Black and White Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Black and white decor is elegant and simple! It is a relatively easy style  to decorate your bedroom with since you already have your colors picked out from the get-go! If you’re anything like me and get overwhelmed by too many choices, you’ll love black and white bedroom decorating ideas.

One of the main principles behind modern decor is minimalism. Decorating your bedroom in black and white is an easy way to give it a sleek, contemporary look and feel that is clean and put together. Wouldn’t you like to sleep in a neatly designed, stress-free bedroom?

Start with the walls. When decorating your bedroom, start with the walls. You don’t have to paint all your walls either black or white. You can paint some walls black and others white, play around with wall decals, or use wallpaper.  You might want to use a combination or paint, decals and wallpaper like in the picture on the left.  Black walls are great for creating contrast- anything stands out on a black wall! A striped wall can also look amazing in a bedroom.

Bedroom Furniture. Each piece of furniture must be taken into account if you are going to have a complete black and white look. You can paint all your furniture in either all-black, all-white or a black-and-white pattern if the furniture is against a solid color wall. Remember to keep things neat and not too busy. Make sure to pay attention to the furniture’s details and don’t forget the bed frame, window frames, headboard etc.

Accessories and Bedding: This is the fun part! There are so many black and white room decorating ideas for your bedding, lighting, rugs and walls! Black chandeliers are super glam in a black and white bedroom. Area rugs come in all types of designs and fabrics. For the walls, you can hang black and white pictures and place them in a colorful frame for contrast (or vice-versa). Black and white curtains will look amazing in your bedroom. Just make sure that most of your bedroom accessories are black and white only and don’t contain other colors.

Black and White Bedroom Accent Colors

Accent colors: Last but not least come the accent colors. The reason I mentioned this last is because it is very important not to overdo it. You want most of your room to be black and white and you can pick one or two main accent colors to highlight specific areas of your room. Anything in color will stand out in a black and white bedroom! Some great areas to accent are your bed, via a colorful comforter or an area on the walls with a beautiful painting. You might even consider painting an entire wall or part of a wall a bright color to create a dramatic look.

What else is left to do? Nothing but get ready to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in your chic and elegant beautiful bedroom! Click here for more black and white room decorating ideas.

Featured Content Gallery Photo Credits: www.huelsta.com

Bohemian Decorating

July 7, 2010 by sara  
Filed under Decorating Styles, Room Decorating Ideas

Bohemian decorating is original and personal.  It is about turning the mundane into chic decor with vintage items and lots of creativity.  ”Bohemians” are technically people who live non-traditional lifestyles and reject social conventions; such as artists, writers and musicians.  Although it may seem like an oxymoron to adopt a design style that is “individual” by definition, there are enough basic elements of Bohemian style that make it possible to incorporate it into your home decor.

Boho Chic Living Room from Canadian House & Home

Bohemian Living Room from Canadian House and Home

Bohemian style is all about creating warmth and interest.  It is a busy, cluttered style with a lot of interesting things going on.  There is a lot of freedom with this style and many room decorating ideas to choose from.

Regarding color, think rich, warm and deep.  Bohemian styled rooms usually have multiple colors; although a general palette should be chosen to create some kind of cohesive look.  The walls can be painted red, orange, blue, purple, deep brown or any other  rich color.  Stay away from neons or colors that are very bright, like white.  Warmth is a key factor.  Walls can also be covered with colorful tapestries and art. Pay attention to the colors of the rest of the room.  Use a few multi-colored area rugs for the floor to create diversity.  If you are decorating a bedroom, don’t forget to choose colorful blankets and linens.

Bohemian furniture is unique.  Look for pieces that stand out on their own, or that you can make stand out with some paint.  Victorian sofas are great for bohemian decor, but you can also take a regular couch and throw on an elaborate tapestry.  Flea markets are great for finding bohemian furniture!

The most fun part about bohemian decorating is accessorizing.   Accessorize with objects that have meaning or look like they were from around the world.bohemian-decor Aged photographs, ornate boxes, mirrors,  vintage perfume bottles and giant pictures are all great choices.  Things that look like they are from around the world, like animal statues, figurines or maps, are also great choices.   If you can’t afford the real deal, try imitations like a knock-off Persian rug.

Accessories that sparkle also go well with this decorating style.  Try glass beads, crystals hanging from lampshades and shiny light fixtures that give off a warm glow.

