North American Wholesalers

Everyone is naturally drawn to the kitchen. Emotionally, it represents the
heart of the home. Design your kitchen as a room for the whole family to live
in. When the kitchen is comfortable, the cook will never lack for
company. Whether your dining room is formal or informal, a separate room, or part
of the kitchen or living areas, it should always be planned around the table and
chairs. Keep it uncluttered, comfortable and conducive to lingering long after
the last plate is cleared away

Kitchens and dining rooms decorated in a traditional style are classic and
distinguished. They employ muted colors for a look that’s elegant, refined and
slightly formal.
 

Tip
Keep lighting soft, with classic fixtures and
recessed lighting in the kitchen, and a chandelier over the dining room table.

Tip
Combine natural, polished woods with industrial features,
such as metal and glass. Polished nickels and pewters make excellent highlights.
 

A good rule-of-thumb in using a country palette is that the colors should
blend well with nature, and create an atmosphere that’s warm, inviting and
welcoming.

Using a mix of your favorite styles creates kitchens and dining rooms
with a casual, eclectic atmosphere. For example, pair the clean lines of modern
with the warmth of country. Use color to unify and harmonize the look.
 

Tip
Group together objects with common colors or shapes, to
help tie the look together. Modern vases might be arranged on the top of a
classic console table, creating an interesting focal point.

When you get back home, you’ll find yourself looking at your kitchen and dining
room in a whole new way.

Source: http://www.behr.com

Tags: kitchendecorating ideas, decorating kitchen, dining room decorating, painting ideas

Kids Bedrooms

How to create a dream bedroom for your child

Store catalogs often display pastel, ruffled canopies and sports-themed bedding sets. But what if your little girl doesn’t dream of being a princess or your little boy isn’t into sports? Your child’s personality is the most important consideration when you’re creating a dream bedroom.Involve your child in the design plan. This does not mean giving your child free reign. Instead, talk to your child before you begin and keep his or her opinions in mind as you decide what changes you can afford. As you plan each element, narrow down the options to a few choices you will allow and consult your child for the final decision.

Keep in mind that a child’s bedroom should grow with him or her. The Thomas the Tank Engine or My Little Pony wallpaper that your child loves at the age of four may become a sore point in a few years. Try sticking with a basic color scheme for walls and bedding. You can then add throw pillows, lamps and other accessories in your child’s favorite theme and replace them as your child’s interests mature.

The color scheme is a great place to begin. Talk to your child. Does he have a favorite color? Does she prefer bright hues to pastels? Select two or three colors to make up your basic color scheme. Choose wall colors and bedding that reflect your plan.

Painting the walls is an inexpensive and effective way to begin. If your child loves a bright color but you think it is too overpowering, consider painting one accent wall. The wall behind your child’s bed can be a good choice because the bed is the primary focus of the room.

Once your wall color and bedding is chosen, consider accessories. This is where you can bring in your child’s current favorite character or theme. You can add accessories like throw pillows and wall hangings. You can often find themed light-switch plates or drawer pulls to update furniture. Keep the original hardware, though.

Does your child’s room need more storage? Under-the-bed bins are great for storing toys or extra clothes. A high shelf running the length of one wall can be a wonderful out-of-the-way place to display collectibles or trophies. Modular closet organizers work well in a child’s room. Lower-hanging shelves put clothes in the child’s reach and add extra storage space.

Framed posters and pictures are another way to add personality. Consider framing your child’s own artwork, or buy document frames and hang achievement certificates from school or activities. You can group the frames on one wall and rotate in new certificates or artwork each year. Let your child choose his or her favorite items to display.

Don’t forget pictures of family, friends and pets. Cork boards, ribbon boards or photo holders (stands with wire stems to hold photos) are fun ways to let kids arrange and rearrange unframed photos.

With some consideration and creativity, you can make your child’s dream bedroom a reality.

By Susan Quilty

Teenagers all over the world can definitely prove to be a challenge for most parents! I can say this with great confidence as I have probably shown the same traits most teens would do during this very fluctuating phase in their lives. Teenagers are known for their moody behaviors sometimes even displaying a cranky attitude at times! For any teenager, his/her bedroom can be considered to be one safe retreat; this is the place where a teen finds his/her space. Therefore, tackling your teenager’s bedroom is no easy task, what seems a mess to you may seem to be really cool for your fussy teen! Teenage bedroom designs should therefore be planned with great amount of thought to your teenager’s varying moods and likes and dislikes. The main criteria would also be to keep it neat and tidy at all times but perhaps this may not always hold true! The key lies in sensible planning and of course, choosing a great idea for decorating your teen’s room. Here are some suggestions and ideas for teenage bedroom designs, which should give you many creative ways to go about this process.

Teenage Bedroom Designs: Themes

Pop Star Look:
Most teenagers are simply obsessed with pop and rock stars and also aim to be like their icons in many ways. Use this as a theme for your teenager’s bedroom. Instead of yelling hoarse about the pin ups, use this creatively and incorporate it in the design as well. Funky colors and attractive pin ups can be used as part of the bedroom décor. These kind of teenage designs can also incorporate a strategically placed musical instrument and the use of accessories that give a hint of your teenager’s favorite music star as well.

Good Ol’ Denim Look:
Jeans form to be a staple diet for many teenagers across the globe and you can use this as an apt bedroom design idea! The versatility of denims is probably what makes this the most popular fabric adorned by people of all ages. The denim fabric can be used innovatively as a teenage bedroom design. Furniture can also be created with a touch of denim fabric. This can surely make a pretty picture! Sheets and curtains can also be created with the use of denim fabric. You can go in for patterned denims if the normal blue is not the kind for you. Denim has also been incorporated for certain kinds of crockery as well and some of these items can be used to accessorize the room!

Beach Look:
Teenage bedroom designs can be planned in an innovative manner if your teenager is a complete beach lover. This will help many parents of beach loving teens who tend to bring some sand into their rooms every time they hit the beach! You can see the brighter side; the sand can well prove to be a part of the deco for the bedroom! Get a bright mix of floral patterns and zany colors. Girls are bound to love this one! A vibrant beach theme can be used to give the feel of some fun in the sun! Teenage bedroom designs can utilize this theme to the fullest and you can play around with colors to get the right feel. Use some cool beach accessories to jazz up the room as well - things such as a mini beach umbrella and sunglasses or flip-flops can be used as part of the theme. Go in for vibrant wallpapers as well.

Flowers and Floral Patterns:
Many teenage girls would love colorful or pastel shaded floral patterns as a bedroom design. This can be made to look colorful and vibrant as well as cool and calm as per one’s preference. You can incorporate bold floral themes or even opt for some dainty designs for girls who love to get the feel of nature all around. Use floral patterns in moderation though, if you wish to avoid a clutter. If you have patterned pillows, use simple bedspreads. Balance all the elements used to have a visually pleasing bedroom design. Chances are, your teenager may really go all out to keep her bedroom neat and tidy!

Keep it Casual:
Sometimes, a casual bedroom design can prove to be a better bet than those going over the top. Keep it simplistic so that you can probably alter it as your teenager grows up. These are the teenage years when one can tend to be pretty whimsical about things! If your child is particularly fond of reading, you can select a particular corner and use some really comfy furniture out there. Look for a unique and stylish lamp so that leisure reading can continue in the late hours as well. Look for patterns and colors that create a comfortable feel. Some witty pin ups can be used as well. Fabrics can be more textured for such teenage bedrooms; avoid the look of shiny fabrics.

Use these teenage bedroom design ideas to create different spunky looks for your home.

By Kashmira Lad