What Is The Most Romantic Color For The Bedroom

Some bedroom colors create a more romantic mood than others.

It's not easy to create an amorous mood when your bedroom decor is working against you. Some colors can help create a more intimate environment than others, but because women and men have different ideas about romance, the most romantic color for the bedroom is one that appeals to both sexes.

Passionate Red

From scarlet to burgundy, red is a bold, romantic bedroom color. Because red has a stimulating effect, it transforms a boudoir into a passionate place, but it's best to use this color sparingly. If you opt for red paint, stick with an accent wall. If you don't want to paint, red-patterned bedding, curtains and accents are often enough to add spice to your bedroom without creating a jarring effect.

Soothing Blue

Just about any shade of blue can give your room a calmer vibe, and feeling relaxed is a must when it comes to romance. Pair soft blue walls with crisp white bedding and accents to create a classic, romantic room that especially appeals to men. Add sheer white flowing curtains to allow filtered light to enter the room even when the lights are off.

Peaches and Cream

Guys usually run the other direction when it comes to the color pink, but it's possible to bring this hue into the bedroom in a way that doesn't look feminine. When used on walls, pinks and peaches create a flattering environment for all skin tones, which certainly doesn't hurt when you're hoping to get close. Pick a pale peach for walls; it works surprisingly well as a neutral. Pair it with dark wood furnishings and creamy ivory bedding for a soft, yet man-friendly appeal.

Smooth Brown

Brown may not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of romance, but when brown is reminiscent of everyone's favorite aphrodisiac -- chocolate -- it can be a sweet, sensual color for romantic bedroom decor. Like peachy hues, brown looks even smoother paired with creamy ivory. Try using a few red accents with brown walls for a rich look that makes every day feel like Valentine's Day.

Mysterious Purple

Create a more exotic bedroom with shades of lavender, violet or plum. Lighter shades are soft and romantic; deeper shades inspire passion. Try using lighter shades on walls to avoid an overwhelming feel, and use deeper tones for accents.

Enhancing a Romantic Decor

No matter what color you paint your bedroom walls, there are some additional things you can do to make your sleeping space more romantic. Incorporate sensual fabrics -- silk, chenille, high thread-count cottons -- and soft lighting. Add scented candles to bring a warm glow and an alluring fragrance to the room.

Tags: your bedroom, bedroom decor, bedroom that, creamy ivory, more romantic, romantic bedroom, than others

Bedroom Decorating Ideas Using Antique Furniture Pieces

Bedroom Decorating Ideas Using Antique Furniture Pieces

Perk up bedroom decorating ideas by using antique furniture for visual texture and interest. Create self-contained retreats with a touch of the past to anchor the senses. Photographs and personal stories are the best ways to make this a do-it-yourself project. Look for a gallery of design photos and mix-and-match bedroom decorating ideas.

Country Bedrooms

"Country Living" magazine presents a web series called "Get The Look." An entry on guest bedrooms reveals a gallery of bedroom decorating ideas that integrate antiques. Although not intended specifically to highlight antiques, this hidden cache of ideas includes antique wicker, wood wardrobes, dressers and bistro tables woven into bedroom interiors. Creating a breakfast nook using antique, wood carved armchairs and a new table styled after an antique look provides a fresh approach to bedroom decor.

Bedroom Design Photos

Use a single photo to spark new bedroom decorating ideas that include the use of antiques by visiting Houzz on the web. Filled with a healthy supply of photographs outlining décor ideas, Houzz focuses on mixing old furniture with new furniture. Find new ways to display antique beds, wardrobes and slipper chairs. Sign up for a Houzz account and create idea books, receive assistance and ideas from other home design enthusiasts and share decorating photos. Billed as the equivalent to cutting out magazine photos and creating folders of ideas and plans, Houzz allows its users to communicate their bedroom decorating ideas directly with designers in their area. Get help finding the perfect antique for that bedroom design.

Real Life Ideas

Part of the Better Homes and Garden Network (BHG), the website Real Life Decorating presents decorating ideas, stories and tips. View stories and photographs about decorating bedrooms, using antiques and incorporating certain antique styles into bedroom decor. Follow the bedroom decor link and discover a variety of photos and ideas for inserting antiques into a bedroom design. The Real Life Decorating website includes links to other BHG decorating sites, where more bedroom ideas await.

Tags: decorating ideas, bedroom decor, bedroom decorating ideas, into bedroom, Real Life, Antique Furniture Pieces, bedroom decorating

Install Accent Lamps In A Living Room & Dining Room

Installing accent lamps in your living space is an excellent way to change the ambiance of the room. When it is installed properly, lighting is the best accessory to any room. With so many different accent lights to choose from (including track, sconce, spot, or recessed lamps), you will be able to create a totally unique appearance to the room. Installing and changing the accent lamps is easy, and it's only limited by your imagination! Paint a different picture in your living or dining room any day of the week by simply changing the bulb to a different wattage or color.

Instructions

Select and Follow Manufacturer's Instructions

1. Decide on the accent lighting you want to add to your home. Sconce lamps provide upwards light, are easy to install, and they can make a room seem bigger than it is. Track lights can have fixed lamps or swivel heads that allow you to redirect lighting even after installation. For helpful hints on selecting accent lamps, visit the web sites of any of the top three lighting manufacturers (GE, Philips, and OSRAM Sylvania). (See References 1-3)

2. Turn the power off. The power on the service panel (breaker box) must be turned off prior to beginning any installation work. Simply click the breaker to the off position. Never begin any electrical work before shutting down the power on the circuit, and be sure to "lock out" the box to prevent others from accidentally turning the power back on before you've finished your work.

3. Read the manufacturer's installation instructions. Whether you purchase an accent lamp that needs electrical wiring or one that can simply be plugged into an electrical outlet, you should read through the installation guide prior to installation. Following the manufacturer's instructions is essential to the proper installation of your accent lamps.

4. If you're installing a track fixture or sconce, it must be attached to a stud. Use the stud sensor to determine where studs are in your wall. If you are installing a recessed fixture, make sure there is no stud where the sheet rock will be cut and removed to fit the recessed fixture into the ceiling. Continue to follow manufacturer's instructions.

5. Consult an electrician even before directly wiring your new accent lamp fixture into an existing electrical connection. This consultation could prevent any serious damages resulting from improper electrical connections.

Tags: accent lamps, accent lamp, fixture into, manufacturer instructions, recessed fixture, your accent, your living

Hello Kitty Bedroom Ideas

Hello Kitty is a character created by Sanrio in 1974. Since then, her sweet charm has captured the hearts of children and enchanted adults. According to Sanrio, she does not have a mouth because "Hello Kitty speaks from her heart." Because she is a commercial character with a simple theme, it is easy to find items with her image in order to recreate her world.

A Simple Framework

Start by creating a palate of soft pink and white in your bedroom. Existing furniture can be repainted white. Drawer pulls and doorknobs can be replaced with simple, rounded hardware and painted white or pink to reflect Hello Kitty's world. It may not be practical to replace the carpet, but you can add a soft rug. Choose either plain or lacy curtains in white, pink, or pastel green. Use decals or stencils to add some simple flowers and add flower shaped throw pillows to the bed.

Hello Kitty (tm)

When it comes time to add actual Hello Kitty licensed merchandise, keep your budget and your square footage firmly in mind. Sanrio makes enough Hello Kitty products to cover a house from top to bottom, much less an ordinary sized bedroom. A few things like a Hello Kitty lamp and curtains will make a great start. Products can be found at Sanrio stores, but also at thrift stores and yard sales. Let friends and relatives know that you are looking for Hello Kitty items and you may be surprised at how many Hello Kitty fans you already know.

Fun and Functional

Hello Kitty products can be used for functional purposes as well. Add a hamper and waste basket with Hello Kitty's happy face. Decorate your desk with Hello Kitty school supplies from low-tech (pencils) to high-tech (computer mice). Take the stress out of homework by using Hello Kitty paper with Hello Kitty pens stored in a Hello Kitty folder. It is up to you to decide how far to extend your Hello Kitty theme.

