Tag Archives: Decor

Builder Upgrades for Your Master Bedroom

Post by Tracy Kaler.


Photo by LMK Interiors

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.



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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.

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Bedroom Design: 6 Romantic Paris Bedrooms

Post by Tracy Kaler.

No place in the world is as alluring as Paris. In fact, the French city has long been recognized for its classical architecture and beautiful interiors that keep many of us dreaming of staying in a sophisticated Paris apartment. Even if you can’t take that much-needed vacation to Paris right now, you can pretend. Here are five romantic Paris bedrooms that will whisk you away to the City of Light.

This Paris bedroom boasts a mystique with its canopy-draped bed, silk fabrics, and red color scheme. Notice the splash of animal prints. This bedroom feels unmistakably chic and romantic.

Touches of wood complement an all-white color scheme in this streamlined Paris apartment. Perfectly accessorized shelves and simple bedding complete the look.

A fireplace and balcony are practically expected in a Paris apartment and this transitional bedroom offers both. The neutral palette lets the architecture shine.

A tiny tropical bedroom with red walls is gently carved out of a small space. Technically, there’s no headboard, but a half-wall creates a backdrop for the bed.

An eclectic bedroom looks interesting from all angles. Parquet chevron floors, tall ceilings, wide crown moldings and a collection of unusual art and accessories give this space a Bohemian vibe.

Upholstered walls create softness in a twin bedroom in Paris’s 5th Arrondissement. Simplicity lends itself to the space, and there’s something elegant about the no-frills decorating approach.

Medium-toned parquet floors and a black and white color scheme set the stage for this remodeled Parisian apartment. A risky design move, the black trim makes a statement and is further accentuated by the funky black bedside lamps.

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How to Keep Your Bedroom Clutter-Free

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Now that spring is here, we should all look at how we can edit our homes, and eliminate those items we don’t need. In the bedroom, it’s easy to accumulate various things, especially since guests tend to stay in our living space and not enter our personal space. Are you feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Try any, or all of these suggestions to keep your bedroom clutter-free.

Clean out the drawers.
Drawers barely closing? For every new pair of socks or t-shirts you buy, throw away an old pair or shirt. That sock drawer did close at one point, and it should close again.

Rotate clothing seasonally.
If your closet is out of space, it’s time to purge. Pull out warm coats and thick winter clothing in spring and place in storage or an extra closet. In fall, remove summer clothing and store until the following year. Keeping your closets organized will help you keep piles off the floor, bed, and other furniture.

Clean out old magazines.
Magazines are tempting to keep (I’m guilty), but with most publications now on the web, there’s no reason to keep back issues unless they’re collector’s items.

Purchase bedside tables with drawers.
Declutter your bedside tables (or floor next to the bed) when you invest in a nightstand with drawers. Keep your miscellaneous tchotchkes tucked away.

Order storage drawers.
Adding drawers under your bed is a practical way to stay organized, especially if you have limited drawer space or no dresser. Our universal under-bed storage boxes fit under any bed with a minimum of 7 ¼” clearance from the floor.

Make your bed every day.
An unmade bed might not have anything to do with clutter, but I promise – making the bed will give the illusion that your bedroom is clean and organized, and that’s a great start.

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Bedroom Design: 5 Fabulous Studio Apartments

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Living in one room has its challenges for sure, but small spaces can be incredibly stylish and convenient. There’s something wonderful about having everything you need (almost) with an arm’s reach, and studio life allows that. Single room residences aren’t ideal for overnight guests, and for some, they work for a specific time in life. Many folks eventually outgrow the living/dining/sleeping combo and graduate to a one bedroom or even a house. Nonetheless, studios can be fabulous, as you can see in these five apartments.

This Hoboken studio is not only chic, but the narrow space offers great storage. Designer Marina Cheban used IKEA bookcases for the client’s shoe collection and added an armoire for dresses. I’d call this room organized – there’s not a hair out of place.

A wall separates the kitchen and small living space in this Venice micro-apartment. Deep gray walls, cabinets, and floors are the backdrop for simple decor. Yellow and orange work well as accent colors.

Solar skylights add plenty of light to this West Midlands bedroom. A wall mural of a street scene and bicycle propped against it create a design element that makes a lovely focal point.

A chocolate brown accent wall draws the eye in this San Francisco studio. Notice the tiny office area tucked into the corner. Modern accessories complete the space.

The designer of this oversized studio in Brooklyn created zones for living, eating, sleeping and dressing. Large, modern art leads the eye around the space.

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