Live Like Royalty with the Imperial Collection

Have you always dreamt of living like royalty?  Make your home your castle, and your toilet your throne, with the help of the Imperial collection.  

The Imperial collection is a three-piece bathroom set that can easily infuse style and statement into your space.  The set is available in ten colors including: burgundy, cinnamon, coffee, cream, gold, mushroom, navy, rose, sage and smoke blue.  Set components include a 20-inch by 32-inch bath rug, 20-inch by 22-inch contour rug, and standard size lid cover.

Made from 100% acrylic, the Imperial collection can add warmth and comfort to your bathroom while revitalizing the look of your space.  The latex backing on the rugs functions as a secure, non-slip property.

Bath rugs serve both a practical and decorative purpose.  They provide you with a soft, plush surface to step into as you exit the shower while simultaneously incorporating color and texture into your atmosphere.  Toilet lid covers offer another dimension of style that can effectively brighten up your bathroom.  

Leverage the stylistic benefits of the Imperial collection to enhance the look of your bathroom.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Getting Comfy with Your Comforter

So, you have to worry about dressing yourself and probably about dressing your kids – maybe even your spouse on occasion (yes, ladies – it’s probably more often than not)… But you should not have to worry about dressing your bed.  Silk sheets or flannel sheets? Duck down comforters or goose down comforters?  The options are continually expanding when it comes to figuring out how to most comfortably outfit your bed.

Finding a comforter set that can help you to successfully experience a night of uninterrupted sleep is the first step in getting comfy with your comforter.  If you’re situated in a location with primarily colder climates, then you’re likely going to want a thicker comforter so that you’re kept warm throughout those long winter nights.  Conversely, if you’re privy to warmth or more temperate climates, then something a bit lighter just may provide you with the solace that you’ll need.  Or perhaps you’re sensitive to allergies?  In this case, you’ll want to closely investigate your options and ultimately find a hypoallergenic comforter to meet your needs.  There are various hypo-down comforters available in today’s bedroom décor market.  Just be sure to do your research prior to simply snuggling up with something that may initially feel right.

Just as you would with a new acquaintance, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your new comforter.  After all, it’ll be your nightly companion for an extended period of time, so it is imperative that it suits your needs and exceeds your expectations!

Memorial Day Home Accents & Decorating Tips

It is almost time to proudly sport your most fashionable pair of white pants again as Memorial Day is rapidly approaching.  Functioning almost as a perfect prelude to the 4^th of July, Memorial Day serves as a day to remember those that lost their lives during military service.  Often commemorated by cookouts, barbecues, parades, and other social gatherings, Memorial Day is a holiday meant to bring family and friends together.

In order to properly outfit your home for your annual cookout, there are various home accents to consider using to successfully adorn your home.  From flowers and centerpieces for your patriotic picnic tables to themed cookware and canister sets for help with your menu, the holiday décor options are endless.  Whatever you choose, it is important that you find a way to incorporate and emphasize the red, white, and blue on this special day.

If you are trying to honor patriotism on a budget, then there are several ways that you can leverage the functionality of everyday items in order to show your spirit.  Consider creating G.I. napkin folds as a way to salute soldiers or invest in a flag-themed tablecloth to portray your pride.

Feel free to share other Memorial Day decorating tips as well as patriotic recipes that will surely satisfy the palates of friends and relatives alike!

Home Accents as Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

With Mother’s Day 2009 rapidly approaching, it is time to focus on original items for Mother’s Day gift ideas. Sure, Mom undoubtedly appreciates the spa, restaurant, and retail gift certificates, but while certainly enjoyable, there are gift ideas out there that will show Mom that you truly had in her mind when giving her that special gift.

Many mothers would love to revitalize certain rooms within the home, but lack the time and energy to sit down and develop a list of home accent items or home décor pieces needed in order to make this dream come to fruition. Here is where you can help. Below are several home décor gift suggestions that can help to make this day memorable for your mother:

• Bathroom accessories – Have you heard your mother frequently mention her desire to redecorate the bathroom? If so, then the gift of a bathroom accessory set will help to jump-start her project.
• Canister sets – While you may not be able to provide your mother with the kitchen makeover that she has been hoping for, you can start to give her some of the tools that she needs in order to maker her kitchen a more efficient space. Canister sets boast style and extra storage space.
• Comforter set – Help Mom transform her bedroom into the sanctuary that she deserves.

