Pink is a versatile and fun color to decorate with throughout your home. Many people avoid using pink because it reminds them of childish decor. This, however, is not always the case. There are many ways that you can incorporate pink into your decor while still creating a stylish and sophisticated feel. When using pink in your home decor try using it is an accent color, play around with different shades, and choose complementary colors to pair with the pink. The most important thing is to experiment and have fun!
Method 1 Using Pink as an Accent Color.
1. Buy a pink statement piece to create a focal point. Pink can be an intimidating color to use in home decor. Some people feel that pink is too bold to use on walls and it reminds them of childish or overly feminine decor. As a result, use pink as an accent colour to brighten a room and add a pop of color. To do this you can buy a pink statement piece, such as a sofa, appliance, table, headboard, or large piece of artwork, depending on the room you are decorating.
Use subdued colors on the walls in order to allow the pink statement piece to act as a focal point in the room.
Pair pink with neutral colors like gold, white, or gray.
2. Use pink throws and pillows for a pop of pink. If you want to use pink in a more subtle way, try adding pink throws and pillows to your living room. This allows you to incorporate pink into your decorating pallet without breaking the bank on a large statement piece. You can also change your throws and pillows seasonally to mix things up in a fun way.
For example, you could use pink pillows and throws during the spring and summer months to brighten up your home.
3. Paint one accent wall pink to make the color stand out. Another way to incorporate pink into your home decor is by painting one accent wall pink. This will allow the color pink to stand out and make a statement without feeling overdone. Try using a bright pink in a small space such as a front entryway or powder room.
You could also create a pink accent wall in a bedroom, using a softer more romantic shade of pink, such as a blush or rose.
4. Add texture to a room using pink wallpaper. Wallpaper can also be a great foundation for your color scheme. Patterned wallpaper will help to add texture to a room. You can try wallpapering the entire room, or just one wall depending on your preference. If you choose to use wallpaper on only one wall, you should paint the remaining walls in the room to match the background color of the wallpaper. This will create a seamless transition between the accent wall and the rest of the room.
For example, if you choose a pink wallpaper with tiny white flowers, pull out the pink background color and paint the remaining walls to match that shade of pink.
Method 2 Playing with Different Shades of Pink.
1. Try decorating with blush or rose to add subtlety. Pink also comes in a variety of different shades that are suitable for different styles of decor. Try decorating with subtle pinks such as blush, shell pink, and rose to give your home a summery feeling and a light pop of pink.
For instance, choose a neutral color, like white or gray, for the base. Decorate with pillows, picture frames, or vases, all in varying shades of pink.
2. Decorate with dark pinks for a bolder look. Dark bold pinks, such as fuchsia or hot pink, will draw a lot of attention. As a result, you should use them mainly as impact pieces that will catch the eye and hold attention. Use bold pinks in artwork, upholstery, or as part of a patterned rug. Although you can paint walls in bold pinks, some people may find this overwhelming. It is best to stick to smaller rooms or accent walls.
Pair hot pink with green or navy blue to make a bold and vibrant statement.
3. Layer different shades of pink to create a youthful elegance. This type of decorating is called monochromatic. Use pink as a base color and then layer your accent pieces with different shades of pink. This type of decorating works nicely in the bedroom.
For instance, if you are decorating a nursery or child's room you can use multiple shades of pink to create a unique look. Try layering light pink walls with bubble gum pink furniture, and hot pink floral accessories.
Method 3 Complementing Pink Decor.
1. Pair pink with dark colors. Soft light pinks pair nicely with darker tones. Dark tones, such as black, brown, dark grey, and dark wood allow the lightness of pink to stand out.
For example, pink upholstery looks great framed by dark wood. You can also position pink furniture on dark tiled floors for an elegant and sophisticated look.
2. Use metallic colors to complement pink. Pink also pairs well with metallic tones, such as silver and gold. For example, you could pair pink upholstered dining room chairs with an ornate gold light fixture. This will help brighten the room and the gold and pink tones will complement each other nicely. Similarly, you could use a cooler shade of pink for a living room area rug and pair it with grey furniture and silver light fixtures.
Experiment throughout your home matching different shades or pink with a variety of metallic textures.
3. Use pink as a neutral tone. You can also use pink as a neutral tone. For instance, paint your walls a beige color that has pink undertones. You can pull out these undertones by adding pink accent pieces to the room. For example, try pink drapes, pillows, pictures, or floral arrangements. This is a great way to incorporate pink in a subtle and sophisticated manner.
Alternatively you could paint your walls a light pink and then pair it with more neutral furniture and accessories. This will allow the pink walls to appear more neutral.
Pink works well with many styles. You can use pink to create a shabby-chic look, a glamorous and luxurious style, or a floral, summery vibe.
Tips.
Search online for unique decorating ideas.
Hire an interior decorator or ask for decorating advice while shopping for paint and other supplies.
Home decor is about personal taste and the most important thing is to make sure that you love the way your home looks.
Don't worry that using pink will make your home look too feminine or childish. When done tastefully, it can be appropriate for any setting or style and look sophisticated.
Bohemian style is a bright, colorful, and creative expression for your home. It gives you freedom and can lead to unique rooms. This type of style is cluttered and chaotic, but can feel homey and fun. To create a bohemian look in your home, choose bright colors, mix your patterns and textures, and find unique furniture pieces.
Choosing Colors, Patterns and Textures.
Mix patterns. One way to achieve the bohemian look in your home is to mix patterns. It’s okay that it doesn’t match. Choose patterns that you like and put them together with no care to having them match perfectly.
You may want to choose a color base, like red or blue, and only choose patterns that have that base color.
Choosing different kinds of patterns may help reduce any clashing. Two mismatched florals may look worse than a floral placed next to a southwest pattern.
Choose a variety of textures. Another way to achieve the bohemian style is to have cotton alongside satin, faux fur, corduroy, and flannel. Try different textures on different items, or try mixing textures on the same item.
For example, you may have a cotton comforter, satin pillows, and a faux fur throw blanket. You may also use pillows and blankets made from satin, corduroy, faux fur, and cotton.
Choose chairs, sofas, and ottomans with different textured materials.
Consider mixing textures on rugs, wall tapestries, and curtains.
Pick bold, bright colors. One of the keys to bohemian decor is the color scheme. Bold, bright colors of any shade can complement a bohemian room. Common colors are rusted red, deep orange, gold, brown, electric blue, deep purples, and pinks.
You can choose one base color, or a few complimentary colors to start with.
With bohemian decor, you can really choose any colors you want.
Selecting Accents and Accessories.
Add colorful pillows as accents. You can accent your colorful patterns with throw pillows. Pillows add a perfect pop of color to your room, and help bring out the color palette. You may want to choose an accent color not prominent in the patterns to bring out the subtle colors.
You may also want to choose accent pillows with patterns.
Select bold accents and accessories. Bold, excessive accessories and items help build the bohemian look. This means you can pile cushions on the sofa or on your bed, add lots of decorative pieces to the walls and on shelves, and put up multi-colored curtains and bedding. Cover your entire floor with rugs or place house plants on every surface. The options are unlimited, and you can have fun with your choices.
Drape tapestries from the ceiling or around your bed to make a canopy or place them over chairs and dresses.
You can even choose to repurpose pieces as accents. For example, you may use a window pane or a rug as a wall decoration.
Stack your jewelry on your dresser for a bohemian decorative flair.
Choose unique furniture pieces. Bohemian chic furniture is quirky and unique. This can be anything. A canopy bed, a chaise lounge, or an antique headboard can accent any bohemian decorated room. As you shop, look for interesting pieces.
For example, you may find an antique looking dresser or armoire that has painted details or a distressed desk and chair.
Use ottomans with interesting fabrics, like velvet, satin, or corduroy.
You can look for pieces at antique shops, thrift stores, and garage sales. You may be able to find bohemian pieces to buy in stores.
Include bohemian wall art. Empty walls are the opposite of a bohemian decor. Cover your walls in vivid tapestries, artworks, and wooden wall art. Don't worry about cluttered walls or matching the decor. The bohemian ideal is to express your artistic side.
For example, you may hang up a wall tapestry with a teal background with pink and yellow geometric patterns, prints of famous artworks, framed album covers, wooden wall art bought at local art fairs, and interesting wall hangings found at a thrift store.
You may consider doing a collage on a wall of postcards, magazine cutouts, art prints, posters, and anything else you enjoy looking at.
Choose unique lamps. The bohemian look is accented by soft, warm light. This is achieved by unique lamps and candles around the room. Look for lamps in interesting shapes, shades with unique patterns and bold colors, different textures like satin or silk, and even beading hanging from the shade.
Consider hanging lighting from the ceiling or putting up globes.
Giving your bedroom a makeover is the perfect way to express your creativity and help you feel happy and relaxed in your own space. Start by updating your walls with a new paint job or colorful prints, then revamp your bed with matching blankets and throw pillows. Bring your furniture into play with bright accessories and organization tools to make your room the perfect reflection of you!
Part 1 Decorating the Walls and Floor.
