Posts Tagged ‘Iron Beds’

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Bachelor’s Bedroom design…

Friday, March 16th, 2012

We are spoilt for choice in these modern days. Bombarded with images of glamorous home design and stylish accessories, there has never been a time when so much inspiration was right there at our finger tips. In the media, on the internet, all the hard work has been done for us… So boring room settings and uninspired bedroom schemes truly can be relegated to the past and no more is this so for all of us bachelors out there looking to make a personal décor statement, whether we are looking to impress or simply create a calm space for relaxation or a bit of both. The scope of design options makes personalisation a breeze, so whether we seek a theme that is contemporary, bohemian, traditional, rustic, or gritty urban, to name but a few, every design flavour is within reach. The key here, whatever the choice, is that the room should be able to accommodate entertaining, reading and perhaps even incorporate a work station. It should also contain conversation pieces, so consider including family photographs, favourite books and artwork.

Deciding on a stylish colour scheme is the place to start. You can keep the look neutral yet sophisticated with a blue-based grey, or introduce a touch of warmth with a rosy grey. Antique white with espresso accents lend a classic sophisticated vibe, with sunshine yellow brightening the room with a mid-century modern aesthetic or earthier mustard yellow for a more rustic traditional stance. Consider also accent walls at the head of the bed in a bolder hue, such as peacock blue, moody red, or poppy seed black for a grounding feel.

The bed that you choose is likely to become the room focal point, so considered selection here is crucial to extend the mood. A low modular platform bed with a simple futon mattress keeps a bachelor room looking streamlined although may not be the most comfortable sleeping solution. Low contemporary metal bed designs will be at home here in modern room settings, with black, pewter, and silver colour finishes sending out a stylish message. Heavy modern chrome bed designs insuper shiny finishes, work well in classy industrial inspired or urban settings, whilst more traditional lit bateaux style wooden bed creations bring a timeless English country house hotel feel to the room space. Consider also Victorian inspired antique brass bed creations for this style of vintage room layout, or a glamorous iron bed counterpart, complete with brass ornamentation for a different slant on the same traditional theme.

Integrate luxurious textiles throughout the bachelor pad bedroom, whatever the chosen scheme, to soften surfaces and give the space comfort, colour, and texture. Sheets with high thread counts and lightweight down quilts dress up even the simplest mattresses. A plush rug, bamboo floor mat or modular accent rug sited near an armchair or tufted ottoman creates a small vignette within a larger space, with sheer cotton window treatments in pale hues allowing natural light to flood the room, whilst affording privacy, or neutral linen blinds for a clean and simple contemporary look.

Illuminate bedroom décor with mood, task, and ambient lighting to bring the room scheme to life. Modern modular cabinets either sideof the bed might feature low watt integral lighting to cast light for reading or illuminate bedside areas, whilst wall sconces or more traditional wall lamps can flank a large painting or mirror over the bed. Table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendant lamps provide brighter light whenever required for working, reading and writing.

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Retro Orange…in the bedroom

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Make space for orange! Ok, so it’s not everyone’s favourite colour choice and in the bedroom you might worry that it’s going to keep you awake all night, but actually a few orange accents aren’t just a refreshing fruity change from other splashes of bright colour, but they can actually make the room feel really warm and inviting. It’s also a great cheap and quick way to freshen up a room when you don’t want or aren’t able to paint the walls. So here are just a few quick thoughts about adding some orange interest that is soothing yet still inviting…

Orange is increasingly popular for contemporary room styles and evokes a retro vibe that we associate with the 1950s and 60s. You may track down a sleek orange chair for a reading nook at a junk store or garage sale or invest in some scatter pillows for the bed or a bed runner for a splash of summery colour at the foot of the bed. Orange and white linens mixed together introduces a crisp feel to the room without even needing to lift a paintbrush. Just make sure that you use orange as an accent feature against white or creamy shades so that it really stands out.

