Every kid’s room needs a theme. With most boys’ rooms, a theme will be easy to decide, based on his likes and interests.

When he grows out of the toddler stage and starts school, he will have begun to form specific affinities for certain things; race cars and trucks, sports, cartoon characters, dinosaurs; whatever comes naturally!

There are tons of themes to pick from when decorating your boy room.

Letting him help choose the theme ensures that he will like it, but you may want to avoid big ticket items that are tied too closely to a fad or phase he’s going through; that $1,000 train set may seem great to him at seven, but by the time he’s ten it may well have been banished to the attic!

Our Boy’s Bedroom Article Series is packed with tons of great, affordable ideas to help you put together a room he will love. Below you’ll find an overview of boy’s room themes with links to complete stories on how to achieve some of the most popular ideas and themes.

Dinosaur Bedroom
If your boy likes dinosaurs, a wall mural or wall art can be a great way to get started with the dinosaur theme. Whether you use something cute or more realistic depends on whether he is easily scared or tends to have bad dreams; you don’t want him waking up in the middle of the night being chased by Tyrannosaurus Rex!

You can find lots of great dinosaur-themed bedding, curtain fabric, light switch cover plates, clocks, wall borders and posters online. To learn more read our complete article on Designing a Boy’s Dinosaur Bedroom.

Animals & Wildlife
Whether your son is into dogs or wild animals like birds, big cats or snakes, a nature theme works well and is easy to pull together, with posters, stuffed animals and models.

Paint a wall mural, put up wallpaper or other wall art to transform his room into a zoo, Wildlife Park or whatever his imagination dreams up.

Read more great ideas on designing an animal theme bedroom in our complete article on Designing a Boy’s Animal Bedroom.

Jungle Safari
Safari is always a fun theme.  Add color by using animal print wallpaper borders, wall art and fabrics. You can paint his walls green, brown, ivory, or whatever colors match the wall border. Pillow covers with zebra stripes, big cat or other animal fur fabrics are great. Put a pith helmet, old binoculars or maybe a replica African wood mask on the wall.

Camping & Lodge Decor
If you child loves the outdoors and camping, then this could be the right theme for his room; give his room a rustic lodge decor. You’ll find wallpaper borders with everything from snowshoes to moose, trout, bears or birds in the patterns. You can use plaid flannel patterns for bed linens, which are also warm and comfy for those cold winter nights. A rustic pine or log bed can be fun, as well as a big trunk for storage at the foot of the bed. He can add pine cones, walking sticks and other items he finds on camping trips to complete the decor.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Ships and nautical themes are great, but any boy who likes the Pirates of the Caribbean will love a pirate décor in his room! With treasure chests, cargo nets, a ship’s bell or any of a myriad of related props to choose from, you’ll easily get carried away with this theme.

To find more ideas on ocean and beach themes for a boy’s room, check out our article on Designing a Boy’s Beach Bedroom.

Space
Boys love outer space and you could paint a night sky on the ceiling with matching wallpaper borders and let him hang planets over his bed. Globes, spacecraft models and other space toys will complete his space decor. He can really blast off on his outer space missions.

If your son loves space and outer space stuff, read more tips in our complete article on Designing a Space Bedroom.

Car Racing
Most boys love race cars at some point in their childhood development; some get very specific about NASCAR or Formula 1, motorcycles or another class of racing, so pay attention to his preferences and this can be a very fun bedroom theme he’ll love. Of course you can go with checkered black & white patterns or even put up yellow, red, and the other color flags used at a racetrack to add color and decoration to walls. Posters and wall art are easily found for any type of car racing.

You’ll find all kinds of great car and racing theme ideas in our complete article on Designing a Boy’s Car Theme Bedroom.

Sports
Whether he loves traditional sports like basketball, baseball and football, or more radical sports like skateboarding, snowboarding and mountain biking, sports is a timeless theme for any boys room and options are endless.

If he has a favorite sports team, paint the walls in the team colors and put up pennants, posters and jerseys with his favorite player’s numbers. You can make a very unique headboard for his bed with plywood painted or covered with fabric in sports team colors or patterns. Area rugs, lamps, trophies, autographed memorabilia; he’ll have accessories galore to choose!

For dozens more ideas on how to give your boy’s bedroom a sports theme, read our complete story on Designing a Boy’s Sports Bedroom.

For more ideas and tips on decorating a skater’s dream bedroom, read our complete piece on Designing a Boy’s Skateboard Bedroom.

Movies & Cartoon Characters
No matter what genre he likes, you can be sure to find wall art, toys, stuffed animals, bed linens and other items from his favorite movies or animated films. If you stick with the basic, you won’t have to repaint walls when he no longer loves Mickey Mouse, Bob the Builder or whatever his current favorite might be!

Read all our tips on Designing a Superhero Bedroom.

Military and Air Plan Themes

While not as popular as it once was to put up flags and pennants to create a US Armed Forces or military theme in boys bedrooms, if he has an older sibling in the military or likes imaging he’s a fighter pilot, you might consider camouflage bedding, model airplanes, tanks and ships and armed services recruiting posters as a few boy’s bedroom decorating ideas.

Read all of our tips on Designing a Boy’s Military Bedroom.

Cowboy Wild West
I was this kid myself; cowboy hat, boots, six-shooters and a dream of being a rodeo star someday. Many online retailers offer great wallpaper borders, bed linens, and a host of other cowboy and western-themed decorations.

If six shooters and ten gallon hats are what gets your son excited, read our complete story on Designing a Cowboy Bedroom for plenty more ideas, pictures and tips.

The Ocean may be one of the most intriguing and stylish themes for home décor. With myriad colors, patterns and design elements from which to choose, you can decorate any room in your home with a nautical theme.

Think of it; seashells, lobster buoys, fish, sailboats, yachting pennants, surfboards, maritime art … the list of nautical design theme elements is nearly endless! Versatile and timeless, the sea has long been used as an interior design motif.

From casual and rustic to ultra modern and formal, you’ll find plenty of ideas, tips and images in this guide to help you create a unique and elegant nautical interior design!

Nautical Colors with Style

While blue and white, navy and khaki or sea green and yellow are typical ocean décor color schemes you can use accent colors such as red, orange or purple to liven things up and brighten the natural color palette of sea and sand. With accessories like yachting flags, lobster buoys, etc. you can add plenty of color to your nautical décor theme.

Use natural colors and textures by introducing the rustic look of driftwood or the mariner’s look of mahogany or other hardwoods with a natural finish into your room décor.

If you are a boater or live near the water, then a nautical theme will connect your home to the outdoor environment you love so much and nothing brings a feeling of serenity and elegance to a room like the sea!

Formal or Casual

Rely mostly on color to establish a formal room décor with subtle hints of the sea in design elements and motifs you select; a little bit of nautical décor can go a long way.

Use Asian or English furniture for a formal feel, with subtle lines, shapes and patterns that hint at a nautical theme without being too cliché or over the top. Beaded board and painted white wainscoting will give your nautical-themed room a more formal feeling.

For a more casual and rustic feel, you can use nautical ropes, nets, a sailing ship wheel, porthole windows and other maritime antiques to give your room décor the feeling of an old sailing ship, yacht, fishing boat, surf shop or other favorite nautical theme.

Don’t Over Do your Nautical Theme

While a pond yacht or model sailing ship can become a great centerpiece, you don’t want to over do things with lots of boats. The sophisticated nautical theme will incorporate design elements that are subtle but unmistakably help the room feel like going to the beach, stepping onto a ship or visiting a quaint fishing village without being cluttered or tasteless. Finding the right balance is a matter of personal choice as well as how formal or informal you want the room to feel.

Use Paintings, Sculpture and Artwork

One way to help unify your nautical décor theme will be to select artwork that ties together, such as images of fish and sea life, the beach, fishing boats or another favorite nautical theme. Or, you might try mixing up the subjects of your artwork but using a common frame to tie them all together.

Nautical Pillows and Upholstery

Another way to infuse the feel of the sea without going too far overboard is to select throw pillows or blankets, area rugs and other accessories that use a fish, boat, shell or other motif in the fabric prints, embroidery, texture of fabric, etc.

Display Nautical Collections

If you like to collect sea shells, coral, lobster buoys, yachting and signal flags or something similar, you can display such items to enhance your nautical theme; in fact this is exactly how many people decide to give their home or a room the nautical décor treatment in the first place!

Trimming Nautical Home Accessories with Shells

Use a hot-glue gun to attach sea shells to accessories including mirrors, lamps, and picture frames.

Mixing Finishes and Trim

Try mixing finishes by using high-gloss trim against off-matte painted walls. Use beaded-board wainscoting or chair rails to add depth and interest to your walls.

Creating Contrast and Pattern

Use stripes, sea shell or other patterns to add interest in your nautical-themed rom. Create contrast by using white slipcovers on dark wood-finished furniture, or navy blue on natural wicker to give your nautical décor an elegant look.

