Sterling Pointe Panel Bed Collection by American Drew

Having the ability to adapt to one’s environment cannot be overstated. Whether it’s the jungle or the workplace, adapting is often the only way to survive.

Furniture is no different. As your tastes or needs change, all furnishings and decor that don’t fall in line either gets stored away or discarded for good.

For those who don’t have cash to burn, getting the most enduring product for the money is the best decision.

Perhaps the best attribute of panel beds is that they can adapt well to almost any design scheme.

The Sterling Pointe Panel Bed Collection by American Drew is perfect for those who aren’t exactly sure what their ideal design style is or those who are living in a temporary residence.

The collection features simple lines that standout on their on, but are particularly striking when paired with contrasting features, like the stone wall and rich wine wall colors pictured here.

The Sterling Pointe Panel Bed Collection includes the Sterling Pointe Vertical Mirror, a Triple Dresser and a 2-Drawer Nightstand.

Having the ability to fit well with almost any design scheme makes the Sterling Pointe Panel Bed Collection a great selection for those not looking for quality furniture that can go from where they live now to the home they plan to occupy for years.

Noire Tray by Max Accents

Sticking to the budget these days is an important task that we can’t ignore. For some of us, however, we also can’t ignore our dated design and decor.

There are an abundance of ways to change your space without changing your budget, some of which we covered in earlier articles.

Decorating on a Budget covered ways to spruce up the coffee table, revamp your lamps and utilize accent pillows.

Decorating on a Budget – Part 2 discussed how to freshen up the bathroom, add character to walls with decals and how to create open shelving without a major overhaul to the cabinets.

Here are a few more ideas to infuse a new vibe into your rooms:

New Hardware

A simple, yet effective way to update the look in a bathroom or kitchen is to change the hardware (handles, knobs and drawer pulls). It will only take a few minutes and the results will be noticeable immediately.

Don’t Use Wallpaper for the Walls

Applying wallpaper to an entire room is labor-intensive and can be costly. To add some interesting contrast, find a wallpaper that fits in with the design of the room and apply it to the back of the bookcase. This shouldn’t require more than 1-2 rolls of wallpaper, and can instantly change the look of the room with less than a day’s work.

Play with Trays

Trays are multifunctional, as they are great tools for encouraging organization as well as enhancing the room’s design on their own. Use them to organize items on a coffee table, to openly display bottles of your favorite spirit and more.

Flamenco Floor Candle Holders by Max Accents

There’s no doubt that using candlelight will have a more noticeable impact on your mood than your electric bill. Unless you use candlelight as your main form of lighting, but that’s another topic altogether.

The Flamenco Floor Candle Holders by Max Accents is a set of three, modern-styled glass jars that are resting on iron bases of varying heights.

The key to getting impact from candlelight is quite similar to effects used with light bulbs.

Candles gathered close together will emanate brighter light and spacing them farther apart for a dimming effect. The higher candles are placed, the more light that is projected throughout the room.

Avoid mixing too many or conflicting scents at once, or the ambiance you’ve tried so hard to create will quickly go up in flames (pun intended).

The options for implementing candlelight into your routine is virtually endless, as is the types, shapes and scents of candles.

Wherever you place your candles, please be cautious and don’t place them on unstable objects, in the way of moving objects, etc. and don’t fall asleep or leave the house with candles still lit.

Whether you’re in search of a lighting option to set the mood or are just looking to mix the routine up a bit, implementing candlelight is a cost-effective way to do so while improving your home’s design at the same time.

Melrose Loveseat by Armen Living

Elegance is often overrated and much too elaborate. There may be a time and a place for exquisite crystal chandeliers, luxurious black and white marble tile and gold accented everything.

But for most of us, that time and place isn’t everyday in our homes. Life is about the simple pleasures.

One of which is coming home to a favorite resting place after a hard day on the job. Or maybe it’s kicking your feet up with a bowl of popcorn and your favorite movie.

Either way, the Melrose Loveseat by Armen Living can accommodate.

Upholstered in a green chenille, this loveseat is both soft and durable. The tufted back and sides paired with the pieces clean lines makes this loveseat a transition piece, which is ideal for modern, chic spaces.

For more on tufts, see Tuft:Defined.

Not into eclectic designs centered around unique individual pieces? The Melrose Sofa Set by Armen Living is also available, which includes a full size sofa, a chair and the loveseat mentioned above.

Individuals with condos, lofts or townhomes will find this collection ticks off all the boxes when it comes to price point, design aesthetics and spacial considerations.

Manchestor Mirror by Dragon Wood

A bathroom is just a bathroom. Right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. There are a number of quick and simple things that can be done to turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat.

For starters, a clear mind starts with a clear environment. Clear your vanity countertop of all nonessential items. Store items that are unsightly or have manufacturer’s labels on them into lined linen baskets.

Use clear glass containers (that can usually be found at any home goods store) for storing items like bath soaks, crystals, pearls, etc. Arranging by color and scent will improve the look of the space while providing you with a variety of relaxing options.

Mix essential oils of aromatic scents like lavender to Epsom salts ahead of time. This creates a functional mineral bath and the instant soothing calm of lavender on demand.

Experiment with eucalyptus and tea tree scents if there’s a need to revitalize and refresh. Looking to sleep well tonight? Try a little neroli and ylang ylang.

Investing in thick, luxurious towels and a towel warmer can provide a seamless transition of tranquility form the spa-like environment you’ve created to your bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.

While none of these ideas will turn your bathroom into the Four Seasons, implement some of these quick spa tips and you’ll feel a whole lot better when you look in the mirror.

