10 Home Decorating Ideas To Quickly
Update Any Room

Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time and money.

If you're looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these ten:

1. Rearrange The Furniture- Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. In the picture below, the sofa is arranged diagonally across my narrow living room. This makes the room look wider and provides a warm, inviting layout.

2. Paint A Wall- Paint one wall your favorite color and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there. (Note: Make sure that the color is one that is shared with several other objects and fabrics in the room.)

   
   

3. Bring In Plants- Greenery always adds a breath of fresh air to a room. If you don't have a green thumb, try silk plants and trees. The quality has gotten so good that its hard to distinguish them from the real thing.

   

4. Lay An Area Rug- An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Try one that complements the room. Lay it at an angle beneath your coffee table.

5. Hang Pictures or Mirrors- Hang pictures that reflect your personality. Try frames that are more ornate. When hanging a mirror, try and position it so that it reflects and nice view or an interesting architectural element.

   

   
   
   
6. Group Figurines- Pull out your favorite collectibles. Show off your personality. Find a display area and group related objects together, in sets of three or five. Try and vary the shapes.
7. Add Decorative Pillows- The good news about decorative pillows is that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room. Still better, they can be changed to jazz up a sofa or chair before your room is ready for a major makeover.
8. Replace Lamps- Lamps are probably the one thing in your home that will give others a clue that your room is outdated. Seek out new and fresh lamps that make a statement.
9. Add A Throw Or Afghan- Similar to decorative pillows, throws and afghans add texture to your furniture. They come in all kinds of natural and man made fabrics. Find a pattern and style that you like.
10. Eliminate Clutter- You'll hear me say this again and again. Clutter has a way of eliminating the desired mood and effect of any room. Find storage spaces for papers, toys, and other items that take from the personality of a room.

Create A Home Office Design That Matches
Your Work Style

Whether a hideaway or bustling business center, create a home office design that is both functional and attractive.

However, to create a home office design that will meet your needs, you should first identify all the activities that will occur in that space.

For example, will you be the only user or will it also be a room for your children to do homework, play videos, or watch television?

Some home offices also double as guest bedrooms. Will this be a requirement for your new home office?

After identifying the activities, you should make sure that the infrastructure for your home office design is in place.

Here are the basics:

• Obtain conduit material to neatly hide power cords and computer wiring
• Make sure that you have enough electrical outlets and telephone jacks
• Make sure that you have power surge protectors for equipment
• Confirm that cords connecting your computer and its components are long enough

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll use my home office below as a starting point to provide you with a few home office design and decorating ideas.

My office space is 10 ft. x 11 ft. and I wanted to design it as a stylish, yet efficient business center.

So, as with all key rooms that I've covered on this home interior decorating web site, I first identified a focal point.

A focal point gives the eye an initial point of interest so that it can begin to take in the interior landscape of a room with ease.

If your focal point is not an architectural element, such as a fireplace or windows with a beautiful view, you'll have to create one. In my case, I chose a mahogany table desk as the focal point. The desk is 62" (L) x 30" (W) x 30" (H) and is arranged at an angle across the room.

I went with a table desk for two reasons. First, I loved its elegant, hand carved legs and classic look…

Second, the desk is open underneath which allows the eye to appreciate it and then move on. A solid desk of similar size would have cut the room in half and overwhelmed it. Take a look at the picture again and imagine the room with a weighty desk that is closed underneath…Too much, right?

That's why you'll want to keep this in mind for your home office design.

Your focal point doesn't have to be a desk, but whatever it is, make sure that it's eye-catching.

Here are some other home office design suggestions:

Arrange your work area in an L or U shape - this way you'll have all your important items within easy reach.

Consider a computer armoire - if you don't want your home office design to look like an office or if the space doubles as a guest bedroom, a computer armoire would be perfect. It will hide computer equipment, save on space, and make a beautiful furniture addition….perhaps even a focal point You'll also have extra space for a wall bed or a daybed.

Install the right lighting - you'll want a desk lamp so that you have adequate task lighting, and a second lamp or built-in lighting fixtures for general lighting. Use a dimmer switch for built-in lighting.

Purchase a comfortable chair - if you plan on spending lots of hours at your desk, make sure that you get a comfortable chair with adequate back support. Consider one that swivels if you'll be turning to retrieve papers or to answer the phone.

Install sufficient shelving - you'll need shelving for reference books and to display collectibles and personal items. Built-in shelving would be an excellent space-saving choice, but there are plenty of quality assemble-it-yourself options.

Consider modular storage pieces - they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from stackable cubes to shelves and have optional lids, doors and drawers.

Once you've identified the major home office design components, you'll want to go back and add the furnishings and accessories to make it homey. Hang art that you love as well as family photographs. Display collectibles in dramatic fashion.

Additional home office decorating touches to my office are shown in the picture to the right.

I hung a blackboard as a fast and easy way to track important appointments and as a general "to do" list.

For guest seating, I chose Director Chairs. These are great because I can change out the fabric in a snap for an updated look.

I hope these home office design ideas have been helpful.

