Posts Tagged ‘Metal Beds’

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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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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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Blue and Brown bedroom design for all the family…

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

The earthy shades of brown rival that of many more neutral tones, as an eminently versatile colour that you can match up with almost any other shade for fabulous results. This is particularly true when it comes to the brown and blue colour combo that you can dress up or down for a trendy or ultra- relaxing effect that, depending on the execution, mix of textures, furniture choice, and room accents, can appeal to all age groups, young and old alike…

Within teen bedrooms this colour pairing has particular appeal with a funky persona that is easy to enjoy. Trendy aqua shades in contrast with chocolate brown create a distinctly modern vibe with hints of retro. Paint the walls with solid colours, stripes, polka dots, or a combination of all three. Use beige and white accents to ground the room in the form of linens, furniture and accessories, as too much aqua will create a less than restful atmosphere, whilst too much brown will make the room feel small and dark. Try painting three walls beige with some white detailing with the fourth wall chocolate brown topped off with aqua circles. Incorporate white furniture such as a satin white metal bed in contemporary or transitional style, with aqua window dressings and a mocha coloured bedspread featuring aqua retro inspired patterns. Floral patterns rather than more 60s style swirls or circles might be more appropriate here if the room is to have a more feminine flavour.

Within adult bedrooms use a backdrop of pale or faded blue with chocolate brown accents to create a luxurious space, far removed from more ubiquitous room schemes. Pale blue walls will create a calming effect and create the perfect canvas to enable chocolate brown furniture to really stand out. Consider a traditional wooden bedstead design in walnut, cherry wood or dark oak for the perfect room focal point from which the room style as a whole may draw inspiration. Matching bedside tables, vanity units and dressers will extend the theme, with some quality plain white bed linens married up with a satin or damask comforter set to bring the traditional bed design to life. Choose bed throws and quilt covers that reflect your individual style, such as nicely contrasting pale blue covers with a brown piped border, or a chocolate brown comforter with a blue flower or damask pattern. Add a large white artificial flower or bunch of fresh white flowers in a blue vase to the room scheme to rest on a nightstand or the dresser, whilst white pillar candles can sit within brown china or antique brass candlesticks to add a romantic flavour in tune with the room style as a whole.

The blue/brown colour pairing is totally at home in younger daughters or sons rooms, and for a young girl is particularly charming if you opt for a robin’s egg blue wall treatment with perhaps a mocha accent wall at the head of the bed. Add polka dots or circles to the brown wall or large blue wooden block letters that spell out her name. A pretty white princess style metal bedstead will look fabulous here, and team it up with a reversible quilt that that features blue and brown polka dots on one side and stripes or a solid colour on the other. Rest a bedside lamp with a brown trimmed blue lampshade to the side of the bed and frame pictures and posters with brown or light blue frames.

For a boys bedroom, follow the same décor principles, but opt for more steely blue paint shades and a lighter brown such as tan for a warmer effect if desired. Ametal headboard in a satin black or bronze finish, or a bolder colour for a splash of visual interest is sure to tie in well, or consider darker wood bed and furniture choices for a more mature vibe.

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Bold Colour Bedrooms…

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Bedroom colour schemes don’t need to be dull and mainstream … there’s room for brighter colour options here, perhaps moreso than in other less private spaces within the home. The bedroom provides the backdrop for some original thinking when it comes to bold wall treatments and the accents and furnishings that will make the space come alive without offending the eye or senses.  One easy trick is to choose a bold colour for the walls, but keep the rest of the room grounded with a palette of black and white for a fresh modern contemporary look. Be sure to mix and match some materials and textures along the way to add interest and substance, with perhaps some chrome or bronze accents as a fabulous visual counterpoint, for a bedroom scheme that inspires and is certainly anything but boring!

Start by choosing the primary paint colour. If you are undecided, a few hours research on line and by flicking through the pages of few home improvement magazines should provide inspiration. Most of us have a favourite colour although it might not be the perfect choice for a bedroom mood. Blues and greens in brighter shades can be very successful, as can red, as long as it is in a deeper shade and not too orangey. Yellow is another great background colour, particularly for darker rooms, whilst bolder lavender shades are calm and soothing.

Decide which walls are going to get the makeover treatment. If you’re feeling particularly bold you might decide to paint the whole room, whilst for a more restrained approach, just one accent wall should also set the scene, and often this is the bedhead wall to which the eye is drawn. The same principle applies if you are considering using a bold wallpaper design instead of painting.

Choose the primary pieces of furniture and a focal point bedstead that will bring the room scheme to life. If you’ve chosen bold room colour décor it’s almost certain that the mood is going to be contemporary rather than traditional, so think black, white, metallic’s such as silver or pewter, or a sensual chrome bed design. There is a wealth of choice out there for simple low-rise wooden or metal bedsteads with a clean silhouette and minimalist designs, or something a little more decorative for more ornate room themes. Consider also an upholstered bedstead or a modern dramatic four poster bed design, where space allows. Marry up with bedroom furniture that doesn’t necessarily match, but at least offers a sense of synergy and visual rhythm.

