Bedroom style of the 1950s

January 21st, 2012

The aftermath of those preceding years of austerity was felt long after the conclusion of the Second World War, although by the time of the fifties a semblance of normality was well in evidence with a wave of new optimism tempered by memories of harsh times and hardship. These attitudes and trends were echoed when it came to fashion and within the home where vibrancy became evident within the kitchen, but where minimalism was still the norm within the bedroom. Where the kitchen might be the centre of family life, the bedroom was regarded as a place of relaxation and privacy with as little distraction or frippery as possible, a functional, comfortable, yet minimalistic décor approach being the key.

Kitchen comforts and a new focus on cooking and home entertaining meant, that for the majority of women through the 1950s, the kitchen was the centre of family life with new electric appliances and technology bringing new opportunities and the possibility for a wave of new cuisine. Away from these and other family and entertaining areas, the bedroom was an area in which to unwind away from the public gaze and focussed on function and comfort with perhaps a simple platform divan bed or basically styled wooden bedproviding a sleeping area with comfy bedding and area rugs for a 50s contemporary feel. Night tables, a closet, bureau and vanity table were staple ingredients of the 1950s bedroom, with anything more being comfort designed around these elements.

Recreate the look with an original or reproduction wooden bedstead in oak or cherry finish or opt for a simple wooden headboard for a more minimalist feel. Simple traditionally styled iron beds are also relevant to the period, possibly as a legacy of earlier 20th century eras, in darker colours or brass bedstead designs, once again a relic from earlier pre-war days. Bedside tables furnished with a clock and little else would also have predominated and vanity tables with an integral mirror or wall mounted version, for functional “lady of the house” duties.

Colours were diverse, but a popular colour palette was pastels, with blues, pinks, greens and yellows, all in evidence. Many kitchen designs would have favoured a more vibrant approach, but the cool and calming effect of pastels within the bedroom was appropriate for the time offering a pleasing backdrop to functional, simply styled furnishings and accessories. For a little extra verve include hints of gold and chrome, burgeoning materials of the time with echoes of Hollywood and perhaps a touch of Art Deco from Americas east and west coast.

Softer room elements such as fabrics and floor coverings saw a predominance of chenille for bedspreads; a legacy of 1930s which brought an element of comfort to the bedroom and a homely feel to basic bed designs, with fitted carpeting as the favoured floor covering. Newer home construction usually favoured a shag rug, whereas older home designs utilised a larger area rug around the bed. In juxtaposition to these softer materials, ceramic was becoming popular for bedside and floor lamps with chrome making big inroads in the form of picture frames, smaller display tables or the ubiquitous 1950s signature starburst clock.

Romantic Bedroom moods for men

January 21st, 2012

Romantic bedroom themes need not be the sole preserve of the fairer sex and it’s certainly not all about satin sheets, shades of pink and rose petals. For romantic colour and accent themes have great relevance in more masculine room settings where clever colour combinations and choice of furnishings come together to create chic and sophisticated bedroom moods that are anything but overtly feminine but have huge appeal across both genders for a captivating style statements.

Think laterally and choose colour and accessories that suggest a flavour of freshness. Put deep scarlet’s and hot pinks to one side as a bright and cheery bedroom with clean fresh lines and some plush textures and fabrics, even if they are casual, can inject just the right amount of spark into the bedroom theme. Go with a white down bedspread and linens and white cotton accents. You could even introduce a potted banana leaf plant and other green accent pieces for spots of colour and an element of nature. Beach inspired blues and greens will also add a bit of whimsy if you fancy a natural coastal flavour.

Girly hues also have a part to play in our male biased environment, so take a hint from the ladies and incorporate a traditionally feminine colour scheme into the bedroom décor. Be daring and go with a lilac hue with an eggplant coloured accent or two in the form of fabrics and bed dressings. The key to retaining the masculine and elegant look is breaking up the purple with plenty of mid tone to light coloured wood in the form of a wooden bedstead, matching furniture, the floor materials and featuring elements such as bamboo, oak and teak with clean straight lines to add a touch of sophistication. Materials such as brass will also harmonise well here, breaking up any colour domination so consider a contemporary brass bed with matching bedside tables, and dress with a plain faux fur bed throw or quilt that complements the visual verve of the bedstead allowing the bed itself to form the focal point of the room.

