Asian Style Decorating Made Simple

Asian décor is bold, elegant and beautiful. There is no better way of achieving a look in your home that demands attention and displays style. This style might turn away those inclined towards relaxed tones, but it is defiantly one for those who adore the bold and dramatic! Using the tips in this article will allow you to create an atmosphere that will entice all that enter.

This may sound surprising, but Asian décor presents simplicity. The use of furniture and accessories is kept to a minimum in order to eliminate clutter. Visual impact comes greatly relies on the use of bold and dramatic colors in the separate pieces.

Use of Bold, Dramatic Color
Most colors used in Asian décor are red, black, gold and shades of tan, brown and grey, this is predominantly true in Japanese style decorating. Black lacquer is usually used on furniture for that glass like shine. Gold is a good choice for walls and trim.

Incorporating Texture
Natural texture is customary in Asian décor. The use of bamboo is frequent in furnishings, window coverings and containers for plants. The use of paper surfaces may be included in wall prints, and natural rock adds to the drama. You will usually find that bamboo plants are in containers adorned with red and gold hues.

Oriental Rugs are a Must
What is an essential part of completing the look of this style? Using oriental rugs! The floors are the basis of the Asian style, unlike other styles of decorating. In this style of décor furnishings are chosen to complement or draw out the colors on the floor.

This style of décor also relies on screens and window accents. Covering unattractive spaces or dividing the room can be done simply with the use of a Shoji screen. The screen can also be used to block the views for a window. Lavishly decorated, screens are an essential aspect of the oriental theme.

In order to provide a balance with the distinctive floorings and furnishing, the windows themselves are kept plain and basic. Simple accents, bamboo and wooden blinds; these are all typical characteristics of windows. Consider gold window accents if your furnishings and flooring are in neutral tones; as for Asian window accents, the Chinese often use accents with tassels.

Just because Asian décor is dramatic, this doesn’t mean that it does not provide tranquility and peacefulness. Bold accents and the natural elements should be used together, while keeping clutter to a minimum. You rooms will appear to be more enticing and dramatic, while keeping a and serene tone at the same time.

Make sure to pay close attention to the décor the next time you are at an oriental style restaurant. Examples of this beautiful style of décor can help you figure out how to better use this look in your own home, and finding these examples is as easy as going online. If you are aiming for elegance, there is no better style of décor than the beautiful and bold Asian style.

About the Author..
For over four decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their furniture and interior design needs. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a wooden bookcase for your office or a wood chest for your guest bedroom then they have everything you need.

Apartment Decorating Made Simple and Fast!

There are limitations to living in an apartment or small condo. After all, you don’t own the property yourself, so there are certain things you cannot do. For instance, you may not be able to change the floors, put nail holes in the walls, or change the kitchen countertop. But don’t think this means you must resign yourself to living in a drab or less-than-appealing space.

Typically, all of the apartments in a specific group are going to look exactly the same. All will have boring white walls, neutral floor or carpeting, and bare windows. In the best-case scenario, you may end up with windows that have white mini-blinds. So how can you make your apartment original, adding in your own individual style? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Decorate Your Walls
Depending on the apartment building, you may or may not be able to paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! Many apartment managers don’t mind you painting, since they can easily paint over your color if you move out. If you can paint, create visual impact by painting one wall a bold, bright color. If the rules prohibit painting, then hang a very large and intricately patterned tapestry on the wall. Another option might be bold, colorful prints without a frame or with a simple mat edge.

Special hangers can be purchased for apartment walls. Then you can hang what you like without putting any holes or nails in the walls, which doesn’t always go over well with management.

Add Some Drama to the Floors
It’s usually not possible to rip up the carpet or cut out the linoleum, but you can use colorful area rugs instead. Use brightly colored botanical patterns for the kitchen. With bright sunflowers, daisies, and poppies, you can add a cheerful look to the room, breaking up the monotony.

