Build A Bedroom Window Seat

Make a window seat and enjoy the view from your bedroom window.

A window seat in a bedroom not only provides an attractive nook to curl up in with a book, but can also provide hidden storage---and who doesn't need extra storage? Building your own window seat is not a difficult task but it is also not for a novice woodworker. With a bit of know-how you can build a bedroom window seat over the weekend and if you ask the lumberyard to cut the wood to size for you there will be plenty of time left over for enjoying your creation.

Instructions

1. Cut the plywood into a base piece of 50 by 20 inches; two ends at 20 by 20 inches, a front and back of 51.5 by 20 inches and a lid at 54 by 22 inches. Cut the 2 by 2 lumber into 10 pieces at 16 inches long and 4 at 50 inches. Adjust the dimensions to suit your particular window seat if these example dimensions won't fit.

2. Form two of the 50-inch lumber planks and 3 of the 16-inch planks into a frame. Abut the ends of the 16-inch pieces between the two 50-inch pieces so that two are flush with the ends of the 50-inch pieces forming right-angled corners and one is centered. Glue in place, clamp and let dry. Repeat so you have two identical frames. Hammer a nail through each glued joint to secure.

3. Position the frames so that the 16-inch planks are upright. Place the four remaining 16-inch planks between the top and bottom of both frames so that a rectangular box shape is formed. Glue in place, clamp and let dry. Hammer a nail through each glued joint to finish the frame of the window seat.

4. Center the base piece of plywood over the top of the frame. Nail in place, one nail every two inches around the entire frame. Invert the frame so the base is now on the bottom. Position the two plywood ends over the ends of the frame and nail in place; they should be flush with the base and the top of the frame.

5. Fit the front and back over the sides of the frame; they will be flush with the base and abut the ends of the end pieces of plywood to form right-angled corners. Nail in place.

6. Fill the nail holes with wood putty and let dry. Sand the entire box, including the lid piece. Paint the window seat, including the lid, and let dry.

7. Center the piano hinge along one side of the lid and screw in place with the drill. Center the lid over the completed base of the window seat; there should be about 2 inches overhang on the sides and a 2 inch lip at the front. Screw in place along the back to finish the window seat. Position under your bedroom window and add some cushions to the top.

Tags: window seat, 16-inch planks, bedroom window, flush with, window seat

Doityourself Bathroom Ideas

Make your own scented candles for a more fragrant bathroom.

The gorgeous bathrooms seen in showrooms and home magazines seem unattainable without the help of a professional interior designer, but in actuality there are many ways to create unusual decorative elements for your home's bathroom. Taking a do-it-yourself approach to bathroom decor allows you to get expensive looks for a fraction of the price while personalizing the decor to your own tastes. Often do-it-yourself bathroom ideas cost only the price of raw materials and your time.

Update Your Shower Curtain

Instead of spending a small fortune on designer shower curtains, you can embellish simple, cheap store-bought curtains yourself. Sew on gathered rows of ruffles to give a feminine trim to a solid-colored or clear curtain. Add appliques, fabric trim, decorative buttons, or painted designs to create visual variety on your curtain; your local fabric store will be full of embellishments fit for any style. By customizing your curtain yourself, you'll have full control of how it matches your bathroom's overall color scheme and how it complements other decorative elements.

Make Your Own Vanity

The vanity is often a visual focal point in a bathroom since everyone needs to use the sink at some point. Avoid the high prices of premade vanities by creating your own from new or vintage furniture pieces. Cut holes in tables, dressers, or other furniture pieces to make room for plumbing fixtures and the sink. You will probably need a plumber to work with the fixtures, but, if you're good with tools, you can customize the furniture piece yourself. Creating your own vanity lets you truly customize your vanity to fit the size and style of your bathroom, allowing you to determine how much counter space and storage you need.

Line Your Own Linen Baskets

Keep your linens in your own hand-lined baskets to both organize and decorate your bathroom shelves and closet. Attach decorative fabric of your choice to plain baskets using a glue gun and twine. Choose fabric that either matches or complements the colors of your walls and furniture, or pick whimsical prints that fit in with your bathroom theme. You can also use pieces of an old quilt that is too damaged to use as a whole blanket.

Make Scented Candles

Let's face it, sometimes your bathroom doesn't smell nice. Scented candles are a way to both brighten your decor and mask unpleasant odors. You can create your own scented candles to match the rest of your bathroom using wicks and paraffin wax found in most craft stores. Add an essential oil of your choice when melting your wax, and you can have your own custom scents that will last for weeks or months.

Tags: your bathroom, decorative elements, furniture pieces, scented candles, your choice, your curtain, your scented

Zen Bedroom Decorating Ideas

What better place than the bedroom to create an oasis of peace and tranquility? A zen bedroom should evoke Asian traditions of design, many of which are concerned with unity, nature and minimalism. Begin decorating your zen bedroom by removing the clutter and objects that distract the eye. Invest in some creative forms of hidden storage so that the detritus of daily life doesn't interrupt the flow of your space.

Palette

The zen palette is subdued. Natural shades are favored, especially wood tones, soft beige, pale gold and antique white. Avoid an overly cold, minimalist look, however, by keeping finishes more matte than glossy. A little black lacquer goes a long way, so save it for details like gallery-style frames for wall art and photographs. A touch of green can work in a zen bedroom as well, as long as it is not too pastel. Aim for muted lime, olive or khaki and, in small doses, pine green.

Furnishings

Zen decor, like Japanese traditional design, uses low, modular pieces simple in their lines and construction. Use lightly stained wood for bed frames, shelves and wardrobes. Avoid crowding the space with furniture, which can also block the flow of natural light, a key element in zen design. Japanese furniture is the natural choice for a zen bedroom. Choose from futons, cabinets featuring joinery techniques, lanterns or a step chest, a stylish piece of furniture that incorporates a cabinet with drawers at different heights, creating steps. You can use a step chest as a room divider and the individual steps as display shelves for candles, tatami mats or incense burners.

Create a space for meditation, be it a traditional altar in front of a meditation bench or a loose interpretation of a meditation corner, such as a basket filled with interesting magazines set next to a floor cushion. Look for pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a bed with hidden storage underneath or a desk with a built-in bookcase on the side.

Bring in Nature

Incorporating nature into your zen bedroom is a key step. If you have the budget, expand your current window to extend from the floor to ceiling, and create a garden view. Skylights or solar tubes are other options for allowing the sun to shine in.

Use minimal window coverings, such as traditional Asian folding screens that have translucent paper panels for privacy. Place branches with blossoms in simple containers throughout the room. Create a tabletop zen rock garden, consisting of sand, pebbles and pathways.

Tags: hidden storage, step chest, your bedroom

Boys Bedroom Decorating Ideas With Pictures

Whether your son’s bedroom is in need of a complete overhaul or you’re just looking for a new remodeling project, using photos as a way to redecorate his special space can make the process more personal. He’ll know his bedroom stands out from the rest of the block with custom pictures decking the walls.

Photo Family Tree

Your son will be able to keep even the farthest relatives close with a photo family tree on his wall. Depending on the amount of wall space you’re working with, you can create a traditional family tree using the hierarchical line structure or a more informal one. To create the lined tree, start by placing photographs of the earliest recorded family members you can find images for at the very top of the wall. Use a ruler and a black marker to draw lines stemming down to their offspring and add their photos on the next line of the tree, with more lines and photos till you reach yourselves and your son. A stencil or alphabet stickers help further personalize the tree by spelling out peoples’ names. If you don’t have as much space or want to use a bedroom door or closet, you can paint a small tree and add smaller photo printouts sprinkled around the tree’s branches.

