Using colour – It's Yellow in 2011!

If you want to incorporate this year's interior design colour yellow into your home there are some great shades available for both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Contemporary:
Vivid yellow - think of lemons and a bright summer sun - can be used in a contemporary setting to create a modern and edgy vibe in your room. Vivid colours give high impact and need good natural light to be seen to best effect. Preparation is all important when using such a solid flat colour as any imperfections will be all too easily highlighted. Accessories need to be in keeping with the bold theme of the room and give that wow-factor; the more unusual and eye-catching the better! Look for a range of fabulous plain and patterned curtain fabrics online to make your window dressing and soft furnishings.

Traditional:
Deep yellow is a good choice if you want to create a timeless and traditional interior; it also has the advantage of working well in rooms where natural light is limited and carefully placed lamps and lighting are utilised. Deeper shades of yellow lend themselves to a more relaxed unstructured look so an eclectic mix of simple, uncoordinated accessories such as faded rugs and old leather-bound books will transform you room into a warm and inviting space.

Image: Atticmag

Getting The Shabby Chic Look

The furniture that you will bring into your home will be very important but let's not forget that existing furniture can be played around with to get the desired look. More often than not, wood is the primary material used in furniture but it gets a makeover with several layers of paint - not forgetting the aged look of chips and a little wear and tear. You can create this look yourself by sanding or distressing the top layer of paint to show the wood or other paint layers underneath.

Furniture should be comfortable as it is no good just choosing pieces for the purpose of looking great if they are going to make you feel stiff and rigid when sitting. Shabby chic is very cosy and should invite you to curl up on the sofa with a good book or cup of tea with friends. You can make things even more cosy with lots of plumped up pillows.

Wicker also works well in the shabby chic décor - give wicker items a white coating or if you have more than one piece you can leave one or two in its original condition for contrast. A couple of patchwork throws wouldn't go a miss and a good focal point could be a table with a display of random white ornaments and odd table lamps uk style to create an ambient, diffused lighting effect in the evenings.

Image: Small Place Style

Make Your Own Statement Headboard

Statement headboards are right on-trend and you don't have to be an expect in interior design or DIY to achieve the look!

All you need is a little inspiration from the designers by looking at interior design blogs, then browse for gorgeous fabric online and rustle up your own version, as long as the headboard is big and the colours you choose compliment your décor anything goes!

Use MDF board and simply cover it with your chosen fabric, a staple gun will come in handy or if you prefer a softer headboard to lean against stick a layer of foam to the board before you cover it.

To create a professional look to your bedroom buy enough fabric to make matching boudoir style cushions or use it to make your own Roman blinds, so that the colours and patterns blend together. However, don't forget the centre of attention should be the headboard, so don't go overboard an the accessories otherwise there will be too much competition for centre stage which can lead to a unbalance and unharmonious look.

To bring another of this year's trends into your bedroom opt for big bold prints which are ideal for creating statement headboards!

Image: Decorology

An Assortment Of Fabulous Curtains For Sale Online

Soften up your bedrooms with a wonderfual assortment of fabrics and materials of different densities and textures to create a warm and homely feel.

With the fabulous of ready made curtains for sale it's easy to give your bedrooms a fresh new look. Opt for this year's subdued tones and sherbert colours and team with bedding and stacks of cushions!

This look is so easy to achieve and really doesn't take too much thinking about! Although the basic interior design principles say to only use three colours within a room, the bedroom is one place where you can break the boundaries, try something new and exciting to reflect your individuality and personal style preferences.

Ring the changes and use blinds at one window and full length curtains at another to give a new look at each window. If you keep the fabrics the same colours or shades it won't look as if you didn't try to create a stylish look and simply hang odd curtains and blinds. It's the subtle differences which make this relaxed and informal style so appealing.

Add whimsical touches by replaing pictures with a collection of your favourite wardrobe accessories, which you never know quite what to do with or were to store them. This could be silk and chiffon scarves to create a floaty, dreamy look or fascinators and hats to give a quirky and very unique wall display which blends with your bedroom theme.

Image: vickydar.blogspot.

