Wall hangings have a significant impact on the comfort and feel of your bedroom. Deciding how to decorate your bedroom walls starts with finding a theme and getting hold of wall hangings that are calming, peaceful and a reflection of you!

3 ideas for decorating your bedroom wall include:

Quilts
Quilts are popular as wall hangings for good reason. They are beautiful works of art and tend to blend well with other bedroom decor decisions. You don’t have to go traditional with quilt patterns, either.

See quilt below, for instance:

Image Source: Flickr / bumblebeans

There are thousands of unique patterns out there as well as people who can create a quilt to your specifications, whether you want something old fashioned or a quilt with a science fiction theme.

Photographs

 
Image Source: Soda Head

Hanging pictures is another way to go. Create a series family photos or nature photos in black& white or sepia to give it that warm, old charm. Place them in similar frames. These can be arranged in a grid, staggered all over a wall, or in a neat arrangement. Don’t worry if you can’t find a dozen of the same photo frame, either. Try visiting a garage sale and use an assortment of antique frames for a more quirky look.

Artwork

Image Source: Zimbio

Whether you decide on traditional, 2-D paintings or the highly textured works of canvas art that are growing in popularity, it is important to keep a piece of art within your bedroom’s style and color palette. Choose paintings that have at least two colors in common with your bedroom’s decor and it will feel like a part of the room rather than an afterthought.

When it comes to bedrooms, the decor is arguably the most important decision. While the comfort level of the room is high up on the list, the appearance of your boudoir is a part of this comfort. If what you are looking at is not pleasing to your eyes, you will be less likely to spend extra time enjoying what is supposed to be the most enjoyable room of your home.

Welcome our guest blogger Zoe!

Buying a bed is a large and significant purchase and one that will hopefully give you years of comfort and lots of good sleep. During a seven-year lifespan, you will spend around 20,000 hours on your bed, so it is important to take some time and put some effort into making sure you buy the right bed for you. With so many options on the market you may feel overwhelmed with the choice. Here are 5 top tips that will help you to make the right decision when it comes to picking the perfect bed for you.

Think About Your Priorities
Think about what you want out of a bed and decide on what your priorities are. Factors to consider are the price, access to your bedroom, storage, turning the mattress, standard or electric beds, comfort of the headboard, any health issues, overall size and shape, materials and colour, getting in and out of bed and any other personal needs or desires you may have.

Try Out As Many Beds As Possible
Visit a bed showroom and take the time to try out as many beds as possible. If the bed is for two, you will both need to try it out simultaneously, as it will need to suit you both and be comfortable with you both on it. Wear comfy clothes and remove your outdoor gear before getting on the beds. Lie in a normal sleeping position for several minutes and try turning too. You should be looking for comfort and correct support for your build and weight, not just firmness.

Bed and Mattress
Remember that a bed is a base and mattress working together and should therefore be considered together rather than as isolated items. This is not always possible, however and you may have to select a single or a double mattress, and bed base separately. Ensure that they are well matched, the mattress is the correct size to fit on the bed base and that you are happy that the elements go together. Not all bed sizes are standardized and even with the same name such as ‘King Size’, you may find that different manufacturers make a King Size in different dimensions.

Think Big
Quite simply, bigger beds are more comfortable, especially if you sleep alongside a partner. Having room to stretch out, turn over and curl up without disturbing your partner is key to getting a good night’s sleep. With a bigger bed, you are much less likely to disturb one another, making your bed a more restful place to be and aiding in a quality night’s sleep for you both. Even if you sleep alone, a larger bed makes it easier to roll over in the night without waking or reaching the edge of the bed.

You Get What You Pay For
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to beds. This refers to both the quality of the product and the service. Spend as much as you can possibly afford when buying a bed, as you will spend a large proportion of each night lying on it. The more you can afford, the better the quality and your bed should remain comfortable for a long time.

About our Guest Blogger:
Zoe is an avid blogger and experienced freelance writer, and loves to share her knowledge through content on the internet. Zoe is currently writing on behalf of bed superstore Archers Sleep Centre

Now it’s the New Year, you’ll want to accessorise your home accordingly. One of the most popular current trends is moving toward green energy and gadgets and furniture that will allow you to do that will be the focus of this article, with a few ‘cool’ things thrown in too.

• New induction heated ovens are being developed, which, for those unfamiliar with the technology, use magnets to heat pots for cooking rather than traditional gas.
• Espresso machine with biometric capabilities? Though this may sound like a sci-fi fantasy, it is now a reality; each member of the household can program their ‘favorite’ coffee, and then simply place their finger on the machine’s scanner to prompt the machine to consult their coffee profile and make their drink.
• Electric radiators: traditional methods of heating are not as productive as some people think and electric radiators are one direction in which you can move to reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint. Not only that, but they look stylish!
• Mushroom packaging: thought it doesn’t sound particularly appealing, an alternative to polystyrene (a burden on the environment) has been produced that involves shaping fungal mycelium (baby mushrooms) into boxes. These boxes are biodegradable and, as they are stopped from growing fully, free from allergens and unable to ‘go off’.
• A good old fashioned plant: what better way to make your home green than to add a few flowers and plants? Though not ‘new’, they are perennial and can be bought to suit any existing décor and personal tastes. My personal favorite is a conifer tree.

