An is relaxing, invoking feelings of peace and serenity. If your bedroom is boring or drab, you can easily turn it into an elegant place for intimacy and rest. Knowing make your bedroom elegant requires just a little creativity and some basic materials. With this knowledge you will be able to transform your bedroom from a boring place to crash into a sleeping chamber fit for a king or queen.
Instructions
1. Replace your current bedding with new, more lustrous bedding. Elegant, plush material like padded silk or velvet adds to the effect you are trying to reach with . You don't have to get a new bed as long as you accent it with quality, attractive bedding.
2. Add some texture to your walls by hanging assorted pieces of art. Elegant themes are timeless classics and anything that depicts tasteful nudes. You can also select a velvet tapestry to hang above the headboard of your bed against the wall. Tapestries are like wall-hanging carpets that depict a myriad of designs. Elegant fleur-de-lis designs on a tapestry add to your decorative endeavors.
3. Arrange a plush throw rug near your bed to give your feet an elegant and pampered sensation. Select one that corresponds to your overall color and design scheme. For instance, if your bedding is chocolate brown with gold trim, a gold-colored plush designer floor rug lends elegance to the setting.
4. Place assorted embellishments throughout the room, including curtains that match and differently shaped throw pillows and sachets. Candles also add an elegant and sensual touch to your room. In fact, if you use scented candles, you change not only the look of your bedroom environment, but the entire feeling you get from being in it. Sensual, feminine smells add to the elegance of a well-created bedroom.
5. Use your personal belongings to add to the look of an elegantly decorated room. For instance, a jewelry box pulled partially open not only gives a slight "lived-in" look to the room, but moderately exposed fine jewelry pieces glimmer in the light or candlelight to fuse into the scheme of your room's decor.
Tags: , bedroom environment, elegant bedroom, your bedding, your bedroom environment
A red bedroom can be difficult to decorate considering how powerful the color red is. It can be tricky to work with, but once you find décor that matches perfectly, you can create the room of your dreams. Before shopping or decorating, it is vital to envision how you want your red bedroom to look and determine how drastic the décor you are willing to incorporate.
Instructions
1. Choose corresponding colors for your décor. When choosing other colors to go in the room, pick shades that complement the red, not clash with it. Consider brown, black or white, because these colors create a good contrast with the red. Avoid using colors including green, yellow, blue or bright orange.
2. Use light-colored flooring. Consider beige or ivory carpet or installing hardwood flooring. Avoid dark color flooring, such as dark brown, which might make the room feel and look too grim or harsh. If you are using light flooring, an area rug with red tones or patterns would nicely complement the walls.
3. Bring in bold accent pieces. A strong color like red deserves some bold decor to go it. Consider using black picture frames along with black and white paintings. You can also bring in a large mirror with an elaborate black frame. Use large white candles with red accents. Add black storage containers or trays to store your items and to serve as accessories.
4. Use matching red pieces. The walls do not need to be the only red in the room. Buy bedding that has some red in it as well as matching throw pillows. For smaller pieces, you can use red essential oil diffusers and real or fake red flowers in a red and black vase. Another option is to have a clear fish tank that has red goldfish swimming around inside. You can decorate the inside of the fish tank with red gravel and other red fish tank décor.
5. Incorporate good lighting. Use one drastic piece of lighting, such as a white or black chandelier hanging in the center of the room. For a more budget-friendly option, consider a tall, freestanding black lamp that has multiple light settings. You can also use a candelabra, which can add a unique touch of decor to the room.
Organized closets help girls get off to school quickly.
Girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice --- but that doesn't mean they'll keep their bedrooms nice and organized. You can avoid the "Mom, I need my green skirt and I can't find it and oh yeah the school bus will be here in two minutes," last-minute frantic calls by helping your girl organize her bedroom.
Closet
First on the agenda is going through everything in the closet to make sure it still fits and isn't worn and torn. Remove all items. Vacuum the floor and wipe down the shelves for a clean start. It's boring for girls to try on every piece of clothing, so have her try on a selection of clothing: dress, skirt, tops, pant and short. Compare the rest of the clothing to the ones that fit by laying them one on top of the other. Put the clothes that fit and are in season back in the closet. Separate by item of clothing, color and then style. For example, tops would be together with all long sleeved tops grouped and then grouped within the long sleeves by color.
Seasons
Pack up out-of-season clothing in boxes after they've been washed. Even one wearing leaves skin oil and perspiration on the clothes which can cause stains in storage. If the girl is growing quickly, consider giving the out-of-season clothes to a charitable organization now. By next year your girl probably will have outgrown them.
Drawers
Same drill as the closet. Take everything out and inspect. Use drawer separators to separate underwear from socks, T-shirts and bras. Plastic baskets work well. Before buying, measure the depth of the drawer to make sure the basket isn't too high. Label the bottoms of the baskets so she'll know what goes in it even if the basket is empty. If there is limited closet space, jeans and long pants can be folded and kept in drawers, as well as T-shirts.
Jewelry
Jewelry gets tangled and mismatched. Sort by color. If there's a lot of jewelry, consider dedicating a drawer to it. Use egg cartons to keep all jewelry separate. Another option is to display the jewelry on a bulletin board or peg board. The colors of the jewelry add to the decor of the room. If that's not an option, hang the board on the back of the door. Hanging necklaces and bracelets keeps them separate. Keep earrings in the jewelry box or egg cartons.
School Stuff
Organize the desk with a stacking set of in-boxes. Crafts may also be stored in drawers made to hold screws and nails. Label desk drawers so there's no question about what goes where. Hanging dividers and folders make it a snap to store and find things when needed.
Music, Movies and Magazines
Plastic food-storage containers are the right size to hold DVDs of movies and CDs of music. The containers stack on wire shelving for easy access. Organize by type of movie or in alphabetical order. Tear out interesting articles or photos from magazines and save just those in folders. Throw out old magazines after a few months.
Worn or damaged parts may cause bathroom faucets to drip water.
A dripping bathroom sink can waste water and raise water bills. First, identify which type of sink tap it is because there are three common bathroom faucets--compression, ball and ceramic disk--and different ways to repair them. A compression faucet consists of a washer compressed against the valve seat. Ball faucets utilize a single a round ball just above the bottom of the faucet. A ceramic disk faucet consists of two ceramic disks inside a cylinder that monitor water flow. Once you have figured out which kind of faucet you have, begin fixing the leak.
Instructions
Disk Faucet
1. Turn off the with the shutoff valve, which is near the bathroom or in the basement close to the water heater.
2. Pop off the plastic cap covering the screw in the handle with a flat-head screwdriver.
3. Remove the screw in the handle with the necessary type of screwdriver. Take off the faucet handle.
4. Loosen the screws that hold the cylinder disk in place with the appropriate type of screwdriver. Slide out the disk. Pry off the rubber seals below the disk with a screwdriver. Replace the rubber seals if they are worn or damaged.
5. Reassemble the disk faucet in the reverse order of how you took it apart.
Ball Faucet
6. Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve.
7. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle to expose the screw with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull off the faucet spout with your fingers to reveal the cam and seals.
8. Lift out the cam and washer out with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
9. Replace the ball, seals and springs with new parts.
10. Reassemble the ball faucet in the reverse order you removed the parts. Restore the water supply and check for dripping water.
Compression Faucet
11. Turn off the water supply to the bathroom faucet at the shutoff valve.
12. Pop off the plastic cap in the faucet handle with a flat-head screwdriver to reveal the screw.
13. Pull off the handle, which will reveal the faucet's retaining nut. Remove the retaining nut with an adjustable wrench.
