1. Matching Mayhem

While we all want a space that looks effortlessly coordinated, putting too many things in a room that match exactly can actually detract from the overall continuity. That floral comforter may be beautiful, but adding a dust ruffle, pillows, drapes and a wallpaper border in the same print can be overwhelming. A better option might be to look for coordinating prints and solids in the same color palette that will complement the comforter without matching exactly. For example, you might pair a striped bed skirt with your floral comforter or use solid colored drapes and throw pillows in varying textures. Instead of a wallpaper border, you might try choosing a paint color that pulls out one of the less dominant colors in the comforter.

2. Paint with no Pizazz

Choosing paint colors for the bedroom can be tricky which often causes people to shy away from making a choice altogether. However, those stark white walls are not doing your room any favors. The key to color in the bedroom is to choose colors that make you feel relaxed. This is, after all, the room where to go to unwind and drift off into a peaceful sleep. For most people, a bare white wall does not inspire feelings of tranquility. Some good options are warm neutrals, sage green, or a soothing blue. Any color can work really, but a toned down version of your favorite shade will probably feel more serene. If you love violet, go with a soft lavendar or choose buttercream instead of dandelion yellow. Some color will enhance the room greatly, but a shade that’s too bright will keep your mind active and make relaxation and sleep more difficult.

3. Lackluster Lighting

Lighting is an extremely important element in the bedroom and is also one that often gets overlooked. Ideally, you should have three types of lighting. General lighting, such as a standard overhead light is a necessity for times when you need full light in the bedroom, such as when you’re getting dressed in the morning or when you’re putting away your laundry. You’ll also want to have task lighting. In the bedroom, this usually means a pair of reading lamps. However, if you have a sitting area in your bedroom, you’ll also want floor or table lamps to adequately light that area. Finally, accent lighting adds the final touch. In a smaller room, this could simply mean putting your overhead light on a dimmer switch. If you have a large room with a fireplace, you might want some track lighting or inset spot lights to highlight this area. A few well-placed hanging paper lanterns can also make effective and inexpensive accent lighting. The key to lighting is giving yourself options so that you can get the most enjoyment out of your room.

4. Decorating in a Day

When it comes to projects, many of us have an internal desire to get the project done quickly so that we can move on to the next thing. However, when this mindset is applied to decorating, we often end up with less than satisfying results. Decorating is a process, and the finished result should reflect who you are. Accumulating pieces over time from different places you’ve visited will give your home much more character than going out and purchasing everything all in one day. Trying to buy for an entire room in a short period of time can lead to snap decisions and, ultimately, a bedroom that looks more like a furniture showroom than the cozy retreat you were hoping for. Whether you’re working with a decorator or flying solo, remember to take your time and consider your choices and purchases carefully. Decorating a room can be an expensive proposition and once you’ve committed to something, you may not be able to afford to change your mind.

5. Naked Windows

When you think about decorating a bedroom, windows are probably not the first thing to come to mind. However, window treatments can have a great deal of impact on the room while also providing privacy and blocking out early morning light on a Sunday morning so you can catch up on some z’s. While sheer drapes may look pretty, they are probably not the best choice for the bedroom unless they are paired with a substantial lined drape as well. A sheer drape will not really offer anything in the way of privacy or light blocking. However, pairing a solid drape with sheer allows you to pull back the drape on top to reveal the sheer underneath during times when privacy is not an issue. This can be a very beautiful and dramatic look. Another great option for the bedroom is the use of blinds. Roman shades with a blackout lining or wooden slat blinds are both elegant ways to dress your bedroom windows.

6. Knick-Knack Overload

While there is nothing wrong with having a collection, the bedroom is generally not the best place to attempt to display your precious collectibles. Dresser tops that are covered with knick-knacks just look cluttered. Many of us tend to keep things in the bedroom that have sentimental value and before we know it every available surface is covered. Not only does the clutter make the room look less appealing, but a chaotic environment can lead to a chaotic mind as well. A few well-placed pieces will look much better and create a more relaxing environment.

7. Pillow Pile-up

A few throw pillows on the bed can be a stylish accent, but there comes a point at which it’s just too many pillows. If you’re covering at least half of your bed by the time you put all the pillows on, not only have the pillows ceased to be a pleasing accent, but you’re probably taking valuable time out of your day arranging all your pillows which could be spent doing something else. In all seriousness though, less is more. A few pillows will have a more positive impact than a whole bed full.

