Posts Tagged ‘Beds’

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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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Décor solutions for narrow bedrooms…

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Not all rooms come in convenient décor friendly shapes and sizes. Older properties or modern small apartment dwellings often suffer from oddly shaped or compact bedroom spaces, and yet good design doesn’t have to suffer just because your bedroom is  a tad on the small size, or is longer than it is wide. In fact there are several design tricks that you can use to create a space that is cosy and comfortable that appears larger than it really is…

Start by clearing everything out of the room so that you start with a blank canvas, making it easier to decide what will fit within the scheme and what will not. Smaller rooms draw attention to wall and ceiling imperfections, so take the opportunity to affect any remedial repairs whilst the room is clear and clutter free. Use lighter paint or wallpaper colours and a large wall mirror to make the room appear wider. You might choose to paint the two long walls a different colour for pleasing contrast or a lighter and darker shade of the same hue. Colour is subjective, so don’t be afraid to use darker colours if you wish. Red, for example can make a room feel cosy, whilst lighter purple shades lend the space a sophisticated air.

Hang the large mirror on the darker painted wall or use a free standing floor mirror where space allows. The mirror will reflect the lighter wall colour, brightening the room and giving an illusion of space. Likewise, hanging a mirror opposite a window creates more natural light in the room, making it feel wider than the dimensions might suggest.

Decide where to position the bed in order to maximise floor space and not block any doors. A modern or traditional bed with its longest side against the wall gives the impression of a day bed, or you may wish to purchase a day bed proper, that can be converted to a seating area when it is not required for sleep. To make the best use of the space position a dresser or bookcase behind the head of the bed or to one side of the day bed, rather than a bedside table, and place a lamp and alarm clock on the dresser to create more floor room.

Divide the space to create smaller vignettes. Creating smaller zones in this way is particularly effective if the room is extremely long. Use drapery to create a delineation and make a cosy reading zone with a chair, area rug and reading lamp that is separate from the sleeping area. You might also like to consider a Japanese style screen or purpose made room divider to create the same effect. Draperies should complement the wall colour, and using fabrics that hang from wall to ceiling, allow the eye to travel up and down, once again breaking up the space.

If your bedroom is to incorporate a TV, hang it on the wall or position it on an armoire whenever space allows. Flat screen wall mounted TVs take up virtually no space and wall mounts with swing arms increase the viewing angle range.

Finally make up the bed with linens that harmonise with the room colours with textures and accents that appeal to the senses. If you are going for the daybed look, finish the scheme by positioning pillows against the wall for the appearance of a sofa, with bolster pillows at each end to create a truly comfortable seating area.

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Bird Motif Bedroom themes…

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Bird motif bedrooms have a distinctly traditional quality and country house flavour that you might associate with the Victorian era or Colonial settings. Think faded wallpaper in tea-stain hues featuring floral and hummingbird themes and you are on the right lines, although the bird motif approach to room décor can be rather more contemporary in style whenever the situation dictates. Either way, it’s a motif that can look charming in any room setting, from the nursery or a master bedroom, and for a child’s room it’s particularly appropriate as it is very gender-friendly and is a look that remains relevant as she or he grows. Likewise for an adult’s bedroom, it need not be overtly feminine, but instead offers a timeless traditional stance that has broad appeal. For nature lovers and bird watchers alike, it offers an opportunity to incorporate a favourite hobby or a flavour of the great outdoors, with a theme that can lend the room space a homespun flavour, particularly if you choose to create some of the décor pieces yourself.

One of the simplest and most original ways to incorporate a bird motif is in the form of a wall mural, using stencils and wall paints to apply your chosen design to the wall. To create a precise and well- proportioned design project an image onto the wall using an overhead projector, and then enhance the tree’s branches with vibrant green leaves and colourful birds such as red cardinals and blue jays or parrots and hummingbirds for a more tropical flavour. For a more vintage vibe consider traditionally styled wallpaper treatments that feature a bird or bird-related theme, of the kind that would have been favoured through the 19th and early 20th century, with a feature wall at the head of a traditional iron bed, or perhaps throughout the room for gentler pastel patterned wallpaper designs.