And Friends...

Hello Kitty has many friends including ChocoCat, Badtz-Maru, Deery-Lou, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll. Check out some of these characters to provide a little variety to your Hello Kitty bedroom. ChocoCat is described on the Sanrio website as being a bit forgetful, but always up on the latest news. Badtz-Maru is a mischievous penguin and Deery-Lou is just a sweet little deer who loves chasing butterflies. Each of these friends of Hello Kitty has friends of their own such as ChocoCat's friends "the duckies" and Badtz-Maru's alligator Pochi. Adding these friends to your Hello Kitty bedroom will give it long-lasting interest.

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What Is A Dining Sideboard

Traditionally, a dining sideboard is used for serving food.

A dining sideboard is a type of furniture that has been in use since 1770. Its traditional role has been as a convenient but elegant place for carving meats and serving food for the table. A sideboard contains a large flat surface with storage areas below and usually has legs rather than a solid base. Dining sideboards are found in almost any furniture store that offers dining room furniture.

History of the Sideboard

In the 18th century, people began using a stone-topped side table to cut and serve meats and other foods. It was sometimes called a side "board." The term referred to its flat surface but also to the fact that a meal could be laid upon it, such as in the phrase "room and board." The sideboard as an elegant piece of furniture initially appeared in England, with Hepplewhite producing some of the first. It developed into an essential piece containing drawers and cabinets for storing platters and utensils in a well-appointed dining room. Sideboards sometimes had an additional piece on top, which often held a mirror.

Styles

In traditional sideboards, a serpentine front was common, as well as a straight front and curved or D-shaped front. Less common was the concave front, but all of these styles are found in antiques and antique reproductions today. Hepplewhite and Sheraton styles and their reproductions exhibit simple lines or curves and long, straight legs. Federal style, George III and Regency styles and their reproductions also exhibit clean lines and curves, but bodies may be fuller with more storage space and shorter legs. Sideboards in the classical style are based on ancient Greek and Roman designs and therefore have ornate carvings. Transitional and contemporary styles of sideboards offer a variety of shapes and lines.

Sizes, Woods and Finishes

Sideboards are available in finishes to suit your decor.

The height of a sideboard normally ranges from 35 to 45 inches. The width can vary a great deal -- from just over 3 feet to over 7 feet wide. Mahogany, sometimes combined with birds-eye maple, is the most common wood found in antiques and is still common in today's reproductions. Cherry is also a favorite in traditional styles. In contemporary and transitional styles, oak is often used as well as mahogany, maple and cherry. Hardwoods such as these are preferable for a sideboard that must endure heavy use. All types of finishes are available in sideboards produced today, including painted and metallic finishes.

Function in Today's Home

A formal dining room in the modern home may not be used as often as it was a hundred years ago, and today's kitchens offer much larger areas for preparing food for serving. Sideboards continue to provide storage for china, utensils and table linens but often display decorative items on tops that are seldom used for slicing meats or other foods. Large sideboards are sometimes used as buffets for parties, with an array of food in individual portions which guests can serve themselves. Not all uses for sideboards in today's home involve food. If searching for a showpiece for a foyer, entryway or large hallway, a sideboard can make a dramatic statement.

Tags: dining room, dining sideboard, flat surface, found antiques, lines curves

Sew Dining Chair Slipcovers

You can cover up worn dining chairs, turn mismatched chairs into a matching set, or simply give your dining room a new look by adding homemade slipcovers. These slipcovers fit straight-back dining chairs and cover the chairs completely. A pillowcase-type pouch slips over the back of the chair and is attached to the seat covering. A graceful, slightly gathered skirt falls from seat level to the floor around the entire chair.

Instructions

1. Measure the height and width of the chair back. Add 1 1/2 inches to both the height and the width. Cut two pieces of fabric to this size. On the wrong side of the fabric and in small print, mark these pieces A (front of backrest) and B (back of backrest).

2. Measure the seat, adding 1/2 inch to all sides. Mark this piece C.

3. Measure the distance from the seat to the floor. Add 1 1/2 inches. Measure the distance around the seat, completely encircling it. Cut a strip of fabric 1 1/2 times as long as the measurement around the seat and as wide as the seat-to-floor measurement. Mark this piece D.

4. Pin together right sides of A and B. Beginning 1/2 inch from the bottom corner, sew together one side, pivot to sew across the top, and sew down the other side, stopping 1/2 inch from the other bottom corner.

5. Sew the back edge of seat piece C to the bottom of backrest piece A.

6. Sew together the two short edges of skirt D. Gather the top, long edge of skirt to fit around the front and sides of seat piece C and the back of backrest piece B. Pin in place and sew.

7. Turn up the bottom edge of skirt 1/2 inch twice. Sew around the top of the folded edge to create a narrow hem.

8. Cut four 16-inch lengths of ribbon. Securely sew the center of each ribbon to the corners of the seat on the inside seam. Tie the ribbon to the chair legs to keep the cover from shifting during use.

Tags: around seat, back backrest, backrest piece, bottom corner, dining chairs, edge skirt, from seat

What Is The Drilling Hole Size For Bathroom Vanity Sink Faucets

Faucets have slightly different mounting hole sizes.

Bathroom vanity sink faucets require specific drilling holes to mount the faucet on the sink. These holes are standardized for ease of installation, and different faucets install on a variety of pre-drilled sink tops. However, if you are drilling your own sink faucet holes, there are several things to consider. Not all sink faucets are drilled the same way, and some allow for different drilling hole distances and sizes.

Hole Diameters

Different sink faucets have different sized mounting hole diameters. This is the diameter of the handle bases and spout. Each mounts right into the sink counter top, so cutting a hole of this size is necessary when installing any type of sink faucet. Even if the faucet has a single hole with a base, or two handles with a connected base, the mounting holes must be drilled correctly. Most hole sizes are either 1 1/4 inches or 1 1/2 inches, but there are other hole sizes in that range. Your faucet manual will tell you which hole size your faucet has.

Single-Hole Faucets

A single-hole faucet has only one mounting hole and typically it has just one handle. This means the spout mounts right into the counter top. There is just one base shaft on which the spout and handle are attached. To drill a hole for this type of faucet, simply note the hole size, choose the corresponding hole saw size, mark the location of the spout base and drill through the cabinet. Install the faucet by inserting it into the hole.

Center Set Faucets

A center set faucet has two handles set at the same distance from the spout. These handles are 4 inches on center (meaning from the center of the spout, not the edge) from the spout. The handles each have a shaft that extends through the counter top. The drilling hole size is usually the same for the handles, but may differ on some models. The spout hole is typically drilled first, then the handle holes drilled by measuring and marking off 4 inches from the spout.

Wide-Spread Faucets

A wide-spread faucet has two handles set at a variety of distances from the spout. The distances range from 6 to 15 inches, depending on your model. Typically, the faucets have two independent handles with their own mounting shaft. A hole size matched to the diameter of the mounting shaft (typically between 1 1/4 and 1 1/5 inches) is used to mount these faucet handles on the counter top. The spout is also installed using a mounting hole within that size range. Since the handles are independent, they are mounted at any distance the user sees fit, but the distance from the spout normally is the same on each.

Tags: from spout, hole size, mounting hole, faucet handles, hole sizes, sink faucets, distance from

Repair A Scratched Dining Table

Repair a Scratched Dining Table

No matter how hard you try to protect your furniture and your dining table, scratches are inevitable, especially if you have children. However, do not get discouraged over small or even deep scratches. They can be repaired. You can temporarily fix the scratches to hide them, or completely remove them. Either way, you and your guests will never know the scratches existed.

Instructions

Small Scratches

1. Hide small scratches to repair the dining table. If the scratches are only on the surface, marring the looks of the table and not the tabletop's smooth texture, repair the scratches by attempting several methods of covering the scratches.

2. Rub walnut meat into the small scratches, rubbing with the length of the scratch to fill and stain the inside of the scratches. Try rubbing a mixture of linseed oil and boiled lemon oil into the scratches as well to produce the same effect.