8. Stingy Storage

Storage is not a word that pops right up when discussing decorating, but in can be a huge help when it comes to reducing clutter. If you want to keep a neat bedroom, you need places for everything to go. Even if you don’t have a gigantic walk-in closet, you can utilize the closet space you have more wisely. Adding additional shelving or a shoe rack may make it possible to store more things while still keeping the space organized. Another way you can add storage space to your bedroom is by choosing furniture pieces with built-in storage. For example, choose nightstands that have drawers or doors where you can stash reading material or the remote control. A trunk or storage bench at the foot of the bed is a great place to store extra blankets. If you use a dust ruffle, you can also utilize the space under your bed by packing infrequently used items into flat storage boxes.

9. Sabotaging your Sanctuary

One way that we defeat our own goals of having a relaxing sanctuary is by inviting things into the bedroom that can make us feel less relaxed. For instance, most of us do not find looking at our treadmills or computers to be particularly soothing, yet these items often wind up in the bedroom. Whether this happens due to lack of space in other rooms of the house or because we want to keep these unsightly items out of the spaces where we entertain, they do detract from the ambiance of the bedroom and should be removed if at all possible. While there is not much you can do with an item like a treadmill, a computer or TV can be hidden inside an entertainment armoire or cabinet to keep it out of sight when not in use.

10. Choosing Fashion over Function

While style is a key element of any decorating project, it’s important to also keep function in mind when choosing materials and decorative pieces. If you have a dog or young children in the house, you should probably shy away from that gorgeous cream colored carpet. It may look beautiful when you’re matching up swatches, but it simply doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Your bedroom should be a haven of comfort, so keep that in mind when choosing your bedding. A heavy brocade may look stunning, but it may not be very comfortable when it comes time to actually sleep in that lovely bed. In general, natural fibers will feel more sumptuous than synthetics. Think down, silk, and cotton. You can certainly have a stylish room that is still appropriate for your lifestyle, so make sure to consider whether an item is practical or just pretty before you purchase it.

1. Why do our bodies twitch before we fall asleep?

According to failedsuccess.com, nearly 70% of people have a “hypnagogic myoclonic twitch” as they fall asleep. This “hypnic jerk” is most likely the result of your brain misinterpreting the relaxation of your muscles as they prepare for sleep. Your brain, thinking your body is falling down, instructs your muscles to jerk yourself up.

2. If you can’t sleep, what’s better: counting sheep or getting out of bed and being productive?

Both SelfhelpMagazine and apollolight.com recommend getting out of bed if you can’t sleep. If you stay in bed and do non-sleeping activities (e.g. watch TV, read a book), you can subconsciously train yourself to not be able to sleep in your bedroom. SelfhelpMagazine even advises not to count sheep, as counting stimulates your brain.

3. Why do we yawn?

There is no definitive explanation for why we yawn. The closest we can get to an answer is what med students are taught, which is that we yawn due to low levels of oxygen in our lungs. When the air sacs in our lungs don’t get fresh air, they stiffen the lungs by collapsing a bit, which signals the brain to instruct the body to sigh or yawn in order to receive more air in the lungs. (source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3076713/)

4. Why do animals walk in a circle before they lay down?

Certain animals (dogs, for example) walk in circles (or create “dog crop circles,” as coined by the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) before laying down because this behavior was hard-wired into them. It’s a natural behavior their ancestors did in order to flatten down grass to make for a comfy bed.

5. Is there any effect of eating before you go to bed?

MSN Health studied what happens if you eat right before bedtime. The couple who ate a few hours before they went to bed slept fine, whereas the couple who ate before they went to sleep reported “tossing and turning all night.” The poor sleep was attributed to your body digesting food when it should be winding down in preparation for sleeping, which results in reflux. Conversely, going to bed on an empty stomach will also result in disruptive sleep (specifically, missing the “deep sleep” stage that allows your body to rest and repair). The best thing to do is to have a light snack before going to bed, which will provide fuel for your body as it rests for the night.

6. How many dust mites are there in beds? Are they harmful?

Environment, Health, and Safety Online has the inside scoop about dust mites. 100,000 to upwards of 10 million mites can live in your mattress. They sustain off dead skin cells, making beds a veritable smorgasbord for these microscopic critters. Some people are allergic to a protein found in dust mites’ droppings (meaning they get itchy eyes, their asthma flares up, etc), but otherwise dust mites pose no harm or health risk.

7. Why do we have dreams about falling?

According to dreamdoctor.com, falling dreams are typically the result of our sense of balance shifting from laying down in the real world to being mobile in our dreams. Falling dreams can be especially common when you’re drifting off to sleep, since at this time your body is adjusting to the new sense of balance.

