by Tiffany Lane

Created on: November 14, 2008

The bedroom in today's society is a retreat a refuge and can be a showcase when the best choices are made for that room. Often the mistakes or missed opportunities in design come when the architectural features are overlooked. When the features of the room are accentuated the impact, scale, and entire scheme can make the bedroom an inspiring space. As per interior decorating guru Christopher Lowell would advise, "Start with the large items and work towards the smaller". Choose the entire color scheme before starting.

Next, compare textiles, bedding, paint, and flooring hues which are complimentary, or consistent with the color wheel. This helps the shades, tones, tints and saturation of the hues to be most cohesive. Remember that neutrals on the largest items help the longevity of the showcase. New styles, themes can be added or embellished with the "backdrop items" the walls, floors, and big furniture pieces if they are classic and not stylized too specifically.

If one was truly concerned with the saleability of a home the most conservative more neutral schemes would be warranted; however if this is to be one's "fantasy suite", then truly the best style and most personal of tastes should reign supreme. This should be a mutual decision if there is a couple, however, if single then ones choices should truly reflect what textures, colors, art, and lighting one loves.

Today's best trends and most fabulous products for bedrooms come in the textiles, both bedding, and draperies. With a neutral fabulous paint color, some solid furniture which goes with the era, scheme or trend the room centers upon, the showcase bedroom of ones dreams is budget friendly. Certainly, one can do as the HGTV shows do and find the most obscure brands of textiles and spend thousands on a marginally fabulous fabric, or one can use the web sites and the many textile stores and get incredible bargains on ultra chic textiles. Making the draperies with hot glue or simple stitches is a way to get super high end fabrics and the look of that product within the budget. Often, adding beading, tassels, and other trims can even more embellish and refine the look of the window coverings.

With the bedding, draperies, and neutral walls and furniture (neutral can also be a super light pale pink silk wall covering, so truly fantasy can be in reach) the lighting can further improve and bring the mood of the bedroom to truly serene. With the many choices of soft white light bulbs, and the glowing tube lighting placed on the molding along the ceilings, the bedroom can be a visual warm glowing environment which can truly renew the senses.

With the many layers of the room complete and cohesive, the Art, and other personal pieces can make the showcase "One's" personal space with his or her expression of self. Aromatherapy can be infused to add more calm to the bedroom. As long as there are not allergic concerns, as some cannot tolerate essences or perfumes, the calming effect of one's favorite scents can complete the entire impact and composition of the room. Remember that the rest of the home is for the masses and that one's private abode should truly benefit them and restore them to help them achieve the most balanced of lifestyles.

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