3. Color the lightened scratch marks with crayons matching the wood color. Color the scratches and rub the crayon wax into the scratch to prevent fading later. You may also try felt markers, shoe polish or dark iodine in a matching shade painted into the scratches with a thin-tipped, artist's paintbrush.

Deep Scratches

4. Refinish tables with deep or numerous scratches. Sand the tabletop and legs of the dining table until all visible scratches are removed from sight and the texture of the table is smooth and unmarred.

5. Fill any deep scratches with shellac. Rub the shellac on gently, applying very little pressure with a lint-free cloth. Keep the cloth over the surface to prevent the shellac from exposure to air and clouding as it dries.

6. Repaint or stain the table with several coats of paint or stain to prevent scratches from recurring as quickly. Cover with a coat of clear polyurethane to further protect the surface of the dining table from scratches accumulated from daily usage.

Tags: deep scratches, dining table, dining table, dining table scratches, into scratches, Repair Scratched

Cute Decorating Ideas For A Couples' Bedroom

The decor in a couples' room should be a shared decision.

The right bedroom decor makes each person in a couple feel comfortable. Whether considering the transformation of a bachelor bedroom or a brand new room for a couple, the decor of the room should match the personality of the combined team. Balancing the needs of each person is an important part of combining tastes in a shared bedroom. Keeping the decorating cute in nature creates a relaxed atmosphere for enjoyment by the couple.

The Wedding Day Every Day

For a newlywed couple, a cute idea for decorating a bedroom is to relive the wedding day every day. After a wedding, there are keepsake items which a bride and groom never wish to part with. Bouquets, veils and other items used during the ceremony are endearing as symbols of the special day. Use these items to create a bedroom that represents that special day. Place the bridal bouquet, dried or preserved, on the edge of a vanity or nightstand as if it is waiting for the bride to pick up, along with the groom's top hat or handkerchief. Hang wedding pictures on one wall with the bride's veil over the top or hung between. Place the ring bearer's pillow on the bed and the flower girl's basket on a table. Use white bedding and window treatments trimmed with the wedding colors.

Sweetheart Room

Mix red and pink hearts to create a cute couple's bedroom. As a reminder of the love that creates a couple, use red bedding, curtains and rugs. Choose wallpaper with red hearts or roses. Brighten the red with pink heart-shaped pillows. Use heart-shaped frames in pink or red to add pictures to the walls and area tables.

His and Hers

If a couple cannot reach a decision on bedroom decor, a cute idea is to split the room in half by dividing the main wall of the room in half. Paint one side of the wall in black or other darker colors and the other white or a soft feminine shade. Keep the colors either the same in different shades or on opposite ends of the spectrum. Decorate the darker side with the male's interests, such as sports, and the female side with her interests. Choose matching lamps in neutral shades, and use appropriately colored floor rugs to finish the his and hers appearance.

Arabian Romance

Keep the romance alive in the bedroom with a playfully cute Arabian fantasy decor. Use lace or netting to create a canopy over the bed from ceiling to floor. Drape colorful scarves on the walls, tables, lamps and headboard or posts. Place large pottery jars in the corners and by the bed, and use large, colorful rugs on the floor.

Tags: bedroom decor, cute idea, each person, room half, room should

What Is The Appropriate Height For A Table Centerpiece For Dining

Centerpieces should low enough for guests to converse over.

Centerpieces add beauty to your table and help set the stage for your event. A casual arrangement of daisies in a hand-painted vase, for example, sets a far different tone than a formal arrangement of roses in a silver or crystal bowl. Regardless of the style of your centerpiece, it's important to keep the arrangement at the proper height.

General Rules

The general rule for centerpiece height is that it should never be so tall that your guests cannot see each other across the table and carry on a conversation. The highest point of the centerpiece should be well below eye level; the maximum height should be 12 inches. The only exception is for extremely high centerpieces. In that case, the base of the centerpiece should be at eye level, placed on a sturdy pedestal.

Alternatives

To avoid the centerpieces blocking the view across the table, use several low profile arrangements together. Line the table with arrangements, or use one long, narrow container to display flowers, candles or both. The dramatic arrangements draw attention to the place settings without taking up too much space or preventing your guests from interacting with each other.

Width

While the height of the centerpiece is an important consideration, so is the width and fullness of the arrangement. Avoid centerpieces that are so full that they crowd the table; you need adequate space for the place settings as well as the accoutrements of the meal, such as salt and pepper shakers, bread baskets and gravy boats. As a general rule, a centerpiece on a small table seating two to four should not be wider than 18 inches; for a larger table seating six, the centerpiece should be between 18 and 24 inches wide. If you're using several tables together, use one centerpiece, up to 24 inches wide, for every six place settings. No matter how wide the centerpiece, remember the rules for height and keep the arrangement proportional.

Candles

Candles are an elegant and festive addition to your centerpiece, but take care with the height of the candles to prevent problems. Avoid placing candles so that the flame is at eye level. The flickering flame is distracting when you're trying to talk across the table. Use candlesticks, a candelabra or choose small votive or pillar candles to line the table. Avoid placing candles where they could be bumped by serving dishes or possibly catch a sleeve on fire while dishes are passed around the table.

Tags: across table, centerpiece should, place settings, Avoid placing, Avoid placing candles

Decorate A Bedroom In Bright Green & Purple

Use green sheets in a room with purple accents.

The cool tones of purple and bright green work together to create a vibrant but relaxing bedroom environment. Bright green lends a fresh, natural appeal, reminiscent of summer leaves, while purple adds a regal touch to the room. Selecting this combination means you aren't afraid to show your personality and experiment with color. Use bright green and purple in the bedroom in an understated way or go for maximum impact, depending on your preferences.

Instructions

1. Select either bright green or purple as your main bedroom d cor color and use the other hue as an accent. Using both colors equally can overwhelm the space with color, while minimizing one and maximizing the other creates a more cohesive feel. Choose green as the main color for a refreshing, balancing vibe or purple for a restful and comforting space.

2. Pick your wall colors, if painting is an option. Neutral colors like white or beige balance out the brightness of the green and purple. Pick a light shade of the main color, like pale green or lavender, for the wall colors if you want to incorporate the scheme into all areas of the room. Create one accent wall painted in a darker purple or bright green, but avoid painting the entire room in these colors as it can make it seem smaller than it really is.

3. Add an area rug in a bright green or purple color if you have wood or tile floors. Find one with thick fibers to add texture to the bedroom.

4. Adorn your bed with a comforter in the main color of choice and add accent pillows in the secondary color.

5. Select a color for hardware like doorknobs and hinges and accessories like lamps. Silver lends a modern appeal to the bedroom, while gold is classic. Bronze brings a touch of country cottage to a purple and bright green bedroom.

6. Add a touch of nature to your bedroom in the form of real or artificial plants. Display vibrant dark purple flowers in a lavender vase, fill a pot with floral foam and cover with fake moss or display a container of ornamental wheat grass on the dresser. Natural options are plentiful.

Tags: bright green, green purple, main color, purple bright, purple bright green, bright green, bright green purple

Bathroom Stall Etiquette

The bathroom stall has been immortalized in everything from heavy metal songs to cheesy horror flicks, and there's no question that without it, we'd all be trying to get through the day cross-legged and hopping. Unless you're in a high-class shopping mall or a five-star resort, a public stall isn't the ideal place to go, but you can make the stop more bearable.

Buffer Zone

Public bathrooms aren't generally built for optimum privacy. With gaps between the doors and walls and all that open space at the bottom and top of the walls and doors, it's pretty much an open forum in there. To preserve what little privacy there is, choose a stall away from the other users if possible, with at least one empty stall in between. If you're the only person in a three-stall bathroom, choose one on the end so newcomers aren't forced to be close to you.

