Decorate A Bedroom With Red & White

Decorate your bedroom with red and white to create a passionate, exciting room.

Red is a bold color that is often associated with passion, danger, blood, fire and other powerful forces or emotions. Decorate your bedroom with red and white to invoke excitement, or because the color combination soothes you. Red is a strong decorating color, although its effects depend on the exact shade you're using and the meaning red has for you. Red and white decor can work for contemporary or traditional bedrooms, depending on the shades of colors you use and how you use them.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls with red paint, white paint or a combination. Too much red can be overpowering and make it hard to sleep, especially if you're using a bold and bright red. Subdued reds like maroon or pale shades might not be too overwhelming. If you want to use a bold red, consider painting one wall red as an accent wall and the other three white. Or, paint the walls white and the trim red for a different approach. Adding a pattern, such as a red border, red and white stripes or a red floral pattern, is another way to include red paint without bathing your walls in the color.

2. Choose furniture that complements your red and white color scheme. White furniture fits in, as does any metal, black or most wood furniture. Dark or light wood can accentuate a contemporary red and white bedroom. Include a red nightstand or dresser if you're going for a white bedroom with red accents.

3. Use red or white bedding, depending on the color of your walls and other elements in the room. For example, if you have red walls or place your bed against a red accent wall, red bedding likely would be too much. White bedding will work with red or white walls. Red bedding would look better against a white room, rather than a red room. Red-and-white bedding could work in any scenario.

4. Include curtains and a rug to pull the colors together. For example, red curtains would work with white walls and white curtains would work no matter what color the walls. Choose curtains or a rug with a pattern if you want to add interest. For example, a white rug with red geometric patterns could tie the room together if you paint the walls red.

5. Hang artwork, mirrors, a clock or pictures on the walls. For example, if your walls are white, a large black and white print could hang above your bed in a red frame. Black frames would also work with the red-and-white color scheme. Hang a red-framed mirror above your dresser and a red wall clock across from the bed to dress up white walls. If your walls are red, use white or black frames.

6. Tie the entire room together by placing decorative accessories throughout. For example, if your room is mostly white with punches of red, put a white rose in a red vase on your nightstand. Place a red throw and red pillows on an all-white bed or a red chair in the corner. Use red or white candles, or a combination of the two.

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Teen Pink & Orange Bedroom Ideas

Place pink and orange flowers in a vase for an instant pop of color.

Teens love to let their personalities shine through in their bedroom décor. At this age, they have developed a preferred sense of style and want to show it off. Many teens love the bold, vibrant, bright colors of pink and orange. There are a number of ways that your teen can decorate her bedroom using this sassy color scheme.

Bright Walls

For a room so bright you may need sunglasses, paint two opposite walls neon pink. Paint the other two walls neon orange. Tone down the pink and orange with grey sheets and a white bedspread. Place accent pillows on the bed that are pink with orange polka dots. You can either make these pillows yourself or buy them. Twist some sheer pink and orange fabric together and drape over a curtain rod for a window treatment. Use white shelves and furniture to complement the white bedspread. Place pink and orange glass vases on some of the shelves.

Polka Dots

Maybe you live in an apartment where wall painting is prohibited. You can still have a cool pink- and orange-themed bedroom. Cut out different sized cardboard circles. Purchase some pink and orange fabric and cover each of the cardboard circles with the different colors. Place them strategically on one or two of your walls. Find a pink area rug to place on the floor and pair it with an orange comforter for the bed. Make a lounge area in one corner with an orange beanbag chair accented with a white pillow with pink polka dots.

Understated

Not everyone who likes the pink and orange color combination wants a loud, bold decorating scheme. Accent your room with pink and orange accessories. Since these are bright colors, this works best when the rest of the room is done in more neutral tones like white, beige, black or gray. Hang a shelf on the wall and place two or three alternating pink and orange glass vases on them. Buy some fake pink and orange flowers and place them in the vase of the opposite color. On your bed, use one pink accent pillow and one orange one. For added storage find some large pink or orange boxes and place on the floor at the foot of your bed.

Tags: pink orange, with orange, bedspread Place, bright colors, cardboard circles, glass vases

Decorate A Dining Room Ceiling With Paint

Use a sturdy ladder when painting a ceiling.

Paint is one of the cheapest, quickest and easiest ways to spice up a room. Whether your dining room ceiling is stained, mismatched with the walls, or just ugly, a coat or two of paint and a little artistic know-how will have it looking fresh in no time.

Instructions

1. Remove light fixtures before painting a ceiling.

Move all furniture, such as the dining room table, chairs and cabinets, out of the room. If that isn't possible, move the furniture to one half of the room and cover it thoroughly with tarps. You'll have to move the furniture to the other half of the room once you've painted the first half.

2. Getting a paint stain out of white carpet is extremely difficult.

Protect the walls and floor. Mask off the edges of the walls with blue painter's tape. Cover the floor and baseboards with tarps and tape the edges securely, especially if you have wood floors or fancy carpet.

3. Dark colors on a ceiling can make rooms feel smaller, so consider a lighter color.

Prepare the ceiling with primer if necessary, depending upon the material and the current color. Mask off any areas that you don't want painted with the base color. For example, if you plan to create a navy blue ceiling festooned with stars, mask off the stars with painter's tape. Alternately, you can use stencils after the navy coat is laid down (in which case you'll probably have to apply three or more coats of the lighter-colored star paint to block out the navy).

4. Use a cloth, not a paper towel, to wipe drips and smudges as a paper towel may leave fibers.

Paint the ceiling in the base color you have chosen. Don't load up your roller or brush too thickly, as this may cause dripping or running. Keep a warm, damp rag handy at all times so you can wipe away drips and smudges immediately.

5. Feathering involves a lightly brushed-on second color.

Apply a second base coat if necessary. Paint the accent areas. Some accent painting possibilities include stars, a decorative finish such as feather-brushing or antiquing, thick stripes and a nested series of squares or rectangles encompassing the ceiling.

6. Alternately, turn paint drips into flowers.

Touch up any areas you missed. Scour the room for paint drips. Scrape them off or paint over them, whichever is appropriate for that spot.

Tags: base color, drips smudges, half room, move furniture, paint drips, painter tape

Drywall A Bathroom

There are differences in drywalling other parts of your house such as the living room or kitchen compared to your bathroom. Follow these easy steps to gettting your bathroom updated with no problems

Instructions

1. First you are going to want to find the right drywall. Ask for the water resistant or moisture resistant drywall. This drywall is usually a green or purple or deep blue color because it is fortified with a product that will not let water penatrate like other drywalls. If you do not do this you will be replacing some pieces in your bathroom overtime.

2. Next you will start around the tub and work your way out. If you have a shower installed you will make sure to cover your phalanges when you are measuring for your piece. You will want to start the piece on half of a stud and ending on half of another, unless you are at the ending of that wall then you must put a whole piece on it.

3. Now you will measure your pieces and cut them, using a utility knife. First, get your measurement and snap a line. You then score a line on your cut line and gentle bend it back with your knee and cut the backside. You will then screw each piece individually keeping your screws about 6 inches apart all the way around. After you are done you will then mudd and you are ready to go.

Tags: your bathroom, piece will, will then

Diy Bathroom Sink Cabinet

Build a simple sink cabinet with plywood.

A bathroom sink cabinet can provide extra storage and hide unsightly plumbing. If you are remodeling a bathroom, you may wish to replace or add a cabinet under your sink. Buying a professionally built cabinet to fit your needs and the allotted space can be expensive. Build a custom cabinet at home and save money for other remodeling projects. Novice woodworkers can build a simple cabinet with straight cuts and easy assembly.

Instructions

Assemble the Frame

1. Measure the area where the cabinet will be installed. Use a tape measure to determine the needed width, height and length.

2. Cut a sheet of ¾-inch plywood to the desired height and length for the back of the cabinet with a table saw. Cut a second sheet of ¾-inch plywood to the desired width and length for the bottom of the cabinet. Cut additional sheets of ¾-inch plywood into two pieces that are the desired height and depth for the sides of the cabinet.

