Decorating your home in the contemporary style means that you will have to keep some basic rules in mind. Bear in mind that you will have to follow some fundamental rules when decorating your home in this style. With the simplicity, texture and subtle touches of modern décor your rooms will be able to showcase good taste and spaciousness instead of individual accents. These are a few guidelines to get you on your way to creating interesting contemporary spaces.

Keeping Things Sleek and Fresh
The focal points of modern décor are color, shape and space. The foundation for everything else in modern décor is black, white and neutral colors. The tone of the room is set by walls painted with neutral colors and black furniture . Then, by adding bold, brightly colored accents you can add to the excitement of the room. You can also have pastel colored walls, keeping the furniture neutral with tones of cream and sand. Conversely, pastel colored walls, with neutral tones of cream and sand for the furnishings can be used. Basically, if you are going to use colored walls the rest of your room should be neutral. When using white or cream walls the furnishings in the room should be black and neutral, with minimum use of brightly colored accents to add interest to the room.

Simple Lines and Distinct Shapes
What is perhaps the most important part of modern design? The architectural details; these help a room keep its modern look. The interest in this is added from high ceilings, geometric shapes and bold blocks of color; and less is definitely more. Windows should be kept uncovered, and walls are to be left bare allowing the sleek lines to be free from clutter. Every single piece used in the modern style stands out on its own. Keeping your floors, walls and ceilings free of clutter is your objective in this style. If for some reason you need to cover your windows, it is best to do so with basic blinds or curtains that are sleek and have no frills.

Choose the right Furnishings
An essential part of modern décor is using the right kind of furniture. No added curves or decorations should be present in the styles of furniture for your home. Leaving the legs of sofas, beds and chairs is important. Black, white and other neutral shades of color are used in upholstered furnishings made of natural fabric that provides texture and interest. Adding a bold splash of color is simple; use throw pillows with bright, geometric or abstract patterns.

Accents should be kept to a minimum. For example, you can use a single over-sized geometric print to accent an entire wall. Color can also be added through a single potted plant or a candle held in a modern shaped container. Avoid any cute accents, floral prints, ruffles or fringes. Bold, basic and roomy space is the objective of modern décor. Using these tips will help you create rooms that are interesting, relaxing and spacious.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior design industry for 4 decades. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They carry a large selection of Amish made solid oak furniture for your living room, dining room and bedroom. Whether you’re looking for a oak dining room table or a dining room set for your dining room and kitchen nook  then they carry everything you need.

Have Plenty of Storage Options

A variety of storage options will be necessary if you want to keep the playroom as neat as possible. This way there will be a specific place for everything in the room. If you don’t want your child’s playroom to look as if a tornado blew through it every day, you will need organization and storage.

Shelving units on the wall, plastic bins and furniture pieces can all work as storage for the room. Be sure to have individual baskets or bins to store small items such as puzzles, art supplies and small toys.

Make the Playroom Room Durable

You should keep any valuable furniture, especially your favorite piece, out of your child’s playroom unless you want it to get broken. When it comes to furniture and other decorating items, children tend to be rough on them, even girls. If you want to keep the room durable make sure to keep the décor items simple.

Some things like plastic bins and baskets can double up as storage and decoration for the room. Not only should the rugs be easy to clean, but they should also be darker to be able to better hide stains.

Keep Play Areas Safe for Your Kids

To prevent furniture like bookshelves, dressers or desks from falling on a climbing child, make sure to bolt these pieces onto the wall. Try to keep the size of furniture in scale with your child, as furniture that is too tall can prove dangerous for younger children. Small toys and art supplies should be kept high up, where small children can’t get to them.

If you have a baby or toddler you should take extra precautions by making sure that you put covers on all the outlets and by not having any blind cords hanging from the windows.

Let Your Child Have a Say in the Playroom

Your child will enjoy their playroom much more if you allow them to have a say in their playroom’s aesthetics. Take into consideration what they want for the color of the wall or carpet. If your child wants a themed playroom it can easily be accomplished by simply adding stencils or stick-ons to the walls.

It’s very possible that your child will not want to play in their playroom if isn’t what they wanted or if they don’t like the way it looks. You should allow your child to have a say in their room’s décor and items to a certain degree.

