Tag Archives: Design

Bedroom Design: Delightfully Creepy Design

Post by Erin Sears.

New rule:  I am no longer allowed to watch scary stuff even during daylight hours.  As a kid, I loved all things creepy and Halloween-ish. By flashlight, I excitedly devoured yellowed, dog-eared copies of The Exorcist, The Amityville Horror and Helter Skelter that I found under the attic eaves of my family’s remote cabin. Tales from the Crypt was my favorite T.V. show and I couldn’t get enough of horror flicks. I came by these macabre fascinations honestly. If you ask my mother her favorite horror movie she’ll proudly reply, Rosemary’s Baby and she’ll be quick to tell you that she was so enamored with the film when it came out that she decorated her first kitchen to look like Mia Farrow’s kitchen in the movie.  She’s one of a kind, my mom.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve developed a reticence toward such material. All it takes is a few seconds of a spooky soundtrack and I’m out. I can’t do it. Yesterday however, in honor of the season, I thought I would attempt to return to my roots and I decided to watch the first episode of the latest season of American Horror Story. It was 4pm on a Sunday and I decided that surely no harm could come to me or my psyche at that early hour.  I was wrong. I had disturbing dreams all night. It doesn’t help that my dear mother bears a passing resemblance to Jessica Lange in real life.  Needless to say, I woke up feeling twisty.

I know that some people have a higher tolerance for horror and that their love of dark subject matter may influence their decorating.  Here are some examples of the creepiest bedrooms I could find- may they help you get thoroughly in the mood for Halloween!

Source: http://twoflychicks.blogspot.com/2010/07/almost-free-headboard-tutorial.html

I like the idea of using chalk for a headboard, but the choice of mimicking a traditional brass bed gives me pause.  It ups the spooky factor quite a bit.  Just imagine waking up to a message from beyond written on that wall! No thanks.

Source: atlantishome.com via the Locals

Uh-Uh….nope, no way.  I like objects like pillows to be where they’re supposed to be- on the bed!  For me, the scariest scene from any movie was in Poltergeist when all of the chairs suddenly ended up on top of the kitchen table.  I shudder thinking about this.  I do really love the tape rug in this room though.

Source: http://www2.registerguard.com/cms/index.php/close-to-home/comments/terror-at-the-sylvia-beach-hotel/

This last photo comes from closer to home. This is the Edgar Allan Poe room at the wonderful Sylvia Beach Hotel in Nye Beach, Oregon. The Sylvia Beach Hotel is legendary for its literary themed rooms. This room was remade into the J.K. Rowling room two years ago, but my mother and I have fond memories of staying here in 2005. The room was full of character with its blood red linens and Psycho-themed shower curtain.  Many characters also slept in this room as evidenced by journal entries found in the dresser.  I’m not gonna lie, staying here was creepy, but in a good way. Between the raven staring at me from across the room and the pendulum teetering overhead, I was a little nervous.  In the end, we made it through the night unscathed and enjoyed telling others about our unique sleeping quarters at this quaint little hotel by the sea.

www.sylviabeachhotel.com

Happy Halloween!

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Bedroom Design: Leafing Memories

Post by Laura Cheng.

Every Sunday, my toddler boys and I take a walk to our local Dunkin Donuts to bring home after supper treats. This weekend, my older son took a special interest to the leaves that had fallen to the ground. The leaves served as a reminder that the crisp days of fall had begun. Along the way, he collected all different types of leaves, claiming he wanted to make a leaf collection book. He found beauty and interest in even the leaves that I would have never stopped twice to look at. Leave it to the naïve and untainted mind of toddlers to help me appreciate art in nature. So now I have a collection of leaves drying in the garage and a new inspiration for bedroom décor ideas.

Instead of a leaf collection, how much more special would it be if I could frame the leaves that we collected into a hanging photo collage? The foliage colors are a surefire way to warm up the bedroom walls. I like the idea of incorporating only a singular leaf in each frame to showcase the unique aspects of each leaf. This one of a kind décor is a wonderful way to preserve and relive my cherished strolls.

 

Source: http://hgtv.sndimg.com/HGTV/2012/08/09/Original_Layla-Palmer-fall-wall-frame_s3×4_lg.jpg

If I could enlarge the leaves that we discovered this is what I would like it to look like – a large, framed abstract print hanging in the bedroom.  The orange and yellow hues and a fresh bouquet of living flowers are a vibrant take on the fall season.  A plush and vivid throw further enhances the feeling of warmth in the bedroom.  The seagrass wallpaper indicates that summer will be back again soon.

Source: http://www.thelennoxx.com/

It’s easy to get carried away and collect too many leaves. In that case, a wreath is just the answer. However, this would be one of the times it’s easier to buy than attempt a DIY. If made by a local artisan, ask if the wreath can be custom designed to include the items from nature that have been picked out.  A wreath of leaves can capture the beauty of fall and make a great contribution to any bedroom design. They can be placed over the bed or even on the bedroom door. Acorns, branches, berries, pinecones and other items are added elements that can give the wreath more texture and color. In this bedroom example, the use of fluffy bed linens such as velvet and fleece lend a cozy air to the bedroom while a nature inspired nightstand completes the look.

