Building trends have been incorporating high ceilings in many rooms in a home. The feeling is majestic, but sometimes we run into problems with how to furnish such spacious spaces. Common ceiling heights are anywhere from 12 to 22 feet. You will not want to put small-scale furniture in a room with such towering heights.Many furniture manufacturers make large-scale pieces with higher back sofas, fuller and more substantial-looking upholstery, larger cocktail tables and bigger end tables. For the high-ceiling bedroom, you can easily find taller beds and higher headboards. If the bedroom has a tall ceiling, most likely it will also be spacious in its length and width. The use of chests instead of night tables will fill the space with a feeling of grandeur. Large armoires help make the large room cozy.Added space in the bedroom allows for generous reading areas or writing areas. A large chaise with an ample accessory table and lamp will be not only useful, but also attractive. If writing is more your style, a desk looking out onto the view from the window should do the trick.Just because the room is large, you do not have to over-fill it with furniture. Pay attention to traffic flow. Leave some spaces open and fill other spaces with interesting artwork such as sculptures or an attention-grabbing lamp. Trees work well in large spaces, too.Conversational groupings are important in large spaces. Set up the furniture so you can have a few people sitting close enough that they won't have to shout across the room. In a very large room, you might need more than one conversational grouping.You can accent and at the same time bring down the ceiling with details such as coffered ceilings, faux paint and/or architectural molding. The molding will add depth as well as interest. Consider custom cabinetry.Most of the high ceiling rooms also have very tall windows. The views from the windows are usually spectacular, so you probably don't want to over-drape them. A tint on the windows will help protect from the UV rays. Most window tint companies have film that will not change the light spectrum coming in through the windows.What about acoustics in large, tall-ceiling rooms? Some draperies on those tall windows will be necessary for framing the windows as well as helping absorb sound. Area rugs will delineate space, group furnishings and cut down on echoing sound. Heavy upholstery will swallow noise, too.Don't forget the trees and plants. They bring the outdoors in, add warmth and help with that sound absorption.High ceilings can challenge decorating | www.azstarnet.com ®
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Bedroom Decorating Ideas - High ceilings in a Home
Monday, July 21, 2008
Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Home decorating is easier than you may think
Home decorating is easier than you may think
And creating the peaceful and serene style of the Zen decorating theme in your bedroom can be a snap if you know which colors, accessories and furniture to make use of. Here are a few design ideas on how you can get the illusion of a meditation garden in your bedroom. You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for the tones in your Zen décor bedroom.
Get paint cards that match your decorating scheme
You can take the cards with you when you are shopping for decorative accessories and be assured that the colors will match.In the bedroom, you want to add flower vases and photos in frames along with bed and nightstands. Go for a minimalistic style with stained wood furniture.
Taking the time to purchase the ideal accessories and furniture will add to your Zen décor look. Your home decorating project should plan for shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines around the room, but don’t forget to change your window treatments, flooring and walls. Window treatments for the Zen decorating theme should be simple and plain. You might consider decorating your windows with bamboo blinds.
Now that your windows look perfect, your walls might be boring
To get your walls looking great think about using watercolors sparingly.You also want to be sure to get the proper lighting for your decorating style. bedrooms are better off with bedside lamps as lights. Try to choose lighting that is subtle or plain and simple to balance the Zen decorating theme interior design style. While you may not think too much about it flooring plays a key role in your interior design style so putting in area rugs to yourZen decorating theme bedroom can really boost it’s appearance.
The style of flooring you should have for your peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you ought to buy in neutral tones.For some finishing touches that will help enhance your Zen décor use a water fountain on a low table or a bamboo plant in a simple planter plus a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to complete your theme. For a softer look add pillows that are silk In addition to greenery and plants.