Consider a couple of smaller rugs in the living room or one large area rug, perhaps strategically placed in front of the sofa. As long as they complement your color scheme, you can choose bold patterns for this room. Intense stripes and plaids make a great addition to a drab décor, particularly if your furniture is solid colored.

Add Flair to the Windows
The mini-blinds may be unavoidable, but there are other ways to add a little color. Sheer curtains are an option if they coordinate with your other décor. If you’re looking to create some drama, drape a boldly colored satin sheet above the window, allowing it to cascade down the sides and onto the floor.

Stick to Color, Pattern, and Texture
The most important step you can take in dramatically changing the look of your rooms is to incorporate color, pattern, and texture into the mix. This means adding paint, throw rugs, big fluffy pillows, and other decorating accessories. It’s a great idea to keep several big pillows on hand anyway, as they are great for floor seating when several guests arrive.

Keep Furniture to a Minimum
To create a spacious look, keep furniture to a minimum. To add to the open feeling, go with low-profile furnishings without any arms. You don’t want coffee or end tables that are too big or bulky. Remember to keep things simple.

Don’t forget to add in a few creative accents of your own and you’ll end up with an apartment that looks and feels like home. A little imagination can go a long way when it comes to create an attractive, livable space.

About the Writer…
For over 4 decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their furniture and interior design needs. He owns and operates a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer a huge assortment of solid pine furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for an wooden coffee table for your sitting room or a dining table for your dining table then they have everything you need.

Simple Tips for Warming Up Your Bathroom

Nothing is more luxurious in winter than a warm bathroom. Luckily, this is one luxury available for everyone, without you having to sacrifice period style or your pocketbook. Surprisingly, some of the most desirable options are also the most affordable. Plug-in electric towel warmers, for instance, can be had for under $150. Overhead rain shower fixtures begin at just $60. A good pressure-balanced mixer can be had for as little as $200. However, there is another side of the spectrum. Jetted pedestal tubs and steam shower systems can easily set you back a few thousand dollars.

You will find that towel warmers and radiators come in two basic styles: the traditional round tube shape and the flat-panel “Euro” style. Another option is a tubular towel-warming basket. This handy basket can be mounted in tight spaces to keep hot fluffy towels within easy reach.

Although every towel warmer generates some heat, many of the hard-wired versions are powerful enough to be rightly considered radiators. Inexpensive electric models that put out 100 watts or so are great, because they not only dry the towels in the bathroom but also reduce dampness and mildew. If they’re sized and placed properly, the more powerful hard-wired electric or hydronic towel radiators can easily heat larger spaces. If you’re worried about safety, neither version gets too hot to touch. Electric towel warmers only reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas hydronics range between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on how hot you keep the system. These radiators can provide your bathroom with zoned heating.

Visit your local dealer to help find the perfect unit for your space. You need to consider variables such as the amount of tile or stone, the type and location of existing heat sources (steam radiators or forced air), and the number of windows. If you can’t even fit a small towel warmer, see if you can find room along the baseboard for a couple of horizontal radiator panels, which should keep your tiny bath nice and warm.

When it comes down to it, however, it’s the water in the bath or shower that warms the most. If you plan on upgrading the shower anyway, consider installing a pressure-balance or thermostatic mixing valve. Inexpensive and simple, a pressure-balance valve will keep the water pressure in the shower constant, preventing sudden fluctuations in water temperature caused by such incidents as a flushed toilet, for instance.

Thermostatic valves are more sophisticated. They mix the hot and cold water to fairly precise temperatures, usually within one degree Celsius of the setting. These valves also compensate for fluctuations in the incoming water pressure.

For a truly luxurious valve, plan on spending at least $1,000, although you can easily spend more. Conveniently, many of these mixers are available in suites that include period-inspired shower heads and cross-handled knobs or levers. Even better, some come with memory settings. This feature allows each family member to choose and record a preferred shower temperature for the perfect shower every time.