Fabric choices can really help add contrast and refrains in your nautical décor using elements such as piping, monograms, embroidered designs or printed patterns.

Grounding Your Nautical Décor Theme

While the sea is a great theme for your room, you may wish to incorporate elements that also tie your theme to the shore; use driftwood, shells, sand dollars, starfish or other beachside items to “ground” your nautical décor.

Echo the feel of sand and sea by using a color combination that mimics the colors of the beach, with warm tones like beige against the cool color of navy blue or sea green.

Nautical Décor Accent Pieces and Accessories

You can shop at local antique or specialty home décor stores to find items such as an anchor, buoys or crab traps for your nautical room theme. Wide wood plank flooring will give your room the feel of a ship’s deck or a seaside dock. Accessories like fish netting, a ship’s wheel, a nautical brass clock or barometer, antique brass spyglass, some rope ladders or brass lanterns will enhance the nautical feeling of your theme.

Consider using wall art to add a nautical touch as well. Paintings or prints of seascapes, ships at sea, sailboats, shell fish or other ocean scenes will help bring your nautical theme to life.

Decorative pillows, runners and area rugs can also help set a nautical theme in a living room, bedroom or other nautical themed room in your home and add comfort and warmth in addition to supporting your nautical room design. Use an old lobster or crap pot with a piece of glass on top to make a rustic nautical coffee table.

Additional Nautical Décor Tips

• Your home doesn’t have to be near the sea to have a nautical theme; whether you are decorating a single room in your home or looking a for a theme to carry throughout your home décor, colors and images of the sea will create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere regardless where you live!
• Images of lighthouses are a great way to decorate your nautical-themed room and you can have great fun traveling to various historic lighthouses, taking photos you can enlarge and hang on the wall or buying collectible lighthouse sculptures.



• If you have a fireplace, think about ways you can give it a seafaring look by hanging a wooden oar over the mantel, using hardwood or sandstone to create the fireplace surround or using nautical accessories to adorn the mantel.
• You might consider mixing up different nautical themes in various rooms in your home; using a rustic fishing theme in one room and a more refined, elegant ocean-side décor in another. The variations on ocean, sea and nautical themes are wide enough that you can mix them while using the nautical theme to give your home interior an integral design that carries from one room to another.
• For a more understated nautical theme, pick the sand and sea color scheme you like and don’t overdo the accessories; you’ll find that a subtle theme may be more to your liking and can add pieces in time so that you don’t suddenly feel your home looks like a maritime museum!
   

Tuscan style is inspired by nature, so Tuscan kitchen decor makes for a soothing and peaceful room. Because Tuscan design is so simple, it only takes a few changes to remodel your kitchen in this delightful rustic style.

By focusing on paint and accessories, you can easily accomplish a kitchen remodel on a budget well under $1000. The following Tuscan kitchen ideas can help you get started.

Tuscan Kitchen Color Schemes

The first step in your Tuscan kitchen design is to select a color scheme. One easy way to select colors is to find a Tuscan-inspired accessory like a ceramic tile, piece of pottery, or a painting and select the key colors from that inspiration piece.

If you don’t have a piece to start from, you’ll need to select colors yourself. Focus on colors that can be seen in nature.

Some of the most common colors seen in Tuscan kitchen decor are:

• Browns – Try earthy tones like deep browns or tans.
• Reds – Picture the colors found in fall leaves, like rich golds, burnt oranges, and rich reds.
• Greens – Olive, deep greens, and sages are the best choices.
• Blues – Think deep blue; it works particularly well as an accent color.

Painting Your Tuscan Kitchen

For the walls, try a paint finish that adds texture, such as stucco or sponging, to add to the rustic, aged Tuscan vibe. These techniques have the added benefit of disguising any imperfections on your walls. One word of warning: choose darker colors with care, since colors tend to appear darker when applied to walls.

You can try out your desired colors on a board and put them into the room to see what they look like at various times of the day before you commit to a color selection.

Another suggestion is to combine lighter and darker tones. Try starting with a darker base and sponging a lighter color over it to create depth.

You can also consider painting or staining your cabinets. Cabinets are a good place to use some of the deeper colors in the Tuscan palate. Deep Tuscan red stains are very popular.  Or consider painting the cabinets a strong, contrasting color to the walls.

The other option is to paint the walls in a light color and then give the cabinets a coating in a deeper shade of the same color.

You might also consider painting doors, shutters, or window frames. Be careful, however, not to overwhelm the room with color.

Tuscan Kitchen Furniture and Accessories

Set off your new cabinetry look with some new hardware. Ceramic or burnished metal knobs are good choices for Tuscan kitchen decor, and provide a lot of design bang for the buck. There are many “Tuscan” or “Tuscany” hardware collections available to assist you in your selection, although of course you’re not limited to those options.

Consider curtains in lighter colors, particularly if you’ve chosen deeper tones for your cabinets or walls. Sheers, Tuscan stripe designs, and simple checked curtains are all good Tuscan kitchen ideas. You can even stencil a Tuscan-inspired design onto your sheers to add visual interest.

For kitchen decoration, consider wall tiles. A few accent tiles applied to the walls adds Tuscan flair. Or decorate the walls with metal urns, platters, and bowls.

Fill glass or copper containers with dried goods and cooking utensils and use them as display items. Or select ceramic containers in an accent color like deep red. Freestanding metal or wood stands can store pots or fruits and vegetables. Add some plants to complete the look.

Tuscan furniture is generally simple. A large wood table with simple chairs is the best option for an eat-in kitchen. If your current table and chairs doesn’t fit with the Tuscan vibe, hunt down a used set at a garage sale, or buy a plain unfinished version and stain it yourself.

You might also consider adding a stencil to the tabletop or chair seats. Think plain wooden stools and simple lines for a breakfast bar. Add some Tuscan touches with bright seat cushions. Decorate tabletops with wooden bowls filled with fruit, pottery, or large stone vessels.

Natural materials like stone and wood characterize the country decor, along with handmade crafts. In America, what we often think of as “country style” comes from the heritage and crafting skills of pioneer settlers, farmers and ranchers who settled the Western Frontier states of America during the 19th century.

Handmade crafts, authentic antiques and country style are still mainstay decorative elements, but modern design trends and changing tastes have given the traditional country decor some new twists as well.

Since most settlers to the American West came from Western Europe or the Eastern states, American country decor borrows many elements from the country traditions of France, England, Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia.

Simple, eloquent and a bit coarse, country decor makes heavy use of natural woods with rough, aged surfaces and simpler forms. A country style home should feel modest, comfortable, and natural. The exterior is crafted from materials like natural logs, cedar or another natural siding material, and will often have stone facades.

Flooring was traditionally constructed with bare wood planks, which were hand-polished or waxed, without varnishes or lacquers, which were not available. In some cases, floor boards would have been painted in a light color or white washed. Wood flooring of uneven planks made from pine or oak is a definite country decor cue.

Exposed wood beams are another hallmark of the country home. This style of interior architecture lends itself well to country decor and wood beams make an excellent display from which to hang any kind of country items like cook pots, barn tools, cowboy hats, or bouquets of dried wildflowers to add a little color and natural beauty indoors.

Mud Room

Every country home will have a good mud room. The ranch house my family had and where I spent summers as a child, had a great mud room, with plenty of hooks to hang outer clothing and racks for boots. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of coming in from the range and taking off boots and outerwear in that old mud room.

Even if you don’t have a true mud room, put a simple wood bench with open storage below near your main entry and a real boot jack to add a bit of that mud room feel.

Living Room

The parlor or living room would be where a wealthier ranch owner would entertain guests; though many pioneers could not have dreamed of having that much space in their home. If it had a parlor, this was typically the most formal room in the house.

You might have found an ornate clock or a Victorian object in this room, which would have been either family heirlooms brought across the prairie at great personal sacrifice or else imported from the East or from Europe by an established and wealthier country family.

Country furniture is typically made from pine or oak, sometimes hand painted with country scenes, trees, flowers and leaves, birds or other animals.

You will want to appoint your modern country living room sofas and arm chairs in quality leather, chamois leather, suede or rich, darker colored fabrics for comfort, durability and the feeling of a true country gentleman’s parlor.

A stylish rocking chair will make the perfect accent piece. Use quilts, throws and pillows to add comfort and accent colors.

Kitchen and Dining Room

In the dining room, you will want to use bench seating, ladder back or Windsor chairs, which are classic country style chair styles.

A large pine table, rectangular and plain in shape makes for a great country dining room table. One popular finish is rubbed paint, often white in color, giving it a nice weathered look.

The Amish style pine table we bought just after we were married still adorns our kitchen nook today, having grown more appealing through the years with the dents and scratches of daily use.

A country kitchen will feature open shelving and a hutch or buffet to display dish ware. Items like stoneware pots, glass jars and earthenware pots display nicely on your kitchen shelves.

