Best Lighting for the Bedroom
While sleep and rest are the primary activities, they aren’t the only things we get up to in the bedroom. From reading to lounging and getting ready and winding down, everything we do in our bedrooms requires different lighting. Because of this, it can be challenging to determine which light source best suits our many needs.
Read on for tips on the best lighting for the bedroom.
Layer light effectively
Layering your lighting is essential in any room, but especially the bedroom. Start with a primary light source, like an overhead option, and then you can add additional lighting for the different tasks you do in the room. For example, if you tend to read at night, a bedside lamp or sconce is ideal. You won’t have to get up and can read by soft light. If you have a work desk in your bedroom, a desk lamp is crucial, so you don’t strain your eyes. For those of us that like to get ready in the comfort of our bedrooms, a light that allows you to apply your makeup or skincare is a must-have.
Focus on your focal lighting
The primary light source in your bedroom can serve as a statement or be an afterthought. Consider if you would prefer recessed lights or a chandelier. For the former, you must determine if you want flush or semi-flush fixtures. For the latter, you can have fun with your light fixture and choose an antique or vintage chandelier or a modern pendant light. You also want to consider whether you prefer having a ceiling fan, as that will change the type of light fixture you are looking for, says a Mandevilla, LA, interior decorator.
Figure out the right temperature
The temperature of your lighting might not seem so important, but it plays a key role in the bedroom. You don’t want to use cool lights, such as the traditional LED bulbs, as the blueish light will look too harsh and can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm. Instead, opt for bulbs that emit a warmer tone. They will give your room a cozy feeling rather than a clinical one. Your eyes and sleep schedule will thank you.
Experiment with fun
Lighting is a design choice as much as anything, meaning you can really make it your own. Experiment with different, playful lighting, such as LED strips or fairy lights. LED lights can be set up to change colors and can also sync with music played, making them a novelty addition to any room. Fairy lights wrapped around a backboard or strung up throughout the room offer a warm, ethereal glow and can spark some child-like joy for those feeling nostalgic.
Think of the small things
It’s easy to only focus on your main lighting and lamps, but don’t forget the details. Nightlights are one such detail and can come in handy when you wake up in the middle of the night. Dimmers are another detail, and they are especially beneficial when you don’t want full brightness or want to set a certain mood. If you have a partner with a different sleep schedule, portable reading lamps will be your best friend.
Consider how you use the space when deciding what type of lighting you want in your bedroom. Apply the tips above, and you’ll be on your way to a well-lit, very relaxing bedroom.
How to Use Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year in Your Home
Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023 is Raspberry Blush, described as a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink. Not for the faint of heart, Raspberry Blush is a vivid and optimistic hue that is sure to stun in any space. If you want to bring playfulness and energy into your home, then Raspberry Blush is the color for you.
Read on to discover five ideas for using Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023 in your home.
Powder room
Raspberry Blush is bold, so you can easily use it to make a statement in a small space such as a powder room. More importantly, powder rooms are having a moment in design and are no longer left to be a spare space; instead, they allow you to play with colors that make an impact. If you are hesitant to paint your entire room in this bright and energetic color, consider painting either the upper or lower half of your walls for a more subtle look that still packs a vibrant punch.
Kitchen backsplash
Colorful kitchens are currently all the rage, and Raspberry Blush is an excellent option for a pop of color in the space. If you want a significant impact while remaining subtle, paint your backsplash Raspberry Blush and keep your cabinets and countertop in a complementary neutral color. For a bolder look, transform your cabinets by painting them Raspberry Blush. Elevate it more by swapping your hardware for brass or gold accents, says a Cypress, TX, interior decorator.
Dining room
Dining rooms offer the option to be a bit more dramatic in your decor and design choices, and Raspberry Blush is the perfect shade to balance and embolden your space. Red dining rooms have been popular for a long time, but Raspberry Blush walls create the same air of sophistication in a more modern and chic way. When you pair the shade with dark wood and gold accents, your dining room will be the perfect spot to host any gathering.
Accent walls
Raspberry Blush is a show-stopping color, making it a fantastic option for an accent wall in a bedroom or living room. With its warmth and richness, it acts as a focal point for the eye and can anchor your space, negating the need for excess decor. See Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends for 2023 to discover more shades that pair perfectly with Raspberry Blush and can work beautifully as accompanying walls.