Don't Talk

If you get in the stall and realize too late that there's no paper, and you don't have any tissue on you, it's fine to direct a polite request to the stall next door: "Excuse me, I seem to be out of paper. Would you mind handing me some?" Once the exchange is done, offer a simple "thank you" and go back to pretending you're all alone in there. The bathroom is not the place for idle chit-chat with strangers. And please, stay off your cell phone while you're in the stall. The person on the other end probably doesn't want to hear you tinkle, and it's almost certain that the folks in neighboring stalls don't care about your gall bladder surgery or one-night stand. This is especially true if you're using the bathroom at work. Make calls in the bathroom at work, and you're setting yourself up to be the subject of office gossip.

Plan Ahead

If you're going to be spending all day shopping and using public bathrooms, please don't hit the all-you-can-eat burrito bar the night before. You and your shopping companions will be more comfortable if you're at home until that's been fully digested. If you must use a public bathroom for a noisy or smelly event, don't try to diffuse the situation with humor or adolescent jokes. If you emerge from your stall at the same time someone else emerges from hers, you can offer a brief apology--remember, brief. An explanation of what you ate or your digestive woes will only make the situation more uncomfortable.

Keep It Clean

Leave the stall as clean as you found it, or better. If you dribble on the seat somehow, wipe it up. Make sure garbage goes into the trash can and not the toilet; flushing anything but waste and toilet paper can cause the toilet to back up. And please, no matter how bored you get sitting in there, don't write on the wall. Nobody cares if you love Jimmy 4-ever, and if Susie is a tramp, well, that's her business.

Be Kind

If you and a pregnant woman are waiting for a stall, let her go first unless you're really about to burst. The same goes for older people and those with small children. If you're the one taking a child to the bathroom, be extra-vigilant about cleaning the stall, and don't allow them to peek under the walls at other patrons. Even if the bathroom is empty, don't use the handicap stall unless you really need it. People using assistance devices or who have caregivers need the extra room and features of that stall.

Tags: bathroom work, unless really

What Is Bedroom Interior Designing

Bedroom design can be functional or decorative.

With more time being spent in the home than ever before, more attention is being paid to the way a home is designed and decorated. And while a bedroom may not be at the top of the list when it comes to redesigning the home, renovating a bedroom can bring more restful sleep and a nicer environment in which to wake up. So whether you want your bedroom to be a haven from the stresses of the day or a personal space that reflects your personality, learning about interior design can help.

Function

Interior design is a method of creating a cohesive design theme within a room or an entire home to tie in decoration, furnishings and accessories. Interior design within the bedroom would involve producing a design scheme to tie in wall colorings, flooring, bedroom furniture, bedding, decorative accessories, lighting, window treatments and even an en-suite bathroom.

Foundation

The basis for deciding decorate a bedroom will come from how it is used and the lifestyle it is meant to reflect. For example, if the room is for two people, then there will usually be two bedside cabinets, two lamps, two closets and a double bed. If there are pets or young children in the household, furnishings and rugs that are darker in color, stain resistant or patterned to disguise stains are a more suitable option. Wall coverings will need to be cleanable. If a bedroom doubles as a study or living room, these things will also need to be considered.

Creation

Professional interior designers can be employed to create design schemes for bedrooms and, after a discussion of your tastes and uses for your room, will come up with a scheme they feel suits your personality and lifestyle. This will usually involve the creation of a mood board of clippings of fabric, paint swatches and images of furniture they would like to use. DIY bedroom design is also a possibility and can involve as little effort as choosing a color and shopping for bedroom items to match with it or as much effort as researching design themes and deciding which parts can be utilized in your room.

Themes

There are many themes or design schemes for bedrooms and these include simply coordinating the colors of furniture and fittings within a room or using a particular pattern in soft furnishings as a starting point and tying the rest of the room's decor in with this. Historical themes are also popular and involve designing a room with a certain time in history in mind such as colonial or Victorian. Certain countries also provide inspiration for design, like French or English country-style or modern Italian style. Other design schemes include shabby chic, contemporary and country cottage.

Time Frame

The most time-consuming part of creating an interior design scheme for a bedroom is the actual research and decision making about decor. Once the decision has been made about which color scheme or design theme a bedroom should have, the work to transform it can be completed in a relatively short time frame. It can take as little as a day if adding superficial changes such as new furniture or accessories, a weekend if painting and adding new flooring or longer if structural changes are required.

Tags: design schemes, design scheme, design schemes bedrooms, design theme, schemes bedrooms, will come, will usually

Decorate A Luxurious Bedroom

Through careful decorating, you can transform your blank-canvas bedroom space into a luxurious den of rest. Dedicating yourself to selecting and adopting a luxurious decorating scheme for your bedroom is a simple way to give this room more aesthetic appeal. As you rest and relax in your newly decorated space, you can feel as if you have stepped, at least temporarily, into the lap of luxury, potentially making your time spent in this space even more rejuvenating.

Instructions

1. Pick a rich color palette. Select deep tones of your favorite hues to give your room a rich and decadent feel. Popular options include deep burgundy, rich purples or dark and earthy browns. Pair these dominant hues with rich, warm tans to craft a luxurious color palette.

2. Select imposing furniture, such as a four-poster bed. While you can select any wood tone you wish, darker tones, such as cherry or mahogany, often create a more luxurious feel.

3. Invest in high-thread-count sheets. High-thread-count sheets have an unmistakable sheen that not only looks great, but also feels wonderful as you slip between the linens each night.

4. Use throw pillows and quilted linens heavily. Adding these soft additions gives your space a plush feel and creates sleeping and sitting areas that are warm and inviting.

5. Place lighting around the space. Instead of relying on overhead light alone, put lamps around your room. Use shaded lamps to create soft, rest-inducing light in your luxurious bedroom space.

6. Add art to your bedroom walls. Select art works that correspond with your selected color palette, and place them around the space, adding excitement and giving your room a more polished feel. Also consider selecting pieces thematically. For example, select pieces that contain trees or floral motif works to create cohesion in your art additions.

7. Create a seating space. You don't want to try to cram furniture into a space that is already too packed to accommodate any additional pieces. But if you do have the space, placing a cozy chair or love seat in your bedroom can provide a comfy place to sit and read and give your room a more luxurious and inviting feel.

Tags: your room, color palette, room more, your bedroom, around space

Bedroom Decorating Ideas For A Teen Girl

Help your teen decorate her bedroom in a way that reflects her personality and interests.

Help your teen decorate her bedroom in a way that reflects her personality without going overboard. Give her the freedom to make major choices in the room with a few set parameters, such as no black walls, to guide her. Your teen's bedroom should become a comfortable place for her to sleep, study and entertain her friends.

Walls

The walls in your teen's room provide the largest area to make a statement. Paint is typically the least expensive way to make a huge impact. Use bright, bold colors on the walls, only one wall or the ceiling if it suits your teen's style. If she changes her mind frequently, consider neutral walls with colorful pictures or adhesive decorations. Purchase large frames and let her build collages within them or frame her favorite posters or even scrapbook paper. These can easily be swapped out to update the room in just a few moments. Hang shelves in various sizes and arrangements to display some of her favorite things within arm's reach in an orderly fashion. Fabric can hang above the bed or as curtains to add texture or interest. Hang colorful beads in place of curtains or closet doors if it fits in with her theme or color scheme. Hang a whiteboard or large blocks of paper on one wall for your teen and her friends to write, draw or even graffiti on the wall without leaving any permanent damage.

Furniture

Use the furniture in your teen's room to enhance her decor, as well as function to meet her needs. A daybed or futon can double as a hangout space for her friends and her bed. Or, purchase a quality bedroom set that she can take with her when it's time to leave home. Re-purpose older pieces by sanding and painting them. White furniture will stand out against darker or brighter colors, while dark wood can work for simple, modern decor or with bright colors. Include decorative pieces that can serve more than one purpose, such as a storage chest that becomes a bench if you place pillows on top.

Colors and Themes

Use a monochromatic color scheme if she's crazy about a single color. For example, purple is available in numerous shades that can work together in a harmonious way. Use two neutral colors--such as black and white--in various patterns with a single splash of color--such as yellow or lime green--for greater impact. Pink complements a wide range of colors and comes in a multitude of shades. If she loves flowers, create a floral bedroom. Decorate her bedroom to look like a beach if she has a passion for surfing.

