Designing A Bedroom: Tips For A Cozy Interior Makeover

Designing a bedroom is all about creating a stylish and functional space that reflects your personality and suits your needs. Whether you're working with a small or large room, there are several key considerations to keep in mind when it comes to bedroom design. From choosing the right colour palette and furniture layout to adding personal decorative touches, each element plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and inviting space.

Choosing a colour palette

When choosing a colour palette for your bedroom, it is important to consider the room's size, natural light, and orientation. For example, northern light brings out cool tones, so a room facing north should influence your colour choices. East-facing rooms have warmer morning light and cooler afternoon light, and the reverse is true of west-facing rooms. If you want to create the illusion of more space, choose a light colour scheme. If your room is north-facing and a little chilly, consider warm paint colours or moody hues.

If you are designing a small bedroom, pale colours that appear to recede from the eye could be preferable to visually expand the room. However, bear in mind the room's orientation. In north-facing light, a light colour with a grey or green base will look even cooler. Swap it out for a colour with a yellow base if you want the room to feel more inviting.

Dark bedrooms can help you sleep and often feel calming, relaxed, and romantic. However, limit fluorescent colours in the bedroom to keep the space harmonious and restful. Introduce whites, creams, soft blues, and other soothing shades to keep the room calming.

For a completely white bedroom, use different textures to create an elegant and dramatic space. Neutrals, when styled properly, can be anything but boring.

If you want to make a statement, choose unexpected colours. In one home, designer Charlotte Lucas added bold chartreuse curtains to a primary bedroom with an abundantly patterned room. The vibrant pop of colour worked well with the otherwise relaxed colour scheme.

You can also use colour to highlight the best features of your room. In one project, the entire colour palette of a historic Kansas City home was inspired by the stained glass windows featured throughout, including in the primary bedroom.

Don't forget about the ceiling when choosing your colour palette. Designer Jasmine Crockett added a sense of playfulness to a bedroom by including a design on the ceiling, rather than leaving it white or painting it the same shade as the walls.

When choosing a colour palette, it is also important to consider the flooring. Carpet will provide warmth and comfort for the entire space and could be your preference. If the bedroom doesn't see much foot traffic, you can choose a lighter weight carpet than elsewhere in the home.

You can also use colour to create a specific atmosphere. For example, to promote rest and relaxation before bedtime, opt for a calm and muted colour palette.

Selecting the right-sized bed

When designing a bedroom, it is important to select the right-sized bed to ensure the space is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect bed size:

Firstly, consider the size of your bedroom. If you have a spacious bedroom, you may want to opt for a larger mattress, such as a king-sized bed. However, it is essential to ensure that you have enough floor space for other furniture and to move around freely. A good rule of thumb is to allow for bedside tables on both sides of the bed, providing functionality and a sense of balance in the room. If your bedroom is on the smaller side, consider a double bed or a full-sized mattress to save space. You can also utilise vertical space with a taller and larger armoire or dresser.

Additionally, the height of the bed is an important factor. Ideally, the bed should be 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) longer than the tallest person sleeping in it. This ensures comfort and allows for a comfortable sleeping posture. If you have high ceilings, a poster or canopy bed can add a dramatic touch and draw attention to the room's height. Conversely, if you have a low ceiling, opt for a modern bed with clean lines to maximise the sense of space.

The style of the bed frame is also worth considering. Metal or wooden frames complement traditional bedroom styles, while upholstered beds are a stylish, modern choice, offering soft tactility. If you're looking for additional storage, a divan bed with built-in drawers or a lift-up base can be a great option.

Don't forget to measure your bedroom before purchasing a new bed to ensure the perfect fit. By selecting the right-sized bed, you'll create a functional and harmonious bedroom that suits your needs and tastes.

Planning the layout

If you're working with a smaller space, consider moving the bed into a corner to save floor space. You'll also need to think about the amount of room and budget you have for storage. Fitted furniture can be more expensive but will optimise space, especially in smaller or awkwardly-shaped rooms. If you opt for unfitted furniture, you'll still want to include essential pieces like a dressing table and bedside tables, and perhaps a separate closet if your room doesn't have built-in storage.

Once you've decided on the position of the bed and other essential pieces, you can start to think about adding extra furniture, such as a bench at the foot of the bed, an armchair or a small desk. It's important to ensure there's adequate space to move around the room, so you may need to edit down your furniture choices if it starts to feel too cramped.

Lighting

Ambient light, also known as general light, serves the same function as natural sunlight, bathing the entire room in light. It is best achieved with ceiling fixtures (flush mount ceiling lights, chandeliers, pendant lights, etc.) or through portable floor lamps.

Task lighting is a more focused type of lighting that makes tasks like reading, writing and sewing easier. It can be achieved through table lamps, swing-arm lights, or even pendants.

Accent lighting highlights visual features such as artwork. It can be incorporated through recessed lighting, wall sconces, tape lights or creative repurposing of other fixtures.

When designing your bedroom lighting, it is important to consider the size and height of the room, as well as your personal style. You may opt for recessed lights, a flush-mount fixture, a chandelier, ceiling fans, or wall sconces. Many designers recommend using several lights of lower wattage instead of one or two bright fixtures. For added flexibility, place your ambient lighting on dimmer switches.

• Layer your overhead lighting with table lamps on nightstands for bedtime reading.
• Install hanging lights or wall lights with swing arms over tables to free up space.
• Consider accent lighting to showcase artwork or photographs.
• Don't forget to include reading nooks, dressing areas, and closets in your lighting plan.
• Consult an electrician, especially if you are working on a renovation or existing structure, to understand any limitations and costs associated with your lighting choices.
• Determine the finishes you want to use. A good lighting plan combines lighting in at least two different finishes to create a cohesive and intentional look.
• Source your lighting options and create a mood board to visualise how they work together.
• Finally, have a licensed electrician install your chosen lighting fixtures.

Flooring

Rugs are a popular choice for bedrooms, adding texture and warmth to the space, as well as a stylish touch. They can bring a sense of comfort and help unify the room's design by tying together different elements such as the colour palette and furniture. When choosing a rug, consider the size and placement in relation to the bed and other furniture. Ideally, the rug should extend at least halfway under the key pieces of furniture, and for a larger room, a bigger rug that reaches about two feet out from the walls can make a grand statement.

For a bedroom with a more limited budget, a simple yet effective trick is to start with the rug and build the rest of the room's decor around it. This ensures that the rug matches the overall design and creates a cohesive look. Additionally, layering rugs can add visual interest and a sense of luxury. For example, a faux fur or sheepskin rug on top of a larger rug can provide a cosy and indulgent feel.

Hardwood flooring is another option for bedroom flooring, offering a classic and elegant look. Wooden floors are often associated with a sense of warmth and comfort, especially when paired with rugs or soft furnishings. They provide a versatile backdrop for different design styles and can be easily customised with area rugs or other decorative elements.

If you're looking to create a truly opulent bedroom, consider marble flooring. Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that adds a sense of grandeur to the space. While it is a more expensive option, marble floors can be a stunning focal point and elevate the overall design aesthetic.

Lastly, don't underestimate the impact of a fresh coat of paint. Painting your floor can be a cost-effective way to transform your bedroom. Whether you opt for a neutral colour to create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere or go bold with rich jewel tones, painting your floors can be a creative way to refresh your bedroom's look without breaking the bank.

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