Clever Decorating Ideas

Rustic accents and soothing fabrics give this bedroom a restful feel.

If Goldilocks stumbled upon this retreat, she'd find her surroundings not too masculine and not too feminine, but just right. Unlike that golden-haired intruder, you don't have to trespass to find inspiration for creating a restful space that is sure to be more than bearable.

Headboard Idea

Because the twin beds have small wooden frames, a decorative element was needed to give them more presence. This simple project requires only a finial, dowel screw, and enough fabric to drape softly along the wall.

The design team found a pair of unique folk art deer head finials with personality to spare. Now, antlered animals stand guard over each twin bed. Coordinating fabric was then wrapped around the finials and headboards. If you don't have a headboard, consider attaching curtain tiebacks to either side of the bed to hold the material and create a triangular shape.

Mix-and-Match Fabric

The room's linens are a great example of how to choose patterns by staying in the same color range but varying the size of the print. A small blue-and-white floral on the quilts pairs well with the small blue gingham on the bed skirts and shams. The draped fabric's blue check pattern is larger than the print on the shams and bed skirts, so the two work well together. Remember, if you have a large-scale floral or plaid, look for a smaller, coordinating print in the same color family for contrast. This rule also applies when using two different plaids or stripes.

The fabrics in this room are also a good balance of masculine and feminine. The blue color and checked patterns keep the blue-and-white floral from seeming too girly.

Ultimately, it's a space where any boy, girl, or bear would be happy to hibernate.

AMY BICKERS MERCER

UPDATE WITH FABRIC

Take an armoire from plain to pretty by swinging the doors wide open and creating a vignette inside. With light, complementary accessories and a yard or so of material, you can easily re-create this look.

* Choose a durable fabric that repeats the colors found in the room. A small pattern will provide a decorative backdrop without eclipsing the effect of the accessories.

* Determine if shelves can be removed before cutting the fabric, and be sure to measure the area accordingly. Cut separate fabric pieces for the back and two sides for easier handling.

* Attach the material with fabric glue. To hide edges and achieve a clean look, use a glue gun to affix coordinated cording.

* Add concealed lighting at the top of the cabinet, or place a small lamp on a shelf to brighten the space.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2004
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