Should you prefer to stick with the basic masculine colours such as blue shades, bottle greens, browns and black derivatives there are ways to bring a flavour of romantic style into those hues also. It’s all about the finish and texture that you choose for each colour, so for instance, you might want a cobalt blue bedspread, but getting one in combed suede adds a romantic texture that would be lacking in plain cotton. Use black only in small accent pieces to avoid the room looking like a bachelor pad rather than a romantic haven. Likewise use a textured finish on walls such as a faux linen or suede effect rather than ordinary eggshell or matt paint.

Keep the mood romantic and warm and remember that cool tones tend to energise and open up a room while warmer ones create an enveloping and soothing environment. Exceptions exist however, as a cool tone like purple may have a warm undertone depending on the hue, particularly if it is muted. Look for colours that achieve both and use them as a colour backdrop or on accent walls. You might consider a black upholstered headboard with a teal accent wall that features white framed wall art. In this instance the black and teal combination warms up the space, whilst the white accents cools it down, as does the teal as it’s a cool tone with a warm undertone.

A little experimentation is the key here, but get the texture, colour and furnishings  mix just right, and the results can be romantically ravishing..!

Black and Grey bedroom themes…

January 21st, 2012

For a stylish ultra-sophisticated modern theme choose black and grey to set your bedroom mood. This colour combination is classically elegant. Creating a room space that uses black and grey as the primary accent is an investment, for this theme stands the test of time unlike trendier of-the-moment colour choices. If you’re working with a smaller space, include a few secondary colours to break up the scheme. Shades of white, cream and light blue all work in harmony, or add splashes of intense red and purple if you’re working in a larger space and wish to incorporate some more gregarious accent colours.

Establish your room theme with three walls of charcoal or pearl grey and a black accent wall. Painting the whole room black is probably a step too far creating a space that is just too dark, and unless the room is very spacious with lots of natural light, it will not work well. Another option is to paint all the walls charcoal and to weave black into the space in the form of other accents such as textiles, furnishings and room accessories. In this respect consider recovering an old headboard in a rich black fabric with furniture nail head detailing or invest in some black furniture including nightstands and a dresser. High gloss piano black finishes impart a truly sophisticated touch, or consider matt finishes for a more subdued moody flavour.

Contemporary metal bedstead designs in eggshell black or pewter finishes will tie in perfectly with any black/grey room makeover, or you might consider a nickel finish or chrome bedstead for a truly stylish room statement. More traditional styles of iron bed can also integrate within such a room scheme as long as there are contemporary room accents to tie the look together. Consider covering accent chairs or a day bed or love seat in black or grey fabric, and replicate the material choice for the headboard if this is your favoured approach. You might even consider using a patterned fabric with elements of black and grey, as well as your secondary colours. Smaller furniture pieces such as chromebedside tables or those with metal accents will also fit the mood perfectly here.

Incorporate textiles in the form of rugs, pillows and duvet covers or bed throws as part of the black and grey theme. Hunt down patterns that feature black/grey hues as well as solid splashes of bold colours such as red, and weave them into the room design. Opting for a plain duvet cover or faux fur bed throw is a good plan as it won’t overwhelm the design of the bed allowing it instead to take centre stage, whilst patterned pillows and bolsters add visual accent interest.

Complete the scheme with monochromatic prints, photographs or even magazine covers and frame them in heavy black, grey or chrome frames. Alternatively frame textured wall paper pieces or offcuts of the textiles used within the room, and hang them gallery-style above the bed or around the room. Keep the spacing consistent for a tidy structured look which is in keeping with the elegance of the room mood as a cohesive and classy style statement to stir the senses…

Wonderful wicker…

January 21st, 2012

A great many homes feature wicker furniture and accessories for the simple reason that it’s inexpensive and durable, lending itself to a wide variety of decorating styles. From homes that strive to create British Colonial décor to more cottagey shabby chic themes, wicker is the natural choice for many rooms in the home because it not only looks great in its natural state, but can be painted and adorned with colourful blankets, cushions and accessories to completely change the personality of a room. Wicker furniture is always a favourite in the conservatory whilst wicker elements in the bedroom are a natural choice for a homely welcoming flavour.

