How to Apply Decorative Ideas to your Room

I think that there is an easy way to give a room a facelift which is to modernize hardware such as doorknobs) drawer pulls) and curtain rods.

You can put shells in baskets on a low table or show them off in glass canisters.

Store your needlework or mending in a pretty basket under a side table or in the foyer to keep it tidy and looks decorative) too.

A basketful of pinecones in front of the fireplace gives a room a feeling of friendliness.

In the fall, buy gourds at the supermarket. Use them for a month or so in an arrangement, then put them somewhere warm and dry for a while. The gourds become very light as they dry) and the colors mute beautifully with age.

Add a miniature hammock to a corner in a child's room to make a place for all his or her stuffed animals.

Keep your decorative baskets looking healthy by placing them away from dry heat.

A nonworking fireplace, primed and freshened with paint, makes a comfortable niche for a sewing machine table or an aquarium.

A stairway landing is the perfect place for an armoire. Line it with attractive fabric and fill it with linens, coats, or out-of-season clothes.

Display flowers in unusual vases-a crystal ice bucket, a fluted champagne glass, a bright coffee mug or jug. Flowers, in fact, look good in almost any container.

Turn your bathroom into a miniature gallery with pictures you don't have space for elsewhere-so long as they aren't works that can be damaged by the humidity that collects in a bathroom.

If you don't want to buy furniture, you can rent it at surprisingly reasonable rates. Furniture for rent includes everything from sofas and carpets to lamps and works of art.

A silver goblet is perfect for holding candies or cigarettes on a coffee table.

To keep drying flowers dust-free, cover them with plastic bags punched with air holes. When the flowers have dried, spray them with hair spray.

This will serve several purposes: The hair spray will give the flowers a clear matte finish, keep them from shedding, keep insects away, and protect them from moisture.

I think that there is an easy way to give a room a facelift which is to modernize hardware such as doorknobs) drawer pulls) and curtain rods.

You can put shells in baskets on a low table or show them off in glass canisters.

Store your needlework or mending in a pretty basket under a side table or in the foyer to keep it tidy and looks decorative) too.

A basketful of pinecones in front of the fireplace gives a room a feeling of friendliness.

In the fall, buy gourds at the supermarket. Use them for a month or so in an arrangement, then put them somewhere warm and dry for a while. The gourds become very light as they dry) and the colors mute beautifully with age.

Add a miniature hammock to a corner in a child's room to make a place for all his or her stuffed animals.

Keep your decorative baskets looking healthy by placing them away from dry heat.

A nonworking fireplace, primed and freshened with paint, makes a comfortable niche for a sewing machine table or an aquarium.

A stairway landing is the perfect place for an armoire. Line it with attractive fabric and fill it with linens, coats, or out-of-season clothes.

Display flowers in unusual vases-a crystal ice bucket, a fluted champagne glass, a bright coffee mug or jug. Flowers, in fact, look good in almost any container.

Turn your bathroom into a miniature gallery with pictures you don't have space for elsewhere-so long as they aren't works that can be damaged by the humidity that collects in a bathroom.

If you don't want to buy furniture, you can rent it at surprisingly reasonable rates. Furniture for rent includes everything from sofas and carpets to lamps and works of art.

A silver goblet is perfect for holding candies or cigarettes on a coffee table.

To keep drying flowers dust-free, cover them with plastic bags punched with air holes. When the flowers have dried, spray them with hair spray.

This will serve several purposes: The hair spray will give the flowers a clear matte finish, keep them from shedding, keep insects away, and protect them from moisture.

Some flowers and foliage can be placed in a vase without water and dried upright. Among them are pussy willows, wild grasses, and grains and flowers with large composite heads and sturdy stalks-for example, Queen Anne's lace and cockscomb.

Layer seeds and nuts in attractive apothecary bottles.

A branch cut from any blossoming tree or bush makes an unusual centerpiece on a dining or coffee table.

