Archive for the 'Interior Decorating' Category

Mar 01 2010

Dull Bedroom Makeovers

Since nobody else really sees the bedroom, it’s not uncommon for people to leave it for last when it comes to decorating. So if you’re running out of time and/or money for decorating, what do you do with that dull and boring bedroom? Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to spruce up that dull bedroom.

Paint the Walls
The easiest way by far to spruce up a boring bedroom is to paint the walls. Painting the walls is one of the quickest ways to add both color and style to a room. Although it’s important to choose a color you like, it’s also important that it adds some interest to the room. Be sure the paint color accents or matches the accessories you have in the room, as that will make the décor look more cohesive.

Add an Interesting or Colorful Bed Set
The bed usually serves as a focal point for the bedroom, as it is typically the largest item in the room. Therefore, by adding color to the wood bed, you can instantly add interest to the room. Find a bed set that has an interesting pattern or is colorful but still coordinates with the other items in the room. Add a few decorative pillows to the new comforter or bedspread. If you don’t want a patterned bed set, you can also add interest to the area by going with a single color and then adding pillows in an accent color.

Hang Photographs on the Walls
Are the walls in your bedroom completely bare? Then hang up some items to add pizzazz and style to the décor. You can easily fill in this space with framed photos of you and your family. You might also consider hanging photographs of nature scenes such as ocean shots or pictures of flowers. Or if you like, go with some old black-and-white photographs.

If you’re looking for something a little different or photos just aren’t your thing, then a better option might be to hang an eye-catching piece of art on the wall. For those of you who are creative, you might even make the artwork yourself. You might even consider basing your entire bedroom décor off that art piece, an approach that can be very inspiring when it comes to design.

Add a New Piece of Furniture
If you have an empty space in your bedroom, why not add a new piece of furniture to add more interest to the décor. You might also think about replacing any old or out-of-style furniture to make the room more stylish as well. You might get a new oak dresser, a chest or bench for the end of the bed, or a new bed if you can afford it.

Your bedroom should be a retreat from the world, a place where you can relax and enjoy spending time. If your bedroom is dull and boring, that can certainly be a drag. So follow these simple ideas to create a stylish and interesting retreat in no time at all.

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Feb 12 2010

5 Great Color Combinations for Your Home

A common problem faced by homeowners when decorating a room is figuring out what colors to use for the décor. Have you ever visited a paint store? If so, then you have probably seen the hundreds of different colors and shades you have to choose from when designing a color scheme. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by so many choices. Some people just don’t have an eye for color and struggle with picking colors that look good together in a room. If you’re searching for ideas for color combinations for your décor, here are five you can consider.

1. Brown, Blue, and Cream
You can use this color scheme in any room of your home. Just keep in mind, when using these colors, that you want the colors to stay balanced, especially when you’re applying the dark brown. So, for instance, if you have a dark brown couch, you may want to lighten it up with cream or light blue pillows. Or if your couch is cream colored, you would choose brown and blue pillows to add interest instead. If you can find patterns that include all three colors, you can add even more visual interest to the décor.

2. Shades of Brown and Cream
Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful retreat in your bedroom or bathroom, try using shades of brown and cream. There’s a wide variety of shades across this spectrum that you can choose from, anything from dark chocolate brown to an off white or light cream color. Although this color combination closely resembles a monochromatic theme, you can easily add more interest. Simply pair a lighter shade with a darker shade, and that will make the room appear much more lively.

3. Blue and Orange
Blue and orange are complementary colors, as the colors lie across from each other on the color wheel. The key to using this particular color scheme is to keep the colors muted. You don’t want to be using bright oranges and blues. By adding white or even brown to the mix, you can easily work these colors into a contemporary-styled room.

4. Black and White
You can use this classic color combination for practically any room you like. The great thing about black and white is that it can be used in a variety of ways. Depending on the pieces you use, it can be modern as well as traditional. You can add even more style to this color scheme with an accent color such as red or green. This is one of the easier color combinations to work with, as there is no shortage of black-and-white home accessories to choose from.

