The first step is to decide on a color scheme. If you have accessories you would like to keep - such as a duvet set for example - you can pick one of the colors in the bedding to use on the walls. Paint is the cheapest option when it comes to decorating, and if your walls aren’t in good enough condition you can buy some cheap lining paper to hang first before painting over the top of it.

You might also want to think about changing your bedroom furniture. Look out for special deals or end-of-line offers, as these can enable you to buy new furniture for a fraction of what you would normally pay for it.

The same applies to discount beds. Your bed will be the main feature in the room, but you can buy a cheap bed that still looks good and will last for years. Keep an eye out for any bargains locally and look online as well - you can often buy cheaper this way, especially from companies that only trade online.

There are plenty of ways that you can spruce up your bedroom for a minimal cost if you pay attention to what accessories you are using. You can make your bed look more luxurious by purchasing lots of different styles and sizes of cushions in similar colors to pile up on it.

You can also make your bedroom look bigger by being creative with your storage needs. If you have a lot of blankets and spare pillows that you don’t always need, consider buying a bed which has built-in storage underneath. These aren’t much more expensive than a normal bed, and they are a cheaper option than buying more items of furniture separately to fulfill your needs.

You will find that once you have repainted your bedroom it will instantly look fresher and more appealing. New accessories can be bought over time if you wish - keep an eye out for sales items in the shops, and think about replacing lampshades rather than buying a whole new lamp. It’s often the smaller touches that make the biggest difference.

When you have your brand new bed and other items of furniture in place, it will be easier to revamp your bedroom in future, just by changing the accessories as and when you feel like altering the mood of the room a little.

All of which means your budget makeover will last long into the future - giving you even better value for money.

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Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and water sports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

http://www.bedworld.net

If you search the world wide web, you will find that the available styles of area rugs are seemingly endless. You’ll see classic Persian and oriental as well as the ever-popular Southwestern style. There are also all natural area rugs and those made of bamboo, or you can even choose whimsical animal print area rugs.

While most people have an idea of a certain style, when they hear the phrase ‘Southwestern area rugs’, many would be surprised to know that the Southwestern styles actually come in a range of patterns and color schemes. Some hold to the older, more traditional Native American designs, while others use more contemporary design to pull together an eclectic decorating style in a room.

Many dealers in Southwest style area rugs will also carry an carry an interesting collection of natural area rugs and animal print area rugs. For the creative in spirit, it is possible to mesh several different styles when decorating your home. Of course, it is always a good idea to ask the advice of a decorator while shopping at the store.

Both function and style are important factors when you consider acquiring a Southwest area rug. An area rug will not only protect hardwood floors from the abuse they are subject to in the average home but they also provide a more comforting option for bare feet. What’s more, area rugs serve as very effective anchors for your furniture and can help reduce the noise level in your home. Fortunately, you can satisfy each of these functional goals while adding great style to your decor.

Ultimately, your own personal style should be the most important factor when it comes to choosing a rug. A professional decorator can recommend colors to give your room a certain feel, or certain styles to complement your furnishings, but you will be the one living with the rug on a daily basis, not them. Make certain that you love your choice.

by Caroline Hartford

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Southwest area rugs come in many different patterns and color schemes. They are inspired by Native American designs and are very popular. Animal print area rugs and all natural area rugs are popular and stylish also. Some of these floor coverings have quieter designs to blend into your decor. These make fine insulators, to keep your feet warm during the winter, to protect bare floors from scratching, or to hold furniture in place. They also dampen echoes and absorb sounds in larger rooms of a house or apartment building. In the end, your personal style should be the most important part of your decision based on your home’s decor.

Some of the hottest new contemporary window treatment looks include:

• Cellular Honeycomb Shades: soft and luxurious, these shades will help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The material provides insulation against the window, preventing air from transferring between your room and the window pane.

• Roman Shades: a great update when you want light control for your room. Roman shades offer a contemporary, modern look that can be customized with different patterns and fabrics. You’ll find one that adds to your home.

• Natural Woven Shades: with more people using natural materials in their homes, woven shades made of bamboo and other sustainable materials makes great environmental sense and they look great as well. You’ll be furnishing your house in style and helping to save the environment.