1. Choose a style and color scheme. For a room that looks cohesive and cool, it’s best to decide on a color scheme and a general style before you start decorating. Choose a color palette that you love, but make sure you won’t get sick of it easily. Also, keep in mind that while your bedroom should be fun and exciting, it should also be conducive to a good night’s sleep. You can find inspiration online, using sites like Pinterest, by reading design magazines, from visiting home goods or furniture stores, or even watching design shows.
Soft, pastel wall colors paired with a brighter floral bedspread and decorations make a room that’s feminine, but not overpowering.
Dark purples and blues coupled with white or cream walls give a gentle, relaxed vibe.
Opt for a sophisticated space with black, white, and gray coloring, plus pops of pink, purple, or blue.
For a bright, tropical look, blend bright pinks and deep oranges with your walls, bedspread, and furniture.
2. Repaint your room to totally change the style. To really transform your space, a new paint job is the way to go. Tell your parents what you envision and talk about some color options. Go with them to buy the paint and offer to help with the painting as well to show your dedication to your project.
Be careful when choosing colors! Although bright shades look great on a paint swatch, they can be overwhelming on your walls. Opt for a more subdued hue to bring a sense of calm to the space. For instance, choose navy blue instead of cobalt blue for a peaceful, warm, color.
If you do decide to go with a bright wall color, balance it out with lighter-colored furniture and blankets. You could use accents of bright color with colorful pillows, blankets, or rugs, or paint just the wall behind your bed a bright hue for an accent wall.
If you can’t repaint your room, don’t worry! You can still decorate it to match your style with wall decorations, blankets, and revamped furniture.
3. Hang a print, decal, or poster on the wall to perk up your room. Even freshly-painted walls can use some extra decorations. Look for adhesive wall decals, framed prints, or posters of your favorite movie or band to brighten up blank corners of your room.
Decals come in many different shapes and patterns. Look for ones with colors and styles that will play off of your wall color and bedspread. You can get decals at home stores or online, especially at craft-focused retailers like Etsy.
Don’t go overboard with your decals—any more than 2 in a small space can look overdone. Stick with 1 large decal, or 2 smaller ones placed separately.
To make a poster look more stylish, put it in a frame or hang it with wire instead of simply taping or tacking it to the wall.
4. Hang up photos or a bulletin board to personalize your wall space. Frame and hang a few of your favorite photos of your friends and family for a homey touch. For even more wall space to decorate, buy a bulletin board and tack up photos, drawings, and mementos.
You can also use a small, magnetic chalkboard or whiteboard to hang photos and scribble notes and thoughts. Or, paint a whole wall or part of a wall with magnetic chalkboard paint. You’ll be able to write messages and put up photos or posters without damaging the wall.
If you don’t like the tan, cork-like look of a regular bulletin board, customize it by spreading a length of colorful fabric over it and taping or stapling the ends to the back.
Decorate the edges of your photo frames with stickers and paint for a look that’s even more you.
5. Get a soft rug and throw pillows to make a lounge space in the corner. Most teen rooms are too small for a couch or comfy armchair. Luckily, you can make your own lounge area in an empty corner by stacking a few big throw pillows on top of a soft rug.
If you have a little extra space, add a small beanbag or a backrest pillow with arms.
To create a cozy reading nook, put a floor pouf and a few cozy pillows in a corner. Add a floor lamp to brighten the space.
6. Add a mirror to make your room look bigger. Hanging a full- or half-length mirror in your room makes it easy to choose a great outfit every morning. As a bonus, a mirror can also make your room look more spacious.
Add a small mirror in another area to check makeup and open up the room even more. Make sure to situate it so that your mirrors don’t reflect each other.
You can put a mirror on the back of your bedroom door, on your closet door, or even above your bed.
7. Hang up string lights to add a soft glow to your room. Ask your parents if they have any extra white string lights and use them to decorate a plain wall or add soft illumination to your room. You can make a design out of the lights or simply string them across a wall with tape and push-pins.
Weave the lights through your headboard to create a soft reading light, or string them around the top perimeter of your room.
8. Hang a lighted mirror garland to add sparkle to a plain wall. To make a lighted mirror garland, drape 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 m) of mirror garland thickly over a curtain rod that’s 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) long, so that the they hang down towards the floor. Install hooks in your wall and set the rod in them for a flashy, unique wall decoration.
Set your garland next to a window to make it glow. For all-day sparkle, drape 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 m) of string lights among the garlands.
Ask your parents to help you install the hooks. They should be wide enough to be able to set the pole in comfortably, and will need to be screwed into the wall.
You can buy mirror garlands online or at craft stores.
9. Install hanging shelves to add storage options for a small room. If you’re running out of desk or closet space for pictures, knick-knacks, or books, ask your parents to help you install hanging shelves on your wall. This is a great way to decorate your walls while organizing clutter.
You can buy hanging shelves at a furniture store or make your own with the help of your parents for a fun home improvement project.
As an alternative to a nightstand, place the shelves on either side of your bed.
Part 2 Sprucing up the Bed.
1. Choose a comforter that won’t overwhelm your room. Your bed comforter or duvet is the center of your room, so picking the right color or pattern can make a huge difference! Check home stores, online retailers, and catalogues for one that matches your room’s style and color scheme.
For a luxurious feel, choose a fluffy comforter and layer a throw blanket or 2 on top of the comforter at the foot of your bed. Add a row of throw pillows for a cozy feel.
If your walls are bright or you’re planning on going all-in with colorful furniture, you could try a more subdued pastel or white comforter.
If your walls are white or light-colored, feel free to go for a comforter or duvet that’s brighter or patterned to add a burst of color to the center of your room.
If you can’t get a new comforter or are looking to save money, you can revamp your bed with a few pretty blankets, or even sew a comforter yourself.
2. Move your bed to change your room set-up. Turning your bed the other way or moving it to the opposite side of the room can really freshen up your space. Talk to your parents about scooting your bed against a different wall, or turning it so that it sticks into the middle of the room instead of sitting against a wall.
When deciding where to place your bed, try to put the head against a wall with no pipes running through it, near enough to your window for natural light.
If you’re worried about putting your bed too close to the window, put up some drapes to block out the sun on mornings when you want to snooze a little later.
To create a daybed feel, position one of the long sides of your bed against a wall and line that side with pillows. You can easily relax or study there, then simply move the pillows when you’re ready for bed.
3. Toss fun throw pillows on your bed for a burst of color. Look for pillows that are pretty and comfortable, that match your comforter and walls. Scatter 3-4 of them across your bed for a casual look, or stack them neatly for a style that’s more sophisticated.
Look for pillows in various shapes and sizes that match your room decor.
4. Place an end table at the foot of your bed for more storage space. A storage bench at the end of your bed is a stylish way to store clutter and add an extra, comfy seat to your room. Look for a bench to match your comforter at home stores and online.
For even more storage space, grab some colorful bins at a home store and stash them (and your clutter) under the bed.
5. Try a mounted headboard for a cleaner look that takes up less space. A headboard can push your bed a foot (0.3 m) or more away from the wall, which is a lot of space in a small room. Talk to your parents about getting rid of your headboard, or mounting one on the wall behind the bed to save space and look neater.
As an alternative to a headboard, hang up a wall tapestry or decorative scarf on the wall behind your bed.
6. Hang a blanket over your bed for a relaxed, boho canopy. If you feel too old for the full princess canopy, try lightly draping a thin, patterned blanket above your bed. String it from the ceiling and let it dangle 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) from your pillows for an airy feel.
Part 3 Dressing up Your Furniture.
1. Use a small table as a desk and dress it up with colorful containers. If you don’t already have a desk, look for a small table that will save space and look light and easy in your room. Fit it into your color scheme with colorful accessories like a desk lamp, a pencil cup, bookends, and a digital clock.
Try not to clutter your desk space up with too many knick-knacks, especially if this is a space you’ll use to do homework. All those small items will distract you from your studying.
2. Set out a small, pretty trash can to quickly dispose of clutter. Buy a small trash can online or from a home store, looking for one that matches your overall decor. Place it in the corner of your room for a quick, convenient way to throw away scraps of paper, tags from clothing, or any other bits of waste you have in your room.
If you don’t have much trash, you could use a container you already have around the house, like a basket, as a creative trash can substitute.
Remember to take out your trash at least once a week to keep clutter from piling up.
Don’t use your small trash can to throw away food or anything else that could decompose. This could make your room smell and even attract bugs.
3. Organize your makeup on a magnet board. Buy a magnet board and glue thin fabric over it to match your color scheme. Then, hot glue small, round, strong magnets onto the back of each of your eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer containers. Stick them onto the board to make a cute makeup organizer.
To organize your brushes and liners, glue a few magnets onto an old, small plastic cup. Store your mascara, brushes, and liners inside and stick them on the board.
4. Turn over a colorful trash can to make a simple night stand. If you want to revamp your bedside table, buy a cheap, colorful trash can online or at a large general store. Flip it upside down and set it by your bed for a small, cute table!
Look for a trash can with artful designs or a pretty pattern that will blend nicely with your bedspread and walls. Or, find a plain trash can, turn it upside down, and spray paint it the color you want. Try a glittery gold paint for a fun and bold option.
