• Wall Decorations:

Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or any other decoration on the wall within the baby’s reach. Remember that once the baby is able to stand and reach up these things can be hazards. They can knock wall hangings or pictures off the wall, and hit themselves with them. If it is a picture in a frame with glass, if they were to knock it down, it could break and shatter, causing severe health hazards. If it is something as simple as a poster, it can still be dangerous, because they can rip off a piece of it, and put it in their mouth, leading to choking.

• Bumpers:

It is always a good idea to use bumpers for a baby’s bed, but it is equally important to make sure that the bumper and all other kids bedding fits the crib properly. Bumpers are used to prevent the baby from getting their arms and legs between bars, or between the crib and mattress, and can provide much safety this way, but if it does not fit properly, it can pose more concerns than before, because not only will it allow the baby to get these appendages in these places, it can essentially pin them there.

• Musical Mobiles:

These are excellent tools on occupying your baby, and adding decoration to the bedroom, but they need to be used in a safe manner. Once a baby begins pushing up on their hands and knees, the mobile should be placed at the baby’s feet, and once they start pulling up, it can pose a strangulation hazard, so you may want to remove it altogether.

• Pillows, Blankets and Kids Bedding:

Babies only need one lightweight blanket on them while they are sleeping, such as a receiving blanket. The blanket should only reach as far as their chest, and it should be tucked in tightly around the baby, possibly either around the crib. They do not need pillows or extra blankets. A pillow or an extra blanket can suffocate a child, especially an infant that can not move his head away quickly enough. This also applies to stuffed animals in the crib.

• Crib Sheets:

It is very important that the only sheet you put on a crib be a fitted sheet, and that it fits securely around the mattress. If the elastic won’t hold it on, and it comes loose and slides up onto the bed, it can get tangled around the child and suffocate her. Washing all kids bedding:

Do not forget to wash all sheets and blankets before putting the infant in the bed. They can be washed in regular laundry detergent, but to avoid any allergies or irritants on baby’s soft skin from it, sometimes it is best to use baby detergent.

Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib which meets current federal and ASTM standards.

• Mattress

It is also important to pay close attention to how the mattress fits into the crib. The tighter it fits, the better it is, because this leaves less room for them to stick a hand or finger, or any other body parts. Crib mattresses may seem rather hard to an adult who is accustom to a soft bed to sleep on, but they are made this way for a reason: safety. This keeps them from suffocating themselves, and is the same reason it’s never good to let an infant sleep on an adult’s bed, or on a pillow, or even a comforter. The only thing that should be under the baby on a mattress is a fitted sheet, and possibly a mattress pad and/or waterproof pad.

• Sleeping Position

A healthy infant should always sleep on their back, unless you are directed otherwise by a physician. Even without a pillow or fluffy blanket in the bed, a baby on their stomach can get stuck face-down and not be able to move their head to the side to get air, leading to suffocation.

• Mini Blinds and Curtains

Just as with wall hangers and pictures, it is very important not to ever place a baby’s bed near a window with mini blind or curtains. The cord from mini blinds pose a strangulation risk, and they can pull on curtains, pulling themselves out of the crib. Either of these can also cause endangerment if the baby pulls on it hard enough to pull it down on top of them.

Article by Avid Amiri - President of The Kids Bedding Company. Please visit Kids First to learn more about kids bedding and find the best styles and prices on the latest kids bedding designs.

Toile is a centuries old fabric that has once again become quite popular for use in gorgeous, lushly detailed bedding. (pronounced twaal)

Delicate drawings, very Old World in nature, often define the fabric.

Some conflicting opinions exist about the origin of toile. Some say it was originally created in Ireland in the 1700s. Other sources believe it originated in Toile de Jouy France.

Because of a new technique of engraved plate printing, the look became wildly popular.

Today, it most often describes a fine line printed fabric design that looks very much like a pen and ink work. The most elegant toile fabrics are still printed using engraved plates or rollers.

The majority of bedding created from toile today is based on country themes.