Glue corn pads or pieces of felt to the rough bottoms of vases and art objects to keep them from scratching tables.

Replace a drab string cord or light-bulb chain with a piece of satin piping or silver cord.

Thread a bright ceramic bead at the end of the cord for a finishing touch.

Use leftover dining room wallpaper to make matching place mats. Paste the paper onto sturdy cardboard, trim the edges neatly, and coat each mat with a plastic spray.

A handy deodorizer for waste baskets: Place a sheet of fabric softener in the bottom of each.

You can make unusual centerpieces in no time by floating flowers in clear glass dessert dishes.

Fill the dishes half-way with water, cut the stems from the flowers, and place them in the dishes.

Dime store bandannas make pretty, inexpensive pillow covers. Buy assorted colors for a striking effect. These bandannas also make wonderful table napkins-especially for a picnic or a barbecue.

Hot peppers threaded on long string make a beautiful kitchen decoration while drying. Garlic and onions also look attractive braided and hung on display.

Old, carved doorknobs, attached to each end of a dowel, make an attractive curtain rod.

Paint or stain the knobs to match your furniture.

A basket of Italian onions makes a striking centerpiece when serving an Italian dinner. Pomegranates are also beautiful in bowls.

A ceramic tile or tiles make a decorative hot pad for the table or kitchen counter.

Use old pantyhose to stuff pillows and toys.

There's no need to invest in wallpaper to give your walls new life. A super graphic on the wall can make a room exciting. Or, if you have artistic ability (or just ambition) design and paint your own mural.

An old kimono can be draped on a wall for an elegant splash of texture and color.

Any combination of fruits in a bowl can double as both centerpiece and dessert.

Solve a bicycle storage problem: A bicycle hanging on a wall becomes a piece of art as well as a means of transportation. A high-tech look for a teenager s room, perhaps?

An old dining table found at a flea market can make a great sofa-height coffee table. Just cut the legs to the height you need.

Change the look of an old Formica table by laminating the surface with colorful fabric.

If you're serving messy finger food-fried chicken or ribs, for instance- provide finger bowls: float lemon slices in small glass dishes so that guests can rinse their fingers. Since finger bowls are an old-fashioned elegance and seldom seen these days, be ready to enlighten anyone who assumes that you're serving a rather odd sort of cold lemon soup.

You can make cheap floor rugs by stenciling canvas with nontoxic acrylic paints.

Make an extra closet into a book nook for quiet reading. Remove the door, and install a wall lamp, shelves, and a comfortable chair.

Put an unwrapped bar of soap in a drawer or linen closet to give lingerie and linens a pleasant scent.

Also, you may create low-cost bookcases out of flue tiles or conduit pipes. The cubbyholes are perfect for storing wine. 

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Innovative and Creative Interior Design ideas

Obviously any room will seem larger if you paint a big piece of furniture the same color as the walls.

A minor room can be made to appear larger if you put mirrors on a wall to reflect the rest of the room.

To give a room a lax radiance, light objects in a room instead of the whole room. For example, spotlight a piece of art or a bookcase.

Hang shiny, metallic blinds vertically or horizontally to help reflect summer sun attractively. This works especially well in south and west windows where you can't construct awnings.

Decorative shades can make an attractive alternative to drapes-and may be a lot cheaper.

You can make a curtain panel from a bed-sheet by knotting the top corners around a bamboo pole.

Your old removable-slat wooden blinds can be renovated. Spread the slats outdoors on newspaper and finish with high-gloss spray paint or brush-on enamel.

To make a quick floor covering for a beach house, stretch natural-colored painter's canvas from wall to wall, stapling it to the baseboards.

If you use the same fabric on 2 different chairs, it will tie the decor of the room together.

To add color to matchstick blinds, weave rows of colored ribbon through them.

Give a floor an exciting new look: Paint it a bright color or paint on a stencil design.

A screen of hanging plants can be a great substitute for curtains.