• Shutters: although shutters have been used for centuries, they have a contemporary, yet traditional, look. With a sleek look, shutters give you added privacy and light control. Wood shutters also add warmth to your room.

• Enclosed Blinds: with almost no maintenance and a sleek, clean look, you’ll love enclosed blinds. This design also avoids the tangled cords and controls of regular blinds. They make great window treatments on patio doors.

When you are looking for contemporary window treatments, do some window shopping to see which styles you like best. You will be able to find one that works for your home and décor as there are so many choices out there. Check out the different materials and styles available and keep your budget in mind.

Before you buy or order your window treatments, be sure to properly measure your windows. Ask retail staff if you are unsure how to go about this. You’ll also want to take along paint samples or fabric swatches to make sure that the window treatments you choose match the colors in your room.

With a little looking, you can find contemporary window treatments that you love and that fit in with your décor. Even traditional rooms can work with some of the new looks. Try some of the new materials and styles to update your house and impress your guests.

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It can be tough to find the right contemporary window treatments. Visit Window Treatment Options to learn more about bamboo shades, blinds and more.

If you choose a reproduction you will have all the beauty of an antique clawfoot bathtub with the convenience of newer lighter materials. Older tubs of this type were made of very heavy cast iron. The new acrylic reproductions are much easier to work with and they do not rust.

Since clawfoot tubs are freestanding you will need to think of ways to hide or dress up the pipes. Usually you will want to try to install the tub where the plumbing will be hid as much as possible. When you can’t hide the plumbing you can put a skirt on the tub or use copper pipes to make a more whimsical look.

The clawfoot bathtub will need to be cleaned carefully, especially if you choose an older one. Avoid cleaners that may be too harsh, you need to make sure you wipe away any cleanser residue immediately to make sure you don’t damage the surface.

If you decide on an antique cast iron clawfoot tub you will need to make sure your floor will be able to handle the weight. If you are installing it on a second floor or above a basement this is especially important. Cast iron is a very heavy material and can cause problems if you aren’t prepared for the weight.

No matter what your bathroom design is, this type of bathtub will make a great addition. You can relax in your tub after a long day as long as you keep these tips in mind. Make it a bubble bath, they have always gone well with clawfoot bathtubs!

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Visit us for more information on how to refinish a bathtub, how to caulk bathtub tips and Japanese bath tubs

They come in different sizes and each size may serve a different purpose. The use of the screen determined how many folds the screen had. The following list is some of the different sizes and what they were traditionally used for:

• Small, two-fold, Shoji screens: these screens were used for things like tea ceremonies.

• Large, eight-fold, Shoji Screens: These screens may have been used as the back drops during dances.

• Sliding Shoji Screens of all sizes were used for doors and/or windows, so as to conserve space and keep with the simplistic designs.

• All sizes and forms of Shoji Screens were used as room dividers, privacy screens, to separate interior and exterior rooms, and even used so as to see the silhouettes of a garden or plants.

• These screens were even used during Buddhist ceremonies.

Traditional ones may have had artwork on them, symbolizing the many Asian and/or Japanese traditions, legends, and the history. This artwork was concentrated at the bottom of the screens because it was customary that people would sit on the floor, so, naturally the artwork was at eyelevel. The art was usually hand painted, and detailed, but still minimal in design, because, all of Japanese art revolves around being simple, natural, and calming

Around the 19th century, the western world began to take notice of the Japanese Shoji Screens, thus began the modernization of the screen. As the demand of them grew more people, who were not as skilled in creating screens, started making them in Japan. They were still elegant and still had the Japanese design, but were becoming more like Chinese screens. Newer materials and more ornate colors are now used to make these screens because the western world is more relaxed when it comes to the decoration of ones home. They are still used as room dividers, but, they are also used to decorate spaces, to hide things, and maybe be used as window covers. The modern form of Shoji Screens are still very light as to allow them to be moved whenever needed.

Mike Zamora writes articles about room dividers and privacy screen. Other information and articles published by the writer on the topic of shoji screens can be obtained on the web.

Like it or not, your going to spend plenty of time in your laundry room, time that only increases as families grow larger. Therefore, why not choose to like it instead of loathing every minute. By adding some of the basic laundry room décor tips below, you may even find yourself looking forward to washing clothes.