Use the bed to draw the eye and showcase the feature wall as you enter the room. An antique brass bedstead could work well here, or traditional wooden bed in a plain paneled design or something more ornate with carving and corner post detail. Consider also a wooden sleigh bed for a French twist or a romantic four poster bed whenever space and budgets permit.

Bird themed textiles will harmonise nicely here to add warmth, colour and whimsy to the room scheme. Enhance a plain coloured silk or damask comforter with several scatter cushions that feature exotic bird designs and incorporate a runner in the same material to lie at the foot of the traditional bed or to drape over a chaises longue or love seat. In a child’s room soften up hardwood or tiled floors with a large bird shaped or bird patterned area rug, and replace boring white blinds with cotton bird-patterned curtains.

Track down a vintage bird cage as an accent feature for the room for an enchanting whimsical touch, and fill it with small flower vases, potted plants, a little stack of antique leather-bound books, or a raffia style model bird. Display it on a shelf, occasional table or nightstand or hang from the ceiling, whilst for a creative lighting solution you may instead prefer to place candles inside the cage to cast a gentle romantic glow.

Complete the scheme by updating bedroom furniture with little accent touches such as hand painted bird patterned ceramic draw pulls and door knobs. Some ceramic vases featuring floral and bird themes might be equally appealing along with a collection of framed bird prints as a wall feature or a larger single painting hung over the bed.

With a little trial and error and a splash of imagination, a coordinated bird motif bedroom theme is possible that will appeal to all the family that defies transient fashion trends and ensures a refreshing alternative to more mundane bedroomschemes…

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Vintage bedroom chic…

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

The term “vintage” summons up any number of different images, and it is the very uniqueness of the vintage style of decorating that makes this room theme so bespoke and appealing. Personalise a vintage style bedroom with antiques, accents and enticing colours, for a makeover that showcases your creative style and individualistic good taste. Whether it’s shabby chic, old Hollywood glamour, a feminine floral vibe, or any number of different variations that you enjoy, create a look that is all your own, for enduring, timeless appeal. For inspiration wander around antique arcades, car boot sales, bric a brac stores or research online or within decorating magazines for the perfect bedroom scheme. Sometimes a great find such as an antique armoire or rusty iron bed will create inspiration for the whole room. Take your time in your search for the perfect inspirational piece, as this part of the process is half the fun, and will make the transformation process all the easier as the correct choice of complementary accessories and fabrics falls into place.

Start by drawing a scale plan of the room and incorporate scale cut-outs of the pieces of furniture that you hope to buy or have already acquired. If you have an interesting architectural detail in the room such as a window seat or archway, you may wish to accentuate it and allow it to become the focal point. Alternatively you would most probably choose the bed as the likeliest largest room element to place centre stage, and inspire the room theme as a whole.

Select vintage style wallpaper for a great oldie feel, to offset the furniture collection and create the perfect mood. For a sophisticated and formal look choose damask floral wallpaper in a floral or crest design, or a vintage tropical leaf design for a Palm Beach look. Retro floral wallpaper designs are appropriate for a feminine bedroom style, whilst for a son or daughter’s bedroom look at old style images of zoo animals, or trains, planes and classic cars. Faded yellow wallpaper colours are a popular choice for a child’s room, with pink and green being particularly suited to floral feminine schemes. Silver damask is one to consider for a glamorous silver and white vibe.

Use that glamorous antique or reproduction iron bed or wooden bed to become the room focal point, in true Victorian or 20th century vintage spirit. A spectacular Rococo style wooden bedstead would be eye-catching, and canopy beds or an antique four poster bed will undoubtedly inspire a vintage room theme. Antique style brass bed designs are also wonderfully in keeping here, and will harmonise nicely with vintage style wooden dressing tables and writing desks, with antique armoires and wardrobes providing ideal storage solutions.

