10 easy ways to spruce up the master bedroom.

Many home owners spend a lot of time and money decorating throughout their homes, but for some reason they tend to overlook their own bedroom. If your master bedroom contains the essentials but is lacking warmth, here are ten easy and quick ways to give it a boost.

1. Painting. If you want to create an inviting and cozy bedroom to relax in, choose one wall as the room's focal point to paint. Oranges, reds, pinks, and warm yellows are best used on rooms that have little or no direct sunlight. Blues and greens are a better choice for sunny rooms that may overheat.

2. Plants and flowers. Bringing life into your bedroom will freshen it up. Dressers and night tables make great spots to set small potted plants. You can even pick up flower pots in various sizes and colours at your local dollar or discount store. If you don't want the expense of fresh flowers, purchase fake ones from the craft store. There are many different types of flowers and colours to choose from, and most look very life like. Fill up one or two vases and set them in different areas of the room.

3. Window treatments. Pull down those old, tired curtains or blinds and give the window a good washing. Hang new curtains or blinds, or go to the fabric store and select something that matches the colour of the room. Get enough fabric to reach the floor and sew one end to allow a curtain rod to slide through. Once the curtain is hung, drape it the side and secure it with an unusual tieback, like a painted seashell or doorknob. It should hang elegantly and bunch prettily on the floor. If you have a windowsill, add a vase of flowers or plants and other assorted objects.

4. Pillows. Add decorative pillows in different shapes and sizes to your bed and chairs to add texture and patterns. You can buy these new, used, or even make your own.

5. Lighting. If you have a ceiling light, simply putting in a lower wattage bulb will give the room a cozy glow. For a new look entirely, update ceiling lights and fans. Lighting stores offer a vast selection of traditional items, as well as unique contemporary designs. Exchange the night table reading lamps with extending wall lights to free up space and modernize the room.
6. Flooring. If you have hardwood floors hiding underneath the bedroom carpet, it may be time to bring it back to life. If the floor is still in good shape, polishing should bring it up to par. If you prefer carpet, rent a steam cleaner and go through the entire bedroom. Your old carpet will look new again.

7. Rearrange the furniture. Changing things around can make the entire room feel different. Try moving things where you wouldn't normally put them for a bold new look.

8. Bedding. The bed is usually one of the biggest pieces of furniture in the room; therefore it tends to be the first thing you notice. Replacing an old set of bedding with something new can make a big difference to the overall look of the room.

9. Artwork and mirrors. Hang paintings or pictures in decorative frames, and choose images that replicate the things you enjoy. Mirrors can be used as decoration or to make the room appear bigger.

10. De-clutter. Clearing away papers, books, boxes, and piles of clothes will make the room more inviting and comfortable. Store things in the appropriate places or give excess items away.

It doesn't take a professional, or a lot of money to liven up your master bedroom, a few hours can turn it into a calming retreat.