When the holidays come around and its time to replace that old bedroom furniture with something new and exciting, many of us are often left in the dark regarding where and how to begin looking. There are just so many options that require serious consideration such as color, size, place, price, quality and design. So if you are like most people, and are having a hard time choosing new furniture with the holidays right around the corner, then you might want to consider the following advice.

The first thing that you will need to do is give a thought to your own personal style. What do you feel most comfortable with? Do you like a look which has a dark but natural feel, a sense of permanence, unchanging security and comfort? If so, then you would probably want to go for the classic feel of traditional bedroom furniture. Traditional styles are best for people and for houses where a sense of homeliness combined with the country and the tradition of handcrafted fineness is important and an integral part of your life.

For younger people, or the more stylishly younger, a lighter, more modern feel is often appealing. For such people, the classic feel seems simply too old or tiring. These people tend to want something which has more texture, fun, raw color and added spice to it. If you fit into this category, then you should look for more modern designs, such as contemporary platform beds. You will want to make sure that there is a light feel to the furniture and the space in your bedroom, which gives a sense of liveliness and vibrancy in everything that you do.

After you have decided what you think is best suited to your style, you will now want to think about the right color, sizes, and positioning for the furniture that you will get. This is important because you need to make sure that everything you get is suitable to the space, and nothing looks forced or uneven. Don’t buy a gigantic armoire or an entire bedroom set for a tiny room which should house merely a nightstand. Alternatively, don’t get a small bed for a huge room which makes the place look like a doll house rather than a real living space for people. Also, when choosing the right colors, think about what you already have or what you think would be pleasant once you do have it, and also what will fit into the specific contents of the room where you’re going to put it.

Finally, when you think you’ve made a few decisions about style, size, and color, you’re now ready to go to furniture stores to start looking through the different pieces that are available. Be sure to be patient and thorough, as you do not want to make any decisions and buy something that you are going to be unhappy with and regret later. Having thought through some of the larger details, you will have prepared yourself when it comes to the general specifications of your furniture, and so making a decision will be more about price and quality than design, already having what you want in mind.

The terms Modern Furniture and Contemporary Furniture are often used as interchangeable parlance descriptions of non-traditional, sleeker and innovative furniture.  However, even though both terms fundamentally mean “of current times”, the design and manufacturing concepts behind modern and contemporary furniture styles as well as their incorporation into today’s interiors is clearly distinctive.

For starters, modern furniture style came about right after the 2nd world war when the need to support budget-conscious living became the overriding principle in furniture manufacturing.  On the contrary, contemporary furniture style surfaced in the late 70’s early 80’s during an upturn in global economy where consumer spending required a more embellished lifestyle with glamour as its focal point.

Cost-saving mass production of the post-war era became the catalyst of minimalist, stark pieces featuring steel and chrome-plated structures cleanly adorned by glass, plastic, leather or plywood finishes.  On the other hand, new found wealth of the early 80s led to the need of combining more extravagant materials typically used in traditional furniture with modern lines.  Consequently, marble, granite, crocodile leather, luxurious fabrics, lacquered and polished surfaces became the major indicators that furniture pieces which may at first glace be considered “modern,” now belonged to the contemporary furniture style.

Another major difference between modern furniture and contemporary furniture pieces is their actual shape.  Typically modern furniture would be dominated by simplified geometry, pure qualities, minimal demeanor, straight lines and uncluttered surfaces; while contemporary furniture would have round or more organic shapes, curvier silhouettes, sculptural construction with more detailed dispositional qualities, blurring the lines between decoration and functionality.



Lastly, color plays a big role in distinguishing the two styles.  In modern furniture, color is free form and is used boldly.  From high in contrast – black and white combo to the statement-making brighter hues, to futuristic shades of grey or warm earthy tones, modern furniture are defined by their aesthetics and materials, making the color, a mere attribute of one’s personality.  Such is not the case with contemporary furniture.  Often perceived as the cozier and homier style of the two, the color palette consisting of earthy tone like creams, browns, and oranges is quite vital to the essential character of contemporary furniture.