Growth Chart

It may seem like your son goes from the baby carriage to the soccer field within just minutes, so capturing his actual growth may be a nice way to reflect on how far he’s come. Create an in-progress growth chart on your child’s bedroom wall, using his own picture as inspiration. Each year on his birthday, trace an outline of his frame on the wall with a thick, black marker. (Options include positioning him in the same spot each year and tracing over the outline each time to see the growth or moving him slightly so the outlines line up next to each other.) Take a photograph of him, download it to your computer and print out a headshot to tape over the head portion of the outline. Each year, you’ll have a life-size replica of his height, shape, hairstyle and face and can see how much he’s changed. For further customization options, let your child decorate the body outline with markers or paints to color in his clothes.

Fans in the Stands

If your child is a big fan of a professional sports team or enjoys getting out on the field or rink himself, decorating his bedroom as if its an arena or stadium could really score big. You’ll find a variety of "stands" imagery wallpaper, which make the walls look as if you’re in the middle of a packed stadium, at home goods stores and wallpaper retailers. While you can also decorate further with pennants and sports memorabilia, you’ll make the biggest impact with life-size sports figure pictures. These cardboard cutouts are sold by online retailers such as Cardboard Cutouts, Celebrity Cutouts, Life Size Custom Cutouts and Wall Stars. Their websites include the ability to search for a specific athlete or team. While the pictures will initially tower over your child (they range from five to six feet), you’ll be able to watch your child grow past them each year. The websites offer cardboard cutouts in other areas as well, such as musicians and celebrities.

Tags: your child, black marker, cardboard cutouts, family tree

Paint Dining Room Chairs

The nicks and chips are getting you down. Or maybe the dark is looking dreary. Painting your dining room chairs is a great way to change their look and the look of your room. If your chairs are a jumble of different styles, unify them by painting them the same color. Paint revives a dining set that looks more elderly than antique, lets you add new seating without a random look, and gives a lift to chairs you were promised were durable enough to last forever. Painting chairs is easy and fun, and you'll enjoy your dining room more with its refreshingly renewed chairs.

Instructions

Preparing to paint

1. Remove upholstered seats if possible. (Turn your chairs upside down and remove the screws that secure the seats.) If your chairs have non-removable upholstered areas, use plastic wrap and masking tape to protect them from paint and sanding residue.

2. Cover your work surface and sand the chairs. Use medium-grade sandpaper first, to smooth nicks or scratches, then fine-grade sandpaper all over the surfaces to roughen them so the paint will adhere. Wipe off the sanding residue with a rag.

3. Use a putty knife to apply wood filler on deep scratches, nicks or gouges. Keep the coat of wood filler as thin and even as possible. When thoroughly dry, sand the filled patches smooth. Wipe off the sanding residue with rags.

4. Choose a painting strategy. You may have already noticed, during sanding, that chairs have a surprising number of surfaces to paint. If you have lots of working space, you may prefer to work on all the chairs in sections--painting all the legs and undersides first, then all the sides and backs. Whether you work assembly-line fashion or paint one chair at a time, give all the chair seats a coat of paint first. Seats will require two coats because they get the most wear; other parts will need one or two coats, depending on condition. Two coats are recommended for chairs used frequently.

Painting Your Chairs

5. Paint the chair seat first, using a 2-inch brush. Keep your strokes smooth and the coat thin and even. Let dry so the chair is easier to handle. Do not worry if the paint seems slightly streaky; this will be remedied with your second coat.

6. Turn the chair upside down to paint the legs and the underside of the seat. Use a 2-inch or 1-inch brush as needed (rungs are often easier to paint with a narrower brush). Remember to cover all surfaces; there will seem to be quite a lot of them, but they all show at some time, so keep painting. After you finish, set the chair upright and check for any spots you've missed on the first coat. Check for drips and brush them off without adding more paint to your brush.

7. Paint the chair back, both sides, with the chair upright. If your chair back has slats or spindles, paint them first, then the uprights or frames. Check both sides for drips, removing them with your brush as you did on the legs. Let dry overnight. If you are using oil-based paint, clean your brushes with solvent, rinse with soap and water, and wrap in plastic (this will make your second coat smoother). Clean latex paintbrushes with soap and water and wrap.

8. Examine the dry chairs carefully. A light second coat will likely cover all streaks and missed spots. Keep the second coat thin and even. Save the seat for last. Let dry thoroughly. Enjoy your beautiful new chairs.

Tags: second coat, sanding residue, thin even, both sides, chair back

Ideas For Arranging Room Plans Of Offices & Bedrooms

Arrange your office space for comfort and functionality.

Offices and bedrooms are the two areas where we spend the majority of our time. As such, we should should arrange and decorate them with comfort, practicality and usability in mind. Offices and bedrooms are also likely to be spaces shared with others, so it's important to keep in mind the shared interests and needs of all parties involved.

Traditional Office Space Arrangements

Arranging an office in an office building should be a task that takes into consideration the use, form and function of the space. The desk is traditionally the focal point of an office. Position your desk in such a way that you will be facing, or at least angled toward, the door. This allows you to maintain the privacy and/or confidentiality of whatever is on your computer screen and allows you to easily see who is coming into your office without stopping work and turning around. When arranging your office space, also consider the placement of computer and printer cables and telephone lines. If you provide seating for guests, make sure it is arranged in such a manner that is comfortable and encourages conversation. Task lighting is another important design element to keep in mind.

Arranging a Home Office

A home office should consider many of the same design features as a traditional office space with the exception of d cor. You may want to furnish your home office in colors and materials that reflect the overall interior design of your home, or you may wish to personalize it in a way that would be less appropriate than in an office building environment. Home offices that are used by multiple members of the family should have designated shelving and workspace areas. It is also a good idea to consider ambient noise in arranging your home office. If possible, avoid arranging your home office near busy rooms that get heavy foot traffic or noise from a busy street or play structure.

Traditional Bedroom Arrangements

Bedroom design should help create a comfortable and relaxing environment.

Arranging room plans for a bedroom should take several things into consideration. The first is the placement of large furniture objects. Traditionally, the bed is the focal point of the room. Consider the windows, doors and wall space in your bedroom and determine the best spot for your bed. Bedside tables and lamps should be balanced on either side of the bed, and the rest of the furniture placed according to space availability and functionality. For example, if you have a television in your bedroom and you want to see it from your bed, place it at a comfortable distance, preferably against a wall and in close proximity to cable and electrical outlets. Likewise, dressers and bureaus should be placed in such a way that they balance the room. Consider angling these pieces and creatively using mirrors to reflect light and make your space feel larger.

Bedroom Design Elements

A bedroom should be a comfortable haven where you can rest, relax and enjoy a restful night's sleep. Because a bedroom is such a personal space, most people like arranging room plans and designs in such a way that their individual tastes are reflected and showcased. This could mean following a decorating theme, such as an Asian motif, a classic country feel, a feminine romantic look or a modern, contemporary style. Each of these styles can be further personalized by integrating the color palate of your choice.

Tags: home office, your home, arranging your, office space, such that, your home office

Paint A Bedroom Floor

Painting the floor can add an artistic touch to your bedroom.

If traditional flooring options such as wood, tile or carpet are beyond your budget or don't suit your taste, you may want to consider a painted floor. Painting the floor is a bold way to add visual interest to your bedroom and personalize your space. Painting your bedroom floor also allows you to better coordinate your flooring with your room's color and design scheme.

Instructions

1. Remove all furniture from the room, as well as all items you might need during the painting and drying process, which can be more than a week.

2. Remove all baseboards from your bedroom walls, and store them to be replaced once your bedroom floor has dried. If this is not possible, apply painters tape along the edges of your baseboards to keep paint off them.

3. Apply primer to your floor using a long-handled roller. Start in the corner furthest from the access door. Work your way out toward the door until you have covered the entire floor. Avoid walking or rolling over your progress by working backward out of the room. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours.

4. Paint your bedroom floor in your desired color, using the same painting process as with your primer. Apply a second or even third coat if necessary, allowing for drying between coats. Allow the final coat to dry for 72 hours.

5. Apply a coat or two of a water-based sealant like polyurethane. This will add a slight gloss to your paint and protect your painted bedroom floor. Allow it to dry fully before putting your furniture back in your bedroom.

