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Archive for the ‘Bedroom Furniture & Design Ideas’ Category

From the Design Files of Heather B – Bump Down Roof

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Design Question  

Hi Heather,

I have been reading through your blog, some really good stuff here. I am looking for a bit of advice on what to do with a tough room. The attached pic shows a room from three angles that will be used as a master bedroom. The room is about 14ft long x 11ft wide. It looks out on 3 acres of horse fields with a mountain rising in the background.

The palette for the house is still being worked out. The existing colors for the house are strong green for the office, a medium blue for the master bathroom, a light gray for the halls, and the secondary bedroom as a light yellow. We like the green and the blue. The rest of it we are indifferent to, open to ideas!

The lights, carpet, and paint are an obvious change, and the popcorn ceiling can be removed. The bump down roof though I just have no idea how to hide or minimize – any suggestions? We are fairly handy so if you have any wild ideas on how to improve shelves, we are certainly open to them.

Toby

Design Answer

Hi Toby,

Thanks for reading the blog and sending in your design question. While drop ceilings do serve a specific purpose – often used to hide wiring, ducts, pipes, etc. – having one in a room can pose some minor interior design problems, such as visually dividing the room; lowering the ceiling height in one area of the space; and as you previously pointed out, making the ceiling “stick out.” While your instinct (and it’s a good one since drop ceilings can look unattractive) is to hide or minimize the suspended ceiling, the flipside is that different ceiling levels in the same room can create visual interest. There are ways you can work the suspended ceiling or bump down roof into the room’s décor design that improves the visual flow of your master bedroom.

“Ignore” the divided ceiling vibe and deal with the space as a whole. Plan to arrange the bedroom furniture as though the “canopied” section is not there. For example, placing some of the furniture in the drop ceiling part of the room and then the rest in the other half of the room would definitely break up the living space and draw negative attention to the suspended ceiling (bump down roof).

You mentioned you like blues and greens, which are cool shades that I think would work well in this space. The color currently in the room is a warm color; from the picture it appears to make the room, especially the part with the drop ceiling, look a little cramped. Pick two colors, one color would be the main wall color and the second one would be the accent color. The accent color is typically brighter, darker or bolder than the main color you have selected. The accent color would go on the wall with the single window. Then paint the supporting posts and the side of the drop ceiling in the same color. Both ceilings would be the same neutral shade you choose for the trim (baseboards, windows, doors, etc.). Using the same accent paint color on both one wall and the drop down ceiling visually connects it to the rest of the room.

The lights currently in this space are a good example of how the space can appear visually broken up, making the lower ceiling appear separate or not part of the room. Choose matching or complementary lighting fixtures, one for each ceiling, and hang them so that they are the same height. Again, it’s another way of “tricking” the eye into making the room appear cohesive.

You mentioned being fairly handy. Just from the picture, especially in a master bedroom, the closet doesn’t look like it would be as functional as it should be, particularly for two people. I would definitely plan on removing the bench-like shelf currently in the closet and designing some sort of organizer that includes shelves and cubbies while giving you someplace to hang clothes. You might also want to investigate ready-made closet organizers; some manufacturers offer basic closet organization systems that can be conveniently customized and sometimes at a price that would be cheaper than making one from scratch.

I hope this has been helpful. Let me know how it turns out. And keep sending me your design questions.

From Coast to Coast – Coastal Style Bedroom

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Since coastal style does its best to imitate the easy living, laid back atmosphere of a seaside cottage, it is a perfect interior design for a bedroom. The bedroom is the one room of your home that is meant to be a sanctuary after a long and busy day. The room’s atmosphere should also be conducive to refreshing and rejuvenating you. Because it brings the peaceful feeling of a deserted sandy beach or the prism shades of blue of an afternoon ocean into a room through color and shape, coastal style bedroom stimulates the senses while soothing the spirit.