14. Grab the threaded stem with needle-nose pliers to reveal the O-ring and stem washer. Replace the O-ring and washer with new parts.
15. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order you removed the parts. Turn the water back on and test the faucet.
Tags: handle with, Turn water, water supply, faucet reverse, faucet reverse order, Faucet Turn, Faucet Turn water
Anytime you want to design or redesign a room in your home, such as your bedroom, you have a couple of different options. You can either begin buying furniture and decor and create your design without a plan, or you can create a plan for your bedroom design before you begin decorating. The best way to make your own bedroom design depends upon your own personal design style, but a few online systems can help you get started.
Instructions
1. Open a website that has a floor plan design tool, such as MyDeco or Smallblueprinter (see Reference section). MyDeco is best if you want to decorate a bedroom with furniture and decor, while Smallblueprinter is ideal for designing the general layout of a room, including doors and windows. If you just want to work with the colors and design of the walls and floor of your bedroom, you can also use the Armstrong website, which has a Design a Room system with an image of an actual bedroom where the walls and floor change styles (see Reference section).
2. Click "Design a 3D Room" and then "Start From Scratch" to begin your bedroom design on the MyDeco site. Click "Blank Plan" on Smallblueprinter to get started with your bedroom layout.
3. Drag and drop any of the room shapes that automatically populate in the right-hand pane on MyDeco to select the shape of the bedroom you want to design. On Smallblueprinter, click the "Wall" tool to add a wall, and drag and drop the wall anywhere on the design. Add additional walls and place them end to end to create a wall in the length you desire. Continue until you have built the entire perimeter of the bedroom.
4. Add room fixtures by clicking the "Door" or "Window" tools in either program and dragging and dropping each door or window into its proper position in the design. Add as many door or windows as you want to the design, but do not overlap doors and windows.
5. Click the image of the sofa in MyDeco to add furniture to the room. Select "Bedroom" from the list of options that appears, and then choose a furniture category, such as beds. Drag and drop any piece of furniture into its position in the room design.
6. Save the design you create on MyDeco by clicking the "File" button at the top of the screen, choosing "Save as." Enter a name for the file and choose the folder on your computer you want to save the design to. You cannot save the bedroom design you create on on Smallblueprinter, but you can print the design by clicking the "Print" button.
Tags: your bedroom, want design, your bedroom design, bedroom design, bedroom design, design create
People spend a lot of time in their bedrooms. Often, it is the most personalized room in the house. However, decorating your bedroom and designing it's look can be a time consuming process as you move beds, dressers, desks and other heavy pieces of furniture. Luckily, there are many virtual bedroom design games you can play on the computer.
Design Your Bedroom
"Design Your Bedroom" is a game available at Game Soft 82. The game starts out with a blank room, which is an advantage over games that have a preset bedroom arrangement. The room is blue, and along the bottom of the screen is a series of decoration options including beds, windows, desks, mats, chairs and lights. Clicking on the picture of the bed (or other decoration options) will place the selected bed down. Clicking on the arrow next to the picture will scroll through different types. Color coordinate your room and avoid ugly clashing furniture by scrolling through all the options. This game is a bit limited in that you cannot position your furniture, but it can still offer a lot of fun.
Bedroom Makeover 4
"Bedroom Makeover 4," available at Dress Up 24/7, is a bit more adaptable than "Design Your Bedroom." It starts out in a small bedroom with a variety of furniture, toys and lights at the left hand side and even includes a small girl. You can click and drag the furniture to any position you like. You can even position the girl. As a result, this game gives you more decoration options. However, there are some drawbacks. If you don't use all the furniture, it stays on the left side of the room in an ugly clutter. You can't change the colors of the walls or the floor, and the graphics are a bit weak. However, its adaptability makes it a fun option.
3D Bedroom Design
"3D Bedroom Design," available from Rainbow Dressup, is similar to "" in that the furniture arrangement is unchangeable. However, it has much smoother, prettier graphics and an even wider variety of options. The graphics are 3D and attractive, making this one of the prettier games to play. It's also incredibly easy to use. Simply click on the piece of furniture, including the walls and floors, to change its color, style and shape. As a result, this game can be one of the easiest bedroom design games to just pick up and start playing and makes color coordinating your room a snap. The decoration options are broad, with beds, CD stands, book shelves, carpets, chairs, windows, lamps and posters.
Tags: Bedroom Design, decoration options, Design Your, Design Your Bedroom, Your Bedroom, Bedroom Design Games, Bedroom Makeover
Due to its smaller size, the bathroom is a relatively easy place to makeover and add Tuscan style. Home owners evoke a Tuscan villa with warm and homey features in the bathroom, sometimes accented with cool Mediterranean blues and greens. You can update the bathroom with new paint colors and accessories, or invest in a full room remodel.
Features
Tuscany-inspired bathrooms feature warm, robust colors such as terracotta, yellow, gold and ocher. Finishes tend to be distressed or matte instead of sleek and glossy. A Tuscan bathroom often has eye-catching architectural elements such as arched window frames, niches, tall windows, skylights or columns.
Function
Tuscan-themed bathrooms integrate the room's interior with the outside by using minimal window coverings. Thin, natural fabrics in light hues or faded patterns are ideal for curtains, which can be set halfway down the window to allow for a view while maintaining privacy. You might welcome the garden inside by planting window boxes with wildflowers or an herb garden, or hanging leafy plants near doorways and windows.
Effects
A Tuscan bathroom is a retreat. Natural finishes and materials such as a stone wall, marble countertops or exposed wooden beams create a rustic, old world charm. Artisan touches and designer details such as hand-painted trims and faux finishes lend an elegant ambiance.
Types
There are a couple of types of used in bathrooms. There is the rustic, do-it-yourself approach that might feature a wall mural of a garden scene framed by columns and furniture that you paint and then distress. Then there is the glossier Tuscan look, which might feature terracotta tile floors, mottled marble finishes and designer hardware on drawers and cabinets.
Warning
Marble and stone tile look gorgeous in a Tuscan bathroom, but are also extremely slippery when wet. Some people opt for farmhouse-style wooden floors with a rustic finish instead, but these require maintenance, including sponging off excess moisture.
The tern gangster refers to the roaring 1920s gangster theme, which consists of jazz music, a dress code that resembles the mafia, money, expensive cars and flapper dancers. The term is also used to refer to a modern gangster, such as a rapper. Some of the ideas are similar, such as expensive cars, money, focus on weapons and the importance of music, so be aware of this as you decorate your bedroom.
Choosing Fabrics
Black is a common color when discussing and defining the gangster term and community. Men often wore black suits and black top hats. Women, on the other hand, frequently wore flapper dresses, which were seen as an easily accessible dress as it could be made at home, according to Fashion Era. These could be found in black, red and other bold colors. As you pick your fabrics for your bedroom, start with black and add white and bold colors as you desire. For example, black curtains may be too heavy and bold, so add white and red stripes to them. As for your bed sheets or pillows, use one color for each of the pillows and create a striped bed sheet for the bed.
According to Your Dictionary, a gangster is someone who is a member of an organized group of criminals or a delinquent. If you choose to only go with black and whites for your fabrics, it would suit the style of a prisoner or criminal well in this case.
Hat Wall Decoration
Black gangster hats that look like top hats are distinct characteristics of a gangster. At times, the black hat will have a white or beige color silk band wrapped around it. For women, hats were also popular, whether it was a regular-sized hat or a headband with a flower or jewels on it. Images of the two can be seen on the Fashion Era website (see Resources). Hang several types of gangster-themed hats on a wall to create a mirage of the characteristic hats worn by gangsters in the 1920s. If you want to stay with the feminine hats, simply leave out the black top hats.