Decorating for a Zen decorating theme bedroom
Can be a fantastic way to get a new look and if you plan it out properly it will be easy and fun. Simply purchase the items on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the ambiance of a meditation garden in no time! Thanks toBedroom Decorating Ideas Guide » Blog Archive » Zen Bedroom Decorating Ideas for this.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Decorating In a Down Real Estate Market
In a down real estate market, some homeowners are taking the time to spruce up their living space
But it's a challenge to put all the colors, fabrics, furniture and accessories together tastefully. But help is just a call away. Lauren Riddiough, an interior designer with Interiors by Decorating Den, is available to help homeowners design and pull together any space.
“When the market is down, a lot of people know they are going to be in their homes a little longer, so they decide to make them beautiful,” Riddiough said.Riddiough, 25, has been in the design business her entire life – or at least exposed to it.
In 1984, her mother Linda went to work as a designer for Interiors by Decorating Den and soon thereafter her father got into the business as well, on the franchise marketing side.
Although she earned a degree in psychology, in 2006 Riddiough purchased her own franchise of Decorating Den and stepped back into the world she grew up in.“It is surreal, but this is absolutely the right thing she should be doing,” said Lauren's mother, Linda. “She's more talented that I am. She sees it and gets it.
”Client Carla Fraser agrees.Fraser is in the middle of designing her house with Riddiough; she is one of Riddiough's 14 current clients.“I was clueless to what I wanted,” said Fraser, who, with her husband and daughter, moved into their River Creek home in March. Fraser immediately got in touch with Riddiough, who had sent her information on a nail file in a welcoming package to the community.“She came in and met with my husband and I, gave us choices and worked with what we had,” Fraser said.
Riddiough is working with the Fraser family, designing the kitchen, family room, dining room, foyer, living room and master bedroom suite.A whole house makeover is something Riddiough loves to delve into, but it is not the only project she will take on.
Interior decorating doesn't have to be a huge expense
“I work with a wide range of budgets,” Riddiough said. “Interior decorating doesn't have to be a huge expense.”Riddiough's take on each project is the same no matter what the size. She meets with the client for a free initial consultation to get a feel for what they are looking for.
She will take photos and then go back to her home office in Leesburg and put together white boards with concepts for the project with a variety of designs and prices.Depending on the project, Riddiough said the typical design project takes 10 to 14 weeks, mainly because of fabric and upholstered items.And while most may think hiring an interior designer is expensive, Riddiough says it all depends on what you want done.“Interior design does not have to be extremely expensive or scary to do,” she said.
The only circumstance in which Riddiough charges an hourly fee ($125/hour) is if a client were to hire her to give advice and help shop for materials.“If you buy product from me, there is no hourly fee,” Riddiough explained.She also added that since she works with 150 vendors, she can usually find what the client wants, and an hourly fee is rarely a discussion point because they usually end up working with her. Thanks to Loudoun Times for this.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Bedroom Decorating Ideas - 13 Steps to Redecorate Your Bedroom Cheaply
Hi gang, welcome to Bedroom Decorating Ideas. You're a teen who wants to re-do your room, but your parents won't pay? Here's some good ways to get started.
Bedroom Decorating Ideas - 13 Steps to Redecorate Your Bedroom Cheaply
Steps
- Make a plan and decide on a theme. How do you want it to look? Look through magazines or websites such as 'Pottery Barn Teen' or 'Delias' for ideas, since they often have pictures of rooms. Decide on things you like and things you don't, colors you like and design details. You should have a rough idea of how you want your room to look.
- Measure and list. Did you ever wonder how big your room is? How much stuff do you have in it? Take a tape measure and find out how long the walls are. Make sure to write this down or you will forget it. Your room might be a lot bigger than you thought. Now, list every piece of furniture that you have in there. You might have a lot, but be patient. If you want to, measure your bed, dresser, and some of the larger pieces of furniture.
- Before you move anything, design your room. You need to know what you want your room to look like, but don't get too set on one idea. If you are copying a room from a catalog, look at the furniture. Ask yourself, "Well, they have a cast-iron bed, and mine's wooden. How would the room change if the bed was like mine?" How would your white desk look if you painted it blue? You can give furniture a completely new look by painting it.