Subtle pops
If you balk at the idea of a vivid shade throughout your home, subtlety is the way to go. Raspberry Blush is an excellent accent color for decorating and can work well in any room. Pillows and throw blankets in this lively hue will add warmth to any living room. Other options for the living room include lamp bases and area rugs featuring Raspberry Blush and similar tones. In the bedroom, consider a Raspberry Blush-colored duvet.
Don’t be shy about adding color to your home in the new year! Use the tips above for inspiration on how you can add Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year, Raspberry Blush, to your own home.
What Decor to Hang Above Your Bed
Certain spots throughout the home can seem incredibly difficult to decorate. Whether that’s because the area is large, a focal point, or oddly shaped, the perfect decor remains elusive. One such space is the area above the bed; it is typically a focal point of your bedroom, and it can be challenging to figure out exactly what to put above it. If you are having trouble decorating above your bed, look no further for guidance.
Read on to discover tips on what decor to hang above your bed.
Plants
Not only do plants look lovely in most areas of the home, but they also help purify the air and give you a sense of well-being. There’s no better place to cultivate a sense of well-being than your bedroom. If you have shelving above your bed, consider placing a few plants of different shapes and sizes. Think flowering cacti, vines, and succulents. Pots of different colors and patterns will act as additional decor beyond the greenery itself. If you can, consider hanging plants from the ceiling with hooks and baskets, though be sure you aren’t susceptible to hitting your head in the morning!
Wall art
Hanging art above your bed is a straightforward solution to solving the issue of a large blank space. However, it would be best if you chose the right pieces. If you have a favorite large art piece that you haven’t committed to hanging yet, consider placing it above your bed to act as the room’s focal point. Gallery walls are another great option, especially if you have different pieces that work well and tie your space together. If you find choosing art overwhelming, don’t fret! Photographs also work; a gallery wall of family or vacation photographs is an excellent option.
Shelves
Shelving above your bed not only provides extra storage for knick-knacks, but it also looks beautiful when done right. You can really curate what is on your shelves and make something that works aesthetically and functionally. If you read often, consider having your favorite (or current) books displayed on your shelves. A few framed photographs add a personal touch. Or, you can simply display knick-knacks that you love but can’t find a place for or swap it out based on the seasons.
Lighting
Hanging unique lighting above your bed is a fantastic option if you prefer a minimalist style. Chic wall sconces on either side of the bed are a no-brainer, especially if you lack the space for a side table and lamp, says a Morganville, NJ, interior decorator. Another option is to invest in a chandelier. Chandeliers are great because they come in such a variety of styles, from art deco sputnik pieces to antique brass ones. For added flair, hang mirrors behind your bed which can help reflect the light.
Headboard
Headboards are making a comeback and are a versatile option for any bedroom. A large and tall headboard can be the focal point of your entire room and tie together your bedding and color scheme. Headboards also have the added benefit of allowing for different fabric patterns and textures, meaning you can choose one uniquely suited to your taste and style.
Don’t let a large blank canvas deter you from decorating your bedroom. Use these design tips as inspiration, and pick out what decor you want to hang above your bed!
How to Pick Furniture for Your Deck
Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on evenings spent outside on your deck. If you feel like your deck space isn’t living up to its full potential, a furniture upgrade might be the solution. Choosing the right furniture for your deck can transform your space and make it more usable for whatever you intend to do out there.
Read on to discover five tips on how to pick furniture for your deck.
- Plan ahead.