Dress the bed with fabrics and linens that bring it to life. Plump pillows, down filled duvets, bed throws, quilts and crocheted Afghans will introduce a lavish and comfortable feel to the room, with a thick accent rug at the foot or to the side of the bed to continue the theme. It’s easy to transform linens that you already own into a retro look by sewing crocheted lace detailing onto pillowcases and sheetsand using lace doilies as accent features on bedside tables.

Complete the vintage room theme with enchanting accessories that you may already own or have tracked down in your antique hunt travels. Antique mirrors with gilt frames, beaded lampshades, a vintage bird cage, or old wooden coat stand, will all incorporate beautifully. Antique water pitchers and bowls can be displayed on an occasional table, with a silver vanity hairbrush set on the dressing table for a generous helping of vintage charm, with such accents as pretty Victorian jewelry boxes, heavy glass candlesticks, and old fashioned hat boxes all adding to the authentic beguiling allure…

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More 1920s Bedroom moods…

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Nearly a century has passed since the dawn of the 1920s and yet there are many elements and décor trends from that era which remain relevant within the 21st century western world. We’ve spoken of this period before and yet there are so many interesting design nuances and influences from those inter-war daysthat we make no apology for covering old ground. It was a time in history that embraced all things machine and industrial, with the beginnings of the modernist design period with the emphasis on form following function. Art Deco was to manifest this sensibility with bold colours, lavish textures, high contrast, and sleek, clean lines. In addition to the popularity of wood, glamorous lacquered finishes, and chrome, mirrored, metal and glass furniture, as well as animal print accents, epitomise the 1920s inspired bedroom…

Art Deco reacted against art nouveau’s passion for pastels, and instead focused on high contrast colours. If you fancy a less assertive room colour scheme, you might prefer sea green or a deep blue, whilst cream and silver or black is classic 20s Hollywood, as is burnt orange or rich reds for a slightly different twist. Consider also, chocolate brown, hot pink, pure white and ultramarine, which are Art Deco through and through. Remember to keep skirting board and crown mouldings in a deep accent colour in order to accentuate the geometry of the room.

1920s bedroom furniture featured straight clean lines with bullnose curves and simple ornamentation, compared to more detailed rococo and art nouveau designs. Sunburst bed headboards were common with inlaid corona rays in a high gloss veneer finish, whilst upholstered oversized headboards were also in vogue in shimmery fabrics or rich buttoned velours and animal print designs. Varnished wooden bedsteads featuring chevrons or geometric patterns were favourites, in exotic timbers such as ebony or mahogany, whilst mirror finish, chrome bed creations and transitionally styled metal bed designs were also on the art deco scene. Glass and mirrored furniture pieces also defined the era, and these elements would also be found in accents such as drawer pulls and lighting features. Glamorous highly lacquered furniture in piano gloss black, light yellow or deep red were also highly influential in art Deco bedroom decor trends.

Floor décor tended to continue the wood theme, so if you have hardwood bedroom flooring, leave it bare. 1920s art Deco style was all about polished and patterned wood features with chevron and diamond detailing. Fitted wall to wall carpet was popular as were Persian or Turkish rugs featuring geometric patterns. For a glamorous vintage touch include a zebra print accent rug at the foot of the lavish wooden or metal bedstead, and if you want high contrast, go for a bold coloured dark carpet. Some ocean liners even used black within their cabin designs, which was a common trim colour in the 1920s.

For wall treatments, look out for glossy finish paint or wallpaper to realise that authentic 20s style. Wallpaper was very popular and bold vertical stripes and Egyptian motifs reigned. For that Hollywood look, use light creams and tea stained hues for the backdrop tones, accented with gold and silver. Whilst for a more feminine touch consider art deco style floral motifs, as a gentler, but nonetheless authentic alternative room feature with a touch of romance…

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More Zebra print décor ideas…

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

The Art deco look of animal stripes is always in fashion. From the catwalk, to home accessories and of course, home décor, there’s something about animal prints that appeals to our most basic ancestral instincts. So why not consider an alternative bedroom style that is anything but mundane, and unleash your wild side with a bedroom makeover with zebra stripes as the central theme?! This pattern lays the foundation for a safari or nature-inspired theme, which would suit a youngster’s room, or for an enticing Art deco fashionista statement. Use a few zebra print accent pieces for a more understated look, or allow zebra stripes to become a prominent feature that sets the mood for the room style as a whole.

