Blinds On Blinds!

If you don't want curtains in your bedroom why not take inspiration from the idea of using two different types of blinds?

Venetian blinds fitted inside the recess of the window provides the privacy you need without the use of net curtains, whilst a linen blend Roman blind style breaks the starkness, adding a soft and gentle touch which is ideal for bedrooms.

The great advantage of using two types of blinds is the endless possibilities of colour combinations you can use! White Venetian blinds provide you with a crisp clean look, as well as the versatility of being able to control the amount of light entering the room, whilst you can have a fabric blind which matches or coordinates with your bedding sets to bring the room together and provide a sense of balance.

This style of window dressing becoming increasingly popular as it a great money saver! Not only can ready made Roman blinds be bought inexpensively, you can also make your own Roman blinds which opens up a whole world of wonderful fabrics to choose from. Double layering window dressings is also a good way to help reduce heat loss via your windows, especially if you select a medium weight fabric for the Roman blinds.

Image: two ellie blogspot

Happy Christmas Everyone!

I hope you have a great day in your own chosen way, receive and give presents to friends and family, along with sitting round the table to tuck into your Christmas diner!

You've probably spent ages making sure your home is neat and tidy, especially if you have guests staying with you during the festive season, as well as decorating your home with your own individual design flair and colour combinations!

If you are spending Christmas at someone's else's home you will no doubt inadvertently look at their décor, colour scheme and interior design style – it's an 'inbred' thing which try as you might you can't shake off!

Obviously its wise not to pass judgement, however, making kind comments and remarks about someone's new curtains and blinds may be just the sort of thing they would like to hear, taking notice of someone else's efforts is a great way to build relationships as well as being a great talking point if you can't bear to sit and watch another repeat on the television!

Other people's interior designs can be very inspirational, rather like reading interior design blogs or thumbing through design magazines!

Image: Surroundings

Beautiful Festive Colour Schemes

You have probably already chosen your Christmas colour scheme this year, if you haven't try fabulous turquoise! This gorgeous colour is sure to brighten any home style as well as complimenting neutral décors.

Irrespective of what colour scheme you choose the key is not to get carried away and add so many baubles and tree decorations that your tree looks completely swamped! Remember the less is more 'rule'!

The other thing is to buy a tree which suits and fits comfortably within the size of your room! Placing it in front of your lounge window is a great idea just so long as it doesn't interfere with the opening and closing of curtains or vertical blinds.

Whilst it is the season to be jolly, you also need to be jolly careful that you don't expose your house and its contents to the world as sadly opportunist thieves are prevalent over the festive season, particularly if you leave your curtains or blinds open when you are not at home. Of course if you have Venetian or vertical blinds you can simply adjust the angle of the slats or vanes to give you privacy from prying and inquisitive eyes!

Sounds cynical? Or just a reflection of the times we live in?

Image: House of Turquoise

Wake Up To The Smell Of Natural Pine Or Spruce This Christmas!

I love the idea of adding festive decorations to bedrooms! What could be more pleasing that crisp, clean, snow white bedding sets and the smell of evergreen pine or spruce sap to make you feel really Christmassy!

This chic bedroom uses natural elements throughout the year with the beautifully carved wooden bed posts and the simple wood-weave Roman style wooden blinds. It's the simplicity of the overall appearance of the room combined with different textures, as seen in the embroidered bedding and scatter cushions and bed posts which has so much appeal. The windows have not been over dressed, so as much natural light as possible can enter the room during the daytime.

It's really easy to emulate designs such as these and what's even more appealing is that you can choose inexpensive bedding sets and blinds, along with odd natural 'finds' (such as the scallop shells) to use as unobtrusive finishing touches. Keep the walls plain and the design simple, no fussiness just beautiful furnishings and personal treasures and the smallest of bedrooms can be transformed effortlessly.

Adding the natural festive touches would be ideal for guest rooms this Christmas and shows that you have great design style throughout your home not just in the lounge!

Image: A Life's Design

Create Stunning Festive Windows!

Don't you just love the festive season! I say this with tongue in cheek, don't get me wrong I adore Christmas, the fairy lights, trees and of course the receiving and giving of presents!

What I'm not too keen on is the hype and over commercialisation! The one thing that always please me is the opportunity to spend money on the all important finishing touches in the lounge and dining room which make the festive season so special.

I've decided on a chic and stylish theme this year which is minimalist, working on the adage that less is more! As the garden Christmas tree remains in-situ I ensue the windows are sparkling clean and have invested in lightweight voile curtains with trendy metal openings which compliment the curtain poles. I'm also going to hang bunches of baubles in pretty pastel shades to act as temporary tie-backs!

As you can see with little expense and inspiration from different pages of interior design blogs you can dress your windows in keeping with your Christmas design theme in your lounge and dining room to create stunning interior which will ooze with creativity as well as chic styling!

Image: Belle Maison 23

The Beautiful Colours Of Nature

If the thought of filling your home with tortoiseshell, ivory and horn sends shivers down your spine, you can still have some of nature's finest patterns and colours just as long as it faux (false).

Thinking about where your furniture and soft furnishing come from and the materials they are made from is becoming extremely popular as we are looking at ways to lower our carbon footprint, however, ivory, horn and tortoiseshell, rightly or wrongly, has been used in interiors for many hundreds of years across the globe.

The beautiful browns, creams and orange hues found in natural tortoiseshell make wonderful colour combinations. Cast your mind back to the 70s when teenagers wanted chocolate brown and orange bedrooms, they were the in-trend colours of the time and today these colours may be given fancy names such as chocolate, mocha or sunset glow they are still fundamentally brown and orange!

Nature inspires many interior designs and the use of natural materials which have been sourced from sustainable resources has never been more in demand. If you adore wooden blinds because of their colour, unique graining along with their practicality and versatility as a window dressing check out were the wood to make them has been sourced.

Image: Studio Annetta Blog

Viva Venetian Blinds!

If you like to keep things stylish yet simple within your home Venetian blinds have to be one of the most practical and versatile window treatments you can use.

The old fashioned metal Venetian blinds that clanked and clucked their way into many offices have been re-designed to suit all styles of home interiors perfectly.

White remains one of the most popular colour choices, basically because the colour blends effortlessly with any other colour within the room. Venetian blinds are very practical for use in bathrooms and kitchens as the latest designs have special coatings which make the moisture resistant and some also have coatings which help prevent dust build-up which has to be a big plus for anyone! The controls have also been modified over the years, with easy to use wand controls replaced pull cord systems.

The choice of colours has been greatly improved over recent years and along with the latest in-trend sherbet colours vibrant primary colours and gloss black are now available, even you really want a real change there are some fabulous faux leather Venetian blinds in black or chocolate brown which provide the same versatility with chic and modern design styles to suit modern lifestyles perfectly!