Bathroom Interior Decorating Ideas That Work Every Time

When it comes to bathroom interior decorating ideas, many people draw a blank. Perhaps this is because of its smaller size…

But if you want to create a beautiful home, then giving your bathroom a few personal touches is a must.

The good news is that you can accomplish this without the need for heavy remodeling.

Try the bathroom interior decorating ideas presented below to transform your bath into an inviting haven of peace and tranquility. Begin by painting the walls or installing a distinctively patterned wall covering.

Jazz Up Those Walls

Painted earthy-hued stripes make this small guest bathroom look visually taller.

Of course, you could achieve the same effect with a wall covering, but I chose to paint the stripes because I could create them quickly.

Other fast and easy bathroom interior decorating ideas using paint include using rubber stamping techniques to apply virtually any design of your choosing.

Faux finishes are wildly popular, and with good reason. They add depth and texture to your walls.

On the other hand, if you prefer a wall covering, your choices are almost unlimited. Give your bathroom a contemporary look with simple geometric shapes or set the mood for romance with florals.

Just make sure that the wall covering is a washable print.

Decorate Today - Wallpaper and Fabrics not only has a huge inventory of popular wallpapers, they have some very nice features to assist you in finding exactly what you want.

There is also a wallpaper calculator to help you determine the amount of wallpaper that you will need for your project.

And, if you have questions or need a few bathroom interior decorating ideas, you can call or e-mail one of their decorators.

Lighting Magic

Lighting in your bathroom…ambient for mood and task for grooming…is very important.

If your bathroom is large, ambient lighting should be provided by ceiling lights and task lighting should be handled by the lights around your mirror. The ceiling lights should be low wattage bulbs or work with a dimmer switch.

If your bathroom is small like the one above, you can still use light to add warmth without making it tough on grooming.

The light fixture above…a sconce, actually… uses a 60 watt bulb that emits a warm glow that is soothing and pleasant, and yet bright enough for making-up. The large mirror helps to spread light around the room and give it depth.

An interesting lighting fixture is one way to give your bathroom added character.

Add Your Own Personal Touches

So now your bathroom has beautiful walls and the perfect lighting, but to make it the warm and comfortable haven that you want, it must reflect your personality.

You should complete the landscape by adding bathroom décor, i.e., objects, accents, and motifs that reflect your personality.

Don't just settle for a simple soap dish and toothbrush holder. Do something to give your bathroom life...

How about a porcelain vase or decorative box? Consider hanging a photo arrangement on the wall.

Inside, you'll find lots of interior decorating ideas to add your personality to the room using decorative crafts.

Make your guests feel special by using luxury towels in your guest bathrooms. Include your monogram to make a personal statement.

The photos above and below show how a few well placed objects make wonderful mood-enhancers.

Above: A check-pattern goblet, vase filled with tree branches, personal pictures, and decorative towels complete the earthy feel sought for this room.

Below: This master bathroom tub has romance in mind. It is surrounded on two sides by full length mirrors.

Sheer panels are draped from the ceiling to enclose the two non-mirrored sides. Decorative candleholders and fringed towels (draped over the tub) complete the inviting ensemble.

Want to try an easy bathroom interior decorating idea and make your own decorative towels like those in the first picture above?

Here's how:

Supplies

• 1 of each hand, face and bath towels
• 4 feet of fringe (measure each towel's width to get an accurate length)
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Scissors

(Note: You can find fringe at your favorite fabric shop.)

Step 1

Cut the fringe into pieces to match the width of each towel.

Step 2

Lay the hand towel flat, apply hot glue to the back of the fringe, and attach the fringe to one end of the towel. (Note: The loose ends of the fringe should align with the bottom edge of the towel.)

Step 3

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the face and bath towels.

Kitchen Decorating Ideas That Tantalize

Kitchen decorating and kitchen designing are related, but not the same things...

Kitchen design includes replacing or enhancing many of the functional aspects of your kitchen, such as cabinets, appliances, storage areas, walkways, countertops, etc.

Overall, your kitchen will look beautiful from a functional and architectural standpoint, but you will still have to decorate it.

Kitchen decorating involves adding the personal touches that will make it a warm and inviting place. Simply put, kitchen decorating requires more YOU than money!

And with good reason too…

Today's kitchens are truly busy places, going beyond traditional cooking and dining activities. In many homes, they have also become second living rooms…used for family gatherings, doing homework, and entertaining.

I think one reason for their popularity is due to open-plan designs where kitchens and living rooms flow from one to the other, separated only by a small bar or counter. The other reason might be that kitchens have a way of tantalizing all of our senses like no other room can.

This is where YOU will make the difference.

But whether you're an enthusiastic cook who frequently entertains or someone who doesn't know a colander from a calendar, your kitchen is the heart of your home, and you want it to look great.

The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to create a kitchen that is equal in function and beauty.

The updated kitchen below with vaulted ceiling is filled with many creative and affordable elements that should inspire you to create a space that reflects your personality. It was once a ho-hum kitchen with white walls, doors on cabinets, and few wall decorations.

Take a look at some of the changes and see if they give you a few kitchen decorating ideas…

Cabinet Magic

The doors were removed from the cabinets to create a display area and to add depth. You may also notice that the back interior of the cabinets closely matches the color of the walls. That's not paint...

