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!

I have a problem of the worst kind: too much stuff that I don’t want to part with and not enough space for it all.

But it gets worse: I have already updated my closet to maximize space, got some bed risers so the underbed storage boxes fit, etc.  Not quite ready to install overhead garage storage in my bedroom, it’s time for some serious help and some serious storage solutions.

Step 1: Sort, Clean, De-Clutter
Not only am I a pack rat, but I’m also a paper person who stores anything that I think I might need some day. The first step is figuring out what I really need — instead of keeping all of my paycheck stubs, I have shredded everything but the last year’s papers. ‘Adios’ old utility bills, receipts for clothes I purchased over six months ago and magazines that I have already read.

Step 2: Put It All Somewhere
Not only am I a pack rat, but I’m unorganized. Now that I have cut down on the amount of papers I’m storing, now it’s time to put it all in one place, in a two drawer file cabinet.

Step 3: Conquer Closet Space
No matter how large or small your closet is, there’s no such thing as too much closet space. Conquer your unruly closet with these helpful closet storage tips:

• Hide it under the bed: Store winter clothes under the bed during the summer months, for example, with a spacemaker bag. The air-tight plastic bag will help keep clothes fresh and dust-free during the off seasons.
• Instead of storing jewelry in countless boxes or even in multiple places, organize your family jewels with a jewelry armoire. Not sure if you have enough jewelry to fill an armoire? You don’t need to fill it - in fact, the extra space is great for scarves or even keepsakes that you’re not sure what to do with.
• Place a storage bench at the foot of your bed for extra clothes or even shoes.
• Donate! If you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it to good cause and not only will you enjoy having the extra space, but it will also help with taxes next year, too. Also don’t be afraid to clean out your bookshelf -  if it’s not a book you absolutely love, donate it to your local library.

Good luck conquering your clutter!

We want to hear your success stories - send us an e-mail and be sure to include “before” and “after” photos of your project. If your project is featured, we will send you a Montgomery Ward gift card!

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!

Q: My boyfriend is really into hunting and camo and I’d like to surprise him with a camo-themed kitchen. Do you have any ideas on how I can add some camo to the kitchen?

A: The key to adding camo in the kitchen will be moderation. It’s easy to go overboard (camo accents, camo curtains, camo rugs, camo dishes, etc.), but if you aim to strike a balance between the camo print and similar hunting-themed items, you’ll be able to create a kitchen that you both love.

Let’s start with the camo: we like this camo rug because it’s durable and non-slip. It’s neutral with just enough camouflage to help carry your theme (without going overboard).

This camouflage valance may be another great option. Depending on the room and window size, you may also have some luck with the coordinating camo panels — if they’re too long, you can always hem them shorter (or even use adhesive no-sew glue if you’re not looking for a sewing project).

Now that we’ve tackled the camo, let’s move on to some hunting accents to compliment the camo. This antler chandelier would look great over a small table in the kitchen area. For more hunting and outdoor accessories, visit our lodge decorating style shop.

Short on space? This breakfast corner nook set is perfect if you’re looking for a table to fit in a snug space or corner.

One last thing to consider: paint. If you’re planning on painting the kitchen, we recommend keeping things neutral - a light tan or beige color would work best to compliment your new decor. If you’re feeling bold, try a light mocha color but avoid something too dark if you’re working with a small area.

Good luck with your project — be sure to send us photos of your finished project. We’d love to see how it turns out!