Image: My Notting Hill Blog

Invigorating Colour Combinations - Sublime Lime And Fuchsia Pink!

Just because autumn is upon us and the Indian summer has disappeared altogether you can still inject vibrancy and wonderful colour combinations within your home to cheer you up throughout the year!

Colour clashing remain in-trend within the world of interior design. Meaning even those who have what used to be perceived as lack of colour sense, can let their imaginations run wild and mix colours which clash to create stunning and inspiring interiors!

Lime and fuchsia pink are great examples of how two striking colours can look harmonious sitting side by side. The key is to use then in nearly equal proportions so that one colour doesn't grab all the attention! Ready made curtains swept open and held in place with matching tie backs are a great way of creating a frame to a picture, piece of wall art or highlight a display area.

Think theatrical! To create great focal points within your living space, remember ready made curtains don't have to be solely used as window dressings they make the ideal frame to your 'theatre' as well as being a simple way to divide rooms and even conceal untidy alcoves, let the colours scream out your personality!

Image: Belle Maison

Create Clean, Straight Lines Using Matching Curtain Poles

If you have the advantage of having a large dining area maximising the amount of natural light during the day by using sheer curtains creates a striking and informal ambiance to the area.

Having full length sheer curtains which cover two walls will also create the illusion of more space, along with clean lines and chic styles which suit both modern and contemporary homes effortlessly.

Using curtains poles which fit neatly into the corners of the room also provide a style which is well thought out, bringing cohesion to the area. White or ivory sheer curtains such as voiles or faux silk add a touch of contrast against the robust and durable practicalities of a dining room furniture. This juxtaposition enables the curtains to be hung from dark coloured curtain poles to compliment the colour of the the dining suite beautifully and elegantly.

Try mixing sheer lightweight fabrics with chunky furniture to create stunning interiors which have a eclectic mix of textures to add depth with harmony to your dining room. Using full length curtains will also add height to a room as well as being the perfect solution for dressing patio or French doors which are typically found in dinning rooms of traditionally styled homes.

Image: A Life's Design

Black Venetian Blinds Provide Style And Impact To Modern Interiors

Metal Venetian blinds have been available for years with many people being more used to seeing them in offices than people's homes. However, their versatility and practicality has made them a very popular window dressing in all styles of homes.

Recent manufacturing concepts means that the clanking, noisy Venetian blinds are a thing of the past, smooth operating systems and a diversity of different colours provides a chic and stylish window dressing either when used on their own or in conjunction with ready made curtains.

Black Venetian blinds provides an understated impact to a window and it the perfect choice for creating contemporary monochromatic colour schemes.

If privacy is high on your interior design agenda than Venetian blinds tick all the right boxes! Enabling you to have complete control over the amount of light entering your room, along with ability to tilt the blinds to provide complete privacy from prying eyes without restricting natural light. If you don't have passers-by looking in then you cab simply pull up the blinds to your desired height to provide maximum light along with chic interior styling! Angle the louvres upwards and it is possible to bounce the natural light off of a white ceiling back down into the room.

Image: Little French Nest Blog

Are You Prepared For Potential Floods?

According to UKCIP (UK Climate impact Programme) 'In the next 25 years, 80,000 homes could be affected by flooding..'

With many homes and their occupants already experienced the devastation flood waters can do to homes, there are some useful tips which may help to lessen the blow should your home be affected this winter.

Always follow instructions given by the emergency services.

Check whether your house is liable to flooding. This may sound rather daft, however, just because you haven't been affected before there is no telling whether you may be in the future, so checking is wise so that you can be prepared for a worst case scenario.

Check weather forecasts and flood alerts to begin moving as many of your possessions as you can upstairs if you live in a two or more storey house. If you live in a ground floor flat or a bungalow ask friends and family to take care of your belongs for you. Many things you may be able to replace, however, treasured photographs and mementos are irreplaceable.

If you have floor length curtains it would be wise to take them down, otherwise they can act in the same way as a wick and soak the water upwards. Replace the curtains with inexpensive aluminium Venetian blinds so that you still have privacy both day and night.

Above all else remember not to take any risks which could endanger your own or others lives.

Image: Living Art and Interiors Blogspot

Tickled Pink In The Bedroom!

Pink, love or loathe it? Whichever your stance it remains one of the most popular colour schemes for girl's bedrooms! Maybe it associate with Barbie or just because of the stereotypical colour associated with girls!

Throughout the world all shades of pink are used to create 'girlie' bedrooms! It's a timeless classic which can be used in all styles and designs of homes. Typically teamed with white walls and ceilings for a fairy tale princess look for young girls, pink bedrooms can be re-vamped cost effectively for teenage girls by coordinating black for a dramatic statement look or transformed into gorgeous sensuous places when combined with orange, lilac or indigo blues.

Think of the orangey pink glow as the sunsets to create bedrooms which are warm and inviting. Add embroidered or beautifully embellished duvet sets to bring a pink bedroom right up to date in the world of interior design. Add boudoir style cushions, boa feathers along with beaded chandeliers and pink bedrooms can become far more inviting than you may think!

For a spring-time fresh look team fuchsia pink with apple green for an exciting and vibrant appearance which is crisp and clean to liven up a dark and dreary room.

Next time you think 'pink', step outside the stereotypical box and be inspired with a colour which is available in a wide palette of different shades to invigorate your home beautifully.

Image: My Notting Hill Blog

Remember, Remember The 5th of November!

I have to openly admit that I am a pyrotechnic lover! Yes, I am one of those who 'ohhs' and 'ahhs' every-time the night sky is lit up! Of course today is bonfire night in the UK, a day dedicated to remembering the plot, treason and attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament!

Of course now-a-days fireworks are used to celebrate just about everything and every occasion across the globe. Bringing the vibrancy and magical qualities of the patterns fireworks produce into your home is a great way to inject some zing into your home. Of course you could use photographs of actual exploding fireworks or create your own wall art, alternatively you could look out for fabrics which have been inspired by pyrotechnics and use them as curtains, cushions and duvet sets. Beautifully designed lighting in vases is yet another way of adding wonderful lighting effects in your home which are reminiscent of the trails of light left behind by fireworks!

If you're not into making your own soft furnishings there are some wonderful vibrant patterns and colours on the 'ready made' shelves of many high street and online retailers. The key in creating the illusion of fireworks is to have a black, night sky, back ground with vibrant contrasting patterns. Beaded embellishments will add the glittery sparkle beautifully!

Image: MocoLoco

Sleek Venetian Blinds To Compliment Kitchens Perfectly

Don't be a slave to your kitchen! Rather than rushing around like a maniac when waiting for a cake to bake, simply take it easy in relax in a kitchen which has been designed to suit modern living styles impeccably!