5. Pink and Green
For your bedroom, living room, or sun room, try another complementary color scheme: pink and green. Add a neutral color into the pink and green mix, or you may end up with too much color in the room. You also want to keep the colors the same shade. Mint green and neon pink, for instance, aren’t going to work well together.

If you’re not sure where to start coming up with color combinations for your home, then consider these five suggestions. When decorating your home, any of these combinations should give you some inspiration. You can create a unique look to your home by using any of these suggestions as a base and then adding your own style to them.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has 4 decades of experience in the furniture and interior design industry. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your living room, dining room, bedroom and wood office furniture. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a wood bookcases for your home office or a study area or a dining table for your dining room then they have everything you need.

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Jan 28 2010

How to Use Different Color Schemes in Your Home

One thing that tends to overwhelm homeowners is choosing a color scheme for a room. The thing about choosing a color scheme is figuring out other potential colors to incorporate into the design once you’ve settled on a main color. So how do you go about selecting a color scheme for a décor? One of the best tools to have at your fingertips is a color wheel.

What Is the Color Wheel?
The first person to start using the color wheel was Sir Isaac Newton, who came up with this after performing an experiment with a prism. What he discovered was that pure white light had a wide spectrum of reflective colors. Since then, people have been using this spectrum of colors (otherwise known as the color wheel) for classifying colors and help in decorating.

The Classification of Colors Using the Color Wheel
The colors on the color while are basically classified into three different categories.
1. First, you have the primary colors, which are red, yellow, and blue.
2. Next you have the secondary colors, which are orange, green, and violet. These colors are created by mixing the primary colors.
3. The colors red-orange, yellow-orange, blue-green, and yellow-green make up the tertiary colors. Basically, all these colors are formed by combining the primary colors with the secondary colors that are next to them.

Monochromatic Color Scheme Explained
A monochromatic color scheme will look exactly as it sounds. Essentially, you pick one color and use only that color for the entire room. To achieve the monochromatic color scheme, you want to pick varying shades of that color, from light to dark. You can include the color white in the scheme as well, in order to help break up the color.

Analogous Color Scheme Explained
With an analogous scheme, you include anywhere from two to six different colors a room. You want to use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Consider the color red, for example. You might choose orange or purple as the accent colors, being that they are the colors next to red on the wheel. It’s a good idea to choose your main color first. Then you can look at accent color options.

Complementary Color Scheme Explained
When looking for a decorating scheme, people will often go with a complementary color scheme. When you decide on your main color, you then go directly across that color on the wheel to find your complementary color. If your main color is yellow, then the complementary color would be in the purple family. The family of pinks would complement the color green. Remember, you can always play with this a little and mix the family of colors; thus, green would go with pink, but it would also go with red.

Triad Color Scheme Explained
Homeowners also often choose to go with a triad color scheme. Here you use the three colors that form a triangle together on the color wheel. One example of a triad would be the colors orange, green, and purple. Here you have a couple of options. You can choose to make one of these colors your main color and use the other two as accent colors, or you can choose two main colors and then accent with the third.

No matter what color scheme you choose for your home, remember that both white and black are neutrals. Thus, they can be added to any colors without changing the color scheme too much. By playing around with the color wheel and some of these color scheme suggestions, you will be able to come up with some great options for the rooms in your home.

About the Writer…
For over four decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their home furnishings and interior decorating needs. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They have a large inventory of handcrafted American built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. Are you searching for a nightstands for your master bedroom or a wood dining table for your dining room then they probably have everything you need.

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Jan 26 2010

Kitchen Counter Top Materials

Kitchen counter tops are one of the most used items in your kitchen. Whether you are preparing the evening meal, storing appliances, or just enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning, kitchen countertops serve many uses. Aside from multi-uses, kitchen countertops are an important aesthetic element of the kitchen. There are a plethora of styles, types, edges, and materials for countertops. Selecting the one that is right for you can prove to be a challenge. An excellent starting point is to research online as well visit home improvement stores to determine what style, cost, and material fit your budget.