Add Shiny Elements
The gangster theme often involves money, jewelry and wealth. While you do not have to add money or expensive jewelry to decor, consider adding a silver pearl decorative bead string to your room, whether it is hanging along the ceiling corners or on your mirrors or cabinets. When the light is on, it will reflect on the beads creating a shiny appeal. If you have spare change, place them in a tall vase or small bowl, if desired.
Implement Quotes
Add quotes about gangsters or spoken by gangsters to your room, whether in the form of a poster or a picture. For example, write Nicholas Pileggi's quote "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster" on a poster board and hang it on your wall. Decorate these posters with pictures of gangsters or movie stars that portray gangsters from your favorite gangster films.
Tags: your bedroom, black hats, , expensive cars, flapper dresses, gangster theme, money expensive
Locked interior doors serve an important purpose for privacy. Unfortunately, they can also be annoying at best and dangerous at worst in some other situations. If a bedroom door becomes locked and it is important to open it as quickly as possible, know the unlocking techniques that are applicable to your doorknob. Learn unlock a bedroom door in an emergency to ensure safety in your home with your family members.
Instructions
Unlock a Pushbutton Doorknob
1. Find the hole on the doorknob. It is usually located in the center of the doorknob.
2. Select a nail or pin that is thin enough to be inserted fully into the hole in the doorknob.
3. Insert the nail or pin into the hole in the doorknob several inches until you feel it come into contact with the mechanisms inside the doorknob.
4. Find the hidden button inside the doorknob with the nail or pin. Do not twist the doorknob while you are doing this. When the pin reaches the hidden button, maneuver the pin until it has successfully pushed the button to unlock the door. The doorknob should click into unlocked position.
Unlock a Turn-Button Doorknob
5. Find the hole on the doorknob. It is usually located in the center of the doorknob.
6. Select a small flathead screwdriver that is narrow enough to fit into the hole in the center of the doorknob.
7. Grasp the doorknob with your non-dominant hand and insert the screwdriver into the hole in the doorknob.
8. Push the screwdriver toward a slot inside the doorknob that the screwdriver will fit into. It may be necessary to rotate the screwdriver back and forth until you can successfully slide the screwdriver into this slot.
9. Turn the screwdriver to the left when it is fitting into the slot to unlock the doorknob.
Tags: hole doorknob, into hole, center doorknob, inside doorknob, into hole doorknob
Interior design is becoming increasingly popular and games for decorating a bedroom are a great way to experiment with this growing trend.
In recent years, design shows have become more and more popular and, following this trend, so have interior design games. Even young children enjoy using their imaginations to design their dream rooms and online games make it possible for them to do so. There are many online games which make decorating a bedroom both fun and easy.
Aimee's Vintage Room
Aimee is a delicate and sensitive girl who loves classical music and vintage decor. The Aimee's Vintage Room online game, offered by BFF-Games.com, allows players to select options in creating a new look for Aimee's bedroom. Players choose from a variety of vintage-pattern carpets and wallpapers and they can also choose from a selection of wall art and accessories. Aimee's Vintage Room is a simple game that allows players to experiment with color and pattern combinations to design the perfect room for Aimee and maybe even for themselves.
My New Room
My New Room is a free online game created by GirlsGoGames.com that allows players to make all of the decisions in decorating a bedroom. Players are given a starting palette of an open room with a single door and window. From there, players can add furniture, windows, accessories, even pets to fill their space. Players are also able to customize every element of their room by choosing colors or patterns for the walls, floors and furniture and can even design their own patterns. When finished, players can print out a color picture of their room to share with friends or print it as a coloring book page to enjoy the design process all over again.
The Bedroom Game
The Bedroom Game on GirlGames.com is a very user-friendly game that walks players through the process of designing their dream bedroom. The game begins with the selection of the bed, the sheets and the pillows and from there players can customize the other aspects of the room including the floors, dresser, lights, walls and windows. For each category, players are given three options to and once the selection is made, the items or patterns are applied automatically to the room.
Room Maker
The Discover Kids website offers a game version of the once-popular TV show Trading Spaces, which allows players to decorate a bedroom. To begin, players are given the option of decorating the French Door Room or the Round Window Room and are given more options of fill the room. During the game, players add everything from furniture and windows to walls and design elements. This game is not made for just girls or boys--both can enjoy this game and the design options it provides.
Choosing the right furniture prevents a small space from feeling cramped.
Just because a room is small does not mean it has to look crowded and disorganized. Even a 10 x 12 room can feel spacious if you use the right decorating techniques. Furniture selection in particular is critical in ensuring that your small bedroom feels cozy instead of cramped.
Space planning
Consider using only one nightstand instead of two.
First, decide what furniture you need. Only pieces that are strictly necessary should go in small rooms to avoid using up valuable space. A bedroom will need a bed, of course, but nightstands are optional. Or you could use only one instead of two. Will there be a TV in the room? If so, a flatscreen mounted on the wall obviously requires no floor space. If you need an office area in your bedroom, a desk and chair will suffice. If there's enough storage in the closet, you could leave out a bureau. And if there isn't enough closet space, adding a well-designed shelving system could double available storage.
Size wise
Use a compact folding chair instead of an overstuffed armchair.
Carefully consider the dimensions of the room. Nothing cramps a space like furniture that's too big for it. Think about a full- or queen-size bed instead of a king. For the office area, use a corner desk instead of a large unit that will take up several square feet. If you want a reading nook, use a more chair and folding table instead of an overstuffed armchair and decorative table. If you have a traditional TV instead of a flatscreen, opt for a compact TV stand instead of a large, space-hogging entertainment center.
Double duty
Instead of a plain headboard, purchase one with built-in storage.
Finally, consider not only style but also function. Buy furniture with storage such as headboards with shelves and bookcases and bed frames with drawers underneath. Purchase a desk for the office space with plenty of drawers and shelves or a desk-hutch combination, which combines the utility of a desk with the convenience of storage: compartments, cubbyholes, drawers, display areas, shelves and even magazine racks. At IKEA, Wal-Mart, Target and other home furnishing stores, you can find a range of inexpensive pieces that have hidden storage compartments.
Help your teen arrange her bedroom furniture so it suits her changing tastes.
Redecorating is a common occurrence when a child becomes a teenager. Teens are interested in expressing their personalities and interests in their bedrooms, and their interests and their identities change often. If your teenager expresses a desire to redecorate her bedroom, arrange the furniture to create an appealing, functional space suited to her new needs and interests.
Determining Spaces
Determine different spaces in your teenager's room. Since this space is often a place to hang out and study, as well as a place to sleep, break up the space into defined areas for different activities. For example, one corner of the room may feature the bed and a dresser, a desk and bookshelf can create a study nook in the opposite corner and bean bag chairs and a TV stand can create a hang out area along a long wall.
Choosing Pieces
Once you've decided on the different spaces to incorporate in your teen's bedroom, select furniture pieces that are best suited for his needs. For example, a novelty bed can be switched out for a day bed or a regular twin bed that will fit against one wall to open up space for other activities. A daybed or futon can double as a sofa in a smaller room, when placed against a shorter wall. Store bean bag chairs under the bed, and toss them in the center of the room for a lounging area when friends are over. For a study area, bring in a desk and a comfortable chair that can roll close to the desk when not in use to create more open space.