5. Decoupage dresser drawers with fabric for a splash of color. Cut a sheet of matching fabric to fit your dresser drawer, then wash it and dry it. Brush Mod Podge over the fabric and the dresser drawer and press the fabric onto the drawer one section at a time, smoothing it down with a straight edge as you go.
If you’re using a thin, cotton fabric, paint your dresser drawers white first. Mod Podge makes thin fabrics somewhat see-through, allowing dark colors to bleed through.
To get the process down, try practicing on a small piece of wood first.
6. Paint an old filing cabinet for modern storage space. Ask your parents if they have an old filing cabinet they don’t need anymore and transform it into a unique storage space! Lightly sand the cabinet with some sandpaper, then clean the cabinet and apply 3-4 coats of paint with a roller.
Paint the cabinet with chalk paint and label the contents of each drawer with chalk for extra organization. Or, pick a bright color like neon pink or yellow for a mod vibe.
To clean the cabinet, simply run a wet cloth over it to catch any dust and grime. Let it dry before you paint.
7. Spray paint the bases of your lamps in fun, matching colors. To update an old-fashioned looking lamp, pick up some cans of bright spray paint. Bring your lamp outside, set it on some newspaper, and spray paint it evenly on every side.
Let the lamp dry outside or in the garage for as long as instructed on the spray paint can.
Make sure to remove the lampshade before you spray paint.
8. Create a fashionable dressing area by dressing up a tailor’s mannequin. Pick up a female dress form mannequin at a craft store or order one online. Dress it in a pretty dress and place it in a corner of your room near a mirror or vanity to create a classy “dressing area.”
Go for a dress form rather than a full-body mannequin to save space and give your dressing area a sophisticated, classic look.
Use the dress form to express your creativity. Try switching out the dress form’s outfit based on the season, or put a dress on it to get you excited for an upcoming dance.
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere and every spring in the southern hemisphere. It usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. Celebrations may involve family feasts, colorful decorations in homes and temples, and prominent displays of light. Making or buying festive illuminations and decorations for your house is a great way to decorate your home for Diwali.
Adding Festive Decor to Your Home
Clean your home thoroughly before you decorate. Dust, sweep, do the laundry, clean all the rooms. It's customary to thoroughly clean your home to help welcome the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and fortune, during the celebrations. Diwali also marks the start of the new year, so getting rid of old clutter and negativity feels like a fresh start for many.
Many Hindus and even non-Hindus also wait for Diwali to redecorate and paint their walls. To add some extra style without painting the whole house, you might sponge paint your room or just a single wall.
Usually, the guests and relatives are seated in the living room during celebrations. So you can take a little extra care to decorate your living room. Don't worry if your living room is not very big or fancy; having a clean, aromatic and well-lit room does the trick.
Use colored rice, sand, or painted materials to create rangoli. Rangoli, traditional art designs made on the floor during Diwali and other Hindu festivals, are traditionally made of colored granular substances, such as rice or sand. You can buy stencils to make rangoli on your own floor easily, or you can use chalk to draw the design for your own rangoli on the floor. Then use a funnel with a small opening to slowly pour the rice or sand on top of the design.
You can usually buy colored rice or sand at arts and crafts stores. However, you can also create your own colored rice by mixing 1 cup (240 mL) of rice, 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of vinegar, and 10 drops of food coloring in a container, covering the container, and shaking the ingredients together for 2 minutes. Make any pattern of your choice like flowers, the Goddess Lakshmi, a Mandala, etc.
If you’re on a budget or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle, simply paint elaborate designs on cardboard or pieces of wood and lay these on the floor as your rangoli. Make your wooden rangoli more elaborate by placing stones, mirrors, or beads on top of them to enhance the painted designs.
The general purpose of rangoli is to add decoration to your home and to bring good luck for your family. In some parts of South Asia, unmarried young women draw rangoli during the month of Margazhi to welcome the god Thirumal into their home and to hopefully find a husband in the near future.
Hang a colorful toran from your door. Buy and hang up prefabricated toran/bandankar or make your own out of greeting cards, craft paper, glitter, and beads. To keep with tradition, add marigolds or mango leaves to your toran and hang it across the outside of your front door for an auspicious and colorful piece of decor.
Most toran have flowers or leaves on them. However, if you don’t have any fresh flowers, you can also fold paper flowers or [[Fold a Paper Leaf|leaves out of decorative paper, or simply cut pieces of cardboard or craft paper into flower shapes and hang these from the toran.
Beyond simple decoration, toran also serve a religious purpose: they’re used to attract and welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into your home.
Put up Tanjore paintings to brighten your prayer room. Many people take time during Diwali to add decorations to the prayer room in their house and make it exceptionally clean. To enhance your prayer room’s aesthetic, hang vividly colored Tanjore paintings in it and illuminate them with soft lighting.
For a more decorative look, hang paintings that also contain gold, glass beads, or precious gems.
Tanjore paintings are generally used as devotional icons. If you’re hanging paintings, especially for Diwali, they should ideally be compositions of Hindu gods, goddesses, or saints.
Decorate your walls with colorful paintings, murals, and designs. You don’t need to limit your wall decorations to your prayer room. If you have more paintings and murals, hang them on every wall in your house to make every room brighter and more colorful.
If you don’t have any paintings or murals, consider making your own wall decor out of old CDs, newspapers, greeting cards, craft paper, or just pieces of cloth.
Painting traditional motifs and designs on your walls is a great way to add vibrancy and color to your walls, as long as you’re willing to paint over them later!
Add color to your home by hanging garlands of flowers or pompoms. String together colorful bunches of flowers, pompoms, crepe paper art or any other vibrant and lightweight pieces of decor. Then, drape these garlands from the ceilings and across your household items to add a final bit of color to your home.
Any species of flower will do for your garlands, so long as they’re colorful! Get creative and make paper ring decorations and make shapes and patterns on the walls. These are cheap and easy to customize for your decor.
There are some species of flower that are believed to be preferred by certain Hindu gods. For example, Kali prefers red hibiscus, Lakshmi’s favorite flower is lotus, Lord Ganesha enjoys marigold, and jasmine is Lord Hanuman’s favorite flower.
The lotus is a symbol of spiritual liberation and knowledge. The Goddess Lakshmi carries it in her hand.. Make your home more inviting to the Goddess Lakshmi by making lovely paper lotus flowers and placing them near the light display so she sees them clearly.
Illuminating Your Home
Make plain candles festive with pressed flowers. Embed flowers in a plain white candle by placing a small amount of glue on them and pressing them flat against the candle. Then, heat some clear wax in a double boiler to 150 °F (66 °C), dip the candle in the wax for 30 seconds, then dip it into cold water and dry.
You should be able to achieve your desired thickness with 1 dip in the wax. However, you can repeat the process of dipping the candle in the hot wax and then dipping it in the cold water until you achieve the preferred amount of thickness.
Make sure you dip the candle in and out of the wax in a smooth motion to avoid making it lumpy.
The water you use doesn’t have to be ice cold; it just needs to be colder than room temperature.
You can use flowers of any shape, size, or species to press into your candles, so long as they’re colorful! If you’d like your candles to have more religious significance, some examples of flowers preferred by Hindu gods include red hibiscus, lotus, marigold, and jasmine.
Make this activity fun for kids by having them fingerprint a design on your candles.
Draw henna designs onto plain white candles. Use henna paste and a henna tattoo cone to create beautiful, auspicious designs on your candles. Leave the henna designs to dry for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Your designs can be anything you wish. Traditional henna motifs include flowers, stars, water drops, spirals, and leaves, but feel free to make your own design as well!
Decorate with diyas. Diya oil lamps are a very common decoration during Diwali, used throughout the Indian subcontinent. You can easily buy cheap earthen diyas. Alternatively, you can try using fruit or seashells for easy homemade diyas, as long as they're sturdy. To make your own unique and original diyas, carve out the inside of a piece of fruit and place a candle inside it, or simply put a candle in a large seashell with a flat bottom.
For best results, use a fruit with a rind that is easy to keep together and manipulate, like an orange or an apple.
You can also use prefabricated diyas made of more traditional materials, such as clay or brass. These can be bought at most South Asian grocery stores. Try making oil lamps at home. You can make them colourful and use the scented oil of your choice.
Diyas are very significant in Hinduism; they symbolize knowledge, enlightenment, and one’s submission to a higher power. If you have a special design in mind or are keen to make unique diyas of your own, you can create beautiful patterns on plain diyas with colours, flower, stones or even try using recycled materials.
Create interesting light displays with lampshades and lace candles. You can use traditional string lights that suit your decor, or make your own lampshades. Draw floral patterns, stars, or other designs on the sides of a small cardboard box and cut them out. Then, place the box over a lightbulb to create festive displays of light. Alternatively, wrap lace around a mason jar and place a candle inside to produce a similar effect.
Experiment with different colors and designs of lace to see which best create the atmosphere you’re trying to bring about in your home. For Diwali, colorful lace works best!
If you have access to a colorful cardboard box, use that instead of a plain box to make your lampshade more festive.
If you’d rather not make your own lampshade, there are plenty of prefabricated lampshades with cutouts available online or in home decor stores.