Think rustic, and go for darker orange tones for a more traditional touch with a continental twist. A deep terracotta colour is always associated with Spanish design and forms a great backdrop for antique dark oak furniture or a traditional wooden bedstead in cherry wood, walnut or mahogany. This colour also looks great with all kinds of rustic ironwork or forged metals or a Victorian style iron bed in textured black or any dark finish. Continue the Spanish theme whenever you have walls that feature heavy outdated texturing or imperfections, as terra cotta simulates stucco with surprising ease.

Get in touch with nature and natural materials with gentler orange hues. After all, orange doesn’t need to scream in your face. To warm up a room simply pick furniture crafted from woods that have an orange patina. Many mid- century pieces had this characteristic, and as most people tend to favour darker oak furniture or light woods at the other extreme, these pieces with their orange tones can often be picked up inexpensively. That way you can enjoy quality hardwood furniture for the same price that others are paying for veneered or compressed laminate lookalikes.

Bring in accents with antique copper or brass pieces or a romantic brass bedstead where budgets allow. Old vintage kettles, jugs and trinkets in these metals look particularly at home in a room where orange accents are making a décor statement, with landscape oils and prints that pick up on the orange theme, also bringing a pleasant orange twist to the mix. Take macro pictures of orange autumn leaves for inexpensive but effective contemporary artwork to brighten up a dull winter day with a mini mountain of orange patterned scatter cushions to liven up a gloomy corner and provide a great relaxation area for reading and lounging…

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Exotic Chinese bedroom themes.

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Timeless Chinese décor lends itself perfectly for use within the bedroom with beautiful and exotic room schemes that draw on Chinas rich culture, history and tradition. At its very simplest, Chinese décor can be ascetic and modest or far more elaborate in design, but one thing that is common whatever the style, is that the elements of the room must work together in harmony to create a calm and peaceful environment. With a close attention to detail, and careful selection of colours, textures and room accents, comfortable and inspiring room sets are possible that calm the senses and eclipse the stresses of the day.

Do a little research on the internet and by trawling through Interior magazines for inspiration to select a pleasing colour palette for the room. Traditional colours used in Chinese décor are symbolic: red for good luck, yellow for long life, green for peace and harmony, purple for spirituality, and browns, ranging from light tans to rich mahoganies, for grounding. A bold wall colour is appropriate here although lighter neutral tones might be better suited to the bedroom theme. Combine with tapestries and screens as an authentic alternative.

Chinese style furniture is traditionally low and boxy with clean lines and would often be mixed with ornamental pieces for impact. Dressers, trunks, benches, occasional tables and chairs, are all in their element here, whilst a low modern beds, platform style finished in a light wood or a contemporary metal bed design will form the perfect focal point within the room scheme. High gloss oil painted or lacquered furniture offers a sleek look and is always very popular, as are high-backed elaborately carved wooden chairs, or a grand ornamental headboard featuring mother of pearl or gold inlays, as an alternative to the platform bed option.

Add texture to the room with natural woods such as bamboo, and traditional fabrics such as silk. A silk or bamboo screen is the perfect addition to any Chinese themed room, and embroidered fabrics with a mixture of contrasting colours featuring traditional Chinese designs such as dragons, peacocks or flowers, will always look the part. Incorporate such designs in the form of wall hangings, area rugs, throw cushions and bed and table runners. Allow the theme as a whole to be illuminated naturally with simple window treatments, such as bamboo shades or carved wooden shutters, whilst for added ambiance, include some Chinese lanterns to hang within the room.

Avoidthe temptation to clutter the space or crowd it with furniture. A minimalist approach is the way forward here. Instead pick a few interesting pieces that relate to each other in terms of style, colour and materials or that incorporate the Chinese designs described above. Each piece should have a specific purpose so don’t squeeze in any more than you need. Strive for symmetry, balanced colours and evenly placed furniture and accessories, so that each piece makes an impact in the area where it is sited.