Tags: your bedroom, bedroom floor, your bedroom floor, Painting floor, with your

Bathroom Makeover Colors

Use hyacinth colors as accents in a floral tone color scheme.

Your bathroom can be a place of quiet relaxation, of connection with nature or of drama. Colors have the power to influence your mood, so selecting bathroom makeover colors gives you the opportunity to create a space that is well suited to your physical needs and emotional experience. Whatever colors you choose, remember the 60-30-10 rule. Sixty percent of color in your bathroom should be the dominant color, 30 percent the secondary color with splashes of the third color as an accent. Use any additional colors sparingly.

Color Selection

Understanding how you and your family use the bathroom is key to choosing colors that create a space that you enjoy. Pale colors are suited to a bathroom for long, leisurely soaks and vibrant colors for quick showers and teeth brushing. Colors change hue in natural and artificial lights, so you need to consider what time of day you are in the bathroom. The colors you select should match with the tones of the bathroom fixtures and countertops. Bright colors reflect a lively, vibrant mood, neutrals are suited to a spa-like bathroom retreat and deep, jewel-like colors create an atmosphere of opulence and luxury.

Floral Tones

As in nature, pink floral tones offset each other for a bathroom with a feminine, relaxing atmosphere. Orchid is pale but not washed-out -- pink that reflects both natural and artificial light in a flattering way. Punch up this color with slightly deeper heather tones of the same color. Finish by adding an accessory or two, such as a candle holder or a toothbrush mug in deep blue and violet hyacinth shades that ground these airy colors.

Translucent Water

For a dreamy, indulgent feel to your bathroom, use blue tones that relate to water. Start with a shade of blue topaz, a color inspired by transparent colored glass. Add chalky shades of greens, such as celeriac and sage, to ground this and to expand the water theme. For contrast, and only in small amounts, use slate blue or lavender for a bowl to hold soaps or a large fluffy towel.

Jewel-like

You can make a dramatic statement in small powder rooms used mainly by guests by selecting a rich jewel color. Choose the darkest tone of amethyst paint that you are comfortable with, and use it on one or more walls. Add a darker shade, such as deep midnight, purple-blue or a gray-green in a glossy finish. If you feel that this bathroom is too dark, add just one punch of turquoise, perhaps in a piece of glassware or a candle. These are darker colors that need lighting to lift and highlight them.

Meditative

A mix of soft greens and cool blues makes your bathroom a meditative and contemplative space. Use a soft gray-green, such as avocado, as the main color. Cool blue and blue-gray in a flat finish add a chalky color wash to cupboards or baseboards. Inject a hint of fresh color with towels or window coverings in spearmint green or a dark yellow-green tone. These colors offset natural materials, so use wood and stone accessories alongside them.

Tags: color with, your bathroom, colors that, create space, create space that, natural artificial

Star Wars Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Add a stunning galaxy poster or painting to a Star Wars bedroom.

A Star Wars themed bedroom is the ultimate sanctuary for fans of the classic saga. Choose Star Wars characters or scenes from the series of movies as the main feature in the room. Base the decorating budget on character products, bedding or special effect ideas to bring the movie theme alive. Include a child or teenager in the initial planning for a bedroom that is based on his favorite set of Star Wars movies or characters.

Walls and Furniture

Paint the walls in a color from a favorite movie scene or location. Black, green, brown or white with silver highlights add various movies set colors to a Star Wars bedroom. Rejuvenate used furniture or purchase new pieces in complementary colors. Paint a headboard black, blue and white for a galaxy view from the window of a space ship or use quilted gold material to match C-3PO.

Star Wars Items

Pamper the Star Wars bedroom occupant with Lucasfilm licensed bedding. Substitute a black, white, brown or silver comforter if the themed material is difficult to locate. Hang Star Wars framed posters, wall borders or stickers in the room. Non-themed yet modern accessories, such as cubed storage and a black and silver alarm clock, will complement the theme. Add a full-size Star Wars cardboard character such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader or Anakin Skywalker for a dramatic element.

Do-It-Yourself

Paint a Star Wars mural on one of the bedroom walls or hire an artist to complete the project. Create a solar system mural on the ceiling or in the form of a dimensional mobile. Purchase thin metal sheeting at a hardware store. Give a black or white bureau a Star Wars effect by attaching the metal to the front of the drawers to create a space ship look.

Tags: Star Wars, Wars bedroom, black white, space ship, Star Wars bedroom

Open Bedroom Ideas

Decorating the bedroom helps express your creativity.

An open bedroom area gives you more freedom in decorating because you aren't as restricted by space limitations. Walls won't be getting in your way during the decorating process as frequently, and you can therefore get more creative in your room design. Numerous options exist when decorating or designing an open bedroom.

Use Screens

Screens are useful in both decorating a room and dividing it into sections. Open bedrooms are somewhat limiting if you must reserve space for various functions within the room. Screens help solve that problem, and are designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well. This allows you to place exercise equipment or a work space in your bedroom while still hiding it from public view, without the need to move anything around.

Install a Loft

Lofts are very useful in rooms with high ceilings. You can use them for storage or you can place your bed in the loft, then put a futon, couch or dresser underneath. Lofts maximize your available space in an already open room but they're not practical if your ceilings are too low. In that instance, you're cutting your vertical space in half without getting much additional benefit. Measure your vertical space with a tape measure when deciding if a loft is right for you, then decide how you'd use the loft space if you built one.

Choose a Theme

The bedroom's open space gives you greater freedom in bringing themes to life. For example, you have the space to bring in plenty of plants and aquariums if you want an outdoors, forest or tropical theme. Mini-trees provide an option to create the vibe of a tree house, and your color scheme goes a long way in completing that effect. If you're a video game fan, install a row of arcade games in the room if you have the budget. Car enthusiasts can fit an entire chassis or a large model of a vehicle in the room if it's large enough.

Mirrors

Make a large room look even bigger with the use of mirrors. Installing mirrors all the way around the walls creates an illusion of a larger room, and the mirrors reflect light and help brighten the room during the day. Mirrors can also be used to focus attention on artwork or other items placed across from them. Mirrors combined with windows also give the room a sleek look due to all the glass, as long as the surfaces are kept clean.

Tags: your vertical space, open bedroom, vertical space, your vertical

Asian Bathroom Decor

Bring the delicate greens, golds and cherry blossom pink of Asia into your home.

Redesign your bathroom as a zen retreat with Asian flair. You love the minimalist style and nature-inspired palette of Asian design, so bring that restful tone to your lavatory. Imagine sinking into a deep bath surrounded by shimmering votives with thick towels piled on a bamboo stool in front of the rice paper screen that conceals the toilet. You can arrange this peaceful haven for yourself by incorporating Asian touches to your decor.

Colors

Paint the walls a rich neutral earthtone for warmth. Select dark woods for cabinetry and a pale bamboo floor. Bring in touches of calming green and soft gold or taupe for a gentle hint of nature. Find a teak or bamboo bath stool, and choose wicker accessories such as baskets to pile with your towels. Bath gels add a pleasing organic texture without bringing in garish modern colors or shapes.

Art

A fan painted with bamboo and Asian writing makes a lovely and inexpensive piece of wall art.

Bring in Asian wall hangings to adorn your bathroom. Chinese brush paintings often depict cherry blossoms and birds, a splendid addition to your restful decor. You may also choose ornate and colorful Asian embroidery to hang on your walls for a cozy touch. You might adore a silk panel painted with Japanese writing or a delicate painted fan. Whether you scour a local Asian market or find your treasures online, you'll be sure to locate an elegant wall hanging to add an inspired touch to your new decor.

Fixtures and Materials

Find a modern stone vessel sink for an Asian flair.

A curving stone or glass vessel sink lends the opulence of a high-end Asian spa to your bathroom. Line your shower with intricate iridescent tiles in a gradation of earthtones from white to tan. Choose wooden or stone countertops in a minimalist design -- no fancy edging. Add a koi tile mosaic for your backsplash if you want a luxurious focal point. Use black as your accent border color for contrast if you choose an inlaid tile pattern for the shower or floor.

