Sue Pelley, Decorating Den's senior vice-president of retail sales, explains how to decorate a bedroom with reversible accessories to create two different looks. Change the decor seasonally or to appeal to differing tastes. All of the color schemes should coordinate for a unified look. Elements of both looks shown here -- a feminine look with light florals and plaids and darker masculine jewel tones -- coordinate beautifully. Draperies Instead of making a single pair of draperies, choose two coordinating fabrics, and use one to back the other for a reversible window treatment. The draperies should be made with a simple rod pocket and gathered on a decorative wooden pole. To change from feminine floral draperies to a darker masculine look, lift the pole from the brackets (figure A) and turn the entire treatment around (figure B). Changing the drapery tiebacks completes the look. Three different fabrics wrapped around jumbo cord and braided make a striking tieback for the floral drapes (figure C). A tailored tieback would work better for the reverse fabric. (Note: Be sure to use a protective covering under the draperies so they won't be faded by the sun.) Bed This feminine bed, with a floral duvet and a light plaid slipcover on the headboard (figure D), is transformed when the slipcover is removed and the reversible duvet is flipped over to reveal the dark print (figure E). A padded headboard may be slipcovered with a single fabric or made reversible like the draperies. Decorative pillows on the bed may be made from a mix of prints and solids (figure F). When a solid-color duvet is used, for instance, plaid and floral pillows may be left on the bed for contrast. Tablecloths Use a solid-color tablecloth that coordinates with both patterns, and top it with a smaller cloth in the print you're currently using (figure G). The topper may be made reversible too. Folding Screen One of the current top 10 decorating trends is the folding screen. It's not only useful for dividing a room but also perfect for hiding clutter. If you're covering a screen with a print, be sure to match the print carefully across the panels (figure H). Back the screen with a solid or a tone-on-tone stripe that coordinates with your accessories. Bench A bench upholstered in one fabric and placed at the end of the bed can have a slipcover from another fabric. Use VelcroB. fasteners for ease of changing.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
