Tag Archives: Decoration
5 Important Questions to Ask Before You Add a Master Suite
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Is sleeping in a tiny bedroom getting you down? I understand. I’ve lived in small bedrooms (in a studio apartment, no less) and large bedrooms where I had more than enough space for a queen bed and a sofa, and I must say that I prefer the latter. I like to relax in my bedroom and use it, not just sleep there, so a generous space works for me. If you’ve dreamt about that sprawling bedroom and decided to pull the trigger and add a master suite, here are five important questions to answer before you pull the trigger.
Is there a viable place to add a master suite?
Decide where and if you have a viable place for an addition in your home. Can you use an attic or basement space? Do you have the potential to go up with a second floor? Or perhaps you can bump out the back or side of your home, depending on lot size and setbacks. Figure out if and where a master suite would be possible.
How much do I have to spend?
Once you’re serious about adding a master bedroom suite, figure out your budget. Create an itemized list per room (bedroom, bathroom, etc). You might need a design/build firm to help you with planning, and then you should have a better idea what the project will cost and what you can afford. You might not be able to do the entire project at once, in which case, you could do it in stages.
Do I need a sitting area?
If you imagine relaxing evenings by the fire while reading the next bestseller, then you might like a sitting area, and with a fireplace too. That needs to be part of the plan early on, as well as a line item in the budget. If you only use your bedroom for sleeping, then you can disregard this point.
Will I reuse furnishings or buy new?
Reworking your furniture will save you time (shopping) and money. If your heart is set on some fabulous new pieces, start thinking about the overall look or theme and add another line item to that budget. Remember, of all the furnishings in the bedroom, a comfy bed that works for you is most important.
Do I want an outdoor space?
Depending on where your master suite is located, you might be able to have a patio or deck attached to it. Outdoor spaces have become more the norm for master bedrooms, and if that’s a priority, include the outdoor space in your overall plans from the get-go. Itemize it as a room because you’ll need to select finishes, and furnish it just like the interior.
Bedroom Design: How to Use Stripes in a Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Wide. Skinny. Horizontal. Vertical. Awning. Pinstripe. Stripes play a role in our everyday lives through the clothing we wear and the rooms we live in. When it comes to interior décor, there’s a host of ways to get creative with stripes. From walls to ceilings to upholstery and accent pillows, let’s take a look at six bedrooms using stripes in different applications.
Bold horizontal stripes make a statement on the walls of this kids’ room. It’s no surprise that this townhouse is located in Miami, as this colorful space boasts a real Florida feel.
A striped bench in a London loft introduces pattern and color in a predominantly white space. Coordinating pillows are just matchy enough. Also a stripe, the wood ceiling creates interest on a large surface.
Classic black and white striped wall covering sets the backdrop for this ornate headboard. Black and white can appear dated sometimes, but in this room, the color combo looks timeless.
Stripes take center stage in this Charleston bedroom through an area rug. Built-in beds and a window seat complete the efficient design.
Designer Liz Carroll worked her magic by using stripes on the ceiling of this sweet, mostly pink bedroom. A ceiling isn’t the most obvious location for stripes, but in this room, it works well.
A striped headboard and floral accent pillows make for a lovely combination in this Vancouver home. Simple and straightforward, this room is all about texture.
Bedroom Design: The Magic of Mirrors in Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
“I love mirrors. They let one pass through the surface of things.”—Claude Chabrol
Whether you love mirrors or not, you can’t deny that these popular accessories are both decorative and practical. Every home contains a few, and usually, a mirror finds its way into a bedroom, be it hidden on a closet door or covering a wall in plain sight.
Mirrors can add personality and quickly change the mood of a room. Let’s take a look at five bedrooms utilizing mirrors in different ways.
A mirror decorates the bed wall of minuscule London sleep space. According to the designer, failing to use mirrors is often a pitfall. We shouldn’t overlook the use of mirrors – a mirror can be your best friend.
This glamorous Dallas room uses decorative mirrors as subtle yet stunning pieces of art above the bedside tables. Notice the layers in this bedroom’s design and how well they work together.
Light, bright, and airy is the theme of this all-white bedroom in a Fire Island Beach House. Here, the mirrors give the illusion of a larger space.
A tiled wall mirror and mirrored wall sconce make a bold statement in this Raleigh bedroom. The mirror’s reflection is more interesting than both pieces.
A mirrored dressing table and coordinating wall mirror complete the shabby chic look in this San Francisco home, proving that mirrored furniture can be successful in any style bedroom.
Bedroom Design: ‘Tis the Season for Winter-White Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
We’re in the middle of a winter frenzy, at least in much of the US, so why not bring the theme into our bedrooms?
Decorating with shades of white and cream can give you the opportunity to refresh your space with the seasons. Depending on textures and accents, white can be wintry during December, January, and February, but it can be summery in June, July, and August.
Unless you have a fear of white, consider borrowing some of these design concepts to create your very own winter-white bedroom.
This gorgeous bedroom with shades of cream and beige remains mostly neutral but adds a punch of magenta in the throw pillows, drapery lining, and area rug. Notice the ivory sheers under the drapes, as well as the textured throw tossed haphazardly on the bed. What a stunning space and it boasts a balcony too.
White and taupe balance each other well, and black adds the right amount of accent in this Scandinavian-style bedroom in Denver. A collection of poufs and the suspended chair add an element of whimsy to the otherwise sophisticated design.
Silk wallpaper, velvet wall panels, and sumptuous bedding give this bedroom a luxurious feel. This space is decorated from head to toe in winter white (minus the black legs on furniture), and it’s absolutely fabulous.
A Philadelphia bedroom goes modern using off-white matelassé, shag, and casual cotton. Light-colored wood keeps the room feeling casual yet chic.
Bedroom Design: Decorating With Monograms
Does your bedroom feel personalized? You might not have given it much thought up until now, but adding personal touches to sleep spaces can be done in a variety of ways. Selecting a less-than-popular but personal favorite color, creating a gallery of family photos, filling the space with accoutrements from your travels, and adding your initials, better known as a monogram, are common ways to introduce a bit of yourself into a bedroom. Today we’ll focus on monograms –– motifs made from initials and often used to place stamps on personal items such as pillows, duvet covers, window treatments, and more.
Continue reading for some lovely monogram inspiration in bedrooms.
These twin headboards in a children’s room boast subtle monograms. The lettering style works well with the bedroom’s simple, nautical theme.
Crisp and clean, this Houston bedroom decked out in navy and white makes a statement with a monogram in the center of the bed covering.
An elegant traditional space to sleep, this room keeps the color palette neutral but adds personal touches with monogrammed pillows and family photos on the nightstand.
Whimsical and feminine, the monogrammed cornice and pillow create a second focal point –– the daybed being the first. The lilac walls and toile mixed with zebra are adventurous and prove successful. Any lady would be lucky to stay in this room.
The designer used varying shades of gray with white accents in this calm, serene Texas bedroom. The monograms are less traditional than most –– using a single letter –– but the boldness grab’s your attention.