Cast iron or copper pots in plain, large shapes give a country feel in the kitchen. Naturally finished wood or antique white paint make the best cabinet choices in a modern country kitchen. Add a large butcher’s block to give your kitchen an authentic feel.

Frilly laces in white or neutral colors are best for your window treatments and will invite light into your kitchen and dining room spaces.

Bedroom

Try a big brass bed, adorned with traditional hand-crafted quilt in the bedroom to give it that country touch. A large trunk or chest makes the perfect accent at the foot of your country bed.

You can use modern cellulose, vertical or wood blinds to make your window treatments functional. If you like brighter colors for your curtains, that’s fine also to give your window treatment a more modern feeling. You won’t lose the country feeling and there’s no need to sacrifice modern convenience just to make your country bedroom look completely authentic to the period!

A good method to introduce modern design elements into your country decor is to blend traditional antique furnishings with a few more modern pieces.

Selecting a couple of pieces with modern lines won’t hurt your country decorative elements as long as you have something that ties them together; theme, color and shape will be the best ways to keep things from becoming too disparate. Try looking in magazines, local shops or online for ideas.

Bathroom

Country decor in the bathroom is a bit frivolous since many traditional country homes had no indoor plumbing, but using neutral tones on your walls, with antique or reproduction wood vanities and cabinets will extend your country decor to the bathroom.

A claw foot tub and pedestal sinks with antique brass faucets will complete the country bathroom decor, making it a place to rejuvenate body and spirit.

Towels in simple white would be typical of country decor and give your bathroom a modern touch. Wicker baskets are great to hold your bath sponges, soaps and shampoos.

Pine, wicker or woven wood are also great for a potpourri of pine cones, wild flowers and other naturally scented items.

Lighting Your Country Decor

Use recessed ceiling fixtures, and a brass or wrought iron chandelier to give adequate ambient lighting.

For accent lighting you can use wall sconces, tin lanterns or hurricane lamps to complete your country lighting design.

Candle holders with a brass finish, kerosene or oil lamps are other good accent light sources your country room decor.

Use of Color and Reducing Clutter

Country decor colors tend toward more neutral tones; white to bone white and earthier tones predominate. Highlight and accent colors will usually be blues, greens or barn red to add contrast and drama.

Try to simplify use of color and keep things consistent with a room or adjoining rooms that are open to each other. By keeping your walls and fabrics more neutral rather than adding a lot of color and patterns, your accent colors will have greater visual impact.

A red vase with simple curves, a subtle blue checker pattern in the curtain fabric or a white rocking chair with simple hand painted wildflowers will do; you don’t want overpower your decor with lots of colored wallpapers and fabrics with disjointed and conflicting patterns.

In any decor, country or modern, it is best to focus on keeping things simple rather than overcrowding spaces. Find things you really love and remove others that just don’t feel right.

Openness and a feeling of space will make any room in your home more inviting, which is a basic rule of modern design. You can give your home a country feeling without sacrificing the convenience and aesthetics of modern design.

Select your decorative elements with care, just a early American settlers, farmers and ranchers did out of necessity and you will create a country home decor with a modern sense of aesthetics; something that is uniquely your own!

Retro furniture is typically defined by American 1950s and 1960s styles and nostalgia, which are typified by the use of chrome, cracked vinyl, Naugahyde or other simulated leather, wood veneers and Formica, bright plastics and similar materials and finishes.

Vintage Furniture Designers

Furniture styles in the home during this era can range in quality from junky mass-produced items, to extremely high end collectible modern furniture pieces designed by the likes of famed designers like Pieff, George Nelson, Robert Heritage and Merrow Associates in Great Britain and Europe, as well as American designers like Hans & Florence Knoll, Milo Baughman, Charles & Ray Eames and many others.

These designers eschewed fancy ornamentation and highly decorative designs in favor of geometric shapes, clean lines, functional use and modern forms. You can learn more about many of these well known mid-century furniture designers over at r20thcentury.com.

Thanks to the post war American manufacturing boom, affordable mass-produced retro style furniture is still widely available in specialty furniture shops, garage sales and online at eBay and other Internet sources.

The more sought after designer retro furniture however, has become quite collectible and so original pieces will often fetch extremely high prices at auction.

A number of designers and manufacturers also offer reproduction items so you can get new, modern furniture with that 1950s or 1950s retro look without sacrificing comfort and features.

Bedroom Furniture Ideas

You won’t find a fancy canopy or sleigh bed in a retro style bedroom. Simple lines and geometric shapes were the style of the day in bedroom furnishings. Wood veneer materials with Rosewood were popular for beds, dressers and nightstands.

You could use a vintage chenille bedspread to cover your retro bed. For your window treatment you might try Priscilla curtains with frivolous wide ruffles and pulled back to the sides. Use a shaggy white area rug to add texture.

A great accessory item you can pick up is a reproduction version of the vintage 1950s Big Ben Moon Beam alarm clock for your nightstand.

Kitchen & Dining Room

Formica and chrome dining tables are the way to go! You can still find originals at garage sales and second hand stores or get a reproduction set in bright 1950s colors like cherry red, sunshine yellow or blueberry blue.

Since enamelware was all the rage in the fifties, try finding original items like a bread box, coffee pot or tea kettle to display in your kitchen. Add color with a nice collection of fiesta ware bowls and dishware. If you can’t find originals, you’ll find plenty of reproduction enamelware and Fiestaware items online or in specialty shops.

You can even find retro kitchen appliances like refrigerators, stoves and toasters.

To create a little wall art for your retro room, try framing some 1950s magazine ads or posters.

Sofas & Living Room Furnishings

Sofas and chairs will be low, sleek designs with mahogany or wood veneer finishes and textured fabrics or leather upholstery. A floor lamp with a chrome finish and iced glass globe for the shade will complement your retro living room decor.

If you really want to create a living room focal point that will be a great conversation piece, try using a vintage or reproduction 1950s entertainment center, featuring a radio with dials and knobs and a vinyl album record player!

You can also find reproduction 1950s phones in bright plastics, complete with a dial instead of the keypad. You might still want to keep the cordless handy for daily use!

Try to get your child involved in the project as much as possible, letting them help steer your selection of a theme, colors and design elements. To get your kids room decorating project started, we have assembled a number of ideas and tips to help inspire you.

Picking a Theme

What are your child’s interests? Begin by looking at your child’s favorite books and artwork for ideas. You know what your son or daughter likes to pretend play the most, so use that to get inspiration for your theme.

Then look in decorating magazines books and online to find photos and ideas on how to bring your theme to life. A good theme for your kids’ room will also help direct your choice of colors, patterns and decorating elements.

Always remember safety is an important part of any kids’ room decor. If you child is a restless sleeper, bunk beds may not be the best choice. Never use decorating elements that could cause your child to choke or sustain injuries.

Choosing a Color Scheme

Start by choosing the background color you’ll use to paint the walls and ceiling, your flooring material and borders. Choosing a primary fabric and pattern will help guide your efforts.

Choose fabrics, wallpaper and wallpaper border patterns to help reinforce your theme and color scheme. You will want to select a main print or pattern to set the overall tone of your kids’ room.

Select your accessories, fabrics, wall art and other design elements to coordinate and with the primary fabric pattern and colors.

By selecting complementary colors for all design elements, you can bring together all of the design elements that help support your theme.

It’s best to select one a common background color, even when using different prints in one room. You can select prints and patterns in different size scales, like a wallpaper border with large hearts and perhaps the same or a similar pattern with smaller hearts to use in fabrics or curtains for instance.

Creating affordable framed art is easy if you simply use artwork your child has created him or herself, or by clipping pictures from magazines or books.

Choosing a Focal Point and Design Elements

You’ll want to select a main focal point for your kids’ room decor. Often time, this may be the bed, but you could also use a wall mural or a display shelf as the main point of interest. Your focal point reinforces and sets the theme you have chosen.

Really use your imagination when planning and selecting decorative elements. If your son loves baseball, use team pennants on a wall or display an autographed baseball on the display shelf. You might have a wall mural of his favorite ballpark or player at bat!

Of course, you’ll also want to find bedding that coordinates with the theme and color palette. Hearts, flowers and dolls in pinks, purples and greens work well in most girls’ room color schemes, while red, yellow or blue tend to work well in a boy’s room.

Boys Room Themes

Boys play and pretend actively, often pretending to be grown up men, so themes like building, cars, the circus or other occupations can make good options.

Boys also tend to love the outdoors, animals and the sea.

Fire House Theme

Is your little boy intrigued with fire trucks and likes pretending to be a firefighter? Then maybe a fire house theme, complete with wooden fire truck bed is the right theme.

You could use red as the primary color, adding a fire truck pattern for wallpaper borders. White, yellow or blue will work well for coordinating colors.
A fire pole might make an interesting design element and adds a great play center. A fire captain’s helmet or fire hose could also work to add to your theme.

