My Design Secrets

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At first glance, a well-designed bedroom allows you to  just settle into the whole space.  The colors, the furniture and the tiny details all work togehter harmoniously.  Ahhhh, the cohesive loveliness!  But as a designer, my next step is to start breaking it all down… the bed, the pillows, the window treatments and lamp.  Why does it all work and how can I learn from this?  I want to help you develop the same critical eye because this is the difference between a so-so decorating job and a room that comes alive.

I designed the room above for two teenage girls about 10 years ago.  They liked feminine details but were growing up and did not want anything too cute.  They loved horses but did not want the whole room to go “horsey”.  It’s always a balancing act between “this” and “that.” So these are the steps I took to pull together this great little design without breaking the bank. 

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Color – We went with a warm peach because it was feminine, bright and fun.  It’s a more complex color than pink or purple which spoke to their sophisticated tastes (yes teenagers now have sophisticated taste!)

Beds – These iron beds are classic and budget-friendly.  The choice of many finishes allowed us to select one that tied in our coral, ivory and green palette.  (I don’t usually recommend iron beds for master bedrooms but for kids or guest rooms they do the job at a great price.)

Bedding- Custom bed-skirts and shams echo the colors with a designer look but we saved some money by using a matelasse coverlets.  These could easily be replace by down comforters and duvets when it gets cold.

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Some Ladder Tape options from Smith + Noble. Simple wood blinds step up the style with this designer touch.

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Windows - Simple 2″ wood blinds.  The big slats work with the scale of the large windows.  A color-coordinated ladder tape covers the strings that hold the blinds together (the ladder).  Now instead of plain old blinds that control light they ARE the window treatment.  Plus Ladder Tapes cover route holes so sunlight won’t poke through when blinds are closed.

Chair – We bought this wicker chair new but any old wicker chair can be painted for an instant face-lift.  You can also just wrap the fabric around the cushions and safety pin them on the back if you are a not a seamstress.

Lamps – Two simple and affordable lamps that could be found at a local home store.

Artwork – I love to use colorful and interesting artwork in kids rooms and posters are an easy answer. The pieces in this room are prints of famous horse paintings.  By going with more modern art, it gives the room a more updated feel and the white frames are simple and fresh.

I hope this helps you see, once again, that good design results is more than the sum of its parts.  Consider the look you want and then approach it one step at a time patiently and thoughtfully!

Let me know if I can help you with any design dilemmas by commenting below or contacting me here!

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The simple design of the Audrey Bedroom set works with many color palettes and styles. Plus, a platform bed means you don't need to buy a boxspring!

You have finally decided it’s time for some new bedroom furniture and you deserve it!  You are done with the lumpy mattress, sick of the broken drawers, and frankly you are ready to select furniture that suits YOUR style (even though the hand-me-downs were great at the time!).  So where do you go?  Well, sometimes when you shop at a furniture store that carries everything, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted.  This is not the case at BedroomFurniture.com.  They specialize in, you guessed it, BEDROOM FURNITURE. 

Their site is super simple to navigate and allows you to search by the item or brand.  Their finish swatches are large and easy to see, so you know what you are getting.  They give you stock information right away PLUS you get free in-home delivery and set up.  They carry top brands like Stanley, Tommy Bahama, Lexington and Broyhill; and at great prices.  They have everything from luxurious canopy beds to bunk beds (I won’t tell the kids). 

I love the hand painted details on the Froggy Book Case. Imagination on the oustide and books on the inside.

The folks at BedroomFurniture.com would really like you to get to know them so stop by the site and have a look around.  And becasue they are so generous, they are offering this darling bookshelf to one our lucky readers.  A kid can never have too many books, but they can certainly have too many books on the floor.

Check out the hand painted details. The colors would work for a girl or boy.

Would you like to win this bookshelf for a kid you know?

To Enter Simply…

1. Visit BedroomFurniture.com and browse around.

2. Leave me one comment below telling me what item you would use to help create your Dream Bedroom.

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, July 7th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

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~ Lorrie

As I was surfing the Internet I came across this video and wanted to share it with you.  The folks at HGTV have compiled the top five guest rooms ever seen in an HGTV Dream Home.  Do you have a favorite?

This is a great ensemble for the blue lovers out there. Some might be tempted to paint the walls a light blue, but the natural tone shown is classic and really allows the bedding to take center stage.