Accessories

Accessories can complete the look of the room, or even supply all of the color in an otherwise neutral room. This will make it easier to dramatically change the look of the room without redecorating it every time she changes her mind. Use bright boxes or baskets that complement her room's decor and give her additional storage space. Pillows, lamps, picture frames and funky clocks in colors or shapes that fit in with the rest of the room can make ideal, yet functional, accessories.

Tags: your teen, bedroom that, bedroom that reflects, changes mind, color scheme, decorate bedroom

What Is A Split Bedroom Floor Plan

First appearing in the U.S. in the 1950s, the split bedroom floor plan quickly became a favorite with homeowners. A split bedroom design offers much-needed privacy for the homeowners that is not available in many other home designs, but this design option is not right for everyone. Daily activities increasingly separate family members, and the split bedroom design increases this separation. Families with younger children often prefer the traditional design, while those with older children or no children prefer split bedrooms.

Description

A split bedroom design is simply a home that places the master bedroom on one end of the home with the remaining bedrooms in another location, usually on the other side of the home. A variation of the split bedroom floor plan is the master bedroom on the first or main floor with the additional bedrooms on the second floor. Traditionally, bedrooms are clustered in one area of the home with a long hallway to access the sleeping areas.

Origins

Many credit the split bedroom floor plan to Arthur Rutenberg, but Rutenberg gave credit to his brother Daniel. Working with two other brothers in their Florida-based Rutenberg Construction Co, Arthur and Daniel introduced and built the new design in Florida homes. The design quickly became a favorite, and split bedroom homes soon dotted the Florida landscape before spreading throughout the country. The split bedroom design is now the standard in traditional, affordable family homes.

Advantages

A split bedroom floor plan offers additional privacy for the master bedroom because this room is separated from the other bedrooms in the home. Children and guests do not disturb the occupants of the master bedroom. In addition, this floor plan maximizes the usable space in the home because long hallways are reduced or eliminated.

Disadvantages

A split bedroom design separates the occupants of the master bedroom from the children of the home. In emergency situations, such as a gas leak or a fire, the homeowners must travel from one end of the home to the other to rescue children. Older children also have more freedom to come and go unnoticed when the master bedroom is secluded.

Tags: split bedroom, master bedroom, bedroom design, floor plan, split bedroom design, bedroom floor plan

What Is A Split Bedroom Design

What Is a Split Bedroom Design?

If you're in the market for a new (or new-to-you) home and have spent even a little time browsing house plans and for-sale advertisements, you may have noticed the phrase "split bedroom design." This interior layout feature, which originated in the 1950s and has only increased in popularity since then, appeals to a broad base of homeowners.

Definition

A home is said to have a split bedroom design if its master bedroom suite is separated from the other bedrooms by common areas such as the kitchen, dining room and living room. Although the location of the bedrooms is the distinguishing feature of house plans with this design, they also typically feature living and eating areas that are open, spacious and designed for comfort as well as functionality.

History

Florida builder Arthur Rutenberg is widely credited with introducing the split bedroom design in the early 1950s. However, in a 1983 interview with the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Evening Independent, Rutenberg credited his brother Daniel Rutenberg. "Dan pushed for separated bedrooms. He's the brother no one ever talks about. But he was with us in the business until he decided to go into education. And his split idea has stuck," Rutenberg said. The concept represented a shift in philosophy from the ranch-style home design, popular at the time, that typically clustered all of the bedrooms at one end of a home.

Advantages

Since, in a split bedroom design, the master bedroom suite is located on the opposite side of a house from bedrooms used by children or guests, the design offers more privacy for everyone. The design also reduces or eliminates hallways to bedrooms, making more efficient use of a home's square footage. Another advantage is the sustained popularity of the split bedroom design, which gives these homes an edge in resale.

Disadvantages

The seclusion that so many people find appealing in a split bedroom design may be viewed as a negative for others. In particular, some parents may not be comfortable with their bedroom being so isolated from those of their young children. Other people may simply prefer the more traditional layout of a ranch-style home, with all of the bedrooms situated close together.

Variation

A popular variation of the split bedroom design is the second-level bedroom design, with all bedrooms upstairs, usually separated by a hallway and sharing no common walls. This layout preserves a primary benefit of the split bedroom design---privacy in the master suite---with less actual distance between the master and other bedrooms. Another option with two-story homes is to build the master suite on the main level and have the rest of the bedrooms upstairs.

Tags: split bedroom, bedroom design, split bedroom design, bedroom design, bedroom design master, bedroom suite, bedrooms upstairs

Bathroom Color Ideas For A Bluecolored Tub

Create a cool blue bathroom decor.

From bold jewel tones to lighter ocean-tinted hues, a blue bathtub poses a challenging design dilemma. Although matching blues are an easy option, building your overall room decor to an existing tub doesn't have to mean sticking to similar hues. Create a tranquil respite with calming neutrals, a stark contrast with dark and bright colors, or go for a monotone look with an array of different shades of blue.

Neutrals

A neutral palette of light, unobtrusive colors creates a warming sense of calm in your bathroom. Whether you have a deep navy, bright aqua or cool blue tub, decorating your bathroom with neutrals is an easy option that can provide just the right amount of contrast. A tan, beige or cream color on the walls, coupled with similar hues of tile, highlights your blue tub, making it the focal piece of the room without overdoing your decor.

White

Although white might appear to be the most neutral of all neutral colors, it provides a fresh or blank canvas backdrop that tan, beige and other similar hues do not. White walls and tile provide the ultimate bare background to make the color of your bathtub truly pop. Within a white color palette, there are subtle variations ranging from blue- to yellow-tinged hues. When matching a blue tub in your bathroom, use a cool or pale white. These whites pick up on the blue coloring of the tub and create a fresh look. Another option is to design a slightly more eclectic look, mixing and matching biscuit, bright and earthy tones of white.

Creating Contrast

Design a dramatic bathroom, complete with contrasting tub, tile and wall colors. Make this space an eye-catching visual experience centering around your blue tub. Choose wall and tile colors that contrast with your tub's specific shade of blue. Opt for a dark or bold hue that makes a statement. For example, create a contemporary look by offsetting an aqua or sea blue tub with black walls or onyx tiles. On the other hand, if the blue of your tub doesn't pack much of a punch on its own, pair it with a bright color. Spice up a deep navy tub with crisp red walls or bold green tiles.

Monotone Looks

Decorate your bathroom around a blue tub using an array of similar shades and hues. Instead of matching your walls, tile and other fixtures to the exact color of your tub, use a palette of different hues that stands out. Create an ocean-themed escape by adding whispers of aqua, teal or sea blue to the walls or floor. For a more sophisticated feel, use rich shades of navy or deep blue. Another easy option that creates maximum style is to create a funky, eclectic look using a mix of tiles in different blues. Include jewel tones or metallic blues to add even more sparkle to your blue-centered bathroom design.

Tags: your bathroom, easy option, similar hues, blue your, color your, contrast with

Fix Finish Rubbed Off A Maple Dining Room Table

Treat a maple wood table with varnish to restore its condition.

Maple is a popular choice for household surfaces because of its clean, simple appearance and rich color. Like most wooden furniture, dining room tables constructed of maple have a finish to protect against the effects of time and nature, such as fading, drying and cracking due to moisture and general wear. If the finish on your maple dining table is rubbed off, you should restore it promptly, using protective varnish.

Instructions

1. Move the table to an open, well-ventilated workspace. Wear a dust mask before sanding or working with chemicals.

2. Stir a can of sanding sealer thoroughly. Use a natural-bristle brush to apply an even coat to the table, following the direction of the wood grain.

3. Wipe away the excess product with a clean rag before it dries. The sealer will be completely dry within minutes.

4. Sand the maple wood with a 280-grit sanding sponge to smooth out fingerprints, blemishes and other surface imperfections. Dust the table thoroughly, then wipe it with a tack cloth to remove any sawdust left after sanding.