8. Can blind people see in their dreams?

Both ScienceIQ.com and About.com agree that the simple answer is no. If you weren’t born blind, then you can have visual dreams, as these images can derive from memory; however, people who are born blind will have auditory dreams that are coupled with the feeling of emotion and movement, whereas people who are legally blind will be able to see whatever they can distinguish when they’re awake.

9. Do deaf people hear in their dreams?

Discovery Online posts that deaf people can establish an auditory inner voice because of the brain’s ability to develop phonological representations, though these “sounds” may be different than what noises actually sound like. When asked about their dreams, deaf undergrad students at Gallaudet University responded that sometimes they sign and sometimes they speak, although their speech seems to be transmitted mentally rather than through actual speech.

10. Why do kids wet the bed?

Children wet the bed not because of emotional problems or faulty kidneys, but simply because their bladders are still too small to hold the amount of urine their bodies make overnight. Furthermore, the U of M Health System adds that a lot of children are heavy sleepers, so they may not yet be able to wake up when it’s time to go to the bathroom.

Bouvier is Thomasville’s take of the classic French toile. Bouvier features a large detailed print, creamy ivory background, and a sharp black edging. Instead of the standard check bedskirt Bouvier has a unique white leaf print that is repeated in several of the accessories. What really sets this set apart I think, are the bold accessories. The red woven and black fabric pillows and euro shams gives a sharp twist to this classic pattern.

Freesia from Thomasville brings along with it warm thoughts of spring. The light buttercream color is accented by soft colors in garden green, carnation, and cloudy blue. The striking green floral found in the bedskirt and euro shams provides a nice contrast to the comforter print. This will certainly brighten up those long dark days of winter.

For a really unique look check out Lara and its sister pattern Laval from Thomasville. While similar in pattern, the use of bold color creates two completely different looks. With colors of raspberry, maize, pear, and pumpkin swirling on a black background Lara evokes a new art deco look. On the other hand with a bright geranium background and mixes of pear, maize, and blue, Laval has taste hippy chic style. Both patterns include bedskirts made of bold stripes and accessories made of touchable silk, quilting, and puckered dots.

Nightengale presented by Croscill. In muted golds, ivory, delicately layered florals, and silk ruching on several of the accessories, this pattern will add a touch of glamor to any room.

These are just a few of the many new patterns to the ajMOSS website, to check out all the new patterns, visit out the Thomasville, Croscill, and ajMOSS exclusive pages on our website.

And Remember:Its during these long winter months, when we find ourselves huddled beneath our layers, that we really start looking at our inner surrounding. Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean it has to be inside. The use of soft textures and bright colors can do a lot to warm up a room and send our thoughts toward spring.

Another key factor in creating a warm and welcoming environment is wall color. Guest rooms can often be overlooked when repainting the interior of a home, but interestingly enough, the color of your guest room can be a huge factor in the comfort level of your guests. By choosing colors that are soft and warm, you can create a room that feels inviting and makes it easy to relax. Try shades of buttercream, apricot, or a light toasty brown. Notice how the wallcolor in the photo below gives the room a feeling of warmth.

The best way to get a handle on creating the ultimate guest room is to make a list of some things that are factors for you when you stay in another person’s home, and try to have all of the essentials that your guests might need readily available so that they don’t have to ask. For instance, dressing your guest bed in layers makes it easy for your guests to regulate their own sleeping experience. Some people get cold easily and like a lot of blankets, but others prefer a lighter covering. For that reason, I like to have a combination of blankets available so that guests can use what works for them. I usually make the bed with a sheet set, a lightweight blanket, and a synthetic down comforter (in case of allergies!). Then, I keep an extra blanket folded at the bottom of the bed for those who need a little extra warmth. A trunk or bench at the foot of the bed that holds extra blankets would also be a nice touch. For pillows, try to stay with something hypoallergenic if you frequently have guests with allergies and stick with a medium firmness.

Another factor to consider is privacy. Depending on what a person is used to, their privacy requirements may be different than your own. It is always a good idea to have blinds or heavy drapes on the windows, even if you live in the middle of nowhere. Also, the ability to lock the bedroom and bathroom door will make some people much more comfortable.

Once you have all of the necessities covered, it is time to consider the room’s decor. Since a variety of people will be staying in this room, it is usually a good idea to keep the decor fairly neutral. I like to use bedding in solids or simple patterns that will contribute to the calming atmosphere.

