Decorating a Guest Bedroom - Get Out of your Own Way

Decorating a Guest Bedroom The guest bedroom is the one room in the house that you aren't decorating for yourself. Therefore when you go to design the rooms décor, it is important not to get in your own way. Overdoing the decoration in this room will be a disservice to guests by reinforcing the fact that they are not in their own home. As comfortable as they may be with you, they will never be as comfortable in your home as they would in their own setting. On the other hand, failing to place those few simple pieces that make a space feel personal; will leave the guest room feeling cold and empty. Arguably the most important item in the guest room, the item that turns it from an extra room into a guest bedroom, is the bed. The bed does not have to be visible. You can have a regular bed, a fold out couch or futon, or a semi permanent bed such as a cot or an air bed.

A regular bed will cost you some space, and a full mattress can be expensive. If you get a small twin sized bed you can throw some pillows on it, place the long end against a wall, and let it double as a couch. A sofa bed does this even more effectively, creating a room that has a dual purpose. Futons are also often less expensive then full mattresses. The least expensive method is a removable bed, such as an air bed or cot. This can open the room up completely, allowing it to double as a gym, sitting room, or library. Usually these beds are very uncomfortable however some of the better quality air mattresses are being made to higher and higher standards. Be sure to try it out before you buy, and make sure that you only get one that is self inflatable.

After you have settled on the bed you have to fill in furniture. If the room doubles as something else, such as a gym, you will have to work around that. A traditional guest room will contain a set of drawers, and a small table. Additionally you can add TV stands, plant stands, or desks, if you have the room. Think of a hotel. They provide just enough to make a person feel comfortable, but they are sure never to clutter the room.

For ambience you can add lamps and different lighting. Lighting is a decoration on its own that is much understated. A floor or desk lamp can provide both illumination and décor. Adding a television or a radio is also a nice touch if it's in the budget. These items can be used even when the room is unoccupied, as a way to relax in a secluded setting.

The finishing décor touches should be small. Any artwork placed in the room should be restrained, don't force extreme tastes on others. Impressionistic prints are often the right touch to complete the room. Wall clocks or desk clocks are also a nice way to make a room feel more comfortable.

Decorating a guest room is fairly uncomplicated. You want to provide just enough so that the person in the room is comfortable, without overloading them with your decoration. Just remember to keep it simple, and you should be able to design a room that will make it hard for you to get your houseguests to go.

Joey Lewitin is an author, artist, and designer of home décor accessories made from imported stone. Original designs from him and other artisans can be seen at The real stone decorating store

 

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Decorating a Bedroom for the Subconscious Mind - Psychology of Colors

Psychology of colors ? the bedroom Color can have an astounding effect on perceptions, feelings, and interactions. Different colors evoke different memories and different ideas. In the bedroom, where one is supposed to be most at ease, it is important that you plan out your color scheme so that it creates the maximum comfort for you. Psychologists have been studying the effects of color on people for many years. While they have made many discoveries about color effects on people in different societies, they have not found any effects that occur across all societies. For instance in China the color red tends to make people feel calm, while in America red tends to make people more aggressive.

This means that the effect of color on a persons mind is individual and perceptual, rather then being physiological and inherent. In order to choose the right color for a setting, you will have to get in touch with your inner self, and see which color you harmonize best with. In the bedroom one tries to achieve maximum relaxation. By choosing the colors that you feel most comfortable with, you will find the greatest contentment with your decor.

Think about the following colors. Think about each one separately. Think about their different shades, how you feel about them, what they invoke in you.

Red. Orange. Yellow. Green. Blue. Violet. Purple. White. Black

Once you have gained insight into how you feel about those colors, you can read about the general effects these colors have on people in American society. Don't be afraid to disagree, your tastes are different from anyone else's, but do keep in mind that the average American that enters the room will feel these effects to some extent.

The two extreme colors are white and black. Black is an attention grabber, and can create a bedroom with a dark, sultry look. Unfortunately it will also make the room look smaller and seem more restrictive. Overuse of the color black can be dangerous in a room like the bedroom, as it can darken a person's mood. It may even produce night mares. Meanwhile its polar opposite, white, can be uninspiring. Most rooms start off with white walls, and it is the generic look for many homes. It can have a positive and soothing effect on ones emotions, but it may also lead to a lack of stimulation which can be a terrible thing in a bedroom. Whatever ones perceptions however, white is a good color for warm climates. White reflects light creating cooler temperatures and a breezy feeling.

The earth tones are gentle and will keep a bedroom feeling close and snuggly, as long as you pay attention to the tones you use. These colors include browns, oranges, and yellows. Browns tend to remind Americans of family, and of emotional bonds to each other and the world. Orange is a color that makes people happy, but is also the color associated with food and could lead to midnight snacking. Yellow creates a very positive effect on people psychologically, but only short term. Long term exposure to this color can lead to irritation.

Blues and greens evoke serenity and peace. They are colors associated with nature and the ocean. Using these colors heavily in your bedroom can help to calm the emotions of its inhabitants, and bring restful nights. Blue will also calm cravings for food after you've gone to bed, because there is very little blue food in nature, so our minds tend to repress hunger at its site. Pink is the extreme claming color and many will find it impossible to act aggressively when surrounded by it. Purple is a nice color for a bedroom that will make it look more sophisticated.

Red is an exciting color. If you have trouble falling asleep, don't use red in the bedroom. However, to get a tired relationship going, red may be just the color you want. Red makes Americans aggressive. It speeds up their metabolism and gives them energy. Red is a good color for sheets or blankets, because if it becomes too distracting it can be put away until desired.

Combining these colors yields further effects, which are numerous beyond the scope of this article. Remember that shade and tone is important, and will alter these effects. Most importantly, you should have the final say; it is the colors effect on your own mind that is important, and only you can truly understand your own impressions.

Joey Lewitin is an author, artist, and designer of home décor accessories made from imported stone. Original designs from him and other artisans can be seen at Pebblez.com - The Rustic Stone Home Décor Store

 

 

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