For an uncommon window covering, attach wooden rings to a patchwork quilt and hang it from a wide, wooden rod. Don't do this, however, if the quilt is an antique that could fade or otherwise be damaged by exposure to sunlight.

Extra high-gloss vinyl flooring like that used on submarines and ships' decks makes fine flooring for lofts, darkrooms, and photo studios. You should be able to get it at an army surplus store.

If you want to make a large room seem smaller or cozier, choose a wallpaper with a large, bold pattern. However, don't choose a large pattern for a small room because it will make the available space seem crowded.

When selecting a wallpaper for a particular room, keep in mind the dominant colors already present in that room. One or more of those colors should be present in the wallpaper to tie the color scheme together.

Matchstick blinds can disguise a wall of hobby or utility shelves for a clean, unified look.

They also can be used to partition off a closet or dressing area where you would like a lighter look than a door provides.

In a beach house, use roll-down window blinds to make a door for a door-less room.

A mural-pattern wallpaper makes a small room appear larger.

No shelf space in your office? Hang slatted boxes for storage of scissors, envelopes, even a cassette recorder. Drape a shade-loving ivy in the topmost box.

If you have an Indian print bedspread that you don't use, hang it full-width across a window.

Open it slantwise across half the window and secure it with a tieback.

For a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to recover a chair, drape a twin-size sheet over the chair, and tie or pin the corners to fit.

Use mix-and-match wallpapers to simplify the problem of papering adjoining rooms without visual clashes.

A pretty or unusual blanket can substitute for a table cloth.

Mexican serapes and Indian bedspreads make colorful, inexpensive table cloths-great for picnics) too.

Fasten bright and colorful paper shopping bags to the wall for storage of art supplies and other lightweight items.

To make a high ceiling seem lower) paper it with a bold pattern. To make a low ceiling seem higher) paper it with a small print or a texture.

To brighten up the office) put pencils and pens in a flowerpot and use a music stand for a magazine rack.

You'll never have trouble tightening screws and bolts if you remember that) for most) right is tight and left is loose.

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Valances, Cornices, Swags (Swags)

Swags

Valances, Cornices, Swags (Swags)

A swag or draped valance should be made of a material that drapes easily, as it is a formal treatment. A silk or taffeta is good. It may be lined in the same fabric or in a contrasting color, as the lining will show in some folds. It is made in three sections, and it is best to start with the center section. Cut a straight piece of muslin the width of your window and 36 inches deep at the center. Curve the bottom gently so that it is wider than the top. Drape it on the valance board and tack it in place, or place it on a table and arrange the folds, tacking them down with pins. Study the effect; if you want a deeper drape, adjust it accordingly.

Sides for the swag are made by cutting a piece of fabric, widening it 4 inches on each side to its widest point and narrowing at the bottom, 30 inches from the center of the top width. Such a piece will make two sides. Cut a piece of lining of the same size and dimension as the drapery fabric and place the two fabrics, right side down, on it ready for sewing. Stitch all around the piece, but not across the top width. At this point, you will have a bag-like piece of fabric, coming to a point at the bottom but open at the top. Now, starting from the center of the top, the open part, cut the entire piece in half, down through the point. You now have two sides. All that remains to be done is to slip stitch the top portion closed, leaving what was the center of the larger piece open. Turn right side out, fold in the appropriate folds, and hang by tacking to the valance or cornice board. You can get varied effects depending on whether or not you wish to press your swag.

Valances, Cornices, Swags (Swags)

Trimmings for valances and swags, as well as for curtains and draperies, are available in a wide assortment of fabrics and styles. Your choice naturally depends on your curtain or drapery style, your fabric, and your room. As with valances, tassels, braid, fringe, and other elaborate forms only recently thought to show old-fashioned bad taste, trimmings have suddenly become high style in some quarters, and stiff valances with gold braid, applique in metallic thread, and fringe in bold colors are seen in many period rooms and, if anything, are even more ornate than in the past. In addition, you'll find such ambitious treatment as pleating of contrasting color shown under draped valances.