Tip 1 - Paint the walls your favorite color - If you don’t have a favorite color, then choose bright and energetic shades such as yellow, orange and red. On the other hand, should you desire your laundry room to be a place where you can relax, choose blue or green. Your walls should be a color (or colors) that make you feel happy.

Tip 2 – Pictures to give walls character – If painting is too much of a hassle, or if you have any free wall space, why not add a picture or two as part of your laundry room décor. It doesn’t matter if it’s a painting by a famous artist, a picture your child drew, or a movie poster. The laundry room is certainly the one area of your home where you can be really liberal with your wall decoration choices.

Tip 3 – Keep your feet cozy - Add a couple of soft rugs or mats to the floor in front of the washer and dryer to keep your feet snug and warm. Rugs also help to absorb any water that may fall. You do not need any special mats unless you have a theme for your laundry room décor you wish to follow, simply choose the rugs with the color/design and texture you like best.

Tip 4 – Get nature involved – Plants, regardless if they are real or artificial, add life and color to a room, and can easily infuse a dull room with vitality.

Tip 5 – Music makes a difference – Include a little radio or CD player in your laundry room so you can listen to and sing with your favorite tunes as you work.

Tip 6 – Light up your life - If the lighting is dull in the laundry room, or there is not enough, do yourself a favor and obtain brighter bulbs or additional lighting (I.E. floor, table or task lighting). Poor lighting puts strain on your eyes and can make you feel tired.

Tip 7 – Keep it cool – A laundry room can often feel damp and warm. A small fan can help circulate the air and be a great comfort on a hot day or if you’re feeling overheated.

Tip 8 – Add convenient laundry room décor to your space - Convenient décor includes shelves, hanging clothes rack, hampers and a waste basket. It is imperative that some form of organization exists within your laundry room so you can store soap, keep dirty clothing off the floor, and have a place where delicate clothing can hang to dry. A waste basket is also needed to collect any tissue left in pockets, lint from the dryer or fabric softener sheets. A cluttered laundry room is a huge deterrent so keep it clean.

Even if you only incorporate a few of the above laundry room décor tips, you will notice a difference. Keep in mind, if you are the one in your household who does the most wash, decorate the laundry room for yourself!

One of the first things you will want to decide on is what type of style you want in a custom fireplace mantel. Do you want a contemporary look? Antique look?

Next, you will want to decide on the type of material to use in your fireplace mantel. You can use wood, stone, metal, and even concrete if you wish.

For most homeowners who have a new fireplace, they choose either a wood or stone fireplace mantel. Stone is especially popular because of its uniqueness and class. Not only can you create a one of a kind look with your mantel, but it will also last forever. Stone is simply the most durable material for any fireplace.

If you are considering a stone fireplace mantel, you may want to take a look at marble and granite in addition to natural stones. Just keep in mind that marble can become quite expensive.

For a wood fireplace mantel you can choose to use everything from pine to oak, cherry, walnut and many others. The advantage here is in reduced costs. You can also paint the wood to give it a custom look that matches your rooms color scheme as well.

The charm and elegance that a custom fireplace mantel adds to your home is unmatched. You can find all types of designs and styles, as well as other fireplace accessories on the internet. There are many websites that offer a wide variety of options and online catalogs to browse through.

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You can learn more about Custom Fireplace Mantels as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces and fireplace accessories at http://www.FireplacesA-Z.com

You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for your Zen bathroom. Matching colors with your wall paint, towels and shower curtains is key so get paint cards that have your paint colors on them and bring them shopping with you when you buy your bathroom accessories - that way you will get a perfect match.

In the bathroom, consider accessorizing with artwork on the walls, as well as toiletry and toothbrush holders, towel racks, towels and decorative soaps. You want to end up with a minimalist look so don’t put too much in. Consider sleek designs for the hamper and wastebasket.

If your bathroom is big enough it could include shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines as well as a table water fountain and some bamboo. Window treatments for the Zen bathroom decorating theme should be simple and plain. Try updating your windows with bamboo blinds. After you get the ideal look on your windows, you might realize the walls are drab by comparison. To overcome this, try hanging watercolors or oriental silks in frames around the room.