Feng Shui

Ensure a harmonious flow of energy by conforming to the ancient conventions of feng shui in your decor. Place a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door to deflect chi away so it will not be drained. In each corner of the bathroom, set an earth object such as a ceramic bowl or vase or a dish of pebbles to balance the water energy that can lead to wastefulness. Keep all plumbing in perfect working order to avoid a waste of wealth; spotless bathroom fixtures are vital to positive chi energy.

Tags: your bathroom, your decor, Asian flair, painted with, vessel sink

Turn Your Attic Into A Gothic Bedroom

Search antique shops for pieces such as gargoyles meant for outdoor decor.

Gothic decorations are often dark, so they will fit into a naturally light-challenged attic bedroom. Emphasize your favorite elements of Gothic decor in the bedroom. Several different aspects can be highlighted such as vampires, dragons, fairies or skulls. Pieces for a Gothic-style attic bedroom can be found in antique shops, at garage sales or in Halloween specialty stores. A little goes a long way with this theme. Take advantage of the existing structure of the attic, such as a sloping ceiling or oddly shaped window.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a deep red or a stone gray. Since attics are typically small and dark, applying a color to the walls goes a long way. Black may be the first color that comes to mind when planning a Gothic bedroom, but it needs to be used with care. Accent with black accessories, rather than covering walls with black paint.

2. Cut silhouettes of castles, Gothic architecture, dragons, ornate candlesticks, or ravens out of black card stock to place on the walls. Alternatively, the images can be painted directly on the walls with black paint.

3. Hang fabric from the ceiling over the bed to mimic a canopy bed if you don't have one. Since converted attics don't typically have closets, a large armoire not only can provide storage, but also can be a large part of the Gothic decor. Add 3D Halloween decorations such as fake ravens or gargoyles to give the chest more character.

4. Place a large, ornately framed mirror on a wall. Add artificial spider webs, candle sticks, skulls or a few religious pieces. A few well-placed objects go a long way in a Gothic bedroom.

5. Set a converted coffin in the attic bedroom. It can be used as a storage chest, couch or entertainment center. This is an extreme piece of furniture, but it can be an intriguing piece to add to the atmosphere.

Tags: attic bedroom, with black, antique shops, attics typically, black paint, goes long, Gothic decor

2bedroom Hotel Suites In Washington D C Area

The National Mall has hosted numerous historic gatherings.

Washington, D.C. -- the U.S. capital ---is home to a dizzying number of historic sites, museums and the residence of the world's most powerful leader. The city is also a cosmopolitan metropolis that offers a bustling Chinatown district, upscale shopping on Connecticut Avenue, professional sports teams and one of the busiest subway systems in the country. D.C. is teeming with hotels for every taste and budget, including several well-placed properties with two-bedroom guest suites.

Georgetown Suites

Georgetown Suites offers a pair of hotels within one block of each other, each with two-bedroom suites available. The Georgetown Suites on 30th Street is in a quiet residential area minutes away from nightlife and boutiques in Georgetown. The Georgetown Suites Harbor Building on 29th Street is near the vibrant Washington Harbor Complex, which features retail stores and restaurants. The hotels are also within two blocks of the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro subway station that provides rail access to Regan National Airport, the Pentagon and several Smithsonian Institution museums. The Georgetown Suites hotels feature identical decors and offer two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, contemporary furnishings and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Hotel amenities at both properties include complimentary continental breakfast, a small exercise room and parking for a fee. Pets are not allowed.

Georgetown Suites

1111 30th St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20007

202-298-7800

georgetownsuites.com

Georgetown Suites Harbor Building

1000 29th St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20007

202-298-1600

georgetownsuites.com

Hotel Monaco

Hotel Monaco offers boutique accommodations in the heart of the Penn Quarter, near the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station. The hotel is steps away from Chinatown, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Verizon Center sports and concert venue --- home of the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitols. The hotel is housed in a historic 19th century building that once served as the city's general post office and was designed by architect Robert Mills, whose best-known work is the Washington Monument. Accommodations consist of suites that offer connecting bedrooms, dining areas, sleeper sofas, CD stereos and two-person Jacuzzi tubs. Hotel amenities include Post - Moderne Brasserie restaurant, 24-hour room service, complimentary evening wine hour and parking for a fee. Pets stay for free and without size or weight restrictions. The hotel also provides food and water bowls and waste-disposal bags upon request.

Hotel Monaco

700 F St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

202-628-7177

monaco-dc.com

Residence Inn Washington, D.C., Dupont Circle

Residence Inn Washington, D.C., Dupont Circle is in the city's northwest corridor near the Dupont Circle roundabout. The hotel is near shopping and nightlife in Georgetown, the National Geographic Museum, Connecticut Avenue, Dumberton Oaks Park, a 27-acre wilderness area that is home to a 19th century federal-style mansion and the Dupont Circle Metro station. The Residence Inn's two-bedroom suites feature roommate floor plans and include fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas and private bedrooms with full baths. Hotel amenities consist of complimentary breakfast and evening beverages, 24-hour convenience store and parking for a fee. Pets are allowed for fee.

Residence Inn Washington, D.C., Dupont Circle

2120 P St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20037

202-466-6800

marriott.com

Tags: Georgetown Suites, Dupont Circle, Hotel amenities, Hotel Monaco, parking Pets

Paint A Bedroom With Modern Colors

Modern color schemes incorporate minimalist uses of black and white.

Modern color schemes for bedrooms combine elements of neutrality and bold uses of color. Modern bedrooms can reinvent a more classic color scheme, experiment with minimalist neutral shades, or incorporate patterns or stencils in accent walls. The goal of a modern color scheme is to maintain the function of a bedroom as a personal space for sleep and relaxation while incorporating a stylist aesthetic that speaks to current trends of color, texture and pattern.

Color Palettes

Modern color schemes include several categories of color palettes. Because modern style values simplicity and lack of clutter, paint color is one of the areas that can create visual interest in the absence of stylized furniture or other room accessories. Create visual interest by complementing a neutral color like a warm brown with a bright color like robin's egg or sky blue. Update minimalist style by using a black and white color scheme that is punctuated by a muted neon accent wall in a lime green or yellow color. Borrow from current environmentalist trends by creating a color scheme of olive green, tan and yellow to create a space that is comforting without being full. Avoid pastels, saturated colors and several colors of the same color family.

Space Considerations

Though walls will be the most prominent display of color in a bedroom, there are several other paintable surfaces to consider. Make use of trim and molding by painting it in a bright color like red or green to add interest to an otherwise simple room. Select one accent color for the door and window frames; sky blues will contrast pale yellow, while orange trim will complement purple or blue rooms. Coordinate all the doors in the room; the closet and entry doors should be painted in a complementary color to the walls so they visually stand out in the room. The ceiling can also be painted; consider painting the ceiling gray or light blue, but remember that painting the ceiling a dark color will make the room feel smaller.

Patterns and Shapes

Modern bedrooms update traditional stencils by swapping out floral detailing for large, bold geometric shapes and patterns. Choose the wall behind the bed to serve as an accent wall. Use painter's tape to mark off a large circle, lines or swirls. Paint the design in a contrasting color to the walls. For instance, a cool gray wall will be highlighted with large yellow circles or bubbles. Alternatively, choose a wall that is free of bedroom furniture to be the canvas for wide stripes. Start at one corner of the wall and use painter's tape to mark off wide vertical stripes that decrease in width to the midpoint in the wall. Paint the stripes inside the painter's tape in a complementary color and peel the tape away after the paint has dried. Experiment with patterns and shapes by using free-hand drawing techniques or by printing out a design on a transparency and using a projector to project it onto the wall for tracing.

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Ideas For Redoing A Guest Bedroom

Turn that boring guest room into something more functional for you and your guests.

Redoing a guest room can make your guests more comfortable when they visit, and provide space for you to relax when they don't. A guest room can do double duty as an office or family room. If you have guests often, create a room worthy of a boutique hotel. If children are among the guests, include items for their comfort and entertainment.