Decorating in bohemian style is definitely fun.  It is a chance to let your imagination and creativity run free…so enjoy!

If you have any pictures of rooms that you decorated using bohemian room decorating ideas we’d love to see them! Send your pictures to roomdecoratingideas@gmail.com.

Turquoise Decor

June 18, 2010 by sara  
Filed under Room Decorating Ideas, decorating inspiration

turquoise-decorTurquoise is Pantone’s color of the year.  This makes me very happy as turquoise is my favorite color, hands down.  The reason turquoise was chosen is because it is considered a happy color and reminds us of beautiful tropical oceans far off in some Caribbean paradise.  It is a serene color and according to Pantone “turquoise reminisces of the waters of the sea, renewing our sense of well being”.



Why save the beautiful tropics for vacations only? Bring the depth of the ocean into your home by incorporating turquoise into your decor.  Turquoise can be combined with dark and light colors and bring some cheer into any room.  Don’t be afraid to combine it with reds, pinks, white or browns.  If you are feeling more daring, you can even try combining it with yellows or greens.  I love the bold turquoise wall paper featured here from crownwallpaper.

If you want to add some turquoise room decorating ideas to your home without making too much of a change, try some accessories.  It’s easy to find area rugs, throw pillows, lampshades and vases with turquoise hues.  You can even turn turquoise into a focal point with beautiful accessories such as this adorable ceramic monkey.


Turquoise Decor

Turquoise Decor

Most types of  furniture out there that can be purchased in turquoise.  If you don’t want to purchase a new piece, try paining a shelf or table you already own in a lovely shade of turquoise!
Here are a few turquoise decor images to inspire you.  Enjoy!


turquoise-wall-coverings

White Bedroom Decorating Ideas

White Bedroom Decorating Ideas

White Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Decorating a room can often be overwhelming.  There are so many patterns, colors and designs to choose from!  For this reason, one of my room decorating ideas is creating a white room.

The best room to give an all-white makeover is the bedroom. Since white gets dirty really easily, it is best to keep your all-white room one that won’t be getting too much traffic.  Your bedroom will probably get minimal traffic (compared with the rest of the house) and is usually a place where you don’t allow food or dirty shoes!

Keep in mind that there are many shades of white.  When decorating a white bedroom, it is important to match and coordinate the different whites just as you would with other colors.  White comes in off white, ivory, eggshell, cloud white, ballet white, ghost white, snow white, ice white and much more!  So it is important to pay attention to the subtleties in the “whites” you choose.

There are so many ways to bring white into a room! Many people often already have white walls, but there is still so many more white room decorating ideas.  For your bed you can add white bedding and throw pillows as even paint the headboard white.  Other bedroom furniture, such as your dresser, night table, desk etc., can be purchased in or painted white. Don’t forget about the windows! Airy white curtains are beautiful, especially in the summer.  Try hanging some wall art framed in beautiful white frames made of lace, or paint some picture frames that you already have.  A white area rug on the floor can help complete the look, especially if your not a big fan of your bedroom flooring.

White Bedroom Decor

White Bedroom Decor

White is not really a color, rather it is the absence of color.  Therefore decorating in white turns your room into an empty canvas that anything of color would stand out on.  Adding a little bit of color to an all-white room really goes a long way (so don’t overdo it).  Choose carefully and thoughtfully which area of the room you want to accentuate with color and how.  Choose only a few attractive room decorating ideas that will make your bedroom look great.

There are many more white bedroom decorating ideas out there to create the serene, airy beautiful bedroom you’ve always wanted.  Remember, sometimes the best room decorating ideas are the simplest ones (color-wise at least!).

Summer Bedroom

It might happen on the first day the air feels warm and a pleasant summery breeze passes gently through your window. On the other hand, it may not happen until you are already a few good weeks into summer and realize your bedroom is much hotter and stuffier than you can bare.  Regardless of when it happens, you are sure to feel an urge to bring summer into your home in general, and into your bedroom in particular.  Here are some summer bedroom decorating ideas that can help you turn your space into a summer haven.

The Bed

To update your bed for summer, put away those flannel sheets and heavy comforters.  Summer is the time for crisp bed linens made from breathable fabrics such as cotton.  Avoid using sheets made from synthetic fibers, as they tend to keep the heat in.  The color of your bedding is also important in creating summer ambience in your bedroom.  White is a great choice for your summer bedroom’s linens and covers. You can also play around with floral prints, light greens and yellows or anything else that gives your bedroom a light, summery feel.

