Tag Archives: Design

Bedroom Design: Preppy Yet Stylish

Post by Tracy Kaler.

What does the term “preppy” mean to you? According to the Collins Dictionary, the word means this: “characteristic of or denoting a fashion style of neat, understated, and often expensive clothes; young but classic, suggesting that the wearer is well off, upper class, and conservative….”

Is that how you would define preppy? When I think of preppy, I think of a button-down shirt with khaki pants, and a room that’s tailored with monograms and starched sheets.

When we talk about preppy-style interiors, we tend to imagine crisp plaid or check fabrics and traditional furnishings and colors. But “preppy” isn’t necessarily boring or humdrum, and doesn’t fit a certain stereotype. And it doesn’t need to be completely conservative, either.

Let’s take a look at bedrooms that do preppy well and celebrate the style.

Located in the Yorkville neighborhood in Manhattan, this bedroom begins with a gray plaid carpet and flame-stitch wall covering, but the abstract artwork and less conventional bedside lighting give the room an edge.

Yorkville Duplex

Pink and green have long been considered preppy colors. This pretty bedroom has a preppy feel but also feels undoubtedly feminine.

Santa Barbara

This sweet and stylish room by decorator Anthony Baratta is all about the details. The architecture and some of the elements are traditional, but the room itself has a more modern aesthetic.

Westchester Waterfront

Interior Designer Katie Rosenfeld tries a different approach to a preppy bedroom and does it with great finesse. Bold orange and bright green work well, and the modern LOVE art contributes to the room’s whimsical décor. Notice the zebra rug, which doesn’t match or coordinate with anything else in this photo.

Katie Rosenfeld Interiors

What are your thoughts on preppy rooms after looking at these photos? Preppy can be stylish, after all.

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Bedroom Design: How to Paint Your Bedroom Walls Like a Pro

Post by Tracy Kaler.

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We already know that painting is the least expensive way to transform a room, especially if you’re up to the task. (Hiring professional painters adds a whole other line item to the budget, and contractors can get expensive.) So, you’re probably thinking, “What if I don’t have any experience painting? Should I attempt to tackle a project like painting my bedroom?”

If you’re willing to follow instructions and spend the time needed (not rush through the job), then you should be happy with the results. I’ve put together a list for the novice painter, and if you follow these pointers, you’ll find yourself painting like a pro.

1. Prep.

Make sure your walls are clean and ready for paint. Using a soft sponge, wash the walls with water and a mild detergent. After the walls are dry, spackle any holes and sand for a smooth finish. Check out these detailed instructions how to properly prep for paint (the key to a professional-looking paint job.

2. Prime.

Once you’re all prepped, you need to prime the walls if you’re changing colors. If you’re keeping the same color and you don’t have a lot of wall repair, you can get away without priming. If you’re using a dark color, be sure to buy a tinted primer. (Follow painting instructions below for primer.) Again, if you’re painting with the same or very similar color (a white to an ivory), you shouldn’t need primer.

3. Cut in.

Next, you’ll want to cut in the corners and edges using an angled paint brush. If you’re not good with a brush, you can use painter’s tape to tape off edges around trim. Know that taping will add time and the paint can bleed over edges, so many professional painters don’t recommend it. If you must tape, be sure to remove it as soon as the walls are dry to the touch so it doesn’t pull off any paint. Cut in several inches around all trip and in corners.

4. Roll.

Once you’ve cut in, attach your roller to an extension so you can reach those high places. Pour your paint into your tray and saturate your roller. Roll the paint in a “W” pattern and continue with vertical rolls until the entire wall is covered. Then, move on to the next wall. Tip: Be sure to wait until the paint is completely dry before applying additional coats.

How much paint will you need?
One gallon should cover approximately 400 square feet, but if you’re painting a dark color like navy blue or red, the coverage could be less and you’ll need additional paint. Ask your local paint store what they recommend. Better to have some paint left over anyhow, because touch-ups are practically inevitable.

Which finish paint should you use?
Walls are typically best in a flat, eggshell, or a low-sheen paint. In a bedroom, which is a low traffic area, you should be able to use flat paint without issue. Take a look at Benjamin Moore for more info on colors and finishes. Happy painting!

