Written by Catherine Seagrave

At the Living House we have designed hundreds of bedrooms for people and there are some fundamentals that you need to get right from the start. Here we share some of our top tips for creating a relaxing space.

My bedroom is currently a mess… it is definitely not the sanctuary I’d like it to be! This is in part due to the decluttering of my daughter’s bedroom that took place recently - I now have bags and bags of her stuff carefully sorted and bagged, but with nowhere to go until the charity shops start accepting donations again. 

But I can’t blame it all on her. My bedroom can also become a dumping ground, a place to quickly hide stuff when I’m trying to tidy ineffectively in 10 minutes.  I probably also have to admit that I’m just not that naturally tidy, or disciplined - hanging clothes up is a chore, and that accent chair in the corner is an easy target for the days discarded clothes!! And then there’s the cats… how they manage to bring in half the garden overnight I’m not sure, but I guess at least it’s not a mouse!!!

But when the charity shops do accept my huge bag of stuff again and I get to tidy, my bedroom does become a calm sanctuary, and a place I enjoy being. Despite its current state, there is a place for everything, and the basics of the room work - the storage, the lighting, the proportions, the colours. 

At the Living House we have designed hundreds of bedrooms for people and there are some fundamentals that you need to get right from the start. Here we share some of our top tips for creating a relaxing space - let’s hope you’re better than me at actually maintaining it! I really must go and make my bed!!

Start with the storage and reduce the clutter

Take a good look at all the things you need to store in your bedroom. The room is never going to work if you simply don’t have a place for everything. Go for the largest wardrobe you can fit in the space, and if space is tight consider sliding doors. The bed is another great space for storage. An ottoman provides a cavernous space for suitcases/bedding/Christmas decorations. Make every piece of furniture work hard - bedside tables need to have a drawer or a cupboard, otherwise before you know it you have a pile beside your bed of books, chargers, make up remover and other bits and bobs. 

@interiors_at_13

Consider the proportions

The furniture you choose needs to suit the propositions of the room. If you are lucky enough to have a large space with a super king size bed, opt for  wide bedside tables to add balance. A chest of drawers beside the bed can look better than a narrow bedside table, and adding them either side of the bed creates symmetry. Equally if you have a very high ceiling, a modern clean line four poster bed can draw your eye upwards, or use a tall statement headboard.  

If your room is small, the proportions of your furniture need to be smaller too. This will have the effect of making the space feel larger as you can see space around the furniture. If the room looks crowded, it will feel small and cluttered.

Have a chat with us and find out how we can help you. Book a discovery call with us today!

@the_bladons_roseberry

@the_bladons_roseberry

Think carefully about the colour scheme

There’s no set right or wrong here as this is a private space and personal to you. However, think about the colours that you find relaxing. For some people that is gentle blues and greens, and for others it’s more neutral tones. Bright stimulating colours are usually best avoided (or used as small accents) in favour of calm colours and textures. Be brave and try painting all the walls including the ceiling - it can blur the edges and add height. If you have a dark paint colour, painting the ceiling can add to the cosy look.

@dustsheets_and_decor

Create a focal point

The bed creates the obvious focal point of the room, and the wall behind the bed provides a great space to add some extra style. This could be a feature wallpaper, or panelling. We are seeing lots of different styles of panelling being used right now. If you stop the panelling before the ceiling it can double up as a shelf to add artwork and create a gallery wall shelf. 

Slatted wood, used either horizontally or vertically can add warmth, texture and height to your room.

Would you love a cosy bedroom but unsure where to start? Let us help you with our Midi Living package.

@houseproject_36

@houseproject_36

Change the mood with lighting

There’s nothing to say that you can’t have fancy lighting in your bedroom. You don’t have to go for a simple paper shade - elevate the space with a chandelier for some instant glam. 

Mood lighting is very important in a bedroom. Add indirect or task lighting to keep the glare of the light away from the eye with a reading light. If space is tight add pendant lights beside the bed rather than bedside lights to free up your bedside tables for accessories.

@thedailynest

Define the area with a rug

Adding a rug at the end of the bed helps create a cosy look. It can also bring in colour and pattern - and feels great on your toes when you step out of bed in the morning! The rug should ideally be large enough to go slightly under the bed, to anchor the bed, and stop the rug from looking like it’s floating.

@houseproject_36

@iknowiknowanotherreno

Are you looking for those finishing touches to complete your room? Click here for the perfect solution!

Dress the bed

It goes without saying that a well made and dressed bed completes the room (I need to take note!!). Invest in good quality bed linen and then layer up with a throw and cushions. There’s no need to go over the top - just a couple of cushions placed in front of the pillows is enough to finish the look.

If you would like help to design your perfect bedroom, get in touch. We’d love to help you create your own sanctuary - whatever your personal style or budget.