The Deauville Mantel by Pearl Mantel

Fireplaces, if utilized correctly, can do so much more than frame a glowing fire. Although that is sufficient, why settle when the space can truly be maximized.

In the previous post on Fireplace Design Ideas,we covered a fairly quick and inexpensive way to use balance and symmetry to make a fireplace standout.

Read Fireplace Design Ideas here.

Ornate mantels are perfectly suited for showing off collections of books, trinkets and other small items.  The key is to arrange them in such a way that it appears to be organized chaos.

For instance, stack 3-5 hardcover books and place next to 3-5 hardcover books placed vertically. The stacked books are great spaces to place small, framed photos or other wares.

For the best effect, remove the dust jackets so the artwork and flamboyant lettering won’t take away from the charming feel of the mantel. The end result will look as though you randomly use the mantel to store miscellaneous items, but the organization and flow will add to the room.

Mantels by Pearl Mantel, like the Deauville Mantel pictured here, are handcrafted and carved from an Asian hardwood called Choi. Choi is light in color and tight grained, similar to American White Oak, which means it takes very well to staining and coloring.

The Deauville Mantel is available unfinished or in the fruitwood finish pictured here. For the serious do-it-yourselfer, purchasing the mantel unfinished will truly open up some opportunities to transform the room.

A Blank Canvas

Because of the window’s function to allow in natural light and open up the space, they are often the focal point of the room and deserve full attention when decorating a room.

In the first post, Window Treatments, we covered a few types of window treatments available and how to select them.

Here are some quick tips for window treatments:

• A great way to update the feel of a space is to select modern colors and prints. Also, if the room is tight on space, choose lighter colors. This will make the room feel more open, as darker colors will make the room feel more restricted.
• Use wood blinds or woven wood shades to soften the impact of direct light, which is ideal for kitchens where too much direct light can make the room hot and unbearable.
• Make arches in hanging valances in order to add some curves to rooms where straight lines are often abundant, like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Roman shades are excellent for providing texture to a space. Made of bamboo, rattan or other natural materials, they add an instant shot of definition and character to the space.
• If additional light while maintaining some privacy is the ultimate goal, look to add pleated shades. They’re light colors and thin nature allow plenty of natural light into the room while keeping out prying eyes.

All Bonded Leather Sofa Set by Homelegance

When purchasing furniture, there is so much to consider. This holds especially true for purchasing sofas, loveseats and the like because these items will be the focal points of the room and both seen and used by almost anyone who comes in to the home.

Therefore, whatever you choose must be practical, cost-efficient, easy to decorate around and durable. Durability can’t be stressed enough, especially if there are children in the home.

Bonded leather is a suitable material, that when incorporated into quality design, meets all the above requirements. It is a material in which a varying amount of leather has been combined with a polyurethane layer of fused with other textiles.

Depending upon the manufacturer, the finished product may contain anywhere from 20% to 90% leather. For a closer look into bonded leather, see Bi-Cast Leather: Defined.

For more information on the types of leather and what the different names mean, see Leather: A Breakdown of Industry Terms.

The All Bonded Leather Sofa Set by Homelegance shows just how much less bonded leather can cost while still maintaining durability. It’d be fairly difficult to find a leather sofa and loveseat for $1,200. The All Bonded Leather Chair is sold separately.

Collections like the All Bonded Leather Sofa Set combine elements of traditional (tufted cushions) and contemporary designs, making it a collection worthy of compromise (if the situation came to it) where neither party would lose.

DaVinci Library Entertainment Wall Unit by Parker House

More often than not, the best way to deal with an awkward space is to fill it in completely. Other times, there may be edges of a wall visible on either side of a central piece of furniture, which can result in being odd to look at.

These days, quality furniture costs too much  for it to result in being unpleasing to the eye.

Wall units like the DaVinci Library Entertainment Wall Unit by Parker House eliminate the problem of large, unorthodox spaces.

Be sure to measure the space before ordering so an ideal fit can be configured. The unit is customizable by selecting (or deselecting) certain items or you can contact Homelement and they’ll assist you in the process.

The DaVinci Library Entertainment Wall Unit is a literal one-item solution to your media storage needs. The wall unit can house a 60-inch flat-panel television, entertainment systems and game consoles, a plethora of books, DVDs and other wares worthy of display.

Designed in Italian Renaissance style, the DaVinci Library Entertainment Wall Unit boasts a dark chestnut finish and includes a bookcase bridge, a console storage unit, two open-top bookcases, two wide open-top bookcases and a library ladder for efficient access to all materials.

Sometimes, despite what they say, it is possible to have the best of both worlds.

Sundance Sofa Collection by Homelegance

Tight budgets are no reason to continue looking at the same, tired spaces. See our first installment, Decorating on a Budget, for even more ideas.

If you’re ready to mix things up a bit, here are a few more budget-friendly ideas you can use to change your rooms:

Freshen Up the Shower

Invest a few dollars in a quality fabric shower curtain (be sure to pair it with a liner) emblazoned with bright, bold patterns. This will add a sense of luxury to the bathroom. Find one to match your current towels and linens or replace them as well.

Stick it on the Walls

If the walls lack true character or reference to your unique personality, consider wall decals. They can be as subtle or extravagant as you like. A major advantage to wall decals is the fact that they can be peeled off if and when you grow tired of them, which also makes them great for those living in apartments where alterations are limited. See Weekend Warrior: Wall Treatments for more info on purchasing and applying wall decals.

Open Shelving

If you love the look and feel of open shelving, but don’t have the time or resources to commit to pulling down all the cabinets, consider this quick fix. Simply remove the doors and paint (or wallpaper) the backs of the cabinets with a contrasting color or pattern.