Pueblo St Master Bedroom

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Bedroom Design: 5 Solutions for TV in a Bedroom

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Although most sleep experts don’t advise keeping a television in the bedroom, if you’re a diehard TV fanatic and can’t resist binging on Game of Thrones or relaxing in bed with the latest episode of House of Cards, then this blog post is for you. These five solutions give you options, so your bedroom can still appear stylish and the television doesn’t need to be a focal point.

This Lake Michigan home utilizes a smart pop-up cabinet for the TV. The screen neatly recesses into the case piece at the foot of the bed, so there’s no sign of a television in the room. In a nutshell, now you see it – now you don’t.

Lake Michigan House

The designer of this elegant bedroom in Los Angeles used a frame around the television, so it creates the illusion of a piece of art. Although no one can ignore the flat screen, it blends in nicely with the interior.

1512 Dolphin Terrace

With its pitched ceilings, dormers, and fireplace, this Seattle bedroom oozes charm. The television is cleverly tucked away in millwork above the mantle.

Hidden Electronics - Classic Bedroom

This traditional bedroom in Portland has recessed the TV, so it hangs in a niche, creating symmetry along the fireplace wall.

Traditional Bedroom

If you’re married or have a significant other, you know that few couples appreciate all the same television shows. This bedroom solved the issue by installing two separate units. He can watch all the sporting events he wants, and she won’t miss her favorites on HGTV or BRAVO. How perfect!

Mills

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Bedroom Design: Best Outdoor Bedrooms Around the Globe

Post by Tracy Kaler.

A bedroom that isn’t completely enclosed might sound less than practical, but depending on where you live, sleeping outside can be a lovely alternative to the traditional interior room. From getting in touch with nature to experiencing the sounds and smells of the great outdoors, snoozing under the stars has its merits. In case you’re not convinced, let’s take a look at some of the best outdoor bedrooms around the globe.

Interior and exterior lines blur in this Asian-influenced master bedroom. Glass doors fold open and create an outdoor space in this Western Australia home.

Bedfordale House

You couldn’t pull off this patio just anywhere. Of course, this creative bedroom tucked under a pergola is in Miami. How enticing does this space look for a nap, or even an entire night slumbering in the backyard?

Desert Oasis

Located in the mountains of Bali, this tropical home boasts a simple space for sleep. With bamboo construction and trees as the backdrop, this open-air bedroom might be minimalist, but it’s far from mundane.

Open air living in the mountains of Bali

Island-inspired, this Los Angeles bedroom takes sleeping under a cabana to another level. Wispy palm trees lend a tropical feel.

Interiors Photography in the Los Angeles area.

This magnificent vacation home in Mexico opens its doors to bright blue waters. This brilliant architectural design is ideal for beach lovers.

Waves

After seeing these five innovative and lovely outdoor bedrooms, how do you feel about sleeping under the stars?

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Bedroom Design: 5 Things Every Woman’s Bedroom Should Have

Post by Tracy Kaler.

All bedrooms start with a great mattress, and luxurious bed linens, if affordable, are a must as well. Don’t forget the window treatments for softness and light control, and a chair or bench to put your shoes on and take them off at the end of a long day. Besides the basics, however, a lady’s bedroom doesn’t feel complete without these items.

A well-designed closet.
Any fashionista will attest –– having a great closet is a must. Size doesn’t always matter here, either. A small, well-planned closet with shelves, hanging space, and drawers will suffice, as long as you can stay organized.

The Classic White Closet - Hancock Park, CA Residence

Something sentimental.
Whether it’s a vintage jewelry box from your great grandmother or a bargain flea market find that you had to have, one sentimental tchotchke adds soul to any bedroom.

Goodies

A dressing table or writing desk.
Every lady’s bedroom should have a designated spot to sit down and write a note, apply makeup, or open mail. If you have a small bedroom, consider placing the table next to your bed to act as a nightstand.

Diana

Pretty accent pillows.
Pillows certainly aren’t required, but they add pattern and interest to any bed. Don’t go overboard, however. Two to four pillows should be more than enough, especially if you have shams.

Row House Interiors Bedroom Detail

A full-length mirror.
I don’t know a woman who doesn’t want to see what she looks like before she leaves the house. Install a door mirror, or purchase some other full-length mirror to check that you look your absolute best every single day.

Creative Control

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