The playroom should be the best place in the home for a child. This will give them a chance to have fun, be create and be independent, all in their own space. By following these decorating ideas you will be able to decorate the playroom simply and inexpensively.

Avo Barsoumian has been in the flooring and interior design industry for over 25 years. He owns and operates a home flooring company in Southern California. The carry the best in elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting. It doesn’t matter whether your searching for cheap laminate flooring for your new town house or carpet for sale to makeover your older home then Carpet Wagon has exactly what you’re looking for.

Good Bets for Success
When it comes to decorating, you want to maximize what your home has to offer. Thus, it’s important to consider the architectural design and location. You want to highlight all the architectural assets of your home while incorporating your own unique style and personality into the décor. This way, you can achieve the perfect balance, thereby lessening the need to redecorate on a frequent basis.

Start by using a signature piece to decorate every room. Go with any piece you prefer—modern, abstract, or elegant—and then decorate around it. Once that signature piece has been designated—say, a piece of wall art—then you can begin to incorporate colors, textures, and design for the rest of the furnishings to complete the look.

Combine Various Design Elements
Do you want your home to be unique and appealing? By blending various design elements, you can accomplish a look that’s totally yours. You can add interest and depth to a room by combining wood pieces, bold patterns, stripes, plaids, and florals. Although a wood floor can be gorgeous all on its own, the floor will really come to life with a couple of boldly hued geometric-patterned rugs. You might also add some boldly colored and patterned throw blankets and pillows to solid-colored sofas and other furnishings.

It’s important to pay close attention to the scale of a room. Furnishings should be similar in both size and shape. When you repeatedly use shapes, fabrics, and colors, you help bring the design of the room together, making it look as though it was professionally decorated.

A Few Things to Avoid
If you’ve decided to decorate your own home, there are a few things you need to avoid. It’s important that you don’t end up letting a friend or relative telling you how to decorate. Always listen to suggestions, but keep in mind that this is your home and the goal is your you and your family to feel comfortable and pleased with the décor.

When arranging their furnishings, many people place everything against the walls, spreading it out in order to give the room a more spacious look. This also tends to be a mistake. Furniture should be away from the walls, arranged in an intimate grouping. Set out a large area rug and group all your oak chairs, wood dining tables, and sofas around it, thereby creating a more personal and welcoming look and feel in the room.

Don’t Try to Display Everything You Own
Typically, people will pick up an assortment of collectibles over the years. It’s not uncommon to have an attic, basement, or closet packed with favorite accents and accessories. However, when it comes time to decorate a room, you don’t want to try to use them all. You’ll just end up with a room that looks messy and cluttered.

Instead, put aside some of these items for later use. Then by periodically switching out old collectibles and decorating items, you can keep the room looking fresh. By using less, you also convey the importance of each piece you have carefully selected to display.

Remember all these helpful hints when it’s time to refresh and update your home. This way your do-it-yourself décor job will yield professional results.

More times than not, those rooms that are an entire sweep of beige and cream can really use a little drama. What’s great about texture and color is that you can either create a room that’s vibrant and energetic or one with a tranquil and relaxing feel. If you’re looking for ways to transform a room, here are some tips to get you started.

When Tranquility Is What You’re After
With neutral colors, a room feels relaxed and tranquil. You can create an atmosphere that’s totally calm and peaceful with the colors of Earth such as tans, sky blue, and terra cotta. Go for cream-colored carpets and walls, accented with the hues of the sunset. Keep the majority of the furniture light in color and then add splashes of terra cotta and sky blue in throw pillows, accent rugs, and the artwork on the walls. Choose pillows, rugs, and wall hangings that are either nubby or sleek in texture.

Warm Things Up and Welcome Visitors
The vibrant atmosphere created by warm colors is welcoming to anyone who enters your home. To create a welcoming atmosphere for anyone who enters your home, use warm colors that create a vibrant look. Oranges, reds, browns, rust, navy blue, and all the colors of fall add a spicy appeal to your décor. If you’re trying to achieve a warm, comfortable look, choose furnishings with bold patterns tha include the colors of fall. Throw colors should be in a solid color. This way, they’re not competing with the patterns of the furniture. Create a focal point by painting a single wall deep orange and decorating it with a large print.