3. Assemble the frame. Position the sides, bottom and back pieces and use a screwdriver to secure each corner of the cabinet with a wood screw. Screw additional wood screws along the edges where the cabinet pieces are joined.

4. Cut two strips of ¾-inch finished walnut to the width of the cabinet for the top and bottom trim, using the table saw. Subtract 1½ inch from the height of the cabinet and cut two strips of ¾-inch finished walnut to size for the side trim.

5. Lay the strips on a flat surface and assemble into the correct shape. Place the top and bottom trim pieces over and under the side pieces. Secure each corner with a screwdriver and a wood screw. Stain or paint the trim with a paintbrush.

6. Place the assembled trim pieces over the front of the cabinet and use a hammer to secure them to the bottom and sides with a hammer and finishing nails.

7. Slide the cabinet into the desired position in the bathroom. Secure it to the wall with wood screws.

Build the Doors

8. Measure the height and width between the trim on the front of the cabinet. Determine how many doors are needed and divide the width by the number of doors desired. If more than two doors are needed, subtract ¾ inch for each additional set of doors. This will be the necessary width of each door. Cut ¾-inch plywood to size for each door. Stain or paint.

9. Install additional trim pieces, if needed. If the cabinet will have more than two doors, cut additional trim pieces for the hinges. Cut one piece of ¾-inch finished walnut for each additional set of doors. Measure the width of one set of doors from the side trim on the cabinet and mark. Place the trim piece on the mark and secure with finishing nails.

10. Attach the hinges. Place two hinges on each vertical piece of trim. Position the doors and screw the hinges onto the back of the doors. Add desired door hardware with the included screws.

Build the Top

11. Measure the top of the cabinet and determine the placement of the sink. Measure the size of the sink and its distance from the front, back and both sides of the cabinet.

12. Cut the desired laminate countertop to size with the table saw.

13. Place 1½-inch steel angles in each corner of the cabinet. Screw the steel angles to the cabinet with the included screws and a screwdriver. Place the countertop over the top of the cabinet and screw the angles onto the bottom of the countertop to secure it.

Tags: cabinet with, -inch plywood, trim pieces, each corner, finished walnut, -inch finished, -inch finished walnut

Decorate A Blue Bedroom

Decorate a Blue Bedroom

Because of the soothing, relaxing feeling it brings, blue is a color often used in bedrooms. Too much blue, however, can make the occupant feel like he is sleeping underwater. By introducing other colors and certain materials, you can give your blue room a more modern feel or the feeling of a cozy beach cabin.

Instructions

Decorate a Blue Bedroom

1. Decide how you want your blue bedroom to feel. Adding a lot of white will give it a beach cabin vibe; adding sleek, black items will make the room feel more modern.

2. Add crown molding to the top of the walls. Choose either black or white, depending on your taste. Adding crown molding will break up the large expanse of blue walls.

3. Add shelves to the walls. Choose a white shelving unit, if you are going for the feel of a cozy beach cabin. Choose slim, black, floating shelves for a more modern look. Add decorative accessories to the shelves. A silver vase and tall candlesticks work well against a blue wall in a modern room. Shells and short, fat, white candles complement an ocean-themed room.

4. Hang window treatments and add bed linens. For the modern room, choose linens and treatments that do not have any blue in them. Instead, choose soft gray or white with a black, modern pattern. For a beachfront or country feel, choose white linens and treatments, with a blue floral pattern in them.

5. Add accent colors. If the walls are dark blue and your room is modern, bright yellow roses in a black vase will add a sophisticated touch. If the walls are pale blue and you are going for the country look, add pink roses in an old, white pitcher.

Tags: beach cabin, Blue Bedroom, Decorate Blue, Decorate Blue Bedroom, more modern, cozy beach, cozy beach cabin

How Tall Should Bedroom Lamps Be Compared To A Headboard

When you are redecorating your bedroom, you are usually going for an overall look or feel to the room. An important factor to consider in decorating any room is scale. You don't want to overwhelm the room with furniture that is too large, and you don't want furniture so small that it looks out of place.

Headboards

Headboards are the focal point of a bedroom. They can be tall and majestic or short and sleek. Whatever style of headboard you choose, it will set the stage for the rest of your decorating in the room. Consider the size of the room before purchasing a tall headboard. A tall headboard can instantly overwhelm a room and make it feel even smaller. Choose a headboard in the style you want, but choose one that is well-proportioned for the rest of the room. If you have high ceilings, then you can choose a taller headboard.

Side Tables

The tables on either side of the room are also important. For the most symmetrical look, the tables should match and should be as tall as the top of the mattress. The best gauge for the height of the table is that it should be easily accessible when in bed. A table that is too tall or too short will be awkward to use. Remember that style isn't the only function of the room. It has to be comfortable to use as well as stylish. Keep in mind the items that you will want to have on the tables for immediate use.

Lamps

When choosing lamps for your bedroom, take into account the overall size of the lamps, the size of the table that they will be placed on and the size of the headboard.

For a bed with a tall and ornate headboard, a tall, ornate lamp will work well. It will complement the size of the headboard and the décor of the room. If your bed is modern in style and has a sleek headboard, you may want to choose an equally sleek and unadorned lamp. Any size lamp will work well with this style, as long as the decoration on the lamp itself is kept to a minimum.

The proportion of the lamp should match the table. The lamp and the table should complement each other in size as well as style.

If you choose to go with a wall lamp, then it should be positioned so that it is easily accessible from a seated position in the bed. For a floor lamp, the top of the lampshade should ideally be no more than 48 inches from the top of the mattress.

For any lamp that is going to be used from the bed, it's important that it be easily accessible from the bed itself.

Tags: easily accessible, table that, accessible from, decorating room, easily accessible from

Replace Bathroom Vanity Lights

Remodeling or changing a bathroom can be a good project for a homeowner interested in redesigning a small space. Adding a new item such as a new vanity can spark changes throughout the bathroom, and using a different vanity light can increase or decrease the amount of working light within the bathroom. Safety precautions include making sure the power to the fixture is turned off completely.

Instructions

1. Shut off the power to the vanity light circuit at the main power panel.

2. Locate the screws which secure the light fixture to the light's wall mounting bracket. These screws will either be regular screws or Allen-head screws.

3. Remove the screws and the light fixture from the mounting bracket. Remove the plastic twist caps and disconnect the fixture wiring from the supply wiring coming out of the wall. Set the fixture aside.

4. Remove the screws holding the mounting bracket to the wall, and take off the mounting bracket.

5. Read the manufacturer's instructions on install the new mounting bracket, and secure the bracket to the wall. Connect the new fixture wiring to the existing wiring by joining the two white wires and then joining the two black wires. Place a plastic twist cap on both splices. Connect the ground wire if one is available.

6. Hold the new light fixture into position on the mounting bracket and secure it with the screws that were supplied. Turn the power back on and test the light.

Tags: mounting bracket, light fixture, bracket secure, bracket wall, fixture wiring

What Is A Split Bedroom Ranch House

The split bedroom design is a common one in ranch style homes. Though not a traditional ranch home setup, this layout option can be found on many modern home hunter's wish lists, as it has many advantages. If seeking a ranch style residence, consider this layout option when looking for homes that fit with your lifestyle.

Definition

A split bedroom floor plan consists of a master bedroom separated from the rest of the bedrooms in the home. Most often, this means that the master bedroom will be on one side of the home while the other bedrooms rest on the other side with the two separated by the kitchen and family room. This type of setup is common among open floor plan homes where a great room has replaced the standard separated living room and family room.

Benefits

One of the most obvious benefits of this setup is the added privacy the homeowner has in his master bedroom. Because the guest or kids' rooms are on a different side of the home, the master bedroom inhabitant does not have to worry about noise or fear that others will intrude upon his space. This can be particularly advantageous if the homeowner intends to use the other bedrooms as guest space, as this allows him to give his guests privacy as well. It's also ideal if the other bedrooms will be filled by older children who want their space and autonomy.