Storage
As your teen grows, so does the amount of possessions she has. To accommodate all of the items your teen has and make the room tidy, add storage for her bedroom. Streamlined floor-to-ceiling cabinets along a wall can provide additional storage without taking up too much floor space, and a closet organizer can help her keep her closet in order. In addition to pieces that are only used for storage, consider items that serve double duty. For example, a chest in the middle of the room may be used as storage and can double as a table top for games with friends. A tall bed has a lot of storage space underneath, and squat rolling bins could be used to store extra clothes, seating or possessions.
Arranging the Furniture
Different types of arrangements create a space that is visually appealing while letting your teen express her individuality. A teen with a theatrical bent might want the dressing room to take center stage, so place the bed against a wall and create a corner dedicated to fancy dressers and clothes racks, all centered around a full length mirror. To create two distinct spaces in the room, place a dresser or a storage cabinet in the middle of the room to delineate the space; the sleeping area being on one side and the lounge area on the other. To make room for a study area in a smaller room, loft the bed and put the study area below it. Mobile seating, like beanbag chairs or soft pillows, can be stored in a closet when not in use, and tossed on the floor when needed, to fit the on-the-go style of many teens.
Tags: your teen, study area, , bean chairs, different spaces, interests their, make room
A bright, complementary pillow is a project for homemade decorations.
Homemade bedroom decorations give the room a fresh and different look. Commercial decorations sold for bedrooms have a big drawback; anyone can purchase them. When you find the same decor in bedroom after bedroom, it makes them look impersonal or generic. This cookie-cutter look may be avoided by making homemade decorations. Use favorite colors and out-of-the box designs to create items that will not be found anywhere else.
Instructions
No-Sew Throw Pillows
1. Decide on the size of the throw pillow and add an inch to the length and the width. For example, if a 10-inch-by-12-inch pillow is desired, the measurements for the project are 11 inches by 13 inches.
2. Cut two pieces of material to the measurements. Lay the two pieces with the up sides facing one another. Line up the edges.
3. Glue the edges of the project together. Lay a line of fabric glue 1 inch inside the edge around the project, leaving only a 2-inch opening on one side.
4. Turn the project right side out and stuff. Push the material through the opening. Fill the pillow with stuffing until it is firm.
5. Close the opening. Push both sides of the opening inside and glue the edges together.
Decorative Comforter
6. Select a commercial comforter in a solid color. Match the item to the room colors or pick black or white.
7. Choose appliques or fabric paints in selected or complementary colors. Use a theme for the room as a guide. Consider a large applique to be surrounded by smaller pieces or designs.
8. Hot glue the appliques to the comforter. Place the comforter on the bed for placement. Consider adding matching appliques to the dust skirt.
Matching Pictures
9. Paint a piece of cardboard with poster paint to match the bedroom decor. Multiple colors in a blotted, striped or random pattern work well. Allow to dry.
10. Hot glue an applique into the center of the cardboard. Use one of the appliques selected for the comforter to create a design on the cardboard. White or black appliques work well on multicolored backgrounds.
11. Place a piece of wall tacky on each rear corner and in the center and hang on the wall. Arrange over the bed or on the walls surrounding the area.
Prior to the 1920s, claw foot bathtubs and separate shower enclosures were a common theme in bathroom decor. The art deco movement of the 1920s offered bold new colors and geometric patterns that transformed the utilitarian bathroom into a decorative part of the home's interior design. A 1920s vintage bathroom decor can add luxury, style and color to a home interior.
Colors and Walls
Homes in the early 1920s favored neutral shades and pastels in bathrooms. Tile was a popular choice for wall borders and as shower enclosures. Wallpaper murals were another popular choice in a 1920s bathroom decor. During the era, homeowners decorated the walls with painted murals, but wallpaper designs were available as well. The late 1920s decorating styles for bathrooms featured bolder colors and designs. The art deco movement introduced sophisticated styles, which included black and white decor for the bathroom.
Fixtures
The claw foot bathtub gave way to combination shower and bathtub designs built into corner areas of the bathroom. Manufacturers introduced colored fixtures in the later part of the decade, including pastels and black bathroom fixtures for the first time. An enclosure for the toilet was a common feature of the 1920s bathroom. Pedestal sinks in romantic pastel shades decorate the bathroom with built-in cabinets in light shades providing additional storage for linens and bathroom supplies.
Flooring
Tile floors work well in a 1920s style bathroom decor. Choose plain neutral shades and decorative borders to create a sophisticated art deco look in the bathroom. Geometric patterns in the border tiles add to the art deco style. Pastel shades such as yellow, pink and blue also fit well in a period bathroom design.
Bathroom Style
Bathrooms in the average home during the 1920s were relatively small. Larger and more lavish bathroom styles were reserved for upper middle class and rich families during the decade. The larger bathroom styles in the '20s feature dressing areas, chaise lounges for relaxation and decorative chandeliers, which create a luxurious atmosphere.
There was as time when large dining rooms were the desire of many homeowners because they offered the ability to formally entertain large groups of family and friends. While a may limit your options for a formal dining experience, it equally opens up creative opportunities to make the eating space fun and inviting. By default, a room lacking in square footage provides a blank canvas for intimacy.
Evaluate Yor Space
Take note of the design of your dining room:
How much space do you have? Don't focus on how much space you don't have, but instead center around what you can do with the space you do have.
Where are your windows located? Small spaces can feel larger if you they are lighter. Therefore, it is important not to block any natural light you may have available--no matter how little there may be.
Where are your access points? Take note of where your doorways, hallways and walking areas are. You want to make sure they remain exposed and avoid furniture placement that would result in obstructing the natural path. This makes a room feel uncluttered and more significant.
Where are your electrical outlets located? If you plan to add lamp lighting to a room, you want to consider placement of these items based on the availability of power. Stretching extension cords across the room or under rugs creates an environment that suggests clutter or misplacement.
What is the paint color of your room? Dark colors absorb light while lighter colors reflect light. The goal is to reflect as much light as you can in a small space, while creating interest.
View your room as a blank canvas and plan based on what you have. Measuring your room and sketching the floor plan on paper will help you to two-dimensionally identify each of the aspects listed above. You can then make photocopies of the base plan to produce many drafts on paper before actually implementing a design into a room. This can save you time and cost.
Creative juices
This is the fun part. Start scanning magazines, Internet pages or home improvement channels to develop an idea of what you want your room to feel like. Always keep in mind that the bigger the furniture you place in a room, the smaller your room will feel; therefore, it is best to select designs that make use of petite furnishings while still creating an interest in the room. Here are some examples of unique designs that can be easily and cost-effectively applied:
• Asian theme: What a better way to design for a small space than to reproduce a room that uses clean lines and meager furnishings? A long, rectangular coffee table can easily be repainted or stained and centered in the room. Instead of chairs, you can furnish each seating space with a 16x16-inch or larger colorful pillow. The pillows can all match or not, as long as they all complement each other and are overstuffed to allow for wear. If additional lighting is to be used in the room, hang a lantern style lamp that hangs low and centered over the table. Another option for lighting is to wall mount sconces that reflect the light upward toward the ceiling. You can demand more attention to the room by painting the two shorter walls a lighter color than the longer walls to make the room appear more square. You may also choose a semi-gloss paint to help reflect that lighting. Window treatments should be simple and flexible. If the window is very narrow, then hang the rod so it overextends the width of the window. Using sheer panels will not only pass the light through, but will also make the window appear wider when they are opened and pushed to the side. The inside hems of the panel should align with the width of the window. Avoid placing larger pieces of furniture in the room such as buffets and china cabinets. Keep it simple and clean. Ideally, you would have an area rug under the table and cushions to define the eating area, but do not extend all the way to any wall. Decorate your table with colorful square dishes to keep your lines clean, and harmonize your walls with subtly small bamboo prints, or scenery prints that fit the theme.