More conservative trimmings such as glazed chintz piping, coarse cotton-looped fringe, striped cotton braiding, and cotton ball trim are always good however and, in contrasting color, pick up and accent the lines of draperies and the colors of fabrics in much the same way that a black line will sharpen and improve a painting.

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How to Measure Over-draperies

How to Measure Over-draperies 

Length of draperies depends, like that of glass curtains, on the style of window treatment and the type of window you have. Very formal draperies call for a drape of 6 to 12 inches along the floor, whereas less formal draperies should just escape the floor. A word of caution: if you live in a sooty city where cleaning is a matter of constant vigilance, avoid the more formal draperies, which may act as dirt catchers, and remember that there is nothing elegant about a dirty drapery dragging along the floor. Also if you have very young children, this type of drapery is apt to prove a menace. Draperies may also be sill length, particularly in recessed windows, or may come to the bottom of the window apron. In measuring the length make the following allowances: 1 inch for the rod; 2 or 3 inches for the heading or stiffened pinch-pleated top, if you are not counting on a swag or valance; 3 inches for the top hem to turn under the linings or buckram; 3/4 inches for the bottom hem, or if you plan to add trim, % inch for the bottom hem.

The average drapery fabric usually comes 36 and 50 inches wide, and you will not usually want to split this width. Use one width for each side of the average window. The drapery should conceal the frame of the window. The width is always at least twice the completed width to allow for pleats and drapery effects.

How to Measure Over-draperies 

If you are using the curtain-wall idea with the draperies going clear across the room, you will want to measure the entire length of the wall, and your height should be from just below the ceiling moulding.

With figured fabrics it is necessary to allow for repeats of patterns. These must be counted and arranged to come exactly opposite one another on the same line for every piece of drapery in the room. This may require about 20 inches of additional material, according to the size of the design.

Measuring Linings

Linings are 4 to 5 inches narrower than draperies, and 6 inches shorter. The lining is attached below the top hem. If you plan an interlining buy this 3 to 6 inches shorter than the lining. The lining should come out the exact measurement of the draperies when completed.

Measuring for Valances

When you are planning your windows as a unit, you will plan to buy your valance or swag material at the same time as your curtain or drapery fabric, especially if you are going to use the same material.

How to Measure Over-draperies 

In figuring how much yardage to get for a valance, plan on a depth of at least 12 inches for a shirred valance or one with a flounce. To this add 2 inches for the bottom hem, plus 2 inches for the turn around the rod, plus 2 inches for the heading above the rod. If you are using a shaped valance, plan on about 15 inches of depth, although there are no hard and fast rules on this, as the length of your window and your wall should be taken into consideration. But as the valance will tend to reduce the light afforded by the window and will make the window seem smaller, bear in mind the ruling that the valance should not take up more than one-eighth of your curtain length.

It is generally agreed that the fuller a pleated valance looks the more attractive it is, so to have a starchy, dainty valance measure twice double your width; in fact for a full pleat or a box pleat try 2% to 3 times the width.

Measuring for a swag is easy if you follow this formula: take the length of your window from top frame to floor, add the width of the window, and the length of the other side from top of frame to window sill.

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Life-Saving Hints for Curtains and Draperies

Life-Saving Hints for Curtains and Draperies 

A few precautions in storing, cleaning and laundering your curtains and draperies will add to their attractiveness and prolong their usefulness.

Curtains may be kept up and hung in cotton bags during the summer, which is an effective way of keeping them clean when windows are open, or when the family is away on vacation, or storage space and help are limited.

If the unwashable draperies are taken down, they should be brushed, aired and packed away in large boxes. Never pack curtains tightly, since it is hard to get the creases out again. Pile fabrics should be sent to the cleaner to be steamed if they are badly crushed.