Drawbacks

Couples with young children may not appreciate this type of floor plan, as it puts them at a distance from the children they may have to tend to in the night. While this issue can be remedied by using a baby monitor, many parents are simply not eager to take long walks across the home to see to their children and opt instead for a more centralized bedroom setup.

Considerations

Ultimately, the decision as to whether this setup is ideal requires a consideration of the homeowner's aesthetic and lifestyle. If the individual buying the home is a fan of open concept and wishes to reap the benefits of the privacy and noise-control associated with this setup, the floor plan may prove desirable. If, on the other hand, the homebuyers are soon planning to have children or prefer a more cozy and segmented design, this option will likely not be the best one for them.

Tags: floor plan, master bedroom, other bedrooms, this setup, family room, layout option

A Diy Teen Bedroom Makeover

Give your teen some freedom to makeover her bedroom.

Teens have their own ideas about what colors, images and things they want to surround themselves with. Allow your teen to makeover her bedroom with a few do-it-yourself projects she can do with her friends, without damaging your home. Be clear about any expectations or rules, such as not painting the walls black. Her bedroom should reflect her lifestyle, hobbies and personality. Give her a budget and let her create the space she desires.

Instructions

1. Decide on a color scheme, theme and basic design for the room. For example, model the room after his favorite professional team or an activity he enjoys, such as surfing.

2. Paint the walls. Choose a solid color to allow for more freedom in updating the room again later or paint a bold pattern or design on the walls. For example, paint a beach setting with the sun setting over the water on one wall if she wants a beach theme. Stripes, geometric patterns, polka dots or faux finishes are other options.

3. Update the current furniture by upholstering the headboard with a funky fabric or painting other pieces. If your teen wants to include a lot of black, let him paint his furniture black instead of the walls.

4. Make your own wall decor. Paint images or put together collages of photos for an instant update that's easy to change if she changes her mind again.

5. Choose reversible bedding to give him more options for the look of the room. Alternatively, let him make his own duvet cover out of inexpensive sheets by using fabric adhesive if he doesn't know sew.

6. Accessorize the room with pillows, a lamp, artwork, trophies or your teen's other prized possessions. Glue beads, seashells or other decorative items onto picture frames or mirrors for a personal touch. Give her baskets, bins or plastic containers that complement her color scheme or theme to keep her things picked up and organized.

Tags: your teen, color scheme, color scheme theme, makeover bedroom, scheme theme

Bedroom Makeovers And Games

Design personalized bedrooms with these online bedroom makeover games.

Online bedroom makeover games are simply designed and easy for girls of all ages to play. They often require the player be able to aim and click the mouse to change items and sometimes drag items to their desired position. These bedroom makeover games are appropriate for girls ages 4-12.

Simple Bedroom Makeover

Girlsgogames.com offers a variety of choices for bedroom makeover games. These games are general in nature and require the player set up a bedroom with basic furniture and decorations. Games like Bedroom Makeover and Design Your Own Room are a good starting point for girls just learning to play this type of game. They offer choices on sizes and types of beds, different styles of accent furniture, window treatments, wall d cor and flooring. The player gets to personalize the room from top to bottom, including color scheme.

Princess Bedroom Makeover

Dailydressupgames.com gives girls a few choices for princess bedroom makeover games. These games are often done in a pink theme and may contain ornate, frilly types of d cor. This website offers three games that fit the princess bedroom theme. They are Pink Bedroom Makeover, Princess Bedroom Makeover and Princess Room Makeover. The Princess Room Makeover game is styled a bit more for older girls as it isn't as pink and formal. It allows the player to use more modern styles and designs to make a princess room.

Trendy Bedroom Makeover

Girlsgamesnow.com gives players a bit of a spin on bedroom makeovers. They have two games geared towards more modern and trendy d cor. The games, Trendy Room Design and My Bedroom Decoration, both offer furniture and decoration choices to fit an older, teenage style bedroom. These games allow the player to choose between a larger color scheme, modern and retro style furniture, and a generally more mature style of room decoration.

Themed Bedroom Makeover

Dressupgames.com is the website to visit for unusual themed bedroom makeover games. The game, Amy's Vintage Room, allows the player to choose from vintage, romantic styled room decoration. The player has a different set of choices for d cor than the typical bedroom makeover game. The game, Fruity House Maker, also gives players a new twist on bedroom makeovers. This game features bright summer colors and fruit themed d cor to make a bedroom.

Tags: bedroom makeover games, makeover games, Bedroom Makeover, bedroom makeover, Makeover Princess, These games, allows player

Decorate A Long Living Room & Dining Room Wall

Decorate the walls to differentiate between the living and dining room.

Having one long wall expand across two different rooms, such as your living and dining room, can create decorating challenges, especially if you want the two spaces to visually have their own identity. Choose colors, patterns or objects that you can use in both spaces to unite the areas so they complement each other rather than compete. Use the shared wall to achieve a cohesive look that flows without using the same color scheme or theme in both spaces.

Instructions

1. Paint the wall in one color that works with both rooms. For example, use chocolate brown if your dining room is chocolate brown and red, and your living room is chocolate brown and aqua. Use two different shades that complement each other, or paint one section and wallpaper the other. Use decorative molding to separate the two areas. For example, the dining room part of the wall can boast a cream-colored wallpaper with mauve and light blue flowers, while the living room portion of the wall is painted in the same shade of light blue.

2. Hang mirrors in both spaces. Use different sizes, shapes or frames for distinction, such as a formal rectangular mirror with a floral border etched into the glass in the dining room, and a series of playful round mirrors in the living room.

3. Frame artwork or family pictures to hang on both sides of the walls. Use artwork with at least one common color or a similar theme or style, such as an image of a vineyard with a gold frame in the dining room and a picture of rolling hills in a matching gold frame in the living room. Alternatively, hang black-and-white family photos in the living room with black frames, and a mirror with the same black frame in the dining room.

4. Hang panels of fabric in one or both rooms on small decorative rods. For example, paint the entire wall terracotta red, then hang fabric with a striped print with hints of the red in the living room section of the wall. Alternatively, hang two different prints on the walls using complementary colors but different patterns.

5. Accessorize the walls with wall sconces, floating shelves holding knickknacks, or wall stickers with images or words that apply to both spaces. For example, the dining room might have "Bon Appetit," while the living room has "Live, Laugh, Love" or whatever words are inspiring to you and your family.

Tags: living room, both spaces, dining room, dining room, chocolate brown, Alternatively hang, both rooms

Hang A Mirror On A Bedroom Door

A full-length mirror on a bedroom door lets you view your entire figure and wardrobe before heading out to face the world. If there is a stain on your skirt or a fleck of lint on your trousers, the mirror will help you notice the problem. Installing the mirror on the door requires support brackets and mounting screws, available at hardware stores. Choosing the best hardware for the job depends on the door construction. In newer homes, doors are often made of thin wood layered on a hollow core to keep down the weight as well as the cost.

Instructions

Fastening to the Door

1. Hold the mirror against the door at the desired height and make a pencil mark in each corner.

2. Draw a horizontal line with the pencil and ruler from the upper left to right corner. Hold a bubble level against the pencil line to confirm it is level.

3. Screw a picture bracket into the door at the two bottom corners. Use toggle bolts in a hollow door or wood screws with poiinted tips in a solid wood door.

4. Rotate the brackets so the support lip points up. Lower the bottom edge of the mirror into the bottom brackets while an assistant holds the mirror against the door for support.

5. Screw the two top brackets into the door over the upper corners of the mirror, with each bracket lip pointed upward. Drive each screw halfway into the door so the bracket can rotate. The assistant should continue to hold the mirror in place.

6. Rotate the two top brackets so the lip on each is over the top edge of the mirror. Once the brackets are in position, finish screwing them securely into the door.

Hanging over the Door

7. Open the bedroom door.

8. Place the two hangers over the top edge of the door so the hooks face the side for hanging the mirror. Spread the two hangers evenly on on door edge.