Jazz It Up with Energy!
Do you have a room or small space in your house that’s just plain dull? Well, why not jazz it up? With bright, vibrant colors, you can make even the plainest of rooms take on a whole new life. Shades of bright green, orange, blue, and peach lend a botanical look to the room. Or be bold and paint a wall or two a bright, vibrant shade.

Find throw pillows with wild, bold patterns. Create interest on the walls with some botanical prints or abstract art, and use a geometric or abstract patterned throw rug to liven up those floors. Toss in a few exotic looking plants and you won’t believe the transformation that has taken place. Using bright colors and bold prints makes a world of difference when you’re trying to create rooms full of energy and life.

The reason most people can name their favorite color is that color affects everyone. Not only do colors make you feel calm, relaxed, energetic, sexy, or playful, it does the same for your rooms. You don’t need to settle for a boring, lackluster home that has no personality. All you need is a little color and texture to really liven things up. Even on a shoestring budget, it’s possible to add character and personality that will totally transform the look of your home.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has four decades of experience in the furniture and interior design industry. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in California. They have a large inventory of handcrafted American built solid oak furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Are you looking for a wood tv stand for your family room or a wood bookshelf for your office then they probably have everything you need.

Of course, if your home is far away from roads or other residences, you may be able to get away with practically anything you like, even no window coverings at all. Most homes, however, are located in places where there’s a need for some privacy. With the help of the following tips, you can decide what’s best for your home.

Shade Options
Shades come in different varieties, providing privacy or light. If you want complete coverage, fabric or roller shades are your best bet, as nobody will be able to see in from the outside, particularly at night when you may have lights on inside your home. Non-sheer pleated and cellular shades provide excellent security with full glass coverage. You can find some that allow you to pull the top section down. This allows you to have light or view outside when you choose to do so. If you’re looking to save money on energy costs, you can purchase cellular shades that have an insulating effect as well.

Sheer and Non-Sheer Curtains and Draperies
For decades, curtains and draperies have been popular favorites. Although beautiful, sheer curtains are easily seen through in the evening hours, therefore offering little in terms of privacy. If you like the look of sheer curtains but need privacy, one option is to use shades underneath.

You also have the option of curtains or draperies that are opaque or lined. When pulled together in the center, they will give you complete privacy at night. Simply pull them back to allow the light to come in during the daytime hours.

Shutters, Vinyl Blinds, and Wood Blinds
If you’re considering shutters, vinyl blinds, vertical or horizontal blinds, or wood blinds, know that all these options offer a good deal of privacy. Mini-blinds are extremely popular and also present a relatively affordable option. When making your selections, keep in mind that most shutters and blinds can offer a view inside from certain angles. However, overall this option offers a great deal of privacy.

Colors and Patterns
Whatever window treatment option you choose, there are plenty of colors and patterns that will complement your home, providing a beautiful accent for your windows. In terms of curtains and draperies, they come in a rainbow of solid colors as well as every type of design you can imagine. You have so much to choose from, from florals, to stripes, to abstracts. In a country-style home, wood shutters offer the perfect accent, and they can be opened or closed to the degree you desire. With blinds, you have plenty of options. Use them alone, add a valance or topper, or hang them in conjunction with some curtains or drapes.

If you’re looking to decorate your windows while keeping the degree of privacy you prefer, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can keep your home safe from the peering eyes of the outside world at night and still have windows replete with beauty and style. Throw in a little creativity, and make your home your own.

About the Author..
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior decorating industry for four decades. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid oak furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. Are you searching for dining sets for your dining room and kitchen or a wood desk for your office then they probably have everything you need.

The Key to Country Décor
What really makes a country atmosphere in the home is all the little extras, or accents. Essential for this look is wood furniture and natural fabrics such as cotton textiles that add depth and color. Knick knacks and other display items should be made of pewter, copper, iron, stone, and other natural materials. Display your kitchen collectibles on a wrought-iron baker’s rack for added appeal.

Giving Furniture That Comfortably Worn “Country” Look
For rustic appeal, you want the furnishings in a country décor to appear slightly worn. If you have solid wood furniture, you should have no trouble achieving this look. Simply apply a layer of paint. Then, when it’s partially dry, rub the edges and other areas that would normally wear with a cloth or sponge. Another way to do it is to let the paint dry thoroughly and then use sandpaper to lightly sand to edges, creating that worn look. If you’re buying wooden furniture, choose pine or another light-colored wood to add to the country feel.