Kitchen counter tops are available in a wide selection of materials and finishes. One of the most popular materials is Formica counter tops. These are easy to clean and maintain, not to mention easy to install and even easier on the wallet. With a wide selection of color, Formica counter tops are available to match nearly all color schemes that a kitchen may have.

Granite counter tops are another popular type of kitchen counter top. Be prepared that granite counter tops cost significantly more than the Formica counter tops. Granite counter tops are more durable and even scratch resistant than Formica. Slabs of granite are used for the counter top. They are polished and generally available in a variety of edges, such as bull nose, blunt cut, or even knife edge. As you can see, granite countertops can offer more variety in the form of looks than compared to a Formica counter top.

A third option for a counter top is the tiled counter top. Similar to tiled floor, it is laid as individual tile and arranged in a number of patterns and color schemes. Installation of this type is more time consuming and difficult than the previously mentioned counter tops. Aside from installation, tiled counter tops can easily show dirt within the grout. It is important to seal the grout and tile after installation to help prevent the visibility of dirt and to allow for easier cleaning.

New kitchen counter tops are a great way to make a statement in your kitchen. With a wide range of pricing, materials, finishes, patterns, and more, rest assured you will be able to find a new counter top that is not only functional, but also practical. Be sure to shop around and compare prices when you are looking to make a purchase for a new kitchen counter top. In the end you will not only save money on your purchase, but you will have a new kitchen counter top to complete your kitchen.

The permanent link to this article can be found at http://www.countertops.ez-search.us/Articles/Kitchen_Counter_Top_Materials.php

As an author at eZ-search, Chris Miller contributes to the growing content found within the site and shares his knowledge about granite counter tops.

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Jan 25 2010

Decorating A Room With Limited Space In Style

Even if you have limited space, you can still decorate any room and maximize the space without sacrificing style. When faced with space constraints, comfort and practicality are always important. In a living room, pull the furnishings away from the wall to create a cozy conversation area around the center of the room. Never place heavy furniture at just one side of the room. Instead, place it at opposite ends to create a balanced look.

When arranging a room, convenience is a key consideration. Lamps and tables should be placed close to the sitting area for added comfort. Smaller places should be furnished with lighter furniture to create comfort and ease of movement around the room. In order to maximize the existing floor space, traffic should be directed towards the center of the room. Allow 18″ to 24″ of space between furniture pieces and 14″ to 18″ between the center table and the sofa. Never crowd the furniture arrangements. Armless chairs are a good way to define traffic flow and save space as well. By balancing the shapes and sizes of all room furnishings and accessories, you will be able to keep the room to its appropriate scale.

If you are re-decorating your office, consider putting built-in shelves. It will provide enough storage without taking up so much floor space. Applying light paints will soften the lines of the room while visually enlarging the space. It will also reflect the natural light from the window to make the room brighter. If you need extra storage for your office supplies and stationery, try using decorative boxes. It will be both functional and attractive. Try stacking different sizes for added interest and place them beside a chair or on a shelf.

For a small dining area, consider using a drop-leaf table. You can raise the leaves when entertaining a group of people and drop them when dinner is through or if only few people are dining. Use small continuous patterns on the wallpaper as much as possible to add flair to any décor without crowding the room with complicated motifs. A wallpaper border placed at the top of the walls draws the eye upward adding vertical dimension to the room and making it appear taller. Use a monochromatic color scheme. It will help increase the size of the room visually. Avoid ornate style furniture because it will only overcrowd a small space. Finally, sparingly use accessories and background color to add highlights without making the room appear smaller. Accessorizing the room with mirrors will give an added illusion of space while using glass topped tables will provide surface area without blocking the visual openness of a small room.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Interior Design

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Jan 24 2010

Make a Splash with your Shower Curtains

It is difficult to find bathrooms without shower curtains. Shower curtains are very functional and help to keep your bathroom dry and clean at all times. Different synthetic and natural materials determine the different types of shower curtains. Polyester and vinyl shower curtains are inexpensive and absolutely water proof, but may not match luxurious décor. Shower curtains made of cotton and linen look lush and elegant, but they mildew if too damp. These materials are not very functional as they will require drying periodically and often.