Your bedroom is a great place to use your favorite colors and to change them up periodically.  Because most bedrooms are primarily casegoods (beds, dressers, tables), most times the color is brought in with bedding, window treatments and paint.  Since there are so many great ready-made bedding sets, this gives you so many different options!

This room features subtle bedding and a rich wall color that balance each other out. The paint color is Valley Forge Brown, a Benjamin Moore Historical Color. This is my favorite collection of colors.

As a designer, I create interiors that have a pleasing color flow by spending time creating a great color palette and then working from there.  Now this doesn’t mean you cannot use bright accents or deep, rich tones in some rooms.  I just don’t want to walk in a room and be bowled over by the color (minus kid’s rooms, which get special treatment).  

The coral and aqua tones in this bedding are beautiful, but not meant to be on the walls. The buttery walls are the perfect backdrop.

So how do you get the designer look without going too far?  It’s pretty easy but you have to make a choice.  Are you going to bring in the color with the bedding or the walls?  By making this choice early in the process you will help yourself in a number of different ways:

1. You will have a clear direction when choosing bedding and paint.
2. You will achieve a look that is much more cohesive and has a polished designer look.
3. You will make it easier to change just the paint or the bedding down the line for a whole new room.

Even in this modern nursery, the bold green walls pair perfectly with the lighter bedding.

Where are you going to use color?

Walls - If you go with the walls, then go subtle with the bedding.  Choose white, ivory or pastel shades.  Neutral patterns are great; reserve colorful patterns for smaller areas on pillows or the bed-skirt (no bedspreads please).

Bedding- If you find a colorful bedding collection that just pulls you in, then go for it.  Keep the walls subtle with neutral earth tones or whites that have a slight colored hue.  Don’t go bright white, the contrast with the bedding will be too harsh.

Take a look at the photos I have included here and you will get the gist.  Many times the hallmark of great design is knowing how to pull back a little and not using every decorating idea you ever had in one room. 

If you are proud of the design you have created in your own bedroom, please send us a photo (questions@mydesignsecrets.com) so we can all see!

~Lorrie

 

Win this Gorgeous $32o Lamp!

A sleigh bed style in leather usually has a masculine feel but by going with Ivory and some well-placed curves, it has a wonderful balance of yin and yang.

When I was in college at Villanova I lived in a 3-bedroom apartment with 6 other girls. Yes 6, really.  It was noisy, messy, and whatever food you purchased was up for grabs.  But the thing that really drove me crazy was the decor, and way back then I wasn’t even studying interior design.  A Pea green sofa AND a mustard yellow one, a colonial dining set and small scatter rugs that seemed to wander from room to room.  To call it a mish-mosh would be an understatement.  My bedroom was a slight upgrade.  I was lucky enough to have a roommate who shared similar taste and we both kept the room pretty neat, but still, it was basically two mattresses on the floor, a desk, a dresser and some Pier 1 shades. 

This iron and brass bed is one of their oldest designs and one of my favorites.

Well, one day I received a catalog in the mail from Charles P. Rogers.  There it was, a catalog full of beautiful beds in every style you could imagine.  Each one allowed me to dream up yet another bedroom where I would awaken to singing birds and sun streaming through lovely white sheers instead of Van Halen from the guys next door and the fluorescent street light glaring in my window.

My childhood bed was similar to this one so it has a special place in my heart. A classic that you can pass from generation to generation.

Charles P. Rogers has been in business since 1855, so by the time I found them in the early 90′s they were well past the experts stage and I am happy to say that they still around with an endless assortment of styles.  Brass beds for Southern Belles, sturdy Wood Beds for Classic tastes and leather beds that range from masculine to modern.  They offer finish samples and swatches so you can make an educated purchase.  Many decorators and designers purchase from them and they also sell to the public.

One final note.  I love that they just do beds.  Nothing else to distract them.  They carry the most popular models for many years and are always adding fresh designs for those on the cutting edge.  You are sure to find a style that will be the perfect centerpiece for your bedroom.

Take a look at Charles P. Rogers!

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Click to Enter the SureFit Slipcover Giveaway!

Off the shelf or custom made?  When it’s time for a bedroom face-lift, sometimes it hard to figure out where your money is best spent.  With lots of options for ready-made bedding and window treatments, it can be tempting to go that route because it’s quicker and cheaper.  But is that really going to give you the look you desire?  Well, yes and no.  Even high-end designers use some items off the shelf.  On the other hand, certain items are worth the additional investment of going custom made.  Here are my best tips for incorporating both options. These will help you spend your money wisely while achieving the bedroom of your dreams.