Wooden beds have long been a popular choice for the bedroom and continue to be bought by individuals who are looking for a durable and cost-effective sleeping solution. Wood is a renewable resource and for those with green concerns, it is worth noting that it is possible to purchase beds made exclusively from sustainable forests.

Wooden frames offer solid support to mattresses, providing both comfort and convenience due to the ability to disassemble frames when moving them from room to room, or even home to home. Though durable, in contrast to many modern metal counterparts, wooden beds can often be more easily repaired should a beam or support snap, or be broken in transit. Instead of sourcing a metal part or screw, you should be able to source or cut your own replacement beam at a low cost.

One of the most obvious benefits of choosing a wooden bed is the peace of mind provided by the fact your bed is likely to last for years to come. With this in mind, it’s worth selecting a bed that will service your needs for the duration. It is of course possible to alter the appearance of a wooden bed through staining or painting in order to fit with changing interior schemes, but if you buy a single bed for your growing child and they outgrow it before you would ideally like or need to replace it, you may regret your initial investment. It may therefore make more financial sense to purchase a three-quarter or queen-size bed that will see a child through their teenage years and save you the time and expense of an additional purchase in the long run.

While everyone can certainly benefit from the soothing and warming properties that a dancing flame provides, there aren’t many portable gel fireplaces that will fit in every budget. Fortunately, the Oasis Table Top Fireplace does! The design of this piece is like a dream come true, it’s contemporary, elegant and can complement any decor! Not to mention, it is the perfect size to take out on a small balcony, patio or you can simply enjoy it inside of your home. This fireplace is really lightweight so when it says portable, it means portable!

This stylish piece is stainless steel and comes with gorgeous white river stones but if these don’t match your décor, you can replace them if you choose with other colored fire glass, seashells or anything else nonflammable. It uses either pourable gel fuel or gel fuel canisters which are completely environmentally-friendly so you never have to be concerned with polluting the air outside or in your home. Nor do you have to be bothered with cleaning up the mess that burning wood would leave behind.

The Oasis Tabletop Gel Fireplace will provide you with warmth, ambiance and even when it’s not burning, it is still a stunning piece of art. You can find this fireplace at The Soothing Company at a great price!

In the autumn and winter months the cold weather outside puts the effectiveness of our central heating systems and their limits sharply into focus. It’s therefore wise to make sure your heating provision is up to scratch in preparation for this period. One option you may not have considered before is luxury underfloor heating.

Rather than being a modern concept, underfloor heating in fact dates back to Roman times when homeowners piped hot air under their homes to help keep their homes more cosy. These heating systems can sometimes be known as radiant heating systems and need to be installed by qualified plumbers. The system works by using either hot water or electric heating units under the floor to evenly distribute heat throughout a room. In hot water (wet) systems the water running under the floor in pipes uses water from a central boiler to heat the room. It can therefore be programmed in much the same way as a conventional central heating system.

Many people believe that underfloor heating can offer homeowners significant energy savings because of the way it operates. Because the heating comes from the lowest level in the room and hot air rises, this type of heating works more effectively at a low level that may otherwise be difficult to warm. It also heats throughout the room more evenly rather than emanating from a fixed centralised point as a radiator does. This means you are less likely to crank up the temperature – and the energy used – to warm up a colder corner in the room. Underfloor heating also boasts a reduced energy requirement compared with the use of water-heated radiators. Pipes for underfloor use require water heated to around 113-149° F (45-65° C) compared to the 176° F (80° C) needed by radiators. This type of system will comfortably warm a floor to 77-82.4° F (25-28° C) and it has been estimated that it could make homeowners energy savings of around 15 to 40%.

Other benefits of underfloor heating relate to space and convenience. A room without radiators on the walls looks larger and less cluttered and is also easier to decorate. In addition, underfloor heating can help reduce the moisture content of a room, which can be of particular benefit to asthma sufferers who may suffer problems caused by dust mites, which can thrive in damp environments.

Home insurance is one of those things in life you have to have. Whilst most of us will never need to claim upon our home insurance policy, it is worth having for peace of mind should anything happen. There are a number of frequently asked questions with regard to home insurance, here are a few of those answered.
The first one being what types of home insurance quotes are there? With home insurance there are two types of cover you need to have, buildings insurance and contents insurance. Buildings home insurance covers the structure of your home and any permanent fixtures on there. The easiest way to discover if anything is covered by buildings insurance is to think: if you were moving, would you take it with you? If not then it is covered by your buildings insurance. This covers such items as in built wardrobes and kitchen cupboards. Contents insurance on the other hand covers all your possessions – that is, everything you would take with you should you move: beds, TVs, even towels.
The next one question that is frequently asked it “Do I need home insurance if I have a mortgage?” Buildings insurance is a compulsory purchase if you have a mortgage and you usually need to take it out at the same time you take out your mortgage product. It used to be that you had to take out home insurance with your mortgage, but with so much competition in this area that you can get a great deal if you shop around.
“Do I need buildings insurance if I rent a property?” is often asked. If you rent a property then it is the landlord’s responsibility to take out buildings insurance. However it is advisable to take out contents insurance to cover your possessions, and if you are renting a furnished property it is important you take out cover that includes any items belonging to your landlord.