If you crave humidity in the winter and you love your shower, consider a steam shower. You’ll probably need a major retrofit to install one. The generator needs its own space, and usually modifications need to be made to accommodate the steam shower doors. Once it’s installed, a twenty-minute steam uses a fairly low amount of water: only about two gallons. But a basic system starts at around $3,000, including the generator, steam head, and temperature controls. And if you’re thinking about adding stereo speakers, light, or aromatherapy packages, expect the price to climb higher.

Do you dream of an old-fashioned tub for your bath? Reproduction roll-top designs with claw feet begin at about $1,000, and you can choose between either cast iron or the more environmentally friendly acrylic. These deep tubs are the ultimate soaking paradise. They also come in double-ended styles to accommodate two (or multiple children). These tubs will fit any décor, as you can specify claw feet in the style and finish of your choice. For a dramatic flair, you can go with a custom-made tub in copper, steel, marble, and even teak.

For a traditional tub that will accommodate a water- or air-jet system, go with a pedestal or Roman tub. The skirt will conceal the tubes and motor. Strategically placed jets will turn any bathtub into a home spa. This kind of luxury doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay upward of $4,000 for a fully equipped air-jet tub.

Avo Barsoumian has been in the home flooring and interior design industry for over 25 years. He owns and operates a carpeting company in Los Angeles. The offer the largest selection of elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting under one roof. It doesn’t matter whether your searching for laminate floors for your new condo or office carpet to makeover your older home then Carpet Wagon has exactly what you’re looking for.

How To Create The Perfect Romantic Bedroom

Many people envision their bedrooms as a romantic getaway within their home. To decorate your bedroom with a romantic flair takes some time and consideration, as you need to entice all five of your senses. Putting silk sheets on your bed and lighting some candles isnt enough. In order to be truly romantic, your bedroom needs to appeal to both sexes and thus must be well thought out.

Creating a Romantic Bed
If youre looking to create a romantic bedroom, you want your bed to be as inviting as possible. Dont forget to include luxurious sheets and blankets, plush pillows, and definitely a comfortable mattress. When choosing a color scheme, stick with calming colors such as light blue, pink, and ivory, or jewel-toned colors such as purple and emerald green. Uncomfortable accents such as frilly lace really do nothing to set the mood and should be avoided.

Finding the Perfect Romantic Lighting
When going for a romantic feel in the bedroom, its important to avoid harsh bright lights. Rather, look for more of a soft filtered light for the room. Youll get a softer light if you use a light bulb that has a lower wattage. Another great tip is to use lamps instead of an overhead light fixture. A very basic light fixture is all you really need, although you might consider a chandelier in the bedroom if you have the proper room. For the ultimate romantic light, try a decorative lamp shade, which will filter the light to another color such as light pink or soft red.

Adding Romantic Accessories
To make you bedroom feel really romantic, it is essential to add candles. There are so many different types of candles these days. You can choose from floating candles that you can place in a glass vase or large pillar candles that sit on decorative plates or boxes. No matter what style you are trying to accomplish in the room, you should be able to find candles that fit perfectly in terms of type and color. Other accessories for a romantic bedroom include canopy drapes, decorative mirrors, flowers, and framed artwork. Definitely leave the television out of the bedroom, as there is no need for distractions.

Making a Romantic Bedroom Practical
Dont forget, you still have to live and sleep in your bedroom. Its easy to go overboard and then find that you are uncomfortable in your own bedroom. Just because your bedroom is romantic, doesnt mean it has to be cluttered with dozens of things. For starters, choose a few key piece to include in the room. Then you can work from there.

Your bedroom can have the romance and atmosphere youre looking for and still be very simple. Also be sure to include practical items youll need in the room, such as a oak nightstand or oak chest. These items can easily be dressed up. You might add some accessories or fabrics to make them flow with the romantic style.

Not surprisingly, a romantic look is often a popular choice for the bedroom. Your bedroom should provide a great getaway from the rest of the home, giving you a comfortable and inviting place to lay your head each night.

