Home Decorating Ideas

Of all the elements that go into decorating a bedroom and creating a personal oasis, bedding can have an amazing affect on the overall look and mood of the room. Your choice of bedding can accentuate or diminish your room-decorating efforts. You can spend an outlandish amount of time and money decorating your bedroom, but the wrong choice of bedding may leave you with disappointing results.

There are three important factors when making a decision on bedding: color, style, and quality.

When choosing bedding color and style check to make sure it is in sync with your decorating goals. First, think about the mood you are trying to achieve. This is sometimes an element that is overlooked by do-it-yourselfers. If you want calm and relaxation, stick with cool colors such as green or blue. If you want sexy or vibrant, choose warm colors such as red or orange. Create a sophisticated enclave with soft yellows. Neutral colors can help bring balance to any room. Add black for a dramatic effect and a touch of elegance and mystery. If using mostly neutral colors in the room be sure to add a splash of color for interest and contrast. A combination of neutrals and small amounts of color can create a cozy feeling. Different intensities of a color can create different moods. For example, soft pinks are associated with little girls or babies and are calming. Rosier pinks create a romantic feel to a room. Bright pinks, like reds, are energizing and stimulating. Many books are available that explain the effects of color and suggestions for color schemes. It is well worth the time to study this aspect of decorating.

Choose bedding that matches your personality or the personality of the person who will be using the room. Just because bedding may work for the room does not mean it is right its occupant. If the style preference is contemporary, then choose bedding with clean lines and unfussy details. Embroidery, jacquards, and some patterns are more traditional. Add decorative pillows in accent colors for a dramatic touch. Don’t forget the mood you are creating and keep the bedding formal or casual depending on your goals. Find bedding that makes YOU happy and meets all of your requirements. After all, we spend about a third of our lives in the bedroom. Why not make it your place of solitude or escapism where your can enjoy the fruits of your life and experience some self-indulgence.

Before making a decision, obtain a swatch or purchase a pillowcase or sham to determine if the fabric will work properly with your décor. Fabric color and texture can take on a completely different appearance depending on the room’s natural and artificial lighting and at different times of the day.

Initially you may have seen the bedding in a store and may have loved the color. But colors are not constant and are greatly influenced by light and other colors. They may look dramatically different in different environments. Or, you may have seen the bedding on the Internet, but colors on the Internet are never a perfect match to the real thing. Consider that Internet colors are often distorted first by the photography and software, then by your monitor and computer hardware. Two computers with the same hardware can still render colors differently because the color settings may be different.

Purchase high quality bedding for its durability and luxurious look. High thread count sheets in Egyptian cotton are good indicators of high quality linens, but other fabrics are offered in luxury linens as well such as silk, linen, and organic cotton. Purchase the highest quality sheets and bedding you can afford. Why spend money on bargain bedding that will soon pill, fade, and loose its luster? Dress your bed with quality linens in the right color and style for you and your décor and you’ll have a private sanctuary that you’ll love for years.

To view enticing luxury bedding ensembles and luxury duvets, we recommend visiting Defining Elegance.

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Sometimes it is the hunt for the right fabric that is more satisfying than the actual item itself. If you’ve ever come across an amazing store or resource for fabulous fabrics at low or no cost, then you know what I mean. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing and possibly save money at the same time:

1. Look for fabric outlets that offer quality or seconds at lower than retail prices. If you are fortunate enough to live near a large city, chances are there are many resources for fabrics. For example, New York is famous for its garment district and many treasures can be found. Plan a trip with friends or find an organized group that makes fabric buying trips. You’ll be overwhelmed with the possibilities and be in the company with like-minded shoppers who can offer advice and encouragement. If you can afford it, take advantage of trips to Paris and Hong Kong often advertised in sewing magazines such as Threads. You’ll be with a group that knows where to find the best buys and is familiar with the area…and you’ll make new friends.
2. Join the American Sewing Guild. This organization is dedicated to the sewing enthusiast, offering neighborhood meetings, national sewing conferences with classes, and discounts. This is a great networking opportunity to get help with sewing projects and many times members either want to swap or give away fabrics. I just came home recently with about 60 yards of fabric that a member was giving away! And she still has more!
3. If you like to shop at flea markets or second hand stores, these can be a tremendous resource for design details, fabrics, and unique hardware pieces. Also shop at high end stores for design details and the latest trends in styles and colors. Think outside the box and collect things that will work for your projects. Be sure to purchase plenty so that you are not caught short. You may also want to experiment so plan accordingly.
4. Be sure to use quality lining. If you can’t find quality lining through any of the above resources, then you may want to shop online. However, even if you have to spend top dollar for it, it’ll be worth it because without quality lining, your window treatments may not hang correctly and you’ll shorten the life of them. Try shopping online for fabric, too, especially if you can’t find what you’re looking for through other means.
5. These are just a few ideas and I’m sure many of you have some of your own. If you’d like to share your ideas for finding fabrics or your own home decor projects, let us know and we’ll post them here.

