Turquoise and Black Bedding and Comforter Sets

Animal prints are a fun way to decorate for tween and teen girls ~ especially when the exotic design melds with the ever-popular turquoise and black bedding sets like those I've included here.

But like any busy print, those convincing stripes and spots can fast become a confusing splatter of wild spots-and-stripes-gone-wild if you're not careful to corral the urge to splurge on the design. Indeed, too much of one design can overwhelm your space, resulting in a chaotic look you don't want in a bedroom.

Notice the zebra stripe in the turquoise and black model room (above left); all the look-alike coordinates take away from your room's star attraction: the bed. The result is a diluted focal point.

Allow your bed to stand out from the rest, attracting the eye from the get-go.

Ideally, you want your bed to steal the show and any ensuing accessories should support the theme, not take from it.

The Science of Color:

Don't discount 'plain 'ol' bedding like these solid turquoise comforter sets; they can offer you the most freedom when choosing decor, acting as a blank slate where the sky's the limit, especially with the bedding above left.

You'll have the option for choosing accessories and wall art without having to go for a particular design.

For the turquoise and black you're after opt for black pillows and window panels with a cool pattern in turquoise and black.

Really, plain can be your friend when you're undecided and have wall art or other substantial piece you must work into your decor.

While plain may seem your least fave it can turn out to be a diamond in the rough.

I love to decorate but I'm not keen on having to invest money again and again in redecorating the same space ~ especially kids' and teens' bedrooms were they can awake a changed person as far as their tastes are concerned. I often refer to this enigma as the "Bambi to Bieber" phase where yesterday's cute deer is abandoned for a cute dear.

Bedding sets like these that sport the houndstooth and geometric triangles promise you a long term payout, earning their keep far longer than those cute kid-friendly motifs. Plus, when you child opts out of their puppy posters you'll only need to change out your wall art and a few accessories; the bedding can stay.

Pair up a turquoise and black bedding set like these timeless treasures with those standard size posters (24"x36"). You can make an impressive-sized finished piece of art using cheap poster frames. I buy mine at those big box craft stores where I can download a weekly coupon on my phone; no printing is necessary. And I enjoy usually a 40% off discount.

By using standard sized posters, you simply change out the poster and you've another great piece of art! Just keep to the 24x36" size, as most posters are available in this size. Using frames really makes the artwork dimensional and sharp.

Bedding that lasts is your first step to saving your on decorating budget. Smart!

Color Conundrum: Turquoise, Teal and Aqua:  What's the Difference?

There's no bigger color confusion than the turquoise, teal and aqua trio. With such subtle differences it's no wonder we're stymied but here's an easy reference to make the three hues more recognizable:

Turquoise: More green in the blue

Teal: more balanced blue/green

Aqua: Paled turquoise (turquoise with white)

And there you have it!