Finally, add accessories that carry the theme through, such as wall hangings that feature scenes from Chinese mythology, delicate bamboo umbrellas, a large fan, or Buddha statues. High gloss pottery or granite carved pieces can also work well, but whatever you select, go for quality rather than quantity. One large accent wall tapestry or a single colourful dragon statue placed prominently on a low occasional table where it catches the light, is far more effective than lots of little trinkets scattered about. Achieve the perfect balance of colour, texture and furnishing harmony, for results that are wonderful on the eye,creating  a welcome place of calm away from the pressures of the day…

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Some more ways to incorporate Animal Print…

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

We’ve spoken before about the allure of animal print décor. It’s a look that never really fades from fashion, be that on the catwalk or within the home, and in the bedroom it’s particularly effective as a style that can be used to create many appealing effects, from wild and sexy to sophisticated and earthy. A piece of animal print furniture may at first glance appear difficult to incorporate within a room scheme, but whether it’s a funky one-off statement piece or combined with other animal prints to create a theme, bringing the whole look together  for a stunning room style, is actually an easy process.

The obvious start point is to determine which animal print and style of furniture you are going to be working with. A modern black aluminium chair with a zebra print and a rustic wooden chair with a leopard print are two very different pieces of furniture that can create two completely different looks. Bold modern pieces in chrome, aluminium, steel or painted metal are invariably going to be better suited to a more cutting edge type of décor, whilst rustic pieces are suited to a natural earthy style.

Consider creating an African safari-style theme. This has clear affinity with animal print design with the colour palette reflecting the great African savannah. Incorporate a range of browns from golden brown to darker moodier shades, with deep reds, burnt oranges, and splashes of green and blue also playing a part. Combine a mixture of different animal prints in the form of throws for a rustic wooden traditional bedstead, cushions and area rugs. Hang artwork that features safari scenes, traditional African motifs and carved wooden masks.

Alternatively use your animal print furniture to create a British Colonial style room. This look is a combination of elegant Victorian design elements, tropical Caribbean and animal motifs. Showcase dark wood furniture and ornately carved wooden bedsteads with wicker and leather accents, using a colour palette of muted browns and tans. Combine the rustic animal print furniture pieces with complimentary fabric animal prints on the bed and in the form of scatter cushions or lamp shades, and display carved elephant and lion figurines. Introduce an alternative Victorian element in the form of a heavy iron bedstead complete with antique brass detailing or a romantic antique brass bed in true Victorian spirit. Complete the look with an antique mirror in a gilt frame and vintage perfume bottles and a vanity set, displayed on an old dresser.

For a contemporary twist, develop a funky and sexy look to the room based around a modern piece of animal print furniture such as a chaises longue or deeply upholstered bedstead. This room style is particularly suited to zebra prints teamed up with a colour palette of black and a bold bright colour, such as sexy pink or electric blue. Alternatively go for a chic black and white interior with splashes of colour in the form of cushions, bed throws and accent rugs to lift the monochrome design theme. Add updated table top accessories, modern metal furniture with clean simple lines, or an art deco style chrome bedstead for a sophisticated touch. Glitzy fabrics are at home here and the soft furnishings that feature animal print should match the print on the furniture for a co ordinated stylish look.

For an extra dose of animal print drama, go wild with print selection whilst keeping a neutral backdrop to avoid a garish outcome. Pile animal print cushions and throws on the bed in a range of prints such as zebra, leopard and tiger. Maintain a grounding neutral feel with the rest of the bedding, but incorporate animal print accessories such as a mirror with an animal print frame, animal print lampshades and curtains. Accent the room theme as a whole with black to add depth, whilst in larger room, consider an animal print border along the top of the walls to introduce an extra element of animal print design verve…

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More Retro style colours for the bedroom…

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Retro is making a big comeback of late and although the term typically refers to any era from the past, we most commonly associate it with the twentieth century, and most particularly with the 50s through to the 80s. Any time before tends to be defined as perhaps more vintage in nature or has antiquity associations whilst the period after the 80s is a little too modern to be considered retro as such.  When designing a retro bedroom, choose an era that appeals, do a little research into the predominant colours, furniture styles and accents of the time and get planning… Follow the theme as closely as you are able for an authentic vibe particularly in terms of colour, which has such a strong influence on the room characteristics overall.