 Incorporating coastal style or a beach theme into the master bedroom also allows you to contrast soft neutrals of earth and sand with corals, ocean blues and sea greens. When choosing a color palette for your bedroom, take some cues from the a day spent sailing (white and blue), the scenic view from a resort cabin (beach sand with cloud white) or a classic surf and turf combo (bold greens and blues paired with warm browns).

To make a coastal style bedroom truly comfortable, think of ways you can give it seaside resort atmosphere. Choose furniture, like a headboard or dresser mirror that incorporates organic materials that reflect a coastal lifestyle. Dress the bed in cool linens, either in crisp whites or in bold colors and pile on the pillows. Not only will a variety of accent cushions and pillows make the bed a comfortable place to rest and relax, it will also make the bed more of a focal point by defining the surrounding area and adding texture. Drape the windows in mosquito netting-like sheers. Lighting should be evenly diffused throughout the space; a balance of ambient (overhead) and task (bedside lamps) lighting that is practical while not being intrusive.

Anywhere there is a coastline or an ocean, the resulting lifestyle is unique to that region. The west coast, for example, has an entirely different flavor from the east coast, while the California coast is distinctive from the rest of the Pacific coastal region. When decorating a costal style bedroom, mix and match different coastal styles with care. The focus and atmosphere of the room should be calming and harmonious. While coastal style does possess an eclectic element, it shouldn’t be so “mixed-and-matched” that the overall effect is busy or cluttered. A coastal style bedroom is one that is exudes tranquility and will give you the feeling of a seaside vacation year-round.

The Modern Master Bedroom

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

A modern design for a bedroom will create the perfect environment for a calming and tranquil sanctuary that you can call your own. The three most distinguishable sub styles are minimalist, ultra modern and sophisticated modern. Modern style doesn’t have to be all the things modern has been accused of; cold, bare or stark. The ultimate appeal of this particular style is its uncluttered feel, and the atmosphere of serenity it initiates. This is exactly the mood you want for a master bedroom.

There’s no denying that color plays a major role in setting the overall atmosphere for a master bedroom. Modern palettes should be cool, neutral or earth toned. If you would like to add color to the room, choose a cool, neutral or earth tone color that is rich (saturated) or deep. Another way to bring color into the room is to select an accent color that will complement the main color you have chosen. But for a more classic modern styled master bedroom, go with cool colors like blue, green or violet and of course, neutral beiges, whites and tans. 

Modern Master Bedroom #1

This room is definitely sophisticated modern. The walls, bedding and area carpet are neutral colors that work together for a soothing effect. In true modern form, the furniture pieces of the Global Furniture USA Soho Modern Wood Platform Bed 5 Piece Bedroom Set have no decorative detailing. Rather, visual interest comes from veneer panels of the headboard and the dresser’s interesting use of geometric shape.

Modern Master Bedroom #2

The room has been painted a deep shade of a cool color. Since the color has been added to the walls, neutrals have been chosen for the bedding, lamp and area rug. The picture frame with a black and white photo matches the frame of the Fashion Bed Group Chatham Contemporary Metal Bed while the hanging cylindrical lamp makes both the bed and the corner of the room focal points. This minimalist modern master bedroom is still restful while being interesting.

Modern Master Bedroom #3

The Modloft Ludlow Platform Bed in White Leather with Wenge Frame is ideal for an ultra modern master bedroom. White and (almost) black are contrast colors and paired as they are here, create an uncluttered and “breathable” space. Using contrast brings each one of the individual elements of the room together, while emphasizing the clean lines of the bedroom furniture pieces.

From the Design Files of Heather B – Making Room For Stepchildren

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Design Question

My husband has two children (12 and 15) from his previous marriage. When my stepchildren come to stay for the weekend, one sleeps on the sofa downstairs in the family room and the younger one sleeps in the guest room on the main floor. It’s not a good arrangement. I would like to do something about it but don’t really know what would be best. Do you have any suggestions as to how we can create a space that will work better for both the kids and us?

Design Answer

Even though it might be “just for the weekend,” it is difficult for children to belong essentially to two separate households. It can be disorienting, uncomfortable or a little strange. You do, however, have two things working in your favor – you have a second bedroom and you have a family room. With these two components, there are several things you can do, any one of which will help you create a permanent place in your home for your stepchildren that will be accommodating, welcoming and most of all theirs.

