Posts Tagged ‘Wood Beds’

« Older Entries

Bedroom style of the 1950s

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

The aftermath of those preceding years of austerity was felt long after the conclusion of the Second World War, although by the time of the fifties a semblance of normality was well in evidence with a wave of new optimism tempered by memories of harsh times and hardship. These attitudes and trends were echoed when it came to fashion and within the home where vibrancy became evident within the kitchen, but where minimalism was still the norm within the bedroom. Where the kitchen might be the centre of family life, the bedroom was regarded as a place of relaxation and privacy with as little distraction or frippery as possible, a functional, comfortable, yet minimalistic décor approach being the key.

Kitchen comforts and a new focus on cooking and home entertaining meant, that for the majority of women through the 1950s, the kitchen was the centre of family life with new electric appliances and technology bringing new opportunities and the possibility for a wave of new cuisine. Away from these and other family and entertaining areas, the bedroom was an area in which to unwind away from the public gaze and focussed on function and comfort with perhaps a simple platform divan bed or basically styled wooden bed providing a sleeping area with comfy bedding and area rugs for a 50s contemporary feel. Night tables, a closet, bureau and vanity table were staple ingredients of the 1950s bedroom, with anything more being comfort designed around these elements.

Recreate the look with an original or reproduction wooden bedstead in oak or cherry finish or opt for a simple wooden headboard for a more minimalist feel. Simple traditionally styled iron beds are also relevant to the period, possibly as a legacy of earlier 20th century eras, in darker colours or brass bedstead designs, once again a relic from earlier pre-war days. Bedside tables furnished with a clock and little else would also have predominated and vanity tables with an integral mirror or wall mounted version, for functional “lady of the house” duties.

Colours were diverse, but a popular colour palette was pastels, with blues, pinks, greens and yellows, all in evidence. Many kitchen designs would have favoured a more vibrant approach, but the cool and calming effect of pastels within the bedroom was appropriate for the time offering a pleasing backdrop to functional, simply styled furnishings and accessories. For a little extra verve include hints of gold and chrome, burgeoning materials of the time with echoes of Hollywood and perhaps a touch of Art Deco from Americas east and west coast.

Softer room elements such as fabrics and floor coverings saw a predominance of chenille for bedspreads; a legacy of 1930s which brought an element of comfort to the bedroom and a homely feel to basic bed designs, with fitted carpeting as the favoured floor covering. Newer home construction usually favoured a shag rug, whereas older home designs utilised a larger area rug around the bed. In juxtaposition to these softer materials, ceramic was becoming popular for bedside and floor lamps with chrome making big inroads in the form of picture frames, smaller display tables or the ubiquitous 1950s signature starburst clock.

Tags: , ,
Posted in All Posts | Comments Off

British Colonial room themes…

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

British colonial plantation furniture, whether theybe original antiques, quality replicas, or newer pieces inspired by classic design, sets an undeniably formal yet evocative tone for the home. You might opt to lighten the look with tropical accents and neutral textiles or add to the classic aesthetic with ornate and formal furnishings, finishes and accessories.

Create a stunning backdrop for a British Colonial theme with elaborate architectural elements and design features. A portico or framed porch, typifies the style. You can allude to this tradition by adding a lightweight plaster relief around a doorway or you might like to consider columns, dark wood panelling, ceiling medallions, elaborate painted or carved trims and plantation shutters for true authenticity.

Integrate furnishings and accessories that feature the original woods from this era in history. Look for pieces crafted from teak, mahogany and rosewood. Medium to dark stains work best to evoke the look and it’s easy to recreate the British colonial appreciation of Indian craftsmanship by including elaborately carved or hand painted Indian furnishings. Gilded elements adds a fussy British element and for true style in British Colonial bedroom settings hunt down an original dark stained wooden bedstead or a classic reproduction. Victorian iron beds will also find a receptive home here and were frequently exported along with all the other furnishings and fixtures that made up a colonial “home from home”.

Complement the look with other focal point furnishings reminiscent of classic 19c British décor. Built in bookcases with ladders, niches and shelves lend a landing, hallway or office the feeling of a British colonial library, whilst chairs in the Sheraton and Chippendale styles introduce classic style to an empty corner of a lounge or bedroom. In larger bedrooms a majestic iron or wooden four poster bed adds glamour and unmatched presence with a vintage steamer trunk at the foot end reflecting the British colonial penchant for adventure and world travel.