With sheers that you wish to put away for the summer, wash them first, and then in the fall dampen and iron them before putting up.

When laundering glass curtains, let the tucks out first so that you can correct the length afterward, using your shrinkage allowance if you have to, and leaving a smaller tuck than the original one for the next tubbing.

Instead of attempting to shake out dust, rinse the curtains in a preliminary tubful of clear, lukewarm water. You will discover that you have loosened black dirt too, especially if you live in the city. For delicate materials use lots of suds to cushion the material, more than you would with apparel. If yours is a sturdy fabric, it can be washed in a machine. Use a mild soap. Squeeze the water out, don't rinse, and hang the curtains straight. If the fabric is net or lace and is not shrinkproof, you will need to use a stretcher. With many shrinkable materials, no matter what pre- cautions you take you will have shrinking, and the only course remaining will be to add a new heading that is, of course, unless you have included plenty of room in your shrinkage allowance. A little starch used with most glass fabrics will help to make them look crisp after washing. Ruffles particularly need stiffening for attractive starchiness.

Life-Saving Hints for Curtains and Draperies 

With delicate fabrics and colors, rolling in a towel after washing will help to preserve both the color and the fabric.

Color-fast heavy fabrics may be laundered, if care is exercised. Curtains and draperies may be dyed or tinted each season, as you will find they do not keep their color.

Iron curtains lengthwise with a warm iron, stretching them evenly, and when you are through hang them immediately, or lay them on a bed as, again, creases are hard to take out. Sometimes ironing causes curtains to hang unevenly and there is not much you can do about this. Automatic ironers do a better job of ironing, since the pressure is even.

Curtains and draperies that are faded, soiled or sun- burned irremediably at the bottom may be turned upside down, and the damaged part can be covered with cornice or valance, or carefully pleated so that it does not show.

Luckily, curtains and draperies that are somewhat worn always look much better once they are hung than they do in our hands. And trimmings and ruffles over worn edges will word wonders. Also panels may be reversed quite easily, with the right-hand side changed to the left, so that the outside edge which is worn or faded can be next to the trim and tucked under as much as possible, the other edge which was formerly protected by the trim now appearing quite fresh and unfaded. 

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How to Achieve a Modern Interior Design

There is some debate on where Modern Interior Design originated, but credit is generally given to a group of European designers and architects that started the German Bauhaus School of Design back in the early 1900’s – using the Bauhaus philosophy that “form should be combined with function” in interior design. This resulted in a change in the industry’s use of designing materials, as it introduced glass and metals to be incorporated into household furnishings and other elements of design.

With Your Furnishings: The furnishings for your living area will incorporate clean, sleek lines that reflect a delicate balance of simplicity and comfort while incorporating elements of metal, chrome or glass that results in an overall slimmer silhouette. Many say it would be the exact opposite of a Traditional Interior Design, which in contrast incorporates bulky furniture and wood elements. Keep in mind, the use of the “form and function” method is prominent with a Modern Design – so the placement of the furniture is just as important as the type or style of the furniture.

With Your Walls and Color Scheme: When incorporating your color scheme you will discover there is a certain “coolness” that needs to be achieved to reflect the feel of the Modern Interior. Toned down colors add to the effect when using tone on tone or white for paint choices. Inspiration is pulled from the sleek, metal lines of the furnishings to create a soothing backdrop which adds to the simplicity and aura that a Modern Design Style encompasses.

With Your Fabrics: Texture will play a role as it will offset the rather sleek lines of your furnishing elements. Keeping the colors of the fabrics neutral will add to the cohesiveness of the room, but the texture will be what makes the room resonate with warmth. By using fabric drapes for your Window Treatments, you will pull in softness and add comfort – but choosing to go with blinds will also be complimentary to the overall simplistic theme of the design. Both options will work well and will depend on the overall function you require.