Many people prefer to combine a vinyl liner with an outer fabric curtain of cotton or linen to blend attractiveness with utility. Vinyl shower curtains come in a myriad of patterns and colors. The background can be clear or opaque. Vinyl and polyester curtains and liners are efficient at keeping water inside the tub instead of splashing on the ground. They are reasonably inexpensive and thus can be replaced once they become misty with soap scum or mildew. Some kinds are even meant to be disposable. For a consumer who is waste conscious this is not a good option.

To clean your shower curtains spray them with bleach or wash them with laundry soap to restore lustre and extend their life. Fabric shower curtains are permanent additions to the function and décor of a bathroom. Some textiles have been treated with stain resistors and waterproof coatings.

Unique Shower Curtains

Hemp shower curtains are unique shower curtains. They offer the longevity and effectiveness of vinyl and polyester shower curtains and the look of the cotton and linen ones. The heavy fabric is made from plant fiber like linen or cotton. However, hemp is naturally antibacterial and anti fungal. For the environmentally conscious people hemp grows organically and gets colored with natural dyes. These shower curtains remain durable after many wash and dry cycles and don’t require the use of a plastic liner.

Designer and Christmas shower curtains.

You can get a designer version of things as mundane as safety pins so a shower curtain cannot be far off. These days interior designers design fabrics for curtains of all types. Shower curtains are also designed by interior decorators. These are more expensive than the normal ones that you can get from the market. Whether you have the American patriotic look, the beach party look, the flower patch look, or any other décor, a designer curtain can be made to fit the look of your bathroom. There are sites on the net which will do up the curtains or you can also contact a designer you know or have heard of in your city to design an amazing looking curtain for your bathroom.

In the festive Christmas season when every thing is new and decorated your bathroom also needs a Christmas shower curtain. You can get shower curtains with designs that truly celebrate the spirit of Christmas. The prints can be of Christmas trees, bells, snowmen, Santa Claus, sleigh bells and many more. These curtains can also be chosen and given as a gift to someone, or if you really want to give your other half a surprise then just do up the bathroom by putting up these curtains, there will be no more surprising way to wish a merry Christmas morning than this.

Karen Hughes is an interior decor consultant, get further curtain and drapes ideas at Drapes’n'Curtains this is your first stop for information about Curtains and Drapes.

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Jan 15 2010

How to Decorate Using a Monochromatic Color Scheme

When it comes to figuring out the color sc heme of a room, a monochromatic color scheme is one option. This type of color scheme uses one color for almost all the surfaces in the room. Contrast is added to the room by using different shades of the color, from light to dark. If you are considering using a monochromatic color scheme in your home, here are some tips for creating the best possible look.

Add White or a Neutral Color to the Room
If you pair the color with white or another neutral, you can avoid having a room that looks like it’s too matched or boring. Of course, you don’t want the neutral color to be the main focus in the room but rather an accent. In a blue monochromatic scheme, for instance, although the walls and furniture are blue, you might add in a blue and white area rug. What might also work is to paint the trim in the room white.

Choose the Color of the Room Wisely
When planning out a monochromatic color scheme for a room, you need to be sure that your really put some thought into the color choice. After all, you are not going to end up being very happy with the finished look of the room if you choose a color you’re not crazy about. So be sure to pick a color that you like to look at! Those of you who are new to the monochromatic look may also want to avoid bold colors for your color choice, such as red and orange. You need to remember that once you choose a monochromatic look, it’s going to be much harder to change the décor of the room, since everything in the room is going to be in some shade of that same color. Be sure that you think carefully about your color choice and try not to rush into a hasty decision you may later regret.

Mix Up the Shades of the Color
Once you’ve chosen your color, the best way to find different shades of that color is to visit a paint store and gather up some color swatches. Then you’ll be able to clearly see the different shade of the color that you have to work with. An important key to a monochromatic color scheme is making sure you’re not painting the walls the exact same shade as the furniture. Likewise, you don’t want your floor to be the exact same shade as the walls. By mixing up the shades of color, the room will have more character and interest. You might also use accessories like pillows, curtains, baskets, and candles to your advantage by choosing completely different shades from the rest of the room.