For example, Waverly’s toile comforter of 100% cotton depicts a scene that appears Colonial or Old World in nature, with men, a woman riding a donkey and greenery. The bedding is trimmed in a tiny gingham check of 100% cotton toile. This particular bedding selection of toile comes in blue and cream or black and cream. The comforter is bound on three side and reverses to a gingham check for a change when you want something different.

C&J Enterprises offers a gorgeous toile set for your bedroom. Called simply "Midnight", this bedding features deep blue nearly-black and soft white to create a bedding set that has a French feel. The graceful floral provides a country feeling. The soft rows of quilting make this quilt feel so cozy and inviting. The quilted pillow shams, pillows, and throws complete this lovely bedding set of toile. Choose some accessories in the gingham checked pattern to add a whimsical touch to the bedding.

Sferra Brothers provides a beautiful toile set for your bedding collection. The crimson or dusky green toile pattern is printed on Celeste 406 thread count percale sheeting with hand drawn hems. The quilted coverlet is reversible with one side having a light background with dark toile print; the reverse side is dark background hosting a light print. Pillows shams are available with either light or dark background and look wonderful with two of each. You’ll love this bedding set of toile for your bedroom.

Kouchini has designed a traditional toile set in the French Country style. The bedding set contains a comforter, bed skirt and shams. Matching sheets, pillow cases and throw pillow are available. The comforter is created in the European style which does not have center quilting and is a bit thinner than other styles of comforter. The charcoal grey is beautiful against the soft cream background.

For a little pizzazz, mix the traditional toile print sheets with solid colors or plaids to showcase the fine country prints of the toile. This bedding set will give your bedroom a cozy, inviting ambiance.

Designer Vera Bradley has created a new toile set that provides that look of fine old linen in a bedding set that truly looks antique. The pastoral countryside depicted in this toile of 100% cotton. The three color choices coordinate with Vera Bradley’s other designs like Seaside Vermicelli and Signature Paisley designs.

This bedding would definitely become on of your toile favorites. Toile water chestnut, summer rose and blue willow are all gorgeous choices for your bedding sets.

Baby nurseries look so serene and peaceful done in delicate toile. What do you mean you’ve never thought of using toile for baby bedding? =)

Baby bedding made of small toile prints look just right whether for baby girl or baby boy. Choose from pink, blue or sage when you choose a Burlington Basket bassinet liner set. Made of a cotton polyester blend, the delicate country prints on while backgrounds make these beautiful baby bedding sets of toile. These sets include sheet, skirt and bassinet hood cover.

If you love the tradition country look of top-quality toile, you’ll want to care for yours properly.

Most sheets, pillow cases, bed skirts and shams are machine washable. Some comforters are labeled machine washable, but comforters are simply too heavy when wet to be washed in most home laundry machines. For only a bit more expense, and actually much less expense than a washing machine repair, you can have the heavier bedding in your toile collection laundered in a commercial laundry or dry cleaned.

This way you’ll enjoy the charm and casual elegance of this wonderfully unique bedding for along time to come!

Patricia Bowlin informs and entertains you as you shop for home bedding! Find out everything you need to know about chosing the perfect pillows, comforters, and bedding here now.

Decorating a baby room is a wonderful opportunity to create a carefree hideaway - a place of slumber and lullabies.

BABY ROOM THEMES…

From Tropical Jungle to Noah’s Ark, Teddy Bears to Winnie the Pooh: There are many delightful baby room themes to choose from - any one will spark enthusiasm and generate exciting nursery decorating ideas.

But decorating the baby room can be daunting: There’s so much choice - nursery bedding sets, furnishings, nursery wall décor and accessories of all kinds! Also young children can soon outgrow even the most enchanting baby room themes.

NURSERY DÉCOR…

Co-ordinated nursery bedding sets and matching accessories can make easy work of decorating a baby room, ensuring nursery décor is effective and harmonious.