I'm not sure if bright candy pink would be my colour choice or the arm chairs, but I do like the area which has been designated to relaxation within a kitchen. This beautiful sunny window has the ideal window covering for kitchens; humble Venetian blinds have seen a recent revival within many kitchen interior designs. Easy to install and practical, you can see just how versatile they are. Enabling you to have complete control over the amount of natural sunlight entering the room, when used at windows of all shapes of sizes you can have them pulled up at different levels to give a very chic and stylish look which is both practical and affordable.

Opt for a neutral colour such as the latest in-trend graphite or steal colours as these compliment all colour schemes effortlessly, particularly in kitchens to coordinate with steel accessories, stainless steel sinks and cupboard handles.

Sleek, shiny and spotlessly clean kitchens don't have to be places in which you are slave to the sink or cooker, take time to relax whilst you fill your home with mouthwatering smells of homemade bread and cakes!

Image: AtticMag

Use Curtains In Your Bathroom!

Most homes, irrespective of size, opt to have blinds as their window treatment in their bathrooms. These are easy to install, easy to operate and are available in a vast array of different colours and patterns.

Make no mistake there is nothing wrong with using blinds, far from it! They are a cost effective and practical way to provide privacy as well as letting plenty of natural light flood into the room when they are rolled up. However, if you are looking for something a little more unusual and unique in your bathroom, break from tradition and use full length curtains if you windows is not situated with the sink, bath or loo above it!

Curtains add a touch of chic styling which oozes elegance when the right colour combinations are used! As most bathroom suites are white you have a whole world of gorgeous colours to choose from! For a funky look use vibrant fuchsia pink, lime green or deep purple. If you are after a monochromatic look of course you should opt for black and white. Floral patterns which trail up the length of the curtains will also give the illusion of more height in your room.

Retro looks can also look simply stunning in bathrooms. Look for mirrors with metal or mirrored frames to bring extra light in a stylish way.

The use of free standing baths in-trend enables these looks to be more easily achieved. The other trend of staying in rather than spending on nights out means you will have time to enjoy relaxing and soaking in a bath filled with fragrant bubbles! If you want to create a warm and romantic look scented candles are a good choice, just be careful where you place the candles if you use curtains to reduce the potential fire risk.

Image: Belle Maison

Creating A Unique Look To Your Home

If you like the fascinating grains found in natural wood and yet prefer not have the usual wood tones, opt for roller blinds with a wood grain finish! This is a great way to bring a touch of nature into your home which is a little more unique and interesting.

Roman and roller blinds remain to used as a primary window dressing for many reasons. They are a great way to enable as much light as you want, when you want it into the room.

Roman blinds are available in a wide range of plain and patterned fabrics ready made or are easy to make yourself with a Roman blind kit, all you have to do is select the fabric to suit the colour and design scheme of your rooms. This is ideal for people who love to have bespoke items in their homes, and this must be one of the most affordable bespoke items you can have!

Okay, you can make cushions and throws from unique patterned materials and they would also be bespoke! In fact anything you make yourself falls into this category as there will never be an absolutely identical one anywhere to buy!

That is one of my favourite aspects of interior design, if you create a room yourself it is bespoke and you can't get much more unique than that! If you are feeling the pinch at the moment it may be the right time to spend some time and little money on making your own fabulous blinds, curtains and cushions for you home, with the number of great discount fabric suppliers online you really can have exactly what you want, they will even send fabric samples so that you be sure of the colour and quality of the fabric.

Image: The Peak of Chic

Opt For Chic, Yet Inexpensive Alternatives To Transform Your Home

Mix old with new with furniture as one of the most in-trend interior styles is to have antique or old pieces sitting beside something which is completely new. This trend suits many homes as there are nearly always 'treasures' which you simply can't ignore but are never really sure what to do with! The key is not to over crowd, as this just becomes a jumbled mess rather than a striking interior which shows that it has been carefully and tastefully thought out.

The choice of colours you use should also be given careful consideration. Whilst the latest design are predominately white opt for a modern cream and team with rich reds to bring a feeling of warmth to your rooms.

Rather than have curtains which can block out light in a small room opt for blinds made from neutral coloured fabrics to bring the room together effortlessly. Natural colours are ideal for small rooms without the starkness white sometimes portrays. These colours make a room feel lived in and homely which is what many people strive for. Getting the combination right is a matter or re-adjusting your mind set to a completely new way of looking at interior designs.

Rather than wishing your home could look like it has come straight out of the page of a design magazine stamping your own individualism is what great interiors are all about! We can all wish that we had more space, more ideas and perhaps more money to buy all the wonderful things we long for, take a reality check and opt for chic, yet inexpensive alternatives to make transform your house into a warm and inviting home.

Image: Small Space Style

Maximising The Potential Of Small Spaces

If your living space is small and restrictive you will need to adopt the tricks of the interior design world to give the illusion of more space!

White is a classical example of maximising space by tricking the eye into thinking the space is larger than reality. Brushed steel and reflective surfaces are another trick used as the light is bounced around the room which again provides the illusion of more space.

Many people place a mirror on a chimney breast as older houses typically have the window directly opposite the fireplace! Maximising the light by placing a mirror to catch as much natural light as possible has been adopted for many years!

White is also an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms as bright white has a clean, crisp look, especially when new! Be careful though otherwise your home could become an uninviting steely icy place which makes you feel cold! The easiest route and key is to add subtle touches of a vibrant warm colour such as red or orange.

Just select a few carefully placed objects of interest and add the finishing touches such as either a white or coloured roller blind to the window which will allow the maximum amount of light to enter the room when pulled or rolled up to the top of the window. Roller blinds are also ideal for lowering to a height which prevent glare from sunlight when working in the sink area, because just like older styled houses have windows opposite the fireplaces, they also have kitchen windows above the sink!

Image: AtticMag

Everything Is Going To Be All White!

Among the latest interior design styles is to have rooms which are completely white from ceiling to floor and everything in between! Whilst this design style may provide sleek clean lines is it a style which really suits most people's lifestyles?

Don't misunderstand, I adore white and yet I realistically know that even one scuff mark or grubby fingerprint can make the whole scheme look marred! This in itself does not lend to family ways of living and yet having white does have its own distinct and unique advantages.

Firstly if kept well maintained it does always provide you with a crisp, clean look every time you enter the room. It is also one of the most cost effective ways to decorate and dress a room. White emulsion paint is the least expensive on the market along with white Venetian PVC blinds which are available in a wide range of different widths and lengths to suit windows of all sizes. These are also easy to keep clean as the latest designs have an anti-dust coating which reduces the amount of dust build up!

Using large mirrors has always been an effective way to brighten a room and give the illusion of more space. Whilst painting floor boards is the in-trend thing to do rather than just having stripped pine.