With Your Accessories: Many Interior Design themes have a minimalistic approach, the Modern Interior Design style is no different as its basic platform is “less is more”. Choose understated accessories that blend rather than demand attention – unless it is the focal point of the room. The use of metal and glass are prominent in accessorizing, as well as framed art or other wall hangings. Remember to emphasis clean lines and “de-clutter”.

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How to Measure Glass Curtains

How to Measure Glass Curtains

Glass curtains traditionally were hung close to the glass to assure privacy and diffuse light, even when the draperies were drawn open, and consequently they were placed just inside the window frame, next to the top window sash, either to just above or just below the apron, or mouldings, of the window sill. But it is also proper to have glass curtains hang to the

moulding or just clear the floor when no draperies are used. And, increasingly, the new popular window sheer curtains, used by themselves, hung on traverse rods, fall to the floor. If you have built-in window seats, bookshelves, or radiators just below the sill, don't try to conceal them with a glass curtain, but have your curtain extend only to the sill or built-in surface.

How to Measure Glass Curtains

After obtaining the length, you will want to add to it extra inches for hems, casings, headings and shrinkage. For your double top hem you will need 4 inches (this includes a double fold-over for stiffness or for your heading). For your double hem on the bottom, you will want at least 2% inches, although it is currently fashionable to have a generous 5-inch hem at the bottom. If you plan to buy a ready-made trim you need only one-half inch to use for the turn. Then also allow at least 1 inch to each yard of curtain length for shrinkage, unless you buy a shrink fast material. Generally speaking, as has been said, the problem of shrinkage is more serious with a coarser weave.

Curtain fabrics usually come in 36, 50, 72 and 90 inch widths. For under-curtains or glass curtains you will want soft folds for which you plan to have 1% times the width of the window in material. If your fabric is very sheer, allow for twice the width. (This is the case with voile, orlon, nylon, fiberglass, etc.) Measure the window from jamb to jamb for the average double hung window where you will want the glass curtain to come within the framework of the over draperies. But in the case of picture windows or window-wall glass curtains, your traverse rod will extend beyond the window frame work some 3 or 4 inches.

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How to Hang Combination Tape Curtains

HANGING INSTRUCTIONS - PENCIL PLEAT CURTAINS

Ironing may be required before hanging - ensure iron is used on fabric side only.

STEP 1.

Ensure that the 4 cords of the tape are securely knotted at one end of the curtain. To Pencil Pleat the curtains use the 2 outside cords of the 4 cords on the heading tape.

STEP 2.

Hold the 2 outside cords and with your other hand gently push the heading along the cords until the fabric is pleated to its maximum, this forms the pleats. Ease the heading out again to the desired width, distributing the pleats evenly.

Tie a knot to hold them in place. Cut off the excess cord immediately past the knot to avoid a possible strangulation hazard. Ensure the end of the

cord is minimum of 1600mm above the floor.

STEP 3.

You will notice that the tape has 2 levels of hook pockets. This allows you to vary the finished length of your curtains. If you wish to hang the curtains below the track, use the top row of pockets for the curtain hooks. If you require the tracks to be covered, the bottom row should be

used.

To avoid creating a possible strangulation hazard for children, the corded internal window covering must be installed in such a way that a loose cord cannot form a loop 220mm or longer at a height of less than 1600mm above the floor level.

You must ensure that once installed to your satisfaction, the cords are tied and cut off the excess cord immediately past the knot to avoid a possible strangulation hazard. Ensure the end of the cord is minimum of 1600mm above the floor.

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How to Modernize Your Home in 3 Simple Ways

How to Modernize Your Home in 3 Simple Ways

I think when you want to revive and brighten up your home, a modern look is great. A modern home is usually decluttered and looks fresh and clean. It is a great idea to think about changes you can make in your house.

To update your home, it need not to be a stressful process and can be something you gradually apply into through phases. It also does not need to cost you a lot of money.

Here are just 3 ideas tips to help you accomplish a modern look to your home.