For wall treatments find a zebra pattern that you like and place it on an overhead projector. Project the image so that it is sharply in focus on the wall and ensure that the width of the stripes is in proportion to the size of the wall and bedroom. It goes without saying that bigger spaces will require a wider zebra print pattern. Trace the outline of the stripes with a pencil, but possibly limit the application to a couple of walls maximum to avoid overkill, or choose to feature the bed head wall only to draw the eye to the focal point of the room. Complete the stripy theme by painting between the lines; a dark brown shade of your choice is an effective and authentic option and coordinates well with many other brighter room shades should you wish. Select white or cream background hues to contrast with the brown stripes in true zebra style.

Install coordinating flooring. Since the walls provide a dramatic statement, a more subtle choice of flooring will help balance the effect, and earthy organic tones are entirely suitable here. Mocha coloured carpet is a sound choice for a warm and comfortable flavour, whilst bare hardwood flooring with an accent rug or two at the foot or to the side of the bed, offers a more exotic solution.

Likewise, solid colour furniture pieces will help to anchor the room theme, without detracting from the zebra print story. A rustic wooden bedstead in a dark finish might form the perfect room focal point, whilst a traditionally styled iron bed in a rusty metal finish, or black, ivory or white, will contrast nicely with the stripy deco theme. Add brighter colours for accent interest, such as red or a bright blue in the form of accessories and fabrics, such as a red love seat or reading chair or as the chosen fabric for scatter cushions or a bed valance. Consider also a token piece of furniture featuring zebra stripes, such as an upholstered bench, chaises longue or cosy armchair, to extend the zebra print element.

Include complimentary textiles and patterns, such as a continuation of the stripy theme for window treatments, a lavish or faux fur throw for that rustic bed, pillows, or an area rug. Avoid the temptation to overdo the stripy message however; be selective and restrained. As an alternative incorporate solid brown or cream textiles for a monochromatic look, whilst the inclusion of hot pink or Tiffany blue linens, will give the room a more feminine touch.

Finalise the scheme with accessories that are in keeping with either the earthy African mood of the room or reflect a more Art deco style. African inspired statuary, artwork, pictures and ceramics are an obvious choice here with red, turquoise, aqua, and yellow accessories in the form of lamps, mirror surrounds and artwork bringing appealing contrast to the décor mix…

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Romantic Bedrooms for Small Apartments

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

In modern homes and town apartments, space is invariably at a premium, and yet even in the tightest of home environments, the bedroom, above all others, should be the one space that is a reflection of our innermost self, an expression of our style and individuality, which is unimpeded by architectural or dimension constraints. Indeed, such characteristics can create the platform for cosy and romantic décor themes with just a little attention to colour and room planning. Larger furniture pieces are unlikely to even be an option here, so make a style statement with rococo details in accessories and textiles and highlight special architectural features with furnishings and accents that make a lot out of a little…

Update the room with a new colour scheme. Just the simple application of a couple of coats of paint can make a huge difference to the style and personality of smaller bedrooms. Warm tones suggest intimacy or you might like to try burgundy or red for a little extra drama, introducing mirrors and lighter accents to avoid a claustrophobic feel. For a roomier, airy flavour keep paint colours paler and cooler, such as a shabby chic palette of icy pink, cornflower blue, lavender or cream. Pale yellows or gold gives a small romantic bedroom a hint of regal elegance, or you might like to introduce this look into the room, by hanging fabric accents or tapestries on the wall.