Of course, if you harbor immense creativity, then it may be safe to say that most mothers still appreciate a homemade gift created from the heart. Regardless of the gift-giving path that you choose to take, make sure to keep Mom’s best interest in mind.

Happy Mother’s Day!

How To Approach Home Decorating Projects

Approaching and initiating any home decorating or improvement related project can be a challenging task. Who is not guilty of saying “there is always tomorrow”? I know that I repeat that phrase at least three to fives times a day in my head. After all, if I don’t share it with the world, then no one will have expected me to make any progress anyway, right? Wrong! You will know.. which means that you will still have this task hanging over your head and resting comfortably on your “To Do” list. It is important that we understand how productive home-based projects will not only ameliorate the atmosphere and energy within our homes, but that we also comprehend how these accomplishments can affect our personal demeanors and dispositions. So, I challenge you to begin with your bathroom!

Here are a few easy tips for properly accessorizing your bathroom. As with any room, I would recommend starting from the ground up - this will help you to more easily identify a unifying theme within your designated space.

• Choose a bathroom set: Sets today often come with a pair of rugs that will help you to establish a color scheme within your bathroom. Ensuring that your set complements your fixtures is critical to determining that you’re heading in the right direction.
• Choose a wall color: Once you have chosen your bathroom set, you can find a wall color that will help to further enhance your space. Lighter or brighter colors are generally popular selections because of the affect that they can have on our moods. Experiencing an infusion of energy upon waking up will help to start your day off on the right foot.
• Choose curtains and towels: Again, your decision on curtains and towels should flow with the already established color scheme in your bathroom. Seeking items that boast subtle patterns can help to infuse even more style into your bathroom.
• Choose bathroom accessories: Finding a bathroom accessory set will be a breeze once you’ve formatted the rest of your bathroom. Soap dishes, toothbrush holders, tumblers, lotion pumps, and waste baskets all boast practical functions as well as elements of style.

As long as you look at your home decorating project in sections or in multiple steps instead of viewing it as one giant obstacle, then you’ll be able to enjoy your adventure. Just remember to take a deep breath!

Using Kitchen Ceramic Housewares to Enhance Your Kitchen

Decorating your kitchen can do wonders for both the overall look and feel of this space as well as for your own, personal demeanor and attitude about this occasionally undesirable area. Because many individuals associate chores like cooking and cleaning with the kitchen, it can garner a reputation that it does not quite deserve. Using kitchen ceramic housewares to enhance your kitchen will allow you to approach this area with positive energy.

Kitchen ceramic housewares can help to liven up an otherwise drab space. From canister sets to spoon sets to mug trees, bread boxes, cookie jars and a variety of other home accents, these stylish accessories also function as practical kitchen pieces. Finding ceramic housewares that boast a common theme will help to unify the overall look of your kitchen. From country-styled themes like rooster and French Garden patterns to fruit themes like apples and pineapples, there are a variety of unique ceramic houseware options available in today’s kitchen accessories market.

By leveraging the style and practical elements of these pieces, you will be able to operate your kitchen with ease while simultaneously inspiring your neighbors and guests alike to invest in pieces that exude warmth and comfort. Transforming your kitchen from the place where not many wanted to set foot in into an area where everyone now wants a designated seat can be easily accomplished by the addition of kitchen ceramic housewares.

Enhancing Your Bedroom with the Contempo Collection

Your bedroom should idyllically reflect your vision of peace and quiet. It should be a soothing environment that you look forward to retiring to at the end of each day, instead of yet another obstacle or chore to cross off your seemingly infinite list. Infusing a calming comforter set into your bedroom decor can help to enhance your atmosphere.

The Contempo Collection features unique comforting pieces that will enable your bedroom to transform into the sanctuary that you deserve. Available in both King and Queen options, the Contempo Collection blends contemporary colors with casual styling. Its rust, gold, light green, olive green, and brown hues boast warmth and style. The vertically designed stripe pattern is aesthetically pleasing and created with your criteria in mind. Complete with a comforter, bedskirt, two pillow shams, a 4-piece functional pillow set, a 12-inch by 18-inch oblong pillow, and a 14-inch by 7-inch neck roll, this decorative set will undoubtedly revitalize your bedroom.

Incorporating casually elegant style and contemporary flair into your bedroom will help to give it new life while simultaneously giving you new energy. Don’t be afraid to complement your new comforter set with matching window valances and throw rugs. Leverage the functionality and design of the Contempo Collection by allowing it to reinvigorate both you and your bedroom.