Office Space

If you are looking to get more personal use out of your guest bedroom when no one is visiting, turn half of the bedroom into office space. A twin- or full-size trundle bed provides sleeping space for two, but requires less space than two beds. Use one dresser or nightstand for guests' storage. An executive desk that includes filing and computer space works well for compact spaces. Make sure to chose a desk that coordinates with the bed and other furniture. Not only will you have an office when guests are not around, guests will have a mini office when they visit.

Second Living Room

A day bed can double as a sofa when guests are not visiting. A pull-out sofa bed is another option, especially if you have guests only once or twice a year. A wall-mounted television provides entertainment, but does not require much room. Short bookcases can double as nightstands.

Hotel Style

If guests visit often, give your guest room a look worthy of a boutique hotel. Remove personal items and any other clutter. Use only the best bedding and towels. Use simple, elegant neutrals such as beige and cream paired with light shades of blue, green or yellow. Add a tray topped with small versions of luxury brand soaps and shampoos. Include a lamp that provides adequate light for reading.

Kid-Friendly Room

If your guests have children, design your room to accommodate the younger set. A toy chest can double as a nightstand. A pull-out or trundle bed, or an ottoman that converts to a twin bed, provides extra sleeping space. Include a video game console that can be used by guests and then tucked away in a drawer or an ottoman with a lift-off top. Place rugs over any light-colored carpeting to avoid stains.

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A Sitting Room To A Master Bedroom With A Bay Window

A bay window makes an ideal location for a sitting area in your bedroom.

A bay window is an elegant feature to have in a bedroom. Take advantage of this specially expanded bit of space to create a sitting room or conversation and reading area. This space will make your bedroom much more useful than just a place to sleep at night; you'll find yourself using it during the day as well.

Instructions

1. Place two seating pieces in the bay window area. These might be two matching chairs, either straight or upholstered. You could also use unmatched pieces. Consider a rocking chair, a chaise lounge, or an easy chair with a hassock.

2. Put a small table between the two chairs. Depending on your space, add a tea table that's a good height for eating and large enough to serve dinner for two. If you have a hassock, put a tray on top of it for tea and cookies. Even if you only have space for a tiny stand to set down a drink or book, it's important that you have something besides just the chairs. A round or oval table is easy to squeeze into a tight space and comfortable to sit at.

3. Do something different with the floor than in the rest of your bedroom. If you have a large area rug in the room, leave the bay window floors bare. Or, give this area its own small rug, in a coordinating but different color, to clearly demarcate it as a separate area.

4. Give the space its own lighting, whether a table lamp, standing lamp or candles. If you're going to read there, you'll need a bright light. For romantic dinners, candles or a dimmer light would be better.

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Change A Bedroom Door

Preparing to install an interior door.

Interior doors often indicate the age of a home. Older homes often have luan wood doors that are made of a rough wood veneer that is flat. These doors may be functional, but they may also make the house feel old and outdated. Some new homes have doors that look modern but are hollow, making privacy hard to accomplish. Both of these conditions are examples of why people choose to update their interior doors, particularly their bedroom doors.. For best fit and easiest installation select a pre-hung solid door with pre-bored holes.

Instructions

1. Knock the door pins out with a hammer and screwdriver and set the old door aside. Cut the caulk around the door trim on both sides of the door using a utility knife.

2. Insert a wide putty knife between the trim and the door framing and wiggle the knife until you have a wide enough opening to insert a pry bar. Pry the trim off, allowing the wood to pull away from the finish nails. Set your trim aside to use later.

3. Saw between the door frame and the wall studs using a sawzall. This type of saw will cut through the nails. Slide the framing unit out of the hole and discard.

4. Measure your rough opening using a tape measure. Use these measurements to purchase a solid door that is pre-hung with pre-bored holes. These doors come with a strap around the frame and everything is pre-assembled for you. Insert the door into the opening and make sure it fits. Make sure your door swing goes the right way for the opening. Doors should open into the room when possible.

5. Position a 4-foot level along the hinge side of the rough framing. If the stud isn't level, position wood shims where the hinges will be and nail them to the stud until your level is plumb. If your door is mounting over carpet, your door jamb should extend 1 inch from the bottom of the door. For hard-surface flooring that is already installed, the jambs may need to be trimmed so that you have a half-inch between the door and the floor. Trim your jambs as necessary with a hand saw.

6. Insert your pre-hung door into the door opening. Slide your door up against the hinge side shims and check to see if the 1/8-inch factory gap between the door and the frame is maintained. If it looks good, run drywall screws through the door jamb, shims and into the studs.

7. Shim the top and latch side of the door by spacing shims every two feet and checking for level and a consistent 1/8-inch gap around the door. Screw the jambs in place. Remove one screw from the top hinge and replace it with a longer hinge screw that screws all the way into the stud. Take off your finished door and paint the top and bottom edges to prevent moisture intrusion.

8. Re-attach your finish trim molding by fitting it to the new door frame, matching the mitered corners and nailing it in place with a power finish nail gun. Fill all your holes with wood fill and caulk your edges and joints for a clean appearance.

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Interior Decorating Ideas For A Spa Bedroom

Bring a spa's ambiance into your bedroom.

Spa bedrooms are fashionable way to design your bedroom. They are inspired by rooms found in small boutique spas. The ambiance and relaxation of a spa bedroom can be achieved on any budget. Spa rooms provide a place at home where you can rejuvenate the senses without the need for an expensive day at the spa.

Colors

Color is a key element of the spa bedroom design. The color in a spa room will set the mood and chase away anxiety and stress from the day. Ocean greens and blues, sandy shades of pink, brown and beige, and crisp refreshing whites are all colors that are sure to invigorate and refresh the senses. When choosing bedding, incorporate three shades of a natural color, like brown or green. This will create balance and give the space a serene feel.

Lighting

Set the mood right by adding dimmer lights. The dimmer lighting effects will create soothing and romantic shadows in the bedroom, and also allow you to turn the light up when needed. Dim lighting provides a relaxing space to drift off to sleep and get some beauty rest.

Spa Suite

Take advantage of an adjoining bathroom and truly transform your bedroom into a complete spa retreat. Continue the spa theme into your bathroom's design to incorporate hydrotherapy as well. Hot water naturally relaxes the body's muscles, while cold water tones the body. Get creative and incorporate multiple shower heads. If possible, install alternating jets between cold and hot water. Pump up the jet pressure to wash your aches away. Also, install a jacuzzi or bathtub for pampering and aromatic bath sessions, with rose or mum petals and fragrance candles.

Accessories

The spa design uses a minimalist approach, and therefore, should be kept clean and to the point. Sheets are one of the most important accessories in the room; it is where you sleep, relax and rejuvenate. The quality of the sheets is not an area to be stingy about. If possible, invest in two sets of sheets to alternate. Incorporate plants and place floating candles in glass bowls. Bring in a small waterfall for the tranquil water sounds, or bring in a sound machine with soothing nature sounds.

Tips

For a milk and honey bath, put 1 cup of runny honey and 4 cups of milk powder in the bathtub for a bath treatment worthy of an ancient Egyptian queen. For a spa bedroom with two twin beds, add focus and balance by placing a large focal art piece on the wall behind the beds.

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Fix Smelly Restrooms

Protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves while cleaning your bathroom.

Smelly toilets, sinks, towels, and bath mats can mingle to create a terrible smell. Deodorizing a bathroom involves isolating, eliminating, and cleaning all the surfaces that lead to unwanted odors. Start your routine by cleaning the visible surfaces, then work toward areas that cannot be seen, such as inside drains and vents.

Instructions

1. Clean inside the toilet bowl with a liquid toilet cleaner. Spray the bowl with the cleaner, work it into the bottom and sides of the bowl with a toilet brush, and allow the cleaner to remain in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes before you flush the mixture down the toilet.

2. Clean the outside of the toilet, including the base and the floor around the toilet, with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner. Use rags instead of paper towels, so you can scrub harder.

