We spend one third of our lifetime in bed so it’s important that your bedroom is your sanctuary. Walking into your bedroom should make you feel happy and calm, evoking thoughts of the relaxation and blissful slumber that lay ahead.
If your bedroom is a chaotic mix of patterns and colours and oversized furniture, then it is more than likely you will find it harder to relax and hence have a good night’s rest. We all need our sleep and scientists believe that not enough sleep can lead to serious health risks.
So how do you create the perfect boudoir? It’s easier than you think and doesn’t need to break the bank.
With the help of some insider tips, we’ll have you loving your new bedroom in no time. It’s all about layers, light and a little bit of luxury.
Layers
On the bed itself, it’s all about texture and layering. You never want a bed to appear flat and hard. Invest in the best doona or quilt you can afford that is plump and sumptuous. You want your bedcover to envelope you not just cover you.
It should be light and airy as opposed to flat and heavy to allow movement of air during the night to help regulate your body temperature and allow for peaceful sleep.
Quilted throws, blankets and embossed quilts are a nice touch folded along the foot of your bed. They also provide an easy to reach extra layer during the cooler months. Layering is especially important if you have an all-white colour scheme to avoid it appearing clinical.
Pillows and cushions are like the icing on a cake. Without them, it doesn’t look finished but too many, and it can look overdone and tacky. Stop at six pillows and just a few smaller decorator cushions. Any more looks vulgar and you have so much to throw on the floor when you get into bed.
Tip: Most pillows don’t fill the corners of the pillowcase so take some cotton batting (from any fabric store) and stuff the interior corners of the pillowcase – it gives a more full feel to the pillows and avoids them looking limp.
Hang curtains! The most important layer in a bedroom is curtains. They make a room seem finished. Think of them as the lipstick of decorating. If you can, take them all the way up to the ceiling – it will increase the height of the room.
If you can afford it, buy a rug for your bedroom, even if you have carpet. Not only is it nice to put your feet on in the morning, but it cements your desired look and adds a cozy feel to the room.
Light
Lighting is everything. It creates atmosphere, drama and intrigue in a room. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use a dimmer switch. Don’t have a dimmer switch? Then use very low voltage bulbs in your bedroom lights. Another easy way to create a flattering light, is use soft pink light bulbs in your bedroom lamps.
Mirrors are another great way to bring light into a room. They bounce light around a room and a large oversized one looks great leaning up against one wall. Think about using more than one if you have a small bedroom as they will give the illusion of more space. Continue this theme with some mirrored photo frames on a chest or bedside table.
Luxury
Every bedroom needs a little bit of luxury but don’t fear, it doesn’t need to be expensive. Think subtle gestures such as embroidery, luxe velvets or a gorgeous sequined cushion. Have a great antique chair or tallboy? Mixing old with new really adds a wow factor. Or you could cover an antique chair in a bold modern fabric.
Another easy way to inject some luxury into your bedroom is to wallpaper one wall. Or be creative and wallpaper the inside of your closet. Want an even simpler idea? Most of us own a pearl necklace (real or not). Place them in a little glass or silver dish on your bedside table beside a vase of flowers for an instant touch of elegance. Adding several small touches of luxury is always better than one big statement. It’s also more calming to the eye.
Final tip: Don’t feel everything has to match – it’s much more chic to have a variety of different fabrics. This is why making a storyboard is such a good idea. Collect fabrics, photos and materials of your ideal bedroom and keep them in your handbag. Or for the more technologically advanced, create a board on Pinterest.com, which is a virtual pinboard.
Next time you’re out shopping and see a cushion or bedcover you like, you can check to see if it works with your scheme. All of the designers do it and it’s a great way to avoid costly mistakes.
For more tips or to buys beautiful Whiteport homewares, head to www.whiteport.com.au
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