Create Clean, Straight Lines Using Matching Curtain Poles

If you have the advantage of having a large dining area maximising the amount of natural light during the day by using sheer curtains creates a striking and informal ambiance to the area.

Having full length sheer curtains which cover two walls will also create the illusion of more space, along with clean lines and chic styles which suit both modern and contemporary homes effortlessly.

Using curtains poles which fit neatly into the corners of the room also provide a style which is well thought out, bringing cohesion to the area. White or ivory sheer curtains such as voiles or faux silk add a touch of contrast against the robust and durable practicalities of a dining room furniture. This juxtaposition enables the curtains to be hung from dark coloured curtain poles to compliment the colour of the the dining suite beautifully and elegantly.

Try mixing sheer lightweight fabrics with chunky furniture to create stunning interiors which have a eclectic mix of textures to add depth with harmony to your dining room. Using full length curtains will also add height to a room as well as being the perfect solution for dressing patio or French doors which are typically found in dinning rooms of traditionally styled homes.

Image: A Life's Design

Don't Restrict The Use Of Blinds Just For Windows!

The humble blind has more uses than purely window treatments. With a little ingenuity and the necessity to either keep the sun light out along with prying eyes, blinds of all types can be used throughout your home.

Roller or Roman blinds are ideal to use on back doors which are half glass. Wonderful country cottage looks can be achieved using either a plain neutral colour or a beautiful floral fabric, whilst modern homes look equally stunning with bold stripes or patterned blinds.

Blinds are also a great way to cover shelving in alcoves in older styles of home as they are easy to operate along with giving full exposure to the space when it needs to be utilised. Venetian blinds can work equally as well to give a contemporary look when the latest mirrored or perforated designs are used.

Swag and tail curtains typically are used in conjunction with a roller or vertical blinds as this enables privacy at night without having to disrupt the glorious chic look of the curtains. Homes which have pristine window dressing, such as swags and tails, which always look immaculate are created by always leaving the curtains exactly in place! This 'trick of the trade' can also be used to have stunning window dressings without having to have the usual amounts of curtain fabric, however once you have made the choice just to have swags and tails for show only, you will not be able to close them completely even if you wanted to, so give careful consideration as to the disadvantages this may have particularly during the winter months when you need to reduce heat loss through your windows by closing the curtains at night.

Image: My Notting Hill

Break The 'Rules' With Bold Curtains And Fabrics

Finding new and innovative ways to dress your windows has never been easier with the vast range of colours and styles of fabric which are widely available both on the high street and online.

Go for something daring and bold which brings nature into your home by selecting fabric which has a bold floral print in this season's in-trend colour of gorgeous lime green and white. To add further individuality and chic style to your home rather then opt for a classical curtain at each side of the window, use one wide curtain or length of fabric and sweep it from the top of the window to one side and hold in place with a tie back.

This enables the beauty of the pattern and the fabric to be seen at all times not just when the curtains are drawn together in the evenings. If floral patterns are not to your taste this style of window dressing works equally as effectively with any bold print as well as plain fabric. Keep the weight of the fabric in mind when making your choice as the lighter the weight the more fluidity it will provide.

Coordinate the colour with the rest of your interior design colour scheme or alternatively opt for a deliberate clash of colours to inject vibrancy and a sense of fun into a room. The latest colour clashing is in-vogue in a big way at present which enables you to opt for your favourite colours and do away with the usual 'rules' of interior design, which is an absolute joy for those who can never seem to get their colours coordinated correctly!

However, although colour clashing is in-vogue you do need to be a little careful otherwise you can end up with a miss-mash of colours which look more like an interior design nightmare than chic style!

Image: Avant-Garde

Cost Effective Patchwork Revival

Patchwork has been around for hundreds of years and has always been used as an effective way of recycling old or left over pieces of fabric and materials. With recession affecting people's spending power, having or using patchwork to create stunning bed covers and even curtains is back in-vogue as an effective way of recycling and making things for 'free'!