Instead, very coarse paper was attached with double-sided sticky tape to create a richly textured background for displaying dishes, glasses, and other kitchenware. (Note: The coarse paper comes in 18" X 30" sheets and can be found in art supply stores. High quality wallpaper will work as well, but it will be tougher to remove.)

Finally, picture frame lights were attached to a couple of cabinet sections to complete the transformation to display shelves.

When lit, the cabinets and their contents take on a very elegant and warm appeal.

Accessories Are Key

To make your kitchen truly irresistible, you'll want to create the right ambiance. If you have an open-plan design where your kitchen and living room are connected, you'll want them to have similar warmth and charm.

You won't have to spend lots of money to set the mood you want. You can achieve a lot with a bit of paint, a few kitchen decorating accessories, and your own imagination.

Your kitchen decorating display options can include collectibles, china, antiques, and anything else that matches your personality….even airplanes!

But avoid the temptation to display too much…

Select only a few of your very best items and store the rest out of sight. Line your items on the shelves in artful vignettes, just as you would if they were in your living room.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that certain pieces should only be placed in certain rooms. But the truth of the matter is there are no such home interior decorating rules. Your kitchen should feel as homey as your living room.

If you think a particular sculpture or group of figurines will give your kitchen life, I say go for it.

In my home, the kitchen is the most popular room. I enjoy entertaining, and so my friends always gravitate there because it has a cozy and fun feel to it.

Look for containers, bowls, serving dishes, etc., that have intriguing designs and shapes, and that capture your imagination. Of course if you're in the market for the basics, you'll find everything from fancy flatware to furniture.

Like every room in your home, your kitchen should have a few interesting kitchen decorating accessories that reflect your personality. Take a risk!

Before I move on to the Do-it-Yourself Ideas below, let me say that YOU really can create beautiful spaces that match your personality as long as you are provided with the right tools. Sure photographs help, but knowing the little nuances is what makes everything come together in the way that you want.

Do-It-Yourself Ideas

The picture below shows a small eating area inside this open plan kitchen. The dining table along with the alligator chandelier above it, create an eye-catching focal point.

The 9 foot silk ficus tree underscores the importance of this area and makes it a cozy place for meals, snacks, and chats.

Try these do-it-yourself kitchen decorating ideas to save money and show off your own creative style:

Build Your Own Tree: It's not as hard as you think. I purchased the natural tree trunk and the silk leaves/branches from a specialty store.

Next, I visited my local hardware store and bought Plaster of Paris and a plain plastic 5-gallon bucket. I prepared the plaster as instructed and set the tree trunk in it until the mixture hardened. (Note: To ensure that the tree trunk would stand straight, I used wire and a ladder to support it until the plaster solidified.)

With a little help from a friend, I placed the tree trunk and hardened plaster in a large decorative wicker basket.

I filled all but the top of the basket with crumpled newspaper and then overlaid Spanish Moss. The tree trunk and basket were then moved to the desired position in the kitchen.

In order to attach the leaves/branches, all I needed was a drill, glue gun, and glue sticks.

Starting at the top of the tree, I drilled a hole in the trunk, being careful not to drill all the way through. I applied glue to the end of one of the branches and inserted it in the hole.

Also, because the branches were flat when I got them, I had to bend them so that they mimicked a real tree. (Note: When building your own tree, it's a good idea to periodically view it from across the room, just to make sure you are on track.)

Give An Outdated Chandelier A New Look: This was an interesting kitchen decorating project. But, creating the alligator chandelier was even easier than building a tree. The prior owners of the home had taken down a chandelier in the living room and replaced it with a ceiling fan.

The chandelier simply sat in my garage gathering dust…

So on a trip to an alligator park (I live in Florida), I was chatting with a friend who suggested that I attach little alligator heads to the chandelier.

I loved the idea immediately and purchased five souvenir heads from the gift shop. I drilled a hole in the base of each head and slid them over the light posts.

To finish the chandelier, I sat miniature lamp shades on the light bulbs above the alligator heads. (Note: The chandelier replaced an existing lighting fixture, so no electrician was needed.)

Create Your Own Crafts:Many times you can spice up your kitchen by taking those flea-market finds and using simple techniques to turn them into decorative treasures. I did that with several items in my kitchen.

With These Living Room Decorating Ideas, You Can't Miss!

These living room decorating ideas give insights to critical decorating issues such as finding your focal point and arranging your living room furniture. I'll even show you my living room.

Your living room is probably the most versatile area in your home. It is the room most visited by your family, friends, neighbors and others.

So why not take the time to transform it into a warm, inviting place that reflects your personal style and has architectural presence?

Sure you can do it, and I'll teach you how…

Just use the following living room decorating ideas and techniques to create the room you want:

Your first living room decorating task is to make a list of every activity that will occur in your living room. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Watching television
• Listening to music
• Entertaining friends or business associates
• Reading
• Playing board games

Your second living room decorating task is to list the furniture you have, or will need, for each activity listed above. Are any of these on your list?

