For the majority or us, our living room is where we spend most of our waking hours, when we are not working, anyway. This room has the most wear and tear, and gets changed and redecorated more than any other. If you’re the kind of person that loves having the latest colors, patterns, or designs or the just like to update the look of your living room, having and using a “budget” is much easier than you may think.
Not all of us can afford to spend too much time buying new furniture, but we can still update our current furniture by using slipcovers, an inexpensive way to re-upholster your furniture. Slipcovers come in many different materials, and colors to fit any decor. Always remember your environment…Use the type of material that will stand up to your situation.
Cushions, pillows, and throws are an easier solution to slipcovers and can be a great way to bring in a new fresh color give your space a facelift. Window dressings are a great way to get started. Using new window dressings can be used to bring in a new accent color to give a new backdrop to the living room. Other great idea is using wallpaper. Using big/bold patterns is not a requirement, smaller prints and patterns can be just as eye-catching as the big/bold ones.
Wall art is always one of the most effective ways to change the look of the living room. Whether its pictures, paintings, mirrors, or “knicknacks”, there is a style for everyone and you’ll be amazed at the difference in your living room look.
Going “Green” is now trending, use sustainable sources to do your part. Wooden blinds, natural fabric, and sisal rugs are economical ways to bring “life” to your living room. Using earth tones for your base color theme with wicker baskets can bring a better “bang for your buck” while showing that you’re doing your part to help save the planet.
In the same vein, creating a comfy, cosy bedroom is a great project to start with if you’re renovating your home. Even if you’re planning on making just a few changes, you can totally change the atmosphere of your bedroom quite simply. Here’s how:
A comfy bed is more than just the mattress
Many people think that having a comfy bed is just about the mattress. However, although the mattress is important, you need to think about other aspects of the bed too. The pillows are also important, as is the quilt, and even the linen you use. The thread count of the linen adds to the luxurious feel of it. Having the thread count explained will make this seem much clearer to you.
Different textures help to add interest and atmosphere
Different textures add interest to any room, but you can create an atmosphere using them too. For example, fluffy throws and rugs will make a room feel especially cosy. Wooden floors and furniture are a lovely natural addition to have in the bedroom, and they go nicely with anything fluffy. However, in some cases it might be best to leave certain jobs to the professionals – don’t install your own floor if you’re unsure!
Darker colours are best
Darker colours are best in the bedroom for a number of reasons. For one, they aren’t so bright and bold that they begin to hurt your eyes or your head. I think a garish pink bedroom would give you a headache after a short while. Using colours such as grey, brown, black, beige, and a bit of white thrown in always makes the bedroom feel cosier. You can add a splash of colour, but make sure it isn’t too stimulating.
You shouldn’t have a tv
You’ve probably heard this before, but you shouldn’t have a TV in the bedroom. If you use this TV, you’ll start associating the bedroom with somewhere to watch TV and be awake, rather than somewhere to relax and sleep. Instead, why not have some speakers in there so you can listen to relaxing music before bed?
Make sure you have dimmer switches
A dimmer switch allows you to have the lighting in the room however you like it. Sometimes, you’ll need the light on full blast. However, when it’s time to relax, you’ll want to dim down those lights quite a bit. They are very useful!
Invest in beautiful, heavy curtains
Heavy curtains will help to keep the light out in the mornings, so you can have a fully rested and relaxing sleep. However, many people swear by natural light to wake us up in the morning. To make sure you have a relaxing sleep and don’t wake up too early/too late, why not invest in an alarm clock that imitates natural sunlight?
With these tips, you’ll feel the most rested you’ve ever felt!
Caroline A. Akinlotan
