Create Your Bedroom

The bedroom is an almost sacred little bolt-hole and one that we all need to escape or withdraw into at times. As a room it serves numerous functions other than a sleeping quarters and all just as important to the owner. As a student living in halls of residence, my bedroom was the only room I had – where all my worldly possessions resided and the final destination for me (and a friend or three) after nightly and impromptu celebrations of student hood. My youthful taste in decor consisted of snaffled posters of various club nights and gigs and an academic wall planner which I never used. As an adult, my taste may have changed slightly, but that doesn’t mean my room fails to reflect who I am, and convey my ideas of space and design. The choices we make in the design and decoration of the bedroom reflect our personalities – it is here that we mark our identity. Modern trends in colour, bedroom furniture and accessories will also play a part in the final outcome as well as personal taste.

The ‘Foundation’
Upon moving into a new home or apartment – you may well find the colour scheme of the previous owner is not to your liking. As we spend so much time in the bedroom, maybe up to a third of our lives, then beautifying it and making it your own is of great importance. You may strike it lucky and be faced with neutral coloured carpets and walls. In this case your starting point is a blank canvas. The addition of accent colours will bring a cosiness to the room if you find white or magnolia walls too austere. You can achieve this by papering or painting one wall in a bold, voguish colour. Pre-existing carpet or wooden flooring can be complimented and accented with a rug or two.

Contemporary Themes
A desirable and restful boudoir can be achieved by way of picking a modern design theme and applying the personal touch with accessories, artwork and anything in between. Here are a few styles to consider:
Bohemian – This style lies outside of the boundaries of ‘normal’ design in its mish-mash qualities. Using old and interesting furniture from different time periods and decorating with a degree of customisation will achieve this effect.

Minimalist – Less is more. Clean lines and simple colours along with the bare minimum in modern furnishings will give you a sleek and functional look.
Rustic – The farmhouse look brought to the bedroom. Exposed brickwork, wood furnishing, terracotta and warm, sunny colour schemes.
Eco-Friendly – Choose bedroom furniture made from sustainably sourced materials with a natural finish. Unbleached linen and a natural colour scheme completes this style
Ethnic – Oriental. Egyptian. African. Indian. If lavish colour schemes and interesting, exotic accessories are your thing then an ethnic style will suit you well.

Bedroom Furniture
Before you pick out furniture for your sleep chamber, first consider how you will utilise the room and space within it. A bed is the hub of a bedroom and it’s down to you to pick an exceedingly comfortable and reasonably sized bed. Position your furniture to allow for maximum comfort and effective use of floor space.
If you decide upon the minimal look, wood with a white finish or a metal frame bed with an uncomplicated headboard will act as a good focal point. Futon beds also fit well within this plan or choose a platform on which you can place a mattress. The rustic theme calls for natural materials like leather and wool and heavy set wooden furniture. Choosing an eco-friendly theme will be more of an ethical choice rather than an aesthetic one. If you love the colours of nature and the untainted appearance and feel of unfinished wood then you are winning.

And now, Accessories……….
Even the biggest adherent to minimalistic living will need a bedside lamp or stereo system. If you have opted for this style then you have plenty of room for accessories. Not too many, mind, so as to avoid cluttering the area and losing the sparse effect. Ethnic bedroom designs call for a variety of ornaments and artwork whereas the rustic bedroom may benefit from some country house style chintz. Picking items that connect to each other and the decor either thematically or in colour will galvanise the end product of your design efforts. Most importantly, the addition of your most prized or loved belongings will stamp your identity upon the room and make it a pleasure to spend time in.