Finish the look with paintings, drawings or prints in ornately engraved wooden frames, and include some botanical, floral and animal inspired prints that were popular throughout the era. Illuminate the scheme with natural light and period light fixtures to add an authentic touch. Bedside table lamps, chandeliers and wall sconces work better within this décor style than overhead lighting which is invariably too stark and unforgiving. And keep the mood a little lighter if desired with textiles. On the bed this is a great contrast for darker woods or finishes and white and cream linens are the perfect counterpoint. Continue the theme to window treatments also, with sheer fabrics and plain or very simple patterns that enables natural light to flood the room for an airy feel and pleasing contrast with more formal aspects of the British Plantation Colonial style…

Tags: , , ,
Posted in All Posts, Bedroom Style | Comments Off

Luxury Hotel and spa bedroom themes

Saturday, January 14th, 2012
Opus Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

Opus Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

Travel junkies or weekend break aficionados with a penchant for the better things in life have always been able to soak up the experience of luxury hotel living as long as they are able to afford the price tag that accompanies a touch of pampering and lazy spa time…

But these days, thanks to the “hotel chic” school of design, there’s no reason why everyone can’t experience a touch of luxury hotel glamour in their home, particularly within the bedroom, which benefits relatively easily from a few makeover touches to transform mainstream mundane into something a whole lot more glamorous with just a few clever touches. Whether your preference is for a minimalist contemporary feel or something a little more traditional in nature, indulging in the sophistication and relaxation of high end spa-inspired living, need be no more than a few simple steps away.

Start by choosing a colour and design theme and opt for a maximum of three colours to avoid sensory overload. For minimalist modern schemes stick with plain fabrics in a range of coordinating colours of the same toneand add an accent colour to the bedding accessories. A more traditional approach or French chateau inspired scheme might call for a mixture of patterns and plains, possibly floral style or cricket stripe for a preppy English country house flavour. A trawl through the internet or home interiors publications is bound to flag up a whole host of ideas, or you may even have a picture of a favourite hotel room décor scheme in mind from which you can draw inspiration…

Choose fabrics, high thread count sheets and bedding to establish a comfortable and luxurious benchmark for your bedroom creation. Playing with texture is the perfect way forward when creating hotel chic but so often the area of the bedroom that gets overlooked. Velvet, satin, faux fur, and brocade are all good options, with embroidery, pleats and quilting accents in more traditional environments. Ramp up the theme with plump pillows, a plush comforter and the best sheets that you can afford and bring the complete ensemble together with a fabulous modern bed or traditional wooden bedstead or metal bed design, to inspire the feel of the room as a whole. A French inspired lit bateau style wooden bed will always look fabulous in a glamorous traditional setting, whilst for unashamed romance a Victorian inspired antique Brass bedstead will never fail to delight.

More contemporary room themes could feature a quality divan set with a tall wall mounted headboard in fabric that matches or at least echoes accent or base fabrics within the bedding and bedding accessories. Most modern hotel décor themes follow this trend and it’s a particularly easy straightforward scheme to apply to your own makeover with relatively little outlay. But whatever your eventual choice, don’t skimp on the quality of the bed, bedding and pillows as money invested here will pay dividends for years to come. Likewise, take care when arranging pillows and decorative cushions. Symmetrical arrangements are preferable and a couple of rows in descending height is good so that each pillow or cushion is visible. Complete the look with a plush floral runner with fringe details at the base of the bed to cover the quilt and drape the sides, with a plainer version for more contemporary bedrooms that picks out the colours of the room for a sophisticated flavour that grounds the theme and draws the eye…

Tags: , ,
Posted in All Posts, Bedroom Style, Design Inspiration | Comments Off

Quick thoughts on Antique Vintage Décor…

Saturday, January 14th, 2012
Paisley Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

Paisley Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

One of the easiest ways of injecting instant charm into the home is by incorporating some vintage antique elements or accessories that evoke the mood of yesteryear. Repurpose vintage pieces, whether they are heirlooms or antique market finds into creative home décor for a one-of-a kind look. Dust off those old attic treasures and give them a new lease of life in appropriate surroundings where they can work in harmony with more modern features with a little care and placement sympathy. Use the style to update just a single room such as a master bedroom or a kitchen, or even your entire home for a continuous feel.

Paint the chosen room’s walls a vintage inspired hue such as mauve, dusky purple, mint green, soft apricot, cream, sage green or light blue. Create a more vibrant look with sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red or other jewel tones as the perfect backdrop to inspired furniture and accessory selections.