A few framed art prints will make the room feel much more put together. Georgia O’Keefe prints are my favorite because they seem to have a universal appeal, but any subdued art print will work beautifully. A pair of nightstands with lamps and a clock are also a good idea. If you are used to having a clock on your bedside table at home, it can be very disorienting to wake up and have no idea what time it is. A really personal touch would be to lay out magazines on the nightstand that suit your guests interests. If your father in law is visiting and likes golf, a copy of the latest Golf Digest on the nightstand will be a very touching accent.

Guest rooms can often feel stale and stuffy because they are not in use all the time. A good way to combat this is to open up the windows the day before your guests will arrive to let in some fresh air. If it is too cold outside to allow for that, light a scented candle in the room. Stay away from scents that are too heavy which might be offensive and look for a light natural scent like vanilla or lavendar. Another nice touch to freshen up the room would be a vase of cut flowers or a potted plant. A few elements that bring life into the room will make it feel even more welcoming.

If you have an open concept home, it is important that you choose colors that complement one another. For instance, the downstairs of my house is done in warm fall colors. The space is not necessarily open concept. The kitchen, dining room, and living room are three distinct rooms, but there are no doors so you can see the wall colors next to one another. For that reason, I chose warm colors that complement one another. The kitchen is a deep tomato red, the dining room is a warm cinnamon brown, and the living room is plum. As you can see, I tend to like vibrant wall colors, but this is balanced by furniture and window treatments that are very neutral. I may have plum walls in the living room, but I also have a solid chocolate brown microsuede couch and plain linen curtains. A color this vibrant would not work if my couch was a busy floral print. It is important to choose colors that balance the room, so you have to take your furniture and window treatments into account. Complementary colors do not have to come from the same family as they do in the example above. For example, rosemary green and lilac look stunning when paired together. The important factor is that there is continuity between rooms.

The most important place to use a warm paint color is in the bedroom. While soft pastels are lovely to look at, a warmer wall color may inspire a little more romance. If you like pastels, stick to pink, peach, or sandy tones. In fact, the most romantic colors to use are those that mimick natural skin tones. A rich cocoa brown or golden hue will heat things up much more than sage green.

Cool colors can definitely have a place in your home too. While warm tones bring the comforting energies of earth and fire, cool colors bring the energies of water and air and can help to inspire creativity. Cool tones are great to use in rooms like a home office or study, or even in the kitchen to help you whip up imaginitive new recipes. When trying to choose the right color for a room, think about what you will be using it for and remember that cool colors are for your head and warm colors are for your heart.

One of the most important aspects of feng shui in the bedroom is the placement of the bed. Your bed should never be placed directly across from the door. This is called the “death position” and is thought to bring bad energy. You should, however, position your bed so that you can see the door. This will give you a sense of security while you sleep. Also, you should not have a mirror directly across from your bed. There are several reasons for this including the fact that if you wake in the night you may be startled by your reflection which will immediately put your body into defense mode. Once you have been startled, your body releases a rush of adrenaline which then makes it difficult to fall back into a deep sleep. If you have mirrored closet doors or other large mirrors which cannot be moved, try hanging curtains in front of them which can be closed at night and opened during the day. The same applies for other reflective surfaces such as a TV or computer screen. Having a TV in your room is actually detrimental to your relaxing environment, but if you like to have one in your bedroom, place it in an armoire with doors that can be closed at night and always turn off the TV before you go to sleep. Sleeping with the TV on keeps you from attaining a deep sleep and will undoubtedly wake you up in the night at some point. Having too much noise around you while you sleep can also give you unpleasant dreams and keep you from resting and recharging. Sleeping with your bed against a window is also something to avoid. Sleeping is your time to recharge your energy, or chi, and if you sleep too near a window your chi will be drawn out, making you feel tired when you awake. If your room does not allow for any other configuration, hang heavy curtains on the window near your bed to help retain the chi. A solid wood headboard will also help to keep your chi contained so that you can get the most benefit from your sleep.
The colors that you choose for your bedroom are also very important. Since you are trying to make this space as relaxing as possible, try to stick with colors that are soft and serene, such as pastels. Bright colors will keep your mind in a state of wakefulness and make it difficult to sleep deeply. Also, if you are trying to make your bedroom a romantic environment as well, try not to use too many cool colors like blues and greens. While these colors many seem relaxing, a warmer palette of pastels will inspire a more romantic feeling. The best shades for inspiring romance are the ones that emulate human skin tones such as peach, cocoa brown, toffee and pale pink. On a subconscious level, these colors make us think of human touch.

If you are single and are seeking romance, it is important to design your room as though your partner were already there. Decorating for one may become a self fulfilling prophecy because your bedroom may be sending the message that there is no room for anyone else. Sleep in a bed large enough for two, and keep a nightstand on both sides of the bed. This sends a message of welcome to your partner. Also, decorate using pairs, such as candlesticks. Items that come in pairs have good relationship chi. The art that you use in your bedroom is also important. This is the one room in the house where sensuous art is very appropriate and will help to create a feeling of warmth and romance.

