Create a headboard for a garden themed room by placing a section of picket fence at the top of the bed. You can use a distressed, found piece of fence that you have cleaned up, or purchase a brand new plastic length of fence from the hardware store. Have it cut to the width of the bed or have it cover the entire wall so you can put both the bed and side tables in front of it.

Use a wedding or garden gazebo as a canopy headboard. The piece will arch over the top part of the bed and you can hang fabric from it to form the headboard and canopy drape. Adorn it with flowers and place a picket fence bench at the foot of the bed to complete the look.

A hockey goal is the perfect size and shape to use in the place of a headboard in a boys room. Just place it as-is at the top of the bed. With it facing inward, it will gently curve around the top of the bed. With it facing the wall, it will give you a somewhat sturdy headboard on which you can lean your pillows. You can add buttons with hockey sayings onto the netting to finish the look, or your child can borrow it to take outside and play and then put back in place when finished. Using hockey sticks for curtain rods would complete the look.

Bi-fold doors and standing screens also make excellent headboards. You can upholster them with fabric and batting or if they are see-through, you can staple (or glue of the item is metal
) fabric to the backside. You can attach it to the wall with a couple of screws at the top.

A cork wall would double as a great place to hang posters and notes as well as a neat headboard for a teen’s room. Just purchase cork squares or rolls and install according to the manufacturers instructions. You can then paint, stamp, or leave the cork wall in its natural state. Add special decorative pushpins in floral or sports shapes to finish off the look. You can also cut the corkboard into shapes before installing on the wall.

Shutters are also a great substitute for a headboard. You can transform it with a distressed paint finish and mount them on the wall. You will need two shutters for a twin bed
, and four for a king sized bed.

A fireplace mantel either found in the attic or purchased new, also makes a great headboard. Just attach fabric-covered plywood to the opening and place behind the head of the bed.

For a quick headboard for a king sized bed, turn a door on its side and mount on the wall. Alternatively, you can choose to build a frame for it with legs so you can stand it on the floor. The door can be plain, painted, carved, or upholstered.

source: essortment

Thoughtful splashes needn’t cost thousands: Consider accessorizing rather than renovating. Low-cost, easy changes can enhance a home’s value and the pleasure in reveling in a unique and personal living space.

Many people often forget that new window treatments are the quickest fix for a room. They provide texture and an instant face lift
. Layering throws and pillows adds depth and comfort, and brightening a dining room with crisp table linens and stately candle accessories adds a touch of refined class. Of course, a simple fresh coat of paint can both cleanse and color any room.

When transitioning to furniture, pieces need to have hidden features that enhance value. Think lamps with adjustable height capabilities, nightstands and mirrors with built-in power strips for recharging those handheld devices that get us through the day, and dining-room tables with drawers to cleverly and neatly house placemats, napkins and other accessories.

“Homeowners don’t need to spend a fortune to enliven their living space,” says Jeff Allison, executive vice president of home at JCPenney. “Adding or switching out accessories and other small touches can certainly make a refreshing difference.”

JCPenney is listening to today’s time-crunched, style-conscious consumer looking for casual yet high-functioning home furnishings and, in response, is launching Linden Street, a new private brand of functional, attractive home furnishings and accessories now available at JCPenney stores nationwide, JCPenney Catalog and on www.jcp.com.

Here are some additional easy ways to refresh a room:
* Reframe photos: Attractive, well-made frames not only add class to a space but place special attention on precious memories.
* Consider an area rug: Small punches of color via an area rug — whether on a hardwood floor or low-pile carpet — add interest to any space.
* Re-arrange furniture: Simply moving the couch, armoire and coffee table makes for a whole new room.
* Eliminate clutter: A room can appear much larger — and more sophisticated — utilizing smart solutions like a storage ottoman.
* Bring the outdoors in: Plants and other greenery infuse instant life.

Many moms-to-be have an idea of their “dream nursery.” But their visions may not always be the most practical for a new baby. Here are some things to keep in mind before decorating the room for your new arrival:
1. Plan for the room to last through childhood. Avoid giving it too much of a baby feel — once your child hits preschool, light blue or pink might seem like it’s “for babies.” Choose wall treatments and furniture that are appropriate for any age and use accessories to give the room a baby feel. Also make sure there’s a place for a bed once your baby grows out of the crib.
2. Take note of the light in the room. Check out the angles that the sun comes in at different times of day. Don’t put the crib in a spot that gets direct sunlight in the morning, or in a spot that a streetlight shines on all night.
3. Consider double-duty furniture. You might find a changing table that can convert to a dresser once your baby grows out of diapers. The longer you can use the furniture, the better the value.
4. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting. Use area rugs on a wood or cork floor, if possible. Hard floors are easier to clean up and they don’t harbor allergy-aggravating dust. Area rugs can be replaced much more easily than carpeting as they get dirty or your child’s tastes change.
5. Give yourself lots of storage space. You’ll probably need more room than you think. Once the clothes get bigger and are joined by shoes and other accessories, you’ll need every inch of closet space you can get. Not to mention a place to put all those toys!
6. Don’t forget a place for you to sit in the nursery. Pick a comfortable chair. You’ll be spending many nights there with your baby, reading her stories or rocking her to sleep.