• Bistro theme: Making use of a tall bistro table can also create an intimate setting. If you have the space to set the table toward a corner, try it to create more of an open space within the room. You can tuck a floor lamp behind the table (if electrical outlets allow) to initiate a warm, personal space. You don't want to impede any lighting source, so consider hanging just a valance over the window. Again, hang it so that the bottom of the valance barely covers the top edge of the window to give the appearance of a larger window. In the open space, you can put a narrow table or tea cart that may hold your coffee pot, cups, creamer, sugar, etc. This gives a dual purpose of making a useful breakfast nook area as well as a dining room. Because the bistro table is tall, you can use taller artwork on opposite walls to create a balance within the room. Something with a café or French flair works well. Do not use an area rug in this instance since the bistro table set already defines the eating space. Table decorations should be kept simple and uncluttered.
• Whimsical theme: If you're looking for fun and color, then let your imagination run wild. Center a round table in the room with four unmatching chairs. Feel free to use paint, and color each one differently. You might even want to paint the top of the table with a chalkboard paint (two coats at least), then personalize using a paint pen to write inspirational quotes around the edge--or even the name of the family member who sits in that spot. Beaded curtains add charm and need to be hung only to the width of the window, but hang them above the window from just below the ceiling. Steer clear of adding lamps or furniture on the floor since the table set is usually a little bigger in this scenario, so instead look to your walls for opportunities to decorate. Place a hanging plant inside an old painted birdcage and affix it from the ceiling in one of the corners, use vinyl lettering to rub fun passages on the wall, hand-paint a garden fence about 30 inches from the floor that circles the walls of the room (or paint and staple actual fence pickets).
Summary
The objective is to create something inspiring and different in your small dining room space, all while not breaking the bank. Seek out yard sales and consignment shops for furniture you can easily paint or refinish. Look outdoors for things you can clean up and bring inside. Look in other rooms for items you can bring into your small space. Only bring items into the space if it adds value to your theme and avoid bringing in items just because they have always been there before. And finally, think outside the box and have fun with it.
Tags: your room, small space, bistro table, space have, width window
Turn your teen's bedroom into the ultimate hangout.
When it comes to teenagers and bedrooms, boring just won't do. Teens love the unexpected, the dramatic and anything that reflects their interests and personality. There are plenty of far-out, fun projects you and your teen can accomplish together to take his bedroom from plain white box to radical space and room of his dreams.
Hammock or Hanging Chair
Now here's an idea that your teen's friends are guaranteed to covet: a hanging chair or hammock suspended from the ceiling. Hang a chair in one corner as an accent, or stretch a colorful hammock across the room for an eye-popping focal point. It is important that you suspend it from a ceiling stud for sturdiness, as sheet rock cannot hold the weight. Follow the hammock manufacturer's directions and your town's building and safety codes.
Gaming Center
Move your gaming console from the living room or the playroom to your teen's room. Set up an entire wall of contemporary modular cabinets and shelving for a sleek look and a place to stow games, movies, remotes and supplies. Install a mini-fridge in one cubby for a constant supply of cold drinks, and set up a snack center in one cabinet. Give the whole room a fresh coat of paint in a fun color, such as bright orange or lime green. Finish the room with bright beanbag chairs and video rockers.
Rock Band
If your teen loves to rock out to music, set up a mini stage or rehearsal hall in his room. Look for used equipment in your local classifieds; you can often find people selling their unused instruments for pennies on the dollar. Purchase an electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit and a couple of amps, and set them up in one corner. Paint the walls black or silver, or a combination of both for an edgy look. Use wall hangers for the guitars, and they can function as wall art when they're not in use.
Graffiti Walls
Invite all 's friends over for a graffiti party. Have a big supply of permanent markers of all colors on hand, and let the kids go wild writing and drawing on the walls. At the end of the party, your teen will have a radical new room that's one-of-a-kind. Solid-color bedding and window treatments look best with this room, since it is so heavily decorated.
Crazy Hamster Mansion
Your teen is guaranteed to be the only kid in town with a crazy hamster cage running the perimeter of her room. Hamster cage manufacturers such as Habitrail and Crittertrail allow you to endlessly connect their hamster cages with plastic tubing, so you can create the most extreme hamster mansion ever. Start with a couple of cages on a table, dresser or shelf, then take the tubing up toward the ceiling and run it around the perimeter of the room, connecting it to "pit stop" cages along the way. You'll have the luckiest teen and the luckiest hamster in town.
Tags: your teen, your teen, , perimeter room, teen friends, your teen friends
Keep furniture from blocking your bedroom doors for ease of entry and movement through the room.
If your bedroom has a lot of doors, arranging furniture inside can be a bit of a challenge. Multiple doors, either entry doors or closet doors, present problems with furniture arrangement because you have to provide clearance to open the door. There are a few strategies to employ when deciding where to place your bed, dresser and other items in the room to maintain entryways and good flow.
Instructions
1. Place the bed in a corner away from all doors. Your bed is often the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom so you'll have to give it the largest unbroken wall space.
2. Use the space directly next to the bathroom door, if you have one, for your dresser or entertainment center. Generally, en suite bathroom doors open into the bathroom instead of the bedroom. If you don't need to accommodate the door opening, you have less to worry about in regards to blocking the door with furniture.
3. Lock or semi-permanently close off a door if the room it goes to can be accessed another way, such as a door that joins two bedrooms. This will free up space for your furniture. You can use the space for your dresser or other large piece of furniture.
4. Switch out your standard closet doors for accordion-style doors. This will open up more wall space for you. Next to a closet is an ideal place for a nightstand if it's near your bed.
Tags: your dresser, bedroom doors, closet doors, dresser other, piece furniture, space your
Buffets, sideboards and cabinets are some of the side tables used in dining rooms. These tables provide extra room to set food while people are dining as well as storage for linens and table accessories. Decorating the wall above them is sometimes challenging because there is so much empty space to fill. The space, however, only needs a little art or color to create a finished look that complements the room.
Instructions
1. Hang pictures on the wall above the side table. A single, large, vertical picture centered in the middle of the table will help elongate the the room's appearance while a large, horizontal image will give it a longer look. You can also cluster three or four pictures together off to one side of the table or use a level to put two or three pictures in a straight line along the back.
2. Mount a like a candelabra or wall sconce behind the table. Choose a candle holder that matches the size of the table. For example, use a medium to large candle holder for a large table or a smaller one for a small table. Alternatively, use several lined up along the back of a long table. Fill the candle holders with unscented candles. Scented candles can ruin the smell and taste of the food when people are dining.
3. Paint the wall behind the table with a textured design, such as a faux color wash. Use the paint technique on the entire wall behind the table for a consistent look. You can also paint patterns, such as stripes, or use stencils, such as vines, to create designs on the wall.
Tags: behind table, candle holder, along back, candle holders, look also, people dining
The furniture placement in your bedroom can create more space and comfort.
Whether you have just moved into a new home or you are concerned with placing your bedroom furniture in positions that have some sort of meaning, the way that your furniture is placed may have different meanings depending on your intentions. You may intend to be more traditional with the placement of your furniture, create a positive flow of energy or just want to decrease the amount of clutter in the room.
Traditional
Traditionally, the bed that is placed in the bedroom is set up across from the entrance into the room against a wall so that it is the focal point of the bedroom. The bed, however, should not be placed underneath a window if you frequently open your window; this way, the breeze will not disturb you, and any dust that comes in will not get on your bed. If you have room in your bedroom, place a reading chair in the corner of the room or at the base of a window so that you can enjoy a good book without having to lay or sit on the bed.
