

A redundant or little used loft or attic space gives homeowners a great opportunity to extend living space whenever more room is required. As well as being a good investment and adding value to the home, an attic bedroom  offers a room a little distanced from the rest of the home, where solitude and a quieter environment for reading or relaxation become a pleasing possibility. And whilst attics pose several challenges in terms of design and space utilisation, by keeping a few fundamental design principles in mind and adopting a free, creative approach, many distinct advantages become obvious. Style and design is an artistic endeavour, so think about your composition and functional goals and give the imagination a free reign.

There are a couple of unique advantages to consider before you get started. Firstly, because the attic  is a room apart, there’s probably no need to adopt design consistency with the rest of the house. This opens up all sorts of style possibilities that you possibly wouldn’t even dream of considering within other rooms, so unless consistency is important to you, wipe the slate clean and think from scratch. Secondly, whilst odd angles and sloping ceilings might present a challenge, try to view them as interesting architectural features rather than a nuisance. So if you can, don’t ignore these features but rather incorporate them within the design as something unique and visually exciting. Study the available space long and hard with the services and experience of a skilled loft converter if necessary, and embrace those quirky nooks and angles for a room scheme that is individual and fun.

For a bedroom design, functionality above all else is perhaps the best way to construct a theme for your composition. Think peaceful, calm, comfortable and relaxed, and if the bed is to be the room focal point, consider everything else as almost dispensible. Once you’ve decided on the room focal point and the style of bed, be that a wooden or metal contemporary bed design, or a traditional iron bed creation for more vintage loft themes, then consider complementary furniture styles that will extend the room purpose without eating unnecessarily into precious space. Work it into the overall design but ensure that each piece pays its way. A disciplined approach is essential here. If calm and airy is your mood objective making a tight room area even tighter won’t help the composition brief. Allow for plenty of breathing room with some serious consideration for style and proportion.

In fact it’s proportion that that is key here, and it refers to how much space that we as individuals consider we need to feel comfortable within a room. Consider the position of each piece of furniture, accents and accessories relative to the walls, ceilings and each other. Which arrangement gives the feeling of the most space? Graph paper and scale drawings can of course be of huge help here, and you may decide to opt for a lower platform style bedstead for a modern minimalist approach or a low foot-end metal bed in contemporary or traditional style to ensure a non-intrusive presence from a dimensional rather than visual perspective. The clever use of mirrors can, of course also work wonders from an illusionary viewpoint, as well as helping to soften or hide completely, unworkable corners or unattractive features. If you are handy with tools and spirit level, or have the services of a craftsman, consider integrating custom built shelves and storage units. These are not difficult to create, or consider including free standing shelves and bedside tables that match or complement your choice of bed design.

Think creatively with colour but keep things light and airy for an open breezy flavour. If light eggshell whites and creams are just a tad too boring, consider light blues or greens or a pale mocha. Colours that excite, like red, yellow and orange, are probably best reserved for other rooms or situations, although an accent wall, finished in a neutral dark tone can actually help create a sense of space. This is a common design trick for smaller rooms and soothing dark browns or mid tone greys are great colours with which to experiment here…

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Dragonfly bedroom themes for young and old…

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Here in the British Isles summer tends to be a pretty hit and miss affair even at the best of times, but for an all-year-round taste of summer, a dragonfly theme can give the bedroom an enchanting lift that translates eminently well in a youngsters bedroom or with a more mature twist for a master bedroom. Dragonfly themes give you great scope for the imagination, as they come in so many different shapes and sizes, and with just a few dragonfly accents it’s possible to add interest to the most ordinary bedroom scheme.

As always, room colour choice is the essential start point ingredient, but a dragonfly theme offers wide choice when the time comes to choose a backdrop colour. Subdued shades such as pale green, faded yellow and white variants offer a casual and relaxed mood, whilst for a more vivid vibe you might like to consider richer colours such as maroon and jade. Choosing one primary colour for the room with two secondary colours is invariably successful, or you could paint or wallpaper the bed head wall in an accent colour to draw the eye, using the remaining wall space as a contrast background for artwork and dragonfly features. Add splashes of contrasting colour in small amounts so as not to overwhelm the room with too much visual clutter that spoils the main design message.

Create theme interest by incorporating dragonflies on the walls in the form of artwork or posters or fabric wall hangings. A dragonfly patterned quilt atop a pretty traditional iron bedstead would be entirely appropriate for a young teenagers bedroom, and consider wall features such as metal dragonfly décor to harmonise with a metal bed and unify the room scheme. Dragonfly patterned wallpaper is another option, whilst stencils and wall decal applications provide great scope for personalisation and originality.

Windows allow the outside to filter into the room, and even on the greyest day, nothing seems more appropriate than including dragonfly accents here, to bring the outside in, as it were. For a soft delicate look that suggests those elusive lazy summer days, look out for sheer floaty window fabrics that feature dragonfly patterns. If you choose curtains for the window dressings, ensure that the fabric harmonises with your wall colours and the bed throw on that enchanting traditional bedstead, and look for tiebacks made from bendable wire or wrought iron to add a whimsical look to the room space.

Finish the dragonfly look with accents and accessories that extend the theme without introducing too much visual noise. For a pleasing look, include things that you might find in your garden or back yard, such as a wind chime, an old weathered bench that you can adorn with cushions, or some garden lanterns. Add a wrought iron candlestick or a set of dragonfly hooks to add texture within the room, and include additional dragonfly accents in the form of lampshades or mobiles. Dragonfly patterned pillows, rugs, ceramic vases, and sculptures are other charming features that you might wish to showcase for this fanciful summery room theme…

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