Spring Into Colorful Home Decor Trends

Spring is finally here! Isn’t it? For much of the country, the upcoming season of renewal has been highly anticipated after a very long winter. The color palette for home decor trends this spring is rightfully one of lighter and brighter hues in order to reinvigorate and revitalize the deeper colors typically associated with winter.

From furniture to home furnishings and home accents, indulge in all that spring has to offer. Utilize fresh blues, energetic pinks, and happy yellows to transform the atmosphere within your space. Do not be afraid to express yourself or your mood through your home decor. Mixing bright colors with clean whites will certainly enhance the positive energy within your home. Whether you prefer laundry-clean white or a vanilla-inspired hue, leverage the influence of the effect of white within your desired area.

Aside from brighter colors, consider infusing garden themed patterns into your home decor. From French Garden motifs to vineyard patterns, demonstrate your passion for spring without hesitation. This feat can easily be accomplished by incorporating such fresh themes in your kitchen, by way of curtains.

Making simple adjustments within your home, like changes to accessories and decor, can help to refresh your look. Allow spring to help you regenerate your spirit and outlook through the expression of your home decor.

2009 Home Decor Trends: Color, Comfort, and Patterns

With the approach of every new year, we all strive to change a few things about our lives. Whether it be dietary, exercise-related, self-improvement, or home improvement, shaking up the norm helps to provide us with fresh, new perspectives. While the year is no longer necessarily “new”, there is still plenty of time left for change - after all, we’re only 1/6 of the way through 2009.

Remaining up to date with current color trends will provide a solid foundation for the beginning of your home decorating adventure. Your color scheme will ultimately determine the mood and feel of your home. Lively colors combined with neutrals and grounded hues have been and are projected to remain popular throughout the year. Included in this list are fuchsia red, palace blue, and vibrant green hues among many others.

Comfort is always important when redecorating or reinventing a room. Why spend time and energy into jazzing up a room that you would not be able to enjoy? Finding functional furniture boasting elements of comfort and elegance is quite simple these days as these are qualities that many people seek when they envision the designs of peaceful and inviting sanctuaries.

Lastly, turning to stated patterns can infuse energy and personality into any room. Opting to decorate with redesigned forms of traditional patterns can keep any environment fresh and intriguing. Mixing and matching styles offers an under-stated way of embellishing the atmosphere of any room.

Have you found additional home decorating trends that have brightened up your mood so far this year? If so, please feel free to share with the Popular Home Collections community.. if you’re on the east coast, I’m sure you could use some cheering up right about now!

Home Decor Quiz

Are you a home decor adventurer? Can you cut your way through the jungle of designs and find the perfect ensemble for your space? Here are a few questions that will assist you on your quest!

1. What is my objective?

2. What is my theme?

3. How can I achieve my decorating dream with the greatest ease and affordability?

My most recent adventure!

Answers…

1. My objective…redecorate and redefine my guest bathroom in a fresh and springy theme!

2. Spring colors and floral prints to bring a fresh and lovely springtime feel to my bathroom.

3. I will create my room with ease by choosing an all inclusive package. Shower curtains and accessories that complement my theme. Affordability is achieved by taking advantage of the free shipping on orders of $100 or more, and by saving on the retail price when shopping with Popular Home Collections. And with the 2-3 day shipping I have my new bath in a jiffy!

Shopping online at Popular Home Collections is not only easy and enjoyable, but it is also satisfying to the thrifty shopper in all of us. With such a vast variety to choose from, accompanied by the friendly and warm atmosphere…shopping has never been more enjoyable.

Grab a cup of tea and relax here with us, where shopping is still considered a joy. Whoever knew you could have such an enchanted evening…just you and your mouse!

Best Decorating Wishes,
Paula

How Home Decorating Can Ease Your Mind

Do you find yourself getting too caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life? Getting distracted is something that is inevitable, however, how you deal with it is up to you. Everyone needs to find time for relaxation and respite. Home decorating can be a cathartic way to release tensions and energies in a productive manner.

Consider starting with simple changes like adding uniquely themed bathroom accessories in neutral colors to your bathroom. Color changes can create a more soothing atmosphere. From the bathroom, move onto your kitchen. Transforming your kitchen into the artistic space that you deserve will enable you to perform more happily while spending time here. Lastly, enhancing your bedroom and making it into a much needed sanctuary will rejuvenate your spirit, mind, and soul.