Why Spend a Fortune Redecorating Your Kitchen?

Updating a kitchen to create a modern new look can end up costing a fortune. Anything like counter tops, cabinetry, and flooring tend to be very expensive. Yet it’s updates like these that add the most value to your home. How about giving your kitchen a facelift and completely transforming the look without spending an exorbitant amount of money?

If you’re like many families, you spend the majority of your time in the kitchen and dining areas. You want a kitchen that’s as warm and appealing as possible without spending a lot of money to do it. Here are several easy ways to refresh your kitchen’s décor while sticking to your budget.

Refresh Your Cabinets
For many people, buying all new cabinets is out of the question. There’s no need to make this kind of investment as you can make them look brand-new yourself. One option is to paint them an entirely different color. Or you might sand them down a bit and stain them a different shade. Top it with a protective coat of polyurethane for cabinets with a sparkling shiny new look. Once you add new hardware, you cabinets will look altogether different.

Add an Island
Adding an island to your kitchen will dramatically change the appearance of things—if you have the floor space, of course. Not only can an island break up the room, but it can give you some much needed counter space. An island also gives you the perfect spot to hang a wrought-iron pot rack.

Freshen Up Your Appliances
It can put a real strain on your bank account if you try to buy all new appliances. A stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher that’s a bit outdated can be painted as well. They make a special type of appliance paint that can be used for this purpose. If y ou have any rust spots starting to form, you can buy a special product that stops the rusting process as well. Apply the rust solution first, before you begin painting your appliances.

Perk Up the Walls
The great thing about walls is that anything is possible. They can be painted or you can add wallpaper or paneling. Not only are bright energizing colors like orange, peach, and green perfect for the kitchen, but they lend a real botanical feel to things. Hang pictures of natural elements such as fruits, flowers, and herbs on large wall spaces. If you want to bring a dull kitchen to life, a great place to start is by transforming the walls.

Don’t Forget the Floor
If you’re not happy with the flooring you have, this can be updated as well. It’s a little known fact that you can actually paint old linoleum. Start by lightly sanding the surface of the linoleum, as this will help the new paint adhere. After this thorough cleaning, next apply an oil-based primer. Once everything is dry, you’ll be ready to paint!

Consider creating your own design by using stencil patterns or even painting a “rug” on the floor. This is a great way to use your imagination! Apply about three layers of paint and then wait for them to thoroughly dry. Finish things off by applying three coats of durable polyurethane to protect your new floor and make it shine.

By following these few easy tips, you can create a beautiful new kitchen without blowing your budget. While a complete kitchen remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollar, by doing it yourself you can have a made over kitchen for just hundreds.

About the Writer
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior decorating industry for 40 years. He owns and operates a popular furniture store in California. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a wood dining sets for your dining room or kitchen or a wooden tv stand for your family room then they have everything you need.

8 Simple Tips for Interior Painting

Besides buying an oak bed for your bedroom or an elegant wood bookshelf for your home office, simply painting a room can easily freshen it up, giving it an instant new look. Yet many homeowners dread interior painting. Painting the inside of your home isn’t as bad as it seems, especially if you know what to do and how to paint in the most efficient manner. Following are some basic interior painting tips that will help make your next painting project run much more smoothly.

1. Don’t try to prep the area and paint it all in one day.
This will only leave you feeling rushed, which more times than not will lead to a bad paint job. It’s a better idea to set aside a separate day when you can do all the prep work for painting. If the room isn’t used on a daily basis, you might even be able to do this a few days ahead. Room preparation should include tasks such as taping the walls, laying down a drop cloth, moving furniture, and gather any painting supplies you might need.

2. Never try to paint over damaged walls.
Before you even try to paint a room, it is essential that you carefully look over the walls and fix any cracks or holes you find. It’s not very difficult to fix any cracks and holes; all you need is a drywall kit and some sandpaper. Be sure to do this at least a day before you paint. That way the drywall plaster will have some time to dry and you’ll have time to sand down the area as well.