3. Clean all the other surfaces in the bathroom, including sinks, the shower, the bathtub, and the vanity top, with the all-purpose bathroom cleaner. These surfaces, especially the grout, can harbor mold, which will also cause unwanted odors in the space.

4. Remove and launder any bath mats. Wash the bath mats separately with hot water, and allow them to air-dry, or throw them into the dryer, according to the label's directions.

5. Walk out of the room and allow the odors created by cleaning to dissipate. Reenter the bathroom and take a sniff. If there is a lingering odor, tackle the next two issues -- the vents and drains.

6. Pull out any hair clogging the sink and tub drains. Pour 1/2 cup white vinegar followed by 1/4 cup baking soda down each drain. Allow the mixture to react for 20 minutes, then pour 1/2 gallon hot water down each drain. The mixture of white vinegar and baking soda will remove any remaining hair and grease, and the unwanted odor.

7. Vacuum the air vent inside the bathroom with a vacuum hose attachment. Removing the dust and debris from the front of the vent will allow air to circulate in the bathroom more effectively.

8. Set out a bowl of potpourri, light a candle, or place an air freshener onto the vanity to introduce a pleasant smell into the bathroom.

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Organization Ideas For A Teenager'S Bedroom

An organized bedroom offers a sense of tranquility.

Many people first learn the basics of organizing their bedrooms when they become teenagers. Organizing a large amount of clothes, books, hobby materials and other belongings is challenging without the right system. A properly designed organizational system helps teens keep their bedrooms clean and manageable without having to struggle to find the right place for each item.

Add Vertical Storage

Vertical storage created by hanging shelves, hooks and racks in the bedroom keeps items from cluttering the floor or being piled in corners. The experts at BlueSuitMom.com say that hooks and racks added to the back of the closet or bedroom door hold belts or purses, while shelving keeps books and decorative items neat and visible. Vertical options add storage space without taking up any floorspace like a traditional bookcase or shelving unit does.

Store Out-of-Season Items

Teens struggle to keep their rooms neat and clean if they are full of out-of-season coats, clothing, or sports equipment. When football season ends or the weather is warm enough to stop wearing a heavy coat, moving these items out of the bedroom frees up important space in the closet, say the experts at TLC Home. Sport or hobby equipment should be stored in a garage or other dry storage area, and coats and sweaters should be packed into under-the-bed storage containers.

Make Use of Small Storage Boxes

Most teenagers accumulate a large amount of small items, ranging from pens and pencils for school to important notes or pieces of jewelry. Small items are easily lost. The Creative Homemaking website recommends purchasing a number of small containers to store on a bedside table or desk. Use these containers to store any small items that are too small for a shelf or bookcase. Labeling the containers will prevent them from becoming full of random or unwanted items.

Install a Closet Storage System

A flexible and modular closet storage system grows and changes with the fashion choices of a teenager. The TLC Home website recommends installing a system featuring a variety of storage units, including a rod for hanging clothes, baskets for socks or other accessories, and shelves for shoes or hats. If every type of clothing has its own space in a closet, teens are less likely to dump clothes on the floor of the closet instead.

Utilize Cork Boards

Cork or peg boards create easy-to-use message centers for a teenage bedroom. They also make decorating with photos of friends or artwork less damaging to the walls, according to the experts at HGTV.com. Students can hang their school schedules or important project deadlines where they will be constantly reminded. Notes and other mementos from friends can be added, as well.

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Girly Teen Bedroom Design Ideas

Floral-themed bedding can add a femine touch to a bright, funky room.

Use a girly bedroom design to celebrate the woman you're becoming, as well as the things that delighted you from your childhood. Make your bedroom sweet and feminine if you enjoy being surrounded by soft textures and colors. Decorate your entire bedroom in a feminine manner or only include a few girly elements if you don't want to be bombarded with it.

Flower Power

Use Navy Blue & Burgundy In A Bedroom

Transform a neutral bedroom to a place of sophistication with navy and burgundy colors.

According to Feng Shui & Beyond, you can bring more sensuous energy into your bedroom plus increase love and romance with the addition of the color burgundy. But before you rush off to get that burgundy accessory, stick around long enough to learn use navy blue and burgundy in a bedroom. Many variations and techniques exist for mixing burgundy with navy blue. Because these color combinations create a dramatic, elegant and sophisticated look to a bedroom, according to Designing Solutions, design your room concept before picking up those burgundy bed sheets and candles.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls of your room. Stripe thin, vertical burgundy lines onto a solid navy blue wall, like your favorite pin-striped suit. Or divide the room in thirds horizontally, and paint the bottom portion of the room navy, the top third of the room burgundy and run border wallpaper containing both colors at the intersection point.

2. Change the bedding. Purchase a print with both colors for your bedspread and sheet set. Coordinate a solid navy or burgundy sheet set to a patterned bedspead. Mix a striped sheet to a solid burgundy or navy comforter.

3. Add a curtain to the window. Select solid navy or burgundy, and place it from the ceiling to the floor. Choose a mixed-striped fabric containing both colors.

4. Design the room all in one color--burgundy or navy blue--and accent with the alternating color. Add touches of the alternating color in a picture frame, a flower vase and a throw pillow.

5. Hang a picture on the wall that contains navy blue and burgundy colors. Run a rope-string light or choose a colored light bulb for the bedside table lamps. Place a burgundy tapered candle into a navy blue holder and put it on top of the bedside tables.

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Clean A Bedroom Perfectly

A clean bedroom is a place for relaxation.

Your bedroom should be a relaxing environment where you can rest after a long day. It is likely a place you drop your shoes, clothes, papers and anything else you have on you as you pass through the room. Once cleaning day comes around, you find yourself in a cluttered area with no idea where to start. To clean, you need to organize; otherwise, your room will not be clean and tidy when you finish.

Instructions

1. Pick up loose items around the room that do not belong, such as shoes, paperwork or books. Remove them from the room and put them in their proper places. For example, place loose shoes in the closet on a shoe rack, rather than the hallway for later cleaning.

2. Go around the room and collect any dirty laundry in a laundry basket. Remove the linens from the bed and add them to your laundry basket. Hang up items that are not dirty, such as jackets, in a closet. Start washing your clothes in between cleaning tasks in the bedroom so that your clothes are ready when you are done.

3. Clean up any papers, receipts or other items that you can throw away.

4. Dust the large furniture pieces first and then move to decorative pieces and electronics. Dust windowsills, but make sure to sweep the dust toward the floor and not toward areas that you have already cleaned.

5. Spray glass cleaner on mirrors and windows and wipe them clean with a paper towel.

6. Remove all cleaning items from the room and put them back in their place. Discard any used paper towels or trash in the garbage.

7. Pick up nonfurniture items such as plants, laundry hampers or lamps from the floor and remove them from the room so you can vacuum. Vacuum from the furthest corner of the room and work your way toward the door. Make sure to vacuum under large furniture items and catch corners where dust balls can settle. Use a dry mop instead if you have hard flooring.

8. Replace the nonfurniture items you removed in the room. Put a fresh set of linens on the bed and hang or fold any clothing that you washed.

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The Best Ways To Decorate A Teenager'S Bedroom

Teens love to organize their life by using notes on bulletin boards.

Teenagers often have wacky ideas about how they want to decorate their bedrooms. This is because they are trying to express their individuality and are attempting to find out who they are and what their place is in the world. The best way to decorate teens' bedrooms is to make them safe havens where the teens can represent their personalities with colors and styles. Not only is it a good way to teach them about budgeting and organization skills, but the teens will feel they have a voice in this important task.

Bold Colors

Teenagers admire bold, funky bedrooms that they see in teen magazines, on TV and in their friend's homes. If you feel that your child would soon tire of a bold color, talk to him about how color affects moods and activities, according to the Decorating Kids Rooms website. Compromise by painting the windowsills, molding, small pieces of furniture or light switches in the room with the bright color. Alternately, you can paint one wall in the room with the bold color, and then use a lighter shade or a neutral color on the other walls. If the bold color is the first thing you see when you walk into the room, he may decide this is a good compromise. You can also select bedding and accessories that have the bold color in them, or utilize the color in throw pillows or rugs instead of repainting the entire room.