But mixing and matching presents the opportunity for more imaginative nursery decorating ideas - and it’s fun! The key to success with ‘mix and match’ nursery décor is to select elements - baby nursery pictures, fabrics and accessories - that share color and pattern elements.

Basing nursery décor on neutral wall and floor coverings enables endless variations: Keeping baby room decorating ideas flexible makes it easy to adapt to a young child’s developing interests.

By changing just the accessories - nursery bedding sets, pictures and rugs - different nursery decorating ideas can be developed without all the upheaval of a major redecorating project. For a while, at least, baby room themes can grow with your child!

COLOR SCHEMES…

Young children love bright primary colors but large areas can be overwhelming. Decorating the baby room with a subtle, calm color scheme is usually a better choice. Introducing warm colors - rose, peach or primrose - into your baby room decorating ideas will help create a feeling of coziness.

While decorating the baby room with the cool colors - aqua, mint or sky blue - can create a feeling of spaciousness. But it is probably best to keep ideas based on this color range for a room with a warm, sunny aspect.

Touches of bright primary colors bring extra interest and visual stimulation. Introducing just small amounts with baby nursery pictures, nursery bedding sets, toys and accessories can transform a room. These are the finishing touches that can bring nursery décor alive!

NURSERY WALL DÉCOR…

From a series of framed art prints to big cheerful posters, a collage of birthday cards to giant stick-ups - nursery wall décor can create an interesting focus and highlight of color.

A special picture may provide inspiration for some great baby nursery ideas and the basis for a subtle color scheme.

Pictures can be used to develop baby room themes, giving them added dimension: Baby nursery pictures of animals can extend a Tropical Jungle theme - Paddington Bear pictures a Teddy Bear theme.

Look for baby nursery pictures that you find inspiring - they can be a valuable source for interesting nursery decorating ideas. But, best of all, good nursery wall décor will help to create a special place that excites whimsical fantasy and imaginative storytelling - the essence of a magical childhood!

About The Author

Writer and designer of elementary educational materials with particular interest in art education. Webmaster of www.NurseryPosters.com

suzanne@takingwing.co.uk

Decorating your child’s room should be fun and exciting for all involved. The most important thing to remember when planning or decorating your child’s room is to keep the decor age appropriate. You wouldn’t want to decorate your 3 year old daughter’s room in the same style as your 13 year old daughter’s room. That doesn’t mean you have to start decorating all over every few years. What it means is that you should strive to create a room that will grow with your little girl /little boy but is age appropriate. Some helpful tips follow.

Get a feel for what colors your child likes. If they are fairly young show them a box of crayons and let them pick out their favorite colors. Use those colors as inspiration for the child’s room decor. The older child or children can easily tell you what colors they prefer.

Don’t force your style or color likes and dislikes on your children. Despite their young age they are developing their personality’s and their rooms are an extension of it. (Of course if they insist on all black walls and Marilyn Manson posters, it’s reasonable to say No). The lesson here is to set limits but also to give your child room to create their special place in the home.

Use your imagination (ask your child for input) when painting your child’s room. The wall treatments can range from applying a calming and soothing neutral wall color to creating fantastic murals that bring your child’s dreams to life. I highly recommend Debbie Travis’ Painting book for children’s rooms if you want unique and interesting paint ideas. Decoupage is another form of decorative finishes that you can use to create a truly unique and magical child’s room.

Furniture themes for your child’s room can be: whimsical with butterflies and bees, elegant a la French country style, romantic like a princess inspired theme complete with a half crown above the bed, heroic like a firefighter inspired theme for a boy’s room with a fire engine truck for a bunkbed, a charming rustic lodge style complete with log cabin headboard and so many others! You can buy many of these themed furniture pieces or you can create some of them yourself.

About The Author

Carmen Natschke is a designer, speaker and co-founder of Room In A Kit LLC. She is passionate about decorating and has shared that passion with hundreds of women through her Decorating Divas workshops and seminars. To read more decorating articles by Carmen visit (http://www.roominakit.com).

