Creating a personal paradise in your own home
by ARA
Jun 27, 2012 | 33019 views | 0 0 comments | 502 502 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Creating a personal paradise in your own home

What does "paradise" mean to you? For most of us, thoughts of paradise conjure up sundrenched beaches and glistening waters, swaying palm trees and a bright tropical drink with a tiny umbrella on the top.



Back to reality: Your tech devices are buzzing insistently, your kids, spouse and coworkers are asking for help with homework and housework or the next project, and you're lucky to be able to break away for a quick run to the coffee shop, much less an island dream vacation.



But what if you could create your own paradise - right at home? "Staycations" are all the rage right now and in today's hectic life, it's more important than ever to create a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind and recharge, making every day at home a little escape.



Creating your own personal Shangri-La can be as easy as bringing home accessories with pops of enchanted color and elements of sparkle into your environment. Mix and mingle bright accents like pillows, drapes or vases to energize your space with a vibrant melody of color.



Spring and summer's best home decor features hues that are a new twist on jewel tones. And when you think of island scenes, use your imagination to find ways to bring the colors and feel of paradise into your home. Think of how the bold fuchsia pink of climbing bougainvillea catches your eye in a tropical location - why not add dashes of that rich color to your room with draperies that mimic the wall-climbing effect of the flowers?



If you love the way the sun glints on turquoise blue waters, consider ways to add sparkle - and a touch of soothing blue - to your bedroom. A sea-colored duvet, paired with metallic accents, can set you adrift in your own paradise. Whatever evokes your favorite memories of exotic locations can be translated into your decor with a little bit of creative thinking.



Whimsical accents like a flock of butterflies on the wall or pillow with a sequin peacock feather design will make you smile the minute you walk through the door. Borrow some ideas from your favorite vacation spots to draw on your imagination. When your personal idea of paradise is the inspiration, you'll have the perfect guide for creating an at-home getaway.



Visit MidnightVelvet.com to discover affordable ideas to refresh your personal escape and explore the home styling trends that will bring a touch of paradise to your home.
report abuse...

Express yourself:

We're glad to give readers a forum to express their points of view on issues important to this community. That forum is the “Letters to the Editor.” Letters to the editor may be submitted directly to The Times-Independent through this link and will be published in the print edition of the newspaper. All letters must be the original work of the letter writer – form letters will not be accepted. All letters must include the actual first and last name of the letter writer, the writer’s address, city and state and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

Letters may not exceed 400 words in length, must be regarding issues of general interest to the community, and may not include personal attacks, offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or attacks on personal or religious beliefs. Letters should focus on a single issue. Letters that proselytize or focus on theological debates will not be published. During political campaigns, The Times-Independent will not publish letters supporting or opposing any local candidate. Thank you letters are generally not accepted for publication unless the letter has a public purpose. Thank you letters dealing with private matters that compliment or complain about a business or individual will not be published. Nor will letters listing the names of individuals and/or businesses that supported a cause or event. Thank you letters about good Samaritan acts will be considered at the discretion of the newspaper.