Wrap cinnamon sticks around your candles to spice up your home. Tie a number of cinnamon sticks around a mason jar or glass. Then, place a candle inside the glass and light it. Cinnamon candles not only add a woody theme to your home, but the heat from the candle will also cause the cinnamon sticks to release their fragrance and fill the area with the smell of cinnamon.
If your candle is relatively thick, simply place your cinnamon sticks directly against it and wrap them together with a rubber band.
Hang colorful strings of light bulbs and paper cups. Place colorful paper cups, seashells, or doilies over light bulbs on a string and hang them across the tops of your walls for a dazzling display of light and color. Or, simply opt for colorful varieties of fairy lights and hang these for an easy yet effective light display.
Colorful paper cups and doilies can be purchased at any crafting store. You might also be able to find seashells in crafting stores, although you can also just find them along the seashore.
Place lights inside colored glass bottles or jars to make lanterns. Find any empty glass bottles or jars that are lying around your house, especially ones that are colored, and make sure their interiors are clean. Then, place candles or light bulbs on the inside to make beautiful colored lanterns.
If you have empty bottles or jars that aren’t colored, simply cover them with bright cellophane paper to give them some color. You can also create designs in the paper for added effect.
You can make Mason jar candles and scented candles to fill your home with delightful fragrances.
For the best aesthetic appearance, use Mason jars and glass bottles with unique or elaborate shapes to them.
The bathroom is often one of the most overlooked and neglected rooms when it comes to decorating. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy ways to give your bathroom a fresh look. It can be as simple as change out the towels and adding a plant, to as fancy as adding wallpaper or painting the wall behind a set of shelves.
Method 1 Changing the Patterns and Colors.
1. Choose a theme and color scheme for your bathroom. Most people prefer refreshing themes and colors, such as cool blues, Zen, pale green, or nautical. You can choose something more unique, however, such as vintage, romantic, or ornate.
Pastel colors are great for a vintage look, while deep reds and golds are perfect for an ornate look.
You can also use neutral colors, such as white and black, or white and silver.
Your theme can be specific, such as rustic farmhouse, or general, such as traditional or classic.
2. Repaint your bathroom or bathroom furniture. You can repaint the entire bathroom, or you can paint just 1 wall an accent color. For example, if your bathroom’s walls are all white, consider painting 1 wall a different color, like light blue or pale gray.
Make sure that you use a paint suitable for humid, bathroom environments.
The best paint finish for a bathroom will be satin or semi-gloss.
3. Add some wallpaper as an alternative. You can apply the wallpaper over all of the bathroom’s walls, or you can choose just 1 accent wall. You can also use a narrow strip of wallpaper trim along the top or middle of the wall instead.
Make sure that the wallpaper matches the color and theme of your bathroom.
4. Apply a wall treatment for an upscale design. Great options for your bathroom include tile, faux shiplap, stone, or glass. Although they're a more expensive decorative option, wall treatments last a long time and elevate your design.
Make sure the wall treatment you pick is appropriate for a bathroom, since it will get humid. When in doubt, talk to a product representative.
5. Use wall decals or framed artwork as a temporary option. If you live in a rental unit, you may not be able to repaint the walls or use wall paper. You can still use removable wall decals. You can also hang some framed artwork above the toilet or towel rack instead.
Simple silhouettes work the best when it comes to wall decals. Try scrolls or filigree for a fancy look, or trees and greenery for a serene look.
If your bathroom doesn't have good ventilation, the frames must contain glass.
If you're wanting a temporary upscale look, you can install peel-and-stick tiles behind your sink to create a backsplash. You can find these at home improvement stores or online.
6. Paint the back walls inside open shelving units. If you have shelves in your bathroom, consider painting the walls behind them a different color. This works best on shelves without cabinet doors, but you can do this on cabinets too.
For example, if your bathroom has white walls, paint the walls behind the shelves a light gray for a subtle pop of color.
If you want to add a designer touch to your shelves, you can install wallpaper or contact paper along the back wall instead of paint. As another option, you could apply the contact paper just on the shelves.
Method 2 Adding Textiles and Furniture.
1. Add a small, decorative stand or side table. Choose a small stand or a side table that is 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) across and tuck it into a niche or corner. Not only will this look cute, but it can double-up as extra storage.
For example, you could keep candles or bowls filled with pretty soaps on top of the table.
If your table has shelves, roll up your towels and place them inside the shelves. Not only is this a great decorative touch, it's also practical!
Consider placing a nice tray atop the table for your toiletries or perfumes.
2. Consider an upholstered bench for comfort and luxury. Choose a bench that matches the style and colors of your bathroom, then set it against the wall. If you have a small bathroom but still want a hint of luxury, consider an upholstered stool instead.
Don't be afraid to take a bench apart and re-paint or re-upholster it. If you decide to re-upholster the bench, make sure you choose a water-resistant fabric. This is especially important if you plan to sit on the bench while wet or place wet items on the bench. Otherwise, it may develop mold or mildew.
3. Get a shelving unit if you have space for it. Not only can this add a decorative element to your bathroom, but it will also allow you to store other items, such as towels, toilet paper, and so forth.
Make the shelf more decorative by adding a plant or a vessel filled with pretty soaps or bath bombs.
If you have a small bathroom, consider adding a single, narrow shelf just above the bathroom vanity. Store your perfumes, cosmetics, and toothbrushes on it.
If you have a small bathroom, consider getting a mini metal shelving unit that you can place on your bathroom counter or hang above the toilet.
Another option for shelving is floating shelves, which are great if you don't have the space for a unit. You can hang your floating shelves over your toilet or, if there's no shower, above the bathtub. Use your shelves for extra towels, rolls of toilet paper, personal care items, or decorations.
4. Brighten up a dull bathroom with colorful towels or a bathmat. One of the quickest ways to change the look of your bathroom is by swapping out the towels and bathmat for something new.
Consider the season. Warm colors work well for fall, while cool colors work better for winter. Pastels are great for spring, and bright colors are ideal for summer.
Play around with different shades and layering. For example, try a light green hand towel over a dark green bath towel.
Bathmats don’t always have to be made from towel material. You can get wooden or bamboo ones too!
5. Change out the shower curtain for something more exciting. If you have a plain white or frosted shower curtain, consider switching it out for a different one. Pick out a bright color that matches your towels. If solid colors aren't your thing, try a pattern instead.
If you are going with a pattern, make sure that it matches the other colors in your bathroom.
If you have a window in your bathroom, consider getting some mini curtains or blinds for it. Keep them open so that you have lots of daylight.
If you have any curtains you aren't using, you can hang these over your plastic shower curtain to create a fancy look.
Method 3 Updating Fixtures and Lighting.
1. Take advantage of natural lighting if your bathroom has it. Some bathrooms have windows in them. These are great of bringing in natural daylight and giving your bathroom a fresher look. Clear the area in front of the window, wipe the window clean, and repaint the sill, if needed.
Decorate your window with opened curtains or plants, but keep it minimal so that the light can pass through.
On the other hand, if your bathroom has a grand, luxurious theme, hanging heavy curtains in front of the window may work better.
2. Trade out the light bulbs for something new. If you have lights above your bathroom mirror, consider switching them out for different ones. This can be as simple as changing the old, bright bulbs for frosted ones. It can be as fancy as getting actual lights with fancy covers or fixtures around them.
If your lights have fixtures or covers, make sure that they match the other metallic elements in your bathroom.
If you like to do makeup in your bathroom, choose lights with a bright, white glow. Avoid lights that give you a hazy, golden glow; it’s not good lighting for makeup.
If your bathroom is too dark, high-efficiency LED lights can give your bathroom a bright, white glow.
3. Switch out the towel racks for something new. Make sure that the new towel racks match the other metal fixtures in your bathroom, however. For example, if you have gold faucets, you should get gold towel racks--not silver ones.
Towel racks don’t always have to look like horizontal rods or bars. You can get ones shaped like hooks or loops instead.
If you can't afford to replace your towel racks, you can paint them instead! Simply take them off the wall and bring them outside. Use a metal spray paint to coat them in a new color. You could choose something metallic or mix it up with a fun shade that matches your bathroom, like a blue.
4. Change your mirror, or put a frame around it. If your mirror looks plain, see if you can find a fancier mirror. Oval mirrors or mirrors with beveled edges are a great option. If you can't change your mirror, consider framing it instead. You can use an actual frame, or you can use glass mosaic tiles instead.
If you are framing the mirror, use colors that match the other colors in your bathroom.
5/ Change the fixtures in your bathroom for a more adventurous project. This can be difficult for someone who has not done it before, so if the task is too intimidating for you, hire a handyman. Make sure that the colors go well with the overall theme of your bathroom.
For example, if your bathroom is ornate with lots of burgundy and gold, consider gold fixtures.
If your bathroom has a modern or Zen theme, try matte silver fixtures instead.
Method 4 Adding Accessories and Storage.
1. Bring some character with candles or decorative items. Things like pillar candles, figurines, and vases all make great bathroom accents. Find some items that match the color and theme of your bathroom, then display them in an out-of-the-way area, such as a side table, a shelf, or the corner of the counter.