Furnish the bedroom with stylish but functional pieces that flatter the space without eating up more room than absolutely necessary. This means striking large ornamental pieces off the list, and instead considering a low-rise platform bed or contemporary wooden bed for a clean modern look and simple silhouette, or perhaps a vintage style iron bed, with ceramic or antique brass detailing, for a romantic bohemian flavour. A plush upholstered headboard covered in the fabric of your choice, will soften the look of the room, and is a good option whenever space is particularly tight, whilst a simple wooden dresser or armoire will provide romantic style, perhaps with antique drawer pulls, crystal knobs or hand painted trim.

Soften the mood with a complementary mix of textiles, such as lighter, translucent fabric at the windows to allow in plenty of natural light, and darker fabrics featuring gold stamping, embroidery, beading, small mirrored trim or fringes, to add a romantic flourish to throw pillows, bedspreads, floor cushions or bed canopies. Embellish textiles with pompom trim and rich tasselled detailing for an ornamental look.

Incorporate artwork that lends the room space an inviting tranquil feeling. Landscape paintings or prints in decorative frames have classic style, whilst abstract artwork in saturated hues, are unmistakably contemporary. Black and white photographs and movie stills will give any apartment bedroom a certain Old world elegance. Coordinate modern gallery-style frames in black lacquer, chrome or stainless steel for a streamlined look.

However small your apartment bedroom, take time to experiment with multiple light sources, that can drastically alter the mood of the room. Flank a large painting or the modern or traditional bed with wall sconces, or complement nightstands with appropriately styled bedside lamps. Brass floor lamps with elaborately curved detailing and rich velvet or damask shades, have a distinctly feminine flavour, while a romantic crystal chandelier or a bouquet of bright paper lanterns over the bed, gives the room sculptural detail and a captivating visual dynamic to draw the eye…

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Contemporary Black and Chrome bedrooms…

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Black might not be everyone’s first colour choice when it comes to bedroom décor, and yet with the addition of brighter colour accents and interesting textures, an eminently sophisticated room mood becomes possible for a gritty urban theme or a stylish boudoir. Add chrome or nickel furniture and accessories into the mix, to create the perfect contrast for a look that is sleek and ultra- stylish, for modern minimalist room themes where one or two accent furniture pieces set the tone for the room space as a whole. For here undoubtedly, less is most definitely more, with a monochromatic approach to room design, or with colour accents for a less masculine flavour.

Consider an all-black scheme if the room is large with good natural light, although in smaller spaces or apartment bedrooms you may prefer to limit the backdrop to just one accent wall at the head of the bed. Neutral colours such as white, cream, beige or light grey will all make suitable partners for black and chrome schemes, in the form of contrasting wall and ceiling colour, soft furnishings and bed linens. Lighter colour wallpapers in natural fibres can also work in this environment, whilst steely metal cladding for a distinctly industrial feel will deliver an assertive streamlined message.

Allow chrome furniture designs to establish the sophisticated mood. A sensual chrome bedstead design with matching bedside tables, would create the perfect room focal point when displayed against that black backdrop wall, from which the room can draw inspiration. Desks, occasional tables and contemporary chairs finished in chrome will also work fabulously within such a room setting, and particularly so within larger bedrooms, with chrome wall sconces flanking the bed. Chrome four poster bedstead options are also worth considering whenever space and budgets allow, with other chrome accents such as a chrome framed mirror or picture frames continuing the theme. For a different stance, metal or wooden furniture in black finishescan also sit happily alongside chrome designs, such as a modern black low-rise metal bedstead dressed in contrasting fabrics and bed throws, like creamy coloured linens and a black comforter, or one that features black patterned detailing. Because black can overpower, some brighter colour might also add some visual relief and interest here, such as pale gold, beige and lighter shades of blue, grey, green and yellow in solid or patterned designs.