Bring antique or reproduction furniture into the mix to enhance the theme and provide inspiration for the room as a whole. Within the bedroom a fainting couch or elegant high backed wing chair featuring dark cherry wood and leather upholstery is sure to appeal, whilst a traditional lit bateau style wooden bedstead or iron bed design with bold antique brass detailing will set the vintage mood. An old wood or wicker vanity table will work here also and choose other wooden or metal bedside tables and ancillary pieces of furniture that establish the timeless feel of the room space.

Work vintage textiles into the design and add warmth to a couch or love seat with a crocheted throw blanket and matching decorative pillows. Hang vintage lace curtains at the window for a Victorian flavour and decorate that traditional bed with a patchwork quilt featuring floral patterns or a delft design and scatter with a pile of cushions for a feeling of extra warmth and comfort.

Old oak bible boxes or deeds boxes or an old coffer make great storage solutions for magazines, books, remote controls, and more besides, whilst a few rustic wall sconces won’t look out of place for some church or pillar candles to cast a mellow  romantic glow whenever the occasion demands…

Tags: , ,
Posted in All Posts, Bedroom Style, Design Inspiration | Comments Off

Cool bedroom themes…

Saturday, April 9th, 2011
Bedsteads collection from Original Bedstead.

Bedsteads collection from Original Bedstead.

Cool bedroom decorative themes present a calming mood within an essentially simple format that allows us to unwind and recharge.

Highlighting the space with a cool colour palette, and careful accessory and fabric choices, will relax the senses, whilst ensuring visual interest and comfortable surroundings. Monochromatic tones, accent rugs in watery hues, natural seaside collectibles, and water features, are just a few examples of elements that might play a part.

Cool bedroom themes are of particular relevance in hot climate countries, or in homes that are close to a lakeside or the sea, where the decor provides an intrinsic link with those surrounding features. Simple, soothing, relaxing ambiance is what we are seeking to achieve, with the minimum of fuss and effortless success.

Colours that err on the cool side of the colour wheel, make a great start point and the perfect backdrop for focal point furniture pieces or an expressive wooden or traditional metal beds. Seaside cottage blues, relaxing mulberry purple or serene foliage green, are but a few colour selections to whet the appetite. Grab some colour charts and trawl the internet for home improvement inspiration and room setting ideas.

Monochromatic decorative schemes can be equally effective, and particularly suited to more contemporary cool bedroom themes. Choose a muted colour and select a value, or intensity of that colour for fabric features within the room, such as window dressings, bed linens and accent cushions and pillows. Such colour matching helps to create a space of tremendous serenity and visual calm, whilst introducing cool texture fabric choices, such as metallic and polished cottons and silks, will serve to extend the mood. Invest in a sensual metal bed design or perhaps a simple wooden bedstead for a softer approach. Minimalist modern iron beds styles in silver or pewter colour finishes are suited to ascetic contemporary environments, whilst more traditional designs have a part to play as a striking central feature in more established architectural settings.

Whatever the preference, scatter the bed throw with those cool coloured pillows and incorporate a muted- hued bedside rug, and bedside table topped water feature to impart the cooling sight and sound of trickling water. Other appropriate touches for coastal or lakeside homes, might include some natural accessories to add an element of calming visual appeal. So, sea grasses, pebble collections or apothecary seashell-filled jars placed strategically within the room, will add accent and relevance to the calming bedroom theme.

Above all, banish clutter and store away or remove completely, irrelevant bedroom elements that detract from the visual harmony. Nothing so effectively destroys a carefully chosen calming room theme as junk and non-essentials that intrude on the feeling of spaciousness and relaxation. Under-bed trundle box and steamer trunk storage solutions provide an easy and even attractive solution in this regard.

Incorporate either within your cool room bedroom setting, and you are unlikely to be disappointed with the results and their calming contribution to one of the most relaxing and yet accessible of soothing bedroom themes…

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in All About Sleep, Bedroom Style | Comments Off

Roaring twenties bedroom style…

Saturday, April 9th, 2011
Brass Beds from Original Bedstead.

Brass Beds from Original Bedstead.

Remembered for the age of Jazz, the Red –Hot mamas, and the era of the Flapper, the Golden Twenties welcomed in a new and aspiring age of elaborate decoration and beautiful bedrooms. Those optimistic post-war times are now often fondly referred to as the “Mad Decade”, as weary nations embraced a new wave of consumer goods, new technology, and design trends which were to manifest themselves within the home in the form of opulently large furniture and glamorous accessories.