If you are getting pillar candles, consider getting 3 candles that are the same color, but different heights and thicknesses. This will create some interesting variation.
Make sure that the items you choose can withstand humid conditions.
Avoid using breakable items, such as glass, if you have curious children or pets.
2. Bring in some greenery with a plant or 2. Choose a plant that requires low levels of sunlight. Even if your bathroom has a window in it, it likely won't provide enough sunlight for your plant.
Match the pots to your bathroom's tiles, towels, mat, or shower curtain.
Every so often, move your plant into a bright window for a day or 2 so that it can absorb sunlight.
Air plants are a great option for your bathroom! They'll thrive in the humid bathroom environment and require little care.
Hang some fake, green floral garlands along the ceiling. Ivy is a classic choice, but you can also try ferns or wisteria.
3. Store extra towels and toilet paper in baskets. Instead of keeping towels and toilet paper stacks on a shelf, put them into decorative storage baskets instead. Measure the depth of your shelf or cabinet first, then purchase some square or rectangular baskets that match those dimensions.
You can also use wire or canvas baskets. Container stores, fabric stores, and craft stores generally have a vast selection.
If you have space next to your sink or toilet, you can keep the baskets there as well.
You are not just limited to towels and toilet paper; you can store other items that you want to keep out of sight too, such as hair styling tools.
4. Keep cotton balls, Q-tips, and other toiletries in glass jars or vessels. Instead of leaving these items in the cabinet, transfer them into glass or clear acrylic containers, then keep the containers on your bathroom counter. Use 1 container for each type of item.
For example, keep your cotton balls in a tall jar and your Q-tips in a squat container.
Consider a vase or apothecary-style jar for extra bath bombs, mini lotion bottles, or hand soaps.
Tiered cupcake stands and cake stands make cute displays for perfumes, nail polish, and other cosmetics.
Old Mason jars are a great, low cost option for storing your items! If you don't like the look of them plain, add a ribbon or piece of fabric to make them match your decor. As another option, you could paint the jars, though you wouldn't be able to see into them anymore.
5. Make use of soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. Instead of keeping your liquid hand soap in the plastic bottle it came in, pour it into a glass or ceramic soap dispenser. If you prefer to use solid soap, keep it in a little dish or tray instead.
Keep your toothbrushes in a toothbrush holder. Make sure that it matches your soap dish or soap dispenser.
If you like to use mouthwash, consider pouring it into a glass vessel or bottle instead. Have some paper cups nearby, so that you have something to pour the mouthwash into.
Question : How can I decorate a small bathroom for cheap?
Answer : You can get a new shower curtain, add artwork (original or print free art from online), add a few plants, and your bathroom will look refreshed. Painting can also nicely update it if that is in your budget.
Question : How can I make my bathroom look brighter?
Answer : If you have a window, open the blinds (when it's okay to do so), add brighter LED bulbs to your light fixture, and paint your walls a bright or lighter color that will reflect light.
Question : What pictures should I put in my bathroom?
Answer : You can put up some rules to be followed inside the bathroom, and you can decorate the paper containing the rules.
Tips.
Don't be afraid to change your decorations with the seasons. Warm colors are great for cold weather, while cool colors are better for warm weather.
If you don't know how to do something, or aren't comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional, such as a painter or plumber.
Find inspiration online if you are stuck. There are lots of websites, such as Pinterest and Polyvore, that allow people to share ideas for projects.
Don't feel like you have to change out everything at once. You can update your style a little at a time.
Things You'll Need : Towels, Bathmat, Shower curtain, Storage baskets, Jars and vases.
The iconic colors and smells of fall evoke feelings of coziness and warmth. Whether you live in a location that goes through the four seasons or not, preparing your home for the fall means incorporating the crisp scents, warm colors and all-around comfort of shorter days and longer nights. Create an oasis of the season with a few simple touches both inside your home and out.
Method 1 Incorporating Fall Colors.
1. Gather leaves and pine cones. Collect leaves, branches and pine cones from your backyard or a nearby park. Individual leaves and branches surrounding battery-powered candles on a tray or charger plate is a subtle but beautiful accent. You can also press dried leaves flat and arrange one or two in a picture frame. For a more dramatic centerpiece, cut medium- to large-sized branches with changing leaves and place them in a large vase.
As fall progresses, the leaves that change color vary so you can continue to collect different hues and patterns throughout the season.
If you don’t live in an area that experiences fall, purchase fake pine cones, branches and leaves to reuse each year.
There are endless ideas to decorate with dried leaves and branches. Use your creativity!
2. Buy decorative pumpkins, gourds and squash. Decorate your dinner table, sideboards and coffee tables with pumpkins and squash of all sizes. Add some dried wheat, dried Indian corn and fall-themed ribbons to create an entire centerpiece or focal point. Place the pumpkins, gourds or squash on a fall table runner or in cylindrical vases with vines or branches. Accent these festive centerpieces with votive candles.
Buy carving pumpkins early in the season to use as decoration for the fall, and then carve them when it comes time for Halloween.
Yellow, green and purple squash can double as decoration before you prepare it for a meal.
3. Add baskets to hold seasonal items. Place kindling or pine cones to throw in the fire in a basket near the fireplace. Baskets can hold seasonal soaps, lotions and tissue in the bathroom. Use a large bushel basket to hold extra blankets near the sofa. A basket by the front door can be a holder for umbrellas.
4. Add throw pillows and blankets. Find accents in colors like gold, crimson, red, orange, vermilion, tan, beige and maroon. Arrange seasonal pillows and throws by layering colors and adding in a few patterns and textures. Pick patterns and textures with similar shades to keep the arrangement cohesive.
Work from the outside of the sofa and move inwards as you arrange.
To save some money, buy pillow covers that you can put on the pillows you already have.
Don’t be afraid to add in extra large pillows or odd shapes to mix up the look.
5. Drape fabric in fall colors over your window covers. Don’t worry about purchasing new curtains or drapes for the season, but instead purchase a large piece of fabric that you can drape across the curtain rod for a cozy touch.
Make sure that the fabric lays evenly on both sides.
6. Put up fall wallpaper. Before installing, wipe down the wall you are planning to cover and let it fully dry. Unroll the wallpaper and place a few heavy books on the corners to help flatten the curled edges. Cut the panels of paper according to the space you have and lightly mark the wall with a pencil where the edges of the panel should go. Stick the paper to the wall and smooth out any creases and bubbles.
Temporary wallpaper makes it easy to switch out your look for each season.
Peel and stick wallpaper typically runs for less than $50 a panel.
Be sure to measure the space you plan to cover carefully before purchasing the wallpaper panels. Consider purchasing more than you need to be sure you have enough.
Ask a friend to help. The process is much easier with two sets of hands.
7. Add new rugs near your doors. Large rugs can change the look of a room but are pricey, so you can just focus on switching out rugs near your home’s entryways, in the bathrooms and under the kitchen sink.
Instead of purchasing Halloween or Thanksgiving rugs, consider purchasing fall themed rugs to keep all season.
Method 2 Making Your Home Smell Like Fall.
1. Buy fall candles. Look for spicy, sweet and harvest-oriented scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice and apple. Light a candle to spread the scent throughout a room, and the natural light of the flame can help add to the coziness of your home.
Avoid lighting too many candles at once so that the scent doesn’t become too overpowering.
Always blow out candles before leaving the room in which they are located.
2. Boil cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove. To make a simmer pot, fill a medium sized pot with water and turn the stove on high. After bringing the water to a boil, let it simmer and add in the cinnamon sticks. Add in orange rinds, apple peels, vanilla, anise or nutmeg as well. Keep the water simmering for hours.
You may need to add extra water every 30 minutes or so. Keep an eye on the water level.
Use a crockpot to simmer the water all day long without much hassle.
These simmer pots are primarily for scent and shouldn’t be consumed.
3. Light a fire. Add kindling and a couple of logs near the back of your fireplace and use a large lighter to get it started. Use a fire poker to keep the flame going evenly. Cover it with a metal grate.
Make sure you clean your fireplace before each season.
Be sure to crack a window or door so your home doesn’t get too smoky.
Never leave a fire unattended.
4. Cook a hearty meal. Dishes centered around root vegetables and squash are warm, filling and nourishing and can make your home smell like heaven. Chili, stews, casseroles and other baked one-pan dishes are comforting and can be modified to fit your specific tastes and diet. Cook with fall spices like cinnamon, turmeric, rosemary, ginger or paprika.
Method 3 Decorating Your Home’s Exterior.
1. Buy a fall wreath for your door. Purchase a wreath with wheat, squash, nuts in shells, apples, etc. – any fruit or vegetable harvested in your area at this time. Weave in fall-colored ribbons, braid, lace, etc. to spice up the wreath.
2. Plant fall mums. Purchase fall mums at a local grocer or garden center already potted or plant them in your own pot. Colors of burnt orange, deep red and warm yellow are ideal.[8]
If you live in a hotter climate, look for mums with a higher heat tolerance.
Mums can also be planted in the ground.
These flowers bloom for weeks and add eye-catching pops of color.