3. Choose the best brushes for the paint job.
For oil-based paint, go with a brush that has natural bristles. However, for water-based or latex paint, synthetic bristled brushes will give you the most even coat. For large areas, you want to use foam rollers on the walls. For trim and windows, though, you’ll need smaller brushes.

4. Always use a primer to achieve a more professional look.
Primers are great, because they just make the paint go on so much more even and also help avoid the possible tainting of the color from a previous wall color. Even better, you can have your primer tinted to match the color you’ve selected, which may help you avoid having to put a second coat of paint on the walls.

5. Be sure to use painter’s blue tape for any areas that you don’t want to get paint on, such as doorway frames, trim, and windows.

The great thing about this tape is that when it’s applied to a smooth surface, it won’t allow the paint to seep into those areas you’re covering. After the paint dries, simply remove the tape. The nice thing is, you don’t have to worry about any of the paint coming off with it.

6. Have plenty of old rags for any mistakes that may happen.
When painting, it’s inevitable that you will drop some paint on the trim or hit something you shouldn’t with a brush.

7. Keep your strokes even when painting to ensure an even coat.
To this end, it’s important that you have plenty of natural light in the room. This way, you can see where you are painting and any areas you might have missed.

8. Don’t throw away leftover paint so you have it for any future touch-ups or fixes.
If you only have a little leftover and you don’t have the space to store a large can of paint, there is a solution. Simply pour the leftover paint into a glass jar with a tight lid and store it that way. Label the jar with the exact color of the paint, the room it was used in, and the date, and you’ll be all set.

Painting the interior of your home isn’t as scary as it seems. With these easy tips, you are well on your way to changing the decor of your home in no time at all.

Adding a Little Modern Decor to Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a favorite space in any home, as family, friends, and relatives all love to congregate there. Kitchens have been the heart of the home for centuries, the room where everyone gathered together. Activities such as great meals, visiting at the table, or playing board games brought a family together. After all this activity, it’s not surprising that your kitchen may look a little dated. But it’s not as hard as you might think to give it a fresh, updated appearance and at the same time increase the value of your home.

Certain Things Give Away the Age
Certain things will instantly give away the age of your kitchen. Are your kitchen appliances still avocado green? If your answer is yes, then get rid of them. Of course, replacing appliances may not be in your budget, but you can certainly give them a facelift. You can buy appliance paint in order to change the color. Of course, read the label before you buy it, but most paints of this kind can be used on refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances.

Is it your cabinets that look outdated? Of course, you can always buy new cabinets or have someone build them for you-if you can afford it. Otherwise, you can completely transform the look yourself. All you need is a fresh coat of brightly colored paint and some new hardware! Start by sanding the finish down and then repaint them with a color that will liven things up a bit. By changing the look of your cabinets, you can transform the look of your entire kitchen.

Other Little Changes Create Big Impact
With very little expense, you can do many small things to change the look or style of your kitchen. A simple thing to do is to change the window treatments in the kitchen area. This might be a great time to trade in those curtains for some modern blinds or wood shutters.

You can also brighten things up by handcrafting a brightly patterned runner for your dining table. A used baker’s rack found online or at a flea market also makes a great place to display all your favorite things. If you have a very small kitchen that contains an island, open up the area by removing that island, giving it a more spacious look.

What About the Floors?
Has your worn linoleum turned yellow with age? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do. Many people find that wood flooring is especially warm and charming in the kitchen. Or you might decide that tile is a better fit with your décor. In the end, the look and design of your floors is really up to you.

For those of you who cannot afford new flooring, don’t worry. You can always refresh the old! Many people don’t realize it, but linoleum floors can be painted. The first step is to sand them down, being sure to remove all dirt and dust particles. Then you apply an oil-based primer. With two to three layers of paint and a few layers or oil-based polyurethane sealant, you’ll be good to go!