Debate over the true distinction between modern furniture and contemporary furniture will continue to create a further confusion between the two styles.  All the while, the unmistakable distinction between the two styles is rooted in their aesthetics, design, constructions and interaction with space.

For many of us who live a hectic fast paced lifestyle, coming home to a soothing and relaxing bedroom retreat is a luxury that we can only dream of. These tips will help you create a calming zen bedroom design that will look like you hired a pro.

If you want a relaxing environment, then neutral colors and rich textures are the key. Pick sage green, or tan as a base and go with that. If you like grays you can even use a palette of gray, although this color can be kind of cold. Pick a color that you can use on both the walls and floors as it is desirable to make them the same color. Take your cue from nature and use colors that you might find in a soothing setting outdoors.

You’ll want to accent the room with plants, soothing waterfall bowls and candles to complete the look and feel. Perhaps a meditation mat in front of a candle fireplace?

Choose plain furniture for your Zen bedroom – if your current furniture is old and distracting and you don‘t want to buy new, paint it a neutral color that goes with your color scheme. Think about adding some Japanese paper panels in front of any pieces that detract. If your old furniture just won’t suit the room but you are on a limited budget, shop around at your local consignment store for pieces that match. You may have to go every day but sooner or later that perfect set is bound to show up!

You want your Zen bedroom design to have a monochromatic look with different shades of the same color, but you an add some punch with a complimentary accent color which you can spread around in pillows, wall art and vases in a few places around the room (not too much).

The window treatments should be light and flowing – simple sheers in white that flow down to the floor would work. Lighting should be calming and not distracting – something with clean square lines and very simple.

Now if you are thinking your Zen bedroom is going to be looking pretty plain, you can use your bedding to add some interest. You want to keep with a monochromatic look to the bedding, but you can make it stick out by using layers of color that are a subtle shade off and rich quality fabrics. Try some sheets or a comforter that has a design embroidered or embossed in the same color as the fabric. Add interest by using materials with a nice texture – crisp cotton, soft velvet or dupioni silk can add interest and be soothing to the touch and comfy to relax in!

Accents are what make a room unique so your Zen bedroom deserves some relaxing accessories. Not too many though as you want to avoid clutter. How about a soothing tabletop waterfall or some aromatherapy candles? You can buy structures that hold candles in sort of a pyramid and create a faux fireplace with candles as the feature. Or maybe you want a mini Zen garden? Use a small coffee table and put a sand garden with mini rake on top. A shoji screen can work to divide the room or add a nice accent to a corner – you can make them yourself using rice paper and wood.

You may have reached a point where you’ve grown tired of your current surroundings, your tastes or trends have changed, or perhaps your friends joke about the lava lamps and beaded curtains still adorning your private sanctuary. Regardless of your budget or decorating skills, there are some things you can do that will give new life to your bedroom.

Home stagers and designers are skilled at transforming rooms that are more inviting because they know how to get the most out of arranging their client’s heirlooms, cherished treasures, and furniture. Finding new ways to display objects or finding new purposes for pieces are just a few tricks of the trade.

You can do the same and here are 5 ideas to help you get started:

1 De-clutter – The best thing you can do for yourself is to periodically go through your room to remove unneeded or unwanted objects. If you haven’t used, read, or worn something for at least a year, get rid of it, find a new use for it, or give it to charity. Having some sense of order has a psychological affect on how we feel about ourselves. If the task seems too daunting, tackle only small areas at a time and eventually you will have a de-cluttered space. If your time is limited or you really need help in this department, find an organizational professional to help you with this task.

2 Decorative Accessories – Arranging accessories is a true art. Visit your favorite stores to study their displays and take note of how they use color, variety, and texture to create an interesting arrangement. To set up a table display, start with the tallest or largest object first. Add medium and smaller sized pieces. The trick is to arrange objects that will lead the eye from the larger items to the medium and smaller items and then to the table surface. Overlap pieces or set lamps on top of objects to give more height and depth to the arrangement. This creates a visually interesting display. If there is a wall display behind the table, have the larger or more vertical pieces tie into those items. Using similar shapes and hues creates unity. Be careful not to use too many accessories, as the affect can be overwhelming.