Home Decluttering

Home Decluttering

First of all you should take a good look at what is already in your home. Before you start buying anything new, get rid of what you do not need. Holidays are a great time to do this as you can donate what you do not want to a local secondhand store. Tackle one room at a time. Do not become too overwhelmed if it seems too much to do at first. Start in the kitchen, and make your way to the bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.

If you do not want to get completely rid of items that may mean a lot to you, you can at least declutter it from the room. Try to aim for only two to three items on a shelf or desk. By only choosing a few items to display, you can mentally decide what is important enough to keep and what you may not want.

Adding New Light

Adding New Light

It is extremely important for the atmosphere you are going for at the time. Changing your lighting does not need to be a huge task. You can start out simply by changing your light bulbs. If you have static light switches change them to dimmable light switches. Consider buying desk or floor lamps that suit the style of your room. By replacing or adding just a few lamps, you will be able to transform a dead space completely into a lively, bright place.

Make sure that your window spaces are not blocked, and natural light is allowed inside of your home. These are often the most beautiful places in your home, when you can see the sun coming through your window. Consider changing your curtains to white or a light color so that more light can shine.

Changing Colors

Changing Home Colors

If you are hoping to make your home feel new, a quick way to do this is change your color scheme. For a modern touch, consider lighter colors, preferably white. Of course, you can always pair this with another accent color of your choice. Consider this to be a color that will pop. You can also work with textures too, from wood to metal.

You can take this as far as you would like from repainting your entire home to just adding a few accent pieces in your home. An easy way to do this without spending too much money is to repaint a piece of existing furniture or a cheap one you can find at a secondhand store. Even adding in one new different thing can make a big change in the atmosphere of your home.

By applying these three simple changes, your home is already on its way to feeling like an entirely new space for you and your family to enjoy. Do not get too caught up on the whole process, but just take one step at a time, and soon you will feel that you have a brand new home.

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Cheap and Easy DIY Ideas to Update your Bathroom

Cheap and Easy DIY Ideas to Update your Bathroom

Because of the room getting numerous use, bathrooms get ragged looking quicker than the rest of the house. The little room also costs big cash to modernize and when those big cash are not in the budget, use these cheap and easy DIY ideas to update your bathroom and give it an entirely new interior design without undertaking a major home re-modeling project.

Now we will discuss some cheap and easy DIY ideas to update and modernize your bathroom:

Using New Curtains:

bathroom curtains

Create a new color scheme on the floor and work your way up by purchasing a colorful new rug for the bathroom floor. Choose your favorite color in the rug, then purchase a new shower curtain in that color and keep that color scheme going with a new pair of window curtains. Installing a new double-curved shower curtain rod will give you more elbow room inside the shower and an extra rod to hand damp towels out-of-sight.

A new coat of wall paint, semi or high-gloss, will make clean-up easy and update the bathroom for just a few bucks. Don’t be afraid to paint the bathroom cabinets as part of the interior design scheme, and add new hardware to the cabinetry.

Add a few colorful accessories around the room using other colors pulled from the new rug to give the updated space a unified look. Art work can be placed on bathroom walls, just be aware of the moisture and heat that permeates the air in the bathroom and select art work, like painted ceramic tiles, to use in the interior design.

Replacing Showerhead

Showerhead

You can get a spa-like experience while conserving water in your current shower with the right showerhead. With a few twists of a pair of pliers or a pipe wrench, you can install a new showerhead for less than 50 bucks. If you’re longing for a rain-shower head, you can get the experience without re-doing water pipes, purchase a rain showerhead that has an extension that fit right onto your current pipes.

Replace the Toilet Seat

Toilet Seat

Get a new toilet seat and install it yourself. This DIY update is not difficult and for under 20 bucks you will make the most important bathroom fixture look new again. Add new screw caps on the bottom (where applicable) and you’re done with that updating task.

