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Ideas For Painting Stunning Stripes
Colorful wall patterns always have a way of bringing tons of personality into a space. Although it takes a little patience, stripes are one of the easiest patterns to paint, and the results can be simply stunning.
Vertical stripes will make a room’s ceiling appear higher while horizontal stripes will visually widen a room. Horizontal lines will also give your space a more contemporary feel.
{In this photo, the wall is covered with fabric. From archiexpo}
If ‘high-energy’ is what you want, it’s OK to use several colors. The result could be electrifying, so you may want to reserve this treatment for one focal wall.
Of course, painting the walls is not the only way to bring colorful stripes into your space. You can also look for a great area rug, furniture pieces or lighting fixtures.
{Love this lampshade! From littlephant}
{What a great way to spruce up a boring, white ceiling fan! From inmyownstyle}
A few more:
There are so many different ways to express yourself with stripes, and the good news is, this pattern is classic and timeless. It will never feel dated.
CLICK HERE for instructions on how to paint stripes.
A Pretty Functional Bedroom
Straight from the current issue of Southern Living — a bedroom perfect for busy working women and moms:
What makes this space pretty, is the use of color and pattern. The wall covering is adorable. However, if you’ll need to consider your husband’s taste, mix in a more masculine fabric, such as the one used for the bedskirt and chair.
What makes this bedroom functional, is the bedside table — it’s a desk, dressing table and breakfast area, all in one. A great idea, especially for small bedrooms. Furniture pieces that help you to multi-task will make your life easier. And check out the yellow handbag and shoes! Busy women always find the time to shop, don’t we?
Decorate Your Bedroom With Floral Bedding
Flowers have always had an influence on home decorating, especially this time of year when real flowers start to emerge.
Floral patterns are always a great way to add color to a room. If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your bedroom this spring, begin with bedding. Then you can easily select complementary colors. I’m loving this emerald green wall color (above). Not only is it a great shade of green for the bedroom, but it allows the pink and aqua in the bedding to really pop. {Rooftop Terrace bedding by Tommy Hilfiger at homedecoratingco.com}
Big Blooms bedding by Tracy Reese at beddingstyle.com
Hydrangea by Bergman bedding at ajmoss.com
Woodland Organic Bedding at potterybarn.com
For the tweens – Flowers for Hanna bedding at pemamericaoutlet.com
Ottavia Jacquard bedding at cuddledown.com
Garden Party bedding from overstock.com
Seated In Color
Photo from livingetc.com
As much as I love painted and patterned walls, I can also embrace white walls {but very rarely} if colorful seating is present in the space. Here are some examples of sofas and chairs that will leave you sitting pretty.
Miss Behaving Chair from sofaworkshop.com
Annie Selke chair by horchow.com
Antwerp Chair in Bloom from anthropologie.com
Photo from dailymail.co.uk
Lucy Chair from patagoniatradingco.com
Miss Firefly Sofa from sofaworkshop.com
Bedroom Wallpaper
Wallpaper seems to be making a comeback in the bedroom. I’m also noticing that wallpaper is being used to create a statement wall behind the bed, while the other walls in the bedroom are painted with a solid color. A statement wall will also make an ordinary bed look grand. Use wallpaper with bold colors if your furnishings (i.e. bed linens, furniture) are neutral or do the opposite. The new wallpaper trends include bold prints and metallic patterns. We can gather inspiration from boutique and modern hotels such as the space pictured above (designhotels.com) at The George Hotel in Hamburg, Germany. Maybe its time for a vacation…
Neutral wallpaper balances a bold headboard by livingetc.com
This bold, floral print wallpaper adds tons of romance to this bedroom by livingetc.com
This delicate wallpaper makes a soft statement wall by homesandgardens.com
This lovely lavender bedroom is enhanced by a formal wallpaper pattern {and I love the tufted headboard} by homesandgardens.com
For more ideas, visit ‘Ideas for Bedroom Wallpaper.’
Shoe Stompin’ Color
When thinking about ways to add color and interest to your space, look down! These days, there are many innovative, colorful flooring options that are almost too pretty to walk on. Like these printed hardwood flooring boards (above) from www.pgflooring.com, that were featured at the Surfaces 2008 trade show. I also love this Woodstock area rug from www.homedecorators.com. Both options offer bold graphics and bountiful color. Just remember to consider your lifestyle before choosing any type of flooring. As a football mom (I’m talking cleats, here), fancy flooring is not an option for our household. So, to all of you fellow sports moms out there, use caution when making your selections. And be careful with the lipstick.
Polka Dot Style
Polka dots continue to be a popular, trendy pattern…and why not? These spectacular spots can be fun and young, or elegant and classy. Check out these great polka dot ideas:
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Pretty Pink Places
I love these delicate floral patterns from Room Service Home. They are the perfect fabrics and furnishings (and wall color) to use if you love pink and want a real girly look. Here you can see how these feminine patterns are used to create a Shabby Chic feel; perfect for a sleeping space and a work place. Very pink and very pretty!
Ancient Color
These are Mediterranean-inspired coasters made by Images d’Orient by Eusamex, a company based in Lebanon. I spied their products at Homegoods. Images d’Orient’s collection of contemporary everyday objects, such as coasters, placemats and trinkets, put a modern take on an ancient look. The patterns are distinctly Moroccan, and the colors combine past and present. This company has taken ordinary items and turned them into fun, eye-catching accessories. Another bonus: many of their products are made of rubber, so they will hold up day to day and still look great for entertaining. I love it when color and design pay tribute to history and culture. That allows us to have an appreciation for the rich traditions of others.
Fashion File
I love these file folders from the M by Staples collection. Staples says that “even a file folder can speak volumes about you.” I’m not sure how true that is, but I do know that these file folders are fun, yet very professional looking. And unlike other decorative file folders I’ve tried, these folders are very sturdy. So, while fashionable file folders may not exactly speak volumes, they can say something about you — even if it’s just a little voice that says you have style.
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