5. Seal and protect the maple using a polyurethane wood varnish. Apply the product with a painter's rag or foam applicator brush in the direction of the wood grain. Allow it to cure overnight, then sand the coat with the 280-grit sponge.

6. Repeat the same procedure for at least one to two more coats of varnish to keep the table from cracking, drying and warping. Do not sand the top coat.

Tags: direction wood, direction wood grain, maple wood, product with, sand coat, with 280-grit

Create Pictures For Kids Bedrooms

Creative projects are excellent for parent-child bonding.

If you're looking for an artistic rainy-day craft with the kids, what better way to inspire creativity and excitement than making custom pictures for their bedrooms? Allow your kids to pick a theme based on their bedroom d cor or other preferences. There are many options for creating low-cost pictures; a necessity for kids' bedrooms since many childrens' preferences change rapidly as they grow older. Don't panic if your child wants a design that you feel doesn't coordinate with the rest of the bedroom. Simply suggest minor changes that would improve the aesthetic without deviating too much from the original design.

Instructions

1. Select a blank, wood framed, pre-fitted with canvas in your desired size. These canvases are relatively inexpensive and are available at crafting stores such as Michaels, JoAnn and local art supply shops.

2. Spray an even coat of acrylic spray paint in a preferred shade over the canvas. If the white of the canvas still shows through, continue adding coats until you've achieved a vibrant, even tone.

3. Allow the canvas to set for several hours depending on the spray paint bottle's instructions for dry time. The canvas must be completely dry before continuing.

4. Use artist's tape to adhere a stencil with your preferred design to the canvas. Artist's tape is a gentle adherent that won't strip off any paint when removed, so your painting remains seamless and appears professional.

5. Trace the stencil's design onto the canvas using a colored pencil that shows up clearly on the background color.

6. Remove the stencil if desired or leave it attached to the canvas while you paint in the design with acrylic craft paint.

7. Allow the painting to dry completely, then spray on an even coat of acrylic varnish spray. The varnish gives the painting a glossy, finished appearance and protects the painting from wear and tear.

Tags: coat acrylic, even coat, even coat acrylic, spray paint

Create A Romantic Bedroom With Feng Shui

Is your bedroom giving you the blahs? Has your love life gone down in (lack of) flames? Give your room a feng shui makeover and transform it into a romantic retreat. In the Chinese culture, romance begins in the feminine (yin) essence and vibration of the room but it uses the balance of male (yang) and female energy to energize the chi completely. Feng shui is all about balance. There are several easy things you can do to get that romantic energy flowing through your room and through your relationship once again.

Instructions

Decorate Your Bedroom In A French Style

Flourishes and French motifs give bedrooms feminine charm.

French decorating schemes typically punch up the style on both functional and purely decorative pieces. Decorating a bedroom in a French theme can be as simple as adding a trim of fleur-de-lis on your walls or purchasing a large armoire with hand-painted scenes on the doors. You can also opt to invest more time and money to integrate French architectural elements, furnishings, textiles and artwork.

Instructions

1. Select a type of French theme for your bedroom decor. For a classic, frilly look, antique French pieces or reproductions work well. Go with a distressed, timeworn aesthetic with a French country bedroom. If you prefer a bohemian bedroom, decorate the space in the style of a Paris art salon.

2. Set the tone with French paint colors and finishes. Mellow beige, gold, cream, rose and blue establish a backdrop for a classic French interior. Cornflower blue, mustard, terra-cotta and soft poppy seed black evoke a French farmhouse. Mismatched colors and patterns have the funky look of a Paris pied-a-terre. Accent walls might feature flocked wallpaper or a stenciled or stamped pattern of climbing ivy or fleur-de-lis.

3. Select French-inspired focal point furnishings. A sleigh bed or scrolled wrought iron bed frame with posters or a canopy have a rococo look. For the modern look of a Paris apartment, go with a low platform bed or a contemporary box-like canopy frame with no canopy. Other classic French bedroom furnishings include armoires and desks with curved, skinny legs.

4. Accessorize your French bedroom with pieces from France or inspired by French design. Landscape paintings, photographs and mirrors in ornately carved frames have classic style. For a more rustic look, hang simple metal signs advertising French products. Stack framed and unframed artwork and art postcards on a narrow wall or around a door frame to imitate the look of Paris art salons. Silk or linen textiles in faded florals, toile and paisley soften surfaces.

5. Illuminate your French bedroom. A drop crystal chandelier over the bed has formality while an acrylic version painted startling periwinkle or fuchsia has bohemian modern funk. Flank a large painting with wall sconces to make it the room's focal point.

Tags: French bedroom, look Paris, classic French, focal point, frame with, French theme, with French

Decorate A 1940s Bedroom

Chandelier

Step back in time and create a luxurious getaway within your own home as you decorate your bedroom in the glamorous style of the 1940s. Vibrant wall colors, tufted bedroom furniture, mirrored side tables and crystal lighting transform any bedroom into a stylish retro-glam retreat. You can find furnishings online and at your local antique store to complete the '40s look, or make a few pieces yourself with silver leaf and mirrors.

Instructions

1940s Decorating Ideas

1. Paint the walls in your 1940s bedroom any vibrant color that you enjoy. Fuchsia, burgundy or navy blue provide a beautiful contrast with the white upholstered furnishings and the crystal chandelier. Tape the walls with painter's tape and paint large stripes in different shades of your chosen color as an additional decorative touch.

2. Find a white upholstered headboard with tufted with buttons and a matching full-length bench for the end of your bed. An arched headboard and scalloped or curved sides on your bench work best with '40s-style glam designs. Bedside tables with mirrored tops and silver leaf facing balances the deep richness of the walls with the white headboard.

3. Select crisp animal print or solid color linens to offset the wall colors and full-length sheer white curtains to cover the windows. Add a mirrored dressing table complete with a skirt that matches your bed linens and a tufted bench seat.

4. Create an additional seating vignette beneath a window with white upholstered chairs and a silver-leaf table. Hang a crystal chandelier and add chandelier style lamps to your bedside tables to further enhance your 1940s décor.

Apply Silver Leaf & Mirrors

5. Sand and prime the surface of the tables to be gilded using a primer especially formulated for silver leaf. You can find all of the materials for this project at your local craft store. Let the primer dry completely.

6. Apply a water-based size to the primed surface. Size is the name for the adhesive especially designed for any type of gilding process. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to the application and tack times of the size. Test your size to make sure that it is not wet, but tacky. This will occur just before it dries, so read the size instructions for approximate tack times.

7. Carefully lay the silver leaf onto the tacky surface with the transfer paper facing you. Gently apply the leaf to the table with a gilder's brush, and then remove the protective transfer paper. Continue until the front of your table is covered.

8. Add mirror tiles to the top of your table with mirror adhesive. Apply the adhesive and press the mirror tiles onto the surface. Cover the top completely.

Tags: silver leaf, white upholstered, with white, crystal chandelier, mirror tiles

Hanging An Lcd Tv In Bedroom

Hanging an LCD TV in the bedroom may lead to more time spent in bed.

The lightweight, flat-panel design of LCD TVs makes hanging them from the wall a fairly painless process. Hanging an LCD in the bedroom makes for a stylish, unobtrusive choice for nighttime viewing. Though bedroom TV viewers face an abundance of installation options, a sleek and properly integrated bedroom TV can accent décor rather than take away from it.

Methods

Wall mounts allow users to hang flat-panel LCD TVs from walls. These devices mount the TV just inches from the wall, making for an unobtrusive addition to the bedroom. Certain mounts feature tilting, swiveling or even mechanized swiveling. While wall mounts rely on studs for hanging, wall anchors allow users to mount LCD TVs up to 42 inches in size without studs by using evenly-spaced miniature wall brackets. Nonprofessionals can install these store-bought mounting solutions, but for a fee, professional HDTV installers will do the job.

