Author Archives: Mark
Builder Upgrades for Your Master Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Building your dream home? If you fear that your master bedroom could end up looking a little too cookie cutter and would like your space to feel more personalized, implementing even one or two of these upgrades might be worth the splurge.
Select more expensive carpeting.
A simple carpet upgrade can make a bedroom look luxurious and feel much comfier underfoot.
Upgrade your carpet pad.
Speaking of comfy, a high-quality carpet pad can make all the difference in the look and feel of your wall to wall carpeting.
Raise the ceiling height.
Sure, ceilings that measure at 8’-0” might be standard, but a 9’-0” ceiling height (or higher) will instantly add character to a vanilla bedroom.
Select a fun paint color.
Rather than going with the standard ivory or beige on the walls, choose a tranquil blue, soft yellow, or even a bold color if you’re feeling adventurous.
Add decorative molding.
Crown molding or wainscoting will add an architectural element to even the dullest space. Talk with your builder about options that are within your budget.
Dress up your bedroom with a chandelier.
Let there be light! Yes, a chandelier (rather than a ceiling mount) will undoubtedly dress up your space.
Put the lights on switches and dimmers
Straightforward and inexpensive, dimmers give you the ability to control the amount of light in any room. They’re a luxury worth every penny.
Customize the closet.
Storage makes all the difference, and a customized closet will reap the rewards when you go to sell.
5 Unique Beach House Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
It’s that time of year again when we’re dreaming of sand between our toes and the sounds of the sea. I think most everyone I know fantasizes about spending summers on the beach. I know I do. These five unique beach house bedrooms would make for perfect days and nights along the coast.
This Charleston bedroom is decked out in traditional blue and white beach colors but with a hint of beige. A comfy club chair, desk, and a stunning view turn this room into a haven for sleeping, reading, working, and relaxing.
Photo by The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
A San Francisco beach house sports a mostly green bedroom but with blue walls. Bright white furniture and trim keep the room feeling fresh and clean. A starburst mirror adds an eclectic element to the space.
Photo by Viscusi Elson Interior Design – Gina Viscusi Elson
Designer Barclay Butera decorated this Ocean County bedroom. White bedding with an awning stripe at the food of the bed plus a ship above the bed create a nautical theme, ideal for a home along the California coast.
Photo by Barclay Butera Interiors
This gorgeous master bedroom designed by Tara Seawright doesn’t skip a beat. Located in Shelter Island, New York, the space feels undeniably coastal yet comfy.
Photo by Tara Seawright Interior Design
The pitched board and batten ceiling of this Seattle beach cottage takes center stage. The decor is no fuss, but subtle touches like the rustic pendant, porthole window, and French doors add interest to the otherwise simple design.
Bedroom Design: 5 Well-Designed Basement Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Basements used to be considered less-than-desirable spaces, but more recently, these subterranean rooms are often used for family rooms, play rooms, offices, and even bedrooms. Depending on the structure, basement bedrooms can be attractive, stylish, and comfortable, offering everything that a ground floor or second story bedroom would. Still not sold on sleeping in the basement of your home? Look at these basement bedrooms for inspiration.
This basement bedroom designed by Knudsen Interiors allows light to seep in through clerestory windows, which add a visual element at the same time. With its earthy color scheme and modern touches, this room takes on an Arts and Crafts feel.
Believe it or not, this bedroom is in a basement and the space sports 9-foot ceilings (that height is practically unheard of in basements). A bright orange splashes the bed wall and warms up the space. Cork flooring is appropriate for a room below grade.
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen such a beautifully decorated basement. A modern Knoxville bedroom pulls out all the stops with an ample sleeping space and a separate seating area. Exposed beams give the room a rustic feel, yet the furnishings are contemporary.
Bringing light into any bedroom is essential, but it’s especially difficult in basement bedrooms. This light well patio eliminates the basement feel and creates a private outdoor space. It’s a win-win.
What’s not to love about this bachelor basement bedroom? Exposed floor joists introduce pattern and increase ceiling height. Gray walls, pine floors, and minimal furnishings lend an industrial feel.
Beat Insomnia with These Herbs
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Counting sheep again? Insomnia plagues millions of Americans, so know that when you’re wide awake and staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., you are not alone. If lack of sleep due to stress (and not because of a medical issue) is affecting your sleep, consider going the natural route. For some, herbs can provide enough relaxation to catch up on missed beauty sleep. Here are nine to try.
For years, Passionflower has been used to treat anxiety and sleep irregularities. The herb contains Flavanoids, which help relax nerves, making it one of the top choices to treat insomnia. Available in tea, capsules, or tincture.
Valerian root has long been used to remedy sleep disorders and is considered safe in small doses. You can find valerian at your neighborhood health food store, and some drug stores sell the herb too. You can tell valerian by its putrid odor.
Most often used in combination with valerian, hops has a sedative effect, and that could be all your body needs to fall asleep.
Even the scent of lavender is enough to relieve sleeplessness for some insomniacs. Try a lavender tea, massage essential oil into your skin, or add it to your bath water.
California Poppy is a natural sedative. This sleep-promoting herb will ease your mind until you drift off into dreamland.
While chamomile might not be potent enough to address chronic cases of insomnia, it does have a mild tranquilizing effect for those occasional sleepless nights.
Have you had any luck with herbs for insomnia?
Give Your Bedroom a Good Spring Cleaning
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Daylight is lingering, flowers are blooming, and robins are chirping. In case you didn’t know– we’re well into spring. If you haven’t given spring cleaning any thought, shame on you! Now is the time to refresh your bedroom before temperatures heat up. We still have a good two months left of the season, so get busy and start your spring cleaning with this list.
Edit first.
Find a place for any item that doesn’t have one yet (in a closet, in a drawer, stored under the bed), and donate all those items that you don’t need or wear any longer. A good edit will give you a great sense of accomplishment and prep the space to be cleaned.
Dust the walls.
I bet you’ve never cleaned your walls, have you? Take a dust mop and run it up and down the walls, including up at the ceiling line. Get on that ladder of you must.
Vacuum everywhere.
Sweep all those tough-to-reach places like corners and around door casings, lamp shades, and upholstery. After vacuuming, any upholstered furniture that still appears worn or dirty should be professionally cleaned, or perhaps recovered (see the next point).
Clean and spruce up fabrics.
Wash all bedding (that means the bedcovering, shams, and mattress pad too), and what you can’t launder, send it out to get professionally cleaned. If you have any other upholstered furniture, window treatments as well as area rugs or carpeting in the bedroom, now’s the time to call in a professional and get those cleaned too. Notice some tattered fabrics? Spring is an ideal season to recover those older pieces.
Wash down woodwork, floors, and all furnishings including lamps and accessories.
Opt for a mild cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap. Be sure to give your wood floors a deep cleaning and use a touch-up pen or Old English to cover scratches. If you have stone in the room, use a stone cleaner. An all-purpose cleaner from Method works wonders on many materials.
Don’t forget the mirrors, art, and windows.
Windex mirrors and art, as well as windows (inside and out) so the exterior looks brighter, which will, in turn, make the interior of your bedroom shine too.
Add a scent.
Light a candle, spray your favorite fragrance, or purchase potpourri. Lavender and sage work especially well in a bedroom.
Happy spring!