Decorating a bedroom in these more recent times requires a passion for the Roaring Twenties style and more than a little creativity. And yet, with care and a bit of research, the twenties look is not difficult to recreate, for a nostalgic room setting that has as much inspirational relevance today, as it would have had 90 years ago…

This short post is intended merely to whet the appetite for further research and as a guide to the task ahead, although it’s no surprise to find that colour and wall treatments are key to getting the look just right, and particularly so for this theme. The 1920s were a time when decorating bedrooms took a lot of effort to ensure that details were emphasised. Floral wallpaper would have been favoured for the walls, and colour coordination with room fabrics and bed dressings was essential.

Likewise attention to detail would have extended to the window treatments with rich elaborate pleated curtains adorning large windows. Window fabrics should be lined for warmth and authenticity, and incorporate braided tasselled curtain tie backs for a touch of twenties style.

Furniture from the era would have been grand and assured. Wooden beds styles with broad wooden head ends and corner post detailing were popular, as were elaborate traditionally styled iron beds or glamorous antique brass beds with glorious rich patinas. These designs were a legacy of the not long-departed Victorian era, and their intricate detailing and romantic aura, would surely have had particular relevance for a style conscious nation, hungry for a comfortable lifestyle and more prosperous times?

Complement the traditional bed with marble topped wooden or metal bedside tables which you might choose to decorate with a little collection of ornaments, a cluster of framed family photos or a bedside lamp with a richly coloured pleated shade. A vanity area is also essential and a dresser and mirror combination in dark mahogany, loaded with silver scent bottles and hair brush sets would be de rigueur.

Accentuate and accessorise the bedroom with sumptuous linens for the bed, and richly coloured cushions and bolsters for an extra level of comfort. Gilded framed paintings and bevelled glass wall mirrors create space and an extra dimension, whilst golden-edged free standing floor lamps might cast a warm glow across collections of decorative storage boxes or a line of leather bound reference books within a pretty dark wood book stand.

For timeless bedroom comfort and a design theme that exudes vintage style in abundance, look no further than the Roaring twenties, to transform those moments of quiet relaxation and bedtime slumbers…

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bedroom Style, Design Inspiration | Comments Off

Focal point room inspiration

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Lerwick Nickel bed from The Original Bedstead Company.

Lerwick Nickel bed from The Original Bedstead Company.

Whatever the architectural or decorative style, it’s a well known fact within design circles, that a room will become a more comfortable space to spend time, if we choose a focal point or feature and arrange our furniture and accessories around this point to create a feeling of balance and harmony.

Sometimes a focal point will be an architectural feature such as a large fireplace. At other times it might be a captivating picture, dramatic mirror or an inspired piece of furniture.

Whatever the situation, the focal point is easy to create or identify to exploit the full potential of any room setting. A good start point is to look around the room to determine the dominant feature, which in turn is likely to become your focal point.

In an older traditional setting this is likely to be a fireplace, a picture window, or a built in bookcase whilst in more contemporary rooms it might be a large ornament or modern abstract painting.

A focal point should always be something with interesting visual appeal or colourful or textural interest, otherwise it will not fill the brief as a “focal point”. It should be the first thing that you see when entering a room and it’s possible to create a focal point by concentrating on artwork, paint colour accents or large floral arrangements.

If the room has no distinguishing architectural features, another assured way to create focus is by using feature pieces of furniture.

In the bedroom, the bed is very often the focal point in terms of purpose and positioning, dictating the character of the room and influencing the decorative and accessory theme.

Traditional iron beds and contemporary iron beds styles are particularly appealing in this regard, as are French or English influenced wooden bedstead designs.

In traditionally themed bedroom settings a romantic brass bedstead might just fit the bill, whilst for more ascetic modern rooms a nickel or chrome bedstead is a compelling focal point choice.

Should an outdoor view be the focal point, it’s worth experimenting with the furniture positioning to take advantage of the window areas, and likewise a wall can be painted a different colour than the others and accessorised with wall ornamentation, artwork or display shelves. Lighting to accentuate and bring out the full character of your chosen point is a great idea and if you’ve identified a mantle as the focal point, consider using specimen plants and accessories to add interest.

In all instances it’s particularly effective when contrasting colours are used to allow the focal point to stand out.

Choosing the focal point that gives us visual pleasure is always a recipe for success and by making that “point” the first thing that strikes us it will ensure that others enjoy the same experience.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Design Inspiration | Comments Off

Simple sound sleep tips

Monday, July 12th, 2010

We’re constantly bombarded with advice for achieving a great night’s sleep, and mostly it is common sense stuff of which most people will be well aware, although a little reminder from time to time does no harm!

