Positioning a Bed In a Contemporary Room

tags: bedroom | Comments (6)
August 31 10:26 am

The bed is always the focal point in a contemporary-style bedroom so proper positioning is everything! While a minimalistic platform bed was once only available in a few styles, today you can find them in a wide variety of colors, some open underneath, others closed off. They typically do not have a headboard but if there is one, it’s usually quite basic.

So, with how simple these platform beds are, how do they demand so much attention? It’s all about the position in the room! A bed in a contemporary room can be placed in the room’s center but most people find they appreciate the security of a wall behind them. When placed against a wall, it should be a large solid one that can house a nice piece of art. It really should never be positioned under a window or in direct line with the door and you absolutely do not want to have a bed under a beam. It is suggested that the weight of a beam overhead can cause headaches and disrupt sleep patterns.

Draw More Attention

If you really want to zoom in on the bed, turn tall dressers or shelving so they are positioned kiddie corner, this allows them to be on an angle facing the bed. As a last tip, contemporary styling is minimalist but it is all about balance so if you have a lot of sharp lines including your bed, dresser, television, etc., consider adding a round nightstand, piece of art, rug or even a bean bag chair to bring an equal balance to the room.

How to Create a Modern Antique Bathroom

tags: bathroom | Comments (3)
August 16 4:46 pm


Want in on a secret? Trendiness isn’t necessarily what’s “new”. Right now, a growing trend in interiors, especially in bathrooms, is giving everything an antique glaze.

Antique bathrooms can be subtle in their approach, or they can be a complete blast from the past.

Take cabinet styles for instance. You can create an antique look simply by adding a distressed finish to your current cabinets, especially if they are made from wood. Just be sure to safely apply the varnish and coatings to be sure to preserve your cabinet.

Cabinets can also be completely redone to get that antique look. Think beautifully, ornate, carved wooden shelves lining your walls, in either a rich brown or light neutral.

If you want to just dip your toes in the water of antique bathroom style, you can try upgrading your fixtures to reflect the dated-but-trendy look you desire. Rubbed bronze is always a good bet when going for the antique look.

Other accessories can give that antiqued feel too. Try adding a detailed, vintage, framed mirror above your sink. Going to anything gilded in gold or bronze can get you just the effect you’re looking for.

When redesigning your bathroom in the antique style, try to purchase sturdy, good quality pieces. Although flea markets and vintage shops can offer great finds, don’t be afraid to really test out the merchandise before buying. If the pieces are truly antique, you don’t want to buy them just for their style only to find out that they have no substance when you get home.

Why Does Stainless Steel Always Look Stunning?

tags: kitchen/dining | Comments (6)
August 15 9:56 pm

While the picture above might be a little bit over the top, stainless steel is almost a no-brainer when it comes to kitchen appliances. Sure, you have other options, but why not go for the classic yet modern, sophisticated yet stylish, stainless steel?

It’s always in fashion, and it will, nine times out of ten, match whatever decor you surround it with.

So what is it about stainless steel that is so appealing?

First, it is a sophisticated material. Your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and, yes, even your garbage bin will enjoy a glean of sophistication when you choose to have them done in stainless steel.

If you are able to get all of your appliances – the large and the small – in stainless steel, your kitchen will have a posh, unified look that will verge on the ultimate in style.

Stainless steel is a clean look, one that makes its surroundings look neat and organized as well. The crisp lines and reflective surface would be a luxurious addition to any home.

Although stainless steel will make your appliances stand out more than if you chose to conceal them, they’ll stand out with a bold, beautiful punch. Stainless steel is the material of bold designers who want to accentuate their stylish flair.

If you’re looking for a way to bring together your kitchen in sophisticated, timeless, yet ultra modern style, stainless steel is the way to go.

Energize Your Home With Lighting

tags: lighting | Comments (10)
August 14 9:03 am

Regardless if you are working with synthetic or natural light, it has the ability to energize not just your home but the people in it as well. Brilliant touches of radiance can invigorate your home instead of letting dark spaces create a dismal mood. These easy tips will bring light to your space to add cheer to your day.

  • Welcome the Sun – Sheer window treatments, like sheer Levolor Blinds, provide brighter color by allowing natural light to fill the room. Thoughtfully placing mirrors where the light will be reflected will add a bright, positive energy to your space.
  • Avoid Clutter – Ottomans and storage benches are ideal for hiding blankets, magazines, etc., when not in use. Also, avoid adding too much furniture or art to a room. Too many objects in a room can cause it to appear smaller and darker.
  • Make Use of White – While white may not be the color you immediately think of when you picture contemporary design, small hints of it can certainly go a long way in brightening up your space. Fluorescent bulbs used in white accent lamps will offer you a more natural feel with your lighting while white moldings, shelves and picture frames can add just a hint of contrast in a darker room.

Light plays a key role in your mood and overall appearance of a room and should be treated as a primary decorating element, not an afterthought!

Setting up your digital entertainment center

tags: Home Theater | Comments (2)
August 12 10:09 am

Believe it or not, the proper size and placement of your digital entertainment pieces can not only have an effect on the aesthetic of a room, it can determine how much you actually enjoy sitting on the couch watching that movie you’ve been looking forward to seeing. These tips will help you set up an entertainment center that will be enjoyable and will compliment the room.

  • Size – The biggest television is not always the best one. In fact, a screen that is too large for a space, especially one you are forced to sit too close to, will compromise visual quality.
  • Wall Placement – When hanging a flat screen don’t judge the height based on standing there looking at it. Sit on the chair you will normally spend your time in and you will notice that the screen needs to be hung much lower for you to be comfortable.
  • Hiding Wires – Nothing ruins an elegant room faster than wires hanging. If you are concealing wires in a wall, make sure that they have a UL-rating so there is no potential for a fire hazard. Don’t want to tuck your wires in your wall? Use wire guards, they stick to virtually any surface and you can paint them to match the color of the wall.

To ensure that your digital entertainment center doesn’t distract from the room, keep DVD players, gaming systems and remote controls tucked away neatly out of sight.