Friday February 8, 2013
With Valentine's Day, anniversary, or special occasion just around the corner, the most popular and used room in the home for these special occasions is the bedroom. Setting the mood will make these moments unforgettable and ideal; here are three tantalizing ideas for your special night.
1. Dim or Romantic Lighting
Soft glow of fire light is always romantic and exciting. Whether you light a fire in your fireplace or a few candles, this will always guarantee a sensual mood. Besides candles and a cozy fire; be sure to dim your lights too. If you don't have a light dimmer then consider purchasing soft, dim light bulbs or colored light bulbs. A dark red or orange light bulbs will be less harsh and have a romantic glow--hence the term "red light district". Try to stay away from blue or green, since this may create a haunting or frigid feel.
2. Sweet Succulent Smells
Pleasant scents are always nice and pleasing. Smell is very important since it can trigger many emotions. A smell can trigger long lost memories; upset your stomach or make you hungry. Therefore, it's very important to please your partner's olfactory senses. Besides having fresh, clean sheets, consider fresh cut flowers or rose petals. There are many other flowers that have wonderful fragrances besides roses; try to find out what your partners favorite floral scent is when shopping around. Other fragrant flowers to consider are lavender, lilacs, lilies, and gardenias. Ask your local florist for the best options.
3. Pleasing and Calming Sounds
Nice, soothing music is always a plus when trying to set the mood. A favorite love song or artist will successfully create a dreamy and relaxing atmosphere. Besides music, consider using sounds from nature, such as a babbling brook, chirping crickets, or crashing waves. Every person is different, so be sure to know what your partner likes before the mood is broken due to the sounds of Kenny G's saxophone.
These are but a few ideas on how to set the mood in your bedroom; be sure to check out the articles below for more advice:
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Wednesday January 30, 2013
How do I start decorating my room? Is a question many homeowners ask when they begin remodeling their home. It's also a question designers get asked often from acquaintances when a conversation leads to our profession. As a designer, it's a million dollar question that cannot be answered in a casual conversation at the checkout line. Throughout my school years and career I've been able to narrow down the answer by asking these three easy questions, which help homeowners begin their projects with confidence, resulting in beautiful designs.
- What is Your Favorite Decorating Style?
Everyone has a style, whether it's modern, contemporary, traditional, or eclectic, there is always a style that best compliments your personality. There are many ways to determine your style; one way is to look at the type of clothes you wear or artwork you tend to like. If you love to mix-and-match bold colors and jewelry together then you probably like eclectic rooms that combine styles together. If you tend to prefer contemporary pieces of artwork from artist such as Peter Max or Wassily Kandinsky, then consider a contemporary or modern design for your room.
If you not sure what your preferred style is, then take this short quiz:
- Do You Have a Favorite Theme?
Another idea is to use a theme; this can be a nautical, lodge style, or tropical theme. Of course, themes are more ideal for children bedrooms but it can work for master bedrooms too. Other themes can be a little bit broader; for example, if you like to travel add that theme to your room by incorporating trinkets and accessories from your travels.
Find more ideas on designing a room with a theme:
- Do You Have a Favorite Color or Pattern?
Finally, the best way to begin a design or decorating scheme is with color or a pattern. If you have a favorite color then begin looking at photos of rooms in this color for ideas and inspiration. Another idea is to use a pattern as your inspiration; for example, if you found a lovely duvet with a quaint floral pattern, then use that as your motivation for your bedroom design.
Here are some more ideas on how to use color and patterns to decorate your bedroom:
(Photo Courtesy of xy via Fotolia.com)
Sunday January 27, 2013
The cottage style is a very popular decorating style, which has been used and re-invented throughout the years. This style was developed through the function, needs, and charm of the surrounding area and region. There are many different creative approaches to this style, from modern and contemporary representations, to traditional practices. The key element of this style is to use history, nature, along with regional and rustic decor; here is a list, along with a few tips and advice, of the three basic types of cottage styles.
- Shabby Chic Cottage
Shabby chic cottage style evokes the easy living lifestyle of living by the beach, coast, or countryside by adding a little glam and contemporary comforts. You'll normally find rattan furniture, historical décor, crystal chandeliers, antique pewter mirror and picture frames, panel wood or wooden planks for wall and floor finishes along with the use of weathered white furniture and pastel color schemes.
- Rustic Country Cottage
This style is another style that is becoming more prominent and fashionable this year. It's a combination of rustic, quaint pieces of furniture and décor, such as antiques, quilts, antique country-type items, old farm equipment, and other rustic, vintage-type pieces used for decoration.
- Old-World Cottage
Old-world cottage, also known as vintage cottage, is an eclectic style that uses antiques, vintage accessories, fabrics and furniture from any area; then combines these pieces together by keeping a light and neutral background.
These few ideas and tips will have you on your way to designing your own cottage style bedroom; for more advice and tips, check out the articles listed below:
(Top Photo Courtesy of Gina Smith via Fotolia.com)
(Second Photo Courtesy of My Sweet Savannah)
(Third Photo Courtesy of Monster via Fotolia.com)
(Fourth Photo Courtesy of Françoise Bro via Fotolia.com)
Monday January 21, 2013
Rustic is a term used to describe a decorating style that incorporates aged, vintage decor to create old-world charm while maintaining modern comforts. There are many regional decorating styles associated to the rustic design; such as cottage, country/farmhouse, lodge, ranch, Tuscan, French Country, and Mediterranean. Each one of these styles is unique and specific in there decorative pieces and finishes, but all have one thing in common: the use of historical, vintage, and rudimentary furniture and accessories. Besides these traditional regional styles associated with the rustic style; it can also be accompanied with non-traditional styles--such as modern or contemporary--to create cozy and trendy rooms. If you would like to incorporate a rustic style in your bedroom; here are three tips to help find the perfect one for your room.
- Determine a Color Scheme
If you prefer a bold, warm color schemes--deep reds, earthy browns, or golden yellows--then try to lean toward rustic influences from Tuscan, Mediterranean, lodge, or ranch styles. If you prefer clean, soft color schemes--white or pastels--then weathered and rustic influences from beach cottage, farmhouse, or French Country styles would be more ideal.
- Furniture Selections
If you like large, bulky traditional pieces of furniture, then design your room in the Tuscan, Mediterranean, lodge, or ranch rustic styles. If your prefer simple, quaint pieces of furniture--often vintage inspired--then French country, cottage, or farmhouse styles are the way-to-go.
- Consider Wall and Floor Finishes
Wood finishes, whether it's on your walls or floors, are a must for rustic bedrooms. These wooden finishes can be painted, distressed, or natural, but all must be exposed and prominent in rustic decorating styles. Most Tuscan and Mediterranean styles use large wooden beams and dark wood floor finishes. Lodge or ranch styles use log cabin finishes, such as the exposed log and wooden plank floors. While cottage, farmhouse, and country rustic styles will have painted or distressed wood finishes on the walls and light or dark wood floors.
These few tips will help you begin to design your rustic bedroom; for more inspiration, check out these great photos and ideas:
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