Sources: Better Homes and Gardens; Sheffield School of Interior Design

Bathroom decorating doesn’t have to expensive, time consuming, or difficult. Consider the following easy and creative ideas below to get you started on your bathroom decorating project.

Minimalist

Bathrooms tend to be the smallest rooms in most houses. Decorating with only a couple of choice items may be all that you really need for the space. Choose sleek and stylish fixtures, clean lines, a simple shower curtain, and small framed mirrors to make an inviting room in a small place.

Romantic

To create a more romantic look in a bathroom, use lots of textures in rich colors. Spend a little extra money on some fabric that you can make a shower curtain and window curtains. Then, add some thick and fluffy towels, robes, and a few vases with live flowers or a potted lavender plant. You can also accent your counters with scented soaps or multi-colored glass pebbles.

Simple Country

For a simple country feel in your bathroom, decorate in dusty blues or neutral colors. Add a café style curtain or valance in a gingham print for your shower in addition to a few inexpensive pieces of framed art on the walls. Framing paper doilies with wallpaper scraps can add charming country touch to your bathroom as well.

Bathroom floor plans are essential to follow and adhere to when remodeling or making additions. If you plan on remodeling your bathroom, be sure to remember and take into consideration the following elements that are fundamental to a good floor plan.

Scale

All floor plans are designed to be on a scale. The plan should describe as to what the scale is, which means it should use a particular measurement of distance. This is important when looking over the plan because it will show you every aspect of the bathroom in its length, width, and perhaps height. This allows to see where you can make changes and how those changes will affect the dimensions for the rest of the bathroom.

Doorways and Windows

A common issue with a bathroom floor plan is how a sink or counter can obstruct a doorway. Be sure to check the plan carefully to ensure the spacing shown will allow enough room for the door to fully open. Additionally, window placement is important to consider. If you have an existing window, you’ll want to work around it and incorporate your new additions with it in mind. Should you overlook the existing window, you may place something near the window and ruin the function of the bathroom.

Cabinet Space

When looking at the plan, make sure that there is adequate space to open and close your cabinets. This aspect is often overlooked and can present storage problems for your bathroom. With cabinet space included, you’ll be able to make other additions without having to worry whether the cabinets will get in the way.

Bathroom paint ideas can be as creative and imaginative as you so desire. If you are considering painting your bathroom and need a few ideas to get started, consider the below ideas for a little inspiration.

Paint with Sponges

You can get a really airy and comforting look using some simple sponge painting techniques. For a beach theme, try sponging bright yellow paint towards the top of the walls and use other yellows to gradually fade into a dark sand color at the bottom. Overall, sponge painting using a couple colors will add some vibrancy to your bathroom, but won’t be too overpowering for the room.

Consider Dark Colors

Don’t be afraid of using darker colors, such as black. You can create a very modern look with a simple chair rail, black paint, and a splash of a neutral color. Additionally, adding a couple colorful items, like artwork or a artificial plant, will compliment the black paint of the bathroom.

Try a Glaze

If you’re bathroom is traditional in style, glazing is a great option for the walls. Glazing gives your walls a bit of extra color and texture. If you decide to use this technique, make sure you allocate enough time to properly apply the glaze to your walls.

Make Use of Stencils

Stencils are quite a bit easier to paint than applying a wallpaper border. You also have the opportunity to customize your color scheme. Additionally, you can mix and match the stencils for additional customization and design for your bathroom.

www.doityourself.com

Indoor Comfort, Outdoors

A truly livable outdoor space needs the same amenities as your favorite indoor space. With climate control, cushioned furniture, and ample lighting, you can create an outdoor room as comfortable and easy to waste leisurely hours in as the coziest living room. All-weather furniture on this patio creates a series of charming spaces for parties, outdoor dining, friendly conversations, or quiet reading.

[View with PicLens]

via: www.remodelingcenter.com

Party Atmosphere

Metal furniture is generally affordable and it gives a cool color vibe to your garden or patio. A bar cart is always ready for a party, offering up a handy serving surface. Sangria, anyone?

