Living Arrangements

Fashionab-lee

Jonathon Taylor / contributing photographer Sometimes, living quarters merely are functional - but they don't haver to be. By paying attention to simple details like color and texture, you caqn create a unique and comfortable place to live. Bedrooms like the one pictured can be transformed easily - even on a budget.

Living fashionab-lee is not just about outward appearances. That sacred place where you sleep also should give off a stylish aura.

Decorating has become a way to express one’s keen fashion sense. From "Trading Spaces" to "While You Were Out" TLC decorating shows have been gathering a cult following. They demonstrate that shopping for home décor can be just as fun as shopping for clothes or shoes.

Redecorating your room is an exhilarating experience, because you get to exercise your creativity. You may not think that you have any, but decorating is all about your own personality. If you are more reserved and hate bright colors, don’t use those colors for your room just because they’re on sale — chances are you will grow to hate it more.

Before making a purchase, take a minute and envision your dream room. Your vision probably includes some of your favorite things. If you love Europe and the color red, blend the two for a European-themed room. The sky is the limit.

Pictures are a great place to begin, because they bring comfort to a room. Hang pictures, a map or postcards. Black-and-white photos are a great option because they go well with any color scheme. Buy simple black frames and red fabric to mat the pictures and make them pop.

Once you have decided on the theme of the room, hunt for other décor. The most important investment of any dorm or apartment is bedding. Search the Web for ideas. Great Web sites include www.potterybarn.com and www.thecompanystore.com.

While the Fab 5 from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" use their worldliness to make over the lives and homes of many clueless men, most guys probably prefer a simpler look that is easy to maintain. Try a thick comforter that lays flat, but don’t scrimp on color — the idea here is simple, not boring.

For those who don’t mind putting in the extra effort, you never can have too many pillows — buy them in various shapes and colors.

If your cash flow is low, accessorizing what you already have is the most practical option. If your room or apartment looks bare, adding something as simple as a decorative lamp, a string of lights or a vase instantly can revamp the room.