Options

Store-bought wire concealers, also known as wire raceways, serve as a simple solution for hiding wires in the bedroom. These plastic, self-adhering tubes also protect wires from pets and children and often come in a primered finish, meaning users can paint them to match their bedroom décor. Sound bars, which are a series of surround-sound speakers mounted in a single vertical bar, present a streamlined choice for high-quality sound in the bedroom. These audio devices often include wall-mounting hardware in the box, making for convenient under-the-TV bedroom installation.

Viewing Distance

When mounting an LCD TV in the bedroom or elsewhere, the middle of the screen should rest at eye level for those sitting in the viewing position. Placing the TV low on the wall suits viewing from a bed and helps avoid the glare caused by mounting the TV too high. The ideal viewing distance for a 32-inch HDTV is 8 feet away. A 42-inch screen calls for a distance of 10-1/2 feet, while a 24-inch screen looks best from 6 feet.

Considerations

Hanging an LCD TV over a bedroom fireplace may cause device malfunctions if the fireplace is still in use. In most cases, in-use fireplaces that don't exceed exterior operating temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit won't cause complications. Researchers from the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland Medical Center link TV viewing before bed with poor sleep habits and sleep disorders.

Tags: allow users, bedroom These, from wall, Hanging bedroom

What Is A Freestanding Bathroom Vanity

The vanity is often the focal point of the bathroom, dictating the style of the room. For many, a free-standing vanity is a great choice to save room and add flare.

Definition

By definition, a free-standing vanity is only attached to the bathroom wall by the plumbing.

Choosing One

The compact nature of this type of vanity makes them a good choice for small bathrooms, half-baths and powder rooms. They also provide a stylish choice for modern designs.

Considerations

Free-standing vanities often leave the plumbing exposed. Also consider if the bathroom provides adequate storage without additional drawers provided by other vanity styles.

Measuring

Before heading out to look at vanity styles, be sure to measure the space in which it will be placed.

Styles

Free-standing vanities come in a wide variety of styles. The vanity top often is included, making visualization of the vanity within the bath easier. The sink can be mounted much like a traditional vanity or it can be a bowl mounted to the top of the counter.

Tags: Free-standing vanities, free-standing vanity, vanity often, vanity styles

Make Your Bedroom Look Wealthy

Choose throw pillows for your bed that are covered with velvet, silk or satin.

If you're trying to make your bedroom look wealthy, your may conjure up a variety of images based upon some of the luxurious bedrooms you've seen in the past. You can use these ideas to help you put together your ideal wealthy-looking bedroom, which will combine elements from these luxury rooms as well as from rooms that exist only in your imagination. With the proper mix of color, furniture choice and decorating style, your bedroom will take on the look of luxury and wealth you desire.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls with a quality paint and do more than one coat. Choose Asian-inspired lacquer paints that give the impression of quality and wealth. Create an accent wall by painting it another color than the rest of the walls in the room. This becomes the backdrop for your bed and your art display.

2. Hang fine art. Avoid framed posters unless they're collectible. Buy oil or acrylic paintings from the local gallery and choose art from an up-and-coming promising artist that's developing a following. Also look for original sculptures in materials such as copper or bronze.

3. Choose expensive materials such as velvet, leather, silk and satin for your bedroom. Lay a velvet or satin bedspread on your bed. Place a leather chaise lounge in the corner. Hang silk curtains on the window.

4. Select colors that people have traditionally associated with wealth like purple, because in ancient days, purple was the color of royalty. Choose purple throw pillows for the bed, look for a bench for the end of the bed that's covered with purple velveteen or cover the back of an armchair with a purple satin throw blanket.

5. Buy high quality items such as antiques or designer decorating brands. Look for complete bedroom sets and purchase extra accessory items such as a vanity table with mirror or silver or gold-framed mirror and sconce sets.

6. Create a sitting area. Position two comfortable armchairs next to a coffee table made from expensive materials such as an Art Deco table with a silver inlay or a glass-topped table.

Tags: materials such, your bedroom, covered with, expensive materials, expensive materials such, items such

Make Funky Teen Bedrooms

Add some style to a teen bedroom.

For creative, inspiring teen bedroom decor, put the funk in functional. Abandon those catalog- and showroom-perfect designs for something with more kick, color and personality. The process begins by brainstorming with your teenager to make sure the funky bedroom makeover is a collaborative project. Whether you have more time than money or the budget for a complete bedroom makeover, remember to keep the key pieces relatively neutral so you can change the look quickly and cheaply when your teenager's aesthetic tastes mutate with the latest trend.

Instructions

1. Clear out the space. Nothing kills the look of a funky bedroom makeover more than piles of clothes and clutter. Your teenager should sort through everything to determine what to sell, recycle, donate, store or repurpose into something new.

2. Set the tone with color and finishes. If you want to paint, a two-tone finish has a funky, bohemian look. Mango orange and fuchsia evoke an Indian palace, while Caribbean blues and greens transport you to a gorgeous beach. Go urban industrial with stone gray, steel blue and silver accents, or make it more Gothic with black and blood red. A wallpaper mural on one or two walls might feature crashing waves, a graffiti-sprayed wall, abstract blobs or Japanese cartoons. For equal impact with less investment, adhere vinyl wall decals across the length of a wall.

3. Abandon themes. Matching furniture and obvious themes sap the soul and personality out of teen bedroom decor. Have fun mixing and matching eye-catching pieces culled from flea markets, thrift shops, yard sales and the attic.

4. Beautify bedroom decor with textiles. Simple wood furnishings get a face lift with scatterings of patterned throw pillows, floor cushions, wall hangings, window treatments and bedding in paisley, abstract patterns, geometric designs, ethnic motifs, mod graphics and retro patterns.

5. Personalize a teen bedroom interior with DIY projects. Cover a corkboard with vintage fabric, bright wrapping paper or Japanese stationery and hang it over the desk. Paint old wooden drawers bright colors and nail them to the wall for use as niches or shrines. Stack books by the bed to serves as a nightstand. Dedicate a wall to a mashup of photographs, art postcards, doodles and drawings, or hang them from a fishing line strung across a corner.

Tags: teen bedroom, bedroom decor, bedroom makeover, funky bedroom, funky bedroom makeover

Create A Princess Bedroom

Living the life of a pampered princess is a popular fantasy for young girls. A princess-themed bedroom is the ultimate way to make this fairy tale come to life. With soft pastels, plush bedding and elegant accents you can create a fantasy getaway where your little girl is sure to feel like royalty. Add a few easy do-it-yourself projects and you can accomplish this bedroom makeover with a minimum of expense.

Instructions

1. Select a color palette. Your princess may prefer a pretty pink room or a royal purple hue. Behr’s line of Disney Color paint includes several enchanted colors such as Tink Pink, One Enchanted Evening, Bibbidi Bobbidi Blue and Cinderella/s Ball Gown.

2. Paint the walls in a subdued pastel color. Add a border around the top and bottom of the room or stencil appropriately-themed shapes such as crowns, roses or gems onto the walls in a slightly darker color.

3. Cover the bed in luxurious royal bedding. Soft satin sheets, a lace-trimmed dust ruffle and pillows embellished with sequins or plastic gems provide an elegant and expensive look for the price of a few craft supplies.

4. Set up a vanity for the princess to prepare for her day. Glue plastic gems to the frame of a large mirror. Affix hooks to the wall on either side for costume jewelry or crowns. Provide a set of big, soft makeup brushes in jewel-encrusted cups on the vanity (actually providing powder or play makeup is optional depending on the child's age). Set a chest nearby stocked with dress-up clothes.

5. Search garage sales and antique stores for furniture with ornate carvings or interesting embellishments. Paint old wooden pieces white or a pale pastel color to match the bedroom and to mask scuffs or other imperfections. Use a darker color to accent trim or other features.

Tags: darker color, pastel color, plastic gems

What Is A Bedroom Sham

Use pillow shams to add color and texture to your bedding.

Walking through the bedding section in your favorite department store can be confusing. You have the choice of down comforters, cotton duvets, velour blankets, patterned quilts and matching sheets. Another staple of a fully made bed is the array of pillows in various shapes and sizes. Complete bed sets often come with a selection of throw pillows and another accessory you might be unfamiliar with -- the bedroom pillow sham.