Perky Personality

Use whimsical summery motifs to dress up new or old wicker chairs. Spray-paint each chair with a vivid hue, and then use stencils and acrylic paint to add fun patterns. Seal with spray varnish for protection.

Sunny Accents

Small basic accessories such as this galvanized container can be brightened with paint for a personal look. To be on the safe side, don’t let food come into contact with the surface unless the paint you used is labeled food-safe.

Citrus Punch

Give your backyard a shot of summer color with accents dressed in fruit-inspired hues. This citrus-color metal bistro table is home to an apple-green hobnail-pattern glass lantern.

Cottage Charms

An unassuming garden shed becomes a festive focal point with bold stripes and scalloped molding. Before you begin, add a coat or two of water-base primer to the facade — it will help your creative expressions last longer.

Fire Flies

Create a twinkling treescape by suspending colored-glass votive holders from low-hanging tree branches with fishing line or wire. Colorful outdoor pillows, now readily available at retail, are a simple way to pop a little color into your backyard.

www.bhg.com

An obvious interest in pieces that evoke a respect for nature and are sustainable accounts for the some of the mix, but for many it’s the desire to blend simple lines with warm finishes that has caused this transitional look to take hold. Transitional design is perfect for homeowners who want an easy take on modern or a slightly edgier approach to traditional. The room most comfortably wearing this transitional cloak is the kitchen. Here, the look is accomplished by designing a kitchen with clean lines, featuring contemporary full access cabinetry while incorporating a very traditional walnut wood. The benefit of a transitional kitchen is that homeowners can still have the comfort of traditional elements without sacrificing modern technology and up-to-date amenities and storage features.

The easiest way to accomplish the look is to work with a custom kitchen designer. Custom cabinetry allows designers and homeowners to make a number of modifications including finishes, materials, sizes and shapes. Additionally, custom kitchens can incorporate more or less of either style.

“By combining contemporary and traditional looks, you can bring a fresh twist to something familiar or take a little risk without losing comfort,” says George (Butch) Achey, president of Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. “Transitional kitchens often mix European and American details, bringing a bit of Milan together with a slice of Philadelphia. Cool and warm.”

An easy way to achieve the transitional look in the kitchen is through wood species, custom colors and a variety of accessories. The trick is to find the perfect combination that suits your personal taste. If you happen to like modern amenities such as glass, steel and concrete, but don’t want a strictly contemporary kitchen, select a door style that reflects a more traditional design to warm up the space. To modify a traditional space, think hardware, stainless steel appliances and a simple, flat door style. Go for cool warmth. Go transitional.

To learn more about transitional design and the benefits of custom cabinetry, log on to www.plainfancycabinetry.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How do you dress them up in a way that will make a statement without blowing your decorating budget? Borrow a page — or a wall — from the handbook of top designers and add impact with a wallpaper mural. Easy-to-install wallpaper murals are as flexible and eye-catching as hand-painted murals, plus they are cost-effective and do-it-yourself friendly.

“Murals right now are my favorite design element because I can go big, bold and beautiful in a way that’s really fresh,” says Jonathan Fong, a Los Angeles-based interior decorator and author of “Walls that Wow.” Fong found a cost-effective source for wallpaper murals in MuralsYourWay.com. “Murals create a dramatic focal point for a room. Have one wall with a mural and your whole room changes.”

Modern murals have gone far beyond the whole-wall look you might remember from the ‘70s. Technology has allowed mural makers to delve into an inspiring array of designs, create more vibrant colors and eye-opening perspectives. It’s even possible to create your own custom wallpaper mural from a favorite photograph.

Here are a few ideas to use wallpaper murals to create a statement in virtually any room of your house:

• Turn a blank wall into a full-size accent with a floor-to-ceiling mural. It’s possible to find a wallpaper mural to match any decorating theme — from a view of Yankee Stadium as seen from home plate for your basement game room, to your favorite scenic photo from your honeymoon to dress up your family room.

• If a full wall is too much a statement for you, consider framing a smaller mural or a series of small murals in a central location in a room. Small, framed murals are a great way to make a snug room, or one lacking windows, feel bigger and more open.
• If your hallway is just a pass-through for your family, consider spicing it up with murals. Fong used larger-than-life custom murals of chandeliers to accent one wall of a hallway in a Beverly Hills mansion. A smaller scale mural can create interest and flow in a hallway in your home too.

• Many contemporary designs feature architectural niches as accents throughout the home. Rather than simply hanging framed artwork in the niche, consider creating a more striking effect with a wall mural cut to fit the space. For example, if you have a niche over your garden tub, place a tropical or woodland scene or a close up of a large bloom there to bring the outdoors in and create a focal point for the room.