Complete the room design with window treatments that echo or match the style of bedding that you have chosen. If you have a larger than average bedroom, and you decided against using black for most or all of the walls, you may like to use a black fabric for the window dressings, or alternatively continue lighter wall colour selections with similarly coloured curtains for a coherent, uniform look. This will also have the effect of making the bedroom appear larger. Additionally, using a sensual fabric such as silk for the window dressings and matching pillow shams or decorative cushions, will add a different dimension of texture to the room space that perfectly harmonises with those enticing chrome elements and accessories…

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Inspiring Teen bedroom themes…

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

In a vibrant fast-moving world where fashions change in the blink of an eye, it’s little surprise that the preferences and tastes of teenagers change constantly. From catwalk fashion to cutting edge technology and musical genres, it’s a constantly shifting period of change out there, but one that can become ubiquitous as we follow the fashion bandwagon.

Room décor on the other hand offers a canvas for individuality and interests to shine, tucked away from the public gaze, and even though neon walls and oversized pop group posters might not be to every parents taste, freedom of expression is all part of the growing up process. And yet there are other ways in which the art of design compromise can be executed for a look that is no less unique, but brings a flavour of mature sensibility to a teen’s sanctuary. Consider inspired themes that will keep your son or daughter happy without the need for a complete refurb once they fly the nest, so that transformation to a guest room or more mainstream style becomes a breeze when the time comes…

For a distinctly exotic ethnic feel, consider eclectic bohemian design that brings great scope for self- expression and a glamorous flavour to any bedroom theme. Bold wall colours blended with rich fabrics and lush textures set the scene for charmingly mismatched furnishings and accents. Flea markets, craft fairs, garage sales and specialist ethnic stores will yield many treasures for “boho” bedroom design. Visit ethnic markets to find fabrics to dress windows or cover a rustic wooden bedstead, or create unique cushion covers. Candles, brightly coloured glass pendants and ornate lamps cast moody subdued lighting. Create informal seating and a fabulous chilling, relaxing or reading corner with a grouping of oversized pillows in your chosen fabrics, and add a flavour of intrigue and romance with a canopy to drape over the traditional bed, fashioned from shawls or saris.

Zen bedroom themes offer a calmer, less visually stimulating approach to teen bedroom design, but also a quiet and relaxing place to de-stress away from hectic teenage lifestyles, that will appeal to many tastes. Zen bedroom design typically brings together minimal design with sleek furniture styles, such as a platform or low-rise contemporary bed design, and soothing colours. Zen bedrooms  help disorganised or untidy teenagers by providing streamlined storage solutions that blend seamlessly with the décor. Low modern furniture pieces, that platform bed, and floating nightstands create clean lines and lend the room a feeling of lightness. Neutral wall colours with accents of light blue and green provide a relaxing backdrop for a sisal rug, natural woven window shades and organic bed linen. Separate homework space from the sleeping area with a translucent rice paper shoji screen, for a touch of oriental charm.

Go coastal and give the teen in your life a touch of summer holiday magic all year round with a beach-inspired bedroom. Add the fun of a beachside resort with a number of simple design ideas, with blues, tans and cream wall colours and accents, evoking thoughts of the sea, sky and sand. Accessorise with shells, artefacts and artwork that imply that the beach is just over the horizon. Keep accessories simple to avoid a kitschy feel, and select furniture pieces that have a well-loved slightly weathered look. A whitewashed or natural pine wooden bedstead and furniture would look good here, whilst darker traditional wooden bed and furniture designs, add a tropical vibe reminiscent of a British colonial island getaway.

As a final suggestion, think mid-century modern with a retro themed room that is sure to have broad appeal, by turning back the clock to the 50s when interior design took on a decidedly contemporary turn. Bright white and punches of bold colour epitomise this energetic style. Incorporate clean lines and organic shapes in furniture, lighting and accessories. Light Scandinavian style woods, moulded plastic accents, and vinyl upholstery, all replicate the flavour of the era. Stick with uncomplicated bed designs such as a simple wooden bed, Shaker style with a slatted headboard or an unadorned platform bed or modern metal bed. Lightweight curtains in a neutral coloured fabric provide unassuming window treatments, whilst a funky shag area rug at the foot or to the side of the bed introduces comfort and an added dash of youth appeal…

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