Bedrooms Ideas

Beach Living

Inspired by the sands of Bermuda and Bora Bora, a creative homeowner gives his landlocked home the illusion of sand, sun, and surf. In the bedroom, a sense of serenity prevails thanks to the minimal use of color and a focus on sumptuous textures.

• Black-and-white photographs complement the palm-print bedspread.
• A sophisticated striped fabric is repeated on the curtains and bed skirt.
• A crisp linen-covered headboard is a calm break from the room's patterns.
• A wicker desk chair and rattan baskets bring warm texture to the room.

Age-Old Beauty

In keeping with this home's cottage theme, lavender and soft white hues set the mood in the master bedroom, where a serene palette won't detract from the picture-perfect views. Soft floral fabrics and curvaceous furnishings lend a feminine feel to the room while rich black finishes add an air of sophistication.

• An overstuffed linen duvet is a charming contrast to the floral window treatments.
• A four-poster bed accentuates the room's tall, sloped ceilings.
• Painted furnishings, such as the bedside table, help execute the room's breezy style.
• If you can't afford antiques, choose reproductions with distressed finishes.

Bedrooms

Breezy Retreat

Decorating Tips

New Hardware Made Easy

Many people associate decorating kitchens with major renovations, such as replacing appliances, countertops, and flooring, but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of easy and relatively inexpensive ways to breathe new life into a dated kitchen.

One of our favorite kitchen decorating tips is to upgrade your existing drawer pulls. Choose the style that best matches your décor style -- traditional, contemporary, or retro -- and in just a couple of hours, your kitchen will have a fresh new face.

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Decorating Tips

Mixing Old with New

When using antiques as an element of your home interior decorating, a little bit goes a long way. A thoughtful mixture of old and new elements can create an interesting and eclectic space. Don’t be afraid to mix fabrics and furnishings from different time periods.

One bathroom decorating idea is to pair a distressed antique mirror with contemporary, nickel-plated sink fixtures. In the dining room, fill an aged Victorian hutch with your favorite modern serving ware. Antique decorating isn’t so much about saturating a space with everything that’s old, but achieving an artistic blend of time-honored and current accents.

A Room with a View

When decorating your home, choosing the right window treatment can utterly transform a room. Whether you choose standard curtains, sheer panels, honeycomb blinds, or wood shutters, a window covering should express your personal style.

In addition to their obvious aesthetic impact, window treatments can also provide a sense of privacy, create a soothing and relaxed space, and absorb street noise and other exterior sounds. When selecting a window covering, fabric is one of the most important considerations. For casual rooms, cotton and linen provide relaxing choices. If you’re outfitting a formal space, opt for a more upscale material, such as silk, organza, or suede. Whatever window treatment you choose, be sure it blends well with your other interior decorating ideas.

Ideas