Without doubt,so many of us don’t have the luxury of a full and rejuvenating slumber.

Blame stress, family pressures, workplace anxieties and a host of other subconscious issues that plague our recharging time.

They all play a part in jolting our sleep patterns, all too often in the depth of the night as we curse another premature awakening and lie awake, listening to the clock or pad downstairs to make a cup of tea.

But there has always been a few simple precautions that are easy to achieve, to make our sleeping hours more peaceful and the chance of unbroken nights more likely. Unwelcome noise or light are an obvious sleep disruptor, and yet how many of us drift off to sleep with the bedside light still on or the radio  chatting away?

Light is one of the body’s most powerful time cues.

The rising sun can wake up the brain long before the alarm rings out, but then so too can artificial light or unwelcome noise as it interferes with the subconscious parts of our brain. A dark, quiet room is the most conducive environment for deep uninterrupted sleep although the regular hum of an air conditioner or whirr of a fan, may serve to soothe and block out other less peaceful sounds.

Temperature also plays a crucial part. Too hot,too cold….we know the consequences, and 60-65 degrees fahrenheit is the optimum range.

The temperature of the body needs to drop a tad before we enter sound sleep and it’s essential that we give it the opportunity to do so. And likewise, on the topic of comfort, we all know the importance of investing in a good mattress and bed support.

And yet there’s still far too many of us making do with shabby worn out beds when we are more than happy to spend money on our lifestyle needs and desires that are fundamentally of far less importance. A not-too-hard supportive mattress can make the difference between nights of sound slumber and refreshed waking hours and broken night time misery.

Invest wisely in a top class divan set or iron beds, brass beds, or wooden beds and mattress combination, for a completely transformed sleep experience.

And lastly as a final thought, research has shown that on average, we enter a deep sleep 60% faster if we simply spend a few minutes tidying our bedroom before we retire.

So now there’s no excuse to throw our clothes over the foot of the bedstead or leave clutter all over the floor, although of course there are always some things in life that will never change!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in All About Sleep | Comments Off

Dream bedroom ideas..

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

By following a few simple rules it’s possible to transform a nicely decorated bedroom into a truly beautiful one.

A personal sanctuary that expresses your own unique personality and those favourite colours. emotions and dreams that we hold dear. We spend upwards of a third of our life in this most private room of the house. Isn’t it worth taking the time to get the ambience and feel just as we would wish it to be, as surely there can be no finer environment to reflect our tastes and ideals on a totally personal level?

Colour tones -

Starting with the colour scheme it’s a fine start to choose soothing tones or a restful palate of monochromatic shades rather than bold primary colours. Gentle hues of green, lavender and blue will always create a calm and serene atmosphere, whilst toasty browns, pomegranate shades and topaz set a mood of coziness and comfort. Or simply select your favourite colour and gently tone it down using accent pieces of the same hue around the room to create harmony and balance.

Ceiling treatments -

The bedroom ceiling is the fifth wall, and yet so often gets overlooked. It’s what we see when we lie in bed so don’t just settle for a bland, blank surface.

Instead, try adding a subtle pattern or soft colour. Painting the ceiling a slightly lighter version of the wall colour helps to visually lower the ceiling and create a feeling of comfort and intimacy.

Other solutions might be to stencil or wallpaper the ceiling in complementary textures or try adding architectural elements in the form of coving or beams.

For ultimate luxury, a canopy or tented bed with dressings that hang from the ceiling, can envelope you in warmth and sensuality whilst adding unique texture and a romantic flavour that changes completely the flavour of the room. Most iron beds or wooden beds will lend themselves to this type of embellishment with spectacular results. Traditional metal beds are particularly suited to canopy ornamentation and as a way of visually linking the ceiling with the rest of the room, it has little equal.

Keeping things simple -

But it’s worth remembering that too much frippery can ruin a room design and simple, sophisticated elegance is the best approach, whatever style of decorative theme you decide upon. Too little space between the bed and side walls or larger pieces of furniture will create instant claustrophobia. In effect, this means furnishing the bedroom with only what you need. A bed, a bedside table or two, a dresser and chair are necessities. Anything more is in danger of becoming superfluous, except for those lucky enough to have room to spare. As such, choosing correctly sized and styles of furniture is crucial.