Animal Theme

Most boys love animals. If your son loves dogs, you will find a lot of great dog patterns for bedding, fabrics and wallpaper borders. Whether he loves German Shepherds, Collies or Labrador Retrievers, a dog room theme will provide plenty of imaginative options.

Maybe he’s more interested in bugs, jungle cats and big game animals or dinosaurs? What ever animal category he likes can make a great theme for your boys’ room.

Animals make an easy theme since you can use stuffed animals and artwork with out spending big bucks.

Castle Theme

Most boys love to pretend being the knight in shining armor. Faux paint, a nice wall mural and a valance for the window treatment can transform your boys’ room into a castle.

You could also decorate his bunk bed to look like a guard tower or put a knight in armor in a corner of the bedroom to give this theme an imaginative touch.

Nautical Theme

Sail boats, tug boats or racing boats are another source of imagination and pretend play for many boys. A ship’s bell, anchor or sailing ship wheel could make the perfect main pattern for your boy’s room nautical theme.

Blue is a natural primary color choice with this theme, while beige can bring a feeling of beach sand into the color scheme. A ship in a bottle would make a great accessory for his display shelf.

Girls Room Themes

Girls will often want to play house, dolls, be a princess or dress up. Hearts, flowers and horses can also be good girls’ room themes.

If your little girl, love Barbie dolls, that could be a great theme. Or, if horses are her thing, look for wallpaper patterns, fabrics and other design elements that could support a horse theme in her room.

Pastels, pinks, purples and other bright colors are popular choices for any girls’ room. An elaborate doll house, a vanity with mirror for make up or a tea table, chairs and tea set for her dolls to have a nice tea party can all make great options for a focal point in your girls room decor, letting you even mix themes a bit if desired, since dolls and princesses can go together!

Princess Theme

If your daughter is like my five-year-old girl, she probably loves the Disney princesses. This can make a great theme, complete with her favorite princess characters and accessories.

Girls love a canopy bed and you can use sheer fabrics to bring color and a touch of whimsy into her bedroom. Pillows and bedding are easy to do with a princess theme; you’ll find plenty of good patterns, fabrics and wallpaper borders.

Barbie Doll Theme

Barbie doll collections are another biggie with girls. If she loves Barbie, then this could be a natural theme for her room. You can get a Barbie living room set, a Barbie bed, make up desk with mirror and all the accoutrements for her Barbie room theme.

This is another theme that can be extended easily, since she may have other favorite dolls as well. Make a display shelf unit the focal point to display all her favorite dolls.

Hearts Theme

Hearts are a wonderful pattern to use in a girls room. If your daughter wants a hearts theme, start by picking a pattern and her favorite color. You could also combine this with other patterns like butterflies or lady bugs to mix things up a little.

Flowers Theme

Flowers are another great source of inspiration for your girls’ room theme. Whether she loves a particular type of flower, like daisies, roses or lilies, you can find any number of patterns, fabrics and wallpapers from which to choose. Color options are also wide open with a flowers theme.

Use white bedroom furniture and stencil her favorite flowers to add color and create your flowers theme. A lovely flower vase could feature some paper machete or other type of faux flowers your girl can craft herself for display.

For a retro look from the seventies, you could go with a bright flower pattern. If she likes a more muted color scheme, then pastel colors and appropriate flower pattern may be the right look.

Remember the pink flamingos? They are here again! But the flamingos are not the only ones; retro kitchen designs are out as a fashionable and cozy way to beautify your kitchen. The fifties are making a comeback through stainless steel and checked floors.

To obtain the retro look, some designers often add actual furniture and accessory pieces from the fifties and sixties. At the very least, they give the kitchen a fifties’ and sixties’ ambiance. This revived the retro design style that is increasingly gaining popularity.

The word retro (short for retrospective) doesn’t only speak about styles from the 1950’s. To a certain extent, a retro look also relates to designs, styles and fashions from the past that are often considered nostalgic and conservative.

In American terminology, retro rooms are identified as the ones from 1950s. The 1950s designs are popular for their high-spiritedness and self-confidence, put on display by the use of bold colors and patterns, thus exhibiting a certain kind of “hipness” about them.

No wonder that homeowners nowadays want a resurrection of the colorful and fun fifties. This look was captured using today’s materials and technology plus supplements and furniture from the past.

In contrast to the increasing advancement in technology, the warm feeling of bygone days seems to be what present shoppers are increasingly growing fond of.

However, to authentically create the retro feeling in the kitchen, it is vital to distinguish first the general feeling of the country during the time you wish to revive. Design is not something that exists in a vacuum. All epochs have their unique style and design that reflect their own time.

The same is true for the 1950s-style design. One can see from the vivacity of the rooms that it reflects an era rejoicing the end of World War II. This statement agrees with the fashion world’s experiment with war-time, resin-based plastic materials.

The outcome for these new materials, together with the happy essence of the period and the rush to accommodate newly-formed and growing families, is the emergence of a very carefree style whose revival continues to invigorate kitchen designs later on.

Latest materials and lively-tinted plastics commenced a host of vibrantly colored (e.g., candy pinks, turquoises and blues) cheery pieces. In the 1950s, laminates are the latest material applied on countertops, and even on cabinets.

This was basically due to the quality of the laminate that could be manufactured in any color one wishes.

Although a huge number of today’s materials do well with the present retro appearance, the range of colors for this look is limited to the cheerful, funky and fun. Candy color bright or warm and natural, whichever shade is utilized, does not matter as much as decorative art, which is a crucial element in retro-style interiors, with accessories commonly employed to complete the look.

Along with traditional materials, all these bits and pieces were accommodated in the decorative sphere to fashion novel accessories. Furniture shapes, patterns in fabrics, and lamp designs have prints or shapes like amoebae, boomerang and kidney-beans reflecting the fifties. Even clocks are made to appear like atoms.

There was an outburst in the production of glass during the 1950s and 1960s. This is mainly because of the huge progress in glass technology. Lighting extended to the figural and the abstract, a far bolder step than ever before.

For instance, slim and very practical pivotal pole lamps became very much fashionable. You can still unearth samples of these lamps in antique stores today.

One of the crucial things to keep in mind about retro design is that it is necessary to generate an energetic and authentic setting. Also, it is the accessories and furniture that really make the retro setting.

Contemporary and transitional are the characteristics that stayed in major surfaces and material, with the details giving this style its exclusive voice and appearance.

Bear in mind the following when making a retro kitchen:

• For cabinets, glossy maple, cherry, or mahogany finishes do well. Stainless steel, acrylic or vibrant laminate finishes in segments of the room give appropriate accents.
• All contemporary countertop materials work well with counters. It is recommended to use very small patterns or solid colors. Decorative tile can also be used to add flavor to the room and you shouldn’t be bashful about the color palette.
• For floors, the ideal material is wood. You may also work with geometric patterned vinyls. Another excellent choice is a cork floor.
• If at all possible, you may add a mid-century furniture in a table or counter area.
• Bright colors for accessories are crucial to creating the retro style. Remember to use plastics to generate a sense of fun. Play on with a little neon. Use Fiestaware as a reference to your colors and integrate these colors to your retro kitchen design.

Victorian furniture gives your home a touch of class. Unlike other furniture themes, Victorian furniture makes you appreciate beauty, and at the same time a sense of comfort. It has also been an inspiration for other art themes, such as Art-Nouveau and the revival of the Gothic style. But even after so many changes in style and fashion, Victorian furniture remains to exist, proving itself to be timeless.

Creating a Victorian feel in your home

Victorian furniture somehow creates a dark and gloomy feeling for some. It is at most times caused by the theme’s attempt to bring back the past. The Victorian period may be long gone, but the furniture is here to stay.

If you want to make your home look Victorian, of course you have to use Victorian furniture. This kind of furniture is quite old, and some already consider it as antique. You may use antique furniture as well, but remember that Victorian furniture is heavily upholstered.

From the chairs to the sofas, cushions are stuffed to make them busty, and comfortable to sit on. Aside from furniture cushions, the pillows, mattresses and bed covers must also be puffy.

Victorian furniture is also bulky and heavy. It is made to be the focal point of the room. Most pieces are made up of hardwood, such as oak, rosewood and mahogany.

You can find intricate carvings on the arms and legs of these furniture pieces too. They usually occupy a lot of space, so situate them on the most ideal places you can think of.

Other parts of Victorian furniture meanwhile are made of metal. Drawer pulls, doorknobs and other handles on Victorian-style closets and cupboards are made of metal. Built in furnishings on the other hand are made of stone.

In an authentic Victorian home, fireplaces are made of stone, like marble. If you do have a fireplace, you can make it look Victorian not necessarily by replacing the fireplace with a marble furnishing; paint techniques can now do the trick.

Dark and heavy kinds of fabric such as velvet are used in Victorian furniture. This kind of fabric absorbs the light and adds a gloomy and mysterious feel to your home. During the Victorian period, heavy fabrics are used almost everywhere, from cushion covers to curtains, drapes, and over covers.