Bedding is always available in white, with many people preferring to use white sheets irrespective of the colour of their duvets, and like blinds are among the low cost bedding options.

So rather than viewing an all white room with trepidations think of the stunning looks which can be achieved on the smallest of budgets and you may just change your mind!

Image: AtticMag

Modern Nursery Style Alternatives

Decorating a nursery has become much easier now that people have the opportunity to know which sex there baby has before its born! No more yellow or middle ground colours, if people so choose they can paint a nursery the traditional blue for a boy and pink for girl. However, many modern parents don't like these stereotypical approaches and still prefer to opt for middle ground colours which suit either gender.

Of course there are many parents who make the decision not to be told the sex of their child as they still like the surprise element after the birth! Which ever you chose is of course up to each individual. Those who prefer to use the middle ground have a whole host of wonderful colours which they can decorate a nursery to choose from.

Teal blue and biscuit beige are great colour combinations for a nursery. Blinds are a great alternative to curtains, however be sure to use the child friendly operating version to reduce the risk of accidents.

Adding touches of white provides a clean and 'new' look as well as a clean feel without making a room feel or look to clinical! You should be looking for options which are easy to achieve and simple to keep clean. Polished wooden floors are perfect for nurseries as there is no risk of spoiling carpets when little accidents occur!

If you feel the need for something warm under your feet a fluffy shag pile rug is the ideal solution as these can be cleaned or changed for a different colour or style as the baby starts crawling and walking.

Image: AtticMag

Vintage Revivals In Kitchens

Fitted kitchens are in many ways becoming a thing of the past as interior designers or those who stamp their own unique identity on their home as realising that to be unique you have to inject your own personality into your rooms!

Country cottage inspired kitchens are in-trend with the return of large white enamel sinks and units and wall cupboards which are not all identical, each brings it's own touch of flair to the design. Shelving to display treasures and 'finds' are also back in-vogue, along with shelving and storage spaces having fabric curtain style coverings rather than doors.

Bring a room together by using identical fabric for the window dressing is a great way to keep individualism and yet bring a room's style together quite effortlessly. The colour and pattern of the fabric use use is a matter of personal taste and that's why this style of interior will create a completely unique look irrespective if every house in a street had the same layout.

Opting for vertical stripes is a great way to give the illusion of more height as it naturally draws the eye upwards. The latest roll up blinds give a window an ideal window treatment for kitchens as they fir snugly inside the window recess and don't interfere with worktop or sink areas, as well as being ideal for adjusting to different levels depending on how much strong sunlight is entering the room along with be easy to drop down at night or if you need some privacy from neighbours or passers by!

Image: Absolutely Beatutiful Things

Match Blinds And Curtains To Create Stunning Contemporary Interiors

Today's interior design focus on maximising space by having only the barest of furniture without any nik-naks on display, everything neat, tidy and in it's place. Do most people's homes look like that in reality or is it just a pipe dream for most?

If most people were honest it's how they would like to live and it may be possible for singles and couples, however once a family starts to grow homes take on a a new lease of life in many different ways! If you really adore the sleek, clean lines of contemporary design styles keeping them completely clutter free is virtually impossible once babies and children arrive!

The master bedroom may be one place where you can keep true to your favoured design style, which just help you struggle your way through sleepless nights and crack of dawn awakenings! However, the chances of it remaining entirely child free is somewhat remote as you won't be able to resist the temptation to have a least one photograph either on the dressing table or wall!

Dream homes are brilliant ways to be inspired and re-focus. It is even most to imitate the styles you see without having to have the designer price tag attached. Look for blinds and curtains made from the same fabrics and in the same colour. Have subtle hints of the same colour on your pillow slips and your room can be simply and affordably transformed.

The one saving grace for these contemporary interiors is they actually take far less time to clean and tidy, which in itself is an inspirational reason for creating them!

Image: Freshome

Don't Restrict The Use Of Blinds Just For Windows!

The humble blind has more uses than purely window treatments. With a little ingenuity and the necessity to either keep the sun light out along with prying eyes, blinds of all types can be used throughout your home.

Roller or Roman blinds are ideal to use on back doors which are half glass. Wonderful country cottage looks can be achieved using either a plain neutral colour or a beautiful floral fabric, whilst modern homes look equally stunning with bold stripes or patterned blinds.

Blinds are also a great way to cover shelving in alcoves in older styles of home as they are easy to operate along with giving full exposure to the space when it needs to be utilised. Venetian blinds can work equally as well to give a contemporary look when the latest mirrored or perforated designs are used.

Swag and tail curtains typically are used in conjunction with a roller or vertical blinds as this enables privacy at night without having to disrupt the glorious chic look of the curtains. Homes which have pristine window dressing, such as swags and tails, which always look immaculate are created by always leaving the curtains exactly in place! This 'trick of the trade' can also be used to have stunning window dressings without having to have the usual amounts of curtain fabric, however once you have made the choice just to have swags and tails for show only, you will not be able to close them completely even if you wanted to, so give careful consideration as to the disadvantages this may have particularly during the winter months when you need to reduce heat loss through your windows by closing the curtains at night.

Image: My Notting Hill

Inexpensive Bathroom Makeovers To Beat The Winter Blues!

One of the latest design trends is 'colour clashing' or choosing colours which are not usually recognised as being compatible. An excellent example of this is lime green coordinated with plum or aubergine or burnt orange teamed with ochre. Therefore if you have an old style bathroom suite colour of sage green coordinating with white tiles along with stripped floorboards, also painted white, and replacing your current window dressing with a white blind will provide a striking style which will not appear so out of fashion!

Likewise if you have a powder blue bath opt for a contemporary look by decorating the room with a vibrant contrasting colours such as post box red for a trendy and fun look. Of course you can always opt for a vintage look by coordinating powder blue with candy floss pink, along with a floral theme which provides a country cottage style with touches of pale green or cream.

Change the blinds for styles with spotty fabric in sherbet shades and add a chair with the seat recovered in a candy coloured stripes. Include vintage pieces such as large jugs and bowls to add focal points to the room, along with subtle touches of cohesion by having towels edged with the same fabric as the chair seat or blinds.

Above all have fun mixing colours and rather than be depressed by your old bathroom suite turn it to your advantage by simply adding new aspects which will lift your morale and beat the winter blues!

Image: Belle Maison

The 4 C's ! Create Colour Coordinated Chic!

You have probably heard of the three R's in the UK, but have you ever heard of the 4 C's?
* Create
* Colour
* Coordinated
* Chic

Interior design styles which are easy to achieve and inexpensive can easily be put together if you think of the 4 C's!

Create: How you create your interior design style reflects your personality and shows people more than you may expect about yourself and your preferred lifestyle! Therefore think wisely about your choices, don't merely opt for the latest fashion fad in interior design, create styles which you enjoy and love being in!

