While there is something to be said for old style charm, not all of us are keen on antique living. For those with more contemporary tastes, the living room has long been a veritable playground. There's HD, LCD, surround sound, and so many others that some rooms of the house are often left out of the digital loop. Motorized tie rack aside, the modern bedroom is often thought of as a thing of the future. We're also waiting for that modern bathroom, with its Jetsons-like robotic arms that brush our teeth and button our collar. Those arms are far off at best (by the time they get here, tooth brushing will probably be obsolete), but with some good decorating, and a few new technologies, we can at least feel like the future is now.
Modern Bedding for Modern Bedrooms The Amish can make a heck of a quilt. It'll keep you warm as it has for others over hundreds of years. Those interested in modern bedding, however, shun the idea of quilts and would prefer something a little more stylish. Modern bedrooms are characterized by a great deal of cohesion and homogeny. Whether you are going for bold, beautiful, or black and white, it's important that your modern bedding compliments the rest the room. If doing a makeover, it might be a good idea to pick out all of your colors and have the curtains and covers made from the same fabric. This will guarantee a good flow in the room, and depending on the company you buy from, could even cost less than an Amish quilt.
Beds and Mattresses A modern bedroom without a modern bed is like a brand new car with wooden wheels. There are a ton of new mattresses and mattress materials to choose from; it can be difficult to decide what's best for you. Online shopping is very convenient, but in this case getting the best for your modern bedroom will require opting for traditional rather than cyber shopping. The only way to make an informed decision is to go out and try these beds one by one, and side-by-side if possible. Touch the NASA developed polymers. Feel the pillow tops and try the sleep numbers to make sure they add up for your body.
Modern Bedroom Accessories Waking up to static on the radio or some horrendous beeping sound can wash away the comfort of your new mattress in a matter of seconds. For less than $100, you can buy an mp3 alarm clock that will wake you up with something you enjoy hearing. Or open your blinds or curtains and let the sun shine into your bedroom. This task can be done by remote control for under $200, including new blinds.
Modern Bathrooms
The modern bathroom is not here, yet; but there are a few things you can do to make your bathroom at least feel less old. Replacing old faucets, knobs, and showerheads will make a significant difference in the appearance, and often the function of your bathroom. Changing the lighting also makes a big impact. Those looking to spend a little money sprucing up an old bathroom might consider a new toilet. It might seem like your older toilet is fine, until you test-drive a new model. The modern toilet uses less water, makes less noise, and looks a whole lot better than the clunkers some of us hide in our water closets. There are toilets available with such options as heated seats, built in bidets, deodorizer, and a remote to control it all. How's that for progress?
Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.