Storage

Summer is a time for less of everything- less clothing, less blankets, and less clutter.  To clear your bedroom of unnecessary clutter, try using stylish storage solutions that are perfect for summer! Wicker, bamboo and raffia storage boxes and night tables are great for adding a summery feel to your bedroom while keeping odds and ends from taking over your space.

Windows

Summer Bedroom Decorating

Summer Bedroom Decorating

Light is an essential part of any summer decor.  Dark shades or curtains should be exchanged for sheer drapes (or taken down altogether) to allow more light to shine through.  Choose white, neutral or pastel curtains.  You can also keep the windows open whenever possible to let in the fresh summer air.

Accessories

Summer is the time to get rid of your heavy winter accessories, like rugs and draperies.  Instead fill your bedroom with accessories from the great outdoors! Bamboo plants, cut flowers and other greenery can create a refeshing atmosphere in your bedroom and can bring in a pleasant scent.  Other accessories can also be exchanged for more summery ones.  If your wall art is dark or heavy, try hanging a piece with brighter, paler colors.  Dark objects such as decorative bowls or candlesticks can be exchanged for clear ones made of crystal or glass that allow light to shine through.

Bringing summer into your bedroom for summer can help you be more relaxed and comfortable while facing those hot months.  So take the time and give your room a summer makeover today.

Curtains Design

Walking through the curtain section in any house and home store can make me a little dizzy.  The problem I find is that there are so many options!  Curtains are available in all different colors, textures, lengths and pattern it’s hard to figure out what to buy.  Here are some of my favorite tips for finding the perfect curtains design for your space.

Curtains Design

Curtains Design

Color is one of the most important things to look for when looking for curtains design.  If you aren’t planning on redecorating your whole room, it is important that your curtains match or blend on some level with the rest of the colors you already have in your room.  Neutral colors tend to complement furniture and wallpaper colors.   Solid color and patterend designs bring more attention to the window.  You may be looking to spice up your room with bold, colorful curtains. They are a great way to turn your windows into a focal point.

How long you want your curtains to be is another consideration.  If you have a small space and want to make it appear taller, try floor to ceiling curtains.  In larger spaces, you may opt for short curtains.  Nothing makes a statement, though like super long curtains that pool on the carpet- but they should only be hung in rooms that are large.

You also want to consider how a room’s light will be affected when you hang curtains.  Natural light is not only beautiful in homes, but using it helps save on your electric bill!  If you are looking for curtains in a room that you would like to have a lot of natural light, go for sheer, thin materials that will allow light to come through easily.  On the other hand, if you are buying curtains for a room you would like to keep darker, such as a TV room or a home office, you may want thicker, heavier curtains.  Curtains with blackout lining are a great room decorating idea for bedrooms, as they can block out all natural light.

There are all sorts of finishing touches you can add to your curtains after you’ve decided on a color and level of thickness.  There are many kinds of poles or rails to hang your curtains on.  You can also choose a particular style of pleating, attach tiebacks and maybe even finials for the end of the poles.

Curtains are one of the main contributors to a room’s ambiance so don’t skimp on this room decorating idea!

Basic Dining Room Decorating Ideas

Dining Room Decorating IdeasFor some people, the dining room is where they eat every day while for others it is reserved for company and special occasions. Whether you are going for a look that is formal or functional, keep these basic dining room decorating ideas in mind.

1.  The Walls

For wall color ideas, try red, orange and yellow or other colors that complement food and stimulate appetite.  Neutral colors like grey or tan are also nice choices.  Try to stay away colors that clash with food like blue or hot pink. Decorating your walls with wall art or tapestries not only make for beautiful design, but are great conversation pieces.

2. Table

The table is the focal area of most dining rooms and must be chosen with care.  When deciding on a table, space and lifestyle are both important factors.  A glass table is great for a small area as it creates the illusion of space, whereas a large mahogany works great with larger areas.  Round tables are better for conversation but can’t fit as many people as rectangular tables can. Many people opt for tables that adjust in size so that they can be used when its just the family or when there’s a houseful of guests.  Try to make sure that your table matches the other furniture in the room and that the overall decorating style is considered.