The 1950s were a time where colours were just starting to make an appearance in bedroom furniture, accessories and wall treatments and paint. When looking to emulate this era its best to keep things somewhat neutral (brighter colours came later) with tans, whites, browns and blacks all relevant to the time. Neutral coloured walls teamed up with furniture that has clean and straight lines will set the tone, so consider simple wooden bedstead creations or a metal bed that has minimal ornamentation. Accessories might bring in splashes of colour, but stick with one accent colour paired with the neutral tones to make it stand out without undue fussiness . For example, pair green lamps, bed linens and area rugs with an off-white bedroom furniture set or darker wooden furniture pieces against neutral cream or light tan walls.

The 60s were a time of youth rebellion and protests when brighter colours were starting to find their way into bedroom spaces for a look that was altogether brighter, bolder and distinct. Bedroom walls often retained their neutral characteristics; a carry-over from the fifties perhaps, but the furniture, accessories and fabrics are what defined true 60s bedroom style. Use bright flower print bedroom curtains and linens to get the look and accent with vibrant solid colours such as orange, neon green or even bright yellow. Shaggy bedroom rugs in pink, yellow and purple might sit at the foot end of a funky iron bed or low platform bed creation to bring the room scheme together with retro chrome furniture and bright plastics to be found throughout.

During the subsequent decade of the 70s bedroom colours began to tone down a little with a return to more sombre browns and neutral tones, albeit still with accents of vibrant colour. Walls in softer oranges, tans or beige tones were popular whilst warmer tones such as deep greens, yellows and reds would have been found in bed linens, window treatments, throw pillows and side table lamps. Both metal beds and metal furniture or wooden furniture with metal accents remained popular in white, brown or black finishes, whilst for extra verve you might also consider painting a flower mural on the wall using the traditional circle patterns of the time or large flowers, 70s style..

The 1980s now fall just into the retro category, when décor was starting to move away from the brighter more lurid shades of previous decades, taking on a cleaner more art deco vibe. Bedroom furniture was often white, beige or printed with art deco patterns in pastel shades. Bed linens tended to follow the same mould with sage green, baby blue, light pink and soft yellow pastel shades proving popular. Wooden bed and matching furniture sets were typical of the era with reproduction metal bed and brass bed creations coming onto the décor map. Carpeting and wall paint colours stayed neutral with wallpaper coming back into fashion as a décor statement with borders and accent walls to be found in floral patterns or cricket stripes that still retain style relevance today…

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Making the most of unusual bedroom spaces…

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

While bedrooms by their very definition are a place for sleeping, it goes without saying that not all rooms of this type have to share the same generic decorating scheme. If your bedroom contains interesting architectural or quirky features that already set it apart from the rest, or you simply wish to create a less mainstream space that better represents your taste and aesthetic preferences, consider some unique ways in which you can pull together an unusual bed room. By incorporating some off-the-wall design features within your decorating plan, it’s possible to create an aesthetically attention seeking space that remains functional, personalised and stylish.

Start by surveying the space and give consideration to what furniture arrangement the room might lend itself to. For example, if the room is long and narrow or contains a large number of windows, this will throw up immediate challenges that dictate room layout, unless structural changes are an option. Accentuate desirable uncommon features to create your unique space.Some features that set your room apart from other more humdrum styles may in fact become very desirable with sympathetic colour, texture and accentuating treatments. Odd window designs or interesting ceiling treatments fall into this category so rather than attempt to disguise,don’t be afraid to use bold paint hues to draw attention to the feature and draw the viewer’s eye as an integral element of the room design as awhole.

Room shape and size often dictates the style and size of bed that is suitable and for rooms that err on the small size or have odd layouts, simple bedstead designs might be the order of the day. Contemporary room décor makes this easy with simple minimalist modern bed styles that eat up the minimum of room although more ornate traditional bedstead designs have a part to play in more vintage room settings that are tight on space, with low foot-end bed designs being particularly relevant within awkwardly proportioned rooms.

Downplay immoveable features that you wish to overlook with neutral tones; for example, within poorly constructed rooms or those with an uneven ceiling, or in rooms with exposed utilities a neutral paint job will help make all these defects or eyesores a lot less attention grabbing.