3 Color – Replace pillows, artwork, lampshades, and accessories in a different or fun color to freshen up your overall color scheme. Use colors that make YOU happy. We all know that color can affect mood so pay attention to your body’s response to different colors. There’s a reason you are drawn to certain colors so why not use them in one of the most important rooms in the house? Find items around your home to use or seek out decorative accents that will enhance the look. Color can come from many sources including lighting, which can affect colors in the room in unexpected ways. Use an interesting chandelier or candles for ambiance.

4 Update Your Current Bedding – Bedding today is all about layering. Add a quilted coverlet and shams. This adds texture and some volume to your bedding, making it cozy and inviting. Change or add decorative pillows or shams in new colors for interest. If you own a really fabulous pillow, purchase bed linens that will showcase it. I found a really fabulous pillow in red, but didn’t want to do my entire room in red. I found that the red pillow served two purposes. It gave the room my personality and it always made me happy to look to at. There are so many choices and textures in decorative pillows today. Pillows with beading or unusual fabrics can make a difference. Throws come in all sorts of fabrics – wools, cashmere, fleece, and fur and are great for a special decorative touch.

5 The Unexpected – You can really crank up the “Wow” in your room by adding the unexpected. Use serving tables, trunks, or old suitcases to function as bedside tables. Using something that can also be used for storage is an added bonus. Display your collectibles from travels or find unusual objects to display. I once visited a friend who found a large wasp nest (no longer occupied, of course) and hung it from ceiling. Instead of hanging art or prints on the wall, mount a kimono or wearable art piece. Angle your bed and place a stunning folding screen behind it. Screens can be painted or covered with fabric and are another great source for adding or changing color in your room. An unusually tall headboard can help bring more focus to the bed as the focal point of the room. It’s also a great way to embrace a room with high ceilings. Add fragrance with scented candles, flowers, or herbal fragrances (lavender encourages relaxation). Flower arrangements in unusual containers can add a fun element to the room.

Finding just the right accessories, furniture, or bedding takes time. Enjoy the hunt. Use what you have, purchase only the things that you truly love, and decorate in colors that make you happy.

Oak, the widely known deciduous tree has some of the strongest and most durable pieces of wood available. Famous for the waved pattern of its grain and the natural reddish color, it is especially favored for use in flooring and strong furniture, lasting for decades. Woodwork artists have therefore come up with ways to keep the amazingly beautiful pieces looking bright and new as always and therefore the concept of reclaimed oak. Though the word “reclaimed oak” might seem as a cliché word for the environmentally correct and a buzzword for recycle, reuse, and so on, it is important to note that the concept of reclaimed oak is not a shabby chic or fashionable idea, but rather one that has come down through generations. With the challenges the planet and environment are facing today however, it also worth emphasizing the positive attributes of considering the idea. Responsible buying, reduction of waste, preserving nature and keeping the planet green are all concepts worth considering when purchasing any woodwork or oak furniture, being one of the few species of trees to withstand the test of time, should be preserved. This preservation is what has made the reclaimed oak pieces of furniture such jewels to marvel. These strong, traditional and antique products of the hardwood, with some fine touches over time can leave them spackling new. Whether it is for resale, or continued use at home, your reclaimed oak furniture will always attract attention to lookers with its strong ambience and natural reddish color that needs little furnishing. The one thing that stands out about oak, and reclaimed oak furniture is how crisp and smooth it will always look. The bright color of it’s furnish reflects light well, making cleaning it a joy. Oak is easily recognizable and highly respected as wood and with the modern synthetic furniture being reported to contain toxic substances, it is always a safe bet to stick with the old timer. With more stringent controls being taken on restoring the planet’s past glory where oak was in plenty and oak furniture easily available, it is important to take note of how best to make a furniture purchase, whether a bedroom furniture or living room furniture. Considering reclaimed oak is therefore one of the preferred methods where new furniture may not be really necessary. Earth friendly materials for use as restorers are also available in the market and it is therefore easy to work on your old piece of oak. If you’re buying a reclaimed oak piece of old furniture, it is also important to check where the oak has come from, and if not from a legal and sustainable source, keep away from it. In the US, certification for the source of oak is done by the Forest Stewardship Council, FSC, and since most of these precious woodworks such as oak furniture are second hand, be sure to always check their sources. Most importantly however, having oak furniture, whether reclaimed oak, or new, as a living room furniture or bedroom furniture is always a treasure and should be considered as a long term investment rather than an expense.