Feng Shui
The use of feng shui when determining place furniture in your bedroom is based on allowing positive chi, or energy, to flow freely through the space. The headboard of the bed must be supported by a solid wall behind it. The bed itself should be on the opposite wall of the door but should not be placed directly in front of the door; this is called the command position. If your bed is in front of the front door, it is blocking opportunities for the free flow of energy. The head of the bed should also be away from the window as this allows positive energy to escape from the window.
Minimalistic
When placing furniture in the bedroom of a minimalist's home, you'll find that there is often little furniture to arrange. The minimalistic point of view when it comes to furniture placement is to set up the room so that it is free of clutter. The only type of furniture that is in a minimalist's bedroom is furniture that is on a needed basis. A bed, perhaps a nightstand and one chest of drawers or dresser drawers might be the only pieces of furniture that are needed. Place this furniture in any way that you would like as long as the furniture is not too close together and so that it creates a sense of openness in the bedroom.
Tags: furniture that, your bedroom, flow energy, from window, front door
Express your creativity with funky bedroom painting techniques.
A teenager's bedroom is the one place a teen can call his own. Decorating this space will help make it feel more personal. If you are tired of the conventional decorating styles, you might be looking for something a bit more unusual. Paint is a simple and affordable way to completely redefine a space to match your tastes. Instead of just picking one color for all four walls, think outside these constraints for some funkier techniques that will make your room stand out from the rest.
Faux Wallpaper
Wallpaper is used to add big impact, but it is expensive and difficult to remove. Instead, consider using paint to create a funky faux wallpaper effect in the bedroom. For an all-over print, use stencils to create your design. From wavy lines to a chevron pattern with contrasting colors or even polka dots, painting with stencils can add instant character to the bedroom at a fraction of the price of buying and installing wallpaper.
Graffiti Mural
The bold colors and graphic design of graffiti makes for a dynamic presence in a teenager's bedroom. Teenagers can use spray paint and handmade stencils to create a vibrant design that expresses his interest. Teens will love inviting their friends to be a part of the painting process, creating their own designs. Before beginning, remove furniture from the room and cover the flooring with plastic sheeting. Open windows for ventilation.
Hobby Themes
If the teen has a specific interest, this can be the basis of the room theme. For example, if he loves football, you can decorate the room to reflect this by designing it to look like a football field. Cover the floor in green rugs, painted with goal lines. Paint the walls in favorite team colors. If he loves to play the piano, paint the entire room to look like piano keys or sheet music.
The Fifth Wall
For a very funky room painting design, don't forget the fifth wall: the ceiling. Play Michelangelo and start a mural on the ceiling. Paint a mural of the day or night sky. Another option is to paint a landscape. For example, paint a scene of spring in Japan. Cover the ceiling of your room in cherry blossom trees. For a three-dimensional effect, fold origami birds and suspend them from the ceiling to make it seem like the scene has come to life.
Finding the right curtains for your bedroom window can help to tie the room's decor together. There are so many choices for curtains--heavy and light, long and short, luxurious or simple--that choosing a set could be quite difficult. Consider both function and form in curtains and you'll be off to the best start possible.
Blackout vs. Sheer
Select a set of curtains based on your sleeping habits and needs. Sheer curtains allow natural light to come through, lighting the room, while blackout curtains should make the room quite dark, even in the middle of the day. Blackout curtains do have a heavier look, but you can purchase them in light colors to give the room a brighter feel. They're practically a necessity if you must sleep during the daytime. Getting some early morning natural light, though, can help you wake up feeling more refreshed.
Master Bedroom vs. Guest Bedroom
Typically, the curtains in the master bedroom have a more formal feel to them. Look for curtains that are long in fabrics like satin, velvet or heavy brocade. You can also have several layers to the curtains, such as putting a sheer chiffon behind more elegant curtains. In a guest bedroom, you can choose shorter curtains in lighter fabrics.
Large Windows vs. Small Windows
If your bedroom windows are quite large--bay windows, for example--you may need to find a custom solution. Many department stores can make custom curtains to fit your window. You simply browse the available fabrics and order with your window's dimensions. If you want to make a small window look larger, use long curtains to cover up the fact that it's small.
Alternative Materials
Your curtains do not have to be made out of fabric. For example, a curtain made from small pieces of wood woven together brings a natural feel to the room. Alternatively, consider beaded curtains. Placed close together, these types of curtains could completely cover your window. You can also purchase fabric curtains that incorporate strings of beads, which tends to give the curtains a Mediterranean look.
Draping Curtains
When it comes to draping your curtains, function typically trumps the look. You want your curtains to hang down, covering the window to prevent light from getting inside your room in the morning and to prevent any nosy neighbors from getting a good look inside at night. Aside from that, you can open curtains up in the morning by tying them to the sides with a sash or by pushing them open. You could also use a valance at the top or drape a single piece of fabric on the top for an elegant look.
Tags: curtains your, your bedroom, your window, , curtains that, curtains your bedroom, from getting
Installing an undermount bathroom sink in a granite countertop requires precision, accuracy and proper mounting techniques to keep it from separating from the underside of the countertop and falling into the cabinet below. In addition to the mounting hardware that comes with a retail undermount sink kit, you will need epoxy caulk to solidly secure the sink to the granite. Installed properly, an undermount sink attaches to the underside of the countertop, allowing the counter surface to serve as the sink basin's lip and streamlining the counter surface. To install this sink right, assign a helper to hold the sink while you attach the clips to it.
Instructions
1. Measure the width of the sink's cutout and cut a length of 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber slightly longer in size using a handsaw.
2. Wipe the lower side of the granite counter with a dry cloth to remove accumulated dirt or debris that can prevent the epoxy from establishing a strong bond.
3. Apply an even layer of silicone caulk around the upper edge or the lip of the undermount sink. Spread the caulk evenly so it covers the entire surface.
4. Grasp the undermount sink and raise it with its caulked lip centered into the opening in the granite counter. Push the sink against the underside of the countertop.
5. Place the 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber over the sink cutout in the top of the countertop, directly across the sink cutout. Push an end of a bar clamp into the sink's large drain hole and the other end over the 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber. You will need two bar clamps for a sink with two bowls, using one for each drain hole.
6. Tighten the clamp partially so it holds the undermount sink in place. Ensure the reveal of the sink is even all around the cutout in the granite countertop before you fully tighten the clamps.
7. Drill holes into the lower surface of the countertop to accommodate the mounting bolts provided with the undermount sink kit. Refer to the sink's installation manual for the location of these bolts holes.
8. Prepare the two-part epoxy according to its label directions. Apply the epoxy to the bolt posts attached to the 's lip. Press the bolts into the holes you drilled. Slide the metal clips provided with the sink over the mounting bolts and the sink's edge. The instruction manual specifies the number of clips you need and their locations.
9. Tighten the bolts that hold the clamps in place and allow the epoxy and caulk to cure for the time specified on the label directions. However, do not overtighten the bolts; simply ensure they are snug. The silicone caulk combined with the two-part epoxy will hold the undermount sink firmly in place. Remove the clamps the next day and install the plumbing.
Simple accents will give your bathroom a vibrant personality.
Many college students begin school sharing a bathroom with a number of other people. Finally having a private bathroom is another milestone in your life, as you graduate to an apartment or dorm with a private bath. Make the most of it by decorating with your own personal style.