3. Chairs

When choosing chairs, keep in mind both style and comfort.  Chairs backs should come higher than the table and be comfotable enough that you’ll want to sit on them the whole meal.  Make sure that they are wide and deep enough and are generally pleasant to sit on. Choose a chair base before deciding on the upholstery.  Also, make sure that your chairs are a good fit for your space.  If you are planning on using them in a freqent basis, you might not want to go with fancy, hard-to-clean material.  But if you use your dining room on special occassions only, you’ll have more freedom to go all out with a festive design.

4.  BuffetDining Room Decorating

Another basic element to any dining room is the buffet or sideboard.  This piece of furniture is an essential to any dining room as it serves both as a decorative piece as well as a place to store extra dishes, silverware, linens and accessories.  The buffet is also a great place to put a beautiful lamp and a vase of flowers.  Buffets come in all different styles and colors and can match any decorating theme.  Check out the stunning buffet below from Pottery Barn.

5.  Dining Room Accessories

Many accessories can accentuate your dining room’s style and theme.  If you have hardwood floors, area rugs under the dining area are great for defining the space.  Crystal chandeliers add incredible elegance and formality to a dining room.  Lamps and wall scones are also great dining room decorating ideas as they allow you to adjust the lighting and add drama to your space.  Fresh flowers, a table runner and displays of China or artifacts can all look great in a dining room.

Kids Room Decorating Ideas: The Basics

June 10, 2009 by leia  
Filed under Kids Room Ideas, Room Decorating Ideas

Decorating a kid’s room can be a fun and creative experience while at the same time presenting several challenges. A child’s room is a place for sleeping, playing, and letting their imagination run wild. The goal is to channel that creative energy by creating a room that’s practical, safe, organized, and with an enjoyable theme.

With that in mind, there are some basic ideas and decor concepts we need to go over: choosing the right type of furniture, keeping things organized, and creating a flexible theme.

Basic Furniture Tips:

kids-room-decorating-ideas

Kids room decorating ideas

Though every kid’s room needs a bed, desk, and storage items, the most important aspects of choosing the right furniture are selecting basic colors that can adapt to a changing room theme while at the same time selecting durable, well made pieces from the right materials. Popular materials are aluminum, plastic, MDF, and hardwood. In terms of safety, it’s important to do your research because materials such as MDF can cause irritability due to formaldehyde. There are definitely stores that do offer chemical free and eco-friendly kid’s furniture if you’re interested in moving towards organic decor.

In any case, make sure that the furniture you select has rounded edges, is easy to clean, can survive all sorts of “wear and tear,” and sits well on the ground. Lighter pieces of furniture have a danger of tipping over, so it’s crucial to secure them well. Versatile kid’s furniture can also be a great idea depending on your style. This type of furniture can transform as your child grows, such as cribs that turn into beds or multipurpose desks and dressers. There is no substitute for good furniture that can be passed on through the family line!

Organization Ideas:

kids-storage-organizer

Kids storage organizer

Keeping toys and accessories organized is of vital importance to any kids room. Although it’s easier said then done, there are many creative ideas to help keep things organized and tidy.  The best way to do this is to look at things from a child’s view point.  Kids have a hard time reaching high places, so only keep things out of reach that they aren’t using on a regular basis.  Hooks are great for holding coats, jewelry, bags, umbrellas and more and are kid friendly if they aren’t too high!

You can also try clear storage containers (kids use what they can see!).  Kid friendly closets have low hanging rods and minimal clutter.  Beds with compartments underneath such as captain’s beds are great storage solutions.

kids-bed-with-under-storage

Kids bed with under storage

Flexible Theme:

Sports theme idea

Sports theme idea

Having a theme your kid will love is another important aspect of kid’s room decor.  There are many great theme ideas out there like fairy tales, sports, the jungle, ballet etc.  The most important thing is that your child’s room can be modified with his or her ever-changing hobbies and interests.  It’s therefore a good idea to keep walls and furniture neutral colors. To add color and style to the room, try using less permanent accessories such as: area rugs, bean bags, posters and wall stickers.  These fun decorating objects can be found in many colors and themes. And who knows…you may enjoy decorating the room as much as your kid will!

butterfly-kids-room-theme

Butterfly theme

Have You Ever Checked Out Organic Decor?

Organic Towels

Organic Towels

Organic decor is becoming an increasingly popular trend in 2009 as more and more people are looking to have eco-friendly, green homes that are healthier not only for the environment, but also for their bodies.