9. Lift the mirror to the door and hang the hooks or wire on the back of the mirror onto the door hangers. Adjust the mirror left or right to level.

Tags: into door, against door, bedroom door, edge mirror, left right, mirror against

Vintage Bedroom Styles

Give your bedroom vintage style.

Home decor trends, just as those in fashion, go in and out of style. Vintage and retro styles always manage to make a comeback. Usually, certain elements are modernized, but the idea is still the same: Your bedroom should be your sanctuary from the world. To change up the design and style, you can choose a vintage bedroom look.

Victorian

Create a Victorian retreat in your bedroom. Start with a vintage iron bed. Add sumptuous vintage fabrics, like pink pastel bedding. Distressed white furniture enhances the look. Also, use soft lace and a floral motif throughout the room. For a vintage touch, add a dress form as decoration.

Hollywood Glam

Channel the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s old Hollywood. Start with luxurious bedding; for example, a silver-and-purple damask pattern. Add a crystal chandelier or two. Wrought-iron mirrors and furniture step up the drama. Replace hardware on furniture and doorknobs with mirrored, knobs. Mirrored side tables and fluffy rugs finish off the look.

Funky 1960s

For this look, use bright colors, like hot pink, green and yellow. Hang window treatments in splashy and bold florals. Add a bed with a white frame. Patterns to use for the bedding include neon paisleys and wild geometric designs. Throw pillows in stripes and denim dress up the bed. Add matching furniture pieces, such as a white dresser and desk. Bold, tie-dye prints on the walls give your vintage bedroom a funky look.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Create an oasis in your bedroom with a Tiffany-blue bedroom, using elements from the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" as inspiration. Start with the color of the signature Tiffany box, and pair it with white rugs and a crystal chandelier. The bed should be simple, with white bedding and soft, blue throw pillows. For added glam, have your pillows monogrammed. A mirrored vanity and a retro phone in black finish off the look.

Tags: Start with, with white, Breakfast Tiffany, crystal chandelier, finish look, like pink

Calculate Cost Of Bedroom Remodel

Remodeling your home is not a task to undertake without preparation. But a bedroom remodel is relatively simple compared with renovating other rooms. From expanding a closet to painting a faux finish accent wall, estimating your expected costs is simply a matter of preparing a list.

Instructions

1. List the changes you'd like to make. Measure the room so you know the square footage and calculate the square footage of any changes you're planning, such as adding a closet, so that you can estimate framing materials and drywall.

2. Obtain quotes from local contractors. Even if you're planning on doing the work yourself, they can give you a rough estimate of what the project would cost and perhaps give you some ideas you haven't thought of. They should give you an itemized list of materials and labor.

3. Use the estimate from the contractors to figure out which supplies you'll need. Visit home improvement stores to get prices. For example, if you're adding or expanding a closet, you'll need to price the appropriate amount of lumber and drywall. If you're painting, talk to the paint department to find out how far a gallon of paint will go. To install new flooring, simply price the flooring and multiply the price per square foot by the square footage of the bedroom, then add 10 percent for waste.

4. Price any additional supplies you might need, including drywall tape and joint compound, paint brushes and drop cloths or padding for new flooring. Also think about any other fixtures you plan to include. Popular items to include in a bedroom remodel are fans, light fixtures, switch plates, outlets, window coverings and doors. The only way to estimate costs for these things is to pick out a specific item and price it, but this can easily be done online using home improvement store websites.

Tags: square footage, bedroom remodel, expanding closet, home improvement

Decorate A Bedroom With Christmas Lights

Using different types of lights add sparkle to a bedroom's decor.

Christmas brings out the decorating bug as you deck the outside and inside areas of your home with strands of lights. However, you can decorate a bedroom year round with holidays lights for a bright, festive touch appropriate for any season. Lights come in several different forms, such as bulbs, rope lights, icicles and LED. Lights also are available in a variety of colors, such as reds, blues, greens, whites, purples and golds to create a range of moods and effects in bedroom decor.

Instructions

1. Plug in all lights first to test them. Replace bulbs that have burned out. Plug in a string of lights before you start decorating with it so you can see the effect as you work.

2. Place a strand of lights around the perimeter of each bedroom window. Tape the wire in place every 3 inches. For a different look, tape hanging icicle lights across the tops of windows, allowing the lights to dangle into the window as an illuminated valance or panel.

3. Run rope lights along the perimeter of the ceiling. Tape them in place or use hooks large enough to accommodate the rope lights. Bring the lights down the corners of the room. Place rope lights around the mirrors and along the edges of shelves for added reflection and shine. If you don't want the tape to show, use clear tape instead. Hooks also work along shelf or windowsill edges.

4. Incorporate lights with greenery throughout the room. Mix icicle lights with ivy, wrap twinkling lights around the stalks of a potted palm or bamboo plant or festoon the branches of a ficus tree with lights in a startling color, such as purple.

5. Staple lengths of tulle so they hang down the sides of a door opening. Pull the tulle back by wrapping it with strands of twinkle lights. Or combine tulle and twinkle lights to create a swag above a window or bed.

Tags: rope lights, lights around, bedroom decor, icicle lights, lights with, twinkle lights, with strands

Change A Bathroom Faucet Fixture

Whether you want to give your bathroom a mini makeover or you simply want to replace your out-dated bathroom sink faucet, you can save money if you do it yourself. If you get the right materials and tools, and follow the step-by-step instructions below, you can replace your faucet and make your bathroom shine.

Instructions

Remove the Old Fixture

1. Turn off the water at the valves under the sink or at the main water-supply valve, and loosen the supply tubes for the cold and hot valves. Remove the compression nut at the faucet stem with the basin wrench. Remove the nut that holds the faucet to the sink, and then remove the faucet.

2. Place a bucket under the drain and remove the old pop-up for the drain. Remove the nut above the P-trap, loosen the nut and remove the P-trap.

3. Remove the pop-up lever from the drain, and then loosen the lock nut that holds the drain to the sink. Unscrew the drain flange and drain using the Philips and flathead screwdrivers.

Install the New Faucet

4. Place the Teflon paste or tape on the faucet stems. Insert the faucet stems in the appropriate holes in the sink. Then, tighten the nuts holding the faucet to the sink by hand and use the basin wrench to give them another quarter turn.

5. Connect the supply tubes to the faucet stems using the manufacturer's directions. Be sure to apply the Teflon paste to shutoff valve and tighten the faucet-supply stems' coupling nuts. Fit the drain flange into the drain hole after applying caulk to the underside. Screw the drain housing to the flange, placing the lock nut on the housing, and then the metal washer and gasket.

6. Install the pop-up drain, placing the hole for the control pin so that it's facing the rear of the sink. Then, insert the bail lever in the side hole of the drain assembly and fit the control pin through the hole.

7. Insert the drain rod in the hole in the faucet, and tighten the attached screw to attach the connecting link to the faucet rod. Using the V-clip, attach the bail lever to the connection link. Then, connect the new drain extension to the P-trap. Remove the aerator from the faucet and turn on the water to clean the supply tubes and to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, replace the aerator and turn off the water.

Tags: faucet stems, supply tubes, bail lever, basin wrench, drain flange, drain hole

Paint Concrete Bedroom Floors

Painting concrete follows the same procedure regardless of location.

Concrete floors in any room indoors, including bedrooms, can be customized to meet the needs and desires of the owner. You can paint or stain the concrete in various patterns and colors to complement any decor. The key to a good paint or stain comes from proper preparation. An interior concrete floor should be relatively smooth, which requires sanding. Painting the floor at that point is a simple matter of rolling out concrete paint onto the floor.

Instructions

1. Clean the surface of the concrete with a broom to remove a majority of dust and debris. Patch any cracks or holes with a concrete patching compound following the instructions on the container. Allow any patches to fully dry before sanding and painting the surface.

2. Sand the floor with a floor buffer and a 100-grit, screen mesh sandpaper disc. Work in random circles around the surface of the floor. Get the corners and tight spots with a random orbit sander and the same grit sandpaper.