Finally, keeping your room clear of clutter is one of the fastest and easiest ways to keep the chi moving. A room that is messy or full of clutter feels stagnant and leaves no room for creativity. Our bedrooms are the place where we dream, so keeping the room neat and organized makes room for rest, relaxation, and sweet dreams.

For those who are more skilled in the fine art of sewing, you may want to consider a spicing up your favorite antique chairs with the charm of Waverly’s Gideon Parchment and co-ordinate Grand Stand Crimson fabrics. This particlular pattern combines an earthy rust, sky blues, moss and apple on a creamy off- white background. The paisly flowered print delicately illuminates the melding of this Autumn coloration that will last through the Winter season as well.

Today’s home decorater is always seeking out new ways to update the interior of their home. From online shops to novelty boutiques, there are many ideas to be gained. Fabrics are the quintessential product to capture the beauty and warmth of this Fall season.

Some great options for neutral bedding are Metro and Rose Garden by Croscill. Metro is a very modern ensemble with a cream tone on tone geometric design, while Rose Garden goes for all out romance with floral embroidery on a silken cream background. Gustavia by Veratex is another stunning option for a neutral bedding ensemble. This delicate ivory and taupe damask design is a luxurious take on the new trend. If a simpler pattern is more your style, try Warwick or Sandalwood by Lawrence. These patterns offer simple elegance in a neutral cream palette.

For a stylish and elegant selection of sheer window treatments, Heritage Lace offers a wide variety of sheer panels and valances in white or ecru. Sheer Divine is an excellent choice for your neutral bedroom decor. These sheer panels and valances are graced by a delicate floral vine pattern. A sheer hanging canopy over your bed is the perfect finishing touch. Try to find one in the same shade as your curtains to keep the room as neutral as possible.

Now, to finish the room, add one bright pop of color. A vase of deep red roses or a bright Georgia O’Keefe print will breathe life into the room and make the neutral palette that much more exquisite.

Accent pillows are ideal for the enhancement of your typical home furnishings, such as couches, chairs and beds. However, with the multitude of variety available today, many home decorators have been inspired to use accent pillows to brighten darkened hallways, cozy up the guest bath and help focus in the office.

The first step to making the most of accent pillows is to choose a room. Asking these questions will help you define what exactly it is you are looking to accomplish: How do you want the space to change? What is your present color scheme? How will you use texture to define a “feel”? Ideally, you can answer all of these questions by choosing pillows that have the color, pattern and texture that combine all of these elements. For example, Silence, by Lawrence, offers a beautifully subtle breakfast pillow that mixes neutral, earthy tones with a soft combed cotton touch that compliments the delicately drawn bamboo. This design breathes and is calming to the eye - the perfect addition to your home office. On the opposing side would be the square and boudoir pillows offered in Thomasville’s Cherrington collection. These two pillows, with their bright navy, whites, and mustard yellows enliven the senses with a feeling of cool and clean. The bold paisley pattern of the boudoir pillow alongside the chunky stripes of the square pillow will uplift any indoor patio furniture. Aj moss’s own Victorian Toile line offers the infamous pattern of country toile and coordinate Logan check pattern throw pillows. What a great way to add a little comfort to your kitchen’s breakfast nook! The traditional look of toile, reminiscent of early Americana, helps you brighten your morning with a gentle reminder of the beauty of hard work and play in simpler times.

The next step is locating your accent pillows. Where do you begin? With so many choices out there, knowing where to start is half the battle.
Recently, I was speaking with my Aunt Nancy. She started telling me about how she is looking for some blue accent pillows for her den, but just can’t seem to find any! Her favorite retail locations seem only to carry a limited collection of pillows, most of which are one of a kind and / or discontinued patterns, and none of them came anywhere close to matching the color that she needs. Of course I suggested going on line, but she replied that most web sites are too confusing. Ultimately, we opted to send her fabric samples from some of aj MOSS’s most popular bedding ensemble selections, such as Croscill’s Ocean View and Thomasville’s Juliette. Having the ability to see and feel the fabrics in person is very relieving to the on line shopper. You can be assured that the product you are purchasing is exactly what you expect! The web is today’s best bet when looking for decorative ideas and products.

In conclusion, accent pillows have the ability to not only enhance your niche, they can elevate your mood and magnify your own unique individuality! Accent pillows are a wonderful way to bring your home back to you.