Choose contrasting hues to feature in the space. Select a set of tones that contrast well such as brown and blue or black and white, upon which to centre the room décor. Purchase linens that that are plain as to not attract attention or detract from the bedstead design whenever you the room dynamics dictate, or alternatively seek out a bold look that serves as a décor focus. There are no hard and fast rules here as all room characteristics will be different, and often it will take a little trial and error to get the balance just right.

Finally, hunt down unusual accent pieces. Look beyond those items that you might expect to find within a bedroom scheme to create a space that is quirky and totally original. For example, consider placing glass accents initially intended for use within the kitchen or industrial location or metal pipe or bronze sculptures that appeal to your personal sense of style. Arrange the furniture layout and accent items in such a way that it grounds the room scheme and is easy on the eye, whilst following the limitations of the room shape and emphasising or minimising any characteristic irregularities.

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More Country style bedroom charm.

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

The bedroom is our own private little sanctuary. It’s the one room in the home where to where we can retreat to escape the bustle and rigours of everyday life; a space in which to unwind, recharge, spend precious moments with a partner, or simply to loose ourselves in the pages of a book. It is hardly surprising then that the quintessential country style bedroom is such a popular décor style as a motif and informal design statement that lends itself so well to comfort and relaxation. Extend the look to encompass both the functional and decorative elements of a bedroom for a timeless touch of class with enticing universal appeal.

Set the tone with furniture that establishes the country flavour. A focal point wooden bed crafted from oak, walnut, rosewood, or maple makes for an enchanting start to any country bedroom scheme. Team it up with complementary wooden or metal furniture pieces created from the same timbers or different wooden finishes for a pleasing contrast. Vintage style iron bed designs will also work perfectly in the English country home bedroom with Victorian inspired antique brass bedsteads creating a definitive style statement. Choose furniture pieces with metal ironwork or maybe glass accents for drawer pulls and knobs, and big bulky well-planted furniture will normally work well here as long as they are in proportion to the room size and do not block windows or doors or passageways. Versatile furniture pieces with a rustic flavour might be equally at home and mixing and matching works just fine for a certain shabby chic appeal. Incorporate an old antique bench as the perfect accessory for placing at the foot of the traditional bedstead or consider a vintage stool to double as a pretty bedside table.

Colour plays an important part in the country bedroom and it’s common to choose a rich wall hue to ensure a homely feel. Hunter green, navy or a burgundy red  makes a good choice for medium to larger rooms on all four walls or just one accent wall, whilst in smaller rooms a more neutral paler option creates a feeling of space, perhaps with the bed headboard wall finished in a vintage style patterned wallpaper or a darker complementary paint shade.

Bedding selections should pick up on the colours within the room and is an essential ingredient in the room scheme as a whole. Country style is all about comfort so use quilts, bed throws, scatter cushions and pillow shams to introduce a pattern or complementary colour to the room. Floral patterns, paisleys or plaids all have a part to play here and layer blankets with different textures such as wool, sheepskin and cotton, and arrange pillows of various sizes and styles on the bed to ensure extra visual interest and a flavour of inviting comfort.

Accents and accessories that have personal or nostalgic appeal will add those final finishing flourishes to the country bedroom room scheme. Head to the local flea market, antiques mall or craft store and look for woven baskets, wooden framed pictures, black and white photos in metal frames or any other kind of appropriate memorabilia to display within the room. Use clear glass mason jars or a large water pitcher to display fresh flowers and look out for an old gilt framed mirror to hang with a large satin ribbon above the bed or on a vanity table wall….

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Earthy Bedroom themes…

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Create a tranquil and relaxing bedroom space with earthy tones that are easy on the eye and senses. Soft earthy colours, natural finishes and highly textured elements all combine to create a feeling of the great outdoors. Creating such a theme is a simple process as well as a great opportunity to experiment with recycled ecologically-friendly materials. Whether you are a fan of lighter, softer shades or bolder darker tones, with a little imagination anyone can achieve an earthy nature-inspired interior within the bedroom.