The first thing for you to consider is eliminating the guest bedroom and renaming it “the boys” room. When your stepchildren come to stay with you for the weekend, they should plan on sharing. Putting them in the same room rather than having them sleep in two separate places will perhaps make dealing with a second household a bit easier.

Take the opportunity to do this redecorating project as a “team.” When converting your guest room into your stepsons’ room, don’t do it without them. Let them choose the color for the walls. When it comes time to accessorize the room, take them shopping; let them help you select the bedding, curtains, area rug, etc. 

Measure the room to see how much actual space you will have to work with. What teenager or young boy doesn’t like a bunk bed? If they will be the only ones using it on a regular basis, bunks beds would be a good option, especially if it is a smaller sized room. Should you do have need of a guest room and there is space for twin beds they would a better choice in terms of functioning as the boys’ room when they are there and as a guest room when they are not. Twin beds would also allow you to establish definitive areas for each child – you could dress the bed in complementary bedding rather than matching bedding, further distinguishing each boy’s “place” in the room.

In the family room, if there are already bookshelves or some type of storage unit, rearrange the shelves so that your stepsons can store some of their belongings such as movies, games, etc. If there is room in the bedroom, consider adding a bookcase or cubby storage to encourage them to leave some of their possessions so that they don’t have to tote these types of things back and forth between houses. It will also help make it homier and more welcoming.

From the Design Files of Heather B – From Bachelor Pad to 3-Bedroom House

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Design Question

I just recently bought a home in [this city] and have moved from my one bedroom apartment into a 3 bed/2 bath/pool home, with hardwood floors and 1960s style bathrooms (all ceramic tile at weird angles). I have some cheap furniture which I brought in from my apartment but there is not much — literally, just have a small couch, chair, coffee table, bed, dresser — and I am not interested in keeping it.

I want to begin to furnish my home but I do not want to just start purchasing furniture without some sort of plan. I want to develop a theme for my home and furnish it accordingly. Interior design and decorating is not my forte, to say the least. I am a young sales professional and want to furnish my home to reflect this. Basically, I am looking for help with a theme or style. I tend to be minimalistic but also want my home to be comfortable. Thanks so much for your help.

Design Answer

I don’t know why, but when I read your question the words “1960s bathrooms” and “minimalistic” brought to mind jazz. Jazz music is all about improvisation, slick riffs and saxophones that have their own special language. But you don’t have to like jazz to create the look for your home that I have in mind. Minimalist is typically associated with modern style – it doesn’t have to “cold” or “bare.” Transitional style, a combination of traditional and contemporary styles sounds like it also might be a viable option for your living space.

Make a Plan

Make a plan for each room in your home. It sounds like there might be bathroom renos in your future. Don’t forget to incorporate any renos into the long-term vision for your interior design plan. It should include the following for each room you wish to redecorate and/or furnish:

Select a style or theme. An interior design style refers to the overall appearance of the furniture, while a theme is more the look and feel of the room based on a particular personal interest like a favorite sports team, sport you like to participate in or other hobby or interest. For that chill improv vibe whenever someone walks into your home

I would select transitional furniture or modern furniture in warm wood colors.

What needs to be done? If you’re not happy with the room’s wall color, while the space is relatively empty, now would be a good time to paint or wallpaper. In keeping with either modern or transitional styles, choose soothing neutrals such as beige, white or taupe or earth tones such as sand, light browns or sage. These color palettes will also apply when choosing window treatments, furniture and fabrics.

Measure each room so that you will know exactly how much space you have to work with.

Make a List

List the furniture pieces you would like to buy. For the bedroom, your list might include a platform bed, two nightstands, a double dresser, floor mirror, new area rug and new blinds.