Remember your last happy vacation? Didn’t you simply love the way the luxury hotel bedding felt to the touch and how romantic it was crawling between cool, crisp sheets? There’s no reason to wait until your next vacation to enjoy that same feel. You can have the same bed linens right in your home to recreate the magic of the vacation again.

Hotel bedding collections are available from many different designers. Only the finest quality fabrics are qualified to carry the hotel designation. These linens are used by the best hotels and cruise lines for all their bedding needs. Created from luscious fibers such as 100% Egyptian cottons and the finest silk, hotel collections usually have thread counts that are high enough to ensure the luxury feel.

Most hotel linen collections are 200 thread count or more- many range over 400.

You may be thinking that 200 thread count is not a very high thread count. This is true, but when dealing with 100% Egyptian cotton percale fabric, less is actually more. Because of the long staple of Egyptian cotton fibers, the softness of percale will provide crispy, cool bedding that any five-star resort would be proud to provide their guests.

What is more important is the hand of the fabric- which simply means how it feels in your hand or against your skin. If it feels luxurious, then you’ll know it is top quality. For the best prices, you’ll probably want to shop online but if you want to know about the feel of the bedding before you buy, stop in your finest local department store and view their hotel collections of bedding. They should have samples or swatches that you can see and feel.

Before you select your bedding from a hotel collection, think about the look you want to recreate. Do you want crisp white bedding or blues and greens reminiscent of the ocean? Do you want the silky feel of sateen or smooth, cool cotton? Do you want to create a tropical feel of sunshine and lush greenery? Once you determine the look you want, the rest is easy because so many great choices in hotel collections of bedding are available.

Let’s look at a few of the bedding collections that have become favorites from several different sources that you might want to consider.

Macy’s has long been known for their fine hotel bedding selection. Not only can you find great prices there but their products are all first rate. Choose the five-star grade from their hotel collections and you’ll have some of the finest bedding available anywhere.

One choice you’ll want to consider from Macy’s for your basic hotel linen is their 600 thread count 100% Egyptian cotton hotel sheets. Available in queen, king and California king, the detail in these fine linens make them whisper "luxury" as soon as you see and feel them. Your color choices are white, ivory, bronze and opal. The detail and tailoring of this bedding will promise you a great night’s sleep.

Mix and match these with any bedding toppers to create the look you want. Add some hotel collection down pillows to float away into your dreams. =)

The Colorblock Hotel Collection is created with five-star quality and a bold touch of color. The 100% cotton bedding ensemble includes a duvet, three pillow sham options, a quilted coverlet, bed skirt and three different decorative pillows. White is blended with modern grappa or bronze to create the perfect bedding ensemble. Bold, beautiful, tailor and clean lines make this a not-to-be-missed selection.

Frette fine Italian linens are another source of absolutely luxurious bedding. Created for the world’s finest hotels and ocean liners, the Hotel Double Piping and Scallup Edge collections are made with 200 thread count 100% Egyptian cotton percale fabric. The sheet sets include top and fitted sheets plus two pillow cases. Also available are shams, duvet covers, bed skirts and light quilts so you can create exactly the look you want. The sheets, pillow cases and shams are highlighted by the double line of satin stitch embroidery along the outlines and the hems of the sheets are scalloped for extra detail. This luxury bedding is available in sand, white, grey, red, black or navy. Recommended care is machine wash and dry on low settings without allowing the bedding to overheat.

Anichini Basics hotel collection provides the basics you need to build upon to create the perfect bedding set. With 100% Egyptian cotton percale sheets, you’ll experience the crisp, cool softness of the finest cotton anywhere. Detailed and tailored to perfect, you can use this as the base to build upon from the multitude of bed dressing such as duvet covers, comforters, pillow shams and so much more. You can always count on Anichini for the finest in hotel collection bedding.

No matter which bedding you choose- or which hotel collection appeals to you, create the perfect mood of your vacation recreation with accents such as candles or bright sunshine and tropical potted palms.