Source: http://houseandhome.com/design/brown-bedroom-colour-scheme

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Bedroom Design: Going Global

Post by Erin Sears.

Travel much?  Whether you daydream in your armchair or actually get up and go- the bedroom is a great place for a global look.  You don’t want to wake up in a bad theater production, so a light touch is essential, but bringing in maps, artwork, and worldly items are a definite do.  When I am fortunate enough to travel, I try to find one or two items that represent that place for me and then I integrate them into my home.  My New Orleans Mardi Gras beads are displayed in a glass jar, a beautifully painted sugar skull in bright colors represents a trip to the southwest, and a gorgeous hooked pillow depicting a swimmer from Cape Cod all have starring roles in my space.  Embrace global touches and you’ll never feel far from your next trip.

Source: http://24.media.tumblr.com/

Who doesn’t love an old map of Paris?  This map turned wallpaper is so impressive that the bed can be kept simple.  Having a fancy bed against the map would be too busy and take away from both.  You don’t need a headboard when you have the City of Light to dream under.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

This room makes me want to buy a plane ticket. Again, the linens on the bed are kept neutral while the color of the pillows, curtains, and accessories draw you in to the room.  The mirrored headboard and the Vishnu print give the room a global feeling without becoming too kitchsy.  LOVE.

Source: happinessisapinkfoodog.com

Morocco is definitely on my list of places to experience and it is also a hot theme in home décor.  I love the sexy curves of the headboard and the glamour of the bedside tables.  The accessories say casbah without screaming it and bold colors are used sparingly, but effectively.  It’s a perfect place to rest your head while dreaming of your next great adventure!

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Bedroom Design: The Bedroom Telly

Post by Laura Cheng.

The last time I had a TV in my bedroom, I was in middle school. It was 13” and I was the cool kid not only because I had this special privilege, but because I could watch 90210 and Melrose Place on it. Since then, not counting my travels when the TV is designed into the hotel bedroom, I have gone without a TV in the bedroom for the past 20 years. My fear of accidentally watching Keeping up with the Kardashians is too great. Besides that, my attention span is so short and my daily life events so full, even if I had one, I would just view it as noise pollution in my home.

However, there are times when I fully understand the convenience of having a TV in the bedroom.  And whenever that thought occurs, I wonder where I would be able to put one without it affecting the tranquility of my bedroom. Taking a TV out of the box and propping it onto the dresser is just too intrusive. The idea of surrounding my TV with large framed photos so that it naturally blends is an appealing option. Since most TVs these days come with an SD slot, an unsightly flat screen could even be converted to a giant photo frame.

 


Source:http://www.casasugar.com/How-Camouflage-Your-Flat-Screen-TV-14945326

I really prefer my furniture to be versatile, but I wouldn’t mind this beautiful customized cabinet. It is a nice integration of rustic woodwork and today’s technology. With custom country paneling, a bedroom remains as serene as my favorite bed and breakfast spot in Napa, even with a TV as the centerpiece. In fact, even an outdated 1990s tube TV would look stunning in this space.

 


Source:http://www.bhg.com/rooms/bedroom/makeovers/design-incorporating-a-tv/

I recently inherited a stunning Restoration Hardware armoire. I considered doing as the French and using it to store a TV in the bedroom, but it just occupied too much space physically and visually. As an alternative, and if my Manolo Blahnik shoe collection will allow, taking advantage of closet space may be a better alternative. Sliding doors allow for easy access to items within and conceal the TV when it is not in use.

Source:http://www.pampai.com/excellent-closet-doors-for-bedrooms/closet-sliding-doors-with-hidden-flat-tv-inside-in-the-master-bedroom/

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Bedroom Design: Breakfast in Bed

Post by Erin Sears.

Fall is officially upon us.  As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, I am sleeping more.  The long days of summer have passed me by and I want to curl up and be cozy.  When I read the Charles P. Rogers Bed Blog, I am frequently left drooling by Alison Hein’s delectable Breakfast in Bed blog posts.  They make me believe that I can actually cook and have inspired me to go for it!  However, if I’m going to actually eat in bed I need a way to do it that is stylish, affordable, and won’t ruin my sheets.  This brings me to breakfast trays.  It turns out that there is a breakfast tray available for every décor.  Here are some of my favorites along with my personal fantasies to accompany them:

The I-want-to-pretend-that-I-live-in-a-cottage-by-the-sea tray.

Source:  www.alsohome.com

The I-live-in-the-French-countryside tray.  Handsome Frenchman not included.

  Source:  www.thekitchn.com

The My-life-at-the-spa-Southern-California-I-can-hardly-be-bothered-to-take-off-my-terry-cloth-robe tray.


Source:  www.dwr.com/product/fiona-teak-tray.do?sortby=ourPicks

The I’m-having-a-bed-party-and-you’re-invited-heirloom tray.


Source:  http://www.cupcakesforparty.com/2010/03/no-cook-breakfast-in-bed-for-two.html

The I-will-buy-this-immediately-as-soon-as-I-learn-Italian tray. Ti amo!


Source:  http://www.mrless-mrsmore.com/project/products/vassoio_battista.html

I hope that you find the breakfast tray of your dreams too.  Enjoy fall, enjoy food, and let the nesting begin!

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