A monochromatic color scheme is not always the easiest to pull off in a room. You really have to be willing to put some planning into the décor, making sure that everything flows well and you have the perfect balance of color.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior decorating industry for 4 decades. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your home office, dining room and bedroom. Are you searching for oak tv stand for your family room or a wood dresser for your bedroom then they probably have everything you need.

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Dec 30 2009

Using Old China to Decorate Your Home

Rather than simply throwing your old china plates away, why not use them to decorate different rooms in your house? One of the best ways to cut costs when decorating your home is to reuse those items you already have. Old china plates can really add to a room’s décor when you use them creativity.

Make a Mosaic Table from Old China Plates
Just because your old plates are chipped or broken, you don’t have to toss them into the trash. Instead, break them up even more. Then you can use them to make a mosaic table.

  • Simply break the pieces of the china into smaller pieces.
  • Take all those pieces and arrange them on a table with a flat surface. You might choose a coffee table or a side table, for example.
  • Make a mosaic pattern by gluing the pieces of the plates onto the surface of the table.
  • You can seal the pieces in place using grout, giving the table a finished appearance.
  • You can arrange the pieces in whatever pattern you like. Use colored grout to give the table some more character.

Display Old China Plates on a Shelf
If your old china plates have character, why not put them out on a shelf? China plates make a great décor item in rooms besides the dining room. Display these plates in the living room, the kitchen, or even the bedroom, as long as they fit the style of the room.

It’s best to find a shelf that matches the style of the plates. If the plates are old and antique-looking, consider using a distressed wood shelf on which to display them. You can really give the area a unique style by using all different sizes of the plates.

Hang Old China Plates on the Wall
With a plate hanger, you can easily hang any plate securely on the wall. Plate hangers are typically available at most craft and home stores. This is a very popular way of decorating with china plates. If you are looking for a more unique look, then use all different types and sizes of plates in a single area. If you need more variety, check out consignment shops and flea markets to see if you can find other plates to mix in with your old china to create a trendy décor space.

Paint the Old China Plates
If your old plates are white or even a solid color, you can paint them to match the décor of your room. Simply use acrylic paint to paint them all one color or, for those who are creative, paint pictures or patterns on them. Once you paint the plates to suit the décor of your dining room or kitchen, then you can either hang them on the wall or place them on a shelf. This is a great way, both to use old china plates as well as to give your room a new look. If you like, give your kids a couple of plates to paint and then hang up this cute art project in their bedroom.

So when it comes time again to buy new china plates, don’t just throw your old ones away. Rather, save yourself some money and use them to decorate your home.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior decorating industry for four decades. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you searching for a oak dining table for your dining room or a wood end table for your living room then they probably have everything you need.

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Dec 14 2009

Displaying Art in the Home

If you’re looking for a way to display your favorite piece of art in your home, then you have a couple of options to choose from. You can easily go beyond simply hanging the piece of artwork on the wall. Choose from one of these creative ways to display your art instead.

Use Ribbon to Hang Art on the Wall
Rather than simply putting a nail in the wall, use ribbon to hang the art from the wall instead. Carefully choose your ribbon so that it adds to the art and complements it well. Hang ribbon either from a hook or screw in the middle of the back of the art piece or from both sides. Then hang it from the wall, using a hook or a small nail. Look to make sure that the artwork is hanging evenly, especially if you are using more than one ribbon to hang i t by.

Place Artwork on a Decorative Shelf
Another option is to use a decorative shelf to display art in your home. You should be able to find all different types of decorative shelves and ledges that will add to the beauty of the piece of art you want to display.

You want to be sure that the shelf you choose is the appropriate size for the piece you are going to display. Another great option is to display a collection of art on the shelf instead of just one piece. Always ensure that you’ve properly installed the shelf or ledge on the wall before you place any artwork on it.