Neon Seashore
Put a twist on the traditional bathroom seashore style by decorating yours in neon colors. Stick to one or two bright colors, though you could use subtler colors as accents. Create a line of bright fish--or a school of them--scrolling around the wall. Use wall stickers to create your design unless you can get permission to paint the room.
Fantasy Land
Use a mermaids (or mer-people) theme to turn your bathroom into a fantasy land. You might also hang pictures of sea serpents and other mythical beings of the ocean, using inexpensive frames. Spray-paint the frames in colors that match your d cor.
Octopus' Garden
Create a bottom-of-the-ocean theme with an octopus, crabs, fish, snails, seaweed and other marine life. Find small treasure chests to place on the counter for storing hair accessories or other small items. Use green and blue as primary colors for this theme.
Bold Flowers
Decorate with lots of big, bold flowers to keep the bathroom looking fresh and cheerful. Your walls are probably an off-white color, or another neutral tone, so choose bold red or purple flowers to add color. Add color with a shower curtain, floor mats and towels and hang a garland of flowers and ivy above the mirror. If you have enough counter space, place slim vases with big flowers on them.
Hollywood Glam
As My Lifetime suggests, go glam with some easy accents. The glam theme is shiny and monochromatic; you might use pink, black and silver, for instance. If you have a black and white checkered floor, you're off to a good start, or you can accessorize with dark or checkered floor mats, as the website says. Choose an art deco soap tumbler soap dish and fancy light switch plates, as suggested.
Storage Space
Finding room for all of your bathroom necessities and those of your roommates can be a challenge. Choose a small shelf you can hang on the back of the door, install hooks on the wall and hang shampoo holders in the shower for storing all your bath products. And rather than storing lotions and other bath products in plain view, put them into pretty boxes or baskets to create a more attractive look, as described in an article on the CNN website. Visit a thrift shop or garage sales to find a small shelf to place against the wall for extra storage as well and paint it to match the room.
Tags: , bath products, checkered floor, , small shelf
Due to heavy exposure to damp and humid conditions, bathroom tiles may crack and fall off the wall more often than kitchen tiles. This can leave an unattractive mark that you will want to fill in right away. You can replace a few tiles if you don't have a lot of time, but replacing all of the tiles at once will create a more uniform look in your bathroom.
Instructions
1. Put down a tarpaulin or waterproof sheet to protect the floor of your bathroom.
2. Remove all the old tiles from the wall by prying them up using a pallet knife.
3. Sand down the wall until no tile adhesive remains.
4. Starting from the bottom of the area where you want to install the tile, apply adhesive to the wall and spread it out using an adhesive spreader. Apply only enough adhesive for a few tiles at a time. This will prevent the adhesive from drying before you can install the tiles.
5. Press each tile into the adhesive on the wall. Make sure to align each tile and secure it before moving on to the next one. Add spacers between the tiles to allow for grouting later. Leave the newly installed tiles to dry according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions
6. After installing all the tiles on the wall, you will need to add grout between each tile. Grout, an adhesive used to bind the tiles together, will prevent water from getting under the tiles. You can either purchase pre-mixed grout, or dry grout that you mix with water yourself.
7. Using a grouting tool, apply the grout between all the gaps you left between the tiles by using the spacers. Leave to dry overnight.
Tags: each tile, adhesive wall, between tiles, grout between, will prevent, your bathroom
Dishware and accessories will be the top "layer" of your .
Layering a round dining table can add style and panache to an eating space. Depending upon the weight and style of your chosen material, as well as accessories, layering your table can dress up or dress down your dining area. A few simple steps will ensure your dining table looks professionally designed and inviting at the same time.
Instructions
1. A monochromatic tablecloth
Clear and wipe down your dining table and center your longest tablecloth (floor length) on it. Your longest tablecloth should be the darkest in color (darker than your half-length and square topper). For a dressy table, choose a long cloth with satin threads or damask embroidery. To dress down , choose a linen fabric in stripes or plaids. Choose a monochromatic pattern if possible (a single color in different tones); this will anchor your table and prevent it from looking "busy."
2. Plain white tablecloths can create a "corporate" dining feeling.
Center your half-length table cloth over the top of your first layer. Choose a half-length cloth in a pattern that is contrasting to your first layer but carries a complementary color. For example, if you've chosen a black damask floor-length cloth, choose a white or light gray half-length cloth with black detail work. Remember, shine in fabric dresses up a table, while linen and other matte material dresses a table down. Remember to choose a half-length cloth that is lighter in color than your long cloth but avoid solid white, as it evokes a "restaurant" or "corporate" feeling.
3. Contrasting table topper and dishware.
Place a square table-topper in the center of your table as the third layer. It's best to choose a table topper in a solid color and in a lightweight fabric. Think of your table topper as the canvas for your last layer (your dining accessories). Select a color that will contrast nicely with your dishware. This layer can be lighter or darker than your second layer, depending on your dishware, but should not be darker than your first layer.
4. Choose a napkin color that complements your table decor.
Place dishware at each place setting. Turn glasses top down to create a more stable base and place ringed napkins in the center of each plate or place setting. Napkins can be rolled and placed flat on the plates or standing up using the napkin ring as a base. If you desire more height to your table, stand your napkins.
5. Floral centerpieces are a popular choice for a formal setting.
Place your centerpiece of choice in the middle of your table as the finishing touch to your top final layer. Your centerpiece should coordinate with your color palette and can be formal or informal, depending on your intention. The size of your centerpiece should be in relation to the surrounding room decor. For example, if you have a low-hung chandelier, choose a low centerpiece.
Tags: your table, your dining, dining table, than your, darker than
Caulking must match or complement tile and fixture colors.
The color scheme of the bathroom is determined by a number of components, including tiles, wall paint, fixtures and even the waterproof caulking that helps protect walls against rust and mildew. This caulk is a visible part of the bathroom, and comes in several colors and shades to fit the color scheme.
Gray
A popular shade for grout, gray also is a popular shade for caulking since it appears so closely next to grout and tile. Caulking comes in several shades similar to grout and varies by manufacturer. Color Fast caulk features light shades, such as Platinum and Arctic Ice, but also darker shades, such as Concord Grape, Winter Gray and the near black Charcoal. Some bathroom fixture companies, such as Kohler, make shades to match their products exactly. The Kohler shade of gray is called Ice Grey.
White
Although difficult to keep clean, white is another popular color for the bathroom and bathroom caulk. Pure whites, such as Kohler's White or Color Fast's Bright White, match white color grout completely as well as complementing the colors of bathroom fixtures. Easier to keep clean, many homeowners choose off-white colors, such as DAP's Antique White or Kohler's Biscuit.
Brown
A few shades darker than off-white, brown caulking matches well a tan or brown bathroom color scheme, but can appear perpetually dirty in white bathrooms. Shades of brown caulking include Almond and Innocent Blush from Kohler; Sable Brown, Haystack and Sahara Tan from Color Fast; and Cedar Tan and Brown from DAP.
Green
Although not as common as white or gray, green color grout matches several green color tiles that are popular in bathrooms. North Bay Leaf and Moss from Color Fast are medium and muted greens, while Timberline from Kohler represents a darker and warmer tone.
Red
Red bathrooms are rare, but some manufacturers do make red bathroom caulking for specialty colored bathrooms. Muted reds, such as Kohler's Wild Rose and Color Fast's Driftwood, are more common, but Color Fast's Lipstick provide a more vibrant option.
Blue
This cool color complements muted shades, such as gray, as well as matching blue tile and fixtures. Blue caulk includes shades, such as Ocean Blue and Captain's Blue from Color Fast. Like red, blue caulking is not as common as white or gray.