Decide how you would like to incorporate wicker furniture into your room space. For example, many decorating styles including Beach cottage and British colonial use wicker furniture as a key element. Making an early decision about the décor style will help when it comes to choosing other complementary pieces that pull the whole look together.

This is important if the wicker theme is not to become too dominant and incorporating heavier solid wood pieces will ensure visual harmony. An imposing mahogany, cherrywood or walnut wooden bedstead and matching bedroom furniture will ensure a great look within a bedroom scheme, whilst a Victorian inspired iron bed in a dark finish provides the perfect counterpoint for the softer wicker elements within the room, adding a flavour of glamour and romance along the way.

Complete this style of bedroom theme by including smaller furniture wicker pieces such as wicker trunks, book racks and wicker baskets. If you’ve opted to paint the trim on some of the larger wicker pieces, then white or cream is always a good choice, or you might wish to pick out the colour of that metal bedstead and replicate it here to tie the visual theme together.

Add an element of comfort to thetraditional bed theme or wicker couch by draping a bed throw or blanket over both or either and scattering with throw pillows of different sizes. Once again, if you are painting your wicker furniture, look for fabrics that pick out these colours and then include a few pillows in contrasting hues to add an extra splash of visual interest.

Remember also the smaller details within the decorating scheme by including pictures and mirrors with wicker frames in the décor mix and shop for accessories such as white cotton afghans or handmade quilts at country craft fairs or regional county shows. Such details add not only an additional element of comfort but also a splash of colour and texture interest which works well against the look of natural wicker or painted pieces, introducing an inviting and cosy feel to the room space for minimal effort and outlay, but maximum impact…

British Colonial room themes…

January 21st, 2012

British colonial plantation furniture, whether theybe original antiques, quality replicas, or newer pieces inspired by classic design, sets an undeniably formal yet evocative tone for the home. You might opt to lighten the look with tropical accents and neutral textiles or add to the classic aesthetic with ornate and formal furnishings, finishes and accessories.

Create a stunning backdrop for a British Colonial theme with elaborate architectural elements and design features. A portico or framed porch, typifies the style. You can allude to this tradition by adding a lightweight plaster relief around a doorway or you might like to consider columns, dark wood panelling, ceiling medallions, elaborate painted or carved trims and plantation shutters for true authenticity.

Integrate furnishings and accessories that feature the original woods from this era in history. Look for pieces crafted from teak, mahogany and rosewood. Medium to dark stains work best to evoke the look and it’s easy to recreate the British colonial appreciation of Indian craftsmanship by including elaborately carved or hand painted Indian furnishings. Gilded elements adds a fussy British element and for true style in British Colonial bedroom settings hunt down an original dark stained wooden bedstead or a classic reproduction. Victorian iron beds will also find a receptive home here and were frequently exported along with all the other furnishings and fixtures that made up a colonial “home from home”.

Complement the look with other focal point furnishings reminiscent of classic 19c British décor. Built in bookcases with ladders, niches and shelves lend a landing, hallway or office the feeling of a British colonial library, whilst chairs in the Sheraton and Chippendale styles introduce classic style to an empty corner of a lounge or bedroom. In larger bedrooms a majestic iron or wooden four poster bed adds glamour and unmatched presence with a vintage steamer trunk at the foot end reflecting the British colonial penchant for adventure and world travel.

Finish the look with paintings, drawings or prints in ornately engraved wooden frames, and include some botanical, floral and animal inspired prints that were popular throughout the era. Illuminate the scheme with natural light and period light fixtures to add an authentic touch. Bedside table lamps, chandeliers and wall sconces work better within this décor style than overhead lighting which is invariably too stark and unforgiving. And keep the mood a little lighter if desired with textiles. On the bed this is a great contrast for darker woods or finishes and white and cream linens are the perfect counterpoint. Continue the theme to window treatments also, with sheer fabrics and plain or very simple patterns that enables natural light to flood the room for an airy feel and pleasing contrast with more formal aspects of the British Plantation Colonial style…