• Television
• Stereo system
• Coffee table
• Lamps
• End tables
• Game table
• Armoire
• Sofa

Pretty easy so far, right? I'm glad you agree. Your third living room decorating task is to find a focal point in your living room. This will take a little thought, but it's not as difficult as you might think.

Just remember to keep an open mind and follow these guidelines:

Finding A Focal Point

A focal point gives the eye a starting point so that it can take in the interior landscape with ease. This will also make your living room decorating effort much easier.

Your focal point can be an architectural aspect of the room, an imposing piece of furniture, or a beautiful furnishing. So if your living room is architecturally challenged, you'll have to create an eye-catching focal point.

Here are some classic focal point examples:

Architectural

• Fireplace
• Large window with a spectacular view

Furniture

• Piano
• Large Armoire
• Media Center
• Book shelves
• Secretaries
• Antique chest

Furnishings

• Large painting
• Beautiful decorative rug
• A grouping of wall art or sculptures

Arranging Your Furniture

Arranging furniture is somewhat of an art and therefore it must incorporate your personal preferences and style to achieve the mood you want. You have many options, so it is very important that you layout your living room decorating ideas with pencil and paper first.

Let your imagination and creativity flow, but keep the following in mind:

• Identify walkways through the room and keep the paths clear
• Break up a large room into two or more activity areas
• Don't fall into the trap of thinking that all major pieces must have their backs against a wall
• Don't block windows and doors to the point of making it difficult to open and close them
• Be sure that a table is beside or near each seat in the conversation area
• Ensure that chairs are no more than three to four feet apart within a conversation area
• Don't feel you have to find a place for every piece of furniture you own…avoid a cluttered look

The starting point for arranging your living room furniture is around the focal point. Configure a conversation area so that the eye will naturally flow to it.

If, for example, your focal point is a large window with a great view, try arranging your chairs, sofa, and desk to take advantage of the scenery.

If, on the other hand, your focal point is a large LCD HDTV flat panel screen television the same principles apply. Group the furniture around the television. Consider placing the television diagonal to a wall instead of parallel, for a more intriguing layout.

You'd be surprised that by simply shifting your furniture a few degrees, your room will take on a look that you never imagined.

If by chance you have a room with competing focal points such as a piano and fireplace, you will likely have to choose one over the other.

This is especially true if you have a small living room. However, if the room is very large you should move the piano to the opposite end and create a second conversation area around it.

Once you have your conversation area and focal point aligned, start filling in the rest of the room. Identify an area for each activity on your list and then place the appropriate furniture and furnishings there.

Take a look at my Eclectic living room below...

This room is rectangular in shape with dimensions of 14 X 20 feet. The sofa is angled across a somewhat narrow room to make it look wider. A 8.5 ft. Ficus tree, sofa table and armoire help to make the conversation area cozy and inviting.

In addition to providing lots of great living room decorating ideas, the eBooks walk you step-by-step through the decorating process. You'll get the insights you need to decorate or redecorate your living room with confidence.

Accessorizing Your Living Room

Your living room decorating accessories include such things as pictures and mirrors for your walls, vases and decorative boxes for tables, figurines and statuettes for display shelves, and rugs for your floor.

I recommend that you start accessorizing your focal point first...

If it's a fireplace, for example, hang a picture (with an ornate frame) above it or try a decorative mirror. Then place a couple of matching porcelain vases that you've collected on either side of the mantel.

Use your best pieces for the focal point because it will be the first area visitors see when they walk into the room.

For your display shelves, highlight unusual pieces and remember that they will have greater impact if you group a few related items together. But avoid cluttering your shelves.

If your living room decorating style leans toward very Casual, be careful with selecting oriental rugs because they tend to be very ornate. A simple pattern may work just fine, but an intricate pattern may be overpowering and dominate your room.

Decorating Childrens Rooms: Making Them
Child-Friendly

As you might expect, decorating childrens rooms is a bit different than decorating adult bedrooms.

While adults spread their living activities among several rooms in the home, children will try to jam nearly all of their activities into one room.

To children, a bedroom is a place to play games, read, listen to music, wrestle, display or hide prized possessions, or just to be alone sometimes.

However, decorating childrens rooms is a great opportunity for you to show off your playful side, do some family bonding, and allow your children to be creative. Use the ideas for decorating childrens rooms below to help plan your decorating project. But, please keep one thing in mind.

"The room should reflect your child's personality, not yours"

Strategy # 1 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Talk To Them

Talk to your child or children and find out what activities they enjoy. What brings them the most comfort? What's their favorite color? What's unique about their personality that you can build a theme around?

Whatever their interests are, find a way to work them into the new décor…

This will make your child feel comfortable, safe and happy. For example, I have a friend whose son loves jungle animals, therefore choosing an African theme for his room was easy.

Her daughter is very spiritual and has a favorite stuffed Beanie Baby toy named Halo. These two elements led to the idea of decorating her daughter's room in cherubs and soft white clouds.

Strategy # 2 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Let Them Help

Give your child a say! Allow them (with a little guidance) to choose colors, pick decorative pillows, decide how they want to display their collectibles, and so on….

Their room should be fun, yet timeless. Consider their age and keep in mind that today's child will be tomorrows teenager. The décor should be flexible enough to allow your child to grow and accommodate their changing tastes and needs.

