Is your bedroom a peaceful sanctuary you retreat to for rest, relaxation and romance or does anxiety and stress take over at the sight of a dingy comforter and a pile of clutter?
If you felt your stress levels go up just at the mention of your bedroom then it might be time to switch it up and give your room a refresh, because if there’s one space in your house that should truly reflect your style and be a source of comfort, it’s your bedroom. Here are eight simple design ideas that will turn your chaotic and uninspiring bedroom into the serene and sensual sanctuary of your dreams without a major investment of your time or money.
- Switch it up.
The most budget-friendly way to give your bedroom a new look: consider changing the layout. If you have seating next to the window, move it to the foot of the bed instead to give your room a more cozy feel. Or look into Feng Shui – the ancient Chinese art of placement – to get ideas on how to create a more zen-like arrangement. The goal is to enhance the flow of the room and to create a harmonious environment for you to relax in and enjoy. If your room feels like it’s closing in on you, try removing a piece of furniture to increase the flow and movement around your room.
- Change the bedding.
Your bed is the biggest piece of furniture in your room and the most noticeable which makes it the focal point of the room. If you have an old comforter that needs to be replaced, try sprucing it up with a new duvet cover. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to cover that old comforter that makes a big difference in the look of a bedroom. Duvets also make an ideal jumping off point for a room makeover, find a pattern or style you love, and let it guide your color or design choices for the rest of the room.
- Add throw pillows.
Throw pillows are one of the best ways to change the look of any room and they come in all shapes and sizes which lend interest to the room. Not only can they instantly bring a pop of pattern to a space or tie together a contrasting color scheme, but because they’re inexpensive, they can be switched out any time you feel the need to refresh your décor.
- Get out the paintbrush.
A new paint color can work wonders in a bedroom. If you currently have a deep or bright color on your walls, consider changing it to a pale gray, eggshell or off-white, or cool blue. These shades will create a more restful and calm atmosphere and make your room light and soothing. You can also use paint to freshen up dated or old furniture. Give that dresser that has seen better days a fresh coat of paint and it will transform it into the showpiece of the room. And don’t be afraid to go bold with one piece to really make a statement.
- Add storage.
Clutter means turmoil, something I’m sure you want to avoid in the place that should be your sanctuary. You can buy some great double duty pieces that are reasonably priced. One solution we love is adding a storage bench at the end of the bed for extra blankets or out-of-season clothes. You can also use bins and baskets in a multitude of ways to store those items you need but in a beautiful and organized way. Also, IKEA has a number of items that can work double duty with a little creativity, like this fabulous upholstered bench below made from an IKEA long TV stand gilded with an upholstered top added for comfort. The lower shelf is great for storing pretty things and the upholstered top is a fun way to bring in another accent color or pattern.
- Bring in a rug.
If your room just feels like it’s missing something, look down. If you don’t see a throw rug, you may have found your culprit. Adding a rug grounds your furniture, provides warmth under foot for those early mornings and provides the room with a finished, cozy look. You can bring in a bold, colorful pattern if your room is mostly neutrals, or bring in a neutral rug if your duvet and wall colors are taking center stage.
- Go vertical.
Wall art is one of the most important elements of any room design and your bedroom is no exception. Without it, the room feels cold and sterile. Though a single professionally painted, custom-framed piece can run you hundreds of dollars (or more), there are also plenty of solutions that are far more affordable. Try searching for art on Etsy (some shops offer images you can download and print yourself for as little as $5), or get creative with what you consider to be art: framing wallpaper scraps, beautiful fabric, pages from a coffee table book, or even you own pictures made black and white can create a display that’s both beautiful and 100% personal.
- Change the mood.
Did you know that the light — or lack thereof — in your home can have an effect on our emotions and our moods? This is especially true for your bedroom. Differences in intensity of light affect the mood. When soft light is used, as in a nice overhead pendant or chandelier (best if on a dimmer), it creates a more restful and relaxed feeling. Too much soft light, however, can make things dull and gloomy so adding a couple of bedside lamps will provide good task lighting for reading in bed or providing ambient lighting for the room. It can even add just the right pop of color to the space
Still feel like you can use more design help? Let us help you get started on a design project with a free initial consultation.