Fabrics are used as an alternative for wallpaper, mainly because they keep the home warm and cozy during the cold. Victorian patterns and colors tend to be dark, rich and bold.

The patterns used in Victorian furniture are commonly bold and intricate. Like the furniture itself, the Victorian designs occupy a lot of space. Sometimes though, they create a cramped and cluttered effect.

Rich, dark colors are often used on Victorian furniture. Shades of red and blue can be found on the cushions, covers, wallpapers and curtains. They too help in blocking the light from coming in, as well as keeping a gloomy atmosphere to your home.

Keeping the Victorian Touch

The right lighting and decorative ornaments are helpful in adding a Victorian feeling to your home. Light is controlled to make your visitors notice the furnishings, so it is focused on particular furniture pieces.

You can make use of silk lampshades for lighting, or brass light stands with shades made of shell. Others try to make their Victorian home look authentic by placing candle holders on the walls-the light, of course, is now generated by electricity. Crystal chandeliers also add a sense of glamor to the room.

The floors meanwhile provide additional beauty to Victorian furniture when laid with rugs and carpets. They also act like fabric wallpaper, and insulate your home from the cold.

To maintain a Victorian fashion into your home, you must keep your furnishings well decorated. Victorian furniture is thus topped vases, jewelry boxes, and egg-shaped picture frames.

You may place old photographs of you and your family to achieve the nostalgic feeling, as well as antique porcelain sets and even a grandfather clock, if you do have one.

At most times you treat your home as a place to dwell slack in after a hard day’s work, and given so, why not make it your own personal paradise? If you aspire for extravagance, relaxation and a total island getaway, Hawaiian decor furniture would bring life to your dreams.

From the name itself, Hawaiian decor furniture comes from no less than the islands of Hawaii. Famous for its island tropics where people run to for a vacation, Hawaii showcases a truckload of ideas for you to mix and match, its furnishings and adornments can be situated at any style you want.

Hawaiian decor furniture is composed of bamboo chairs and benches, hammocks, low stools made from palm or coconut lumber. Most Hawaiian decor furniture are made to retain its natural look, thus they are highlighted with proper lighting, color and ornaments. Upscale furnishings may be made from exotic woods like Mahogany, Rattan or Wicker.

Inspired by island elements, Hawaiian decor furniture gathers the feel the sea, sand and trees. Because of this the home’s space should be fixed to be cool and free flowing.

One of the most important points in accentuating Hawaiian decor furniture is the walls. The walls of the house may be painted in many ways, depending on your mood. If you want a cool serene beach feeling, neutral shades of brown such as light taupe maybe rubbed against the wall, so as to gather a cozy flavor.

If you want a more dynamic and moving wall space, consider shades of bright yet soft yellow, and touches of blue and green. For a rather creative scenario, you may paint a beach mural on the wall, or as well purchase a ready made mural, like that of a Hawaiian sunset, and plaster it on the wall. In addition, the palm tree should always be present, as well as floral designs if you want prints.

Highlighting the effect of Hawaiian decor furniture is further developed by the floors. Flooring must be in hues of deep red-brown, sand, or chestnut colored wood floors to compliment for Hawaiian decor furniture. Rugs and carpets are also recommended, in shades of brown, ocean blue, sea green or light green.

The doors and moldings also hold significance for Hawaiian decor furniture. Doors and moldings must be painted in rich brown like oak or cherry in order to blend with the rest of the room. The windows must be made up of wooden shutters, or bamboo blinds.

You may as well add a little more solace with the help of a delicate white curtain. Window treatments contribute to a more alive and relaxing atmosphere needed by the present Hawaiian decor furniture.

Lighting and ventilation in Hawaiian decor furniture add to the aesthetic value of the room’s entire theme. Among the recommended Hawaiian decor furniture is a wood ceiling fan, especially with blades in the design of palm leaves.

Another good alternative is basic ceiling light, as the objective is to not make the ceiling light the focal point of the room. Decorative lights such as hula dancer lamps or pineapple lamps are also fun pieces for end tables.

In Hawaiian decor furniture, the bed can be dressed up in different styles. You may choose a solid color for the comforter, or opt for prints. For plain solid bed covers, add printed throw pillows, while when having printed bed sheets, like orchids or palm leaves, make sure that throw pillows and walls are in solid hues.

Wood furniture is obviously the main material in Hawaiian decor furniture. Bamboo is one of the best picks for the furniture. The objective of this theme is to bring out an open space. Thus, make sure to include the essential furniture pieces before adding other less important accents.

Other home accessories for Hawaiian decor furniture are palm plants, vases filled up with artificial orchids, wall tapestries of orchids or palm leaves, authentic Hawaiian art, and pictures and artifacts of Hawaiian heritage and culture.

You may also place your favorite beach photographs on the side tables to give the tropical effect. Or if you do have shells which you found during your past visits to the beach, you can add them up for a more impressive look.

In the world of art, eclectic style decor is a mix of different styles from different continents, and different times. However, it should never border to being overt that it threads on the absurd or the weirder styles.

Achieving an eclectic kind of ambience would be a mix of everything while still resembling balance. An example of this would be mixing African wooden figurines, European chairs, and Asian tables and shelves.

Usually, an eclectic style shows the creator’s broad knowledge or eye for things that are scattered all over the world. A person whose home exudes eclectic design usually shows that the person is well traveled and embraces the different cultures and styles of the different places he visited.

Of course, you don’t need to be well traveled to have an eye for eclectic decor, nor do you need to hire an interior designer to come up with a home that looks professionally styled.

If you would want your home to be filled with eclectic decor, you can just read home magazines and other instructional materials you can grab to educate yourself about the style. After all, what you want for your house still depends on your own taste.

You could also ask help from someone who has another style in home decor. Since the idea of eclecticism is a mix of sorts, then another head, with a different taste in decor would enrich the “eclectification” of your house. He or she could also help you gauge if ever you’re going overboard in the middle of your decoration frenzy.

Of course, before you go crazy and just haul stuff into your home, there are important things that a decorator must consider besides the design itself.

Prepare a fixed budget. A small budget would mean that you must prioritize the pieces that are badly needed. You should do your homework to canvass the prices of the different furniture from different stores to really get the most out of your budget – a mark of true shrewd buyer.

Another important factor to be considered is space. This is crucial. You don’t want to defeat the purpose of redecorating if the result will just create even more clutter.

A tip if your room is small; to give it a more spacious look, you should not push your sofa next to the wall. Doing so will only had the feeling of being squeezed in a tight room. You want a space between your wall and your sofa; try it, you’ll see.

There’s no hard rule in eclectic decorating; the more variety, the better. The style is based on the concept of having limitless options when it comes to the kind of decor and how to use them. Try to pick a centerpiece or focal point for each room or specific area in a room and build around that piece, using it to set a cohesive theme.

A multitude of unorthodox ideas gives life to an otherwise drab room. While you may stick to the usual mix of continental furniture, you may also want to inject your own personal pick into it; it’s not illegal … really! Another cheap way to gather different styles of furniture is to go to garage sales or watch for companies selling their slightly worn-out furniture.

Trips to the neighborhood antique shop may give you a supply of cheap, reparable furniture also. Who knows what one-of-a-kind furniture that might already be out of stock you can find there. You may also ask relatives to donate some their old pieces. You might stumble on elegant pieces of European furniture if you go through your grandparents’ basement.

In eclectic designing, resourcefulness and creativity are a must. One must know how it is to run ideas outside the box. In a way, eclectic designing emancipates you from the normal and boring styles of home decoration. It serves as a liberating exercise of your artistic creativity for a tinge of surrealism.

In the end, it is still up to the decorator on which furniture or what kind of decoration is to be displayed in the house. Eclectic style decoration is most likely a matter of choice, except that it is the liberty of choosing and picking a wide variety of choices.

If you’re still undecided on what kind of style to use; whether Baroque, Asian, Classical or modernist. Why not try eclectic?

Even though the country furniture style is the inspiration of cottage design furniture, nowadays, there are modern cottage furniture manufacturers that released elegant contemporary cottage furniture designs.

Of course, one can still find country-inspired-design cottage furniture that is made up of wooden slats.

These are really rectangular blocks of furniture that are great for the living room, porch or the garden. These are also perfect for the backyard or the open garage.

Meanwhile, there are manufacturers that offer cottage furniture that would depict a kind of refined and sophisticated décor. Moreover, most cottage style furniture you can find on the Internet is thinner and curvier in design.

The former kinds of cottage furniture are mostly outdoor tables, closets, cabinets, compartments, etc. It gives a somewhat rustic feeling to the house.

The latter kind of cottage furniture on the other hand is usually an eclectic combination of other furniture styles. The curves are most likely French in origin, giving the furniture an opulent feel to it, the very opposite of traditional cottage furniture.