The Museum of Modern Art is located in Midtown Manhattan, NYC. It has been described as one of the most influential museums of modern art in the world. Not only does the MOMA contain modern art from artists such as Jackson Pollack and Vincent Van Gogh, it also shares over 300,000 books about architecture, drawings, paintings and sculptures. The Museum of Modern Art originally opened 7 days after the Wall Street Crash in November of 1929. With this said, I felt very privileged to have been able to have this experience. I attached one photo of the modern furniture I ran across.

Chances are, your baby isn’t too fussy about the style of their room at least until they become a toddler so why not create a contemporary look until you have to change it to a princess or superhero theme? You’re spending a lot of time in the nursery so when the surroundings make you feel good, your baby will pick up on your feelings and be more relaxed.

• Color Palette – Use one wall to paint darker and leave the others as a calming neutral. Ideally, you will use three colors to make up your palette like beige, chocolate and white or white, black and lime green, etc.

• Furniture – The furniture should fit with your color scheme, be minimal and positioned so there is plenty of space, allowing positive energy to flow through and keep you from feeling cramped.

• Decor – A natural fiber rug in a bold pattern is a great accent as are textured wall art, three-dimensional mobiles, etc. Consider using some type of cabinet to house stuffed animals, toys and other baby gear so it doesn’t look cluttered.

The effect a room has on you will ultimately affect your baby. A contemporary room has been voted very helpful for women who are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or suffering from postpartum depression.

Do you have an old nightstand you just don’t know what to do with or maybe you stumbled across one at an antique store, flea market or garage sale? Before you turn your nose up at that chipped paint, think about giving it a second chance. There are some truly unique and spectacular stenciling methods you can employ on this type of furniture.

• Prep – Remove any handles and sand where it is needed. Apply an even but thick coat of a quality all-purpose sealer using a foam brush and allow this to dry completely.

• Paint – Everything should be painted a base color before you begin stenciling any designs.

• Stencil – You can buy stencils at a craft store or make your own. The most important rule to stenciling is to allow one color to dry completely before laying the stencil over what you have just painted so you don’t smear your work. This may take a little patience but even if the paint is a little tacky, it will affect the result if you try to lay a stencil over it.

• Finish – To make sure that your hard work is well protected, seal the piece with a few coats of varnish, preferably satin finish. Fasten back on any handles that you previously removed.

Stencils can be used to create any kind of look, blend with a theme or add a focal point. This method is great on any type of furniture and ideal for kids rooms and nurseries.

If you are planning to add a deck to your backyard landscaping, you have quite a few decisions to make, one of those decisions is choosing between wood or composite decking. While either will look spectacular, they both have their clear advantages and disadvantages.

Wood Decks

If price is your main concern, wood is the smart choice. Although you can use several types of wood, pine or fir are the least expensive. Treated lumber is durable and should always be used for structural areas such as floor joists and posts. On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending a little more, cedar and redwood are both gorgeous and they contain natural preservatives, making them more durable. However, that doesn’t mean that they won’t still need a good stain or sealer to keep them attractive.

Composite Decking

These types of decks have become a very popular choice. Although they traditionally cost significantly more than wood, they are extremely low maintenance and very durable. Composite decking is created to look like many different types of wood. Newer decks are often created with hidden fasteners so there are no unsightly screws in any of the boards which is always a bonus as well.

If you are having a hard time deciding on material, most lumber yards will help you out or you can ask the opinion of a professional. An attractive, durable deck will give you a place to enjoy the outdoors for many years and will add to the value of your home.

It is surprising how many homes are exquisitely decorated with exceptional decor yet their hallways fall short. Why do hallways, especially long ones, seem to be such an afterthought or completely neglected? According to Taoist beliefs that are reflected in Feng Shui, chi (energy) travels through your home. However, if a long dark and dreary hallway is uninviting, it may not make the journey to enter into the other rooms of your home. Hallways need to be welcoming and as thoughtfully decorated as the rest of your house is.

Lighting

If your hallway is closed off and dark, lighting is crucial. This doesn’t necessarily have to rely on overhead lighting either. A small decorative lamp on a table or shelf or a motion light is a wonderful addition as well.

Mirrors

To help positive energy flow down your hallway to the next room, mirrors or other reflective objects are essential. Not to mention, they make visitors feel a little more comfortable as they pass through as well.

Plants

A lovely leafy plant at the end of the hallway will draw energy in that direction. Just be sure to move it into the sun sometimes throughout the day as needed. Plants have a way of breathing new life into a room so use them wherever you can!