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The luxury bedding industry has seen several newcomers in recent years. One woman, Fatim Thiam, has arrived on the scene bringing her unique talents and approach to design that have left an indelible imprint.

“The Sahelia designs were not like any other we’ve ever encountered,” commented Sue Ticotin, owner of Defining Elegance LLC, a company that specializes in custom window treatments and luxury bedding. “Our excitement about a product is our barometer in determining what we offer our clients.”

Sahelia’s founder, Fatim Thiam, was born and raised in West Africa, and educated in France, Canada, and the United States. Fatim recognized a marketing opportunity in the luxury bedding market that was virtually non-existent. Her vision was to create high quality bedding that would incorporate the rich elements of the African culture.

Each of the nine collections is named after an African city with colors and designs that are reminiscent of the spirit of the African people, architecture, art, and textiles. The Walata collection, with its glorious blend of chocolate brown and blue, was conceived out of her travels to Africa. Fatim found inspiration in the architecture of a door and translated the unique patterns of that structure into the Walata design.

Sahelia has introduced two new lines for the fall, the Ife and Luxor collections, which have superbly captured the essence of the ancient cities that they were named after. Ife, a city in Nigeria whose beginnings can be traced back to 500 BC, is known for its astounding artwork and known worldwide for its ancient and naturalistic bronze, stone and terracotta sculptures. Luxor, which dates back some 4000 years, is home to one of the most beautiful temples of ancient Egypt. The Luxor temple was built by two pharohs, Amenhotepis III and Ramesses II, and is probably one of the most interesting destinations in Egypt.

Although African inspired, Sahelia linens are actually manufactured in Italy. Made of the finest quality Egyptian cotton, Sahelia linens are manufactured using the best weaving, finishing, and craftsmanship that has made Italy a top industry leader in fine linen manufacturing.

Fatim Thiam’s eye for design and her vision for Sahelia have clearly transcended the expected. Of her bedding collections, Fatim states, “A bedroom should be a haven of peace, comfort and beauty. At Sahelia, we thrive to help our customers achieve just that in our own unique way”.

Defining Elegance LLC offers clients the irresistible beauty of Sahelia linens as well as other high quality luxury bedding and bath products. Many designs include embroidery and hemstitch details. Clients have the option to order online or receive personalized service to meet their specific needs. To see these enticing collections of distinction, visit http://www.definingelegance.com

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Once reserved for royalty or the very rich, luxury bedding is one of those delightful pleasures in life that is progressively becoming a must-have. We’ve all seen the rise of popularity with Egyptian cotton sheets over the years and now it seems that luxury bedding is one of those items that people just can’t imagine being without. Each year manufacturers are showing up at the home textile shows to display new collections. Although some trends in color or design appear, it’s the classics or soon to be classics that survive. Today’s consumer wants bedding that is comfortable, classic, durable, and will withstand the changes in trends. Neutral colors and delicate embroidery in high thread count sheeting is in high demand. Silk, linen, and Egyptian cotton fabrics are top choices for bedding fabrics that are extremely soft and beautiful.

Adding to or changing your luxury bedding is a great way to change the look of your room without changing everything. It’s much easier to change your look if you start with neutrals. Use neutral colors such as white, ivory, taupe, or green and soft details when selecting sheets and bed skirts. We are no longer limited by choices. Most manufacturers offer the same color palette for coordinating collections that can be mixed and matched. If you don’t find exactly what you want, most manufacturers will customize your bedding so you can get the best fit and colors of your choosing. Just remember that anything that is special ordered or custom made requires on average a 6-week wait, but it is worth it.

Not everything has to match. Select different pieces for your duvet cover and shams to instantly create a new look. Layering with coverlets and throws is great way to add texture to the room. Many manufacturers are starting to include these pieces in their bedding collections. You also have the option of coordinating coverlets and throws in the same colors, but different designs, textures, or weaves for added appeal.

If you find a fabric or bedding design that appeals to you, you don’t have to purchase an entire ensemble. Keep your main bedding neutral and purchase decorative pillows in your favorite fabrics to add a touch of color or pattern for a different look or to change with the seasons. This is a creative and easy way to showcase those fabrics you love. Pillows can be purchased or custom made to your specifications and style. Purchase several so they can be easily changed at whim. If you have many pieces of furniture in the room, consider an Upholstered headboard in coordinating fabrics to freshen your decor and soften the room. Adding pillows in the same fabric will complete the look. Most luxury bedding manufacturers offer fabric by the yard so that you can customize your window treatments and accessories. Your bedroom is your retreat, so spice it up or add soothing elements to please your senses. Don’t necessarily follow trends. Instead, follow your instincts and do what makes you happy and content. To view enticing luxury bedding ensembles, we recommend visiting http://www.definingelegance.com