While you may not think about it much, flooring plays a vital role in your interior design style so putting in bath mats to compliment your Zen decorating theme can really improve its style. The best type of flooring for the peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you will want to purchase in neutral tones.

For some decorative touches which will help tie together your Zen decor think about a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to accent your room design. You could also add towels that match your wall colors rolled up and stacked in a bamboo basket just like you might find at the spa.

Your Zen bathroom decorating theme can be a snap if you take the time to plan it out adequately. Simply buy the pieces on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the feeling of a peaceful spa before you know it.

One room of your home that is particularly welcoming to Victorian style is the dining room. Many homes have a breakfast nook where families share most of their meals and a formal dining room for special occasions. A tall Victorian lamp looks very elegant next to a china hutch or a buffet and a formal dining table. As the final touch, a chandelier from the same time period really draws it all together.

One of the most noticeable things about Victorian lamps are their lamp shades. Victorian lamp shades are very decorative, usually with fringe, embroidery and beadwork that consist of several vibrant colors and materials. These particular lamps are more appropriate if you plan to do a Victorian themed room and involve other pieces from this era besides the lamps. They tend to stand out, so if you place them in a room with other styles, you may find the focus shifted to the beautiful Victorian lamp in the corner. However, this is not always a problem. They can make a great focal point for the room, especially if the rest of the design is very plain and toned-down.

A Victorian lamp, no matter what shade you use, is a perfect addition to many rooms. If you have young daughters in the family, a tall Victorian lamp can make a great reading lamp while it perpetuates her princess dreams. The same lamp can accent a study or sit behind your favorite armchair and light your reading. The tall brass or gold colored metal based Victorian lamp with an antiqued finish will add instant sophistication to any room.

Now, what might this elegant, luxurious and sophisticated look cost you? Surprisingly— not as much as you might think. If you choose to buy an actual Victorian lamp, then you can expect to pay an arm and a leg for it. However, many lamp manufacturers recreate this design for a fraction of what an antique Victorian lamp would cost you. Class and luxury don’t have to cost you as much as your first car, but the right one will make people think you did!

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Traditionally we don’t think of end tables of adding much style to a room they usually have simple straight lines and are pretty plain. But you need to open your mind to really see the potential end tables have for making a statement in your living room.

You could add a touch of sweetness with a pie crust edged pedestal table or fill any spot with the versatile curves of a brightly colored garden stool. If those are too small for your space try a larger round entryway table for an end table and complement its shape with a round ottoman coffee table. Or take a tall pant stand and turn it into an end table; the possibilities are endless.

You think end tables are called end tables because they are the last piece of furniture that you put in a room, but they don’t have to be. If you find a great end table somewhere that could be your starting point, your inspiration for the décor of your room.

One of the best places to find end tables is online. Rather than dragging yourself to every furniture store in town shop from the comfort of your home. You can relax in your living room and look at end tables that will just make that room pop. You’ll find the largest selection and the most reasonable prices and with just a few clicks of the mouse your new end table will be on its way to your door.

So whether your room needs a little romance or a little sparkle you’ll find it in an end table. Try a larger or striking one between a pair of chairs or a pair of matching tables to flank a sofa. Choose from twisted wood legs, glass or marble tops and leather inlays to find the table that is right for you.

To narrow your search it might be helpful to decide one aspect you want your table to have like a wrought iron base, a marble top or a drum shape. Whether you want a wooden kangaroo table with a glass top or a bombe chest table full of curves and drawers you’ll find the end table of your dreams sooner than you think. Get one for looks, get one for storage or get one for display. No matter what style of end table you are looking for you’ll find it online. Heck you’ll probably even find styles that you never thought of before.

Even though they can often be an afterthought, don’t forget about end tables when you go to decorate or redecorate a room. They can be the beginning of your journey into interior design. They may be the only ornament a room needs to complement the existing décor and make the look complete.

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Picture Source: http://www.onlytables.com

By guest writer Jennifer Akre, owner of different online specialty shops featuring niche products and information for your home, sharers her insight on different items that can make your space both more functional and beautiful. Here, she provides consumers valuable advice when purchasing beautiful coffee tables, stylish accent tables, and lovely end tables.