Cottage furniture is also perfect in children’s rooms. The wooden and bright-colored cabinets and tables go well with the playful nature of children. Besides that, this kind of cottage furniture is sturdier. It would be able to withstand extensive abuse from child’s play.

Cottage furniture works well in all types of houses, whether it’s eclectic, modern, or minimalist, there is bound to be a place in the house where cottage furniture can be appropriately sconce.

A complete set of cottage furniture is an appropriate addition in log-vacation houses. They are perfect for dining areas, bedrooms, living rooms, porch chairs and tables, as well as cabinets, and many others. The more modern design of this furniture shies away from bright colors. They are just usually natural woods varnished with natural colors.

However, when you say you want a cottage look for your interiors, it’s usually the clean and fresh look that you’re looking for, so white or natural-color-varnished cottage furniture would be better.

If you don’t have the budget to buy from furniture stores, you can opt to go to flea markets, bargain shops, or garage sales. You can get cheaper merchandise that you can just repaint or clean. And viola! You’ll be able to get cottage furniture for just a few bucks.

It is usually the buyer’s discretion how to mix and match certain styles of furniture. You might not want a wholly cottage look for your house; although you could not go wrong to have majority of them.

You may also get an interior designer to help you in deciding which furniture to buy or perhaps a friend with an eye for aesthetic value. The cliché “…two heads are better than one” still applies when choosing a cottage style furniture.

There are really no hard rules when it comes to the design your house or picking the right furniture, except perhaps that it looks good, which could be subjective – and yet there are still standards.

For the furniture, at least remember the most basic thing – it must be sturdy to last long enough until you are ready to buy a new one. You wouldn’t want cabinets and shelves to be falling apart after just a few months you bought them. When it comes to the color and style, it’s totally your discretion; feel free to be adventurous with the colors.

For the outside furniture, though, you want to make sure that it can withstand outdoor weather where it could get chilly in the winter and scorching hot in the summer.

In general, cottage furniture leans towards simplicity and elegance – it’s not pretentious. It’s straightforward and very practical exuding with enduring beauty and grace.

The main theme of cottage furniture is harmony with its surroundings. That is why they are built compact, usually made of indigenous materials, and crafted by skilled craftsmen.

Cottage furniture is not traditionally manufactured out of long assembly lines. The craftsman pours his heart and soul to each of his cottage furniture from the start to the finish. Making them works of art whose beauty transcends through time and culture.

Bedrooms look more elegant by adding antique bedroom furniture. This kind of furniture is usually in bold colors and intricate designs that boost the room’s confidence as a haven for the rich and famous.

Putting more focus on the furnishings and colors, antique bedroom furniture cares more about the room’s overall aesthetic value, rather than its functionality.

When you say ‘antique’, it generally pertains to furniture pieces that are over 100 years old. But at present, even vintage 20th century furnishings may now be called antique.

Antique bedroom furniture designs which were developed during the 18th century meanwhile consists of certain designs that belonged to a nation’s style such as Palladianism in Great Britain, and Rococo in France, and these designs depict grace, opulence, playfulness, and gaiety.

Baroque on the other hand is another antique design pattern which dwelt more on heavier looks and darker shades. In the 19th century, gothic design became popular.

Antique Hardwood Furnishings

Antique bedroom furniture is commonly made up of fine hardwood like mahogany, engraved with carved designs, and it is used to be owned by rich and wealthy personalities during their time. Other antique bedroom furniture from the US is made from wood, iron, steel, and aluminum, and was covered with animal skins like those of sharks and zebras. These covers feature bold zigzag, stepped forms and curves, chevron patterns and sunburst motif.

Some antique bedroom furniture meanwhile have designs inspired by natural beauty, embossing pictures of grass and seaweed, as well as with curved lines and floral shapes. Some antique owners prefer works made from elm wood with lacquer carvings from China.

Beds with elaborately draped tall posts are usually the symbol of antique bedroom furniture. They are usually covered by curtains which were hung from a cord pegged to the ceiling with either hooks or rings.

Fabrics to Match Your Antique Bedroom Furniture

Curtains and window treatments hold an important part in antique bedroom furniture as they were used to hold ultimate privacy for the bedroom’s master. The bed is the most complicated piece in antique bedroom furniture. It consists not only of the mattress, but also of hangings – which include a canopy cloth to enclose the top of the bed frame.

The head cloth is hung on the wall to keep the bed warm, while the head and foot curtains could be pulled around to enclose the bed. The valances and dust ruffles also take part of the bed’s overall grandeur. The bed should as well be dressed with canopies, lots of bold-colored pillows, ribbons and other trimmings in shades of gold.

Let There Be Light

It is important that you get the right lighting right in decorating an antique styled bedroom. Given that antique bedroom furniture deals more on the beauty of the room, light should be made to put the spotlight on the furniture.

Lampshades used in antique bedroom furniture include the classic ginger-jar style night stands, and those that are made from brass, crystal or china. Candlestick holders are also a good accent especially when they have been transformed as lampshades. Under each lamp, there must be a crocheted doily or tassel for a more authentic look.

Antique Dressers and Night Tables

Other antique bedroom furniture consists of tables, cabinets and chest drawers. It is important to place a table or cabinet in the bedroom complimented with a bamboo nightstand. Dressers meanwhile are typically made from either dark oak or walnut and embellished with carvings with attached ornate brass or wooden pulls. The most glamorous dressers also have a candle stand, and a tilting mirror on top of them.

The windows must be dressed with full curtains having ruffles, braids, lace, bows and tassels on them. The materials normally used in window dressings are of velvet, and brocade, which are then layered with lace or silk.

Flooring and Antique Bedroom Accessories

Finally, to fully accentuate the antique bedroom furniture, the flooring should be dressed up too. Oriental rugs and carpets add a more appealing look, completing the antique theme of the entire room’s space.

You may buy antique bedroom furniture in auctions and antique shops, especially original ones, but they usually cost very expensive. Furniture makers have now came up with antique replacements, and they give the same effect as well.

If you are feeling lucky, try shopping at garage sales and see if you can purchase cheaper finds.

Your Western theme will really have that designer look when you add various decorative artwork pillows and collectibles.

To balance your Western home decorating theme, try hanging branding irons, ox yokes and horse related art around the room as wall art.

Collectibles add personality and style to your western decor approach. To accentuate your Western decorating, think of using ones with a rugged and outdoorsy look.

Decorating with horse figurines in a display on a shelf or providing native pottery on side tables. Spend time choosing unique collectibles that really display your personality.

Consider shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets for those alluring items that won’t cost a lot.

To add softness to your room design, decorative pillows can be an attractive choice. They can put a charming touch to any room including the dining room, living room and kitchen.

You can use pillows in the bath or kitchen by putting them on chairs, shelving and any corner or any interesting spot. In the bedroom, mound them at your headboard. Pillows on your chair or couch might help give a sense of the Western decorating look to the furniture. Using pillows that are thick material will help add interest and drama.

A Tuscan style home feels warm, comfortable and inviting and is not arranged for the sake of style alone; it has the sense of being well lived in.

The people of Tuscany are friendly with neighbors and welcome guests to stay for longer periods rather than mere quick visits.

Tuscan decor pays attention to detail with an old world flavor of simplicity, incorporating bold design elements, textural contrast and earthy colors.

Planning your Tuscan Style Decor

First, consider color when planning your Tuscan decor. The Tuscan people feel a strong connection to nature, the landscape and agriculture, so you’ll want to use a rich, earthy palette; golden olive green, terracotta orange-brown, earth brown, wine burgundy, sea blue, burnt orange, gold and green.

Often, the colors will be muted, given a weathered and aged feeling. Blues and greens help create a cooler visual effect that works nicely in hot climates like Southern Italy. Painted surfaces offer effective color even when the finish has worn off a bit, leaving a patina that adds old world character.

Second, consider how Tuscan decor uses texture. Stucco is the most common means of finishing walls in Tuscan homes, so you’ll want to emulate this rustic look in your wall textures. This can be most easily achieved using drywall or plaster hand texturing and faux painting techniques to give your walls an old world texture.

Third, consider the design elements and materials to be used in your Tuscan style decor. The style makes use of locally available materials and crafts. These products include textiles like tapestries, terra cotta tiles, wrought iron, ceramics and potteries, marble, rough stone and hard wood furniture.

Overall, the use of natural colors, textures and materials gives a Tuscan style home the sense that the outdoors has been brought inside the home!

Tuscan Architecture and Design

Homes in Tuscany have a sturdy architecture and look built to stand the test of time. Many Tuscan homes have porticos or patios, surrounded by sandstone brick walls to provide privacy. A fountain in the courtyard and decorative statues are commonplace.

The exterior of a true Tuscan home will feature natural stone, limestone or sandstone walls. Roofs have terracotta tiles, which are also a good choice for modern home construction and provide durability and longevity. Windows are set deep with wooden shutters that add rustic charm, often painted in blue or green to contrast with the natural stone finish of the walls.

