Redecorating the Bedroom

All this month I’m going to be talking about bedroom redecorating. I’ll also have lots of other useful tips for around the house, including 2 great design dilemmas. But I’m just finishing a much needed spruce-up of my own bedroom and thought it might be fun to focus on the room we spend so much of our time. The bed, below is from Portuguese company, Jet Class.

I’m asking all my readers to help me out. What questions do you have about decorating bedrooms? Trendy and soothing color palettes? Storage? Small spaces? How to add a little romance? Let me know what’s on your mind and all questions will be answered. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• An interview with SFerra, a premier linen company. Their sheets are a dream to sleep on.
• My take on decorating for teen and children’s rooms.
• How to dress the bed.
• Color and lighting to add softness and drama
• And lots and lots of bedroom photos to inspire you.

Take a moment to think about your own bedroom. Is there room for improvement? Are there products you’re searching for? Or, is your bedroom design perfection? Send me a photo or a bedroom design dilemma . Ask me a question. Let’s make August what it ought to be -¬† a restful and relaxing month.

Friday Favorite: Jane Hornsby Cushions

I’m dedicating this Friday Favorite to my friends, Jeremy and Mariana. He’s from London, but loves his new home in the US. Even so, I think he’d like these beautiful cushions from Jane Hornsby.

I like them because they’re not the usual souvenir sort of thing. They’re made with velvet appliqu?©s. And they’re fun as well as good looking.

Jeremy, or his wife Mariana, might like this cushion. I do.But Mariana is from Australia. Hmm…

Some Love anyone? Love the color combo here.

This may be a little too feminine for Jeremy. If Jane makes a Manchester City cushion I know he’d buy 20 at least.

Jane Hornsby’s cushions come with a feather insert at start at about $99.00 US. Shipping is free in the UK. She ships everywhere.

Cushions are a terrific way to change the look of a room. Or add that little something extra to round out your design. But I have a feeling you already knew that. Right?

Instant Room Makeovers: 3 Ways To Do Slipcovers

We’re well into summer, but it’s never too late to bring the feel of summer into your home. Paint is one way to accomplish a new look. But you have to live with that all year round. A better way to makeover a room instantly, and one that can change with the seasons, is to throw a slipcover over the sofa and/or arm chairs. Even the dining room will brighten up with a set of relaxed slipcovers.

In a few months, when winter rears its ugly head and you’re longing for something more cozy, simply remove the slipcovers and you’ve got yet another instant room makeover. Plus, the original upholstery will seem new again after living in seclusion for several months. Here are some slipcover ideas and resources to guide you. Read More…

Design Dilemma: Arranging Art On A Blank Wall

I’ve received a request from Nikki for help with her new home. Nikki wants some advice on what to do with a blank wall.

She says, “The color is changing to a warm yellow. It’s been suggested that we mount a giant stuffed grizzly. Another friend suggested a collection of round mirrors. My aunt suggested a giant clock. I plan to do a photo grouping on a different wall. I suppose I could do another one here. I have no shortage of photographs to choose from.

It’s times like this I wish I had some sort of collection (well, actually… I do have a collection of cameras ranging from modern to plastic toy cameras and much older cameras that used to belong to my grandparents in the 50s/60s. Maybe I could find a way to mount them here? Or just use shelves? Eep. I’m not sure.”

Nikki, I love the idea of showing off your camera collection. Here’s how I would do it. Start with wooden boxes (IKEA has great ones). Paint the boxes inside and out. Use a bright color for the inside back side. The blue from the walls in the kitchen and dining room would be good. Hang these on the wall and place your cameras inside.

One concern is that it looks like this is a major traffic area. Make sure the cameras won’t interfere with people moving around.

Does anyone have a good idea for this wall? Let’s give Nikki an assortment of opinions to choose from. And Nikki, let us know which one you decided on.

Bling out your furniture

I read an interesting post over at Marie’s blog, Decorator On Demand. She’s found a company that makes interchangeable upholstery tacks.

Read all about it by following this link.