As an example, replacing the comforter and decorative pillows to reflect the room's new theme are two quick ways to avoid having to completely redo the room every couple of years.

Strategy # 3 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Make It Multi-Functional

As I mentioned, children use their room for many activities besides sleeping. Here are some specific areas that you should consider designing to make the room multi-functional:

• A play area. Play areas for younger children may include an arts & crafts center. Most children love to draw and color, so set aside a comfortable space for working on crafts.

  You may also want to consider hanging a chalkboard which can be used for drawing or it can be a great teaching aid for you.

• A reading area. Most children love to read. Provide a quiet and comfortable space that will entice them to do this. If you have the space for a comfy chair, perfect. If not, an over-stuffed floor pillow or two should do the job. Also remember that good lighting is essential for this activity.

  
  

• Space to entertain friends. This becomes more important as children get older. They'll want to spend time in their room with their friends. Depending on their age, a small entertainment center, that includes a radio, CD Player, perhaps a TV and VCR may be appropriate.

  As an example, my friend's daughter loves music. She has a small CD Player that allows her to spend quiet time listening to music or dancing and singing-along with her little brother. But for your own sanity, you may want to include headphones.

• A display area. Children love pictures. So dedicate a wall (or use a corkboard) to display your child's favorite photographs and artwork. Pictures of family and friends will add to the comfort of the room.

  In addition, chronological pictures of the child as they grow are interesting and will add familiarity and warmth. Children are very proud of their artwork…display it with pride!

  You should also dedicate space or shelving for displaying collectibles, trophies, and other personal items.

Strategy # 4 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Storage Solutions

Keeping your child's room organized will be one of your greatest challenges. Try these storage solutions to help keep clutter out:

• Shelving is a quick and easy way to store items. Built-in shelving is more decorative, but there are plenty of free-standing shelving options
• Large decorative wicker baskets for toys, books, socks, etc.
• Plastic (see-through) storage containers would work well
• Closets should contain plenty of shelving and racks for clothing and shoes. Make sure that children's clothing are within their reach.

Strategy # 5 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Window Treatments

Keep the window treatments simple and follow these guidelines:

• Avoid long (to the ground) draperies, especially in young children's rooms. Shades, blinds, valances, cornice boxes and shorter curtains would be better choices.
• Ensure that hardware on the blinds or window treatments are safe guarded, especially in babies' rooms.
• Use a lining on curtains for privacy and light control. (Especially for those early risers who automatically wake up with the sun.)
• Fabric should be versatile and simple. Patterns should be repeated in other items in the room such as decorative pillows, matching lamps, and artwork

  
  

Strategy # 6 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Lighting

When decorating childrens rooms you should include both task lighting and soothing lighting. If they do homework in their room, good lighting is essential. A reading lamp is a must for the reading area and the bedside table.

For quieter times, install a dimmer switch or three-way lamp to provide soft lighting.

A nightlight is also important for children who are not quite comfortable with the dark and for safety reasons (so they can see where they are going if they wake in the middle of the night).

Strategy #7 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Fabrics

It will be easier to co-ordinate the room if you limit the color choices and keep your fabrics simple. This will also allow you to make changes easily as the child grows. After all they are children and will get bored quickly!

When they do get bored, purchase new decorative pillows and linen. Let your children help you pick them out. They'll be happy and you'll avoid having to redo the entire room.

Strategy # 8 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Wall Coverings

Use a wall covering (paint or wallpaper) to add splashes of color, texture, and excitement to your child's bedroom walls. Paint a cherub border with a soft cloud ceiling or wallpaper an African Safari theme on a wall. Allow your child to join in. They'll love helping and will have a sense of pride and accomplishment when the project is done.

If your child has sticky fingers, make sure the walls are washable. If paint is your wall covering of choice, go with a semi-gloss or gloss finish.

Strategy # 9 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Childrens Bedroom Furniture

At a minimum you will need a bed, desk, lamp, and side table for your child's room, especially for teenagers.

Your bed options include:

• Standard full or queen size bed
• Bunk bed
• Loft bed
• Small sleigh bed
• Trundle bed (great if a friend sleeps over)

Make sure that the furniture you choose for decorating childrens rooms is durable. This is a child's room and it must withstand years of wear and tear. Use slipcovers whenever possible. They are removable, washable, and will extend the life of your furniture.

Strategy # 10 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Have Fun!

Children are great at sponge painting, stenciling, and crafts. They will appreciate and enjoy the room more if they participate.

So remember to make this a home interior decorating project that will be fun for you both!!!!!

Guest Bedroom Decorating Ideas To Create A Comfortable Oasis

Don't allow your bedroom decorating ideas to end with your master bedroom. After all, you do plan on having guests every now and then, don't you?

I know what you're thinking…Decorate a guest bedroom? Invite them to stay as long as they want? This guy must be nuts. :-)

Well, if you live in an inviting place like do in Florida, friends and family are going to show up anyway. So why not make their visit as comfortable and memorable as possible?

Actually, it's not that hard to create a guest bedroom that has the look and feel of a luxurious hotel suite.

