The old black and white movies on the silver screen had bedroom furniture all figured out. There, in an oasis in a lonely desert, a single tent stood. Inside, was paradise on earth. Luscious silks, overstuffed pillows, and a bed that would surround you in ecstasy.

Sigh…

The truth of the matter is, you can create your own oasis in the middle of the hubbub of life. All it takes is a little imagination, a bit of elbow grease, some paint and bedroom furniture that matches the theme and you’re all set.

Imagination is an essential ingredient. A bedroom, particularly a master bedroom, should be your escape from the work-all-day world of stress and strain. It should be welcoming. It should be romantic. And it should reflect your unique tastes. It is, after all, your inner sanctum and only the select few are invited to share it. So why shouldn’t it be elegant and comfortable, too.

If your bedroom hasn’t received a facelift in a long time, it’s time to do some cosmetic surgery. Strip the room of all the wall art and bedroom furniture. Now you have a blank canvas to work with. Spackle all the holes and cracks in the wall and give your walls a new coat of paint. Paint is one of the least expensive ways to give a room an entirely new look.

Once you’ve put a little makeup on the walls and ceiling, it’s time for some foundations. Your bedroom furniture should reflect your tastes as well. Thankfully, there’s an endless variety of bedroom furniture to choose from these days, from the traditional to the modern, from Oriental to tropical – the choice is yours.

When selecting your bedroom furniture, keep in mind the theme you’re going for. If you’re looking to make your room look like a page out of Islands magazine, select bedroom furniture that has a Caribbean, plantation or Key West look to it. The same is true of virtually any theme you can come up with. Want to do an African savanna theme? Go with dark wooded bedroom furniture and accent it with mosquito netting, tribal masks and a few primitive statues. Go with jungle greens for the walls, offset with white trim. In no time you’re be sure you’re hearing the trumpeting of elephants and the roar of the king of the beasts.

Accent pillows are another nice touch, as are small knickknacks and photos of family and friends. These soften the space and will add character to the room, the bedroom furniture and the fabrics you have in them. Again, choose colors and textures to add interest without causing distraction.

If your furniture is in relatively good repair, you may want to refinish it in new stains or colors to match the look you’re going for. And while you’re at it, consider rearranging the furniture in the space. It can do wonders for a tired looking room.

Finally, you’ll probably want to redo your linens to match the new décor, the new colors and the ambiance of the space. Consider luxurious looking pillows, comforters and linens that will make your bedroom look like an oasis in the desert of life.

Luxury vacation rentals in Florida have mushroomed over the years, given the number of visitors going to the Sunshine State for vacations. For those who wish for an alternative to hotel suites, there are many house rentals to choose from. These luxury rentals are located in Florida’s prime location spots, usually beautiful, elegant houses with gorgeous views of sun and sea. These rentals are a hit with visitors, especially because of Florida’s tropical weather.

Among the luxury vacation rentals in Florida, those in Miami Beach are probably some of the most in-demand. Miami Beach is known for great shopping and vibrant nightlife, and also for the great number of Black and Hispanic visitors annually. Great vacation villas can be found a few miles away, tucked in Venetian Islands and all the way to North and South Miami.

Fort Lauderdale is another great source of luxury vacation rentals in Florida. Known as the Riviera of the state, one’s vacation in Florida can’t be considered complete without stopping by Fort Lauderdale. Over the years, it has become host to film and fashion premieres, therefore increasing the number of visitors looking for luxury rentals. Las Olas Boulevard in the area boasts a number of exclusive luxury villas for visitors to enjoy.

For those looking for a quiet, peaceful vacation, Boca Raton has great villas where one can enjoy privacy. Luxury rentals in West Palm Beach are also a great alternative. Be aware of the high-end prices though.

Key West is another fantastic location to look for luxury vacation rentals in Florida. A look at one of the best-selling villas in the area reveals the following:

• Classy, marble flooring all throughout the mansion’s interiors

• Spacious, elegant interiors that combine French and country-style furniture and decors

• A private elevator for the mansion’s four floors

• A gourmet kitchen done in gleaming stainless-steel

• luxurious bedrooms, each with a balcony and French doors

• A master bedroom with all-glass walls and an amazing view of the ocean

• Jacuzzi at the fourth floor, where one can gaze at the star-filled sky and the wide stretch of the beach below

• a Tiki hut perfect for beach parties

• an enormous private dock complete with a boat ramp

• heated oceanfront pool

• Chef and nanny services at the request of the guests

These luxury vacation rentals in Florida can also be used for special occasions like weddings. Imagine spending the most beautiful day of your life near the ocean, on a rambling villa that is picture-perfect for your wedding. Along with the house itself, guests can also request for themes for their weddings. You can choose to have a Princess wedding, where you can have gourmet food, sparkling champagne and exotic floral arrangements. These services can be extended to include your own personal wedding planner, a photographer and videographer and a DJ.

More simple occasions such as birthdays can be accommodated. No matter what the occasion is, it will be beautiful and memorable if held on the most luxurious villas that Florida has to offer.