Off the Shelf = Less $$$ Out of Your Pocket

Bedspreads, coverlets, comforters and duvets 

Any type of bed cover takes a lot of fabric, so this is definitely a chance to save big. The key here is the flexibility to make affordable changes from season to season and items that can be easily laundered.

Newgrange Matelasse from Linen Source is very affordable ($89 for a queen) and machine washable.

Designer Picks

• For warm weather months or climates - A matelasse coverlet or light quilt will do.  Linen Source seems to always have a great selection of washable matelasse covers on sale.
• For cold weather – Down or Hypo-allergenic comforter with a duvet cover is your best bet.  The Company Store has a broad offering of weights and duvet covers in many colors.

Decorative Pillows

Another place where custom is totally unnecessary. There are so many great places for designer pillows at half the cost of custom.

These four pillows came from the "Blue-Turquoise-Teal-Lavender" category.

Designer Picks

• European Squares (26″x26″) are much more stylish then queen size shams. And King size shams can get super awkward.
• Beautiful Pillows and Home offers collection by color so you can find items that are complementary but not to matchy-matchy!

Custom Made = Style Where It Counts

Window Treatments

While having a designer come to your home may be too costly, custom draperies ordered online are more affordable than you may think.  And adding custom details and beautiful hardware will make them show-stoppers.  Consider choosing a neutral tone drape that will transition nicely when you are ready to make a change.  And a good quality blind will work as a seamless partner. 

These pinch-pleat draperies from The Shade Store are bone-colored suede fabric with a terracotta edging. Classic and flexible.

Designer Pick

The Shade Store offers great options for blinds and draperies.  I would go with a neutral silk for simple elegance.  Woven Wood Shades offer great textural contrast.

Bed Skirt

An off-the-shelf bed skirt often fits like old pantyhose.  No matter how many times you tug and wiggle, it just doesn’t work.  Many people don’t want to spend the money because it’s far from the main attraction but I am telling you….IT IS WORTH IT.  I will repeat my mantra ad nauseum:  Good Design is in the Details!

Smith + Noble Bedskirt - Inverted Pleat in Linen/Natural (1622)

Designer Pick

Smith + Noble makes great custom bed skirts with lots of options and they help you measure so you get it right.  Go with tailored or pleated if your style is simple, ruffled if you like a softer look.  There are over 800 different fabrics to choose from!  Again, go with a neutral tone for longer-lasting style.  These will blow an un-lined, off-the-shelf bed skirt out of the water.

I hope these tips make it much easier for you to plan where to devote your decorating dollars in your brand new bedroom.  Enjoy your investment pieces for years to come and don’t hesitate to change it up with new pillows or artwork.  You will be amazed at the difference!

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Organic sheets may be the key to a more restful sleep.

There are many people who suffer from allergies that range from a slight sniffle to life-interrupting symptoms.  We spend approximately 90% of our time indoors (at work or at home) and about a third of our life sleeping.  This means we really need to assess everything we bring into our homes and furnishings (especially those in the bedroom) are a substantial player. 

Allergists know that the bedroom environment is a key factor, so for years allergists have touted the benefits of keeping areas dust and mite-free by washing sheets in hot water, using mattress and pillow barriers and minimizing the use of fabrics and carpets in the home.  Many find great relief from these tactics but now we have come to find out that many people (mostly children) who are suffering with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s) experience improvement in symptoms when they reduce their exposure to certain chemicals that are already in the bedding, even when it’s new. 

When I read an article today about a 12-year old child with autism who experienced substantial relief when his parents replaced all his bedding with new organic alternatives, I wanted to share some tips and product suggestions with you.  By choosing organic items for your home you are reducing your exposure to certain chemicals, heavy metals and pesticides that can have serious implications on you and your family’s health. 

Bedroom Tips

1. Choose Zero VOC Paint l Mythic Paint
2. Remove carpeting and replace with hardwood flooring l Eco Timber
3. Get an Organic Mattress l A Happy Planet
4. Purchase Organic Bedding l Kush Tush
5. Consider eco-friendly furniture l Vivavi

Start the babes off right with a safe crib made of non-toxic materials.