Use the guest bedroom interior decorating ideas below to welcome your visitors with open arms and make their stay very comfortable. I've also included a picture of my guest bedroom to give you a few more ideas.

Also, when you're done, come back and click on this link if you wish to see my master bedroom…

Bedroom Decorating Ideas for Furniture

Guest bedrooms are smaller than master bedrooms and in many cases space is at a premium. They may also double as home offices. Therefore, the size of the bed you choose is important because you'll need space for other furniture pieces such as side tables.

If you're confronted with a small space, here are a few options for a bed:

• Day bed - these are compact and somewhat narrow beds that are typically placed along a wall to save space.
• Murphy (Wall) bed - these are full size beds that fold up against a wall. Nowadays they come with their own attractive cabinets. This is a great choice if your guest bedroom is also an office.

• Sofa bed - this is exactly as it sounds…a sofa that hides a pull-out bed.

Bedroom Interior Decorating Ideas for Linens

Treat your guests to luxurious linens. At a minimum, your guest bed should have a comforter or duvet cover. You should also have two sets of sheets for the bed. A thread count of 180-200 is standard for sheets and 350 is pure luxury. Get 100% cotton because it lets the body breathe.

In addition to two standard pillows, dress your guest bed with warm touches. Start by propping two or more of the large, square-shaped, European-sized pillows against the headboard. (Note: Two pillows should be enough for a full or queen size bed, but you will likely need three for a king.)

They will look nicely behind rectangular pillows. Add texture and dimension by using various shaped small pillows covered in different weaves, finishes, laces, and tapestry.

Finally, top your guest bed with a featherbed, the ultimate in bedding luxury. Trust me, this is one bedroom decorating idea that will win you lots of compliments.

Before I move to the next section, take a look at my eclectically decorated guest bedroom in the picture below for a few more bedroom decorating ideas.

If you've browsed other rooms on this site for home interior decorating ideas, then you know that I like earthy colors and hues. This guest bedroom is no exception.

The room has a full-size bed that is well equipped. The painted stripes give the room life and help to balance the weighty log-like headboard. The mirror and steer horns round out this room's eclectic character.

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Bedroom Decorating Ideas for Amenities

The best way to determine which amenities should be placed in your guest bedroom is to put yourself in your guest's shoes. At a minimum, I suggest that you have a reading lamp. Then, consider adding some of these creature comforts:

• Clock
• Radio
• Television
• Telephone
• Fresh flowers
• Books
• Small stereo system/portable CD player
• A welcome basket filled with fruits, nuts, and chocolates.
• Framed art

Bedroom Decorating Ideas for Storage

I don't know if this has happened to you when you've visited someone's home, but it has happened to me on more than one occasion…

As I unpacked my luggage and opened the closet doors, I was faced with trying to find a sliver of space between someone's winter wear and other clothing that they just couldn't seem to part with.

My next challenge was dealing with flimsy wire hangers that I knew weren't going to hold my jackets and pants very well.

It took a couple of trips, but I've learned my lesson. Now, my guest closet has plenty of storage space and I've included lots of sturdy hangers. I encourage you to examine your closet to see if it measures up.

The same is true for any dressers and chests that you make available for storage as well.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Although this page is focused on bedroom decorating ideas for romantics, many of the concepts can be used to create the mood you want for any bedroom style.

Your bedroom is probably the most important room in your home.

After all, it's the last thing you see before you fall asleep and the first thing you see when you wake up. And when you're not sleeping, it can be a hide-away to read, listen to music, or be with someone special...

...which brings me to an important question for you.

As you now search for bedroom ideas, have you already determined how you will use your bedroom and the furniture and furnishings required to make it an inviting oasis?...

Do your bedroom decorating ideas address storage space, seating, furniture size, etc.?

Don't worry, you'll find ideas for dealing with all of these issues on Home-Decorating-Made-Easy.com :-)

Of course when I think of bedroom decorating ideas, relaxation and romance are the first thoughts that come to mind. For me, a romantic bedroom has a way of pleasing all the senses and washing away life's stresses.

In the picture below, my bedroom is painted an earth-toned color and has a diamond pattern stenciled on one wall to give it texture. The sheer panels over the bed and 6 ft. x 9 ft. window add an airy and elegant look.

You'll obviously want to decorate your bedroom in a style that suits your taste and preferences. However, remember that your bed will be the focal point of your bedroom, so go all out and make it as luxurious as possible...

Try some of the decorating ideas in the photograph as well as some of the ideas below to create the romantic sanctuary you've always dreamed about:

1. Paint the room in a warm neutral color. Consider adding texture and depth to the walls with faux painting, stenciling, or rubber stamping.

   I think rubber stamping is the easiest and fastest of these decorative painting techniques. There are thousands of stamp designs and the results can be very impressive. If you'd like to learn more

   Faux finishes are also quite popular, and with good reason. They add depth and texture to your walls.

   
   

2. Cover your bed with quality cotton sheets in solid colors, prints, or patterns that reflect your mood. Top your bed with a comforter, duvet, or feather bed to add drama to your decorative style.
   