Use a Fireplace Mantel to Display Art
If you already have a nice fireplace mantel in your home, if makes a lot of sense to draw even more attention to it by placing a piece of artwork on it. Rather than going the traditional route of hanging the artwork above the mantel, try placing the piece on the mantel and up against the wall instead.

Although the artwork should be smaller than the mantel, you don’t want a piece that’s so small that you don’t really see the art against the larger mantel. If necessary, place two or three smaller pieces of art on the mantel, rather than just sticking with one small one. The artwork needs to be secured, so that it doesn’t fall down off the mantel.

Find Unique Hangers for the Art
There are many different things you can use to hang artwork that you probably haven’t even thought of. Your favorite stocking holder makes a great hanger. Simply nail it to the wall and use it to hold your favorite piece of art.

A rope or chain that hangs from the ceiling or the top of the wall makes another unique artwork holder. You can actually hang a few pieces from it—either vertically or horizontally, depending on the length of the wall. By hanging your pieces of art across a blank wall, you are essentially creating something like a clothesline.

There are so many unique ways to display pieces of art in your home that you don’t have to settle for the same old traditional options. No matter the style and theme of the room, there are plenty of creative and crafty ways to display your art. With a little creativity, you can use one of these ideas for displaying art in your home in a unique way.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the home furnishings and interior decorating business for 4 decades. He is the owner and operator of popular furniture store in California. They have a large inventory of handcrafted American built solid oak furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Whether you’re looking for a chest for your bedroom or any other type of Amish bedroom furniture then they have everything you need.

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Dec 01 2009

3 Tips for Decorating a Guest Bedroom

If it turns out that you have an extra room in your home, turning it into a guest bedroom can be a great way to help your guests feel right at home. Guest bedrooms are usually kept simple, but you can still choose to add some of your personal style to the room. By balancing simplicity with style, you’ll be able to make the room appealing to any guest who may stay in your home. If you’re unsure as to how to decorate your guest bedroom, then follow these simple décor tips.

Keep the Colors Neutral
In a guest bedroom, you should mostly stick to neutral colors, although it’s okay to add a pop of color here and there. Neutral colors will ultimately make the room more appealing to guests and can make their stay more comfortable. Even though neutral colors are dominating the room, you can still incorporate some colorful style with different décor items such as paintings, flowers, and pillows. You want your guest bedroom to be stylish, but try to keep it on the neutral side so that your guests aren’t frightened by red walls in the middle of the night.

Provide a Comfortable Sleeping Area
For some, a great option is to furnish their guest bedroom with their old furniture and an oak bed. You do want to be sure that the bed is still safe and stable, though. It might not be a bad idea to buy a new mattress, however, as you want to be able to provide a comfortable sleeping area for your guest that probably doesn’t include your 20-year-old mattress. By staining or painting your old bed a different color, you can better match it to the décor of the room. Another option is to find an inexpensive and simple bed that will not break your budget.

When you look for bedding for the guest bedroom, you don’t want to buy the cheapest sheets you can find. You should be able to find something in the middle that will be comfortable for your guests yet doesn’t cost that much money. A basic cotton sheet set, along with a comforter or a blanket, should be sufficient for your purposes. You might even find a sheet set that will add some style and color to the room, although it should still be subtle.

Provide Storage Space
You want to provide any guests who stay in your guest bedroom with some storage and closet space. If you typically store your own items in the bedroom’s closet, you might want to think about storing them elsewhere to give your guests the space. Of course, much of this will depend on a number of factors, including who the guest is and how long he or she is staying. For example, if you’re hosting a family member for a day or two, then storage space may not matter. On the other hand, if you have an out-of-town guest who’s staying for a week or longer, you’ll want to provide them with ample storage space.

Decorating a guest bedroom can be fun. But when planning your décor, you need to keep in mind that even though the room is in your home, it’s other people who will be using it. Therefore, try to keep it on the simpler side, only adding your stylish touch here and there.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior design industry for four decades. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They carry a large selection of Amish made solid oak furniture for your living room, dining room and bedroom. If you’re searching for great quality American made solid oak bedroom furniture then they probably have everything you need.

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