Luxury Hotel and spa bedroom themes

January 14th, 2012
Opus Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

Opus Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

Travel junkies or weekend break aficionados with a penchant for the better things in life have always been able to soak up the experience of luxury hotel living as long as they are able to afford the price tag that accompanies a touch of pampering and lazy spa time…

But these days, thanks to the “hotel chic” school of design, there’s no reason why everyone can’t experience a touch of luxury hotel glamour in their home, particularly within the bedroom, which benefits relatively easily from a few makeover touches to transform mainstream mundane into something a whole lot more glamorous with just a few clever touches. Whether your preference is for a minimalist contemporary feel or something a little more traditional in nature, indulging in the sophistication and relaxation of high end spa-inspired living, need be no more than a few simple steps away.

Start by choosing a colour and design theme and opt for a maximum of three colours to avoid sensory overload. For minimalist modern schemes stick with plain fabrics in a range of coordinating colours of the same toneand add an accent colour to the bedding accessories. A more traditional approach or French chateau inspired scheme might call for a mixture of patterns and plains, possibly floral style or cricket stripe for a preppy English country house flavour. A trawl through the internet or home interiors publications is bound to flag up a whole host of ideas, or you may even have a picture of a favourite hotel room décor scheme in mind from which you can draw inspiration…

Choose fabrics, high thread count sheets and bedding to establish a comfortable and luxurious benchmark for your bedroom creation. Playing with texture is the perfect way forward when creating hotel chic but so often the area of the bedroom that gets overlooked. Velvet, satin, faux fur, and brocade are all good options, with embroidery, pleats and quilting accents in more traditional environments. Ramp up the theme with plump pillows, a plush comforter and the best sheets that you can afford and bring the complete ensemble together with a fabulous modern bed or traditional wooden bedstead or metal bed design, to inspire the feel of the room as a whole. A French inspired lit bateau style wooden bed will always look fabulous in a glamorous traditional setting, whilst for unashamed romance a Victorian inspired antique Brass bedstead will never fail to delight.

More contemporary room themes could feature a quality divan set with a tall wall mounted headboard in fabric that matches or at least echoes accent or base fabrics within the bedding and bedding accessories. Most modern hotel décor themes follow this trend and it’s a particularly easy straightforward scheme to apply to your own makeover with relatively little outlay. But whatever your eventual choice, don’t skimp on the quality of the bed, bedding and pillows as money invested here will pay dividends for years to come. Likewise, take care when arranging pillows and decorative cushions. Symmetrical arrangements are preferable and a couple of rows in descending height is good so that each pillow or cushion is visible. Complete the look with a plush floral runner with fringe details at the base of the bed to cover the quilt and drape the sides, with a plainer version for more contemporary bedrooms that picks out the colours of the room for a sophisticated flavour that grounds the theme and draws the eye…

Quick thoughts on Antique Vintage Décor…

January 14th, 2012
Paisley Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

Paisley Wooden Bedstead from Original Bedstead.

One of the easiest ways of injecting instant charm into the home is by incorporating some vintage antique elements or accessories that evoke the mood of yesteryear. Repurpose vintage pieces, whether they are heirlooms or antique market finds into creative home décor for a one-of-a kind look. Dust off those old attic treasures and give them a new lease of life in appropriate surroundings where they can work in harmony with more modern features with a little care and placement sympathy. Use the style to update just a single room such as a master bedroom or a kitchen, or even your entire home for a continuous feel.

Paint the chosen room’s walls a vintage inspired hue such as mauve, dusky purple, mint green, soft apricot, cream, sage green or light blue. Create a more vibrant look with sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red or other jewel tones as the perfect backdrop to inspired furniture and accessory selections.

Bring antique or reproduction furniture into the mix to enhance the theme and provide inspiration for the room as a whole. Within the bedroom a fainting couch or elegant high backed wing chair featuring dark cherry wood and leather upholstery is sure to appeal, whilst a traditional lit bateau style wooden bedstead or iron bed design with bold antique brass detailing will set the vintage mood. An old wood or wicker vanity table will work here also and choose other wooden or metal bedside tables and ancillary pieces of furniture that establish the timeless feel of the room space.