3. Clean the surface with a concrete cleanser and a mop to remove all the dust and debris. Mop the floor with plain water to remove any residual cleansing solution.

4. Paint the floor with a concrete paint in your choice of colors and a paint roller. Epoxy paints are the standard concrete paint and are resistant to foot traffic. Allow the first coat to dry before adding a second top coat.

Tags: concrete paint, floor with, with concrete, Clean surface, dust debris

Window Treatments For Large Bedroom Windows

The time has never been better to shop for large bedroom window treatments.

Adding a new window treatment is a great option to liven up any space. With new technologies being incorporated all the time, it has never been easier to find a wide selection. This is especially helpful because large windows tend to require a little something extra to look their best. With a few of the newest styles, you can easily spruce up your large bedroom window.

Blinds and Shutters

Traditional blinds and shutters now come in a variety of styles and sizes. Oversized blinds can be a particularly good choice for large windows, as blinds are effective in controlling light. If you're opting for shutters, a good starting point is to pull from your existing room. For example, if you have a natural wood shelf, try using shutters of a similar wood to really pull the space together.

Drapes and Curtain

Drapes and curtains are a natural choice for large windows, as they tend to be simple to install and fit well. Oversized drapes are a good choice as well; when drapes "pool" on the floor, it tends to create the feeling of a frame. Drapes also come in all different materials including light textured linen. Sheer curtains and blinds can be combined as well, for a breezy and layered look.

Manual Tracks

Manual tracks are the conventional method of installing drapes and curtains, but this has also evolved the style of current window treatments. Many drapes emphasize oversized eyelets. Again, this is a great way to pull in another material or element from somewhere in the room, as eyelets can involve wood, vinyl, other fabrics or metals. For an industrial look, you can even clip your drapes to a drape line or thin rod using metal bulldog clips.

Electronic Tracks

Electronic tracks are motorized tracks window treatments can be installed on, allowing the user to control them with a button or switch. Many electronic track systems also incorporate a remote control for ultimate convenience. Electronic tracks can be used in conjunction with virtually any window treatment, and may be the extra ingredient you are looking for.

Tags: large windows, window treatments, bedroom window, choice large, choice large windows, good choice

Decorate A Boy'S Bedroom In A Western Theme

Little boys love to pretend they are cowboys.

Remember the days when you dreamed of becoming a cowboy who could rope steers, ride the range and sleep under the stars near your faithful companion and sidekick, your horse? Decorating a boy's bedroom in a Wild West theme will stoke his imagination and fuel his desire to be an honest, hardworking cowboy. Many accessories, fabrics, colors, and furniture choices work well for this theme.

Instructions

1. Think of heavy duty materials when you choose bedding, drapes and throw pillows for your child's bedroom. Denim, faux leather and bandana print fabrics all work well with a western theme.

2. Choose warm colors for the bedroom. You may decide to paint the walls taupe or a sage green. Accessorize with rugs and throw pillows that are burgundy or the warm colors of a sunset.

3. Paint a mural on one wall of your young man's bedroom. One idea is a desert scene with cactus and a sunset in the background, according to the Artistic Sensations website.

4. Choose rustic and sturdy furniture for the western themed bedroom. Broad beams and dark wood tones will make the room look like a ranch hand's bunkhouse. There are plenty of styles to choose from at furniture stores. A popular choice for a western theme is furniture with a faux log cabin look.

5. Accessorize with lamps that have faux leather shades or stirrups printed on the fabric. Use desert or mountain scenes for the pictures in the room. You can even buy electric lamps that look like old-fashioned lanterns. If the young boy has a bookshelf, purchase bookends that look like cowboy hats, horses or a cowboy leaning against a fence-row.

6. Make a rustic looking room decoration by tying a lasso together with leather strings to create a wreath. Decorate with horseshoes, arrowheads or a bridle.

Tags: look like, Accessorize with, faux leather, lamps that, that look, that look like

What Causes Cold Bedrooms

Drafty windows and poor insulation are common causes for cold bedrooms.

A cold bedroom is an uncomfortable bedroom, though detecting the source of the problem can be difficult. Stop-gap measures such as space heaters, electric blankets and hot water bottles can present fire or scalding hazards and are often cumbersome or ineffective. To keep your bedroom consistently warm, familiarize yourself with the common, underlying reasons for chilliness.

Poor Exposure

Sunlight can often make the difference between a cold bedroom and a warm bedroom. Lack of sunlight during the day can exacerbate other negative conditions, such as dampness, that can lower the temperature in a room at night. Increasing exposure to sunlight is also one of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly ways of heating a room. If you have a choice of rooms, favor bedrooms that have southern exposure to increase the amount of direct sunlight you receive during the day. Prune braches or ivy that may be blocking sunlight from entering your room, and keep windows clean. Lastly, make sure to keep your curtains open during the day.

Inadequate Insulation

Inadequate insulation is common in older homes, but can also plague newer ones if improperly implemented. Lack of effective insulation is often a cause of "mysterious" coldness in a room because it is generally difficult to identify. If you cannot find the cause of coldness in your bedroom after a thorough inspection, you may want to have a contractor or environmental specialist examine your bedroom with regard to insulation. Remember that brick houses and attached houses generally enjoy better insulation, while free-standing homes and wooden homes require greater attention. Finally, modern windows with double panes are an excellent investment when attempting to better insulate your home.

Drafts

Drafts, or undesirable air currents passing through your room, can lower bedroom temperatures considerably in the winter. The most common cause of draftiness is improperly fitted windows. If your window is improperly fitted, a simple solution is to caulk around the edges of the frame. You may also wish to apply this technique to loose door frames or air vents. Draftiness can also be prevented in part by planting trees around your home. Mature trees block wind, which can dramatically reduce draftiness in your home.

Dampness

Dampness in the bedroom not only contributes to coldness, but can also cause other problems such as rot and mildew. If your room is on the top floor of your house, make sure that no moisture is escaping through your ceiling. Dark spots on your ceiling are an indication of escaping moisture. If your bedroom is on the ground floor, water may seep from a basement or foundation through the floor. Leaky pipes are another common source of dampness. If you are experiencing these conditions, consider hiring a contractor to shore up your walls, floors or ceiling.

Tags: your bedroom, your home, your room, cold bedroom, improperly fitted, insulation common

Decorating Ideas Dining Room Curtains

These curtains with their heavy fabric add a more formal look to this room.

Whether you're remodeling your entire dining room or your windows are just looking a little drab or bare, the curtains you choose for your dining room can make or break the room's look. Choose curtains that fit the feel you're trying to achieve. Heavy drapes tend to look out of place in an informal dining room, and sheer, short curtains rarely work in a formal room.

Keep It Simple

For a more informal look, keep it simple. Use roman shades in a single color or simple pattern, such as vertical stripes, in a small, informal dining room or dining nook. Try woven blinds in a light color to brighten up a small space, or stick with simple sheer curtain panels with a touch of trim for a clean look. If you don't feel the need to open and close your window treatments, hang a basic curtain panel from a one-by-one piece of wood nailed inside the top of the window to keep the fabric in place.

Touch the Floor

If you want a more formal look in your dining room, make your curtains touch the floor. You can hang the curtains starting right above the window, or to make your room look taller, place your curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible so that your curtain panels touch the ceiling and the floor. For a romantic, formal look, let the end of each panel puddle elegantly on the floor.

Add a Swag

To keep from blocking the natural light from your windows, omit the longer, traditional window treatments and just add a swag. You can create a swag from any piece of material. Loop the material around your curtain rod multiple times to create a number of mini swags or simply place an end of the material over each end of the rod and let the middle of the material hang down to make a single swag. If the swag alone seems too sparse, add a sheer curtain panel or two to finish the look.

Layer It

For a more elaborate look to your dining room windows, layer your window treatment. Place a swag of material over a sheer curtain panel, or use curtain panels or drapes over a pair of roman or woven shades. If letting light in isn't an issue, hang multiple panels on top of one another, with the shortest on the outside, to create a window treatment with triple color. Double up rods to do the same thing vertically.