Mixing different textures of fabrics brings patchwork right up to date, as in the past it was typically only cotton fabrics which were used. Today you can make patchwork out of any type of material, including lightweight voiles and organza to create sheer curtains which let an abundance of light flood into a room in a soft and somewhat dreamy fashion making this style perfect for bedrooms!

Those who don't feel inclined of have the aptitude to make patchwork, but still adore the country cottage interior design themes and styles, will be pleased to know that it is possible to buy fabric which has the appearance of patchwork! This may be defeating the object somewhat of recycling, but it is a great way to achieve this type of interior style at affordable costs without having to wait for a patchwork to be made!

Next time you have a clear out in your wardrobe why not put the fabric to good use? Or on second thoughts look for lovely cottage style ready made curtains which can simply be hung from wooden curtain poles to achieve the same look in a fraction of the time!

Image:Freshome

Can't Decide Which Eyelet Curtains To Use?

If you can't decide which colour or pattern of curtains to use why not take inspiration from interior designers who are using the fashionable mix of bold colours and patterns to create striking interiors which have non-matching curtains!

The idea may seem rather bizarre, however with careful planning and incorporation of the same fabrics for cushions and using a mismatch of textures and patterns stunning trendy designs can look very effective in many styles of homes.

Using white as the wall colour and natural wood flooring gives you the opportunity to mix and match the colours of your soft furnishings. To make this style look effective opt for colours which compliment each other and are within the same colour hue range, otherwise it may simply look odd and unbalanced.

Use the same two colours as accent pieces is also a great way to bring the room a sense of cohesion and trendy chic elegance. Choose colours which inject vibrancy for maximum effect, along with a variation in furniture from different style trends.

The wide variety of colours and patterns of ready made eyelet curtains enables anyone to try this funky style within their home, not forgetting that if the curtains come in pairs you automatically have a replacement replica pair to use whilst the others are being laundered! Alternatively you can use the image image if you have a room with windows at opposite ends of the room.

I admire designers and people who dare to be different simply by using a new way to make their living space stand out from the crowd!

Image: Belle Maison

Beautiful, As Well As Chic Ready Made Curtains

For me ready made curtains really are the next best thing to sliced bread! They are so easy to hang and are available in incredible colour ways, designs, patterned and plain fabrics as well as being available in different sizes and weights of fabrics to suit each room of your house.

Used on their own they are effectively beautiful, team with a roller or Venetian blind and you have an instant window dressing which also offer privacy from prying eyes both day and night!

Selecting the style of window dressing is a fundamental part of achieving an overall sense of balance and cohesion to a room, irrespective of its size. If you are looking to add height to a room opt for curtains with a vertical pattern or stripe as these will automatically drawn the eye upwards.

Use light or neutral colours if you want a small room to appear larger and rich dark colours if your are after a more sensual or warm and cosy look.

The design trends of the year are focusing on using natural material with clean lines in modern and contemporary styled homes. Plain neutral colours with wide stripes or bands of contrasting materials such as faux suede or faux leather, across the top third of full length curtains offer a very chic and stylish look, more especially if they have eyelet headings as these can be simply hung on stylish curtains poles of either natural wood or in-vogue polished metal effects.

Be inspired by designs such as Harvard curtains which offer a trendy and non-fussy look to add a splash of colour to your window dressing or alternatively use sheer fabrics such a voile, silk or organza for a simply stunning window treatment.

Image: Charm Hill Interiors Blogspot

Fabulous Ways Of Using Curtains

Removing doors and replacing them with full length curtains is not only an inspirational idea in rooms where doors are impractical, they are also make a very elegance and frame through which to look through and an easy way for the eye to be naturally drawn through into the next room and the natural light coming through the window.

The aspect I really find an easy, yet brilliant idea is to have the tie backs up high to enable the space to be fully utilised. Of course, this type of door way is a perfect for any type of interior design, be it traditional, modern or contemporary, it would purely be just a matter of choosing the right style and colour of fabric and altering the pelmet to suit.

With the curtain pelmet touching the line between the wall and the ceilng also adds height to the room. Look closely and you will see that the windows in the other room have the same curtains, also with high tie backs, creating a real sense of cohesion and harmony.

