Tag Archives: Design

Bedroom Design: Chic Brown Bedrooms

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Brown in a bedroom? Okay, so the color doesn’t sound sexy, and when you fantasize about your dream bedroom, you’re probably not dreaming in brown. That being said, it’s not the most obvious choice for the basis of any color scheme –– especially that of a romantic room –– but brown can be incredibly appealing, and lovely in a bedroom. Let’s take a peek at a selection of chic brown bedrooms.

Straightforward with a clean design, this California bedroom takes on a Mediterranean feel. The crisp, white bedding balances the soft brown backdrop. Notice how the nightstands fit perfectly into the head cubicle.

Monarch

Photo by M. Elle Design

Timeless elegance and luxurious, brown walls set the tone for this Chicago bedroom. Again, the white bedding pairs well, but this time, with an embroidery detail. A traditional crystal chandelier makes the space feel upscale with a feminine twist.

Lakeview Residence Bedroom

Photo by Rugo/ Raff Ltd. Architects

Designer Marcia Morine used a variety of brown shades in this rustic bedroom in Minneapolis. The house boasts a mountain or lodge feel, and the smart layout accommodates multiple guests.

Northern Wisconsin Bunk House

Photo by John Kraemer & Sons

IMI Design LLC is responsible for this contemporary Asian-inspired Phoenix bedroom, which has brown in the grasscloth, wood floors and built-ins, platform bed, ceiling pattern, and bench, but adds a color on the bed. This teal bed covering gives the space the punch that it needs.

Urban Luxury - Tonto Verde

Photo by IMI Design, LLC

This San Francisco bedroom might be a bachelor pad, but that doesn’t mean a woman wouldn’t appreciate the space. Decorator Grace Dumalac added a woman’s touch but still maintained a level of masculinity for her single client, and it begins with brown walls.

Bachelor Pad





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To Nap or Not to Nap?

Post by Tracy Kaler.

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You woke up far too early this morning, or you’ve been burning the candle at both ends and you’re completely exhausted. Your meeting got canceled so you have an hour mid-day to rest, but should you take a nap?

Most experts will confirm that napping is good for your health, but if you find yourself napping regularly and for the wrong reasons, then that’s another story. If you have a need to nap even though you get a good night’s sleep, or if you’re suffering from chronic insomnia and end up catching shut-eye over your lunch hour, then naps might not be the best solution. You could have another health issue that you’re not aware of, so a doctor’s visit might be in order.

Are you overworked or do you have too much on your plate?

Stress and anxiety can cause fatigue at any hour of the day, prompting an afternoon slump which will lead to naps. Lack of sleep can cause mid-day sleepiness as well, and encourage naps even if you’re not a routine napper. If this sounds like your scenario, then napping would only be a temporary fix. You’ll need to get to the root of your stress or insomnia, and then you probably won’t feel the need to nap any longer.

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Did your parents nap?

Apparently, the gene pool plays a role in whether we take naps or not. Chances are, if your mom and dad were nappers, you could very well be a napper too. If you are one of those natural nappers, catching a short snooze during the day could be essential to your well-being. A nap could last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, but even the shortest sleep could recharge your battery and boost productivity.

What if you’re not a habitual napper?

That’s okay because everyone’s body is different and you might have enough energy to make it through the day without putting your head down for 30 minutes. Don’t sweat it if you can’t sleep mid-afternoon. You’re not alone, and falling asleep during the work day could have the opposite effect on you. You could wake up more tired and even groggy after a short rest. Stick to your sleep schedule and however many hours you’re getting each night, and leave the napping to others.

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Bedroom Design: Tips for Decorating a College Dorm

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Dorm Room

Living in a tiny room for four years or even two years of college isn’t all that fun unless you have a decorating strategy. Yes, you’ll mostly sleep and study in that room, and probably spend the majority of your time participating in activities on campus and in the library and classroom. But, wouldn’t you like to look forward to returning to your dorm room every night? Here are some practical yet essential tips for decorating a college dorm, and making it your home away from home.

First off, start with a comfy bed.
A great mattress will give you a great night’s sleep. Try adding a topper if you prefer that cocoon effect, and buy the best sheets and pillows that your budget allows. (Ask mom for help in this department.)