- Remember if your parents aren't too enthusiastic about the idea, now is your time to show them. If you have time, make a design board. Cut out pictures of things you liked from the rooms you looked at, and draw a floor plan and maybe a sketch of how you think it will look when it's done. Once they see how much work you put into this, they will probably be more willing to let you. Make sure you point out things like, "See this? That's just like my bed right now." If they don't like something, be willing to listen to their opinion. If they say no, don't complain, say that they aren't being fair, or tell them that you hate their guts. Accept their decision maturely, and they might change their minds. If they don't, you got plenty of practice for when you become an interior designer, and you'll have a plan when they finally decide that you can redecorate your room.
- Ransack the attic. A lot of time there'll be things up there that have been forgotten but would go great in your room. Before you move anything down there, though, get permission. A good way to ask would be, "Mom, I know you're busy, but I saw some things in the shed that would look good in my room. When you have time, can you come with me and tell me if I can move them into my room?"
- Look at yard sales within walking distance. It's a long shot, but you might find the perfect chair, lamp, or picture frames there. Don't drive, since you'll probably spend more money on gas than you would going to the store and buying it new (especially if you have a diesel car).
- Go to the store. Start by making a list of everything you still need, and take pictures of things you liked if you can. Now, go to Target, WalMart, or someplace that sells everything from paint to rugs to lamps, and sells it cheap. Make sure that you have plenty of time, as WalMart at least is the most confusing store ever.
- Find the paint you want. Make sure that you buy enough, but not too much. But, since you measured your walls earlier, you know exactly how many square feet of wall you have to cover. Also, get rollers and brushes if you don't have them, along with masking tape and anything else you'll need. If you're doing a interesting finish, like painted-on marble, ask the people how you would do that. If you aren't sure, stick with solid colors.
- While the paint is being mixed, browse the other accessories. Rugs, lamps, and translucent plastic boxes are always useful. If you're at WalMart, these are probably at opposite ends of the store, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. You're probably going to need a cart. Keep a mental tally of how much this will cost you (just round up each item to the next dollar, you probably won't pay that much but it's always better to over-estimate it). You'll probably find some furnishings that are almost identical to what you picked out of the catalog. They might not be identical, but they have the same idea. Keep your eye out for these.
- Pick up your paint and head on to the bedding section. Start with the bedding. Do you see curtains or sheets or a comforter that you just love? Keep these in mind while you head off to sewing.
- Look at fabric. If you can sew, see if there's any fabric that would compliment your sheets or curtains. Make throw pillows out of it (You won't need more than a yard, probably). Now go over to the trim. Would that pom-pom trim look good on the bottom of your curtains? How would that gold braid look as a tieback?
- Start redecorating! Take all the furniture out, and get to painting the walls. While you wait for them to dry, paint the furniture. Then set it up like you had planned. Put all the accessories up, make up your bed with your new bedding, and you're done!
- Know that if you have old things that don't really fit your new room, don't throw them away! Keep them in boxes in your closet, or buy colored plastic boxes that coordinate and put it in there. The boxes can be left in your room and will look great.
Tips
- If you haven't got a good idea of how you want your room to look, start making lists of things you like. Have a separate list for colors. If you surround yourself with things you love, your room will come together.
- Try painting your walls different colors, or two pink and two green, or each one a different color. Leave your ceiling white, or your room will be really dark, and even if you like that, the parents probably aren't going to be too enthusiastic.
- Don't buy new furniture, or you'll soon find yourself draining your bank account. If you have all the furniture you need (bed, dresser, desk), why spend money on new ones? Furniture is designed so that it will look good in pretty much any room, so don't worry.
- When buying lamps, the bases are sold separately from the shades. Take advantage of this. When you see a shade that you like, ask yourself how it would look on your lamp base, and stop to see how your current shade would look on that base you just love.
- If you know how to sew (probably with a machine), it's almost always cheaper to buy discounted fabric/flat sheets and make your own curtains than to buy curtain panels. Curtains aren't hard.