Multi-Purpose Room

Discuss with the teen the activities that she wants to use the room for. She may want to use it as a peaceful haven where she can read or study, or she may want it to look like a bachelorette pad where she and her friends can hang out and do different activities, such as watching TV, playing on the computer or playing board games. She may wish to have a daybed in her bedroom for sleeping purposes, and to utilize the space in the remainder of the room for comfortable chairs, beanbags or small sofas. Letting her create a room where she can express her budding independence, and one that will give her some privacy, will result in better relations with the rest of the family during her difficult years of growing up.

Artistic Bedroom

Most teens need to find creative ways to express themselves. Their bedrooms need to reflect their individuality and personality. You can purchase chalkboard paint at home supply or paint stores, and paint a large portion of one wall with this type of paint. Supply plenty of colored chalk, so that when his friends come to visit, they can all doodle, and create pictures or messages to each other on the wall. Alternately, you can add large pieces of foam or cork to the room, so that he can easily apply posters, pictures, artwork or other items he is proud to display on the walls. Many types of tape and adhesives are useful in displaying artwork or posters that will express your teen's individuality. Artistic teens may even want to paint their own wall murals in their bedrooms, according to the Rental Decorating Digest. Do not be afraid to let them express themselves in this way. It is inexpensive, and it takes very little time to repaint a room when the teen moves on to something else.

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Disney "Tinker Bell" Bedroom Ideas

Tinkerbell is one of Disney's beloved and enduring creations. While Tink is ideal for a little girl's room, she is one of the few cartoon characters that can be used for an older girl's room as well. Using Tinkerbell as a starting point gives you plenty of design and decor options, and your finished room can grow with your child. Don't have kids? Tinkerbell can be used to accent a garden or whimsical room for adults, too.

Walls

Disney offers a line of Tinkerbell and fairy-themed paints specifically designed for Tink-themed rooms. Choose from colors such as "Friendly Frog" and "Enchanted Violet" to add fairy flair to your walls. Paint your room a solid color or use Pixie Hollow-inspired prints and patterns. If you are artistic, you can freehand these items; if not, stencils and vinyl cutouts will come to your rescue.

Bedding

Just about every big box store carries official Disney licensed bedding that features Tinkerbell. Look for comforters, pillow shams and sheets featuring Tink by herself, with Peter Pan or with her Pixie Hollow friends. Accent your bedding with plush, solid color pillows and a neck roll or bed skirt that complements the licensed bedding.

Decorations

Look for posters, paintings and wall art featuring Tinkerbell and use them to accent your walls. Potted plants, faux flowers and orchids also make great fairy-friendly decor. Consider adding decorative wall accents with a bit of sparkle--glitter can add a touch of pixie dust to a picture frame or mirror. Consider picking up a character rug, or a rug that blends well with the color palette you used on the walls to complete the look.

Accessories

Accessories add a finishing touch to your Tinkerbell room. Look for book covers, figurines and other small items that can add a touch of Tinkerbell to the room. Visitors to Disney World or Disneyland can pick up souvenirs featuring Tinkerbell and friends -- or even an autograph from the fairy herself to add an interesting accent to the room. You don't have to travel to find Tinkerbell accessories; you can purchased pre-made items or make your own accents that feature Tinkerbell.

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How Should I Decorate An Antique Bedroom

New, antique-styled clocks are functional and durable, but can fit in antique environments.

A bedroom is an excellent place to showcase antique furniture according to Ideal Home Garden, because unlike your kitchen and bathroom, temperatures and humidity are kept relatively even and comfortable throughout the day and year. In most cases, a master bedroom is not a high-traffic area, so you don't have to worry about damage from visitors or small children, either. However, there are concerns with creating a passable antique environment that is authentic and comfortable to live in.

Instructions

1. Choose a theme before you begin purchasing furniture or items for your bedroom. Ideal Home Garden recommends narrowing down your design style by picking a basic motif, them or color. Alternately, consider using French antiques, English antiques or Italian antiques if you don't want to be limited to an exact style or time period.

2. Pick appropriate wall colors or wall coverings. Paint your antique bedroom in deep, rich colors such as chocolate browns, vibrant reds and classic off-white or pearl. Purple, pink, dark green, gold, and blue also are ideal color options for antique bedrooms as long as you stick to your theme. For example, white and blue may be perfect for a Cape Cod or English style bedroom, but not as appropriate for country French antiques. Consider patterned wallpaper as well -- fleur de lis or floral patterns may be appropriate for your style, and are often easy to keep clean.

3. Use new items made to look distressed or antique if they are regularly used items such as lamps or clocks that sit on a bedside table. Using new items made to look like antiques can save you money when you start decorating, and they can be used without fear of damage to an irreplaceable item.

4. Keep lighting low and use lights related to the time period, even if you want to use new lamps that aren't actual antiques. In many antique styles, your lighting should remain relatively dim, and you may want to use a single overhead light and a combination of candle style or wall sconces.

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White Bedroom Styles

Shades of white keep the bedroom tranquil.

White can be sleekly modern or softly romantic; it depends how you apply it. Give yourself the white bedroom of your dreams by determining the room's personality prior to creating the design, then pick the pieces according to your desired effect.

Coastal

Bring a white coastal design to your bedroom. White washed floors combine with white panel walls and white window shutters to deflect the sun's heat. The whitewashed wooden headboard contains crisp linen sheets with a soft chenille comforter spread and a set of crisp white pillowcases. A whitewashed armoire holds the television above with the clothing set below, while a white basket contains a collection of sea shells found along the shore.

Romantic

Soft white lace curtains layer over sheer white curtains, and both puddle on the floor next to the open window. The white four poster bed contains lace fabric panels fastened with white artificial flower tie-backs during the day, but closed during the night. A creamy white duvet with flower cut-outs dresses the bed, along with a set of matching pillow shams. A white wooden vanity in the corner, skirted with white fabric, features a collection of milk white perfume bottles.

Modern

White wood trim emphasizes the white wooden blinds of the window treatment. A white, braided, leather headboard goes 4 feet up the wall commanding center stage in the room, while white walls shine from the application of a glaze. Egyptian cotton sheets dress the bed. A white, raw silk duvet covers the comforter above the sheets, together with matching shams. White marble covers the top of the nightstand and dresser while white lamps provide reading light.

Shabby Chic

Tone-on-tone white flowered fabric covers the window as both a valance and a floor-length curtain. Although the white wicker bed has seen better days, it belonged to family and is still functional. The bed contains a tonal white patchwork comforter along with a chenille blanket for extra chilly nights. A white painted desk, with a flower design, holds a display of white roses with white candles, while the white wicker shelf contains a collection of white wicker baskets.

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White Bedroom Ideas

A white bedroom conveys serenity and calm.

Trends in interior decorating come and go, and bedrooms are no exception. Past decades have seen the popularity of pastels, earth tones and black for the boudoir. Today, an interest in white bedroom ideas is on the rise. The color white complements nearly any color scheme, but it is bright and crisp enough to make a sharp statement on its own. Play up a white bedroom theme to give the occupants a sense of serenity, meditation and peace.

Linens and Other Bed Coverings

The visual focal point of most bedrooms is, of course, the bed. Use white sheets, pillowcases, comforters, coverlets and throw pillows to create an oasis of whiteness as the centerpiece of the bedroom. Or chose just a few of these pieces to be white while the rest are in contrasting colors to play up the brightness of the white.

Walls

White walls have many advantages: not only do they make a room feel clean and pure, but they also reflect light, they make a good backdrop for framed pictures or photos, and they make a room seem bigger. Alternatively, if you would rather use a contrasting shade for your walls, use white for wall accessories such as borders, trim, light plates, even picture frames and mirror frames.