Get organized with storage.
You might have a single closet and it probably won’t be of the walk-in variety, so additional storage can keep away the clutter and make your tiny space more livable. Use freestanding units, or individual hanging shelves, as well as storage bins under your bed. Opt for a hamper for dirty clothing, an over-the-door shoe rack, and decorative boxes so every item has a place, including any miscellaneous stuff on your desk.

Accessorize, even a little bit.
Add a mirror, and perhaps an easy-to-maintain indoor plant that doesn’t require too much sunlight. Speaking of light, add lamps, both table and floor, and your new home will take on a warm glow.

Dress up a plain bed with a few bold accent pillows, and a cozy, decorative throw that you can use if your room gets chilly. Consider covering the floor with an area rug, and adding strippable wall covering that can easily be removed when you move out. Even an accent wall can spruce up the dullest interior. And don’t forget the artwork. Posters are an affordable alternative to framed prints.

VisuaLingual home/HQ

Make it yours.
Now that you’ve cleared away the clutter and accessorized, make your dorm room say something about you. Add your initials to your wall above your bed, bring in photos of your friends and family, pets, or even you alone. Be sure to have copies of your go-to magazines and favorite novels, and a small stereo to play your tunes. This compact apartment will give you a welcome respite, and a place to relax and retreat when you’re tired of hitting the books.

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Bedroom Design: Autumn Inspired

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Who doesn’t love fall? The temperatures aren’t too warm or too cool, and nature might even be its prettiest during September and October. Fall colors can make us feel warm and fuzzy inside –– so much that we want to drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte or eat a slice of warm apple pie. From deep corals to rusty reds and mocha browns, the hues that we associate with autumn can inspire the palette for any room. Here are five bedrooms that feel like fall.

Warm grays, beiges, golds, and a hint of orange in a master bedroom seating area give us a glimpse of fall. The cozy spot looks perfect to curl up with a good book or watch the leaves fall outside those big windows.

Olstad Drive Residence Master Bedroom 3

For some reason, the color eggplant alludes to the fall season. The rich color works well on the tufted headboard, and orange with purple is an unexpected combination. The accent pillows balance the two colors.

Colour Pop Apartment

Scottsdale might not get the same fall as the Northeastern US, but it does get seasons. Regardless of the amount of leaf-peeping available in this Arizona town, this bedroom sure feels like autumn.

Ownby Design

Vivid masculine colors come together nicely in this modern Australia bedroom. The simple design allows the architecture to shine. The paper pendant fixtures add some fun to the space.

2014 Interior Design Excellence Awards – Arent&Pyke

This Carmel Valley retreat boasts a Mediterranean flavor with its exposed wood beams, Venetian plaster walls, and the balcony and its metal railing. The subtle red and yellow scheme makes the bedroom feel homey and inviting.

Bedroom

Don’t you love fall?

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Bedroom Design: Decorating Bedrooms with Lofty Ceilings

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Extra tall ceilings might be number one on your wish list, but furnishing a room with height has its challenges. Furniture can look short or almost dwarfed, and how do you treat that extra wall space or those big windows? We turned to our friends at Houzz for some brilliant ideas for decorating bedrooms with lofty ceilings.

This contemporary bedroom keeps things simple and straightforward, allowing the architecture to shine. The steel and stone fireplace wall with a built-in television becomes the focal point. Privacy must not be an issue because the designer chose to leave the double-height windows uncovered.

master bedroom with steel & stone fireplace

This East Midlands farmhouse bedroom celebrates the height. The room has a tower-like feel, and the designer didn’t pay much attention to the furnishings, but let the exposed wood canopy lower the ceiling height. Notice the saddle draped over the beam.

The Tower

This stunning bedroom might be minimalist, but I don’t feel like it’s missing a thing. The open view of the woods acts as a natural wall covering. No windows treatments are needed.

Garden Bedroom

With two sets of windows –– upper and lower –– this room has drapes only on the bottom set. The high windows perform double duty, allowing more light and creating architectural interest.

Tranquil Eclectic Residence

This dramatic Charlotte bedroom exudes elegance. With its vaulted ceilings and chunky moldings, the simple but neutral space gets a dose of paprika on the shams and lounge chair. The feminine chandelier feels like it’s just the right scale for this room.

Queens West

A Seattle bedroom boasts a brilliant design with a separate seating area in front of the fireplace. Notice the amount of detail and texture in this space, as well as the unique window coverings. The room is warm and cozy despite its size.

Contemporary Bedroom

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