Updating the look of your kitchen is a great way to increase the value of your home. Most potential buyers, in fact, pay the most attention to the kitchen. Armed with these tips, you should be able to go transform your kitchen into one that is dazzling and attracts the notice of all your visitors.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the furniture and interior design  business for 4 decades. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a wood coffee table for your family room or wood dining table for your formal dining room then they carry everything you need.

Picking the Right Window Treatments

An often overlooked aspect of any décor is the window area. This is unfortunate, as the window treatments you choose can transform the look from dull to dazzling. And your choices extend far beyond traditional mini blinds and curtains.

There are other things besides the look that you need to keep in mind when choosing window treatments. Two other things you need to consider are privacy and the level of sunlight that comes in. In addition, you want to be sure to choose something that isn’t going to clash and rather will flow with the rest of your décor.

Some Reasonable Choices
The first step in choosing window treatments depends largely on what room you want them for. Most likely, you’ll want a minimal amount of light to come into your bedroom; thus, a shade or blind that’s a darker color or made of wood is a good choice. On the other hand, a lightweight shade of mini blind is better for the kitchen, as many people prefer sunshine and brightness. You can choose either vertical or horizontal blinds, depending on your personal preference. Or go with a light-colored wood shutter instead that you can open up to reap the full benefit of the natural sunlight.

In the living area, your best bet is window treatments that have more color. You won’t believe the difference adding color around the windows makes in the look of your home. It’s up to you, whether you want to choose colored shade made of luxurious fabrics or vinyl. Just be sure to take into consideration price, as well as your lighting and privacy needs.

Privacy Counts as Well
Some people want to know that no one can see inside their home at night, which allows them to feel more secure. You can find a shade perfect for this at certain specialty stores. Made from perforated material, this custom roller shade gives only a one-way view. Thus, when it’s pulled down, light gets in and you can see out, but any would-be intruder would not be able to see inside.

Are you one of those people who loves the look of sheer curtains but really needs that privacy in the evenings? Relax-it’s possible to have both! By using sheer curtains that are three times as wide as the window they’re covering, the dense gathers will keep anyone outside from seeing in. Great fabrics for this include vo9ile and batiste.

Size Plays a Role
Do you have a large window in your home? Then blinds and draperies might be your best option, especially if that window is 6 or 7 feet wide. You can install panels of blinds across the width of the window and then add style and color with some richly textured drapes. The blinds will provide all the light control and privacy you need, while the draperies work to dress up the room.

If this large windows takes up practically an entire wall, then think about installing a track across the entire width. This gives you the option of either closing the drapes or curtains partially around the window or opening them up completely to expose the entire window and wall. You’ll end up with an eye-catching, truly unique look.

The choices in today’s window treatments are seemingly endless, allowing you to have whatever you need in terms of privacy, lighting, and style. Thus, you can choose something that will give you the amount of light you want, the nighttime privacy you need, and the extra punch of style you desire.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior design industry for 4 decades. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your living room, dining room and bedroom. Whether you’re looking for a oak bookcase for your dorm room or wood tv stands for your theater room then they have everything you need.

Easy Makeovers for Your Dull Bedroom

When it comes to decorating, it’s not uncommon for people to leave the bedroom for last since no one else really sees it. It’s hard to know what to do with that dull and boring bedroom when you don’t have a lot of time or money left for decorating. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to spruce up that dull bedroom.

Paint the Walls
The easiest way by far to spruce up a boring bedroom is to paint the walls. Nothing adds style and color to a room more quickly than adding a coat of paint or two to the walls. Although it’s important to choose a color you like, it’s also important that it adds some interest to the room. Be sure the paint color accents or matches the accessories you have in the room, as that will make the décor look more cohesive.

Add an Interesting or Colorful Bed Set
Since the bed tends to be the largest item in the bedroom, it usually serves as a focal point for the space. Therefore, by adding color to the oak bed, you can instantly add interest to the room. You want a bed set that’s interestingly patterned or colorful but also coordinates with the other items in the room. Add a few decorative pillows to the new comforter or bedspread. If you’d prefer to stay away from a patterned bed set, then get a set that’s a single color and add accent pillows in a contrasting color to add interest to the area.