Colour: The colours you choose says a lot about you! And whilst you may not be one for old wives tales and past folklore, colour therapists will beg to differ as the colour used in your home has hidden meanings whether you are aware of them or not!

Coordinated: Coordinating does not necessarily mean everything has to match. What it does mean it that to create a coordinated look to your home you should choose colours which compliment each other, along with a strong accent colour. The term 'strong' does not have to be taken literally, meaning you have to have at least one controlling shade or tone! Soft pastels such as soft candy pink or duck egg blue can be excellent accent colours for white or ivory rooms. Use accent colours for blinds, curtains, cushions and rugs and you will pull the room together to give a sense of balance and cohesion.

Chic: This term may be open to debate and misinterpretation as one person's perception of chic may be miles apart from someone else's! The basic principle here is to keep rooms purposeful and meaning full. You can mix colours and designs to create a chic interiors which ooze stunning style, as long as they work well for you and you are comfortable living with them!

Images: Habitually Chic

Choosing Colours For Your Interiors!

One of the greatest things about interior design is that you can opt for any style you like, it's your home and you should feel comfortable in it! You do not have to keep up with the very latest design trends to have an interior which is stunning.

If you can't decide on which colour you like best or simply have to have them all then simple aspects such as painting your cupboard doors all a different colour can look striking and very stylish! In order that the look is not overwhelmed opt for plain white blinds which enable you to control how much light and privacy you want or need.

Using Venetian styled blinds in a kitchen is ideal, particularly if they are made from metal which has been coated to help reduce dust build up as well as being very easy to keep clean, as they allow plenty of natural light to flood into the room creating a homely, bright and airy space when stacked at the top of the window or when the louvres are tilted open. If you have small windows you can further maximise the use of natural light up slightly tilting the louvres upwards which enables the light to bounce off a white ceiling.

Keep things natural in the kitchen by having easy to clean flooring around the working areas. If you have a table in your kitchen you can opt for a rug made from natural materials to keep the theme coordinated and bring a sense of homeliness as well as cohesion to the room.

Image: Avant-garde Design

Protect Your Flooring From Fading With Venetian or Vertical Blinds

Wooden flooring has been popular for many years, either original stripped floor boards in older styles of homes, parquet flooring in the 1960s along with the influx of laminate style flooring which is being used throughout modern homes.

Interior designers have created beautiful wooden floors which have patterns set within them providing the best of both worlds in terms of both innovation and chic style! The patterns are made from using different coloured wood in the same way as marquetry is used on furniture. Wood inlay coloured patterns can be selected to blend effortlessly with your interior design colour scheme, offering a truly remarkable floor with maximum effect.

However, anyone with a natural floor needs to take care and reduce the risk of staining by mopping up spills as quickly as possible before it has time to penetrate into the wood and also by ensuring the window dressing they choose offers flexibility and practicality in helping to reduce the floor from fading in harsh sunlight. This is of particular importance if you have south facing windows as even in the UK where people may not think there is sufficient or intense sunlight which will damage floors will be astounded to know that the UV rays can cause as much harm to your floor as they can to your skin even on the dullest of days!

Venetain or vertical blinds are the ideal solution as they can look stunning when used as the sole window treatment and equally as striking when teamed with curtains. The great advantage over having either of these styles of blinds is the amount of control you have in diffusing the light or blocking it out completely. Adjusting the louvres correctly will also help furniture and soft furnishings from fading, as well as providing privacy when needed.

Image: Freshome

Break The 'Rules' With Bold Curtains And Fabrics

Finding new and innovative ways to dress your windows has never been easier with the vast range of colours and styles of fabric which are widely available both on the high street and online.

Go for something daring and bold which brings nature into your home by selecting fabric which has a bold floral print in this season's in-trend colour of gorgeous lime green and white. To add further individuality and chic style to your home rather then opt for a classical curtain at each side of the window, use one wide curtain or length of fabric and sweep it from the top of the window to one side and hold in place with a tie back.

This enables the beauty of the pattern and the fabric to be seen at all times not just when the curtains are drawn together in the evenings. If floral patterns are not to your taste this style of window dressing works equally as effectively with any bold print as well as plain fabric. Keep the weight of the fabric in mind when making your choice as the lighter the weight the more fluidity it will provide.

Coordinate the colour with the rest of your interior design colour scheme or alternatively opt for a deliberate clash of colours to inject vibrancy and a sense of fun into a room. The latest colour clashing is in-vogue in a big way at present which enables you to opt for your favourite colours and do away with the usual 'rules' of interior design, which is an absolute joy for those who can never seem to get their colours coordinated correctly!

However, although colour clashing is in-vogue you do need to be a little careful otherwise you can end up with a miss-mash of colours which look more like an interior design nightmare than chic style!

Image: Avant-Garde

Cost Effective Patchwork Revival

Patchwork has been around for hundreds of years and has always been used as an effective way of recycling old or left over pieces of fabric and materials. With recession affecting people's spending power, having or using patchwork to create stunning bed covers and even curtains is back in-vogue as an effective way of recycling and making things for 'free'!

Mixing different textures of fabrics brings patchwork right up to date, as in the past it was typically only cotton fabrics which were used. Today you can make patchwork out of any type of material, including lightweight voiles and organza to create sheer curtains which let an abundance of light flood into a room in a soft and somewhat dreamy fashion making this style perfect for bedrooms!

Those who don't feel inclined of have the aptitude to make patchwork, but still adore the country cottage interior design themes and styles, will be pleased to know that it is possible to buy fabric which has the appearance of patchwork! This may be defeating the object somewhat of recycling, but it is a great way to achieve this type of interior style at affordable costs without having to wait for a patchwork to be made!

Next time you have a clear out in your wardrobe why not put the fabric to good use? Or on second thoughts look for lovely cottage style ready made curtains which can simply be hung from wooden curtain poles to achieve the same look in a fraction of the time!

Image:Freshome

Tips For Achieving Trendy Teenage Bedrooms

Decorating a teenage girl's bedroom can be extremely difficult to achieve due to the ever changing fashions in colours and interior design trends. Making a striking yet simple, practical and very functional bedroom can be achieve with a little ingenuity even on a limited budget!

Those who are handy with a sewing machine can choose fabric to suit the colour trends and transform bedrooms into chic places with coordinating bed covers, curtains and blinds which also offer a different stance on a typical bedroom design by having curtains which close across the bed!

In the past curtains were used to provide extra warmth in cold houses and much needed privacy in days when rooms were shared by the entire family! Modern homes no longer to use bed curtains for either of these functions and yet providing a 'private place' for teenagers is essential in today's modern world!

