Montgomery Ward

Q: My 13 year-old daughter told me she wants a “wild” and “funky” room but I don’t want to spend time and money on something she’ll outgrow (or get sick of) in a year. Do you have any ideas of a compromise so we both can be happy?
-Beth L. (Lubbock, TX)

A: Our advice, Beth, is simple: keep the wild and funky elements to a minimum. Either stick to basics for bedding (ex: solid colors, ultrasuede one-color comforters, etc.) and opt for a few splashy and fun accent pieces or go all out with a wild bedding pattern and more simple, solid-colored accents.

Wild Accents: This roundabout chair is an example of accent furniture that can go either direction - it comes in a funky gray and orange print but also comes in solid and neutral colors. Some of our other funky favorites include a pink cheetah or black zebra print shoe chair, colorful wall decals and even their own bold circle rug.

Room Idea #1 - Basic Bedding, Funky Accents: Starting with the bedding, we would recommend something neutral like the soft-as-suede comforter set (even comes with bonus pillow!) or these solid-colored shaggy Gatsby comforter sets in hot pink, blue, orange or purple.

Now comes the fun part: have fun with accents like a wild print rug or a fun lamp like this retro table lamp. Even if she gets tired of her room in a year, all you need to change is a few accents (not the entire room).

 Room Idea #2 - Funky Bedding, Basic Accents: Starting with the bedding, throw all caution to the wind and let her choose her favorite patterned set: pink or purple animal print comforters, pink camo comforters or even a traditional black and white zebra animal print bedding set.

Depending on which comforter you choose, you’ll want to start picking out your basic accents. Remember: basic doesn’t have to be boring. You can pair a wild zebra animal print comforter with a bold red lips (smooch) chair. Pair your bedding with a coordinating sequined pillow, retro circle table lamp or even this fuzzy wiggle accent lamp.

Good luck with your project - be sure to send us photos and let us know how it turns out!

We always get excited about new products and wanted to share these new arrivals with you. Here are some of our favorites - be sure to check out the entire list of new products online at wards.com:

• double treat ice cream maker: this ice cream machine lets you make two different flavors at the same time. Just add ingredients, put in the freezer and enjoy in a few hours!
• retro bar accessories and appliances: like your martini shaken, not stirred? You’ll love this retro martini shaker (makes a great holiday or birthday gift)! We also love the look of this bright red retro ice maker. Since we’ve got retro appliances on the brain, we couldn’t help but add this nostalgia doughnut maker to the list.
• a smarter chip and dip tray: we think this one is pretty smart, since it can either keep cold dips cold or hot dips hot for long periods of time.
• perfectly pink girls storage collection: we love this collection, including underbed storage bag, over the door shoe organizer, hanging shoe organizer and hanging accessory shelves.
• custom sized (made to measure) roman shades: these 100% silk roman shades can be made to measure (up to 72″ in length) and are cordless for extra safety. Available in nine colors, they’re available in both inside and outside mount.

Congratulations to Tracy M., the winner in our High School Musical giveaway contest!

Tracy will receive a High School Musical quilt, full size sheet set and sham. Congrats, Tracy!

Also, we will feature Tracy’s decorating question later this week so stay tuned for her question and our designers’ answer. (We’ll give you a hint: the question relates to decorating a pre-teen girl’s bedroom!)

Q: I really like animal prints and would like to try decorating with a few styles but am worried that it will look too busy or weird. (Does anyone decorate with animal prints any more?) Do you have any advice on what I should and shouldn’t do?
–Cheryl G. (Cincinnati, OH)

A: When used in moderation, animal prints can help add some zing to a room. For example, in a room decorated with red and black or even black with pink accent colors, this zebra print chair adds some flair without going over-the-top.

Another way to add some zebra print to a room would be with a zebra print rug. I recently visited a home where their zebra print rug was the perfect touch to keep an otherwise traditionally-decorated library/study from looking too stuffy.

In the bedroom, another option is using animal print sheets with a solid colored comforter set.  

In a teen bedroom, don’t be afraid to go over the top with pink or purple animal print bedding and don’t stop there! Add a hot pink, zebra or cheetah print shoe chair to go with a zebra comforter set or to accent a pink leopard chair.

Have a decorating question? Send us your decorating dilemma!

Want to win a High School Musical bedding set?

It’s true: this High School Musical quilt, full size sheet set and sham can be yours!

All you have to do is send us an e-mail with a decorating question. Be sure to:

• put “High School Musical Contest” in the subject line
• include your decorating question (and any photos you have of the room/decorating dilemma you’re trying to solve)
• include your name, address and phone number

But hurry: this contest ends on June 5, 2008! (Winner will be notified by e-mail.) Good luck!