Your bedroom is your sanctuary so you want it to be delightful and inviting. Here are 10 great ideas to inspire you to create the bedroom of your dreams.

1. Using Accents In Your Bedroom – The most delightful accent is to make generous use of decorative pillows. Pile your bed high with them using a variety of sizes and styles, colors and patterns. Layered pillows give a lush feel to any bedroom. Candles serve a dual purpose as an accent item. They can add a splash of color and they can give a wonderful mood altering scent. The scent of your bedroom really is quite important, so the judicious use of potpourri can be the perfect finishing touch.

2. A Lovely Idea For A Little Girl’s Room – Bring wonder and enchantment to your little girl’s room by using specialty lighting. A small decorative chandelier is quite affordable. Your little princess will be filled with joy as she gazes into the sparkling light.

3. An Interesting Use Of Neutrals – Decorate your bedroom with neutrals and you can constantly achieve a fresh look. There are many items within a bedroom that you can adapt with each season. Change your comforter, pillows and pictures to easily achieve new looks and color schemes on a regular basis.

4. A Fun Idea In Place Of A Picture – Personalizing your decor is what will make your bedroom unique. Instead of a picture, gather small momentos around a theme and display them in a shadow box. (A shadow box is simply a picture frame with depth.) As a theme, you could use items from all those music lessons you took as a child, or maybe keepsakes from the first dates with your husband – like ticket stubs and the cupie doll he won for you. You will feel the warmth of memories every time you see it.

5. Making The Most Of Your Bedroom Space – To create more space, your first consideration is color. Use cool light colors – whites, blues and greens to make the walls apparently recede. Another trick to help your space look larger is to paint the moldings to match the walls. Be very aware of the scale of your furniture. A small bedroom is simply not the place for a king-sized bed. Keep things clutter free and you’ll make the most of your livable space.

6. Pull Together A Theme – For a different look, try to replicate a favorite Hawaiian or tropical vacation you’ve enjoyed. Start with a bamboo headboard and plan on an island color scheme with bold prints. You can use plenty of plants to recreate the lush outdoors. Stick with natural fabrics and add a quality potpourri to remind you of your heaven on earth. A final touch would be naturally woven wood blinds. You will amaze yourself with the atmosphere you can create.

7. Using Bedding To Help Design – There are amazing colors and prints available for bedding. A decorating trick is to use your bedding to dictate your color scheme. Go for the most plush comforters and highest thread count sheets. You want your bedroom to be so inviting and desirable to you, that it beckons you every evening.

8. Contemporary Bedroom Design Ideas – To accomplish the popular contemporary design, try neutrals with nice accent colors, such as a muted navy. The idea is to stay crisp and clean. Florals don’t belong in this look. Go for a minimum of clutter and you’ll be well on your way.

9. Guest Bedroom Essentials – Part of offering great hospitality is to make your guest bedroom feel completely welcoming. On the night stand, have a spate of new magazines along with a water glass and a decorative bowl filled with candy. Your guests may be more cold-natured than you, so include an extra blanket on the bed. Finally, use high quality pillows and sheets to let them know that their comfort is paramount.

10. Creating A Romantic Bedroom – There is nothing as delightful as a bedroom that invites romance. Have soft lighting available and think plush – with lots of pillows and fabrics to give tactile pleasures. An excellent sound system with speakers discreetly tucked around the room will envelope you with mood-setting music. Use colors on the softer side which appeal to you personally. Try soft pinks or light greens – whichever color pleases you. The idea is surround yourself with luxury to create the perfect romantic retreat.

If you are planning to sell your condo and are dreading getting it ready for the market – relax! It couldn’t be easier than it is now! More than ever before, the vogue in interior decorating is favoring simplicity.

Every room can be painted white or cream or beige with silver gray or dark beige detailing. The use of this color scheme will let your prospective buyer know that your place has been decorated very recently.