Opt for a robust fabric for the bed cover to transform the bed into a settee style seating place which can be used during the day. Scatter cushions add the all essential finishing touches which also can be used to inject further colours and texture, combine these with this year's trend of chandelier style lighting to achieve a stunning look which will be envied by friends! Just the type of personal space a young person needs!

Of course the colour combinations can be anything your teenager likes, this style of bedroom design works well with both plain or patterned fabrics, whether the room is left uncluttered is of course down to the young person, however by giving them a space they really love you may be surprised how neat and tidy it will be!

Image: Habitually Chic

Blinds Are A Cost Effective Window Dressing

Interior design has not only gone 'green' by using the different colour shades of green, the use of natural materials from sustainable sources is also high on many people's design agendas.

Natural cotton fabrics, Hessian and wood are among the most popular choices, combined with colour schemes which are derived from nature. Creating stunning interiors using natural materials has never been more fashionable or more affordable!

One of the most cost effective window treatments are blinds made from bamboo or wood weave materials. These have been on the market for many years as a cheap, yet effective way of covering windows. Without sounding too philosophical bamboo is one of the oldest know methods of covering openings/windows to reduce heat and stop prying eyes from looking inside people's homes.

In the 'seventies' bamboo blinds were in-vogue and where used to create natural looking interiors at affordable prices. The return to being 'closer to nature' and being 'green' has once again seen this type of blind to regain popularity as a cost effective method of providing window dressings either on their own or used in combination with curtains as no longer are they seen as a cheap and only used by students they have become common place in traditional and modern homes.

Nowadays, wood weave or bamboo blinds are used in conservatories and summer houses as an effective way to help reduce heat build-up, along with bringing nature inside the home.

Image: A Life's Design

Roller Blinds Remain Popular Window Dressings

The humble roller blind has seen some dramatic changes in recent years. The main focus of interior design trends is to use blinds which are made from wonderful fabrics which coordinate beautifully with the colour scheme and design style of your rooms.

The kitchen has always been a popular room to fit roller blinds due to their versatility and ease of use. To ensure you have the right colour and pattern it is even possible to make your roller blinds from kit form. The suppliers provide all of the necessary equipment such as control mechanisms and pulleys all you have to do is select the fabric!

However, with the wide range of ready made roller blinds currently available there is little need to spend time making your own! Opt for colours which create the desired effect, such as light natural colours and gingham patterns for a country cottage kitchen or a bright bold colour to team with work tops and cupboards in modern and contemporary kitchens.

The humble roller blind is not only ideal for use in kitchens, they are ideal to team with swag and tails window treatments to create a stunning and professional look to a lounge or dining area. In the bedroom opt for roller blinds which also have black out properties, particularly if you live in large towns where light pollution is a problem!

As roller blinds are available in a vast number of different widths and lengths even the smallest windows can benefit from having a blind fitted. For those who want to achieve the latest looks roller blinds which have an complete image on them such as forests, flowers or under water scenes create wonderful window treatments which transform into wall style art when pulled down.

Image: Habitually Chic

Can't Decide Which Eyelet Curtains To Use?

If you can't decide which colour or pattern of curtains to use why not take inspiration from interior designers who are using the fashionable mix of bold colours and patterns to create striking interiors which have non-matching curtains!

The idea may seem rather bizarre, however with careful planning and incorporation of the same fabrics for cushions and using a mismatch of textures and patterns stunning trendy designs can look very effective in many styles of homes.

Using white as the wall colour and natural wood flooring gives you the opportunity to mix and match the colours of your soft furnishings. To make this style look effective opt for colours which compliment each other and are within the same colour hue range, otherwise it may simply look odd and unbalanced.

Use the same two colours as accent pieces is also a great way to bring the room a sense of cohesion and trendy chic elegance. Choose colours which inject vibrancy for maximum effect, along with a variation in furniture from different style trends.

The wide variety of colours and patterns of ready made eyelet curtains enables anyone to try this funky style within their home, not forgetting that if the curtains come in pairs you automatically have a replacement replica pair to use whilst the others are being laundered! Alternatively you can use the image image if you have a room with windows at opposite ends of the room.

I admire designers and people who dare to be different simply by using a new way to make their living space stand out from the crowd!

Image: Belle Maison

You Can Never Have Enough Storage, Seating or Cheap Cushions!

I always think that you can never have enough storage space, seating or cushions as such I embrace the idea of combining these with open arms!

Window seat are always a great idea in older styled houses where there is sufficient depth on the window sill to enable you sit or lean comfortably against a cushion, if they have built in storage so much the better!

Making use of space in today's modern homes has to be on many people's agendas. With house prices still very high in most parts of the UK, finding a home to enable you get your foot on the first rung of the house buying ladder is becoming increasingly difficult. The houses or apartments you may be able to afford are going to be the smaller ones, irrespective of their age.

However, restoring an old Victorian terrace or choosing the type of design you want in a more modern house is all part and parcel of transforming you living space into a place you can call home. Putting your individualism into each room can be fun and does not have to cost a fortune or look tacky!

For first time DIYers a great project would be to make additional seating for when you have guests and incorporating much needed storage. A simple box style construction made from MDF or ply would be suitable substantial to take people's weight and the top can be simply painted and have lots of cheap cushions placed for comfort, or the more adventurous may like to add a padded bench cover. This can be achieved by buying a block of foam, most suppliers will cut it to size for you, and either making a fabric cover which can be put on and off, in much the same way as a pillow slip, or simply drape it over and tucked in underneath!

Be inspired and make the most of the space you have!

Image: Alkemie

Thinking 'Outside Of The Box' Can Produce Stunning Interior Designs

Interior design is all about finding styles of décor and furniture that you like and are comfortable living with! You may wish to emulate designs, themes and topics which you see in magazines and blog posts as these can give you brilliant inspirational ideas!

Thinking outside of the box is a great way to have a unique perspective on the type of style you want. Be brave and add quirky touches will not only make your home very personalised it can also give you a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Up-cycling or recycling is a design trend which is becoming more and more in-vogue and whilst I don't want to harp on about the recession, finding treasures from junk and salvage yards and adding a lick of paint or altering them to compliment your own design flair can be immensely satisfying!

Take a chest of draws; an object which can be used in any room for storing anything you like, not just clothes and look equally as trendy in a all styles of both traditional and modern homes. Leave looking a bit shabby and worn if you like the shabby chic interior styles, add tie backs of assorted colours and you have a practical and very trendy piece of furniture!

Painting old furniture has also seen a revival in the last couple of years, which again allows your imagination to work over-time! Stencilling maybe somewhat outdated, however you could try your hand at decoupage or simply paint the piece in a vibrant gloss colour to compliment the rest of your décor.