Using tie backs up high would look wonderful on sheer fabrics such as silk and voiles, particularly if you were to use the latest trends of beaded tie backs in a contrasting colour. Opt for opaque beads to allow the sun to make fascinating patterns of subtle colour to give the room a wonderful and gentle focal point.

Much nicer than traditional style of net curtains used in many homes in the UK, predominately to stop prying eyes seeing into other people's houses rather than for their somewhat bland and in my opinion boring and outdated look which do little to enhance the beauty of anyone's windows!

Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things

Tips to decorating A Child's Bedroom

I'm staying with the theme of bedroom for children and teenagers as these rooms often pose dilemmas for parents.

Things I would recommend:

* Children grow very fast, silly statement I know but it's true! You send money and hours decorating it the latest fads of favourite TV characters and before the paint is dry they have changed their minds! Stick with more neutral themes and let them add their own identity by have their favourite toys (of the moment) and opt for cheap duvet covers which can be replaced without spending a fortune.

* Window dressings, always opt to have black out lining unless you want to be woken every morning by your children rather than the alarm clock! You can fit blackout linings to any style of curtain fabrics, and if you prefer to use blinds chose the ones which are made with light blackout fabrics.

* Flooring, this needs to be easily to keep clean. In the UK carpets are now being replaced with stripped floor boards or wood effect laminate flooring which is much easier to keep clean and far more 'accident' proof than carpets! Don't be fooled into thinking it's only toddlers who have 'accidents', as your child enters teenage years 'accident' of a different kind, usually alcohol related, will also take their toll on a carpet!

* Furnishing, trendy beds and furniture made from wood or metal are a good investment for children of all ages. Bunk beds or bunks which have a working space underneath are great space savers.

* Above all keep things simple! The more fancy you try and make the room the more cluttered and untidy it is likely to become. Always have lots of storage space and add shelves to store books, DVDs etc.

Image: Freshome

Wishing On A Star!

This gorgeous bedroom has the most beautiful uninterrupted view, with the curtains being used as a divider for privacy within the house rather than the more conventional use of being a window dressing.

A wonderful twist on the use of curtains and is a great way to show their versatility around a home.

Curtains with tab-tops or eyelets and becoming an increasingly popular method of creating functional wardrobe space in alcoves but rarely used as a simple yet gracefully elegant room divider.

I love the concept of sleeping under the stars and not being in a tent….

I’m not sure about the audio protection this curtain would provide. Having said that anyone who lives in such a beautiful home is unlikely to have children and no doubt guest rooms are far away in another area of the house so noise wouldn’t pose a problem.

There are obviously few worries of having to provide window protection from prying eyes with a room so open to the world. This is an aspect that few of us are able to do and typically spend our lives trying to find effective and stylish ways to stop people from intruding on our lives by covering our windows with vertical blinds or net curtains both day and night!

Waking up to such a beautiful view must be lovely, a dream come true, however surely you be quite literally be awake at the crack of dawn as the sun rises…or maybe that is something you would just get used to and learn to ignore! However, being woken in such a natural, gentle and unobtrusive way would make a lovely start to your day!

Image: Freshome

Inspirational Design Concepts

Take an old concept and transform into a new revelation in your home!

Niches were commonly used in the past to have a bed situated which was then curtained off to give privacy, this was back in the days when families shared a room! This was more commonly used by country folk or those who had limited space. It was also a way to keep warm in the winter!

Having a bed with drapes and curtains was also employed by the wealthy in the form of four poster beds. These had lavish heavy weight curtains to keep the occupants snug and warm.

Many antique beds were specifically designed to fit either into a niche or against a wall. Some of the fabulous wooden bed frames can be found in antique and house clearance warehouses. Look out for the styles which have beautiful carvings on one side, the side which was not pushed up against a wall to give you an indication as to authenticity.


Restored and renovated homes can use this idea and rather than have a bed within a niche use the space to include a bath! Provide privacy, along with a stunning interior design feature, by hanging curtains from a metal curtain poles to create a country cottage look. Use neutral tones for a rustic look which offers a great place to relax and unwind.

A great alternative to an en-suite bathroom and a new twist on an age old way of utilising a niche!

