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Peter Pan and his adventures battling Captain Hook are equal to our wildest, most enjoyable dreams. Is it any wonder, then, that all of Peter Pan's escapades started in a bedroom? If you're looking for a way to turn your boring bedroom into a place where dreams come true, then maybe it's time that you give your bedroom a facelift, or more, with a bedroom remodeling project.

Finding Your Happy Thought
You might think that a professional designer has all the answers when it comes to creating the perfect bedroom design for you and your home, but much as Robin William's middle-aged Pan couldn't fly until he discovered his happy thought in the 1991 Peter Pan movie "Hook," interior designer Corinne Matthews, owner of Dream Room Designs in Atlanta, GA, says that each homeowner has to figure out for themselves what it's going to take to turn the bedroom they have now into the bedroom of their dreams. "Ask yourself, how do you want to use the bedroom? How do you want it to feel?" she suggests. "If I come in and just tell you (what to do)," says Matthews, "then it's my bedroom, not what you're looking for." Instead, she encourages homeowners to do their homework, and think carefully about what they're trying to achieve. If aiming for the brightest star in the sky and then veering a little to the left isn't helping you get on course, here are a few more of Matthews' proven suggestions to help you find your bearings.

  • Magazines—It's unlikely that Peter Pan or any of the Lost Boys ever read a book cover-to-cover, but we doubt they would have objected to picking up a comic book now and again. For homeowners looking to create a perfect Neverland of their own, Matthews says that looking through design and home magazines is "a great place to start and get ideas."
  • Websites—Websites can be equally helpful. "There are sites now that have galleries of finished bedrooms for you to look at," Matthews points out. That allows you to see for yourself how different design ideas might translate into a finished product.
  • Think Tinkerbell—In other words, take note of even the smallest details. "Even if you see a single bed or chair that you like, it can help generate ideas to go on," says Matthews.
  • Keep Your Radar Up—Peter Pan never let his guard down, and you shouldn't, either. Matthews recommends that homeowners keep their eyes open when they go on vacation, visit hotels, and visit the homes of friends and family, as all of these can end up being sources of inspiration for your upcoming remodel.
  • Note What You Don't Like—Peter Pan knows what he doesn't like, including pirates, bedtimes, and gravity. Understanding what turns you off can be a valuable tool in bedroom design as well. "What you don't like is just as helpful as what you do like," says Matthews, "especially in working with a designer."

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    Still Looking For Some Pixie Dust?
    Despite following all of Peter Pan's advice, and no matter how hard Lady Wendy tried, she still couldn't fly on her own. It ended up taking a little sprinkle of Tinkerbell's pixie dust to finally get her up and off the ground. If you're still having a hard time getting started, here's some pixie dust of the bedroom design variety to help you fill your sails and get your head up into the clouds, where it belongs:

  • Think Cozy—"Most homeowners are interested in creating a fairly warm space," says Matthews, who recommends that homeowners "focus on things that make it feel intimate, romantic, and warm and cozy." That means choosing soft, warm colors, carpet instead of tile, flowing window treatments, and comfortable bedding.
  • Don't Overdo It—You'll never hear those 3 words uttered in Neverland, but in bedroom design land, they're words to live by. Designbiz.com stresses the importance of not overcrowding, noting that "the bedroom is your personal space, and should be open and not claustrophobic." That means getting rid of the computer desk, the dressing table you never use, and replacing unnecessary furniture with less obtrusive storage solutions, like getting rid of your bedside table and installing out-of-the-way shelving instead.
  • Dream Big—If you like dreaming about your future bedroom as much as you like dreaming, period, then designing your new bedroom is a good time to let your imagination run free. After all, nobody ever accused Peter Pan of thinking rationally and keeping his feet firmly anchored on the ground. "A lot of people are looking for a master bedroom suite," says Matthews, "including things like a built in spa, and an adjoining master bathroom." Bedroom remodels are one place where luxury is often the rule, rather than the exception.

    Know How Much Treasure is in Your Pirate Chest
    On a final note, Peter Pan would much rather crow like a rooster than act in a sensible manner. Unfortunately, homeowners often adopt the same mindset when it comes to splurging on bedroom remodels. Despite the fact that the bedroom is a great place to cut loose when it comes to pampering yourself, Matthews is quick to encourage people to stay within their means as they transform their dreams into reality. "High end isn't as popular as it used to be," observes Matthews. "There are a lot of people, particularly now, that are making changes on a more modest budget." That's an insight worth paying attention to, especially if you've been counting pennies instead of sheep. Just keep reminding yourself that the goal is getting more sleep, not losing it, and you'll be well on your way to making all of your bedroom remodeling dreams come true!

    Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.

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