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Creating your own window treatments can be very rewarding, but also a little intimidating even for people with sewing experience.  Every project should start with a plan so here are some points to consider when attempting to create your own window treatments:

1.)  Evaluate Your Space

Think you know the perfect window treatment for your project?  Don’t be surprised to find obstructions or challenges to slow you down.  Light fixtures, molding, thermastats, or art work cannot always be moved.  Low or high ceilings can be challenging.  So pay attention to the immediate wall space and ceiling where the window is located. If the window swings inward or has a hand crank, your design options will be affected. If the treatment is going on a door you will need check for potential problems when the door is opened. Does the window embrace a magnificent garden or lake view?  Or perhaps you find yourself looking directly into the neighbor’s bedroom or your neighbor looking into yours!  Window treatments can work wonders to hide or emphasize your view.  Other things to consider:  sun control, privacy, kids, pets.

2.)  Identify Installation Challenges

Don’t wait until you are all done with your window treatment to start thinking about how you are going to install it.  If you are not familiar with installing window treatments, grab a friend, carpenter, or your husband/significant other to help you.  Locating the wall studs and determining if there are any installation challenges up front will save you disappointment and headaches later. 

3.)  Gather Information

You don’t have to be a trained designer to think like one.  Designers gather all sorts of information about their client early on in the process so that they can design for their client’s personal style.  Get a head start in understanding your personal style and design choices.  Here are some things to consider:  1.) How does the room function?  2.) Who uses the room?  3.) Do the treatments need to be stationary or functional?  4.) Formal or informal?  5.) What’s your color scheme?  Use sources of inspiration if you plan to re-paint.  6.) Sources of inspiration can be a starting point.  Heirlooms, pillows, treasured items from travels, nature, hobbies.  Your personality should show!  7.) Collect pictures from magazines to get a sense of your style and what you like.   Make a list of what you don’t like.  8.) Great design element or design flaw?  Some rooms/homes were designed by individuals who don’t know anything about window treatments!  Window treatments can camouflage problems or emphasize great details.  9.) What’s the focal point of the room?  There should only be 1 focal point.  Window Treatments make a wonderful focal point for rooms that lack interest.  10.) What’s the mood I want to achieve?  All of the room’s elements including the window treatments will evoke an emotional response.  Figure out the feeling – romantic, whimsical, relaxed, cheerful – and making your choices will be easier.

4.)  Narrow Your Choices

Okay, so now you’ve got some ideas about what will work and what won’t work for your space.  Now it’s time for the hard part – making some decisions.  With so many choices today, making a final choice can be difficult but if you followed the steps outlined, at least you can narrow your choices for design and fabric to 3-5. Your final design should fit all of your criteria from the information you’ve gathered.  Remember the feeling you want to create.  Which of your final selections strikes that emotional response the best?  If possible, purchase a half to a full yard of your fabric choices and view them at different times during the day and evening.  Like paint, fabric colors will look different under different lighting conditions, so take your time.

5.)  Plan Your Project

There is no doubt about it, you will spend more time planning than sewing.  With final decisions made, take measurements.  It is important to take accurate measurements.  Outside mounted treatments can accommodate measuring mistakes better than inside mounted ones.  Choose the right fabric for your project.  For example, don’t choose a stiff fabric for swags which require fabric with drape.  Consider if the fabric design will get lost in the folds of your treatment.  Very small patterns can look great up close, but can look muted from a distance. If your fabric has a design repeat, decide design placement and plan on enough yardage.  Check your pattern or resource books on how and where to measure, calculating yardage, and for more information about fabrics. It’s a good idea to sketch out your yardage layout.  Miscalculations can result in not enough fabric or too much fabric, both money wasters.  By sketching out your yardage layout, you can not only be assured that you’ve anticipated problems, but you can sometimes save on yardage by doing this.

6.)  Find the Best Methods for Fabricating Your Window Treatment

If possible, check your fabric for flaws before you purchase it or at least before you cut!  Put a piece of blue painters tape on them and then determine how you can work around them.  If too many flaws, return the fabric.  Research how-to books and other resources for the best fabrication methods.  If you are an experienced sewer, you’ve undoubtedly collected several tips and techniques that work well for most situations.  Finally, cut, sew, and install.  Congratulations!  You’ve just created the perfect (?) window treatment!  Of course, there is no such thing as perfect.  Don’t hesitate to rip things out and start over, but only to a point.  Unless it is very obvious to the eye, chances are most people will never notice your mistake.  Remember, mistakes are opportunities to find creative ways to correct them.

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Welcome to HomeDecIdeas.com. I created this blog to share my decorating ideas and instructions for do-it-yourselfers.  I invite readers to contribute their ideas and share their how-to instructions. 

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