Mums can be planted as annuals and live for more than one season. Consider planting them in the spring or summer.
3. Add hay bales and corn stalks. Few things scream fall more than hay bales and corn stalks. Adore your home’s front door or front porch with these items. Put an equal amount on each side of the door.
Consider adding fall ribbon or using these piece together with other decorative items, like flowers, rustic wood or an outdoor rug.
Corn stalks are narrow making them ideal for small front porches.
4. Incorporate rustic elements. Reclaimed wood screams fall, so think old ladders, rocking chairs, pallets and more to your porch, front yard or backyard. Old pallets can be used as planters for herbs or flowers.
Tips.
You don’t have to change out your entire home’s decor, adding accents to a neutral palette can make a big difference.
Use fall as an opportunity to clean your entire home. While spring cleaning might be more commonly known, fall is a great time to start with a clean slate as the time spent inside your home grows longer during this season.
Fall is a great time to experiment with baking and cooking and will make your home smell like heaven.
Mid-century modern style is a popular look that is both minimalistic and fun. The style is known for its retro furniture, romantic color schemes, and straight lines. You can take different approaches to styling your mid-century modern room depending on your personal style. Start by decluttering your house and maximising the natural light. Choose furniture and accessories that enhance the mid-century look, and keep an eye out in thrift stores and garage sales to find unique items at bargain prices.
Method 1 Changing the Basics.
1. Declutter your area. Whether you are decorating a bedroom, lounge, or a whole house, the area will look more mid-century modern if it is free from clutter. Remove any unnecessary items from surfaces, such as desks, benches, or tables. File any loose pieces of paper, throw out any rubbish, and keep books and magazines in one place. Place small objects, such as art supplies, stationery, or cleaning products, into boxes or cupboards.
Consider giving away any objects that don’t fit with the mid-century modern theme, such as any neon or sparkly items. Keep items like sturdy wooden frames and hardcover books. Just prepare to use them strategically.
Place a few candles on a dresser rather than a myriad of ornaments.
2. Paint the walls white and add a feature wall if you want a dash of colour. The majority of mid-century modern homes have white walls as this allows the statement pieces of furniture to stand out. Paint the interior walls white and if you want to brighten up a room, paint one wall a different colour.
For example, paint 3 walls in the dining room white and paint 1 wall pale pink. If you don’t like white, consider other neutral tones, such as light cream or grey.
The exception to this is areas where you have wooden wall panels, brick walls, or large feature windows. These were often centerpieces in mid-century homes and should be displayed and enhanced, not covered up.
Consider using wallpaper for your feature wall if you want it to have texture or pattern.
3. Open the curtains to maximize the natural light. Most houses get at least some light during the day. Make the most of the light to help create a mid-century modern feel. During the day, open all of the curtains in the house.
If you want some privacy during the day, consider purchasing sheer curtains. These give a light and breezy feel to the house whilst still giving privacy.
If there are any tall trees or hedges that are blocking the light shining through the windows, trim them back.
4. Incorporate wooden features into your home. A key focus of mid-century modern design is including wood into the home. Consider adding wooden flooring, a wooden bench top, or wooden doors to your house. Oak, walnut, and teak are popular types of wood used in mid-century modern design.
Use wooden laminate instead of wood to achieve a similar look at a cheaper price.
Wooden decor pieces such as wooden balls, wooden furniture legs and backs, and wood doors were all prevalent in mid-century homes.
Method 2 Choosing Furniture.
1. Choose a couch with straight lines and a bold colour. Couches and armchairs are big focal points in mid-century modern design. Pick a couch that has relatively straight arms and tall tapered legs instead of a couch with ornate rounded edges. Choose a bold colour to help the couch stand out.
A sea-blue couch paired with mustard cushions would be a great colour choice.
If a new couch doesn’t fit in your budget, consider adding a colourful throw to your current couch.
You can replace your couch's current legs with the quintessentially mid-century tapered wooden legs. These are available affordably from most home improvement stores, as well as online.
2. Add a mid-century style mirror as a statement piece. A mirror has the power to make a room look bigger and lighter. Place a large, round mirror opposite a door or window so that it can reflect the natural light around the room.
Consider choosing a sunburst mirror. These are an iconic accessory of the mid-century era. Find replicas online to save money, or search in thrift stores.
Alternatively, look for a mirror with a minimalist aesthetic. A large, circular mirror with a thin gold frame would also be great for a mid-century home.
Upcycle any mirrors you already have. If you have a mirror with a frame, repaint the frame to match the feature wall or lounge suite colours.
3. Add lamps, pendants, and soft lighting. Lighting is a key feature of the mid-century style. Choose lamps with thin stems to incorporate the clean and minimal lines of mid-century design. Pick pendants that attract focus and have sculptural elements. Look for floor lamps that arch over furniture. Choose bulbs that have more yellow tones rather than blue tones as this will create a softer look.
Consider using multiple lamps per room to create different pockets of light. Limit pendants to one per room as they are a dominant feature.
Look for pendants and lamps at garage sales to find unique designs at a bargain price.
4. Choose wooden furniture to give a natural look to the space. Choose shades of wood that mirror the colours of wood found in nature. Natural pines and medium-browns work well. Consider adding a wooden coffee table, wooden chairs, or wooden shelves. If you want more minimal amounts of wood, choose a couch with wooden legs.
If you have wooden furniture that has been painted, consider sanding off the paint to expose the natural wood.
Don’t be afraid to use laminate. This can create a wooden look at a lower price.
Look out for wooden furniture in thrift shops. This is a great way to get quality furniture at a lower price.
Method 3 Adding Accessories.
1. Place a few pieces of bold art on the walls. The mid-century modern style is fairly minimalistic. Avoid placing too much art on the walls and cluttering the space. It is best to pick a few favourite pieces for the walls in each room.
Large graphics painted with oil on canvas are a great mid-century option. Metal wall plaques fit with the theme.
Abstract metal and stone sculptures are also good artistic accessories for this style.
2. Choose indoor plants to bring a feeling of life to your space. A key theme of mid-century modern style is the blending of the indoors and outdoors. An easy way to achieve this look is by adding indoor plants to your rooms. Consider adding plants at different levels to bring a natural look. For example, place one plant in a hanging basket and another on a coffee table.
Peace lilies are a timeless looking plant that improve air quality. Cacti are another timeless option.
Plants with hanging vines or droopy leaves work best in hanging baskets.
Plants are integral to the mid-century look. If you can't keep real plants in your home, invest in some fake plants to get the look.
3. Choose bedding and pillows with bold patterns. Repeating patterns and geometric shapes are an iconic part of the mid-century decorating style. An affordable way to introduce these to your house is through accessories. Add patterned cushions to your bed or couch to bring detail and color to the rooms. Alternatively, pick a patterned bedspread that makes the bed the focal point of the room.
Avoid having patterns on both the bedspread and decorative pillows. Similarly, avoid pairing a patterned couch with patterned cushions. Patterns look best when paired with plain items.
Consider buying fabric and then the sewing cushion covers or bedspread yourself. This is a great way to find the pattern you want and save money. If you can’t sew, ask a friend or family member that has good sewing skills to help you.
4. Pick a neutral-coloured rug that has an interesting texture. Mixing different textures in your home is a great way to enhance the mid-century style. Look for a rug that has a different texture to the carpet and couches. Try to get a neutral-colored rug so that you don’t draw away from the furniture in the room.
A shaggy rug would work well in a space with a velvet couch. Sisal and jute rugs also compliment this style and are very durable.
Purchase a rug from a home department store or keep an eye out at garage sales.
Tips.
If you working with a low budget, keep an eye out for big sales throughout the year.
Search thrift shops to find authentic retro items.
The mid-century look is very popular, so you can find a lot of modern items made to fit the aesthetic. Take a look at your local discount home goods and furniture stores for inspiration.
Eclectic interior designs are perfect for anyone who wants to put a fun, creative spin on their home decor. Eclectic means combining different time periods and styles. This results in unique décor, like colonial with a bohemian flare, rural meets modern, or Neo-classic with a trendy urban spin. But it can also be tricky to pull off. While there’s no set rules for eclectic homes, some tips can help turn this mismatched style into a cohesive, unified look.
Method 1 Buying Statement Pieces.
1. Search for one-of-a-kind furniture and knicknacks. Your furniture should help bring your different styles together. Look at different time periods for ideas, like furnishing your living room with a chintz armchair and a mid-century sofa. Hand-made pieces are perfect for eclectic rooms. Go with family hand-me-downs or something you can pick up at a garage sale. This feels creative and personal, which is exactly what eclectic style is about.
2. Make a focal point out of an eye-catching decoration. Maybe it's a painting, chandelier, antique, or special piece of furniture that gets guests talking. Only use one focal point per room. Any more is too confusing and distracting.
A statement piece can also help you to develop an eclectic style for a room. Choose your piece, and then build the rest of the décor around it.
3. Show off your interests and hobbies. Eclectic style is about your personality. If you’re a photographer, make a gallery of black and white photos. Bookworms can fill their rooms with bookshelves, or even use end tables made out of books. Hunters can mount deer heads on the walls. Whatever your hobby, find a way to make it part of your design.