Fabric choice adds extra visual flair and comfort to the mix, and whilst white is always a safe and easy option, you can make the bed space a little more interesting by layering different textures and materials. White fabric finishes or plain neutral tones work well against a bold colour backdrop as they allow the wall colours and the bed style to shine through without grabbing centre-stage. For an alternative approach look for neutral linens with black piping or add a black and white accent rug or black trimmed curtains.

Once we’ve achieved the overall colour/style balance, it’s time to accessorise. Monochrome photos or other wall art will really stand out when displayed against a colourful backdrop, but you’ll doubtless want to introduce some additional colours into the mix in the form of accessories too, ideally those that pick up on the wall treatment. Throw pillows and cushions are adead easy way to achieve this, and are a simple DIY project if you can’t find the perfect shades online or in the High Street.  Vases, books, sculpture, mirror frames and bed throws or runners are other suitable accents, although don’t overdo the treatment, to avoid a look that is just too colour-matchy. To counteract this pitfall, be sure to introduce another contrasting colour into the room scheme, such as a few bright splashes of red within a room with a blue mood, or a punch of green or turquoise within a sunny yellow bedroom…

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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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French Country chic…some more thoughts

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

There is something about the French sense of style and natural good taste that is enduringly appealing. From cuisine to catwalk fashions and traditional décor to cutting edge design, there is a natural affinity from which we draw inspiration in spite of any historical turbulence. This is never more true than when it comes to home décor. Look at any homes and interior magazine or home improvement website where you will find nuances of French style influence time and time again. From the smallest touches such as dried lavender accents, to the charm of distressed whitewashed furniture, French style and reminders of the Gallic culture are all around us. And it’s a look that translates so well within the bedroomwhere those in search of a cosy romantic space are likely to be drawn in by the timeless honesty of French country style. Known well for its shabby chic country charm, this room theme relies upon colour, pattern and room composition for an effortless well-loved appearance. French country chic is romantic without being frilly and comfortable without the reliance on acres of fabrics and soft furnishings. And just as importantly, it is an easy makeover project that can be achieved on a tight budget whilst serving up oodles of satisfaction.

Colour is the element that will establish the mood for French country style. Such a country chic room will include light and medium faded shades such as eggshell blue, pale yellow, white and cream, pink and gentle greens. Paint walls a light colour, such as buttery yellow or blue, and introduce a feeling of space and contrast by painting the woodwork white. Consider colour during every stage of your French country design project for wall treatments, furniture selection, and fabrics and linens, to ensure balance and harmony within the space.

Furniture selection is key to the design where the informality of shabby chic comes together with the unique rustic French furniture design style. Hunt down slightly distressed painted furniture pieces such as a dresser, armoire and bedside tables, or paint and distress furniture that you already own. If you have wider budgets invest in some whitewashed French reproduction pieces and scour antique markets for vintage brass furniture hardware, such as drawer pulls and knobs for painted furniture.  Painted wooden headboards are stylish and very French, but those looking for something different, yet still fabulously in keeping, should look out for an antique wrought iron headboard or a romantic iron bedstead complete with porcelain or antique brass ornamentation. This style of metal bed, whether an original or stylish reproduction, is French country chic to a tee, and sitting atop pale lime washed or light oak floorboards with a few accent rugs for comfort, will inspire the room character as a whole.

Develop the theme with fabrics and linens in typical French taste where floral, toile, and damask patterns feature prominently within the room in the form of window treatments, bedding and upholstered chairs or a glamorous chaise longue. A patterned or lacy bed throw might be the perfect accent to breathe life into that traditional and ever-so-inviting iron bed, with a few simple scatter pillows for an extra touch of comfort.

Accents and accessories complete the look and tie the French country mood together. Flowers in a tin watering can, French country rose displays, a few bouquets of dried lavender displayed in a vintage hammered iron wine carrier, and rustic wooden candlesticks are all totally in keeping. Consider also some small rows of old leather bound novels and some elaborately framed oil paintings or watercolours of typical French landscapes. Old wood framed mirrors and wall mounted wooden candle sconces bring an extra special touch to the country chic bedroom scheme with a pretty porcelainwater jug and glass set atop the dresser sat alongside a bowl of fruit for the finishing flourish.