Old world Tuscan homes typically have rooms with low ceilings, which can give them the effect of feeling confined and dark. More modern Tuscan rooms have taller ceilings, often with wooden beams and plastered ceilings, offering a more open, light and airy feeling. Windows are often left uncovered or with simple curtains to let in the natural light.

A natural patina is typical of wood surfaces found on cupboards, window and door frames and open timber ceiling beams. Walls are typically painted in soft white, gray or light, warm beige or yellow tones, letting the natural color of the wood and stone take center stage.

Flooring materials include wide wood planking, rough hewn timber, rough stone, and terracotta tiles. Rugs are used to add warmth and color and for ease of removal when cleaning the house.

Marble is another a common material found in the Tuscan decor, often used for flooring, pillars and other architectural details. Arches are an important architectural element one finds repeated throughout the region and are common in both exterior and interior design.

Tuscan style furniture features clean, simple lines and is usually handmade from rough sawn woods found locally, sometimes with accents of marble, tile and wrought iron. Common lighting fixtures include wrought iron sconces and chandeliers.

The Tuscan Kitchen

An important piece of furniture in the Tuscan home, the long, rectangular, family-style wooden table is a classic feature in the Tuscan kitchen, which typically includes the dining area as well.

A kitchen sink of natural stone or porcelain, with sink hardware of dark wrought iron will give your Kitchen an old world Tuscan look. And a copper range hood with tumbled marble tiles on the backsplash for your range will fit naturally

You can display copper cooking utensils, pots and pans from a wrought iron rack, accenting your kitchen with terracotta containers and a splash of color with some nice majolica dinner ware.

Food is an important part of the Tuscan lifestyle and no kitchen is complete without displays of glass jars filled with pastas, a braid of garlic or onions or garlic, olive jars, and fresh flowers from the garden.

Cupboards and armoires are typically left open, without doors, or chicken wire on door fronts in a true Tuscan home. This lets homeowners proudly display dishes, linens and other items inside. Incorporating a few open cabinets in your kitchen design will help lend to the Tuscan style.

It doesn’t take lots of money or endless amounts of time to bring some of the ‘beach’ home with you.

Almost anything that is typical of the sun, sea and sand can inject that tranquil feeling of being on a perfect beach and being soothed by swaying palm trees.

Soft fabrics in bold, Caribbean prints can create a tropical feel to drapes, upholstery, throws, pillows, lampshades, table settings, trays, or even bedding.

There are exciting tropical print designs in uniquely fresh hand printed fabrics, and an island-inspired selection of home accessories on numerous websites to add to your lifestyle.

Bamboo blinds add an earthy, natural element to windows and come in a variety of styles that are all fairly inexpensive. You can also use simple white sheers over your windows- this provides a light, airy feel to any room!

For your color palette think natural tones of the ocean, sand and tropical jungle for walls; tans, aqua’s, light greens, creams and bright white with accents in either pastel shades reminiscent of the Colonial era, or bursts of vibrant exotic fruit colors to make featured areas ‘pop’.

Shells and driftwood collected on vacations, then washed and displayed in wicker baskets or clear glass vases provide fabulous summery centerpieces. You can even decorate shells with bows, glitter and craft jewels and hang them on your Christmas tree!

Sisal rugs can do wonders to an otherwise mundane floor covering and come in a selection of natural color tones. Along with sisal, bamboo, rattan, and straw fans are easily available on the market and invoke a humid atmosphere.

Have fun with layers, and accents, and your home will become a tropical paradise in its own right!

The decorating style simply brings the outside in through the use of natural materials, such as clay and wood, for furniture and accessories.

The style is uncluttered yet inviting and should bring a calm feeling to the room. Look to the desert Southwest to inspire your color palette.

For example, the greens of cacti and succulents as well as the pinks and reds from cactus flowers could be used. Think of a sunrise or sunset landscape in the Southwest — a mix of coral, purple, brown and blue — and incorporate theses shades into the wall colors, fabric choices and accessories.

The textiles in Southwestern-style decorating often feature motifs inspired by American Indian cultures native to the region. Rugs and blankets made by Navajo Indians can be used for their intended purpose or folded and casually placed on top of a wooden chest or in another conspicuous place.

Diamond patterns are prominently featured in Zapotec rugs and table runners. Materials are natural, such as cotton and wool.

Southwestern-style furniture is usually made from wood and polished to a rustic finish. The detailing is simple – without ornate carvings – and furniture pieces such as armoires and cabinets tend to be large pieces.

Accent furniture can be painted, but keep the color palette natural, and if it’s a do-it-yourself project, run a piece of sandpaper over the finish to give it a distressed look.

Leather, suede, cotton and wool reflect our connection with nature and man’s historical reliance on animals in the Southwest. Wrought iron is commonly used for accessories such as wall sconces and lamps.

Accessories can enhance a Southwestern-style home. Vivid rugs used as wall hangings bring instant color to a room. Hand-painted tiles and clay pottery are a big part of Southwestern decor, especially pottery made by Indians.

Images of gecko lizards and Kokopelli, a fertility deity usually depicted as a flute player, are commonly used motifs. Consider adding a few items with these images, such as a bath mat or wrought-iron wall hanging.

Accessorizing with natural and rustic items will help add to the natural and cozy charm of interior design, making it have the feel of a mountain cabin. Adding decorative accessories like pillows, collectibles and wall art can help enhance your rustic design.

Paintings and prints add a unique characteristic to any room design, but you will need to know how to hang it properly for best impact. To show off your Rustic home decorating theme, try hanging outdoorsy prints or photos in rough bark frames.

Decorative pieces that can help complete the feel of a mountain cabin include taxidermy, snowshoes, and plaid throws. When obtaining your decorative pieces, though, you must be sure they go with the interior decorating scheme as well as have some sort of coordinating aspects with each other.

If you seek to provide a charming appeal to your interior design, consider using decorative pillows. They’re fun to buy and you can take advantage of them in any type of room. To add a Rustic decor style to your family room or den, adding pillows to your couch or chair can really work wonderful. You can decorate with pillows in the kitchen or bath by putting them on chairs, shelving and any corner or any interesting spot. To best add appeal to your room design, focus on pillows that are plain or have animal silhouettes.

To accent your Rustic decor, stick with accessories that have a natural and cozy allure. Decorating with deer antler lamps and chandeliers about the room or displaying woodsy outdoors prints in wood bark frames.

Making the most of pieces from nature or with a natural theme can add a professional style to your Rustic home decorating theme. However before you go out and choose a variety of stuff, you ought to get an idea of the types of items you would like and buy those pieces. Size matters, so go around the room and decide on the size of wall art and accessories you want and shop accordingly.

This design approach works perfect with simple, unadorned decorative accessories which help bring out the comfortable and warm atmosphere of warmth and simplicity.

Choose good quality accessories such as collectibles, wall art and pillows that add to your primitive decor look and help pull it all together.

Single pieces of artwork should be positioned so the middle of the piece is at eye level, not so that the tops or bottoms of the frames are even as some people think. Try laying a group of artwork out on the floor initially to work out the best design.

You can bring interesting flair into your Primitive decor theme design with folk art, which you could place in plain frames.

Collectibles and ‘trinkets’ can really bring a creative touch to any room, no matter what the design style. To round out your primitive country decorating, stick with accessories that have a comfortable and warm ambiance.

Try putting a graduated set of pantry boxes stacked on a table or in the corner or adding antique baskets filled with dried flowers. You can inject your own distinct style to the room by selecting accessories which reflect your unique style.

You don’t need to spend too much cash to acquire great items, try identifying a consignment store or flea market nearby and you’ll be surprised at the good quality accessories you can get for very little cost. Yard and garage sales are other places to find great pieces for your primitive decor, without spending a lot of money!

Some accessories that can help complete the ambiance of warmth and simplicity include folk art, tramp art, and vintage signs. It is a good idea to pick accessories which coordinate with your overall room decor.

Another accessory you can think about to add charm to your design theme is decorative pillows. You can find a use for pillows in every room even the bathroom and kitchen.

Displaying decorative pillows arranged at the head of your bed will add a fantastic professional allure. Pillows on your chairs or sofa may help insert the primitive country decorating sense to the furniture.

Displaying primitives such as old boxes and baskets can add a professional style to your Primitive decorating theme. Be sure you know what you want before you go out shopping, though- otherwise you will spend more than you intend, and likely end up with pieces that do not fit the primitive decor theme very well!

You will need to try also to acquire items in the proper sizes and also proportions. This way you can make sure to get accessories that fit and look together fabulous.

There are so many different decorations, furniture items, bedding, wall art, etc. for you to think about.

To help you narrow down your decisions, it’s a good idea to choose a theme. Keep in mind, a theme doesn’t need to be based on a cartoon, teddy bears, clowns, or animals; it can be based on something as simple as a color or be entirely eclectic.

Selecting a theme is about focusing on one element and using this element throughout all of the items you use to decorate the nursery.