This type of decor is perfect for a condo, as it automatically adds spaciousness to a fairly compact area. In order to prolong the spacious feel, do not change the color of the paintwork from the dining area to the living area or hallway. Paint all open areas in the same tone, unless you have a narrow wall that you wish to use as an accent.

Only change the color, if you want to, when you reach a room that is totally separate, e.g., the bathroom or bedrooms. If you do change it, you should still opt for the neutral white, cream or gray natural shades as color is strictly passe at the moment.

Experts recommend that any pictures you put on the walls should be in frames that actually match the paintwork, which is a new concept. In order not to break up the uninterrupted flow of the paint color, it is suggested that drapes or blinds are also in the same color.

The type of drapes that lend themselves best to this new look are the gossamer sheer voiles; with blinds at the same window you can keep the sheers open and be assured of complete privacy.

A paint job is not very expensive, but it can make a very large difference to the appearance of your condo. What of your floors? Are they carpet or are they wooden or tile flooring? Is the color of them one of the shades that will tone with the gray or beige detailing?

If you have a bright floor and you feel that to change the floor is too extravagant and labor intensive, think of buying a large rug. Think of this before you pick the color scheme because it is usually easier to buy a rug in cream than in gray. A large off white area rug will go a long way toward the simple look that you are aiming for.

However, if your floor will tone with the decor, resist the urge to throw a small area rug under the coffee table. An uninterrupted expanse of floor space will increase the feeling of roominess.

One of the acknowledged problems of condo living is the lack of storage space. First time condo buyers who want to move a three bedroomed house into your one bedroomed condo will be checking to see if your place looks spacious. You do not want to emphasize the perceived lack of storage by having a load of your own clutter lying about.

If you have not already rented one, then I thoroughly recommend that you rent a storage unit now. It will also help you to move. Use it wisely and pack all your best ornaments and china up in boxes and cart them off to storage.(The more ornaments you pack away the better – think ‘clear spaces’!) Pack up all your out-of-season clothes and shoes and all your sports gear that is unseasonal and cart that load off to the storage.

Already your condo is looking very spacious! How about all the photos, baby’s first pair of shoes and the kids’ grade 3 painting of Grandma? What else can you do without until you unpack it in your new home?

If you have a balcony and you keep a few things stored on it – think of moving them into storage. However, if you have summer rattan furniture packed away then get it out now and arrange it on your balcony. Try to keep the furniture to each side, so that you can still look out the screen doors and see the view.

Buy some tall palms if you have none, and put one each side of the patio doors on the balcony. It looks very effective if you stand the same size plants inside your patio doors as well, in exactly the same position.

If you have a narrow wall, and can afford a wall to wall mirror, it really does enlarge your room! It also reflects extra sunlight, so choose a wall that catches the sun, if you can. If you do decide to go with this idea, do not place a large piece of furniture right in front of it.

Sometimes a narrow wall encloses the front entrance, in which case a small console is adequate space to drop your keys and bag. It is functional to keep the front entrance as roomy as possible as you may often be welcoming four people at one time, especially when selling.

If you are moving into a different condo, here are some tips for you to consider: buy two-seater love seats as no-one ever sits in the middle of a three seater anyway; buy an old sea chest to convert into a coffee table (loads of storage inside!); buy a car locker to attach to the wall of your parking spot for lots of extra safe storage.

Textiles have a huge impact on the mood of a room. You should always invest in the highest quality fabrics you can afford.  Whether this is your first home or your dream home you can create lush, luxurious spaces by selecting beautiful fabrics to adorn your abode.

The colors and textures you choose will influence the atmosphere, mood and style of your home. 

Choosing fabrics can be both fun and stressful. There are so many options to consider such as:

Bouclé

Broadcloth

Brocade

Cashmere

Chenille

Crewel

Damask

Faille

Gros Point

Imberline

Jacquard

Lampas

Linen

Matelassé

Merino Wool

Mohair

Moleskin

Peau De Soie

Pongee

Ramie

Sateen

Satin

Shantung

Silk

Suzani

Taffeta

Tapestries

Toile

Velour

Velvets

Viscose

Voile

Plan on choosing fabric for furniture, wall treatments, accessories, draperies and bedding. Be sure to select fabrics that are the appropriate weight for their intended use.  For example, if your dining room chairs are used frequently an upholstery weight fabric that is more durable would be a much better investment than an unlined silk.

