Creating a Restful Bedroom - Week One

1.

When planning to decorate a bedroom, it is important that certain elements of design are followed to achieve a welcoming and restful haven. I am planning to re-decorate my small master bedroom and created a list of points to help when planning this space. As I want to use a number of images to illustrate these points, I have decided to blog this post in a few parts. Please note, the is not a sponsored post so where I have referred to products or other websites, it is merely to help you with more information.

Architecture:

The architecture of the room will influence where you place your bed. Personally, I don't adhere to Feng Shui, however they say your bed should not be horizontal to your door or en suite and to be honest, I have always slept better when my feet are facing the door. It is preferable not to place a bed under a window but if you have no choice, then I would suggest a solid wooden headboard but remember to allow as much window to show as possible. Because of lack of space, I will be using a headboard against my window when I re-decorate my bedroom and choosing to create a lower version of my DIY upholstered, linen headboard I made for my guest bedroom... Remember, this is 'your' space, so make it work for 'you'.

2. Above: If you have to place your bed in front of a window, make sure you don't block out the window with a large headboard. The curves of this headboard soften the lines of the window. 

3. Above: A small, well balanced space

4. Above - Beautiful beams

Natural Light:

Make sure you have as much natural light as possible. If outside trees are blocking your light, top them or remove them. If your neighbours are adjacent, use wooden shutters. Shutters filter light beautifully and can easily be closed for privacy. If your room doesn't have a lot of natural light, the use of mirrors, can help to bounce light around a room. I use Brightshine for my shutters as I have always been happy with the quality and fitting. (Note:this is not a sponsored post). 

Colour:

Note: Colour is actually a highly technical and emotional subject to cover and so I am only touching on this subject as to my opinion through personal experience.

Choose calming, neutral colours for a restful space, soft blue has a soothing quality, beige and light, warm, greys also work well in a bedroom. Bright colours should be left for other rooms in the house, although you could add pops of colour with accessories such as cushions. Think also about the size of your room, you may think a light colour will be best for a small dark bedroom, however using a darker, moody colour can look amazing.

My favourite bedroom colours are; Taupe, soft warm whites, gentle blues, light warm greys.

Above: I used gentle Taupe shades for my guest bedroom. the walls are Resene Eighth Bison Hide. This colour changes throughout the day, sometimes it looks grey, other times warm beige. It has no pink undertones and works beautifully in a neutral scheme.

5. Above: Be careful when choosing white to decorate a bedroom as it can become cold and clinical. Make sure that you use warm whites.

Note: All whites and neutrals have different undertones. Always try a test pot of colour or order a brush out. View under both natural and artificial light. You can read more about choosing the right white, here

6. Above: Another point to remember when choosing white for a bedroom is to introduce lots of interesting textures.

7. Above: A palette of soft greys  creates a peaceful haven. Pattern and texture have been combined to create contrast. Personally the shade of grey on the walls, is a little on the cool side. However the lighter greys of the bedding and furniture, lift the room. I love the overall look of this bedroom and the wonderful light filtering through the sheer curtain.

8. Above: Neutral taupe's - Texture has been added with the carpet, headboard and decorative wall art. Pattern has been introduced in the same tones.

9. Above: Neutral walls/curtains and bed head. The addition of a pop of yellow brightens up this scheme. Adding colour by way of bedlinen or cushions, is a simple way to enhance a white or taupe scheme.

10. Above: A small room has been painted a dark colour however, combined with light bedlinen and the texture of the fur throw, this space is indeed welcoming.

Window Treatments:

For privacy, shutters are perfect and allow the right balance of light. Curtains are useful for insulating, they can be combined with sheer fabrics for privacy. Roman blinds are smart but can look rather like a large sheet when they are dropped down, unless you have a decorative feature such as the signature ribbon finish Kelly Hoppen gives to her Roman blinds. I prefer to keep Roman blinds for smaller windows or as a decorative feature with full length curtains either side.

When choosing curtains, don't forget the curtain pole, this is also an important part of design. Decide your colour, do you want contrast or do you want it to blend in. What is your style? With French style, you may decide to go for a narrow rustic pole with finials. Coastal, a white washed appearance can look great as well as a narrow dark bronze with simple ball finials. There are so many choices available today, much will be determined by the overall style of your room.

I have gathered a few images to inspire you without going into too many details.

11.

12. Above black shutters work wonderfully in this elegant Sydney flat spotted at Remodelista

13

14

15. Above, gorgeous silk curtains - You can see the before and after of this makeover at Emily Henderson

Image sources 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15

I hope this has been helpful to you, I will be covering more next week and will hopefully be at the stage where the mood board for my bedroom is complete.