Using a wallpaper mural to make a statement can be a very cost-effective design tool. “I wanted to see if it was possible to do large custom graphics for the home at an affordable price,” Fong says. “So I did an Internet search and found MuralsYourWay.com. I was surprised at how affordable it was. I’ve priced out regular wallpaper and to create your own custom wallpaper with the exact image you want costs even less.”

“The decor of your home should represent your personality as well as your interest,” says Thom Filicia, former design specialist for the Emmy-winning Bravo series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” and current host of Style Network’s “Dress My Next.” “MuralsYourWay is a great resource to add your personal stamp in a creative, fun and whimsical way.”

“Your walls are the largest decorating canvas in your home,” says Fong. “If you do something interesting with your walls, it can make more of an impact than any piece of furniture or accessory in the room.”

For more ideas on how to make a statement with murals, visit www.MuralsYourWay.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

But if you’re an empty-nester feeling pangs of loss as adult children move out, look for the silver lining — you can finally reclaim those areas of your house previously dedicated to the kids.

By 2012, 40 percent of all American households will be headed by someone 55 and older, according to the National Association of Home Builders. If you’re among them, it’s time to think about how you will redecorate and repurpose spaces in your home, including bedrooms and playrooms, which have been kid-controlled for so long.

Reclaiming your home after the kids move out can lead to improved homeowner satisfaction and enjoyment, improve your home value, and even — some studies show — increase marital satisfaction. Not sure where to start? Here are a few helpful hints:

Bedrooms

You may not have been permitted to enter your child’s room throughout her teen years, but now that she’s off on her own it’s time to get in there, rip down those rock band posters, toss out the closet-worth of clothes that she outgrew years ago, and turn her room back into a functioning part of the household again.

You can either turn the room into the guest bedroom of your dreams, complete with linens and drapes out of a home fashion magazine, or you can tailor the space to your own needs as a home office or crafting room. Simply turning the space into a more adult environment can enhance home value, real estate experts agree. Home selling shows regularly feature selling specialists advising homeowners to replace kids’ clutter with a more grown-up look that will be more appealing to potential buyers.

The quickest way to help a kid’s room grow up — after you remove the bunk beds
and lava lamp — is to repaint walls in neutral, sophisticated tones; replace worn, stained carpet; and replace kid-friendly curtains in primary colors with drapes in more subtle patterns and hues.

Play areas

If your family rec room has long served as a staging area for kids’ slumber parties or acted as a repository for excess toys, it’s time to turn the space into something the grown-ups will enjoy. Clear out kid-specific items like the foosball table and the racks of Sponge Bob DVDs, and bring in that big-screen, high-def plasma TV you didn’t buy before because you couldn’t bear the thought of sticky fingerprints all over it.

Add that wet bar that you always wanted but were afraid would prove too much of a temptation for your teens. Install a surround-sound system and turn the space into a home theater.

Freshen the decor with adult colors or further personalize the space with an easy-to-hang wallpaper mural. Imagine replacing that wall of chalkboard paint with a mural of the New York City skyline, or a restful image of a lush, green forest. You’ll find a variety of grown-up-friendly images at www.MuralsYourWay.com. You can even have your own favorite photo — from that second honeymoon you finally got to take or your glory days on the high school football team — turned into a customized wall mural.

Seize the opportunity to re-feather your empty nest to your tastes. And don’t feel bad about doing it. Studies show that redecorating an adult child’s room so they know they “can’t go home again” actually helps them better make the transition to independence.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

1. Control the light

Bamboo, tortoise and natural-reed blinds have a handmade feel and a warm, organic texture, says L.A. designer Schuyler Samperton. For very bright bedrooms, he says, combine sheer curtains with blackout shades. “The best of both worlds: light and privacy or complete darkness when you need it.”

2. Frame the bed

Put a twist on the traditional headboard with a statement-making screen — the room gets another great piece of furniture without sacrificing any space. Look at new and antique options, particularly ones with interesting all-over patterns or motifs (for more stability, they can be wall-mounted too).

3. Marry your prints

Matchy-matchy is a bore. Mix up textures (a ribbed velvet upholstered settee and a woven basket) and complementary but not exact-match patterns, as seen in the embroidered coverlet, silk pillows and the tone-on-tone graphic rug.

4. Make your bedside beautiful

Add photos, a grouping of books, flowers (a floating single gardenia bloom will stay fragrant for five days), and a lamp with personality. Stow moisturizers, lozenges and other personal stuff in the night-table drawer; keep magazines hidden but handy in a basket beneath.