Fine bedding, fresh flowers, a bottle of fine wine- and you can travel through memory land into your night of romance. Take a vacation any time you want with hotel collection bedding!

Patricia Bowlin informs and entertains you as you shop for home bedding! Find out everything you need to know about chosing the perfect pillows, comforters, and bedding here now.

When it comes to decorating a child’s room, your approach should be different from decorating an adult bedroom. That’s because a child’s bedroom should reflect his or her personality and not yours.

For kids, their bedroom is where they play games, read, listen to music, wrestle, display or hide prized possessions, day-dream, or just go to be alone sometimes. So try these eight strategies to help create a space that will make you both happy:

1. Talk to your child. Find out what activities and fantasies he or she enjoys; what their favorite color is; and what’s unique about their personality that a theme could be built around. Then work their interests into a design that will make them feel comfortable, happy, and safe.

2. Allow your child to help. Let them have a say about colors, fabrics, and how they want to display their collectibles. The design should be flexible enough to accommodate their changing tastes, needs, and interests.

3. Make the room multi-functional. Since children use their room for many activities besides sleeping, it should have several different zones.

These could include a play area; a reading area; a space to play with friends that’s equipped with a radio, CD player, and a TV/VCR; a display area with a wall or corkboard for favorite photos and artwork; and finally, a place for shelving to display collectibles, trophies, and other personal items.

4. Make storage a priority. Containing clutter will be one of your greatest challenges. Try shelving, large decorative wicker baskets, plastic see-through containers, and closets that contain plenty of shelving and racks.

5. Keep window treatments simple. Avoid long draperies. Shades, blinds, and shorter curtains are safer choices. The fabric should be versatile, and patterns should be repeated in other items in the room, such as in pillows, quilts, lampshades, bed ruffles, etc.

6. Choose the right lighting. A child’s room should include both task lighting for homework and reading, and soothing light for quieter times. A nightlight is also important if your child is not comfortable in the dark, and for safety reasons, so they can find their way to the bathroom at night.

7. Use wallpaper or paint to add color and texture. You can apply whimsical borders along the top edges of the walls, and clouds or stars on the ceiling.

It might be wise to make sure the walls of childrens rooms are washable, so if you are using paint, choose a semi-gloss or gloss finish. Kids love bright colors, but you should limit any strong color to only one wall. For example, paint one wall fire-engine red, and the others a soft peach or pink.

8. Allow your child to select the design theme. The choices are endless. Here are just a few: firehouse fun room, starry night, angels, rainbows, unicorns, baseball, a bedroom for a princess, underwater scenery, outer space, race cars, airplanes, trains, jungle motifs, wizards and dragons, and dinosaurs. You can visit our new Web site for a lot more ideas!

Decorating with your child offers a great opportunity to display your playful side, while doing some memorable family bonding. So have fun with it and remember that even if your child’s choice in themes seems bizarre, there’s probably a way to work out a compromise.

About The Author

Michael Holland is the creator of the Web sites http://www.home-decorating-made-easy.com and http://www.kids-rooms-and-crafts.com. His web site offers lots of FREE home decorating tips and ideas.

support@kids-rooms-and-crafts.com

The nursery is your newborn’s first room, his own little world: the environment, which in part will influence and shape his personality. As a parent your goal is to provide a surrounding that is comfortable, secure, inviting and cozy.

A functional, safe and stimulating environment precedes aesthetic needs. Here is one illustration for decorating a boy’s nursery. Instead of restricting the color to a single monotonous tone, a variety of bright blues, yellows, reds, pinks and green were selected. According to studies, introduction to bright colors and shapes help stimulate babies’ imaginations. The inspiration for the nursery can be derived from an adorable multi-colored hand hooked rug with animals and alphabets. The animals on the rug provide a theme for the room and form the central focus for design. The motifs can continue with the use of animal mobile overhead, crib bedding, pillows and other accessories.

