Mapped out

Just how good is your geography? I always thought I pretty much knew exactly who lived where. But watching the athletes' parade at the Olympic Games - all 204 teams -  made me realise I was wrong. There were several countries I had no clue where to find on a map - and worse, that I never even knew existed! For instance, did you know where Vanuatu was or Guinea Bissau? Have you ever been to Sao Tome and Principe? How about Timor Leste?

Having spent some time on Google Maps to brush up on my knowledge, I decided to look at the use of maps in interior design. Over the centuries, printed and framed maps have frequently featured in decor, particularly in studies and libraries.

Here's how some creative souls have used it in bedrooms:

Boys' bedrooms are the most obvious setting. The bold colours are lively and energising:

Source: swiftsorchids.com

Map wallpaper forms a subtle backdrop to the boldly striped bedlinen:

Source: meggielyn.net

A more sophisticated application of a sepia coloured Paris street map forms an interesting backdrop to this neutral bedroom setting.

Source: bedroomdecoratingideas.blogspot

It does not have to be printed - this one is shaped out of wire in a contemporary setting:

Source: designshuffle

Give furniture the map treatment:



Chest of drawers via Elle Decor. Chair: Design Team

Bring the map theme in in small doses with these cute wall decorations:

Source: imagefave and nordicrooms.net

Going for gold!

Wow - what else can we talk about today other than gold! We are so proud of swimmer Cameron van den Burgh for bagging South Africa's first Olympic gold medal for 2012, and doing so at a world record pace. Congrats, Cameron!

If you want to treat yourself to the colour of champions in your bedroom, here are a few suggestions:

Go all out with layer upon layer of soft, subtle shades of gold in wallpaper, headboard, bedding and accessories, and vary the scale of the pattern.

Source: www.masterbedroomideas.com

Here the gold wallpaper is offset by the warm brown wardrobe and neutral walls.

Source: www.decorpad.com

Limit the gold to headboard and lampshade:



Source: www.narratives.co.uk

Just a touch of gold in the lighting goes a long way to adding glamour:

Source: 1. www.stylishhomes.com 2: www.bedroomdecorideas.com

Or stick to a bit of gilding in the accessories:

Source: 1. www.javaindo.com  2: www.anurbancottageblogsspot.com