Going organic means choosing products that are grown from natural ingredients, are biodegradable, and manufactured without pesticides and all sorts of toxic chemicals. For the home, organic decor often refers to furniture that is ‘organic by construction,’ which means that in addition to the materials themselves being organically grown, the wood is also sustainable or reclaimed (the wood has either been recycled or taken without destroying anything). Therefore, all the components of the furniture are free of toxins and irritants.

So let’s get on to the organic decor! Here are some great ideas.

Organic bedding

Organic bedding

One of the best areas to start going organic is with your bed. Everyone agrees that sleep is important, and research has shown that mattresses made of organic materials are much more breathable, therefore regulating your temperature and helping you sleep better. The natural next step is to get organic bedding, linens, and pillows which also help reduce allergies. Today, more and more designers are creating stylish organic bedding, so you can be assured that you won’t be sacrificing style when trying to create an organic bedroom.

Don’t forget organic rugs and carpets. These can be made from organic wool, bamboo fiber, jute, cotton, hemp, and are dye free, which makes them so healthy that you should consider making a change now in your child’s room or baby’s room. Normal rugs usually are full of additives such as biocides to prevent mold. The air we breathe in a room is almost always affected by our carpeting, particularly if your home is fully carpeted.

Furniture that is organic by construction is also becoming more widespread. You can find stylish furniture made from sustainable wood that is upholstered with organic fabrics. Flooring is also important and can become a lovely decor element in your home. Organic bamboo or cork flooring is not only incredibly durable and healthy, it is also a beautiful decor element and can compliment your organic furniture.

Organically constructed living room

Organically constructed living room

Today, the organic decor trend fits in well with zen decor, feng shui, and other trends and is synonomous with a holistic approach to overall wellness. Nearly every store for home products or furniture has a ‘green’ section and carries organic products.

Here are some links:

www.organicconsumers.org – Has a section that provides a listing of all businesses carrying organic products in your area.

www.modgreenpod.com – Has organic home textiles and a neat link to a room creator.

Nursery Room Decor

March 27, 2009 by talya  
Filed under Nursery Room Decor, Room Decorating Ideas

Coming up with adorable nursery room decor ideas can be a lot of fun given the wide range of accessories you have to experiment with.  Starting from scratch gives you the most options, so to begin, start by getting a feel for the shape of the room and the focal point when you walk in. Where is the light entering from? In general, having natural light in the nursery is important for softening the colors of the room and creates an overall feeling of openess and air.

Once you have a feel for the room, probably the most important element of nursery room decor is choosing your color scheme and painting the room (or using wallpaper). Colors have profound effects on mood and should be chosen wisely.

After painting the room, the next step is to choose a crib style. There are 3 basic crib styles: standard, round, and convertible. Within these style groups, you can find crips made from wood or metal with innovative design additions to make them more comfortable and practical. Traditional, rectangular, wooden cribs are popular, so just make sure that the wood color works with the background color of the room. Crib placement can either be against the wall, or can be placed in the center of the room so that you have easy access from any side as well as using the crib as the focal point. Other basic pieces of furniture can also match the crib color, such as cabinets or a rocking chair.

Now you can start filling in the rest of the room once your major pieces of furniture are in place. Having a nice, soft, cozy rug underneath or beside the crib not only adds to the room in terms of decor, but also is very practical. Try to choose a rug that is stylish and soft yet easy to clean. Choosing a color for the rug that is a lighter or darker hue of the same color you picked for the furniture usually blends quite nicely.

Next, consider window valances which can add a bit of spunk to the color scheme. You can match them to wall borders or pillows and teddy bears. When choosing accessories for the nursery decor, think of them as an opportunity to add splashes of stimulating color. There are a variety of different lamps, pictures (including frames), and knickknacks that help bring the nursery to life.

Finally, bedding plays a huge role in your nursery room decor since there are numerous themes and designs. You can purchase themed crib sets with everything from bedding to matching diaper stacker. Try to find a set that includes as part of its design the color you painted the room, or the color you chose for the valance and wall borders. You can also easily find a matching mobile in all sorts of shapes and sizes that will fit right into the color scheme.

The most important thing to remember when thinking of nursery room decorating ideas is ultimately comfort and practicality, since you want the room to be easy to clean, cozy though not cluttered, and safe for your newborn baby.

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