Transforming Bedrooms: A Professional's Touch

Whether you're looking to make your bedroom more relaxing or aesthetically pleasing, there are several ways to fix up your bedroom. You can add mood lighting, comfortable pillows, and a well-dressed bed with layered fabrics and fluffy pillows. You can also create a wood accent wall, float your nightstand, or swap out your traditional headboard for a creative alternative.

Create a wood accent wall

A wood accent wall can be a great way to elevate a room, adding interest, texture, and a unique touch to your space. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a wood accent wall in your bedroom:

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

• Decide on the type of wood you want to use. You can choose from a variety of options like tongue and groove boards, shiplap planks, MDF boards, or even reclaimed wood.
• Measure the length of the wall you want to cover. If it's under 12 feet, consider using 12-foot boards to create a seamless accent wall. For longer walls, stagger the seams of 8-foot boards to minimize their appearance.
• Determine the layout of your accent wall. Decide if you want a simple installation or a more complex design, such as geometric patterns or boxes.
• Gather the necessary tools and materials, including a stud finder, pencil or marker, miter saw or circular saw, nail gun, wood filler, sandpaper or sanding block, paint or stain, and sealant.

Step 2: Marking the Studs

• Use a stud finder to locate the studs inside the wall behind the sheetrock.
• Mark the location of each stud from top to bottom along the entire accent wall. This will guide you when nailing the boards.
• Connect your marks with a long level or a chalk line to ensure a straight line.

Step 3: Cutting the Boards

• Measure the length of your wall and cut the boards accordingly, leaving a 1/8-inch gap on both sides to prevent scuffing adjacent walls.
• If you're creating a design with boxes or other shapes, measure and cut the boards to fit your desired layout.

Step 4: Installing the Boards

• Remove any baseboards from the wall.
• Start by placing the first board directly on the floor, with the tongue side facing up and the grooves side facing down. Ensure it is straight and sitting firmly.
• Use a nail gun to fasten the board to the wall, nailing into each stud along the length of the board.
• Continue adding boards, fitting the tongue and grooves together tightly. Use a hammer if necessary to tap the boards into place.
• If you encounter electrical outlets or switches, carefully measure and cut the boards to make cutouts.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

• If needed, rip a board down to size to fill in any gaps at the top of the wall.
• Install a trim board, crown molding, or other decorative element at the top of the accent wall for a finished look.
• Apply stain or paint to your accent wall, allowing it to soak in for a few minutes before wiping off any excess.
• Once the stain or paint is dry, apply 1-2 coats of sealant to protect the wood.
• Fill any remaining nail holes or gaps with wood filler, and lightly sand the area to create a smooth, flush surface.
• Touch up the paint or stain as needed to cover the wood filler and create an even finish.

Creating a wood accent wall can be a rewarding project that adds character to your bedroom. With careful planning, the right tools, and some creativity, you can achieve a stunning feature that transforms your space.

Float your nightstand

Floating nightstands are a great way to save space and add a modern flair to your bedroom. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create your own floating nightstand:

Planning and Materials

Before you begin building your floating nightstand, it's important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need power tools, nails, screws, wood pieces, and finishing products such as paint or stain. Consider the amount of storage you need and decide if you want to include drawers, shelves, or a simple open cubby.

Design Options

Floating nightstands come in a variety of designs to match your bedroom's style. For a rustic look, try using wood with a dark stain and black brackets. If you prefer a minimalist style, go for a sleek and contemporary design with clean lines and simple shapes. You can also add unique details, such as "X" detailing on the sides or corbels for a subtle floating effect.

Functionality

Floating nightstands can be designed with functionality in mind. Consider adding a charging station inside the nightstand to keep your devices charged overnight. You can also incorporate cutouts for cord management to keep your space tidy and organised. Additionally, think about the weight limit of the nightstand to ensure it can hold your essentials.

DIY Tutorials

If you're looking for step-by-step instructions, there are several DIY tutorials available online. Crafted by the Hunts offers a tutorial to create two floating nightstands in an hour, while House Becoming Home provides instructions for a floating nightstand with drawers. For a simple and uncomplicated design, check out the tutorial by Yellow Brick Home.

Ready-Made Options

If you don't want to DIY, there are ready-made floating nightstands available for purchase. The Jackson Floating Side Table by Nathan James, for example, features a light oak finish and a closed drawer for storage. It also includes a cord hole for cable management and has a weight limit of 33 lbs for the top and 11 lbs for the drawer.

Mix patterns and colours

Mixing colours and patterns can be daunting, but it's an effective way to create a dynamic and interesting space. Here are some tips to help you mix patterns and colours in your bedroom:

Choose a Colour Palette

Start by considering the mood you want to create in your bedroom. Do you want it to feel light and warm, or more dramatic and intimate? Floral patterns and summery shades will bring in warmth, while darker florals and leaf motifs create a more intimate atmosphere. Ordered patterns such as stripes and geometrics work well in colder shades like blues and greys for a smart, mature aesthetic.