As a final thought, don’t forget the lighting and window fixtures that will create that all important ambient flavour. An antique wooden or iron chandelier centrally ceiling mounted creates just the right Gallic vibe here, with supplemental artificial lighting in the form of small wooden bedside table lamps with creamy coloured fringedshades for a cute touch and perfect for bedtime reading. Cover windows with shades printed with flower or damask patterns, or very sheer wispy materials, with interior painted wooden window shutters, completing with panache, the French country chic story…

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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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Contemporary Spa ideas for smaller bedrooms

Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Sophisticated contemporary spas have an upscale feel made possible by large quantities of available space, stylish fittings, and bespoke design that is intended to lend them an upmarket flavour that is spacious, bright and open. For those in search of a similar vibe in the home environment there are a number of immediately obvious stumbling blocks. Size limitations impose the first hurdle, and without access to the services of an interior designer or the accents and features found in a modern day spa environment, the task might seem particularly daunting. However, with careful use of colours, textures, furniture and fabrics, it is possible to emulate the feel and characteristics of an upsize spa inspired bedroom, without resorting to the use of specifically created bespoke objects or breaking the bank in search of the look…

Choose the right colour mix and you are well on the way to a spa bedroom with a contemporary feel. The trick here is to mix neutral colours in in both warmer and cooler shades, with neutral warmer colours for fabrics and the bedding, including ever-popular tans and creams. Mix and match patterns, using striped sheets and comforters with pillows that have a floral pattern for example. Stick with the same colour palette for a complementary cohesive look for bed and window dressings and choose a wall colour from a similar colour spectrum. Once again, creamy shades or off white tones are always successful here. Warmer shades will liven up the room when desired but again, neutral tones are best offering a great backdrop to accent features in darker finishes or stylish furniture pieces.

Storage space is often an issue in smaller bedrooms but there are several ways to tackle the problem. Contemporary metal beds in chrome or funky silver paint finishes, may be low rise but still offer under bed storage solutions in the form of trundle boxes or custom made storage containers. For an inviting mix of old and new, an antique chest placed at the foot of a contemporary bedstead or more vintage traditional bed style, should you desire, offers a great storage spot for extra bedding, out of season clothing or extra towels, as well as a bed throw when not in use or required. Where space allows, an armoire might also fit the room scheme and is totally in tune with the hotel spa look where style meets practicality. Pick a design that matches with the other furniture or offers a pleasing contrast and consider it for use to house a TV or other electronics, with extra drawer space offering additional storage solutions for clothes and all the other usual paraphernalia always to be found in the bedroom which we’d prefer to have out of sight.

Reduce the clutter within the room for the fresh airy look that you’d expect to encounter in a typical spa hotel bedroom. Opt for accessories and accents in lighter cooler colours such as blue, green and clear glass pieces. Incorporate translucent accents that catch the light and reflect it about the room to give the space a larger and more open ambiance. Use the armoire or bedside tables as perfect display areas for accent art, flower displays or a bowl of fruit. Hang a piece of contemporary art over that art deco style chrome metal bedstead orstand a bronze figurine atop a vanity dresser or corner table for the perfect finishing touch.

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Floral bedroom designs

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Floral themes are never out of vogue either on the catwalk or within home décor schemes, and are particularly relevant within the bedroom where they bring a soft romantic touch to the room space. A floral decorating motif can stand alone in its own right or be used to enhance a garden theme, recreate an English country home or Art Nouveau style, or perhaps introduce a little Victorian whimsy. Regardless of your purpose, with the creative use of decorative elements, including colour, materials and patterns, it’s possible to mix and match the floral aesthetic in the bedroom for a look that is both inviting and inspirational.

Select your bedroom’s theme and the décor statement that you are looking to make. Although it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace a floral theme as the overall design content, deciding on a decorating style that that utilises flowers as a primary element of the room character will help to narrow down the type of flowers that you wish to feature as well as the supporting decorative accents associated with that style.

Consider covering the walls with a floral patterned wallpaper or decoupage design. Whilst wallpaper has the advantage of being a ready- made element which saves time, it can be overwhelming unless used with restraint whilst the decoupage option allows for a more personal look or to recreate a pattern or floral style that you cannot find elsewhere. Team your floral walls with a soft complementary floral patterned curtain set, while for a less busy look opt for plain curtains that pick up on the colours of other floral accents within the room. If you so desire replicate the material in the form of a bed valance or bedside table covers.

Create a charming country house style focal point in the room with a Victorian inspired iron bed with antique brass detailing or a vintage panelled wooden bedstead crafted from cherrywood, dark oak or walnut. Whatever your choice, cover it with a flower bedecked bedspread or comforter, but consider the size and style of the flower motif and how it will contribute to the room style overall when making the purchase. For example, large blooms will convey that quintessential English country home feeling, whilst smaller floral designs hint at folk or shabby chic ambiance.

Mix and match floral patterns to be found on decorative accessories displayed within the room, such as floral patterned pillows on the traditional bed or embroidered cushions set on a coffer or bench at the foot of the bed. Lay a large floral-patterned area rug on the floor, to the side or at the foot of the bed, and should your room be lucky or old enough to feature a fireplace, decorate it with a vase of fresh flowers on the hearth, at either end of the mantel, or in wall vases above the fireplace.

Add those final decorative touches in the form of small accent items like light switch plates, dresser and wardrobe porcelain handles and bedside table lamp shades. These are easy to track down in most department or home improvement stores or antique arcades for an original authentic touch…

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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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