Tags: dining room, curtain panel, curtain panels, formal look, sheer curtain

Rent A Basement Bedroom

Although a basement bedroom rental implies a rental of only a single room, a classified ad or word-of-mouth referral for a basement bedroom may describe a room, a room plus bathroom or an entire basement that may include a separate bedroom, small dining or living area or even a kitchenette. The process to find and rent a basement bedroom is no different than the process to rent an apartment or house--you simply need to be aware of the differences between a basement rental and other rental types.

Instructions

1. Locate a basement bedroom for rent in classified advertisements or ask around.

2. Contact the owner of a property to find out if the basement bedroom rental is still available. If the room or rooms is still available, ask about the lease terms and requirements including specifics such as rent payment frequency (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly), down payment and first rental payment amounts, lease length, heating and air conditioning availability and pet allowances if applicable.

3. Walk through the property to check that it meets your needs. Go over additional bedroom rental basics such as included utilities, neighborhood information and whether you're expected to share a bathroom with others. Additionally, look for any negatives that apply to basement rentals that would affect your decision such as visible mildew or mold, musty or bad smells and lack of windows or a secondary exit in case of fire or flood.

4. Agree to the owner's terms or check out other possible basement bedroom rentals.

5. Read thoroughly the rental agreement once you find a place that you like. Sign it -- making certain that you get a copy for your records after the owner signs. Pay the agreed-upon first rental payment and down payment if applicable.

Tags: basement bedroom, bedroom rental, basement bedroom rental, down payment, first rental, first rental payment, rental payment

Does Blue Make A Bathroom Look Smaller

Large quantities of dark blue can make a large bathroom appear smaller.

Blue is a soothing, cool color reflecting crystal blue oceans and brilliant blue skies -- a great choice for any bathroom. Adding black to primary blue creates a variety of dark blue tones that make a room appear smaller. Conversely, mixing primary blue with white results in lighter blue tints that make a room appear larger. The quantity of blue injected into a bathroom through accessories, paint, wallpaper and tiles also has a direct impact in making a bathroom appear larger or smaller.

Walls

Bathroom walls are commonly painted or tiled. Paint one or two accent walls in a deep navy or turquoise blue to add instant drama and coziness to a large bathroom. Covering an accent wall in a small bathroom with a light ocean or powder blue paint gives the illusion of an airy, open space. Select a paint suitable to withstand the frequent high humidity and heat levels in bathrooms. Incorporate solid blue or patterned tiles on a vanity, shower or backsplash to add interest to any size bathroom.

Mood

Incorporating Intense, deep blues into a bathroom creates a stimulating, energetic mood while making a large bathroom feel smaller and cozier. Vivid turquoise and royal or navy blue demand attention, creating a bold presence. Lighter blue tones, such as soft ocean blues, soothe the senses, creating a calming effect reminiscent of a favorite beach vacation or luxury resort spa. Pale blues also make a small bathroom feel more spacious and open.

Lighting

Any shade of blue will be brightened or darkened depending on the bathroom lighting. Dimmer light switches creating a low level of cozy light enhance deep blue shades in a large bathroom, making it feel smaller and more comfy. Natural light streaming in through an overhead skylight or large window enhances and lightens soft blue tones in a small bathroom, creating an open, airy ambiance. Task lighting positioned over bathroom mirrors provides function and complements the decor.

Accessories

Add a bold punch of intense blue to a small bathroom without making it feel cramped. Throw rugs, shower curtains, soap dispensers, pictures and candles inject energy and interest into a clean white or soft beige bathroom. Large bathrooms appear smaller by integrating larger deep blue accessories, such as substantial framed or canvas wall art, oversized vases, an area rug in lieu of throw rugs and an assortment of intense blue bath and hand towels.

Tags: large bathroom, small bathroom, appear smaller, blue tones, appear larger

Does A Black Breakfast Table Go With A Wood Dining Table

This dining room works well with mismatched furnishings.

Design rules morph and change as the decades pass, and homeowners can now dress up homes with free rein. Though past guidelines called for matching furniture ensembles, you can now mix and match decor regardless of your home's period or style. Your space will look more attractive if you've gathered your furnishings over time, rather than all at once. Matching sets are out; mixed materials are in.

Mixing Colors

Because black and wood both function as neutral bases, you can confidently coordinate the two in adjacent rooms. Whether you prefer traditional, eclectic, modern, contemporary or country design schemes, a black breakfast table near a wood dining table will not discombobulate the eye. In fact, black grounds a space, so use some quantity of black in every room.

Balance

Mixing materials creates interest in a space. Though black offers color value, wood offers texture. By using different surfaces throughout your space, including rough-hewn woods and sleek black tables, you'll achieve balance. If you use too many smooth surfaces, your space will seem cold. Use too many rough textures, and your home will appear unsophisticated. If your breakfast table, dining table, flooring and kitchen cabinets all match, your home will seem like a one-note space.

Breakfast Nook Choices

Homeowners put breakfast tables in either the kitchen or a separate breakfast nook. Smaller than dining tables, breakfast tables look like pub tables, and the size works well for informal meals or a cup of coffee. In the spirit of flexible decorating, your breakfast seating needn't match the table either. Designers now focus on comfort rather than stiff and stilted displays of furniture. Use your breakfast nook as desired. Rather than using the formulaic combination of a breakfast table and stools, some homeowners skip the ensemble altogether and select club chairs instead. Some daring decorators put full-size tables in the middle of the kitchen.

Tying the Rooms Together

Don't throw out all of the old design rules just yet. To create harmony between adjacent rooms, use the tried and true method of repeating a color or pattern. For example, if your breakfast table sports a green centerpiece, repeat the color or style in your dining room vase. Synchronize the placemats in the breakfast room with the upholstery in the dining room, or put sea-grass rugs under both tables.

Tags: your breakfast, dining room, your home, adjacent rooms, breakfast nook, breakfast table

Doityourself Bedroom Makeover

Nothing can brighten your day like perking up the decor of your bedroom. With a few easy steps, a drab, boring bedroom can look brand new again. It doesn't have to cost a fortune---creating a beautiful new bedroom can be a great do-it-yourself project. You will have only the expense of the materials you use, and you can avoid the labor costs of having someone else do your remodeling.

The Theme

The first step in updating the decor of your bedroom is to decide on a theme for the room. This will allow you to choose a color scheme so the entire room and all accessories will be complementary. For instance, if you want a floral theme, you might use some floral patterns and also some solid or stripe patterns in the same range of colors. The key is to choose coordinating shades that go well together without looking completely matched.

The Floors

Take a look at your floors and determine if they need some improvement. If you have a carpeted floor, you don't necessarily need to put down new carpet. Giving it a thorough shampooing may be just what it needs to look fresh and new. If you have a hardwood floor, a good polish job and some bright new throw rugs will bring it to life again.

The Walls

The walls of your bedroom are where you can really get creative! When choosing colors of paints, wallpapers and borders, the possibilities are endless. You can paint all four walls or only one to give the room a focal point. Using two different coordinating colors on each set of walls is also a nice touch. Putting wallpaper on only one wall with paint and border on the other three is another great way to draw attention to your favorite area of the room.

Furniture & Bedding

Your bedroom furniture does not have to match. In fact, a room can have a more interesting appeal if it doesn't. As long as your bedding is a similar color scheme as your walls and window treatments, you can basically get away with anything when it comes to furniture. Bedding looks best if it is a matching set or in colors and shades that go well together.

Window Treatments & Accessories

Complementary window treatments can give a bedroom that extra-special look. It's best to choose curtains or valances that are similar to the color or pattern of your bedding. This is an excellent way to pull the entire room together. If you also want to use blinds, be sure to first decide if you want light to be filtered in or if you want the room to be darkened.

Accessories are your final step to giving your bedroom a personal touch. These include lamps, throw rugs and any wall hangings you might like. With a little time and creative know-how, you can save money while creating a bedroom that is as unique as you are.