Don’t be afraid to combine patterns and textures. It is sometimes difficult to see the big picture when looking at small fabric swatches so the help of an interior designer can be extremely useful and cost-effective in making the right decisions.

Match your color choices to the function of the room.  For example, you may want a romantic and restful bedroom, a living room that stimulates conversation or a bathroom that calms and relaxes.

Basic colors such as yellow creates a feeling of happiness and sunshine, blue is calm and restful, red increases energy and excitement while crimson can increase anger, deep dark purple brings a feeling of luxury and increases creativity and other lighter shades create a soothing tone, pink evokes a feeling of romance and sweetness, green relieves stress and orange will stimulate energy and excitement.  Neutral colors do not affect mood so you can use them as accent pieces or to tone down a too colorful room.

It is important to consider floor coverings, furniture and wall treatments that are included in your design plan before you select fabrics so that the room will have a unified theme.  Begin by choosing a beautiful fabric in a print or pattern that you adore for each room of the house.  This fabric will provide the overall focus for each room. 

Your next step is to choose two or three other fabrics that will include a color from your original fabric choice.  Mix and match colors, weight, scale, textures, sheen and patterns to create a unique look for each room.  In some rooms you will select a traditional understated fabric scheme and other rooms will be more bold and playful mixing and matching various fabric elements and colors. Limit your pattern choices to no more than three per room to preserve overall design scheme.

To make the process less stressful and more fun consider reading the books “Color Harmony: Fabric Harmony: A Decorating Guide to Creative Fabric and Color Combinations for the Home” and “Decorating With Fabric and Pattern” both available in bookstores and online.

Your interior designer should can help you with your final color and fabric choices.  You will discover that some of your favorite designer or luxury fabrics are only available through your interior designer so it is important to choose someone who understands your vision and your lifestyle.

You will live with your choices for years to come, so take your time making selections that make you happy.

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You’re ready to take that step and put some fresh color on the walls. With all the different choices available, which color will you choose? What shades? Well, before you make that final decision, consider how colors can actually change your space and the overall mood of your room.

Red Red is the color of love. It is known to stimulate a faster heartbeat, increase blood pressure, and energy. Designers usually use red as an accent color. A red wall or red furniture will defiantly get attention. Red also increases the appetite, which makes it a good choice in dining rooms.  

Black Black is the color of authority and power. It also makes a great accent color against white. When used against white, it becomes a very stylish and timeless combination. Black and white accent pieces are extremely popular.  

White White symbolizes purity and innocence. It is one of the most used colors in decorating. This light and neutral hue goes with virtually anything. White is a great color for bedding or drapes when trying to achieve a peaceful, tranquil space.  

Blue One of the most popular colors, blue represents peace. This tranquil color causes the body to produce calming chemicals. People are usually more productive in rooms painted in blues. Blue is a perfect choice for a bedroom or a home office.  

Green Green is another relaxing color. The different shades of green can be used many ways. Lighter shades of green are great for bedrooms, living rooms, and great rooms.   Dark greens are more masculine, and are popular in professional offices. Hospitals usually use green to help relax patients. Mid tone greens are great for kitchens.    

Purple Purple represents luxury, wealth, and sophistication. Dining rooms, bedrooms, and libraries work well with this color. Lighter shades of purple are great for children’s rooms, and play areas.  

Yellow Yellow gains attention and is considered an optimistic color. It also enhances concentration. It is a very warm and welcoming color. Babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms, so it not wise to use this color in a nursery.  

Orange Orange tends to warm the room in a friendly way. There are many shades of orange, and can be used in many rooms. Burnt orange is extremely popular for living rooms, while lighter tones are great for bathrooms.  

Brown Brown is known to be reliable, and one of the more popular earth tones. It is a great accent with just about any color, but is especially nice with blues. Light browns are a symbol of genuineness. Most men enjoy browns, so consider this when decorating his favorite space.