Accents Make All the Difference!
The country décor theme has endless options. For example, you might add an extra element of country to the room with a handmade quilt. Simply toss one over the back of the couch or throw it across a corner or a rocking chair. The addition of throw pillows is another easy way to add color and texture to the décor. Throw pillows with crocheted covers or tapestry designs that are country oriented are perfect for this look. When used with this style of décor, braided rugs are also a good choice. Start with a large oval braided rug in the center of the room and then arrange furnishings around it, creating a cozy central area in which to relax or entertain guests.

Another necessity when it comes to country décor are baskets, copper pots, and vases. Nearly any room can benefit from the addition of a basket. Place a small basket in the living room, perhaps on the fireplace mantle or on a coffee table or wood end table. There are lots of options for filling the basket, including dried flowers, greenery, and herbs. Choose a medium-sized basket for the kitchen, placing it in the center of the table and filling it with painted wooden fruits. Baskets can also be used for holding magazines or towels in the bathroom.

Add an earthy touch to the décor with some copper and stone pots. They can be filled with flowers fresh out of the garden or loaded with herbs. What’s great about these pots is that they can be placed anywhere and everywhere. Live plants and herbs work wonders, making a home feel warm and welcoming.

With these tips, you can add some creative flair to your country décor. Of course, you want your home to express your unique nature, so be sure to incorporate your own creative ideas as well. What will result is a home that’s not only warm and beautiful, but which showcases your individuality as well.

Re-creating the Past

It’s not difficult to create this comfortable, welcoming style in your home. For many people, the goal is an elegant, stately looking home. If you simply want all who enter your home to feel at ease and relaxed, then consider a country and western décor. Your home feels as if it’s open to anyone and everyone, and all would stay forever, if only they could. Your guests will not be able to help feeling right at home when they visit. Your décor has everything to do with the impression people have when they visit your home.

Homes that are decorated with a country and western theme have a warm, lived-in look. Lots of wood and rustic colors are a big part of the décor, adding to its charm. With wooden floors and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, you can really create an old-time feeling.

A kitchen styled in this theme is typically oversized and full of color. Common in a country/western kitchen are sunflowers, roosters, old teapot collections, gingham tablecloths, and wrought-iron baker’s racks. Doesn’t this sound just like grandma’s kitchen? Although you can’t go back to that time when life ran at a much slower pace, the next best thing is creating that look in your home.

Paint can make all the difference when you decorate with a country and western décor theme. Rustic colors such as tan, brown, dark blue, forest green, and maroon can really add to the rich look. These colors can also be used elsewhere. For instance, you might take a few western striped throw rugs that use these colors and place them here and there on your wood floor.

More Western Than Country

If you like the western look, you can create a fabulous décor decorating with horseshoes and rodeo-themed throws. Throws are great, as they can be used in so many different ways. You might use one to cover up a worn spot on the sofa, or hook one lazily over the back of a rocking chair. You might even create an amazing focal point and hang one on a bare wall.

Other great additions include table runners and coasters that share the western theme. Create a huge western effect by hanging a cowboy hat or wooden wagon wheel on the wall. Purchase some cowboy boot planters for your oak end tables for an original addition to the décor that’s sure to be a conversation piece. There are plenty of western-themed accessories to choose from, from wrought-iron candle holders in the shape of horses to huge Texas star wall hangings. All will give your home the look of days long past, of families gathering around a hearth after a long, hard day on the ranch. These days, you can choose from a variety of western-themed accessories, from huge Texas star wall hangings to wrought-iron candle holders in the shape of horses, that will give your home a look of days long past-when family life meant gathering together after a long, hard day on the ranch.

A Style That’s Easy to Live With

It’s not difficult to decorate your home using a country and western style, and your entire family will enjoy the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere you create. Your guests will also enjoy the décor-so much so that you may be hard-pressed to get them to leave your inviting home on the range.

Add Color by Dressing Up Your Table
Dress up your kitchen table as an easy way to add color to your kitchen. Add a colorful tablecloth or placemat set, or display some colorful dishware. Add flowers in a vase or basket to the center of your wood dining table to add some instant color to the room. Look for colors that will both add interest to the look but complement the overall décor.