Work vintage textiles into the design and add warmth to a couch or love seat with a crocheted throw blanket and matching decorative pillows. Hang vintage lace curtains at the window for a Victorian flavour and decorate that traditional bed with a patchwork quilt featuring floral patterns or a delft design and scatter with a pile of cushions for a feeling of extra warmth and comfort.

Old oak bible boxes or deeds boxes or an old coffer make great storage solutions for magazines, books, remote controls, and more besides, whilst a few rustic wall sconces won’t look out of place for some church or pillar candles to cast a mellow  romantic glow whenever the occasion demands…

Country bedroom moods…

January 6th, 2012

Choosing a country style decorative theme allows a wide variety of homely room styles that evoke a traditional look spanning the centuries. A country style bedroom can transport you back to a time when life was, in many ways very much simpler, when people were far more frugal, making their own home furnishings, quilts and décor. In these more modern times a mix of the right colours, textures, furniture and bedding, will help to recreate the look for bedroom spaces that are charming, timeless and comfortable.

The colours typically found in a country bedroom are those that are soft and airy, in particular different shades of old white with variations such as beige and cream. Accents might include a variety of earthy colours such as pale tones of green and brown. Pale blues and pinks are appropriate too, but as long as the overall effect is light and gentle with colours complementing each other, the effect should be pleasing.

Wooden furniture worksparticularly well in this style of environment and all antique pieces will find a good home here. The hand-hewn look with distressed features and rich patinas will all strike an authentic chord, and a wooden bedstead in a dark finish of walnut, cherry or oak will inspire the room theme as a whole as the perfect focal point. Choose matching or complementary wooden bedroom furniture in similar shades to extend the theme, or opt for a glamorous iron bed or brass bedstead in true Victorian style to establish the theme. Darker metal colours and antique brass bed finishes will stand out well against a background backdrop of white or pastel shades whilst a coffer or steamer trunk at the base of the bed provides a great storage solution, with benches, an upholstered love seat or an antique nursing chair all offering appealing seating solutions.

The bedding should of coursebreathe life into your choice of  traditional bed . It is one of the most important elements in a country style bedroom, so select colours and styles with care. A hand made quilt or plush comforter are both cosy country accents and if you are looking to add a truly distinctive old-fashioned feel to the bedroom, use antique style linen sheets on the bed rather than the never modern cotton alternative.

Add extra authenticity to the room with décor and accents that add those all- important finishing touches. Hang pictures or prints on the walls that reflect English country scenes and select frames that are primitive in design. Display antique trinket boxes, scent bottles and vases and should you still be using more recently styled furniture, enjoy a quick and easy makeover by replacing modern handles and fittings with bronze, rustic, or brass items for a vintage look. Cover the tops of bedside tables with lace doilies for a Victorian feel, and if you’re feeling brave, rip up the floor carpet, treat the wooden floorboards and experiment with traditional or Persian area rugs for a warm and truly country-style effect.

Décor tricks for small dreary bedrooms..

January 6th, 2012

For those times when a room space has dreary or badly lit tendencies, it becomes doubly important to decorate the room with a strong focus towards minimising the unpleasant characteristics and emphasising those that are desirable or have potential to be so. After all, small can equate to tight and unpleasant or can be the epitome of cosy and cute! Dreariness usually comes about as a result of poor natural or artificial lighting, inappropriate or dowdy paint colours and small windows or windows that overlook dismal views. But with a little work and imagination all of these pitfalls can be rectified for a charming effect whatever the challenge.

A great start point is to measure the room and transfer those measurements to graph paper, noting the location of the door, window, switches, niches or anything else that is permanent before creating a to-scale cut out of the bed which you can move around to determine how many placement options are available. In a small room this is unlikely to be too many, but it is nonetheless a useful exercise which may throw up different possibilities. If space is particularly tight consider investing in a metal daybed or wooden equivalent, or downsizing to a smaller bed, but one in which you can still be comfortable. Modern or traditional beds in 4ft sizes are particularly popular these days being a sensible step up from a 3ft single and also offering just enough space for two people in guest rooms. Use your bed selection as inspiration for the room décor theme. Traditional iron beds might inspire you to consider a country charming theme, whilst more contemporary modern bed styles lend themselves well suited to more minimalist room schemes with a light airy colour theme.