Caulk and Grout

Caulk and Grout

Old caulking around the tub and sink looks dingy and dirty even when it’s clean. Remove the old caulk with a scraper and replace it with new, a cheap and easy DIY job that can be done for under $10.

Clean dingy grout lines with bleach (if white) or a specially formulated grout cleaner to make it look new again.

If the budget permits, invest in some new tiles and create a new vanity top, tub or shower surround. Tiling is a simple DIY project that instantly transforms any room of the home.

Organizing your Bathroom

Organizing your Bathroom

Getting all the grooming products organized is a very cheap and easy way to update the look of a bathroom, plus it cuts down on time spent in the bathroom when you don’t have to search for products. Purchase suction cup holders for shower storage, decorative baskets or small bins to store toiletries on and under the vanity.

If more storage is needed inside the bathroom, re-paint an old chest of drawers, nightstand or bookshelf to match bathroom décor and place it in the room to hold towels and toiletries. If there is no space for a piece of furniture, install self-adhesive hooks or a clear-pocket shoe bag on the back of the door and use as storage and keep things organized.

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How to Create Space for the Bedroom

How to Create Space for the Bedroom

A familiar denominator that we can sympathize about is need of storage space. We require more space to put our things. Looks comic when phrased like that, but it’s the truth of the matter- another shelf, closet, or storage bin would make our life easier. The bedroom often becomes a dumping ground for items that we don’t have room for anywhere else. Our beloved stuff gets tossed on a chair, crammed into the closet or piled up in the corner, making the one room of our home that should be a retreat and place to unwind become the most stressful room of the home. Re-claim your bedroom in style by trying some of these storage solutions that will not only create storage solutions, but create a organized interior design to your bedroom.

Here are some ideas to create more space to your bedroom:

1- Floating Shelves

Floating Shelves

The idea of floating shelves are cheap and a simple DIY project that will create storage space in any room without using up valuable floor space. Stack two or three over a kitchen counter to hold glassware, spices or cookbooks. Mount one over a desk for extra storage or beside a bed to create nightstand that will hold a small lamp and alarm clock.

2- Floating Bed

Floating Bed

This idea is to create a ‘floating’ interior design in your bedroom by starting with a floating bed. A DIY project that will mount the bed from overhead roof joists using ropes or chains. The illusion of a floating bed can also be created by building a wooden bed frame smaller than the mattress and tucking the cover under the mattress. You will lose under-the-bed storage space with a Bed risers are inexpensive and will give you an additional six to eight inches of under-bed floating bed, but the floating theme for the room’s interior design creates a modern and clean-line look.

3- Raised Beds 

Raised Beds

Raising the bed up a few inches to create a more dramatic look in the bedroom plus provide additional storage space with bed risers may be the solution to a decorative and storage dilemma if a floating bed is not the answer.

Bed risers are reasonably priced and will give you an additional six to eight inches of under-bed storage space. Plastic bins with lids designed to fit under beds provide a perfect storage solution for shoes, sweaters or whatever else you need to get out of the way in your bedroom. Storage space. Plastic bins with lids designed to fit under beds provide a perfect storage solution for shoes, sweaters or whatever else you need to get out of the way in your bedroom.

4- Create Closet Space

Closet Space

The bedroom door or closet door can be used to create more closet space. There are a variety of over-the-door hooks and storage bags on the market which can be slipped over the top of any door in your home and used to hang coats, book bags, out-of-season clothing or whatever else needs its own space.

5- Hidden Storage

Hidden Storage

Decorative bins or baskets can be tucked in many small spaces around the bedroom and used to hold the items cluttering up dresser and nightstand surfaces.

Certain furniture pieces can serve double duty and provide hidden storage along with surface or seating space. A large ottoman with storage space under the top cushion or a cedar chest can both be used as decorative storage and as a place to sit and put on or remove shoes are two examples of bedroom furniture pieces that can serve double duty and easily be incorporated into the existing or new interior design.

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