Tags: your bedroom, bedroom that, color scheme, decor your, decor your bedroom, entire room, shades that

Pretty Master Bedroom Colors

Shades of white are a pretty addition to the master bedroom.

Whether you want to feel warm and cozy or upbeat and energized in your master bedroom, the right colors will help you to accomplish your decorating goals. Pretty shades give a room an air of demure elegance that will invite you to relax and unwind at the end of a hard day. Many are suitable for a bedroom shared with a mate.

Purple

Royalty and mystery are the qualities associated with purple. Softer shades of this hue tend to have feminine appeal, while men prefer darker purples like aubergine. Pastel purple or shades that are tinged with pink, like magenta or fuchsia, are impressive when used for throw rugs or for furniture like an ottoman or chaise. For a bedroom shared with your spouse, paint the walls a soft shade of purple, and create a dark-purple accent wall. Add dark-purple toss pillows to the bed, and hang dark-purple curtains.

Shades of White

White can look stylish and classy in a master bedroom. Use variations of white on white, such as cream on white or grayish white on white. Incorporate accents, such as white roses in a silver vase and white curtains. A plush white area rug gives the room even more texture. Frame black-and-white photos, and put them in silver frames. For a clean, fresh look, use a simple white comforter and toss pillows in lively blue or yellow or any other colors you like.

Pinks and Reds

Energy, passion, and an appreciation for beauty are symbolized in the many pretty hues of red and pink. Pastel pink walls with a rose-red stripe painted in the center of an accent wall are ideal for a room with a pink-and-red theme. Add metallic accents like bronze shelves holding red ceramic dishes of potpourri or a vase filled with red tulips. For a funky retro-look, browse thrift stores for an old-fashioned chenille bedspread with pink flowers. Large hot-pink and dusty-rose throw pillows for the floor will provide additional seating, you can prop them against the cherry dresser when you're not using them.

Metallic Shades

Pretty shades of bronze, gold, and silver add class and sophistication to a master bedroom and are considered unisex. Cover the walls with an almost-imperceptible bronze, gold or silver faux paint. It will give the room a magical sort of shimmer and glow. If the look seems too heavy, faux paint one wall as a focal point. Black furniture harmonizes with this look. Choose turquoise , royal blue or deep red as accent colors.

Tags: master bedroom, accent wall, bedroom shared, bedroom shared with, bronze gold, bronze gold silver, faux paint

Use A Sofa In A Dining Room

Add a sofa in a dining room

In the past, walls sectioned off the rooms in our homes creating separate, one-function areas. A dining room or living room was often quite formal and private. However, multitasking has become an important part of our everyday lives and has greatly affected the layout of our homes. Open concept spaces encourage casual interaction between the family and demand multifunctional rooms where many tasks can be done at one time.

Instructions

1. Arrange a small seating area adjacent to the dining table in a large or open-concept dining space. Position the sofa in a corner or against a wall with a side table that is perfect for enjoying cocktails and appetizers before dinner. This layout creates a smooth transition to the dining table for dinner.

2. Add a coffee table in front of a sofa to create a child-size dining area. The table will be close enough to the adults but still allow for a separate area for young guests or family members.

3. Place a height-adjustable table in a smaller space for special occasions or dinner parties. Kitchens in smaller homes, such as a condo or apartment, often incorporate counter seating at a peninsula or island and a designated dining area is not always needed. Keep the table at 18 to 20 inches to use as a coffee table in front of a sofa for everyday use; raise it to 30 inches for an instant dining table.

4. Place a small-scale sofa on one side of a dining table instead of dining chairs. Similar to a dining bench, a sofa can provide comfortable seating at a dining room table. Use this idea in a more casual setting; it suits an open-concept space as opposed to a traditional dining room.

Tags: dining room, dining table, coffee table, coffee table front, dining area, front sofa, table front

Decorate A Dining Room With Zebra Print

A zebra print adds an abstract, modern touch to a decorating scheme.

Deciding incorporate a zebra print into your dining room requires careful planning and consideration. You will need to select other colors that will work with your zebra print to complement the pattern. Primary or bright shades will work best to bring out the zebra print.

Instructions

1. Paint an accent wall of your dining room with your chosen bright contrasting color, such as one of the primary colors--red, yellow or bright blue--or another bright shade, such as pink, turquoise or lime green. Paint the other walls white. Having an accent wall of color creates contrast in your space and will heighten the effect of a zebra print.

2. Add a zebra print rug. A white and black wool rug is another option.

3. Select chairs that are upholstered in zebra print fabric.

4. Add zebra print curtains or white or black curtains with a zebra print topper.

5. Add framed images of zebras or frame zebra print fabric. Abstract paintings utilizing your primary or bright colors will add contrast.

Tags: zebra print, zebra print, accent wall, dining room, print fabric, white black

Ideas For A Moroccanthemed Bedroom

Carved Moroccan table

Moroccan decor elicits imported traditions from the Far East, Southern Spain and Northern Africa. Colors are dramatic in jeweled and spiced tones. Fabrics are luxurious silks, embroidered wools and gauze-like sheers. The bedroom is a retreat, your private oasis; the Moroccan theme conjures images of the Bedouin, Moorish palaces and the Sahara Desert. To effectively transform a bedroom, keep it simple with a Moorish flair.

Paint

Color plays an important role. Start with the walls. Colors are bold in cobalt blue, deep purple, saffron yellow and reddish-orange. When setting up a Moroccan motif, imagine the colors of saffron, paprika, curry and cinnamon. These rich colors require balance with more earthy tones such as sand, camel and coffee. Texture is also a consideration. Moroccan walls are rough stucco or weathered. Combine a small amount of sand to the paint for texture. Or use a color wash instead to achieve a windswept ambience. For a conservative approach, use a brighter color on just one wall. This will become the accent color. Make it brighter, such as a deep blue, or alternately try gold or silver. Use also on shutters, window trim and doors. Include this color for accessories and fabrics.

Window Treatment

Take fabric into account when selecting window treatments. Frame windows with airy and lightweight fabric in the rich colors mentioned above. Fabrics should drape and flow. Find sheer or gauzy fabrics and sway them over the rods instead of hanging drapes. If the walls are based around warm tones such as rustic reds, marigold oranges and saffron yellows, choose sheers of a lighter tone but same rich color or select curtains with a light pattern in the accent colors, such as cobalt blue, gold or silver with a gauzy milky white background. Make certain that the curtains filter light but do not obscure it.

Bedding

Sheets, duvet covers, blankets and comforters should match or offset the chosen color scheme. Again, stay with spice colors and balance with the earthy. Add pattern, stripes or fringe to the bedding in tones of poppy red, exotic orange and turquoise. Complete the bedding by adding several embroidered raw silk throw pillows with a Moorish or Eastern pattern. Use mosquito netting above the bed in a rich jeweled tone. Have it match both curtains and bedding to tie color and theme together.

Floor

Hardwood floors should be partially covered with a Persian or woven Kilim area rug to soften the wood. Add floor pillows or floor cushions in embroidered silks, rustic reds and orange kilim colors. For dramatic change, lay down terracotta Spanish tile.

Lighting

In Moroccan décor, lighting sets the mood. Look for Moroccan candle lanterns to place on the nightstands instead of bed lamps. Hang a wrought-iron chandelier with metal cutouts or a tinted resin bowl for the center of the ceiling. Strategically situate a mirror framed in metal with a Moorish design or arch so that light bounces off the glass to infuse the bedroom in a warm glow. Another type of lighting are called henna lighting. The shade is henna-painted (like henna tattoo design) goatskin which lends to an exotic atmosphere.

Furniture

Depending on the size of the room, opt for carved, dark wood or wrought iron when deciding on chairs, benches, dressers and chests. Armoires are heavy pieces of furniture but they are hand painted in the colors and patterns of Moroccan motif. Alternately go for an inlaid dresser or bedside table. Find a painted headboard with Moroccan design that echoes other accented pieces and color. Complete bedframes make a statement with intricate carvings and arches. Pick a carved screen to place in one corner. Think contrast when selecting furniture. An example is a rough wooden table topped with a highly polished silver tray.