Textiles and Furniture

Fill your bedroom with textiles and furniture in different shades of white, from snow white to cream to ivory to pearl. You can do this with swags, drapes, couches, armchairs, and blankets draped across a chair or couch. Although some people fear that a white rug will show too much dirt, today's carpet treatment options make it fairly easy to vacuum up any dirt that gets tracked in without leaving marks or smudges behind.

Accessories

Whether you use accessories in addition to a primary theme of white or as a way of introducing white against another color scheme, there are numerous ways that small pieces scattered throughout the room can continue the white pattern. Consider lamp shades, vases, picture frames and clocks in white.

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White Bedroom Decorating Ideas

An all-white bedroom can convey a cool, sophisticated look.

No other color evokes the cool, crisp calm that white does. It has long been associated with cleanliness and cool comfort. For a sophisticated look, decorate your bedroom using white as the main color and feature at least one brightly colored accent color. If you have hardwood floors, leave them bare for an ultra-sophisticated look.

White on White

All white paints are not alike. Different white paints from different manufacturers or even within the same manufacturer's line vary in color. Paint the walls, mirror frames, picture frames, and furniture all slightly different shades of white for a very sophisticated look. Put a colorful patchwork quilt on the bed. Its riotous color will be balanced by all the white in the room. Finish the look with flowing white curtains.

White with Brights

If you're stuck with white walls in a rental unit and cannot change them, make the best of them. Decorate your bedroom with bright drapes and a coordinating bedspread. Add even more color with decorative pillows in bright solids and prints. Hang a brightly colored print on the wall from which you draw the inspiration for the spread and drapes. Put down an oriental rug in a complementary color to help overpower the white walls.

Cool White

If you want a bedroom with a cool, crisp feel, decorate it in white along with cool colors like shades of blue and gray that are accented with chrome or silver. The gray is calming and the cool blues and crisp whites evoke the feeling of coolness--especially important in a hot climate. Use a very light blue or white on the walls, gray carpet and a bedspread and curtains in a print featuring white, blue and gray. A chrome headboard and drawer pulls add cool sparkle to the d cor.

Tags: sophisticated look, white walls, bedroom with, blue gray, brightly colored, cool crisp, white paints

Create A Sliding Room Divider For A Bedroom

Create a Sliding Room Divider for a Bedroom

Sliding room dividers provide an affordable and flexible solution for dividing multi-purpose bedrooms. Whether you have two children sharing a bedroom or simply need to hide the inevitable spare room junk from overnight guests, sliding bedroom dividers will meet your ever-changing needs and add style and function to any bedroom. Room dividers are available in a range of styles to suit virtually any taste and budget and can be easily installed by a novice do-it-yourselfer.

Instructions

1. Mark off lines with the pencil on both the floors and ceiling at the point where you wish the front bedroom divider panels to sit. Snap a chalk line from one end of the room to the other to ensure straight, even guidelines for your sliding panel tracks. Hang the plumb line from the ceiling track line to the corresponding floor track line to verify that the floor and ceiling markers line up exactly.

2. Measure back from each line the width of one panel. Add 1/4 inch to the width to allow for a smooth sliding room divider system and mark lines for the second set of divider tracks.

3. Position the front tracks centered over the marking lines so the line appears in the middle of the predrilled screw holes. Secure the bedroom divider tracks to the floor and ceiling using the drill and screws.

4. Measure and mark off a "T" centered on the thickness of the panel approximately 2 1/2 inches from the side along the top face. Repeat on the top and bottom faces of all panels. Center the drill hole of the roller hardware over the mark and attach using the drill and screws. Repeat on each side along the top and bottom faces of all panels.

5. Fit the front divider panels securely into the floor and ceiling tracks and test roll to ensure a smooth slide though the bedroom divider tracks. Install the rear bypass panels using the same method.

6. Fit the door stop hardware into the front upper track and secure using screws and the drill. Repeat this process for each of the remaining divider panel tracks.

Tags: bedroom divider, divider tracks, floor ceiling, bedroom divider tracks, bottom faces, bottom faces panels, Create Sliding

Princess Bedroom Ideas

Give your little princess the bedroom of her dreams.

Transform your little princess's ordinary and dull room into one that is fit for royalty. This creative project is lots of fun and a great way to spend quality time with your daughter. Although a bedroom theme of this magnitude can be extremely costly, there are several ways of saving money and staying within your budget while giving your child the fairytale land she dreams of.

Walls

Paint the walls of the room an appropriate color, such as light pink, sky blue, lavender or light yellow. Apply at least two coats of paint, and allow each to dry thoroughly in between coats. Keep in mind that each coat enriches the color further.

Consider using commercially available murals in princess-theme characters or castle scenes to enhance the appearance of the room. Depending on the colors and images in the printed mural, decorate one wall or all. You can even use a Disney princess banner and glue it along the top of the walls or near the center. Ask your little princess what she prefers and work accordingly---it is, after all, her bedroom you are decorating.

Furniture

The bed forms the focal point of the princess-themed bedroom. Purchase a princess bed (available in furniture stores or online shops), dress up her current bed with a fancy headboard or drape a canopy suspended from a single hook in the ceiling over it. Use pink or white net or gauze, and glue decorative beads crystals, flowers or tassels around the edges for a regal look.

Purchase a plush comforter for her bed, along with a complementary skirt in shades of pink. Place plush pillows and cushions over her bed. Spread a fluffy throw rug in the center of the room or in front of the bed.

Create a throne for your princess. Make a wooden chair with a high back. Paint it white all over, with golden armrests and golden legs. Put a plush pink pillow on the seat and the back, and glue netting or silk around the edges to form a skirt. Arrange plush cushions around her throne for when she has company.

Accessories

Strategically place princess-themed accessories around the room to give it the required look. Paint wide wooden lengths a deep shade of gold, glue these around a rectangular mirror and hang it on a wall. Install shelves on a wall and decorate it with princess toys.

Replace plain curtain rods with thick golden ones and finials that resemble large diamonds. Hang lavender, pink, white or light gold curtains, and overlay these with silk or velvet ones for privacy. Add tassel tiebacks for a decorative touch.

Replace an overhead bedroom light with a chandelier comprised of sparkling glass prisms that imitate real crystals.

Tags: little princess, your little, your little princess, around edges, pink white

Decorate A Dining Room With Paint Colors

Enjoy your meal while surrounded by the ideal wall color choice.

Many occasions that bring families together include the sharing of food. Preparing the food is certainly a major part of how well the meal will be enjoyed. However, the dining room décor also plays an important part in the presentation of the meal. The colors that a homeowner selects for her dining room walls can help to determine whether family and guests want to eat and run or linger for conversation.

Instructions

1. Select colors to coordinate with existing curtains or draperies. The wall color and window treatments must be compatible since they are side by side. If the curtains are patterned in several colors, select a background wall paint color that echoes the tone of one of the colors featured in the curtains. If the room is decorated with solid-colored window treatments, select a wall color that is lighter than that of the window coverings.

2. Paint the dining room walls a color that exists in the room already, such as a color featured in the chair cushions or an area rug, to tie the room together. For added color, when hanging pictures on the wall, select matting in a similar but less dominating color than the cushions or rug.

3. Use a chair rail to showcase two colors in the room. Paint the wall below the chair rail the darker of the two colors. Pick two wall colors from the dinnerware that is most often used for formal dining.

4. Paint window trim, wall boards and door trim to add color if the walls are painted neutral colors. Trim painted in bolder colors taken from fabric patterns used in the room work well against a neutral wall.

5. Paint the walls with a flat finish, such as matte or eggshell. Flat finishes will create a relaxed mood, making the dining experience friendly and casual.

6. Pick up paint swatches from a home improvement center when painting a room vacant of curtains and furniture. Tape the swatches onto the wall to help determine which color is the best choice for the room. Many swatches have complementary colors on them, which are helpful when picking out fabric colors and colors for accessories.

Tags: color that, wall color, chair rail, dining room, dining room walls