   

3. Nothing kills romance faster than clutter...

   So find appropriate storage spaces for papers, spare change, and other excess. If you have a small bedroom, eliminating clutter will make your bedroom look larger. If you could use some tools for getting clutter under control,

4. Select the right bed and other furniture. Don't make the mistake of getting a bed that is too big for the room. And rather than buying the standard chest of drawers, why not try a large armoire.

   
   

5. No bed can be deemed romantic without lots of pillows. You'll want to use a mix of pillow sizes and shapes.

   Start by propping two or more of the large, square-shaped, European-sized pillows against the headboard. They will look nicely behind rectangular pillows. Add texture and dimension by using various shaped small pillows covered in different weaves, finishes, laces, and tapestry.
   

6. The lighting in your cozy bedroom should generally be low wattage. Consider using a three-way bulb in your side table lamps if you occasionally read in bed. And for special evenings, your bedroom decorating ideas should include romantic candlelight.
7. Lay an area rug on your bedroom floor. The rug will add extra richness to your room. I placed an area rug at an angle, with a part of it slid underneath the foot of my bed. The effect is quite dramatic. (Note: It doesn't matter if your floors are hard or carpeted. This bedroom decorating idea is equally effective.)

8. Add your own personal touches with these bedroom decorating ideas: Hang your favorite prints or photos in unusual frames; place a vase containing fresh flowers on your bedside tables; or display sculptures and figurines that reflect your personality and feelings.

   
   
   

9. Sounds and scents round out the ultimate mood enhancers.

   For romantic or relaxing music, keep a small sound system and your favorite CD's on hand.

   And for scents, add 3 to 6 drops of your favorite aromatherapy oil to the softener section of your washing machine (use with hot water only). Alternatively, put 3 drops of oil on a piece of natural material (such as a small cotton handkerchief) and pop it into the tumble dryer along with the bed linen.

10. Remember that layers of soothing colors and interesting textures are what give a room life and character. So don't be afraid to experiment.

If you still aren't sure how or where to get started making over your bedroom, you should consider Awaken Your Interior Designer. This book walk you through the decorating process step-by-step. Not only do you get lots of bedroom decorating ideas, but you'll get the little known insights that will allow you to implement them with confidence.

Window Treatments: Putting An End To The Confusion

With so many different kinds of window treatments available today, it's no wonder that selecting the right solution for your home can be a difficult decision.

But if you follow the basic ideas presented below, you should have no problem finding window treatments that will satisfy your home interior decorating needs.

However, before focusing on specific fabrics and styles, first examine your needs from a practical point of view. You will likely find that if your requirements are simple, so will be the solution. Start by answering these two questions...

- Will the window treatments be used to protect privacy?
- Will they be used to control the amount of light entering the room?

Privacy

Unless you have lots of land to roam, you probably have windows that need to be covered for privacy reasons. If your living room has a view of the street, you'll want to shield it from passersby. If your neighbor can peer into your bedroom from their backyard, you'll want to eliminate their temptation to pry.

These window treatments are great privacy protectors:

• Roller Shades - can be used to cover the entire window. They can be made of vinyl or fabric. The fabric versions such as Roman and Balloon shades are lined and can be custom made to your exact window measurements. Balloon shades are also great if you want to set a romantic mood.
• Cellular fabric shades - in non-sheer fabrics will add privacy and offer energy efficiency. They will also do a good job with sound insulation.
• Draw Curtains and Draperies - can be closed to cover the entire window. You'll want to include a lining for added privacy and longevity.

• Mini and Wood blinds - these are the most common ways used to provide a nearly private environment. Just be aware that there is a small possibility of seeing through the slats at certain angles. Wood blinds keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Shutters - are great for giving boring windows architectural presence. They come with fixed or movable louvers for controlling privacy.

If you'd like some decorative ideas for blinds, shutters, and shades, I recommend that you check out Decorate Today - Blinds & Shutters. You'll find a wide selection, plus live online help is available to answer questions.

Light Control

When you think of using window treatments for light control, sleeping is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, controlling the amount of light or glare in a room can also be important for other activities such as watching television, reading, or working at your desk.

Consider these treatments to control light:

• Roller Shades - look for the light darkening versions. Try them in areas such as childrens rooms and your kitchen.
• Perforated Metal or Wood blinds - can be tilted to keep direct sun out of your room, while still maintaining glare and light control. They are great for providing privacy and energy efficiency.
• Bamboo and Matchstick blinds - add a tropical feel to a room. They will filter light and cut down on much of the glare, but should be backed with light-absorbing material if total blockage is required.
• Cellular fabric shades - in non-sheer fabrics they reduce light and glare while adding privacy and energy efficiency.

In some rooms, such as your bathroom, kitchen, and kids rooms, you may find that privacy and light control are all that's needed. This may also be true if your decorating style is Contemporary. If so, the window treatments mentioned above come in many decorative styles and can easily stand alone.

However, when you want your windows to make a bolder statement and add character to a room, you'll want window dressings that provide a decorative framework.

Style

Before you select window treatment fabrics and patterns, you'll want to first decide on the mood you want for the room. Do you want it to be casual? romantic? formal?