Accents

Decorative tiles play an important role in Moroccan design. Irregularity, shape and color add to the overall theme. Use tile for flooring, wall art or mirrors. A distinctive accent could be wrought iron which is found in decorative wall art, wall scones and ornate lanterns. Choose one large piece of ceramic for a tall plant such as palm. Another accent is a large vase with intricate silver and metal work inlaid into the clay. Find a fringed or tasseled wedding blanket to casually throw over a trunk or bed. Keep accents to a minimum or it will come across as poor taste.

Tags: with Moorish, balance with, cobalt blue, gold silver, important role, Moroccan design, Moroccan motif

Attach Cording To Dining Chairs

Cording is a basic way to spruce up a plain-looking chair.

If your dining room chairs look dull and plain and you're itching to do something about it, don't think that you need to commit to a big expenditure of time and money. In a perfect world, you'd be able to reupholster the chairs or buy brand new ones. Instead, attaching cording to the chairs you already have is a simple way to spruce them up. Cording, particularly thick or double welt cording, is also ideal for covering up flaws, nicks or staples on a chair.

Instructions

1. Measure the part of the chair that you'd like to attach the cording to, such as the seat, or the seat and back.

2. Cut the appropriate length of cord, plus an extra inch just in case. Wrap the cord around the area you plan to attach it to and secure it in place with pins. Check the cord for evenness and straightness and adjust as necessary.

3. Remove a pin at one end of the chair. Lift this small section of cord and add a line of hot glue. Press the cord against the hot glue and replace the pins to ensure the cord doesn't slip.

4. Repeat with the rest of the cording on the chair. Allow the glue to set overnight before removing the pins and sitting in the chair.

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Decorate An Attached Kitchen & Dining Room

Without a divider, the kitchen and dining room lose their individual flavors.

Many homes and apartments come with the kitchen and dining room attached. While this offers convenience in terms of the delivery of food from one place to another, it also tends to take the distinct character away from both rooms. When decorating these two rooms, consider using some decorative elements that will pull the rooms together. However, also plan on using different furniture and accessories to allow each room to have its own personality.

Instructions

1. Research decorative styles. Most decorative styles have common elements. While you conduct your research, look for places where you can tie the two looks together. For example, Tuscan-style decorating uses colors like honey-gold, brick red and terra cotta. Additionally, colorful pottery is a common element. To tie these rooms together in this case, you could paint both rooms honey-yellow and feature decorative pottery in both.

2. Select a common color scheme for both rooms. Pick two or three colors that look good together. Emphasize one color in the kitchen and the other in the dining room. For example, if you've decided on honey-gold for the dining room and brick red for the kitchen, use brick red accents in the dining room and honey-gold accents in the kitchen.

3. Choose some common decorative elements like pottery, artwork or furniture. Make sure that both rooms have a few of these items.

4. Paint the kitchen and the dining room.

5. Buy accessories. While you want plenty of common accessories that you'll use in both rooms, also select some accessories that are specific to each room. For example, you may want to buy a hanging rack for pots for the kitchen and enough wall art for a gallery in the dining room. However, make sure both have your common colors in them.

6. Utilize a functional room divider and place it between the two rooms in the middle of the floor. A bookcase offers a good solution to this. Use the shelves to store items like decorative pottery, dishes, cookbooks and other kitchen items on the kitchen side. On the dining room side, hang a picture or photo gallery on the back of the shelf.

7. Paint the bookcase to fit the decor. Go with glossy-finish paint if you want a surface that's easier to wipe off. Lacquer paints work well for this.

8. Utilize a sideboard cupboard in the dining room to give the dining room its own flavor. You'll store napkins and fancy silverware in the drawers. Place some of the decorative elements like the pottery or candle arrangements in your chosen colors on its top.

Tags: dining room, both rooms, decorative elements, kitchen dining, kitchen dining room, accessories that, decorative elements like

Attach A Frame To A Bathroom Mirror

You can tailor the color of your new mirror frame to match the motif of the bathroom.

Framing a bathroom mirror adds a nice aesthetic touch to the mirror and improves the look of the whole room. Add a new frame to a mirror that was installed without one or replace an old frame that is wearing away --- it's an easy and low-cost project.

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions of the mirror to gauge the length and width of wood you will need to construct it. Give yourself a little extra wood to work with since you will be cutting the frame moldings from this wood.

2. Purchase the required wood based on these measurements at your local hardware store. Also purchase a waterproof glue that will withstand the bathroom's humidity. Try Probond Ultimate Glue, Elmer's Stixall or Household Goop for strong, reliable glue brands.

3. Cut the molding from the wood according to desired dimensions using a handsaw. Use a pencil to mark the indentations where you will cut around the brackets that fasten the mirror to the bathroom wall, and then cut along those markings.

4. Sand and varnish the molding face to smooth it out and spruce up its aesthetic appeal. Wait for the varnish to dry before proceeding.

5. Apply the glue to the back of the bottom piece of molding and secure it to the bottom of the mirror. Once it dries, you can do the same to the two side pieces of molding. By placing the bottom piece first, you provide some "support" for the side molding strips. Once dried, apply glue to the top piece and attach it to the top of the mirror.

Tags: bottom piece

Decorate A Bedroom With Burgundy Curtains

Curtains in a favorite color can serve as an inspirational piece for decorating your bedroom. If you have burgundy curtains that you love, use them as a focal point to design your bedroom decor. Burgundy is a regal color that can inspire a rich and exciting palette for a bedroom. It can help create an environment that is warm and inviting or rich and sophisticated. Make your burgundy curtains the crowning glory of your newly decorated bedroom suite.

Instructions

1. Select burgundy items for your room to go with the curtains. Repeat colors in a bedroom at least three times to make them look intentional and balanced in the room's design. Shop for burgundy throw pillows, carpet, a headboard, a bedspread with some burgundy in it or artwork that incorporates the color.

Pink Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Bring pink in through small details, such as embroidered flowers, to make it stand out.

Decorate a bedroom in your home using pink if it's your favorite color or the perfect choice to accentuate a theme you want to use. Pink can encompass many themes and create many moods depending on the shade, intensity and amount of pink you choose to use. Although pink is typically thought of as a girl's color, certain shades (in moderation) can work for a shared bedroom as well.

Walls

Choose a color palette including one or two shades of pink before you begin painting.

Paint the walls to fit in with your bedroom decor. Choose a pale pink for a soft or calming effect, a feminine look or a romantic feel. Brighter pinks, such as fuchsia, can electrify the bedroom, cover one wall to create an accent wall, or be used in moderation with a paler hue or neutral color, such as white, in a pattern. Wallpaper or painted patterns can create a theme or add personality to the room. Hearts, flowers, circles, stripes, ballet slippers or lipstick prints work with various themes.

If painting the walls pink is too much for you, consider a pink border or wall decor to establish your color scheme.

Furniture

White furniture will pop off of darker pink walls, while chocolate brown furniture will have the same effect against lighter shades of pink. Paint a dresser or nightstand pink to stand out against white walls. Black wrought-iron furniture is another option. The type of furniture you choose should work well with the mood you're trying to set. For example, white wicker furniture can work for a country cottage feel or a romantic setting.

Bedding and Curtains

Your bedding and curtains will largely depend on the wall color and style of room you want to create. A pink patchwork quilt will add to a farmhouse-style bedroom, while white lace bedding with a pink floral pattern can work for a romantic room or Victorian-style room. Bright pink, orange and lime green geometric shapes on a comforter might work best for a bubbly teenage girl. Consider a reversible comforter that depicts a pattern of pink and another color on one side, with solid pink on the other so you have the option to change the look of the room in just a couple of minutes.

The curtains, like the bedding, should be solid against patterned walls, or introduce patterns if the walls are plain. Polka dots, stripes, circles, flowers, plaid, hearts or ballet slippers are only a few of the patterns available.