Take Your Bedroom from Dreary to Dreamy
When you piecemeal your home decor, bedrooms are often the last spaces to receive special attention. The main living spaces are seen by the guests and shared by everyone in the household. But as the way people live in their homes changes, so does the emphasis on individual rooms. Today, children often have their own rooms and master bedrooms are sometimes designed with comfort for the whole family in mind. If it's time to spruce up your bedroom, consider the following tips to help you get started.
CATER TO PERSONAL SPACE
If you are lucky enough to have ample closet space, there's no need to overwhelm your bedroom with excess furniture. Today's interpretation is les about matching sets and more about mixing, even when it comes to bedding. But you don't always have to buynew for an updated look. Just repurpose a piece or two with some chic hardware or modern paint to seperate it from the rest of the pack.
A comfy bench or pair of ottomans at the end of the bed provides a convenient place to sit and put on your shoes. This area can also act as a landing pad for luggage before and after a trip or seating for other family members. Carve out a reading corner if possible for a cozy spot to enjoy a good book, contemplate the day ahead, or take a snooze.
FOCUS ON SPECIAL ADD-ONS
The days of two basic bedside lamps in a dreary bedroom are gone. Current trends encompass a wide range of desigener fixtures that will bighten your private domain in more ways than one. Shapely chandeliers add a touch of luxury, while bedside sconces free up surface space on your nightstand. Other options include decorative nightlights, adjustable floor lamps, and more.
Special additions to the room don't have to take up any floor space. If you'd like to include a TV in the bedroom, make sure you determine the best placement, distance, size, and height for optimal viewing from the comfort of your bed. It might be time to say good-bye to that blank wall space behind you with the help of a headboard. Whether you prefer to go the upholstered route or instal something artistic, like an ornate folding screen or a series of vintage doors, this feature will surely be a showstopper in the room.
LOOK ABOVE AND BELOW
Window treatments have become more luxurious and layered in bedrooms, with blackout shades and shutters augmented by decorative drapery panels. Even curtain rods can be ornamental with everything from Lucite to wrought iron capped with distinctive finials that help personalize your suite.
Wood floors may be easier to maintain than wall-to-wall carpeting, but they're not exactly easy on your feet. Be sure to choose a material that will be gentle enough to step on the first thing in the morning. You can layer a hard surface with one or more plush area rugs.
FEATURE SMALL PERKS
If you want your space to feel serene, be selective with your accessories. Look for jewelry stands for your baubles and pretty hooks for your scarves. Other functional finds include everything from alarm clocks to mirrors and trays. Wicker baskets offer the perfect solution for surplus pillows and throws.
Add character to a new construction or remodeled home with some pieces from the past. This be something as simple as an antique dining chair to hold books on the seat, hang a purse on the back, or stash a tote bag below. Vintage doorstops make charming bookends, while an heirloom settee is rightsized for little ones.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Get creative with your furniture selections. For example, a small dresser or desk can double as a nightstand, especially if you have limitied space. A strategically placed storage bench can simulate a window seat and provide a place for pets to perch.
Don't forget about the ceiling, where you might consider a special paint color or treatment like a lacquered finish or fabric that will help with acoustics. Consider extending the treatment to another wall if you're pleased with the look. Whatever updates you do to improve your bedroom, be sure to make it your own. Written by Jeanine Matlow YHL