Select earthy colours for the walls of your bedroom. Combining shades of brown, rusty red, burnt orange and yellow evokes the feeling of autumn days, whilst the addition of light blues and shades of green will create a more summery feel. For smaller rooms keep the wall colour neutral with warm earthy undertones. In larger spaces or to create an intimate and cosy feel in smaller rooms combine a rich mocha brown with creamy accents for a particularly pleasing effect.

Create an accent wall with wallpaper that features a nature inspired pattern such as leaves, flowers or grapevines. Don’t be afraid of using wallpaper with brown tones as the other room accents will lift the overall mood. Create an intimate feel by placing the head of a traditional bedstead against the accent wall with over-bed wall light sconces to pick out the earthy tones and create a cosy atmosphere.

Extend the earthy feel with wooden furniture pieces that complement the colour scheme. An eclectic medley is always welcome here with a combination of darker woods such as walnut or mahogany and the lighter shades of pine or oak. Redwoods introduce warmth whilst darker vintage oaks, a welcome touch of antiquity. Choose a glamorous wooden bed as the perfect room focal point in this respect from which the remainder of the room scheme can draw inspiration. Matching or contrasting furniture, according to taste, will extend the earthy wooden theme, with added texture in the form of woven storage baskets or a natural wicker chair.

Select flooring to complement the wooden features and earthy room tones in a contrasting shade for best effect. Area rugs add texture, warmth and interest, or alternatively use a natural fibre carpet such as seagrass, sisal, hemp or jute. Created from renewable resources these floor coverings are completely biodegradable so that they can be shredded at the end of their lives as well as being extremely hard-wearing.

For added comfort levels, pile cushions, pillows, throws and blankets onto the wooden bed to tie all the earthy shades together and create an inviting lounging area. Use plenty of different earthy hues such as dark greens and coffee colours, bold and soft oranges and yellows, rusty reds and splashes of hazy lavender with even a few accents of blackto add depth.

Complete your earthy décor schemewith a few well-chosen accessories. Arrange a display of mocha coloured candles to complement the décor and cast a welcoming glow whenever the occasion demands. Fill a wooden bowl with pine cones for an accent feature that is rich in texture and forest glade romance. Nature inspired artwork featuring autumn scenes will pick up on the colour backdrop within the room, with splashes of green or blue for a hint of springtime…

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More Romantic Gothic…

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

We’ve seen before how the authentic Gothic look is far more than just the stereotypical vampire movie theme. This is certainly only one variation on a movement that has much stronger roots in its architectural and ancestral past than most people realise. For it spawned a whole new shift in the use of colours, design features and larger than life detailing and design nuances that were to shape a generation and still have much influence on the design and style trends of today. Particularly prevalent during the Victorian era, when we recall the Gothic look, we typically think of intense colours, grand architectural detailing and ornate wooden furniture. But it is just as easy to update the romantic Gothic aesthetic by decorating in more contemporary Bohemian modern style with faux finishes, rustic accessories, and eclectic furniture and accents. Determine what is to be the focal point in your romantic Gothic bedroom, be that a majestic wooden bedstead or grand fireplace, and use colour, texture and emotive details and accessories to complete the look.

When it comes to colours, Gothic décor begins with black, but there are a whole host of other suitable options. You might paint a deep crimson accent wall for a horror movie look, or perhaps try a Bohemian palette of mottled blues and greens in deeper shades. Give your walls and furniture a distressed finish by painting them two or three contrasting dark colours and the rubbing away at the final coat of paint to reveal some of the shades beneath. You might also like to use a thin coat of antique whitewash over a darker colour or pattern to give a sense of a timeworn piece. Vintage wallpaper looks perfect for an accent wall, or try your hand at painting curlicue designs along the base of the walls, in corners, and around the doorframe.