Pick room colours with consideration for an inspirational fabric which will provide harmonious contrast. For a country theme the predominant colour is likely to be cream or white with fabrics in shades of delft blue, yellow, faded green, dusky pink or peach. Fabrics with a gentle pattern or motif are fine and floral themes work well. Use the fabric for window dressings and bed throws for continuity and charm.

For a more contemporary colour approach select a modern palette that favours textures and monochromatic colours. Avoid shades that are drab or dull and consider adding one or two large statement pieces of art to bring an element of drama to the room. The trick with this approach is to layer different versions and textures in the same colour family together to create a cohesive minimalist theme without too much visual clutter or frippery.

Pay particular attention to wall quality before even lifting a paint roller as wall defects become amplified in smaller rooms, particularly after a fresh coat of paint. Paint skirtings and dados a bright fresh white and correct a poor window view by creating a window box full of seasonal plants to brighten up the dullest vista. Stained glass windows or window accents might perform a similar job, whilst careful selection of sheers, blinds or drapes will liven up the dullest day.

Maintain the colour theme within the room and whenever possible use closets or under bed storage solutions to keep clutter at a minimum. Keeping  obstacles out of the room space is important in any small room if it is to be comfortable and airy. Small rooms also have the advantage of allowing budgets to stretch to more expensive better quality furnishings and accents as only a few are required. Most quality furniture retailers these days specialise in attractive furniture designed for smaller spaces, but a bedside table mounted directly onto the wall is a pretty simple DIY project, perhaps with a bedside lamp hung from the ceiling to minimise wires and create interest. Likewise position art to attract the eye upwards, and incorporate additional sources of artificial light to supplement natural light deficiencies.

Some more thoughts on 70s bedroom style.

January 6th, 2012

A generation may have passed since the iconic 1970s, but there are still fashion and décor trends from the era that we recognise and have relevance today. Whether it’s all down to nostalgia or a genuine passion for a touch of retro, the 70s with it’s larger than life mantra had a design motif unlike any other. From funky shag carpeting and groovy lava lamps to wild fabrics with geometric patterns, the look was in tune with the time for disco divas everywhere!

To bring colour and vibrancy to your bedroom try adding some of that disco friendly flare to your room space with vintage 1970s style décor. Even on a tight budget, with a bit of dextrous shopping around you can breathe new life into the bedroom with a mix of retro inspired furniture and features.

Furniture choice as always sets the scene and popular choices of the time featured wooden beds and furniture in dark stains or black finishes. Metal bed designs would have had a contemporary flavour and silver, back and pewter finishes were all in vogue. For a retro art deco feel, chrome bedsteads might tick the box, and contrasting colour options are also authentic choices such as dark browns and pale yellows, so painted wood pieces could be another appealing option. For a more feminine flavour or for a country inspired bedroom, consider wicker, particularly when coupled with upholstered pieces in vibrant contrasting colours. Papasan bowl shaped chairs scream 70s like little else. In velour fabrics with chrome legs they are the perfect addition to any 1970s retro bedroom. Hunt originals down at antique markets or trawl the internet for modern reproductions.

Perhaps just as important as the furniture in the bedroom would have been the accessories that brought the room together. No self-respecting 70s bedroom would be complete without a soft shag-textured rug and bed throw and brightly coloured alarm clocks and lurid conventional bedside table lamps were de-riguer.  Lava lamps were a staple feature of the era with their distinctive coloured oil globules, whilst iconic prints and textures would have provided a gregarious backdrop. Bold geometric designs such as stripes, waves or checker patterns would have been the norm, whilst for a more reserved look small repeating floral patterns were an option. Brightly coloured flowers on fabrics, wall murals or appliques in oversized shapes will add a touch of vintage flair to the 70s bedroom theme, whilst bold background colours in contrasting shades will add authentic appeal.  For example, deep orange, yellow and mango pink would be true to the era and these colours would be seen in wall treatments, bedding, rugs, window dressings and as furniture accents. To bring this look into a more contemporary context you can use splashes of these colours with more neutral shades such as white, black or beige for a 70s feel that is a little less vocal and easy on the eye…