5. Add some sparkle

A flash of glimmer keeps a room from feeling flat, says Jay Jeffers, a California interior designer. Hang a showstopping mirror as a focal point — one in an unusual shape or of vintage mercury-glass. Display an assortment of colored-glass vases, silver pieces or rock-crystal quartz on a table or mantel. Include votives with the arrangement for more shimmer.

6. Curate a photo collection

Amassing a gallery-worthy grouping is easy, says Alan Tanksley, an N.Y.C. designer. Scout online sources like Associated Press (ap.org) or Winter Works on Paper (winterworksonpaper.com). Stand frames on a table or shelf so you can rearrange on a whim. Feel free to combine photos, paintings, drawings, etc. “A mix tells more of a personal story,” he says.

7. Vamp up your coffee table

Replace clear glass with mirrored glass to instantly make a casual coffee table more sophisticated, recommends N.Y.C. interior designer Celerie Kemble. Or lay a mirror or cut marble on any tabletop to change its look. Says Kemble: “The new surface will freshen the mood of the entire room.”

8. Refine your color palette

New York interior designer Rob Southern likes using neutral colors such as cream or chocolate brown for big-ticket items like upholstery, walls and curtains. Then he suggests incorporating one strong accent color — tomato red, bright yellow or aqua — in pillows, vases or an ottoman. Limiting the accents to one hue makes a room instantly more cohesive. And if you tire of them, these smaller accessories won’t break the bank to swap out.

9. Contain yourself

Display an open tray or basket to drop essentials, says N.Y.C. designer Steven Sclaroff. It will neatly hold keys, sunglasses, iPods and more. If they always land here, they’re less likely to be misplaced. Choose a shallow tray — not too big and no deeper than 3 inches — or you’ll be tempted to fill it with too much stuff.

10. Add a mirror

A reflective surface makes a small entry feel bigger and airier. Choose a long mirror so as you head out the door you can check out more than just your lipstick. (Note: Oval or round mirrors won’t call attention to crooked ceilings or asymmetrical walls.)

11. Light it up

Opt for a lamp with a small footprint, like a candlestick base, so it doesn’t take up too much space on a table. Or skip a table lamp entirely and add drama with a hanging crystal chandelier or a sleek modern one. And paint the ceiling a warm shade (even if it’s white) so it reflects a more flattering light.

12. Maximize storage

A table with a drawer keeps necessities like gloves and dog leashes nearby but out of sight. A trunk tucked underneath will hold shoes and boots and also double as a convenient seat.

13. Go for a strong statement

This is a great area for bold design choices that could overwhelm a larger room. Try a deep or bright paint color (warms like red or orange are kinder to skin tones than green and blue) or a patterned or vertical-striped wallpaper that can compensate for too few art pieces or furniture. And a graphic rug, like the zebra print here, ideally in a cleanable wool for this high-traffic area, will add impact underfoot.

14. Nix the expected

Think furniture, not bath furnishings, says N.Y.C. designer Steven Gambrel, who prefers a boldly framed mirror and a dresser-style vanity to make a more “real room” experience.

15. Bring outside in

Incorporate nature, but on a small scale. A duo of topiaries with tiny leaves won’t overwhelm a room or get in the way.

16. Expand options

Ideally, separate the tub (meant for relaxing) from the shower (for getting clean quick). And clear — not frosted — glass shower walls will make the room feel bigger.

17. Go beyond white

Bisque sinks and subway wall tiles, colored marble for the counters and floor, and rich teak storage make the room feel comfortable and luxurious in a way that a white-and-chrome bathroom never will.

18. Display the basics

Store quantities of oft-used items (soap, cotton swabs, cotton balls) in clear Pyrex canisters. “It’s amazing how pretty multiples of common items can look,” says Gambrel.

19. Choose the perfect sofa

Bigger isn’t better, advises Doug Meyer, designer of furniture Doug & Gene Meyer. A large sofa can easily overwhelm a room, so map out the space it will take up before you buy.

A length of 65″ to 72″ is a good size for a small room, while 81″ to 96″ suits a larger area. The best rule of thumb for height is 30″ to 37″. Decide if legs or a skirt are better for your space (legs are more modern). Finally, a solid color is easier to in corporate in a room than a pattern — and is easily enlivened with print pillows.

20. Pick one bloom

A single color and type of flower gives you more bang for your buck, says Julia-Carr Bayler, owner of the Belvedere home store in Atlanta. An arrangement of peonies, anemones or tulips alone packs a visual punch that a varied-flower bouquet doesn’t. “It’s like Andy Warhol’s multiple silk screens: One thing repeated grabs your attention.” It also makes DIY arranging a piece of cake.

Courtesy of cnn.com