Keep in mind that an eclectic home should look curated and collected. Use pieces that show off your style to achieve this look!
4. Decorate with objects that reflect your history. Your home can tell your story. Decorate with Mexican pottery from your vacation to Oaxaca, Celtic crosses to honor your Irish heritage, and potted cacti from your college years in Arizona. Blend these different parts together. Use family heirlooms like your grandmother’s antique lamp mixed with pop art from your favorite movie.
Even your main style can come from your history, like rustic chic in honor of your grandparents’ farmhouse.
Avoid lots of matching items and brand new pieces. Collect a variety of new, used, and reused pieces over time to make your home look eclectic.
5. Let your style say something about your values and personality. Throw in a splash of bohemian to reflect your free spirited side. If you’re forward-thinking, go with elements of modern style. If you enjoy the simpler side of life, go with a classic, Victorian, or a colonial theme. Your style should be based on who you are, and what you believe in.
Method 2 Unifying Elements.
1. Choose 2 or 3 styles so your design doesn't get too complicated. Eclectic doesn’t mean over the top. It’s easy to get caught up in blending so many styles and objects, but that can turn your home into a messy eyesore. Try sticking to 2 styles (3 max), usually with 1 dominant style and the other complimenting it.
For example, a vintage main style with a hint of rustic charm.
You can create an eclectic style using a minimalist or maximalist approach. Go with the approach that suits you!
2. Pick a single go-to color scheme to unite the room. Eclectic style only works if you connect the mismatched styles. Color schemes can pull a room or house together. Neutral colors are your best bet. Use a neutral like gray with gold or pastel colors to make the room look cohesive.
Don’t use too many different colors, or colors that clash. That's more gaudy than eclectic.
Opt for a single bold color, such as green, to unite the items in your room. Just make sure to be consistent with your color choice.
3. Furnish each room with a variety of textures. Different textures bring out different styles. Try combinations like a shag rug next to a metal coffee table, or a soft, modern sofa beside a hand-carved Victorian writing desk.
Keep a balance of soft and rough textures, with a few objects of each.
Choose art, rugs, and furniture in a variety of different textures to add interest to your space.
4. Chose a color palette, furniture, and decorations that fit the same mood. Think of how you want to feel in each room. You might want one room to unwind, and another to host parties. Keep that in mind when you decorate.
Keeping your furniture in the same general style allows you more freedom to change up your other décor, such as accessories, accent pieces, and art.
If you’re going for something whimsical, fill the room with plants, bright colors, and unique, bold patterns. For something more cerebral, go with bookshelves, vintage furniture, and calming colors.
Method 3 Arranging a Layout.
1. Buy practical furniture that fits your needs. Don’t get so caught up in style that you forget the actual purpose of the room. Remember that you’re living here, so it needs to be functional. A living room should be relaxing, and a breakfast nook should have space to cook. Pick furniture that fits those needs.
For example, get a dining room table that has space enough for your family, not just one that looks stylish.
Comfortable living room furniture is also very important. For example, you might find a really interesting sofa that would look great in your home, but you may regret this purchase if the sofa is not comfortable.
2. Spread out the furniture so the room isn't too crowded. Balance is the key to eclectic rooms. Too much furniture looks cluttered, especially if it’s all bunched together while the other half of the room is empty. Spread out the furniture evenly, so the room looks neat and smooth.
Clutter looks messy, not eclectic, and makes it hard to get around.
3. Remember to leave some empty spaces. You want your interior design to be unique, not overwhelming. Don’t overdo it. Keep it balanced with empty space. Empty space can help put the focus on the decorations that you want to show off. If one wall has a photo gallery, leave another one bare.
Do you love Christmas? Are you interested in spicing up your room for the holidays this season? Well then this article is just perfect for you! Read below to find out how to decorate your room for Christmas!
Part 1 Adding Trees, Lights, and Garlands.
1. Add a Christmas tree. Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes, but a smaller one might look more proportionate in a bedroom. You might also want to get a fake tree as opposed to a real one. They are less likely to shed leaves and do not need to be watered.
Add a small craft tree if you have some desk or shelf space. Art and crafts stores often sell mini versions of Christmas trees, ranging between 8 and 12 inches (20.32 and 30.48 centimeters). You will also find mini lights and ornaments in the same area.
Get a 2 to 4 foot (0.61 to 1.22 meters) tall tree if you have a larger room or not a lot of furniture. You can stand the tree on a small table, a stool, or even a crate to give it extra height.
Get a "pencil" tree if you have a small room or a lot of furniture. Pencil trees can range from 3 to 9 feet (0.92 to 2.74 meters) tall, but they can be as narrow as 8 or 20 inches (20.32 or 50.8 centimeters). They don't take up a lot of space width-wise and are perfect for corners.
If you yearn for that pine-scent, consider hiding a few real pine branches in your tree. You can also use a pine-scented spray as well.
2. Hang pine branches if you don't have room for a tree. If you don't have much floor space, you can hang pine branches from the ceiling in the corner of your room. You can also dress up these branches with mini battery-operated Christmas lights, tinsel, and ornaments. It might be a good idea to use plastic ornaments instead of glass ones, however.
Make sure to thoroughly rinse the branches so you don't bring home any insects.
3. Drape some pine garlands around your room. You can even decorate the garland with mini battery-operated Christmas lights, tinsel, and ornaments. Great places to hang such garlands include above your bed, over your window, around your ceiling, and draped over your bookshelves.
4. Decorate your tree, pine branches, and pine garlands. Find some ornaments, lights, beaded garlands, and tinsel. Drape these around your tree, pine branches, or pine garland. If you are hanging your branches or garlands, consider using plastic ornaments instead of glass ones.
Mini Christmas ornaments might look better on pine garlands. You can find them in art and crafts stores, in the same section that sells mini/craft Christmas trees.
If your tree is less than 3 feet (0.92 meters) tall, use mini battery-operated Christmas lights. The plug-in lights might be too long for smaller trees.
5. Hang up some tinsel. If you can't find any (or don't like) pin garlands, you can hang up some tinsel garlands instead. Great places to hang them include above windows and around ceilings. If you use tape to hang the garlands up, be sure to use clear tape. It will be less visible.
6. Put up some Christmas lights. Great places to hang up lights include above your bed, over your shelves, and around your window. You can get ones that plug into an outlet or battery-operated ones. If you use tape to hang up your lights, try to use clear; it will be less visible on your wall.
If your room has white walls, try to get Christmas lights with white wires instead of the traditional green ones. They will blend into your walls better and clash less.
Unless you are putting them up in your window, avoid getting blinking or flashing lights; those can be very distracting after a while.
Consider matching the lights to your room and decorations. For example, if your room has a lot of cool colors, try getting blue or clear lights. If your room has a lot of warm colors, try getting white or multi-colored lights.
Consider putting "icicle" style lights in your window.
Part 2 Bringing the Festive In.
1. Switch out curtains, blankets, bedspreads, and pillowcases. You don't need to use curtains with Santas and snowmen on them, but red ones might look more festive than pink ones. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Use colors such as red or green. Darker shades might look better than brighter ones.
For a rustic cabin feel, switch out your throw or blanket for a cozy quilt or sweater/knitted blanket. Anything made from plaid flannel will also work.
Make an easy sweater pillow by slipping a square-shaped pillow inside a bulky sweater and tying the sleeves in the back.
2. Buy scented candles, wax melts, or potpourri. If you can't put up a lot of decorations, you can still make your room feel more festive by bringing in scented candles, wax melts, or potpourri. You don't even have to light candles; many scented candles are potent enough on their own. If you are getting candles, consider displaying three different-sized ones on a red, green, gold, or silver candle charger/plate. Listed below are a few Christmas scents:
Gingerbread, Peppermint and Candy Cane, Winter Wonderland, Fireplace, Pine, Spruce, Balsam, and Cedar
3. Bring out snow globes, nutcrackers, and figurines. Shelves, dressers, and desks are great for displaying trinkets such as snow globes, nutcrackers, and figurines. If you already have some on your shelves, consider switching them out for Christmasy ones instead. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
If you like nature, put up some pine tree or reindeer figurines.
If you are religious, put up figurines related to the Nativity.
If you like the classical look, put up a snowman, a Santa Clause, or even a nutcracker.
If you don't want to put away any of your existing decorations, consider decorating them instead. For example, if you have a figurine of a cat, try putting a little Santa hat on it.
4. Hang some decorations from your window, shelves, or walls. If you don't have a lot of room for a tree, you can hang small decorations using thread or clear thread/fishing line instead. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Candy canes and jingle bells can be slung over doorknobs or strung from ribbon.
Christmas cards can be clipped to yarn, jute cord, or ribbon using wooden clothespins.
Christmas stockings can be tacked to your wall using nails or thumbtacks/pushpins.
Ornaments, plastic icicles, and snowflakes (plastic or paper) can be suspended from thread. They'll look delightful against a wall or window.
5. Set up a Nativity or Christmas Village scene. If you like to collect things, setting up a Nativity or Christmas Village scene on your desk or dresser can be just the thing for you. You'll have lots of fun buying figurines and arranging them. You can find them at most arts and crafts stores.