Add Color with a Backsplash
Don’t let your kitchen backsplash be boring. You can always keep things simple with a neutral-colored tile or laminate, but you also have to option of venturing out a little and making things colorful. Tiles and laminates come in all different colors. If you want a totally unique look, try arranging colored glass that’s been broken up in a random pattern on the wall. Not only will you create a personalized, one-of-a-kind backsplash, but you’ll be able to get a some different colors worked into the décor.

Paint an Accent Wall a Different Color
If your kitchen is painted a neutral color, then paint an accent wall to incorporate some color into the décor. Choose the wall that’s the least covered with cabinets or appliances. Be sure to pick an accent color that will work well with the rest of your kitchen’s décor. For a more subtle look, go with a matching color. But if you want the wall to really stand out, pick a color that’s complementary.

Take the Doors Off the Cabinets
When you take the doors off your kitchen cabinets, you can display all your colorful dishes and other tableware. If you have neutral dishes, add some pop by painting the insides of the cabinets a contrasting color. You don’t need to remove every cabinet door in your kitchen, but instead choose anywhere from one to four prominent cabinets and make them your “color cabinets.”

Use Window Treatments to Add Interest
Another great option is to utilize the window area in your kitchen to add color. For your valance or drapes, choose a color that will really stand out in the décor. Red or purple window treatments would be a great way to add color to the room if you have, for example, a black-and-white or otherwise neutral kitchen.

Just because you want to incorporate some color into your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to redecorate the entire room. Rather, build upon what you already have to add your own colorful touches here and there.

About the Writer….
Leon Tuberman has been part of the furniture and interior decorating  business for 40 years. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room furniture. Whether you’re looking for a dining table for your formal dining room or a sofa for your living room  then they have everything you need.

What Is a Mural?
Any type of design or picture that’s painted or drawn directly on the wall is called a mural. Murals can be composed of anything, from a beach or ocean scene to a pattern of dots or stripes on the wall. In terms of application, murals can be painted on, drawn on, or even stuck on the wall.

Tips for Painting or Drawing a Mural on the Wall
If you decide to paint or draw your own mural, be sure that you properly research your supplies. There is specific paint that is suitable for murals, and you also want to be sure the paint will go over whatever surface you’re painting on. If you really want to do your own mural but you’re not sure about your artistic abilities, there are a variety of stencils and kits that offer pictures you can blow up and trace on the wall available at most home décor and arts and crafts stores. More often than not, a stencil is a wise decision, as not many people can freehand a large mural.

Sticking Your Mural on the Wall
If painting and drawing really aren’t your thing, you always have to option of using wall decals or wallpaper murals. You pretty much just have to hang these murals on the wall, but they look just like real painted-on murals. For wallpaper murals, all you need is glue and water, as they are hung just like regular wallpaper. Decals, on the other hand, come with an adhesive already on the back of them and tend to be more like stickers.

Hire a Professional to Make Your Mural
If money is no object when it comes to creating a mural, you might want to hire a professional artist to do the work. This is a great option, particularly if you have a very large mural you want done or if you’re not artistic at all. Just be aware that this approach can quickly get expensive, particularly if the mural ends up being large and intricate. Some murals can take a few days. It all depends on just how detailed they are and how large the space is. Therefore, you want to be sure that you budget accordingly.

Where to Add Murals in Your Home
Murals will make a great addition to just about any room in your home. You might consider adding a great nursery mural to welcome a new little one. Or you might want to add a mural to that large empty wall in your dining room that fits the style of the room. Bathrooms and kitchens are also great places to put murals. A wall mural doesn’t necessarily need to be huge, nor does it need to be the only thing on the wall, but you do want to be sure it’s highlighted in the room.

With so many options, you don’t necessarily have to be artistic to add a mural to your home. If you have the budget, you can always hire a professional artist. Or you can choose to go the wallpaper or decal route instead. Murals will add some design style to your décor and are also a good way to demonstrate your personality in your home.

About the Writer
Leon Tuberman has four decades of experience in the furniture and interior design industry. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid amish furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you searching for bookcases for your family room or a oak tv stand for your family room then they probably have everything you need.