The reason for this is because the mood you choose will influence the type of fabric and style for your window treatments, which is a matter of personal taste…

Lots of fabric flowing from floor-to-ceiling conveys a formal look. Swags of sheer fabric draped across a wide window rings of contemporary elegance. A simple cornice covered in a colorful cotton fabric might be the spark that brings life to a casual room.

Use these Home Decorating Made Easy links to help narrow your options:

Key Facts About The Top 10 Home Decorating Fabric Fibers
Dress Your Windows To Match Your Decorating Style
Glossary of Window Treatment Styles & Terms
Techniques For Dressing Windows To Hide Design Flaws

The picture below shows the treatment that I used for one of my living room windows. The room is decorated in an Eclectic home interior decorating style.

The single swag used for the window treatment adds drama to the room. One of the drapery panels flows to the floor and forms a puddle for an elegant and romantic touch. Simple metal blinds are tucked underneath when privacy or light control is needed.

Notice that the diamond pattern is repeated in the two decorative pillows and bogart chair in the lower left corner.

Another window treatment example is shown to the right.

I wanted something simple to cover a narrow bathroom window, so I had this decorative ascot valance made.

The bronze fabric provides a subtle touch. Similar to my living room, metal blinds are tucked out of sight until needed.

I hope this information of window treatments has been helpful.

Flooring And Floor Covering: An Important Factor In Home Interior Decorating

Let me start by saying that flooring and floor covering are not the same…

Flooring includes the hard surfaces found in your home such as wood, tile, and stone that are typically permanent fixtures.

Floor covering includes materials such as carpeting and area rugs that are often laid over hard surfaces.

Now that I’ve gotten that little technicality out of the way, let’s discuss why the way your floor looks is important in home interior decorating.

You’ve probably walked into the lobby of a grand hotel and noticed the marble or stone flooring with intricate and elegant designs. Remember how that made you feel?

It looked so shiny and beautiful you felt a little guilty walking across it…but you also sensed that there was something very special inside.

Of course you may not be ready to drop a bundle on a marble floor for your living room, but whatever material you choose for your floor will help to set the overall mood.

Are you seeking a sophisticated look and feel for an entry hallway? If so, black and gold, diamond shaped glazed tiles might do the trick.

Or maybe you’re thinking of something more casual and durable? Then wall- to-wall carpeting may be all that you need.

As you can imagine, your choices for flooring and floor covering are virtually unlimited.

If you need some ideas, I recommend that you browse ifloor. They have a wide and impressive selection of flooring and floor covering to suit any home interior decorating style. Also, check out Bellacor for their selection of area rugs. Finally, if you're decorating a child's room, be sure and visit Kid Carpet.

Looks are certainly important when choosing flooring and floor covering. But before you pull out your wallet, first decide how the flooring will be used.

If you have children or pets you can expect more wear and tear, so durability has to be a factor. Wood flooring may be your dream choice, but you’ll have to decide how you will handle scratches and spills.

The remainder of this page covers key points that you should consider before selecting your flooring and floor covering, and it outlines the advantages and disadvantages of popular types.

Flooring And Floor Covering: Key Home Interior Decorating Points:

• Plain colored flooring will show marks easier than patterned surfaces
• If your room is small, avoid busy or large–scale patterns in your flooring
• If you decide to go with tile, use large tiles in large rooms (avoid busy patterns)
• Don’t vary the tile too much from room to room (this will make a small home look fussy)
• Protect your new flooring by putting chair protectors on all chair legs
• Select light color tiles to make a room seem larger and darker tiles to create warmth

Flooring And Floor Covering: Advantages And Disadvantages:

Ceramic Tile

Advantages

• Durable, attractive and easy to maintain
• Comes in a wide variety of patterns, colors, shapes and finishes
• Versatile with a wide range of border options
• Works well with wood and carpeting

Disadvantages

• Can be cold and noisy
• Can be slippery
• Can be stained if not properly sealed
• Tough to keep grout clean
• Can crack, thus requiring replacement

Harwood/Pre-Finished Engineered Wood

Advantages

• Feels good underfoot
• Can be refinished
• Has general good looks

Disadvantages

• May fade over time
• Doesn’t handle lots of moisture very well
• Certain finishes scratch easily

Laminate Flooring

Advantages

• Not easily damaged
• Easy to maintain
• Stain and fade resistant
• Scratch resistant

Disadvantages

• Not soft underfoot
• When damaged it’s not easy to repair

Carpeting

Advantages

• Feels good underfoot
• Great for deadening sound
• Can hide sub-floor irregularities
• Lots of color choices
• Usually less costly than installing hard floors

Disadvantages

• Will fade over time
• Not easy to repair
• Readily shows wear and tear
• Staining and mildew can be a problematic

In general, there is not a wrong or right solution to your flooring or floor covering needs as long as you understand the pluses and minuses of each type. So think about the mood you want to set in the room and consider how often you will use it.

The only exception I would like to make to the above statement pertains to your bathrooms. I recommend in your toilet and shower areas that you stick with a moisture resistant material such as tile or stone.

But by all means use your imagination here as well. There are all kinds of materials and patterns that could be used.