Set a budget. Knowing how much you are willing to spend on each item you need to purchase will be easier on your wallet. It might also be useful to setup a timeline that corresponds to your budget so that you’re not purchasing everything at once. It sounds like you want to project a certain image – you will probably be looking for furniture items in the mid-price range. Consider buying what you need in sets, such as a bedroom set, sofa set or a dining set. It’s more economical than purchasing each piece separately.

Make it Happen

Once you know roughly what kinds of things you want for each room, it will be easier to comparison shop. Don’t forget about e-tailers – the internet furniture market has become very competitive, which is great for the consumer because you can find some really good deals online.

You mentioned a pool – if you can see the pool from, let’s say your living room or dining room window, and definitely plan on making it a focal point of the room.

When you are ready to place the furniture in each room, start with the largest items first. Don’t forget to take into account traffic flow and space for opening doors, drawers, etc.

Hope this is helpful in giving you a starting point. Thanks for writing in. Come back next Monday when we tackle another interior design question. Keep sending me those emails and don’t forget to include pictures if you can.

Japanese Style Bedroom for your Personal Sanctuary

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Since Japanese style interior design emphasizes balance, natural tones and the subtle and calming use of texture, it is an ideal choice for decorating a bedroom. For most of us, our bedroom is a sanctuary from our busy lives. Japanese bedroom furniture is low to the ground, to promote the feeling of stability and being centered. It also has a design benefit of making the room appear larger and more spacious. In the quest for balance, Japanese interiors incorporate the use of open spaces, contrast and functionality into the interior design.

To create a Japanese style bedroom, start with a color scheme that imitates nature, such the grays and greens of foliage; earth toned neutrals of sand, sun-bleached stone or weathered wood; and muted shades of earth and sky. Once the walls have been painted, plan to keep them relatively free of framed pictures, opting instead for one choice print or photograph.

In keeping with Japanese design principles choose bedroom furniture pieces that have a specific function; the more multi-purpose each one is, the better. Japanese bedroom interiors can never have enough functionality. Japanese style furniture is typically devoid of decorative detail, with simple lines and beautifully shaped and uncomplicated profiles. Instead of “unnecessary” decoration, visual interest, as shown by the headboard of the Tradewins East Village Kobe King Dark Wood Low Profile Panel Bed 3 Piece Bedroom Set, is often created with specific architectural features like angled legs and the geometric slatted design of the bed.

A low-to-the-ground platform bed is a must-have when designing a bedroom in the Japanese style. A platform bed, with a wood or upholstered headboard or one without any headboard at all is a viable option. Case goods such as dressers, nightstands and armoires commonly have oversized iron or bronze drawer handles and/or door pulls. In a Japanese style bedroom furniture pieces do not necessarily have to match one another in the “western” sense. When creating balance by using contrast it may be to your advantage to incorporate differently colored or shaped items. The connective tissue, if you will, should be simple angular or geometric profiles that are softened by tapered, gently curved or “layered” lines; simple lines will work perfectly with the other Japanese style pieces that you want to include in the room.

When accessorizing and adding those finishing touches, in Japanese interior design, less really is the way to go. The space should be fluid and uncluttered. Natural materials, like bamboo and rice paper, are common elements in Japanese design. These are easy to add to a Japanese style bedroom décor in the guise of lamps, light fixtures, vases and decorative screens. Don’t forget about silk – place silk cushions and/or accent pillows on the bed; use silk curtains with sheers for the window treatment; select a bed bench or accent chair with silk upholstery. Ideally floors should be bare. If this is not an option, pick an area carpet or wall-to-wall carpeting that has an organic look and feel.

From the Design Files of Heather B – Teen Bedroom on a Budget

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Design Question

Hello, My daughter is 15 and very unhappy with her room right now. She would like a total makeover, but I simply don’t have the extra cash to buy new furniture or even used. The furniture she has in her bedroom right now is still perfectly good, it’s just hand-me-downs and while I can sympathize, I don’t really know what to do about it. I’ve been trying to wait it out and see if she will just forget about it, but so far no such luck. Do you have any ideas as to how to make a room look better without spending hardly any money? I’d appreciate any help you could give me. Thanks

Design Answer

At that age they are very fashion/current trend conscious, and especially for a teen (to an extent, it applies to all of us), it’s REALLY important to have a space she can call her own and that she likes the way it looks and feels. You might be butting heads at the moment. But why not “join forces” and turn a less-than-ideal situation into a mother-daughter project where you can both help each other? By including your daughter in the “solution” you’ll be able to transform her room into a place that you both can be proud of.