The furniture should be kept simple. An inexpensive entertainment center can be used as an armoire, which is practical, and most importantly has ample storage. Built in cabinets conceal clutter, help organization and present a neat tidy look. Both the armoire and the cabinet are excellent long-term choices not restricted to age and can be used as the child grows. These furniture items with simple white distressed finish complement varied kids of décor can be alternately used in another room.

Safety precedes any other aesthetic element. The crib and bassinet should be ideally positioned in an area that is away from objects like windows, draperies, blinds or shelves that can cause accidents. One other important thing to consider while placing the crib is to avoid picture frames or any other items that can fall on the baby. The crib can be placed against the wall away from the window with a light mesh canopy hung from the ceiling. The canopy should be securely fastened from a hook to prevent accidents. The canopy with pale yellow hue and ruffle edges adds a delicate touch to the crib. Use a traditional white wicker bassinet with blue gingham ribbon details, which will stand out against the colorful background. The room can have both a bed and a crib and as the baby grows this arrangement will ease the transition from "baby bed" to "big-boy bed." As a concerned parent, it’s also nice to have a spot where Mom or Dad can sleep near the baby.

Accessories such as picture frames, lamps and artwork, are a great way to add fun, pattern and color without much expense. Room accessories like distressed white wooden letters hung from blue gingham ribbon add a distinctive, personal touch to the nursery

When designing a nursery, creating a cute themed room is important but creating an intellectually stimulating, safe, spacious environment should be the central focus.Visit Exquisite Rugs to find unique kids room accessories. Exquisite Rugs has a wide selection of kids rugs in different price range, styles, colors and patterns. A number of kids room accessories like kids decorative pillows, personalized kids room decor, frames and other decor items are available.

Tasneem Mirza is the Managing Partner of Exquisite Rugs LLC. and member of AWBA, NJWA and Beta Gamma Alpha- honors society for business students. Under the leadership of Tasneem Mirza, Exquisite Rugs launched in April 2002 has gained increased recognition. Tasneem Mirza has indebt knowledge of the rug industry. For questions related to rugs or Exquisite Rugs products please feel free to contact her.

To Contact Exquisite Rugs: Website:ExquisiteRugs.com

Feng shui is a very popular and intriguing concept in home design today. In addition to the life benefits it provides, it also offers a roadmap, so to speak, of not just how to decorate… but why. In short, it offers you, the homeowner, design with purpose. For a child’s room this purposeful design is especially important.

Feng shui gives parents a guide for decorating your children’s bedrooms, and perhaps more importantly, a reason for adding particular elements — something standard decorating practices don’t always offer. What does that mean exactly? Well, when it comes to a child’s bedroom, feng shui dictates everything from correct bed alignment, proper bedroom choice, essential decorating and design elements, i.e., do’s and don’ts (no vicious animals, etc.) for a child’s room, even how to influence the child to be studious and well-behaved — all things most parents would appreciate knowing.

The purpose of feng shui in a child’s bedroom is the same as every parent’s objective in decorating their children’s rooms: to create a healthy, happy environment that fosters education, good health, happy relationships with parents and siblings, and respect for parents. Children and parents can enjoy success and healthy relationships if the environment supports them.

Naturally, children must feel safe, secure, and cared for to thrive. By putting interest and effort into your child’s room, you are showing your child that you believe the child’s space, and therefore, your child, is important. The tips presented here are some of the fundamentals of feng shui for children.

1.Place a happy picture of the parents in the children’s rooms.
This subtly exerts the authority and prominence of the parents as heads of the household. It is also one of the quickest and most effective ways to bring a problem child into line.

2.Align the child’s bed to the widest part of the room.
Make sure your child can see the door from his or her bed easily, but is not in direct line of the door. Your child should also not share a wall with a toilet or see a toilet or bathroom from the bed as this can cause health problems.

Bunk beds are not advised. If possible, try to have a separate bedroom for each child. If this isn’t possible, there are lots of decorative ways to create division and privacy within a room.