Some popular themes are cartoons (Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit), fairies or princesses and dragons, Farm Animals or bugs such as butterflies or ladybugs, flowers, or even just focusing on one or two colors- pink and pale green, red and blue, or light blue and white!

The trick is to choose something that you like, as, quite honestly, the baby won’t really have a preference for quite some time!

Now you should focus your theme. Once you’ve decided on your baby Nursery Decor theme, it’s time to focus your theme and give it shape. For instance, if lady bugs are the chosen theme, brainstorm about the many ways you can incorporate lady bugs into the room.

Perhaps a mural on the wall? Or hand painted lady bugs on a lampshade or on the crib itself (make sure you use non toxic paint!). This is a good time to paint the room- before you get any furniture or accessories on there that will have to be moved or covered!

After your theme is focused, you need to turn your attention to furniture, and its placement. You need to decide what furniture is needed, and then set it up in the room to achieve the best and most convenient and unobstructed layout. Start with the essential pieces (such as the crib, dresser, and changing table), and if you still have enough room, you can then add more furniture such as a rocking chair.

Since most of the baby nursery decor accessories will be the focal point of your theme, it’s a good idea to keep furniture looking simple. Matching wood or white colored furniture goes with just about every theme.

When the walls are taken care of, and the furniture has been moved in, finish off your theme with accessories. This includes wall art, stuffed toys, lamps, music box, baby mobile, area rug, night light, bedding, quilt, window treatments, etc.

No matter the theme you decide for your baby Nursery Decor, make sure you don’t leave your decorating for the last minute. You don’t want to be putting together the nursery two weeks before your baby arrives!

You don’t have to live in the mountains or wilderness to use this look effectively, either! Although lodge decor originated from the concept of the hunting lodges that were located in the Midwestern and western parts of United States, you will find homes decorated in this lodge decor across the United States now! Over time log type furniture became a trendy home decor option.

Pine, oak, and fieldstone were chosen for construction and making furniture as they were easily found in the areas where this decor began. These days lodge decor includes furnishings with pine cones, acorns, moose, deer’s, bears, mallard ducks, trout and bass etc.

Eye-catching and comfortable colors along with distinctive accessories give the lodge decor a comfortable, warm and attractive look. Creativity thrown in with the right accessories…and you can incorporate lodge decor into any room.

Wall art plays an important role in creating a lodge decor so take care to choose the right art. Wall hangings made from fabric and cast iron suit lodge decor in a perfect manner. Hunting prints and the right wall accessories lend the perfect look to any lodge decor.

The wall colors enhance lodge decor thus choose colors matching the earth tones. Either wall papers or paint to this color effect can be used. You want to choose colors such as green, brown, rust or yellow, colors that match the environment outdoors and match the colors of nature.

Alter the windows, walls, furniture’s and flooring of the house to blend well so that in every respect they project a perfect lodge decor. For windows it is recommended to use canvas or cotton alongside with plain wooden blinds or print fabric curtain. Plain cotton or canvas at windows with tabbed tops or curtains with lodge print work well for windows.

Pillows and knick knacks should also be chosen with utmost care, their color and design should match the rest of the lodge decor. Deep green, rust, and brown colors are popular colors and festive bandana prints, and wildlife motifs are the most popular prints used. Prints portraying nature such as ducks, wildlife, and woodland scenes can also be used when incorporating lodge decor.

Woven items such as colorful loomed blankets help keep the place warm and also brighten up the dark interior.

Sheepskin and bearskin rugs lend the perfect Native American look to any lodge decor. Rag rugs and braided rugs are used to enliven hard wooden floor look. These types of rugs also help brighten the interior of a dark room!

Mass merchandisers now carry pictures and wall art depicting grapes and wine, and I have even seen similar items in my local dollar store! Recently I saw a set of four French cafe prints (framed) for $5 for the whole set!
As you can see, if you look around, your grape decor will not cost you a fortune.

Wall colors that work well with a grape decor, or wine decor are deep reds, golden yellows, and terracotta colors. These colors may be made to look weathered or muted to create an attractive, timeless beauty. You can also use faux finishing techniques to give added depth and dimension to your walls.

Grapevine wreathes are easily accessible and affordable in your local crafts store, or you can purchase them ready-made! On your windows, light and airy window coverings work best! One idea that works really well is the use of window ‘clings’ or wallpaper for windows – you can find these in a wide variety of styles, and a stained glass grape cling only costs around $25. This can be a great addition to your kitchen window to incorporate your grape decor! The best part is, that they really do look like stained glass! And at a fraction of the cost, they can’t be beat!.

You can also find wrought iron wine racks that sit on your countertop that have a grape decor theme! Another idea is to find a strand of grapes and use it as a swag across the top of your windows. Paired with sheer window dressings, it creates a stunning look.

Your cowboy theme will really have that designer look when you add various decorative artwork pillows and collectibles.

To balance your Cowboy home decorating theme, try hanging branding irons, ox yokes and horse related art around the room as wall art.

Collectibles add personality and style to your cowboy decor approach. In the kitchen try to find a bronze pair of cowboy boots to use to store cooking utensils in!

To accentuate your Cowboy decorating, think of using ones with a rugged and outdoorsy look. Decorating with horse figurines in a display on a shelf or lassos on the wall. An aged looking horse blanket can be a terrific accent draped across a sofa, or hung on the wall!

To add softness to your cowboy decor, decorative pillows can be a nice option. They can put a charming touch to any room including the dining room, living room and kitchen.

You can use pillows in the bath or kitchen by putting them on chairs, shelving and any corner or any interesting spot. In the bedroom, mound them at your headboard. Pillows on your chair or couch might help give a sense of the Cowboy decorating look to the furniture. Using pillows that are thick material will help add interest and drama.

Hanging a horseshoe over your front door lets guests know that you have a cowboy decor inside and is supposed to being good luck to the home!

If you go to your cabin to get away from "normal" life, then a contrast in cabin decor  will add to that escapism.

It is said that a change is as good as a rest, and a change in internal, as well as external, surroundings can make a significant contribution to the relaxed feeling you like to enjoy when you go for your weekend break or regular vacation.

If the cabin is your own, then you will want to furnish and decorate it in a way that will give you that sense of escape and rest, yet at the same time make it feel like “home”.

If your primary home is a modern city home, with a light and bright modern interior, then an excellent contrast for your lodge retreat is to seek out rustic country decor that blends well.

The liberal use of dark warm colored wood in furniture, wall hangings and ornaments, gives a cabin a warm, well used feeling that is inviting and comfortable!

The use of floral and checkmark fabrics and rustic styles in the lighting and other home necessities, goes well in this tranquil setting. Even the kitchen can be an escape to the past, but still modern in its function, with the use of vintage style pots and pans, antique style table and chairs, vintage pot hangers and so on.

Using vintage rustic styles for your cabin decor can be taken a step further, by seeking out fabrics, ornaments, decorations, furniture and utensils that feature moose or deer. If you’d prefer, then broader nature themes can be used, featuring local trees and flowers, as well as animals familiar in the area where the cabin is located.

After all, most homeowners are more concerned about getting the decor in the rest of the house just right, and neglect their own bedroom.

It’s easier to fall asleep if the master bedroom is calm, clean and put together.

It also helps in the romance department if the room is a little getaway from everyday life.

Choose calm colors for the room. Blues, greens and tans are colors that soothe the eyes and mind and are very easy to compliment with colors on bedspreads and accessories.

If the walls are blue, a brown or pristine white bedspread looks nice. Tan walls give a clean slate as almost any color coordinates with tan.

Do not put too many things on the walls or shelves. Keep the decorations simple with only a few pictures on the walls or a few floating shelves with only one vase on each of them.

Display knick-knacks in a spare room or somewhere else but retain a few sentimental items in your bedroom decor.

Don’t underestimate the candle factor. Candles are romantic because they elicit the feeling of warmth and sensuality. Romance comes in two forms with candles; appearance and scent. A few scented candles or a candle in a small, crystal bowl surrounded by rose petals is a great way to see the romance.

A comfortable bed is key, but a comfortable looking bed is also important to the bedroom decor. Down comforters, or even a down alternative, are extremely fluffy and just beg to be laid on. They are more of a winter blanket but in the hotter months they look just as nice folded at the end of the bed with crisp bright sheets underneath.

Curtains are also important to the feel of a room. Sheer curtains are great for bedroom decor, but if you are like me, you hate a bright room first thing in the morning! So room-darkening vertical blinds are paired with sheer curtains. The color should correspond with the bedspread or compliment the color of the walls.

Last but certainly not least is the topic of a television in the bedroom. There are studies stating that a television in the bedroom cuts a couple’s intimacy in half. I happen to be of the belief that if I am in my bedroom I am doing one of two things, neither of which involve the television. But, if you insist on having a TV in your room, put the television in an armoire. The television is still in the bedroom but it’s not a focal point.