There are many long-term advantages of creating green habits, but these are wonderful short-term choices that may benefit someone you love.  So please share the information and consider starting your own green movement in your bedroom.

To learn more about green home furnishings options be sure to visit my friend, Jennae at www.greenyourdecor.com.

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Ask A Design Question!

At the end of the day, there is nothing more inviting than a beautiful, luxurious bed.  Think soft satin sheets and a comfy mattress sitting atop a regal bed with the perfect amount of pillows and blankets enveloping your body in comfort.  What?  That’s not your bed?  Well, then I am going to give you a crash-course in boosting the sleep-appeal of your roost!

While a new bed frame, mattress and sheets would be grand, they can be a substantial investment.  I am happy to say that there are great economical alternatives to give your bed a facelift.  By considering the different features of your bed from the floor up, you can quickly transform it into an ethereal escape.

Great Legs - We reviewed some Unusual Headboard Options  last month (and another great one shown above) but how many times have you banged your toe on that horrible metal bed-frame?  Yep, it’s that sturdy, yet ugly frame that came with the mattress.  There is a way to upgrade the legs of your bed with Bed Boots.  They are small decorative, hardwood boxes that are designed to cover the legs of most metal frames.  They come in five different finishes.  This eliminates the need for a bed-skirt or at least the need for one that reaches the floor.

Lift me Up - Do you like the regal feel of being a bit higher off the ground?  There is a kid-like joy to jumping into a high bed.  Many bed and bath stores, including Linens and Things, carry adjustable bed risers that increase the height of your bed; as well as the storage space beneath.

Cover Me - If you decide to forgo the bed-skirt, then you want to make sure you cover that naked box-spring.  Just buy an additional fitted sheet and I promise that you will love the tailored look.

Mattress Revival – Hour for hour, you mattress is the hardest working furnishing in the house.  It may not be as comfy as the day you met, but that’s no reason to kick it to the curb.  An affordable visco foam mattress topper will surely put a spring in your step.

And now that you don’t have to buy a new bed and saved all that money, spoil yourself with opulent bedding in My Secret Database.  Sweet Dreams!

One of our readers, Lauri, wrote in and asked:

“Do you have any unusual ideas for “King” size headboards, other than just the traditional ones the stores offer? Thanks! I just recently discovered your website and I LOVE it!”

Thank you, Lauri, for asking a great question.  I am happy to help you come up with some unique solutions to your dilemma.  Our vendors offer a lot of lovely headboards, but I think it’s great that you want to try something fun and unusual.  First of all, let’s think about the function of the headboard.  While exploring your options, keep a couple of things in mind:  Headboards provide support when sitting up in bed as well as a nice decorative touch to balance out your room.  With that in mind, here are some fun choices.

Paint or Paper – A simple trick that you see a lot in show houses and magazines is to paint or wallpaper something directly onto your wall. Here is a post a while ago about wall decals.  The options are unlimited and it’s an inexpensive way to go. A large photo of a flower has big impact!

Found Objects – You can use virtually anything you can find at a flea market or antique shop.  Don’t worry about it being exactly the right width, though wider is better than smaller.  An old door on its side, a beautiful screen, or even a surfboard makes some surprising and fun headboards.

Artwork - Sometimes you don’t need a headboard at all.  A nice collection of well-framed artwork against a dramatic wall color is a showcase in itself.  Just make sure you hang it high enough so that you are not leaning against it. 

Shop for Paint, Artwork, Wall Decals and Room Screens in My Secret Database!

Just like a fine quality spice in your favorite food dish, a little Exotic influence in your decor goes a long way.  Exotic is one of the 7 Styles we feature on My Design Secrets and it can be incorporated into virtually any other style.  It features fresh colors and striking designs from faraway places including locales such as Asia, the Middle East, and South America; to name a few.  Today I will run down some Exotic tips that will bring zest to your nest. 

• Modern interiors come to life with vibrant animal-themed artwork.
• An old leather chair ups its hip factor with a painted Moroccan side table.
• Light and airy draperies add romance to your bedroom.
• A colorful lantern makes an indoor or outdoor conversation area warm and cozy.
• Intricate wood work on a headboard (or room screen hanging above a bed) adds interest and a focal point for the bedroom.

Exotic design comes in many forms; from hand carved and inlaid woodwork to vibrant textiles and unusual accessories.  Introduce a bit in your interiors and I bet you will never turn back.

Explore the Exotic Style in My Secret Database!