- If you see the last in a pattern you like (the only set of polka-dot sheets) put them in your cart, or it'll get taken before you can go back to it. You can always put it back later.
- When you're in the Sewing department, check the Dollar-a-yard bin. You might have to fight with the crazy grannies to get that fabric you like, but there's good fabric there a lot of time.
- Tulle or sheer makes good tiebacks. Tie in big bows or let it hang long for a dramatic look.
- Before you decide that you hate it, give your new room a little time for you to get used to it. You'll find you love it.
Warnings
- Make sure you get your parent's permission before moving or painting walls or furniture.
- Don't go to the mall. You'll spend way more than you need to.
- Paint gets darker when there's a lot of it on a wall. That pretty pale blue you liked becomes eye-smarting when it's covering 20 square feet.
- Only paint on walls.! Parents will get really mad if you get wall paint on the window or the carpet.
- Paint furniture outside, and get permission first!
- If you will ever have small children in your room, make sure that you don't get things that they will break/choke on/suck the Chinese lead-based paint off of within their reach.
- If you have white walls, they are probably be off-white.
- If your walls have color, you'll either need to prime them or get some of the 1-coat paint. Check to see which way turns out cheaper.
- Do a good job, so you'll love spending time in your room.
Bedroom Decorating Ideas, By Rick Ostler
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Thursday, May 29, 2008
Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Paint To Furniture And Everything In Between
Hi gang, Rick here again with Bedroom Decorating Ideas with news and views from the decorating industry.
Home Decorating - A fun adventure
Painting Your Home
White is out. Think color, texture, and contrast. Mix colors to create a theme throughout your home. Savannah browns, beiges and sandy vanilla yellows, Jungle greens, browns and strategic bursts of orange or red like jungle flowers blooming at the canopy's edge. Buy small samples of color and experiment with your favorite hues to create your very own home decorating theme. Balance a dark color with a contrasting light color or white trim.
Drapery in your home
Throw away the venetian blinds and wooden slats. Use a combination of modern, lightweight fabrics, sheers, chenille, silks and velvets to dress up your windows. Don't be afraid to create two different styles in coordinating colors at opposite ends of the room. There are no rules any more for decorating with drapes. Let your home reflect your own creative style. There are endless possibilities with fabric, color, texture, light and contrast.
Functional Furniture
Furniture has two purposes. It is functional, and it also fills up the space. When you are buying functional furniture, such as seating, don't just buy a place to sit. Buy color and texture that enhance your lifestyle and help you pull together the decorating style you have used in your home. Think of sectionals that include storage spaces for organizing remotes, and holding drinks or coffee tables that contain extra drawers or bins that you can use for throw blankets or children's toys. Think of side tables that double as book shelves, book shelves that double as storage cabinets and storage cabinets that not only hold a lot of stuff, but look beautiful into the bargain.
Wall Hangings for your home
Use art work to express your fine taste, tapestries, embroideries or throw blankets to cover blemishes in walls and paintwork, and photos to personalize your space. Frame keepsakes like tickets to a special show, a map of a favorite vacation spot or a far-off place where loved ones live. Keep cuttings from favorite birthday cards from special people and make a collage for your entry way. Little things like this in your home bring a personal touch to your decorating style that only you could have come up with.
Home Decorating to add beauty to your home
If you think form, fun and function every time you think of home decorating it will always be easy to add to the beauty of your home whenever you are ready to paint the next wall, replace an old sofa or buy a fine piece of art for your walls.
See more creative and imaginative home Remodeling and Home Maintenance and repair tips and strategies at 2 LEFT THUMBS REMODELING. You will also find links to our 2 LEFT THUMBS DECORATING, Home Decorating and Improvement articles. Thanks to Greg Morneau for this. Greg has been involved in home building, remodeling and additions for many years as well as operating as a consultant.
Bedroom Decorating Ideas, By Rick Ostler
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bedroom Decorating Ideas Videos Here:
Also we value your comments, if you can add more info in regards to this article please do so. Thanks............Rick