It’s a good idea to start out with a floor plan and work out exactly where everything is going to fit. Furniture should be in keeping with the shape and character of the room, so it’s pretty obvious that it’s a good idea not to try to squeeze a large brass bedstead into a small room, however much in love you might be with the design.

It’s a trap that many, sadly, fall into!

Conversely, if the bedroom is large with higher ceilings, a bedstead with a high head end or tall headboard will help visibly draw the room height down. Large rooms will happily provide a home for an ottoman or a handsome piece of furniture at the end of the bed.

(please see our blog article for some suggestions here)

And just as large furniture is a no-no for a small room, smaller furniture and accessories will look lost and sad in a large room. It’s all about proportion.

Accessories -

Should be kept to a minimum. Quality rather than quantity is the key. Choosing a beautiful piece of artwork, stone statuary or an evocative sculpture, will be far more alluring than lots of little dust-gathering ornaments. Just add flowers, a cluster of family photos and some strategically placed large church candles, and then leave well alone.

(more…)

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in All Posts, Bedroom Style | Comments Off

Banishing “boring”…

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Blyth Brass bed from The Original Bedstead Company.

Blyth Brass bed from The Original Bedstead Company.

LIFT THE MOOD with finishing touches.

It’s not uncommon to find that a room lacks that “certain something” once we have finished that new decorative paint scheme and installed some new furniture. Just when we thought we’d got things just right, we come to realise that actually we’ve only got the background for a truly inviting space.

Whenever these nagging doubts loom, that’s the perfect opportunity to add some special details to add sparkle and a unique personality. Following a few simple ideas will add interest and individuality for that compelling, finishing touch!

Add art.

Art that stirs the emotions adds immediate character and personality. Capture your passions with paintings and prints that are personal to you and tell a story. Use the colour and style to reflect other elements within the room.

Add texture.

Try to resist the temptation to have everything matching by combining rough and soft, and shiny and flat surfaces. Choose silky smooth fabrics to contrast with a shaggy carpet or sleek linens with coarse textiles. Glass with stone or rugged wood detailing is another great counterpoint.

Track down whimsy.

Be a little radical and add a touch of whimsy for smiles and interest.

Antique dealers, flea markets and auctions are all good hunting grounds for odd and unusual pieces that have a history and story to tell. Anything quirky is sure to be a focal point as is one carefully chosen antique piece of furniture such as a chair or chest which might look equally at home in more contemporary surroundings.

Think floral.

Complement the mood with fresh flowers and carefully chosen house plants to add texture and natural organic colour. Throw out old and tired plants that have seen better days. Fresh foliage and colour will always lend a new dimension.

Create a statement.

With a new and inspiring piece of furniture to become the talking point of the room. A traditionally elegant chaises longues in the study or living room or an inspiring brass beds in the master bedroom cannot fail to make a definitive style statement. Dressing with vari-textured linens and bedthrows adds extra impact and a warm and welcoming ambiance. Resisting the temptation to be too conservative can have fabulous results.

Furniture or bed designs that you might have thought would be out of keeping, can often stand out as the star of the room. Thinking outside the box with a little experimentation can have devastatingly effective consequences.

Choose a theme.

From an English drawing room to a French or Tuscany inspired room. Victorian influenced or Shabby Chic, the choice of room style is simply vast. Choose elements or a complete theme makeover focussing on furniture, colour, accessories and art, to really spice up a room and add flavour and intrigue.

Floor rugs.

Bring instant warmth and interest to a wooden floor with area rugs to define an area whilst adding texture and colour. Easy to change on impulse or for seasonal mood and colour swings, rugs are a great way to add style and contrast. Antique worn and threadbare can work well here too, lending a homely lived-in look which is perfect for more traditional and casually cottagey room settings.

Collectibles.

Gather items that are of particular personal importance and use them as the basis for room decor. Antique vases, musical instruments, miniature art and old family photos are all items that could form the basis of an effective display. Clustering them together in a group is far more effective than a scattered display and ensures focus and meaning. Surround yourself by things that you love and the room will become warm and welcoming.

Salvage discarded gems.

For a touch of old-world charm it’s worth trawling the salvage and reclamation yards for unusual pieces that might look great in a new environment. Brackets, mantels, old windows and oak beams are all items that might fit in well to create interest and a quirky style. Pedestal columns, antique mouldings, statuary and old weathered garden furniture can be particularly interesting and may be adapted to many varied decorating styles and room themes.

In fact, getting things perfect with those little finishing touches, doesn’t need to be tricky, and can be a whole lot of fun along the way…..!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Design Inspiration | Comments Off