Clear
DAP offers a clear caulking that blends with most color tile grout and fixture. This caulking is colorless and, therefore, matches any bathroom color scheme.
Tags: Color Fast, color scheme, shades such, from Color, from Color Fast, such Kohler
To decorate a bedroom, someone else's trash might just become your treasure.
A small apartment bedroom doesn't have to feel cramped or cheap even if you are on a budget. Your bedroom should be a haven of relaxation and renewal. Create a personal escape by using inventive ways to decorate your apartment bedroom. Little, frugal touches will go a long way in the creative process, and these additions won't tax your pocket book. Well-placed decorative touches will also maximize the space in your bedroom and even create the illusion of having a bigger room.
Instructions
1. Shop in the right places in order to keep your budget intact. Visit local yard sales and thrift stores. You might be able to find next-to-new or even brand new items at drastically reduced prices. Look at the clearance sections of department stores and collections of slightly irregular items in furniture and home accent stores to find real bargains.
2. Place at least one mirror on the wall in your bedroom. Mirrors create the illusion of depth and a larger space.
3. Paint your room in a neutral or light pastel shade. Darker shades often make a room look smaller, while lighter shades maximize light and space.
4. Use organizing bins, crates and pockets to make the most of the space. If you have clutter in your small apartment bedroom, the space will seem even tinier. Get rid of what you don't use or need, and store as many nonessential items as possible out of sight in order to open the space.
5. Sleep on a daybed rather than a full-sized bed. This will create extra space and provide a seating area for waking hours.
6. Replace closet doors with a curtain made from a soft, flowing fabric. Use a shade of fabric that accentuates the other tones in the room. This takes up less space indoors and creates an artistic touch.
7. Stock the room with a few pieces of lightweight furniture. Heavy-looking furniture tends to take up more space and look clunky in a small area.
8. Add small, inexpensive touches to bring out details in the room. These types of frugal accents include new hardware on furniture, ribbon or button trim on lampshades or pillows, wallpaper on the fronts of drawers or the inside of bookshelves, and a new coat of paint for old furniture.
Tags: apartment bedroom, create illusion, , small apartment bedroom, touches will
The art of Zen is all about creating serenity and moving toward a more balanced life. In the home, you can enhance serenity in a major way with color. The decorating style of Zen has no particular color, although some colors evoke serenity and peacefulness. Find the colors that work with your decor, and you'll love your calming bedroom.
Blue
Blue evokes peace in the bedroom. Like water, it's restful and opens up the smallest of bedrooms, bringing in light. Look for the right shade of blue that will work with the other Zen elements of your bedroom. If you have blue and white porcelain, paint your walls white, and bring touches of blue in with pillows, vases and rugs. If you prefer a softer color, such as ice blue or robin's egg, you can cover your walls and feel as though your room is a sanctuary at the end of the day. A soothing blue palette would include white, yellow or green.
Green
A bright and calming color, for serenity, go with light to medium shades of green, such as sea grass, honeydew, celadon or spring meadow. On the walls, green is reminiscent of nature and will produce a tranquil affect. Combine green with earthy shades to create a grounded feeling in your room. With blue and white, green will feel carefree.
Beige
Bring serenity into your room with the calming nature of neutral beige, which comes in a variety of tones with the best color being the one that blends with your decor. Pay attention to undertones as some beige shades have red, green or yellow hues. On the walls, beige is warm and evokes a sense of relaxation. Straw, linen and mushroom are a few of the options you have.
Violet
Violet is soothing, which makes it ideal for a relaxing bedroom. Light and airy, violet is welcoming as well. Look for different shades, from icy violet to a richer shade of lavender. Violet adds softness and femininity to bedrooms and is a pleasing choice because it adds color without adding drama. For a satisfying Zen combination, mix with beige and the palest of yellow.
White
Clean and crisp, white creates a stress-free aesthetic. For the most powerful affect, go all white, focusing on different texture to being interest to . Flowing white sheers on the window, along with a fluffy white rug and plush white bedspread, will beckon you at the end of the day. Add tiny spots of your favorite colors if all white is too much for your taste.
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A teen's bedroom serves as a palette within which she can express her beliefs, personality and passions. Whether you're a teen who wants a cute, one-of-a-kind bedroom or a grandparent decorating a guest room in hopes that your teenage granddaughter will feel comfortable during her visit, a few ideas will help to inspire your decorating efforts.
Ant Perspective Room
Red and white are traditional toadstool-cap colors.
In the "Super Mario Brothers" game, there was a level in which the Mario character was very small and everything else was unusually large, as if Mario had shrunk. For a cute teen twist inspired by the old game, use a pencil to sketch huge, stylized floor-to-ceiling toadstool mushrooms, blades of grass, flowers, and ground denizens like ants and frogs. Paint the background a light sky blue. Paint the decorations in bright colors. Choose furniture colors and fabrics that match the toadstools.
Penguins on Parade
Many different kinds of penguins can adorn the bedroom walls.
Many teens read the classic kids' book "Mr. Popper's Penguins" when they were young, and saw the documentary film "March of the Penguins," which featured emperor penguins waddling, sliding and caring for their adorable fluffy chicks. For a mega dose of bedroom cuteness, paint the walls glossy white to evoke the icy plains of Antarctica, and paint life-size emperor penguins---and a few chicks---marching around the walls. Types of penguins include emperor, king, fairy, rockhopper, Humboldt and Galapagos penguins. If you don't have the time or artistic talent to paint a bunch of penguins, hire a professional muralist or make a giant stencil. To partially fill the blank walls above the penguins, stencil a penguin-related quote.
Candy Shop
Jars or cups of candy make delicious decorative accents.
Paint a narrow wall with the red and white or red and pink diagonal strips of a candy cane. Make the main room color pink, candy-apple red, tart green or banana-split yellow. Choose candy colors for the furniture, curtains, and decorative accessories too. A variation for a young baker is a bakery or cupcake shop theme. Instead of a candy border, stencil cheery cupcakes along the top of the room. Display bouquets of homemade rock candy in vases.
Place silk dried roses in the room as a decoration.
The Gothic style is more than just vampires and teenagers in black eyeliner. It's a way of life -- a life of pacifism, unique art and a fascination with Victorian culture. The main color associated with Gothic fashion and decorating is black. However, reds and grays are popular color choices as well. When decorating a bedroom for a Gothic fan, use Goth-inspired colors and fabrics in your design.
Instructions
1. Paint the walls and ceiling a charcoal or slate gray. Use a flat wall paint to avoid shine. Let the paint dry overnight. If necessary, apply a second coat of paint after the first dries to fully cover the wall.
2. Hang drapes over the windows. Choose drapes that are floor-length and made from velvet or look like a tapestry. Use curtains in blacks or rich reds. Allow the drapes to hang down and billow around the window.
3. Cover the floor with a black or rich red rug.
4. Place large, Gothic-looking furniture in the room. Use a wrought iron or faux wrought iron bed, with or without a canopy. Place a large, armoire and oversized bedside tables in the room as well, made from dark-stained woods.
5. Put satin or cotton sheets on the bed. Choose blacks, grays or rich reds for the sheet color. Cover the bed with a velvet comforter in black.
6. Hang a wrought iron mirror on the wall.
7. Spray-paint a vase with black or dark gray paint. Let the paint dry overnight. Fill the vase with a dozen silk red roses. For a more authentic feel, look for roses at the craft store that look like dried flowers.
8. Hang wrought iron sconces on the wall, complete with votive candles. Add a floor candelabra to the corner of the room or a tabletop on a dresser.
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