Article by:
Amelia Grant
You spend nearly one-third of your life in your bedroom; shouldn't it be the stuff of dreams? While you most likely have the fundamentals covered (comfortable mattress, appropriately dim lighting, sumptuous rug to sink your feet into each morning), there are plenty of next-level upgrades to make your room design even cozier.
1. Paint the ceiling a calming hue
When lying in bed, give your eyes a restful break by painting the ceiling, rather than the walls, a soothing blue-green like Sherwin-Williams' Rainwashed. It's very soothing and subtle. The color scheme is reminiscent of the ceilings on New England porches.
When going colorful on top, keep the rest of the space neutral. We like to use light cool or warm grays on the walls in a bedroom to keep things calm and serene—or, of course, white.
2. Keep it soft and serene
Remaining on neutral territory with natural elements and soft shades creates a calming and clean foundation from which to rotate out accent elements based on preference or season.
Adding depth with luxe fabrics is essential with a more muted palette. Another ruse? Make use of softer, diffused lighting. It aids in the relaxation process after a stressful day.
3. Simplify the color palette
Consider this the design equivalent of a closet purge. When accents in a room are opposites on the color spectrum, such as green and red, the eye is drawn to the difference. When the palette is simplified and the colors are complementary, the eye wanders and creates a more relaxed feeling.
4. Add a seating area to unwind
A sitting area makes the room feel like an oasis by providing a place for the homeowner to relax without actually being in bed.
While artwork and an area rug can help to separate a lounge area from the rest of the room, all you really need is a place to sit, a place to put your drink, and a light source.
5. Make it joyful
Choosing items that make you happy can truly lift your mood in a room. The ideal balance of statement and subdued. The design's structure changes depending on the lighting and where you are in the room, creating wonderful movement.
Don't be afraid to incorporate elements or color palettes from your favorite hobbies. Bringing in subtle patterns, textures, and color schemes from your favorite things not only personalizes your space but also creates an inviting home for you and your guests.
6. Layer rugs to define a sleep zone
Go ahead and apply it liberally. Placing an area rug on top of a carpeted area helps to define the space. It allows you to make cozier areas of the room, and the right rug—like this blue, gray, and ivory medallion design—can add warmth to the floor space by bringing color and pattern to the floor space, almost like artwork.
The trick is to use double-sided carpet tape to keep the corners tight to the floor. It's also important not to mix and match pile heights. A thick rug on low-pile carpeting may cause tripping, whereas a lower pile rug on shag carpeting is more likely to show furniture buckling.
7. Bring plants in, and keep clutter out
Do you want to cultivate a sense of calm? Make use of your green thumb. Including natural elements in your bedroom, such as plants, can help to create a relaxing atmosphere while also purifying the air.
Vary the heights "to create a nice vignette," and choose pots with simple designs to let the greenery be the focal point. This includes removing any excess trinkets: Keeping surfaces clutter-free, save for a few well-placed plants, gives your room a relaxed, lived-in feel.