'Old Parisian' is another design style which is similar to shabby chic! Paint furniture white and then distress the edges to give it an old worn look, use in combination with soft blue and the results can be stunning!

Image: A Life's Design

Beautiful, As Well As Chic Ready Made Curtains

For me ready made curtains really are the next best thing to sliced bread! They are so easy to hang and are available in incredible colour ways, designs, patterned and plain fabrics as well as being available in different sizes and weights of fabrics to suit each room of your house.

Used on their own they are effectively beautiful, team with a roller or Venetian blind and you have an instant window dressing which also offer privacy from prying eyes both day and night!

Selecting the style of window dressing is a fundamental part of achieving an overall sense of balance and cohesion to a room, irrespective of its size. If you are looking to add height to a room opt for curtains with a vertical pattern or stripe as these will automatically drawn the eye upwards.

Use light or neutral colours if you want a small room to appear larger and rich dark colours if your are after a more sensual or warm and cosy look.

The design trends of the year are focusing on using natural material with clean lines in modern and contemporary styled homes. Plain neutral colours with wide stripes or bands of contrasting materials such as faux suede or faux leather, across the top third of full length curtains offer a very chic and stylish look, more especially if they have eyelet headings as these can be simply hung on stylish curtains poles of either natural wood or in-vogue polished metal effects.

Be inspired by designs such as Harvard curtains which offer a trendy and non-fussy look to add a splash of colour to your window dressing or alternatively use sheer fabrics such a voile, silk or organza for a simply stunning window treatment.

Image: Charm Hill Interiors Blogspot

Boost Your Morale With The Colours Of Summer

The colours of summer are a great way to boost your morale and inject vibrant colours into your living space. Interior designers are going against the 'grain' and using clashes of colour with great effect!

Bright and airy rooms cannot help but make you smile and feel happy! As many people are feeling gloomy due to being made redundant or struggling to make ends meet, having vibrancy within your home is a great tonic to lift your mood and inspire you to try new ventures.

Whether that be a complete change in career or the decision to start your own business. Keep positive and there are many ways you can make the most of hidden talents you never even knew you had!

I'm not implying that everyone should become interiors designers, far from it, but whilst you have time on your hands it is the ideal opportunity to get round to finishing all of those niggling little decorating touches you never quite got round to completing!

You could simply move your furniture round to give a completely new and refreshed look to you home, add cheap cushions and throws in beautiful colours which bring touches of different colours into your home. Think of stripes which may in some ways remind you of circuses, seaside fun and gorgeous colours of natural flowers which are prolific in many gardens at this time of the year and have these as easy to hang tab top curtains or in a rug.

Open the windows and let the smell of the rain or freshly mown lawns fill your home with natural cleanliness may be just the pick up you need!

Image: Belle Masion23

Times, Trends And People's Perceptions Have Changed – Thank Goodness!

Times are difficult for many people, from all walks of life and in a variety of different ways as the credit crunch is making life pretty bleak for some, whilst others are struggling to hang to their jobs or working in places they would rather not be.

As such, finding peace and tranquillity at home is essential, irrespective of how old you are, whether you live on your own or have a partner. Homes are what you make them and whilst spare cash may be sparse there are some great ways you can add some great style to your home without it breaking the bank.

If you can't afford or simply opt to only have one curtain as your window dressing, you have different ways you can choose to let the light in, which is a great way to add quirky yet practical fun to your living space!

Sweep it back to the right or left of the window, depending on where the most light is coming from and how much heat you want to let the sun bring you and hold in place with tie backs or simply gather it together in the centre and hold in place with a length of ribbon or contrasting fabric.

You don't even have to have wall to wall carpeting any longer, as plain floors with rugs are more in-vogue than the latter, and where in the past those who couldn't afford fitted carpets where considered by some to be those less well off, roles have reversed and in today's world plain and simple is definitely hip and chic!

Image: Vintage + Chic

Natural Colour Variations Are Mesmerising!

There is something mesmerising about this room, I'm not sure whether the aspects of symmetry or the juxtaposition of the way the objects have been arranged.

In a way this rooms creates both harmony and cohesion with the identical mirrored windows with the sheer voiles placed three quarters of the way up to the height of the tab top curtains, the positioning of the mirrors which in turn extends the length and symmetry of the room or the chairs which almost appear to be standing guard over the room, daring you to step beyond into the more personal space in front of the fire place.

It some ways it is confusing to look at, whilst in another it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. What I do love are the natural colours used along with the subtle injections of green, another very natural colour.

A clever room design which one would feel somehow 'not quite at home with'!

Inspiring? Yes, definitely.

Suitable for all homes and people, definitely not!

It would be the ideal and in some ways quintessential country manor style home, which although many people may aspire to living in, as it depicts such a peaceful, tranquil setting, it reality it is not the 'average' person's home interior design style.

It has the personal touches in the choice of objects placed on the mantle piece and a tempting bowl of apples, which I would be 'scared' to take and eat and for the apples are not for eating, purely to add to the natural green into the room!

So why did I select this room?...because it fascinates me in a strange and wonderful way, which is the whole point of good interior designs, it makes you want to keep looking!

Image: Desire To Inspire

Fabulous Ways Of Using Curtains

Removing doors and replacing them with full length curtains is not only an inspirational idea in rooms where doors are impractical, they are also make a very elegance and frame through which to look through and an easy way for the eye to be naturally drawn through into the next room and the natural light coming through the window.

The aspect I really find an easy, yet brilliant idea is to have the tie backs up high to enable the space to be fully utilised. Of course, this type of door way is a perfect for any type of interior design, be it traditional, modern or contemporary, it would purely be just a matter of choosing the right style and colour of fabric and altering the pelmet to suit.

With the curtain pelmet touching the line between the wall and the ceilng also adds height to the room. Look closely and you will see that the windows in the other room have the same curtains, also with high tie backs, creating a real sense of cohesion and harmony.

Using tie backs up high would look wonderful on sheer fabrics such as silk and voiles, particularly if you were to use the latest trends of beaded tie backs in a contrasting colour. Opt for opaque beads to allow the sun to make fascinating patterns of subtle colour to give the room a wonderful and gentle focal point.

Much nicer than traditional style of net curtains used in many homes in the UK, predominately to stop prying eyes seeing into other people's houses rather than for their somewhat bland and in my opinion boring and outdated look which do little to enhance the beauty of anyone's windows!

Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things

Tips to decorating A Child's Bedroom

I'm staying with the theme of bedroom for children and teenagers as these rooms often pose dilemmas for parents.

Things I would recommend:

* Children grow very fast, silly statement I know but it's true! You send money and hours decorating it the latest fads of favourite TV characters and before the paint is dry they have changed their minds! Stick with more neutral themes and let them add their own identity by have their favourite toys (of the moment) and opt for cheap duvet covers which can be replaced without spending a fortune.