If you haven’t done so already, explain that regarding the household budget, there are priorities and unfortunately new (or new to your daughter) bedroom furniture is not on the list.

If she baby-sits or has an allowance or some other source of income, ask her how much she is willing to contribute to the redecorating project. Match it if you can.

The following are some suggestions as to how you and your daughter can do a bedroom makeover without having to spend too much money:

  • One of the cheapest ways to help your daughter make the space her own is to paint. See if someone you know has painted recently; maybe they’d be willing to give you whatever was leftover.
  • Pick a theme – a bedroom with hand-me-down bedroom furniture can be mismatched and feel cluttered or unorganized. A theme based on a favorite color, hobby or talent will give the room some cohesiveness.
  • If the bedroom furniture pieces are different colors, consider re-staining or painting the furniture in the room all one color. Ditto for hardware – see if the door and/or drawer handles can be replaced so that all the case goods in the room, even though they might be different styles and colors (if you decide not to paint them) will be visually connected to each other.
  • Excluding the furniture, have your daughter make a list of what she would like in the room – inexpensive things (look for bargains) such as new picture frames, new bedding or a lamp can have a positive impact on the room’s overall décor.

Good luck with your mother-daughter redecorating project!

Keep sending me your design questions, and especially if you’re asking for advice regarding wall color, tips on rearranging a specific room etc., include pictures if you can.

Bed Companions: Stylish AND functional Alternatives to the Standard Nightstand

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Nightstands are actually versatile pieces of furniture, increasing your storage options while making the bedroom more functional. Placing a lamp on the nightstand’s tabletop saves you from having to get out of bed to turn out the light. In an interior design context, nightstands, one on either side of the bed, make a bedroom looked balanced, tying the bed thematically to the other furniture pieces in the room. Because a nightstand closely resembles an end table, an accent table or an accent chest, there’s no rule saying that you can’t substitute one for the other in order to get the exact look and style you want. Using other types of accent furniture such as a writing desk or even a console table instead of nightstand can transform your bedroom into a stylish and functional living space.

The Stanley Furniture Portofino Basque Black Secretary Desk placed between two twin beds creates a visually stunning focal point. Placed to either the right or left hand side of a queen size or king size bed and paired with a desk chair, it can function both as a writing desk and a nightstand.

The nightstand, also known as a bedside table, is a must-have for any type of bedroom, particularly a master bedroom. It typically has at least one drawer, but can come in a number of configurations including a combination of drawers and shelves. Keeping the functionality of the nightstand but introducing other decorative elements into the bedroom’s overall design will add that little extra something that will be solely unique to you and your home. Selecting end tables like the Southern Enterprises Vogue Black End Table with an open design can help make a smaller sized bedroom feel less “furniture dense” or cramped.

There are many different types of accent tables and accent chests to choose from that are suitable for doing double duty in the bedroom. As well as adding more storage space, an accent chest like the Butler Specialty Designer’s Edge 3 Drawer Rattan Oval Side Chest brings another textured element into the bedroom, drawing attention toward the bed and emphasizing the decorative detail of both the bed and the bedside tables.

Emerging during the last half of the eighteenth century in the British Isles as a low-standing chest of drawers, the bachelor’s chest is a stylish option to the standard nightstand. Originally designed to hold male articles of clothing including shirts and underwear, it resembles a regular chest of drawers with one basic difference – they tend to be narrower than a dresser but wider than a night stand. No longer just for men (or bachelors), a bachelors chest like the Tommy Bahama Home Island Breeze Bachelor’s Chest makes a chic and sophisticated bedside companion for anyone.