Facts About Pillow Shams

A sham is a cover for your bed pillow. It's typically made of sturdier material than a pillowcase and has no open end. You insert the pillow through a slit across the back of the sham or through a hidden zipper along its edge. Shams in most bedding sets are made to fit standard-size pillows, but shams are also available to cover the square Euro type.

Styles

Shams are prevalent in traditional and country style bedding sets. You'll find print, brocade, eyelet and quilted fabrics with ornate lace or ruffled edges. The pillow sham has become a common feature in other design styles as well. Silk, satin and heavy textured fabrics with corded or fringed edges work with Victorian and Middle Eastern style bedrooms. Look for simple cotton and linen shams in neutrals or bright primary colors to complement a modern bedding set.

Practical Uses

While the pillow sham can be an added design element in the bedroom, it also has the very practical purpose of protecting your pillow. Clean your bed frame, ceiling fan or walls, and your pillowcase remains free of dust. When you come home to find your dog or cat curled up and sleeping on the bed, you know the pillow you rest your cheek against at night won't be covered in pet hair.

Make your bedroom look instantly more orderly with pillow shams. No matter how faded and wrinkled your sheets are, you can cover the pillows with pretty shams and spread a comforter over the bed for an instant and attractive fix, which is especially helpful when you're selling your house and never know when a prospective buyer will stop by.

Use in Bedroom Design

Brighten up a dark or neutral bedroom with boldly colored and patterned pillow shams. Choose pillow covers with beads and fringe to instantly add elegance to the bedroom. Select thinner fabrics in pastels or simple prints for a more casual, comfortable environment. Pay tribute to vintage style beauty with an all-white bed ensemble, complete with white-on-white patterned pillow shams and throw pillows.

Buy pillows to keep permanently in the shams, and add them behind your existing bed pillows, highlighting your patterned sheet set. Choose a solid or contrasting print for the shams, creating added interest and a focal point for the room. Make your own pillow shams to complement vintage bedding or to match the new curtains. Use bed sheet fabric so you can comfortably rest on all those pillows when you want to sit in bed and read or take a quick afternoon nap. (See Resources.)

Tags: pillow sham, pillow shams, your pillow, bedding sets, fabrics with, Make your

Replace Bathroom Sink Fixtures

Learn replace your outdated bathroom sink fixtures.

If your bathroom faucets leak or you want to update the look of your sink, replace them yourself instead of hiring a plumber or contractor. As long as the plumbing connections for your home's cold and hot water are in place, changing the fixtures will take less than an hour. You need a basin wrench to reach the retaining nuts on the bottom of the fixtures. Basin wrenches can be purchased at any plumbing or hardware store or ordered online.

Instructions

1. Locate the water supply valves for your sink. Generally two valves are in the cabinet under the sink. One valve controls the cold water and the other controls the hot water. Close both valves to shut off the water supply to the sink. You can also shut off the water for the entire house at the main water valve.

2. Disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet. Use a basin wrench to unscrew the retaining nuts for the old spout and faucet handles from under the sink. Pull the fixtures out of the top of the sink and discard them or save them to be used again later.

3. Insert the spout of the new faucet into the hole in the center of the sink. Move to the cabinet under the sink and slide a washer onto the threads of the faucet. Ask someone to hold the spout steady while you tighten the retaining nut with your basin wrench.

4. Thread the long end of a three-way connector onto the bottom of the spout. Tighten it by hand so the two branches of the connector are facing out toward the hot and cold faucets. Move to the top of the sink and verify that the spout is still straight. Once you are satisfied with its position, tighten the set screw in the rear with an Allen wrench.

5. Move back to the bottom of the sink and insert the cold water valve through the appropriate hole. Have your assistant place an escutcheon on top of the valve. Tighten the mounting nut on the bottom of the valve to secure it in place. Repeat this process to install the hot water valve.

6. Attach one end of a water line to the cold water valve and the other end to one side of the three-way connector. Attach another water line to the hot water valve and three-way connector.

7. Place the faucets on top of the valves. Align the faucets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some faucets may have a printed "C" or "H" that must face forward, while others have levers that must point in a certain direction when the faucet is turned off.

8. Connect the home's cold water supply line to the cold water faucet and the hot water supply line to the hot water faucet. Open the two supply valves to restore the water flow to the sink. Test the hot and cold water faucets to make sure they are working correctly. Look under the cabinet for any signs of water leaking from the plumbing connections.

Tags: cold water, water supply, water valve, basin wrench, three-way connector

Bedroom Closet Remodeling Ideas

The majority of homes these days have bedroom closets, but few of these closets have had significant improvement beyond a single rod for hanging clothing and a single shelf. This one size fits all approach to bedroom closet design does not work fort the majority of people. This setup wastes a fair amount of space when storage space is typically at a premium in the home. By remodeling your bedroom closet, you can put all that space to good use.

Assessing Your Needs

Each person is different, and each person's wardrobe is different as well. A good closet remodel should reflect this. Make an inventory of all your clothing and accessories. Next, make an inventory of any items or boxes that are already being stored inside inside the bedroom closet even if they have no relation to the bedroom.

Storage Options

There are many options for bedroom closet storage. To add hanging clothing space, you can install a second rod below your first rod. In a particularly tall closet, space may even be available for a third rod above the first. Access will be difficult on the third rod, therefore, only use it for out of season clothing or clothing that is rarely worn. Cubby holes and shelves are great for storing shoes and purses in a more stable way than a hanging shoe rack allows. Larger shelves are good for miscellaneous storage and clothing that can't or shouldn't be hung, such as sweaters. Small drawers can be added for undergarments. Clear fronted drawers work well for storing small accessories, such as scarves, ties or gloves. Hooks can be used for belts and hats.

Determining Your Specific Closet Remodel

Each item should have a dedicated space in the closet. Determine what units will store your items comfortably, making sure to leave space for additions. If you find that your closet space will not be large enough for everything to be stored in an accessible and organized manner, consider moving things out of the closet. Place a dresser outside of your closet instead of installing drawers. Put off season clothing in a plastic under-bed container instead of inside the closet. Go through your wardrobe and cull pieces that either don't fit or that you haven't worn in a year.

Tags: bedroom closet, closet space, clothing that, hanging clothing, season clothing, your closet

Chinese Elements Of Feng Shui For Bedroom Colors

Light colors are said to be relaxing if you go by the laws of feng shui.

Feng shui is a method of using furniture, colors, water, plants and other items in your home in such a way that you leave your life open for good luck, prosperity and love. This ancient tradition is the way the Chinese believe you can change bad luck and bring good energy about in your life if it is lacking. It is also believed to be a way to create a peaceful home environment.

Light Colors

The main color scheme of a feng shui influenced bedroom should be light and inviting colors. Think of skin tones when you are decorating, such as beige, yellow, white, light orange, caramel and brown. These colors are seen as natural, peaceful and calming and create a good environment for unwinding and sleeping.

Pinks and Reds

Brighter shades of pink and red are seen in feng shui as the color of romance. However, feng shui does not recommend heavy use of any colors that are too bright, because they can cause overexcitement and disruption of peaceful harmony. But pink and red tones are considered the colors of love and romance and, when used sparingly, are said to help achieve those goals.

Peaceful Tones

Cool, water-inspired colors such as blue, green and turquoise are said to lower blood pressure and therefore help bring relaxation. These colors can help provide growth and life changes for the person in this room. These colors work together to create a sense of stillness and tranquility, along with being refreshing mentally.

Dark Shades

Dark colors such as black should never be used as colors for walls or bedding. Black is a powerful color that can bring about a confident feeling, but when it's not used sparingly, it can create a bleak environment for feng shui. Use small touches of black in your bedroom, such as a small piece of furniture, railing, throw pillows or framed piece of artwork to bring strength into the room without being overpowering.

Tags: feng shui, These colors, colors such, used sparingly, when used