* Window dressings, always opt to have black out lining unless you want to be woken every morning by your children rather than the alarm clock! You can fit blackout linings to any style of curtain fabrics, and if you prefer to use blinds chose the ones which are made with light blackout fabrics.

* Flooring, this needs to be easily to keep clean. In the UK carpets are now being replaced with stripped floor boards or wood effect laminate flooring which is much easier to keep clean and far more 'accident' proof than carpets! Don't be fooled into thinking it's only toddlers who have 'accidents', as your child enters teenage years 'accident' of a different kind, usually alcohol related, will also take their toll on a carpet!

* Furnishing, trendy beds and furniture made from wood or metal are a good investment for children of all ages. Bunk beds or bunks which have a working space underneath are great space savers.

* Above all keep things simple! The more fancy you try and make the room the more cluttered and untidy it is likely to become. Always have lots of storage space and add shelves to store books, DVDs etc.

Image: Freshome

Hipster Rug

Following on from my last post I had to share this fantastic rug with you! Created by Lil Mo this 'Hipster' rug it has to be one of the coolest rugs you could possibly choose for a teenager's bedroom.

You may not know what all the abbreviations mean but I can assure you with most teenagers using text chat and internet abbreviated speak all the time they will find this rug really trendy and will be the envy of all their friends!

The colours are just as cool and will blend with any décor scheme and style quite easily. It may just shock your kid's to know that you are just as hip as they are even though you prefer not to speak in abbreviations all the time! The rug is available in different sizes and is 100% acrylic giving you the durability you need in a teenager's bedroom!

If this rug is not quite to your liking Lil Mo has created other great designs with kids in mind. Visit Atticmag to see others in the the collection. These may not be cheap rugs but the certainly do cater for children of all ages and tastes and a ideal way to keep your kid's happy!

Your kids will be astounded at your impeccable taste in soft furnishing and they may even teach you how to text at ultra fast speeds...in abbreviated text of course!

Well, you have to LOL occasionally even if you really would prefer to stay straight-faced!!

Decorating Children's Bedrooms

Decorating children's bedrooms can be a real nightmare! It's fine when they are toddlers because you can use the alphabet, animals, circus tents just about any theme and they will be happy!

However, reaching those in between years when they are no longer little and yet not reached their teenage years can be a real problem. I love the design concept of this boy's bedroom, especially the baseballs used on top of the bed posts which add a really individual touch.

Including names of the children who occupy the room has always baffled me! Is this to remind them who they are and which bed they are supposed to sleep in or it a psychological symbol indicating their own individual space?

With that dilemma put aside, I do believe it is important to let children have a say in the colour scheme and style of their room, as they are far more likely to want to spend time there in a space of their own as well as sleeping of course!

Having personal touches is another great way to let them express their individuality, home-made quilts and bedspreads may not be to everyone's liking but they are a great way of showing how much you care, and until they reach the rebellious stage I say 'go for it' in a big way!

Once they reach the age, when it's pointless trying to help them make choices, they can have their own space decorated and kept in whatever disarray they want! If they want black walls and ceilings then agree enthusiastically, you may be surprised to find that if you whole heartedly agree with anything they will want something different! It may be mind games but it works...well nearly always!

Image source: AtticMag

Beautiful Bedroom Designs With A Modern Twist

Finding the right colour combinations for bedrooms is a matter of balance, to create trendy yet serene places of tranquility and peace. Opting for two basic or main colours is always a good idea and then add an injection of one other accent colour to achieve a harmonious and stylish look.

Too many colours and your mind will be full of confusion which is not conducive to restful sleep. Black and white are classical monotone colour schemes which are used successfully in all styles of homes and interior design styles. These colours look great on their own and yet but adding just a couple of accent pieces the whole effect is easily transform.

Add an accent colour by including a cushion or bedspreads neatly folded in half across the bed for a more conventional look or folded in thirds to make one of the latest trends of bed runners across the bottom third of the bed.

At least with bedspreads you can pull them up if you feel cold, whilst these latest trends of bed runners are purely for aesthetic appearances or for keeping you feet warm!

Rooms which are coordinated do not have to be stuffy and old fashioned looking if you choose your colours carefully. If you opt for the totally coordinated style opt for plain bedspreads, duvet covers and curtains as well as plain walls as these provide a sense of cohesion to the room.

For great inspirational ideas and image source visit A Life's Design blog.

Finding The Right Colours In The Bedroom!

Neutral colours create a relaxing atmosphere which are ideal for guest rooms or for those who prefer a non flashy style of design. Neutral tones are perfect for creating a serene ambience which can give the illusion of more space which is a real asset in small rooms.

Master bedrooms are intimate places which are rarely shared with anyone but the houseowners, irrispective of age. Keeping bedrooms private places enable people to have much needed santuaries of peace and privacy in modern hectic lifestyles.

If you are able to keep your bedroom private and child free, at least for some of the time! you will sleep better and furthermore feel better. I know that I'm a clutter free freak, however if there is only one place that should be kept immaculate it has to be the bedroom!

Get into the habit of putting clothes away, either by re-hanging in the wardrobe or putting them into the laundry basket. Always make your bed after an airing. Walking into a bedroom which has an unmade bed is one of the quickest ways to deflate you!

Add injections of colour in neutral colour schemes, this is a great way of keeping up with the latest design colour trends, scatter cushions, beautiful bed sets, bedside table lamps and personal touches by way of photographs or your favourite objects. Remember uneven grouping always looks far more styish, three and five are perfect!

Luxury bedding in deep rich colours offers a sensuous and very stlish look to a bedroom. Make your bedroom your personal space which is not shared by anyone but your partner!

Image: So Chic Interiors

Appealing Summer Design Styles

There is something about this room design which I love, not my usual type of style, however the more I look at this room the more aspects of it I like!

In a nutshell that is what good design style is all about, liking the look, loving the colours and feeling comfortable with the style. This is a room which would suit many homes and could so easily be copied, even if you were to follow the design principles if you are not keen on the colours a striking style could be achieved very cost effectively.

If you are not adept at painting features and focal points on your walls there are lots of places where you can obtain transfers which are quick and easy to apply.

Of course the room has lots of white, well I doubt I’d like it so much if it didn’t! along with some beautiful striking summer colours in the cushions, mural and the ready made curtains. The white coffee table has all the hallmarks of a sixties style which only has the all important three objects placed on it.

Always display objects in uneven numbers as this is far more pleasing to the eye. The other thing I love about this room s there is no clutter, which I admit is one of my greatest dislikes!

The flooring makes a pleasant change in mustard yellow, however I’m not a lover of wall to wall carpets and would change this for a large rug on stripped floor boards or ceramic tiles in a neutral shade.

Image: Decorology