Hang Photographs on the Walls
If part of what is keeping your bedroom dull is empty walls, then you need to hang up some items to add some style and pizzazz to the décor. An easy way to cover your walls is to hang up framed photographs of you and your family. You might also consider hanging photographs of nature scenes such as ocean shots or pictures of flowers. Or if you like, go with some old black-and-white photographs.

Perhaps photographs just aren’t your thing or you’re looking for something a little different. Then consider hanging a large piece of artwork that’s caught your eye. You might even make the artwork yourself, if you’re feeling creative. If you like, you can base your entire bedroom scheme off that one piece of art. This approach to decorating can be very inspiring when it comes to design.

Add a New Piece of Furniture
If you have the space, consider adding a new piece of furniture to your bedroom to make things more interesting. Replace your old or out-of-style furniture with new pieces, as this will lend more style to the room as well. You might get a new oak dresser, a chest or bench for the end of the bed, or a new bed if you can afford it.

You want your bedroom to be a place where you can relax and enjoy hanging out. If your bedroom is dull and boring, that can certainly be a drag. So follow these simple ideas to create a stylish and interesting retreat in no time at all.

5 Great Colors to Use in Your Home

A common problem faced by homeowners when decorating a room is figuring out what colors to use for the décor. As a simple visit to your local paint store will reveal, there are literally hundreds of different colors and shades from which to design your color scheme. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by so many choices. Not everyone has an eye for color, and it can be quite difficult to pick out which colors will look good together in a room. If you’re searching for ideas for color combinations for your décor, here are five you can consider.

1. Brown, Blue, and Cream
This is a great color scheme for practically any room in your home. Just be sure that when you use brown, blue, and cream, that you keep a balance of color—especially when you’re applying the dark brown. For instance, you might want to use cream or light blue pillows to lighten up a dark brown couch. Or if your couch is cream colored, you can add some interest with brown and blue pillows. To add even more visual interest, look for patterns that contain all three colors.

2. Shades of Brown and Cream
Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful retreat in your bedroom or bathroom, try using shades of brown and cream. There’s a wide variety of shades across this spectrum that you can choose from, anything from dark chocolate brown to an off white or light cream color. You can add interest to the monochromatic look of this color scheme by pairing lighter and darker shades, which will result in the room appearing livelier.

3. Blue and Orange
Blue and orange lie across from each other on the color wheel, which means they are considered complementary colors. If you decide to go with this color scheme, it’s important to keep the colors muted rather than using bright oranges and blues. This is a great color combination to use for a contemporary-styled room; just add white or even brown to the mix.

4. Black and White
Black and white is a classic color combination and makes a great color scheme for practically any room in your home. The great thing about black and white is that it can be used in a variety of ways. Depending on the pieces you use, it can be modern as well as traditional. Add an accent color into the scheme, such as green or red, to create even more style in a black and white room. There’s no shortage of black-and-white décor items available these days, making this one of the easiest color schemes to work with.

5. Pink and Green
Another complementary color scheme you might try is pink and green, which tends to go well in bedrooms, living rooms, and sun rooms. Add a neutral color into the pink and green mix, or you may end up with too much color in the room. Be sure to keep the colors the same shade. Mint green and neon pink, for instance, aren’t going to work well together.

If you’re having a hard time coming up with color combinations for your home, then this is a good place to start. Any of these combinations should give you some inspiration when decorating your home. When you use any of these suggestions as a base and then add your own style to them, you can create a unique look for your home.

About the Writer….
For over 40 years Leon Tuberman has helped people with their home furnishings and interior design needs. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in California. They carry a large selection of USA made solid oak furniture for your living room, dining room, bedroom and wood office furniture. Are you searching for a home office or a oak table for your dining room or a bookcases for your office then they probably have everything you need.