Before rushing to buy the first available furniture set, take some time to plan. Think about what you currently use your deck for and what you would like to use it for in the future. Then, get rid of any furniture you no longer wish to keep. When you know what you’re going to remove, you’ll have a better idea of your deck layout. Next, a Sparta, NJ, interior decorator recommends you measure the space, as this is a critical step in buying any type of furniture. Is your deck large enough to accommodate a 7-piece set? Or is it better suited for a couple of chairs and a side table? Be sure to know what you want and what can fit into your space before making any decisions. - Be aware of the weather
When choosing the materials for your outdoor furniture, it is critical to understand the weather patterns of your particular area. While any piece of outdoor furniture is bound to take a beating from the elements, a well-chosen material will last longer than one poorly thought-out piece. For areas that receive more rainfall, avoid wooden pieces susceptible to rot and iron furniture that will rust. In especially sunny areas, remember that the sun can bleach fabric and wood over time. - Consider comfort
If you are in the market for new furniture for your deck, you clearly enjoy spending time out there. As such, prioritize your comfort when searching for new furniture. Check the feel of any piece you intend to buy if you are able. If you are drawn to a metal set, be sure to find cushions for the sake of your back. Cushions are an excellent option for wooden sets as well. For those who like to lounge on their deck, consider rattan and wicker pieces. - Choose furniture that matches how you will use the space
Do you host a lot of dinner parties? A complete outdoor dining set is a no-brainer since you can take your regular gatherings outside when the weather permits. Do you simply like to relax and unwind outdoors? An outdoor bar cart containing everything you need to prepare and serve drinks is a must for some, while a fire pit and benches for family gatherings are essential for others. For a smaller space such as an apartment patio, a café table and chairs to read at and drink coffee might be a perfect choice. Whatever your needs are, be sure to pick your furniture wisely. - Prioritize storage
When choosing furniture for your deck, opting for pieces that double as storage units is practical. A bench that lifts to store cushions is a great option, especially if you want your cushions to last a bit longer. Another popular choice is a large coffee table that lifts for even more hiding spots. If you intend to store away your furniture over the winter months, opt for pieces that are easily foldable or stack well so you can easily cover them during inclement weather.
We hope the tips above help you to select the best furniture for your deck!
Guide to Decorating with Clocks
Before the digital age, clocks were an essential part of any household. When smartphones hit the market, these basic timepieces were almost deemed useless. Now, clocks seem to be making a comeback, thanks to Gen-Z and millennials. They make excellent décor features because they come in a variety of styles, including modern, vintage, and eclectic, and add visual interest to any wall.
Read on to discover our guide to decorating with clocks.
Creative gallery wall
A wall clock can make a unique addition to an already established gallery wall. To take it a step further, consider creating an entire collection of different clocks instead of just adding one in with other art pieces. Think of using different-sized clocks to provide spatial variety. In addition, you can include clocks of different aesthetics, such as a retro metal one or a modern chrome clock without numbers. For even more visual interest, consider setting the clocks to different, haphazard times.
Different time zones
Clocks with different time zones aren’t just reserved for multinational office buildings and, in fact, can look stunning in your home. The beauty of this look is you can choose whatever style of clock you want and simply hang three or four side by side or vertically. Consider setting the clocks to times local to family or friends living abroad. If you don’t know anyone located globally, consider choosing locations that you want to visit or are far enough away to include vastly different time zones.
Oversized focal point
Consider hanging an oversized clock if you have a large, blank space that you don’t know how to decorate. Like a gallery wall, a large clock will provide visual interest while creating a focal point for the room. One option is to hang a sunburst clock, which features rays bursting out from the center. You can also choose a minimalist clock or one where the mechanism is built into the wall, and your numbers are free-floating. An oversized clock also works well on an accent wall.
Neon glow
While most of the ideas listed here involve analog clocks, digital clocks also make an excellent décor piece. Trending lately is neon digital clocks hung up on the wall. The beauty of a neon digital clock is that neon comes in many different colors; pink neon will look fun and whimsical in a bedroom, while red neon adds a retro look to any gallery wall. Not only will a neon digital clock look cool, but it will also provide an ever-present, ethereal glow to your room.
Old-fashioned statement
More commonly known as grandfather clocks, floor clocks are often seen as old-fashioned. However, floor clocks are moving beyond your grandparent’s home and are making a comeback in modern households, says a Norman, OK, interior decorator. If the traditional dark wood is not your preference, consider stripping the stain and refinishing the wood to your liking. Floor clocks are a great option to fill an empty corner that you’re having trouble utilizing. Not only do they take up space, but they command attention and add a sense of elegance to your room.
Are you ready to add clocks to your home decor? Whether you want to incorporate them in a gallery wall or use them as a focal point, clocks are sure to add visual interest as well as create conversations in your home.