Furniture establishes the mood in any Gothic bedroom setting and a focal point vintage metal bed or imposing wooden bed design will make a definitive style statement like little else. If you opt for a metal bed frame choose one that features intricate scrolled designs and detailed features, and you may even like to incorporate a small gargoyle statue or engraving in some way, wiring it to the frame for a rustic feel. A four poster bed is also ideal for this room setting in true Victorian style, with the posts of the bed perfect for hanging sheer fabrics or heavier richer materials for a regal touch.

Use accents and accessories and lighting to pull the theme together. A chandelier and wall mounted sconces adds a formal classy look, whilst candles mounted casually in wine bottles complete with wax cascades are more Bohemian. Pillar candles, tea lights, lanterns and light fixtures with tinted shades all maintain the moody atmosphere. Create your own display shelves by repurposing old drawers, painting them in dark shades, using velvet or vintage wallpaper on the back and the base, and affixing them to the walls. Accessorise them with candles, incense burners, apothecary jars, dried flowers or gargoyle statues. Old leather bound books are also perfect for striking the right tone. Stack them next to the traditional bed as an impromptu nightstand or display them on a small freestanding shelf next to a scatter of floor cushions to create a cosy reading corner…

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Rose style Cottage bedrooms…

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Country cottage decorating is all about mixing and matching patterns, colours, and furniture styles. A shabby chic approach to décor works particularly well in these room settings which includes floral designs, especially those featuring roses which are a staple ingredient of cottage décor and thus particularly at home within any such bedroom makeover. Feel free to mix rose patterns in fabrics, wall coverings, art and window treatments or let one or two rose accents stand out against a neutral colour theme. Whatever your design preference, rose accents will never be out of place in the quintessential cottage bedroom. Allow your preferences and emotions a free hand for enduringly popular room styles that are easy on the eye and pocket.

A great start is to hang wallpaper in a rose print that takes your fancy. For that true English cottage look find a pattern that looks a little faded with large cabbage roses or one featuring smaller floral prints on a pale green or creamy background. Install bead board halfway up the wall and finish off with a dado rail. Paint it all an off- white and paper above or paint the walls a pale pink or green and stencil a rose design around the top of the wall at ceiling height.

Alternatively paint three walls a dusky pink and hang brightly coloured rose patterned wallpaper on a fourth wall with floor length damask drapes in a soft pastel colour over lace curtains sporting a rose pattern. Top the window with a tapestry swag in rose print and incorporate white shutters for an almost Colonial feel with a country twist. Botanical prints displayed above an old traditional Victorian style iron bed or wooden bedstead design, are another charming option. A single print or a grouping will always look the part and a trawl through antique malls is sure to unearth some treasures.

With floors, bare wooden boards with accent rugs always look the part in cottage bedrooms and stencilled rose patterns around the border are an option whilst oriental area rugs with a design of ferns and roses introduce colour and comfort. Alternatively lay wall to wall carpet in a colour that complements the rose accents within the room or paint a more modern wooden floor white and dot it with tasselled rugs that feature a floral print.

Furniture selection needs to fit the cottagey theme and an eclectic shabby chic mix is fine,with  wicker and wooden pieces fitting the brief particularly well. Position a white wicker chair in a corner of the room and cover it with cushions covered in the same material as a faded rose coverlet or vintage tablecloth. Team it up with a cast iron or antique brass floor lamp sporting a creamy white shade with a rose motif and add a small painted table to display a rose patterned tea pot and tea set.

Dress an antique iron bed in white linen sheets and pillowcases edged with lace for a touch of Victorian style with a comforter in a rose print and matching throw pillows. Couple with matching bedside tables or vintage wooden nightstands for a pleasing contrast, and separate the bedroom sitting area from the bed with a privacy screen sporting two panels of rose printed fabric flanking one of snow-white cotton. Upholster an antique fainting couch or love seat or chaises lounge in the same material and scatter with a couple of down filled pillows in lacy or cutwork contrasting fabrics.

Finally, nothing beats the presence of a bunch of fresh roses in any floral bedroom scheme, so consider revamping an old vintage dresser with a coat of pale green paint and stencil a rose design on each drawer topped with a cut glass vase to display a bouquet of fresh pink roses and gypsophila. The perfect floral flourish!

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