Using your energy to artistically and tastefully transform the look of your home can help you to focus on elements of life that make you happy. Decorating your home need not be a dreaded task; it should be something that helps to put your mind at ease. Feeling like you’re bettering your own environment will benefit both you and your home. Making it a place where you can easily escape from daily distractions can help to reduce your stress levels and elevate your mood.

Insider Secrets for Home Decorating … SHHHHH!!!

Being a designer can be very demanding. One must continuously come up with fresh and innovative ideas in order to remain competitive. Through the years I have developed some wonderful ways to save myself time and the dreaded “money mistakes”.

I am a serious journal keeper. I love writing down things that I want to remember whether it be about my life, my children, or grandchildren.

Believe it or not, a design or home decor journal is a very handy thing to have. I have saved myself countless headaches and do-overs with this idea. It is so simply to do.

Take a picture of the room you want to re-vamp. Try and include as much of the room as is possible. In the bedroom for instance, you need to have the bed and at least one window in the shot to match your bed ensemble and your window treatments…in the bathroom you need to try and include the toilet, the bathtub and a window. If possible, and it usually is in the bathroom, have the sink in the picture as well so you can add your chosen accessories to match.

Now use your computer to enlarge the pics. I usually go 8/10. That is a very simple task I know, but the fun part starts now.

You can use these enlargements to “mock” up your room. Print out some of the items you are thinking of using in your room and place them on the corresponding item. Now you can see what the room will look like with the themes you have been mulling over. No mistakes to haunt you when you keep a journal and get creative with pictures.

This helps me make the transition form season to season with ease. I love my journals and I share them with friends.

This works so well when purchasing mix and match items. You can slowly build your room to your personal likings. All the way from the rugs to the toilet seat, and from the shower curtain to the window treatments.

How fun and inexpensive. More secrets to be revealed soon!

For more information and ideas on how to affordably decorate your home, visit Popular Home Collections. As always, enjoy your decorating adventures.

Small Home Decorating Additions

A very common question for a designer to field is, “How do I cheer up a room and make it over with the minimal amount of work and expense?” Ah… now that is a great question. Luckily, there are some great answers.

1. Let’s say you have a room that is carpeted. We all know that carpet can be very expensive and must be a long lasting investment in our homes. Yet the same old floor from season to season can become drab and very boring. So here are some tips you might find interesting.

Placing accent rugs on carpet is totally in style. It is often thought that rugs are for tile or wood only, which is not the case at all! Adding accent rugs in the bath or bedroom is a very easy and inexpensive way to brighten a dull room.

Coordinate your rug colors with existing colors in the room. For example, pull the color from window treatments, chair pads, comforters and bedspreads.

This will tie your space together and add that “umph” we are all seeking.

2. Now let’s makeover the kitchen in a jiffy on a tight budget.

Chair pads come in so many wonderful styles and colors nowadays! They are one of the least expensive room accessories we can use. Yet they add brilliance to a space.

Perhaps you already have a unique theme. Well, I am so happy to say that there are many kitchen items that match nowadays from your wall clock to your rugs, canisters, and bread box. WOW!

How far you’ll take this inexpensive kitchen face-lift is up to you!

No painting…no remodeling…just a bit of fun and clever shopping on your part.

Just remember that small additions bring about big changes. This ultimately leaves you, the consumer, with change to spare!

Decorating has never been easier or more affordable!

Happy decorating…

Interior Decorating with Bold Colors

With the New Year comes new hope, fresh ideas, and dreams. Interior decorating is one way to conquer this.  Redecorating a drab winter room is a bright way to ring in the New Year. Purple is one of the IN
colors this year - not only in the fashion industry, but also in the design industry. Some folks tend to shy away from interior decorating with bold colors, thinking that they will overpower a room. Here are some great tips for infusing bold colors into a living space.

Purple has many different tones or hues, from dark decadent eggplant to light and lovely lavender. All of the colors in between work together to give a room silent grace and wonder. Layers of color make
interior decorating fun, and give a space ambiance and depth. Add dark purple drapes with sheer lavender valances to give a soft glow to the room. Accessorizing with hues of your signature color will bring casual flair and comfort to the space.

Designer tip: Do not be afraid of color when it comes to interior decorating. Embrace it and invite life into your home. Look at how all of the colors in nature blend together to make the world bloom so beautifully.

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