Take Stock of Your Patterns

Collect all the patterns you want to include in your room, and consider the existing patterns in the space, such as floorboards, exposed brickwork, or fireplace detailing. Place swatches side by side and experiment with different combinations. Give yourself time to get used to seeing bold designs together, and view them at different times of day to see how they look in various lighting conditions.

Place Your Favourite Colour Centre Stage

Using your favourite colours in prominent places will ensure you're happy with the overall design. Vary the intensity of your chosen shade across different items, such as cushions, curtains, headboards, and lighting. This will create a harmonious and well-put-together look.

Combine Different Scales

Combining patterns with different scales will help create balance. Focus on one large-scale pattern to serve as the focal point, and then introduce smaller patterns through cushions, rugs, or other accessories. Break up these patterns with neutral variations or blocks of colour to give the eye a rest.

Ensure the Pattern Suits the Surface

Patterns can sometimes appear flat when placed side by side, so mix things up by combining different textures and materials. Also, consider the size of the pattern in relation to the item it will be placed on. A large-scale print might look odd on a small cushion, while a small-scale design may get lost on a rug or large set of curtains. Practise by laying your samples on the intended surfaces to get a better idea of how they will look.

Keep the Rest of the Room Simple

If you're concerned about the room becoming too cluttered or overwhelming, opt for plain painted walls. Using a small variety of patterns across the space, and repeating certain designs, will still create an interesting and dynamic feel without sacrificing a sense of order.

Mix and Match Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are a great way to add style and comfort to your bedroom. They don't have to match; in fact, a mix of patterns, colours, and sizes can create a polished and modern look. Choose three different patterns, each incorporating at least one colour from your chosen colour palette. Select a "lead" pattern that is the largest and contains all three colours, then choose secondary patterns with one or two of the colours. When it comes to pillow sizes, follow the "Rule of Three" by selecting three different sizes to create visual interest.

Break the Rules

Remember, these guidelines are not set in stone. Feel free to experiment and adjust until you find a combination that suits your taste and the space. Adding patterns and colours is a journey of discovery, so stay open-minded and embrace new designs and combinations.

Create a symmetric design

Symmetry in interior design creates a sense of balance, calmness, and harmony in a room. It is especially useful for making small spaces feel bigger and tidier. Here are some tips for creating a symmetric design in a bedroom:

Establish a Focal Point

The bed is the natural focal point of a bedroom and will be the center of attention and your compositional center.

Place Matching Nightstands on Either Side of the Bed

Balance the weight by placing similarly heavy objects, such as a pair of matching nightstands, on both sides of the bed. Position them across from each other to create symmetry.

Hang Matching Posters or Mirrors

Hang posters, mirrors, wall art, or lighting fixtures above the nightstands or the bed. Ensure they are at the same height (eye level) to maintain symmetry.

Choose Items with the Same Visual Weight for the Nightstands

Add matching items such as lamps, sculptures, or vases to your nightstands. The more objects repeated on each side, the more formal the space will feel. You can also create symmetry with items of equal or similar size and scale.

Add Matching Pillows

Achieve symmetry through the position of your cushions by adding pairs of matching pillows. This will create a pleasing sense of order.

Decorate with wall decals

Wall decals are a great way to decorate your bedroom walls. They are an easy, fast, and affordable way to transform a boring wall. They are also versatile and come in hundreds of themes, styles, and colors. You can find them in popular characters and designs, such as Star Wars, or more generic designs like plants and succulents.

Wall decals are also a safer option for your walls than conventional stickers. They are specifically engineered for walls and will not pull off your paint or drywall. They can also be easily repositioned without leaving any sticky residue.

If you are looking for a more premium option, you can opt for vinyl wall decals, which are cut from quality Oracle Vinyl and are available in multiple colors.

• "A House Is Made Of Wood And Stone"
• "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words"
• "Always Stay Humble And Kind"
• "Bless This Home"
• "Come As You Are"
• "Difficult Roads Often Lead To Beautiful Destinations"
• "Don’t Mind The Mess"
• "Embrace The Dog Hair, It's Everywhere"
• "Enjoy The Simple Things"
• "Every Family Has A Story, Welcome To Ours"

You can also find wall decals that are more generic and focus on shapes and patterns, such as:

• Arch Support Modular Mural
• Fun Haus Modular Mural
• Grady Yent Modular Mural
• Stars Glow-in-the-Dark Wall Decals
• US & World Map Bundle Wall Decals

Frequently asked questions