For great inspirational interior design concepts and image source visit Bloomacious

Beautiful Bay Window Dressings

I simply adore bay windows and know they are notoriously difficult to dress! In the past these beautiful large windows were usually hidden behind swathes of heavy curtains and whilst this is fine for traditional styled homes, those fortunate to have an older style home to renovate can strip away tradition along with layers of dark varnish and bring a wealth of natural light into the room.

White is the ideal colour to make a room look crisp, clean and modern. It is also a great neutral colour which can provide the opportunity to inject colour in subtle ways through the clever integration of soft furnishings and floor coverings.

Soft white leather sofas and chairs provide chic elegance which can have a multitude of cushions placed onto them to bring colour into a room.

Flooring is another great way to include colour. Gorgeous modern designs which have soft colours can transform the look of a room as well as offering a soft, warm touch and feel to a room.

Keep things simple so that accent pieces are not detracted from. Clutter free is a must along with beautiful and unusual lighting. High ceilings lend themselves brilliantly to modern chandelier deigns to add a touch of understated elegance.

Beautiful light weight voile curtains are the perfect way to let a multitude of natural light into the room. They also enable the window’s beauty to be realised to the full with distraction and over fussiness.

Opt for full length curtains to enable the whole window to be covered as well as offering a soft and gentle window treatment which adds elegance to the room. Bay window curtain poles are a great modern alternative to more traditional styles of curtain tracking however, the style you choose should be in keeping with the overall interior design style of the room.

Image: 2Modern Design Talk

It's All In Black And White!

Monotone bedroom can create the illusion of both space and grandeur. This fabulous bedroom combines all things black and white with great effect.

I love the chunky bed with the contrasting luxury of the white chaise lounge and the alternative stance of using black for the flooring and door frames to create such an elegant look to this room. The whole concept blends effortlessly together with the paisley black and white rectangular patterned rug placed strategically between the two resting areas.

This look could easily be replicated on a budget. White emulsion paint for the walls and ceiling and paint the floor with black paint which is scratch and mark resistant. If you have an outdated headboard and bed frame this could be either painted black or use imagination and create a fabric headboard which compliments cheap large rugs which can be found online or in fabric warehouses.

The whole room should be kept simple without the addition of fussy ornaments. Opt for scatter cushions to make as the accent pieces for the bed. If you can’t afford a chaise lounge, a large comfortable chair would look equally effective. Use a cheap white throw with a cushion of a different shape but in the same fabric as the one used on the bed.

This room shows no curtains or blinds for the door onto the terrace, however full length sheer curtains in white voile would compliment the room beautifully.

As with all interior design be inspired by what other have successfully created. The dimensions of your room may not be as generous but with a little imagination stunning bedrooms can be easily achieved which don’t cost a fortune!

For image source and further black and white inspirational ideas visit Freshome

Pixel Couch

I just love the multitude of colours in this Pixel Couch designed by Christian Zuzuanga.

The couch fabrics is designed by using artificial Picture Elements more commonly know to us all simply as pixels. I’m not really into understanding the complexities or simplicities of how pixels ‘work’- I simply love the striking effect they produce!

The squares remind me for a contemporary patchwork, without the necessity of sewing the individual pieces all together. The slight blurring of the colours looks stunning close up, but I’m not sure when viewed from a distance if you may have the feeling of being unable to focus your eyes properly, a bit like when you’ve had too much to drink!

This Pixel Couch offers the possibility of using any colour within the spectrum for the rooms design colours. In large rooms I would opt for the brightest of the colours for curtains and accessories; smaller rooms would look great with the more mid-range colours. Plain black or white would look striking in a room of any size.

The great advantage of using multicoloured furniture is the ability to have curtain fabric in practically any colour and it will blend beautifully.

The couch offers a contemporary approach to traditional style furniture. I’m sure if you search you will find that someone has already designed fabric using pixels from which numerous different furniture and accessories have been created. I’m sure I have seen a woman’s dress made from pixel style fabric- I just can’t remember where!

For more information on Pixel Couch and image source visit Yanko Designs.