3.Create a space for study and accomplishments.
Having a dedicated space, including a desk and lamp where your child can study, demonstrates to your child the importance you place on education and your child’s educational achievement. If this has been a source of problems, make the study position in the NE corner of the bedroom. Also make a place on a south wall, if possible, of your child’s accomplishments. Doing so reinforces that you are proud of your child’s efforts. Display drawings, crafts, awards, trophies, ribbons, or other special items, such as tests with good scores or letters from teachers. Place items here that have brought special recognition.

4.Make the child’s room a healthy place.
Water pictures, aquariums, or sounds of water that can be heard from the bedroom can create an unhealthy environment and may even lead to respiratory ailments. This is especially important if the child has any health problems, particularly asthma.

5.Clear the space so your child can rest and be creative.
Jammed closets and drawers, beds with boxes, shoes and other items underneath must be cleaned out. Creating space and visual openness helps your child to feel less pressured, and more likely to be imaginative and creative. More is definitely not “more” when it comes to kids. Give them a visual rest and clear out all the stuff they haven’t played with in a month or more.

6.Use light, color, and artwork in the room to make a happy environment.
A child’s room should stimulate, not dampen, the child’s spirit. Make sure there is adequate lighting for the desk, for a bedside table, and that windows can be closed off for privacy.

Rooms that are painted blue (unless it’s a bright or light-colored shade) or other dark colors can be depressing and create too much oppressive energy. Bright colors, such as yellows, light greens, purples and pinks are good choices, with yellow being the optimal choice.

Monitor the images your child sees being certain to eliminate images of ferocious or dangerous animals or violence. These are poor symbols for making a child feel safe in the bedroom. Select items for the room that inspire and intrigue a child to learn and that foster his or her sense of security.

7.Position children in the correct bedroom locations.
If possible, boys should be placed in the east or north bedrooms and girls should be placed in the south or southeast or west bedrooms.

About The Author

Kathryn Weber is a certified master practitioner in feng shui and the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter, a FREE weekly feng shui ezine. Subscribe by logging on to www.redlotusletter.com. Her articles have been featured in Seventeen Magazine, Indy Star newspaper, and SelfGrowth.com, among others.

kweber@redlotusconsulting.com

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

Down, feathers, goose down, duck down, these can all be a little confusing when shopping for your down bedding. The first thing to keep in mind about down bedding is that not all down is created equal. Duck down and goose down are two types of downs one will run across when shopping for bedding. The first questions many may have are, "What is down," and "Isn’t down the same thing as feathers?"

Down is a soft, feather-like, insulating substance that is taken from the belly of the goose or duck. Some notable characteristics of down versus feather is that down insulates while feathers shed water from the goose. Also, down doesn’t have a hard shaft like feathers. If you have a down product that claims to be 100% down you can easily verify this by squeezing the bedding item. If the bedding feels like it has little sharp sticks in it then you’ve got a blend of down and feathers. Down products are allowed to be advertised in the USA as containing 100% down as long as they are 95% down. This is a sign of a lower quality down bedding product. If it’s a comforter most likely it cost between $100 and $200. Higher quality down bedding products for queen-sized beds normally start around $350. The best down comforters available, called Eiderdown, can cost as much as $10,000.

Goose down is the right choice for you if you are looking for quality bedding. Duck down is the down of choice if you are looking for a cost effective down bedding product. There is a noticeable difference in performance between cheaper down and higher quality down. Some people have complained that cheaper down comforters cause them to become overheated. High quality goose down, on the other hand, is a more breatheable material and it also wicks away moisture. These qualities are what make goose down the more desirable material for those who appreciate fine bedding.

There are also different grades of goose down. Down quality can be defined by the region where it is grown. For example, Hungarian goose down bedding is considered to be among the finest down available. This is because Hungarian goose down is harvested with refined techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Canadian down bedding is also a great quality down. The goose down that is currently among the lowest grade is that down which is from China.

This article is intended to help give direction to those shopping for down bedding products. More bedding products can be found at http://www.SleepDelights.com.