You can also make a Nativity scene at home using popsicle sticks, straw, and wood or clay figurines.
6. Spray some fake frost onto your windows. Try to spray the frost towards the bottom corners of your window to make it look more realistic. Fake frost usually comes in a spray can, like spray paint, and washes off your window with soap and water. They are great for those who don't get snow for Christmas.
7. Make your own Christmas decorations. Not all Christmas decorations have to be store-bought. Homemade ones can have their charm too. If you don't have a lot of money to spend, or just like to be crafty, you can make some of your own decorations and display them in your room. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Find some pinecones outside and paint them with acrylic paint or glitter. Display them on your windowsill.
String cranberries and popcorn into thread to make garlands.
Make some paper chains using construction paper.
Cut out some paper snowflakes from white printer paper.
Make a gingerbread house and display it on your dresser or desk.
Cut out some letters from glitter paper to spell "Merry Christmas" and tack them to your wall.
Part 3 Finding Inspiration.
1. Choose a color scheme that matches your existing room decor. Many color schemes inspire Christmas, but not all of them might work with your room. For example, if your room has a lot of pink and white, the traditional red and green might clash. Red and white might be more suitable. Here are some common Christmas color schemes to get you started:
Red and green : Red, green, and white/gold : Blue and white/silver : Blue, white, and silver : White/ivory and gold : Red and white/gold : Green and white/gold.
2. Decide on a theme. Sometimes, having a set theme can help you choose which decorations to put up. It can also help your room look more unified and less cluttered. As with colors, choose a theme that matches your room. For example, if your room has a lot of heavy, Victorian-era furniture, a rustic or nature theme might clash. Themes that are more Victorian or ornate might work better with your room decor. Here are some common Christmas themes to get you started:
1900s, Charles Dickens, Victorian era, and Vintage inspired
Rustic, woodland cabin-inspired, with lots of gingham, knit, wood, and burlap
Nature, with lots of snow, pine trees, pinecones, reindeer, and woodland creatures
Traditional/classic with lots of red and green, snowmen, and Santa Claus
Fancy/royal with lots of silver or gold, ornate scroll patterns, and lots of rich brocade
Winter wonderland, with lots of blue, silver, and white, snow, snowflakes, icicles, and pine trees
3. Go window shopping. Look at how stores step up their displays. If you see any you like, try to copy them. Take pictures, write down what you see, or make a quick sketch. You don't have to copy the display exactly; you can just use elements from it, such as silver ornaments and glittery snowflakes.
You can also get ideas from a nature walk as well.
4. Consider having some background noise while you work. If you have a laptop, radio, or TV in your room, consider playing some Christmas music or a Christmas movie. They might inspire you or get you into the Christmas spirit.
5. Work with your existing room decor. Sometimes, what you already have in your room might inspire your Christmas decorations. For example, if your room has a lot of wooden furniture in it, you can decorate it with some rustic Christmas decorations to make it look like a cozy, woodland cabin.
Keep the size of your room in mind. If your room is very small and cramped, it might not be a good candidate for a Christmas tree. Some pine garlands, however, would be perfect for it.
6. Look around your room for blank spaces. If you don't know where to start decorating, take a look around your room. See if there are any blank spaces or surfaces, and start decorating there. For example:
Is there a bare wall in your room? If so, consider decorating it with some paper snowflakes or Christmas cards.
Is there a blank corner on your desk or dresser? What about on your shelf? These places are great for displaying mini trees, figurines, and scenes.
Curtain rods and doorknobs are great places to hang decorations from.
Windows are great places to hang decorations, such as lights and ornaments, from.
Tips.
Some decorations need to be hung up. While some are light enough to be taped (such as tinsel), others will need hooks and nails (such as pine garlands). If you live in a rental unit, you might need to keep this in mind.
Keep your decorations proportionate. The smaller your room is, the smaller decorations you should use.
Less is more. It is easy to get carried away and over-decorate. If your room starts to look garish and cluttered, you might need to put some decorations away.
Consider decorating just one part of your room, such as a dresser top or a window.
Clean your room before you decorate it. Vacuum the floors and dust the shelves. Once you put up your decorations, it will be difficult to clean.
Try to keep your color scheme and theme consistent.
If you can't decide on a theme you could just do red and white.
Warnings.
Avoid hanging tinsel and paper too close to lamps, TVs, computers, heaters, and other electronic devices. These can heat up quickly and create a fire hazard.
If you have cats and are planning on putting up a tree, consider using plastic ornaments instead of glass ones. Most cats will knock over a Christmas tree at some point in their lives and break a couple of ornaments.
If you have pets, make sure that you hang your decorations where they can't reach them.
Be sure to rinse any pine branches before bringing them into your room, or you may also bring in a few six or eight-legged "guests."
String lights are a relatively inexpensive purchase that can really add to the atmosphere of your room or home. They can soften the ambiance of a room, highlight certain features, or add a magical touch to an otherwise normal space. There are many ways you can arrange your lights, including doing things like wrapping household items or writing out a message with them. You can also make DIY decorations, like a festive vase lamp or flower lights. You can even incorporate string lights into existing decor by wrapping seasonal items with them or tying colored ribbons in between bulbs.
Steps.
1. Cover branches or twigs in string lights. Even on a quick walk in the park or nature, you'll likely find a few branches or twigs with character. Bring these home and clean them lightly with a damp rag and warm, soapy water. Allow the branch to dry, then:
Use a hanger (like an adhesive hook or nail) to mount the branch to a wall. Alternatively, you could stand your branch up in a corner, in a coat rack, in a large vase, or so on.
Wrap the branch in string lights to create a natural, unique, and inexpensive home string light decoration. You may want to hold lights in place with hot glue or a sturdy staple.
2. Make a wine bottle string light lamp. A simple wine bottle string light lamp can be made by feeding the loose end of your lights into the bottle until it is full. Keep the plug on the outside of the bottle so you can plug it in when you're finished.
You can create different colors in your bottles by mixing different colored lights to the bottle. You can also add tissue paper or a transparent, glossy kind of wrapping paper to the bottles to create this effect.
Short string lights with battery packs are excellent for making this kind of craft. Your local craft or hardware store should carry these kind of lights.
Another option is to drill a hole through the bottom of the wine glass or even cut it off entirely and feed the string of lights through the bottom.
3. Make small shades for string lights. Paper cups with theme designs on them are perfect for making string light lamp shades. Use a utility knife to cut a small X into the bottom of the cup. Push the light through the X-slit to attach the paper cup shade in place.
Only use LED lights with this craft idea. Incandescent lights can generate enough heat to become a fire hazard near paper products.
You can further dress up your cups by gluing paper with interesting designs to the outside of the cups.
4. Mix string lights with trinkets in a glass vase. This is a great way of making a festive lamp for a special occasion. Frequently, this design uses Christmas ornaments mixed with string lights in a vase, but you can add whatever you please. Some examples of festive lamps you might consider making include.
Easter eggs and miniature rabbits mixed with lights.
Shamrocks, gold coins, and other St. Patrick's Day trinkets with lights.
Fabric in the color of your home team, a home team pennant, other small home team paraphernalia, and lights.
Be careful not to place the string lights next to anything that could melt or catch fire, such as tissue paper or chocolate candies.
5. Create DIY flower lights. With a pair of scissors, cut cupcake wrappers in the shape of simple flower petals. You might want to flatten the wrapper first and use a pencil to trace a flower petal design. After that, use a utility knife to cut a small X in the center of the petal design.
Gently Insert a light into each X-shaped slit in the center of your cupcake wrapper petal design.
By layering two petal cutouts and pushing a single bulb through both, you can add an extra pop of color to your lights.
LED lights should be used for this design. Incandescent string lights may generate enough heat to catch paper on fire.
6. Make giant candy lights. Acquire semi-transparent, shiny wrapping paper or a sturdy, colored cellophane like material. Cover a section of your string of lights with a cylinder of this paper and tie off the ends with twist ties. You may need to bunch up the paper at the middle to give it the appearance of a giant, lit up hard candy wrapper.
Avoid using incandescent lights for this idea, as they may generate too much heat and melt the paper or cause it to catch fire.
7. Craft a light buddy from a milk jug. This is a great craft for kids. Take a clean, empty milk jug and use markers to draw a face onto the front of the jug. Feel free to add more features to your light buddy, like string for hair at the top of the jug, buttons for eyes, and so on. Then insert string lights into the jug. Be sure to leave the plug end accessible.
Most special features can be added to your light buddy with hot glue or a suitable general purpose glue.
Warnings.
Always use hot glue with caution. It becomes very hot, and can burn you if used improperly or without proper supervision.
Avoid leaving the lights plugged in for too long because it is a fire hazard.
Check to make sure that the lights you are using are appropriate for where you want to use them. Some are meant for indoor use, while others are for use outdoors, and you can use some lights indoors and outdoors.
Things You'll Need.
Adhesives and hangers (like tape, glue, adhesive hooks, nails, etc.), Branches or twigs, Cupcake wrappers, Glass vase, Markers (for drawing on the milk jug), Milk jug, Paper cups, Pencil, Scissors.
