Resolution: Freshen Up My Bedrooms

Have you been clothes shopping recently? If you have and you have been observant you will probably notice the abundance of flowers everywhere you look. From tiny sprig patterns to all-over florals to huge oversized prints, nature-inspired fabrics are on everything and everybody – even men’s shirts! Interior design sometimes follows catwalk fashion, and this is one of those times. For an instant on-trend update for your bedroom then have a look at introducing florals.
 

The easiest way to do it is to invest in some new bedding. Choose an all-over floral pattern for a solid floral look, and then echo the key colors elsewhere in the room. An expanse of a ‘busy’ design like this will be quite overpowering so don’t overdo it and keep the rest of the room plain and simple. The simple and strong fall colors in Diane von Furstenberg's Paper Petals Duvet (above) is a great example; bring the off-white and brown notes into the rest of the room and add playful throw pillows and sheets in strong, bright hues.

For a different take on the theme, select duvet covers with one large flower head printed onto them and make a bold statement; go with a few bold flowers as in the Cut Paper Floral Comforter Set by Dwell Studio for Target (at left). Mattresses will seem larger than life with this treatment and the eye will be instantly drawn. Or how about a barely-there delicate floral motif which might actually be stitched into the material rather than printed on? This will be subtle, soft and pretty and allow you to use brighter flower motifs elsewhere in your design. We're also in love with the classic floral graphics produced by Designers Guild, as in their smashing Watelet Printed Luxury Floral Bedding (below).

 

For a classic look and a more traditional feel you can make the most of divan beds by opting for flouncy valences teamed with chintzy prints and an old fashioned eiderdown. Make the whole room feel country cottage with a repetition of the floral theme and a respectful nod to Grandma’s house. Bring in vintage pieces to decorate and you will be delighted with a sweet result – ideal for a guest bedroom or a single girl’s whimsical retreat. We've got a crush on the delicate Mia Bedding Ensemble from Pottery Barn (photo below).

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Resolution: Create a French Country Kitchen

Jessica Ackerman - Ah, the appeal of the French country kitchen! More and more homeowners are falling in love with the French country look, especially in the busiest room in the house. And what’s not to love? The French country styled kitchen is an embodiment of warmth, delicious food, wonderful wine, and fine art. Just a few simple modifications to your current kitchen decor will create this popular look in your own home. 

French Country Walls

The true French country kitchen has roughly, yet beautifully, plastered walls. You can accomplish this look for your walls easily enough by mixing some joint compound with your favorite color of paint. This fun technique, which is known as pouncing, will help you to create a rustic, vintage look on your walls that will remind you of a French country kitchen.  You can also choose to sponge paint in the kitchen to give a textured look if you are not comfortable with pouncing. 

French Country Color Palette

When considering your new ooh-la-la kitchen wall color and general color palette for a French country kitchen, there are many possibilities. Deep olive green, deep ocean blue, burnt orange, sage green, rich gold, earthy brown, and tan are all commonly found in the French country kitchen. 

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