Country Style Makeover – Modern Country for the Bedroom

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Modern country is an interior design trend that starts with country but replaces some of the essential traditional elements with modern style fundamentals. The result is a country sub style that simple yet stunning, possessing a confident sophistication that is easily adaptable to any home, whether it’s an apartment or a mansion. Modern country takes advantage of worlds, mixing the cool neutral modern palette with classic country shades, but reinventing tones and shades to reveal fresh colors with new intensities.

A Modern Country Palette

Start with a cool but soft neutral color, like mystic beige or alphano beige (colors shown here from Benjamin Moore). Pick one wall for an accent color such as fuchsine that is bold. Choose bedding, accessories, window treatments or an area rug to match or complement the accent color you have selected.

Modern Country Furniture

Modern country style furniture profiles are sleeker than traditional country furnishings. Furnishings that have a Shaker or Mission look like the Tradewins Mission Slat Bed are ideal candidates for a modern country bedroom. Rather than the whimsical appeal that can largely be attributed to classic country decorative elements such as stenciling, washed painted or distressed finishes, carved finials or panels, modern country possesses sophisticated yet tranquil appearance.

Another option when choosing bedroom furniture for your modern country bedroom is a more contemporary looking platform bed or a sleigh bed, but dress it in traditional country bedding with ruffled shams and a bed skirt. The Fashion Bed Group Cooper Panel Bed is a perfect example of how a contemporary bed can be incorporated into a modern country bedroom interior design. Routed detailing and the wainscoted appearance of the headboard and footboard a definitive country style characteristics, but the clean lines and simple profiles are very contemporary or even modern.

Modern Country Decorating Ideas

While modern country utilizes a combination of traditional country and modern decorative elements and design principles, the emphasis is on practicality and simplicity. For a traditional touch of country in a modern country bedroom select bedding with a patchwork look like the Southern Textiles Paramount Monarch 11-Piece Queen Bedding Set.

The timeworn feel of traditional country furniture is reinterpreted in a modern country bedroom. Frills are restrained; carved elements are kept to a minimum; colors are bolder and richer. Floral themes are still welcome, but with a contemporary vibe that keeps fabrics from becoming too cottage country cute.

Daybed Savvy

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Once the number one decorating choice for a girl’s bedroom or a guest room, daybeds have “grown-up.” With new styles, improved materials and a variety of non-gender specific designs, today the daybed has become a savvy way to make the most of a room’s floor and storage space, for everyone, not just children. There is another reason for the resurging popularity of the daybed. Whether it’s used as the primary sleeping area or as an additional bed for an overnight guest, daybeds are ideal for smaller living spaces like studio apartments, condominiums, attic rooms or even awkwardly shaped rooms.

Because daybeds have the look of a classic sofa, no matter whether the style is traditional or contemporary or somewhere in between, they tend to make the room warm and inviting, much as a sofa makes a living room comfortable and welcoming. Since furnishings such as a sofa, loveseat or daybed tend to a focal point in the room, select a style of daybed that will match or complement the room’s current décor.

The daybed is a viable solution when prepping your home for visitors. Essentially a twin bed, a standard daybed resembles a couch with a back and two arms. Many types of daybeds have features like under-bed storage drawers or a trundle unit, which makes them versatile and ultra-functional. A trundle unit, either the pull-out or pop-up kind, allows you to sleep one other person in addition to the main sleeping area. The pop-up trundle bed is collapsible, has casters and can be elevated to the same height as the mattress on the daybed. If the two are pushed together and made up as one bed, it provides the same size sleeping area as a standard king size mattress.

Daybeds make great additions to your home because they add versatility and functionality to a second bedroom, a den, a dual purpose room or family room. Because they are designed for a twin size mattress and don’t need a box spring, daybeds can be an economical way to furnish several room at once. During the day, daybeds can be used as a sofa.  Depending on the type daybed bedding chosen, a daybed can look quite decorative or chic and tailored. Wood daybeds, especially ones that have a more traditional design, can give a room a touch of charm or sophistication.