Archive for the ‘Bedroom Style’ Category

Spanish style bedroom design…

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Distinctive Spanish style interior design is all about rich colours, and a mixture of textures, accessories and room accents combined with outstanding craftsmanship. It exudes a feeling of timelessness and authenticity with comfort and conviviality deep at its heart.  For a true flavour of Spain the look within the bedroom should conjure thoughts of hospitality and familiarity along with a spirit of Old World artistry and romance.

Spanish bedroom furniture design incorporates a number of different looks ranging from the heavy wood carving features of traditional European craftsmen, to the simplified but nonetheless substantial look of Mission style furniture. Dark woods fit in well with most Spanish and Mediterranean themes whilst hardware is often intricately formed, but might also feature simple ornamentation with a hand-wrought appearance . Beds follow the same mould with heavy wooden bedsteads in dark wood styles creating a strong room focal point, whilst heavy iron bed designs with an antique style in dark finishes create an authentic feel, with or without a canopy and fabric drapery. Bedroom chairs in soft leather should have that particular well-worn persona to provide a comfy resting or reading area in the corner of the room.

Bring natural textures into the mix that includes both hard and soft, both man made and those of nature. Wood, leather, copper, iron, raffia, and woven cloth all fit the bill here, either in the form of accents or bed dressings. Plants are a part of the natural environment, so add greenery to bring in a little of the outdoors that the Spanish so love. Rich damask tapestries, repetitive patterns, folk artistry and elaborate tapestries all have an important part to play. Even velvet and corduroy upholstery can be included to bring a feeling of distinction and luxury to the room scheme.

When it comes to colour selection, it really is important to do a little research in order to replicate the diverse range of shades that make up the Spanish décor norm. Colours range from the deep jewel historic shades of reds, greens and purples, to the lighter fresher pastel shades found on farms and ranches. Brightly coloured hand painted pottery and dark wood accents help to impart the bedroom with a casual, friendly feel, whilst splashes of red, yellow, orange and rust in the form of bed throws for that traditional wooden bed and upholstery or scatter pillows, add touches of sunlight to the room.

Accessories set the stage for Spanish style in bedrooms, with wood framed mirrors, traditionally styled lamps and woven textiles bringing colour and visual interest into the room space. Even modern Spanish style with its cleaner lines and broader use of colour, often incorporates traditional ironwork designs, wooden beams and heavy drapery fabric for a touch of luxury within a more contemporary setting. Paintings and wall hangings of the local countryside and historic themes complete the look, with the soft glow of antique brass, aged silver and rust-coloured metal, all lending a flavour of Old Spain.

White, Black and Red bedroom moods…

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

There are times when decorating with a limited colour palette prompts you to discover subtle design differences and solutions. The black, red and white colour trio actually works very well with a diverse range of décor styles. In the bedroom the three colours can create a contemporary minimalist feel, but when used creatively they can also make for a bohemian modern, Chinese, French country or even gothic look.

Start your white, black and red room scheme by removing clutter from bedroom surfaces. This colour ensemble needs the chance to shine through within any bedroom scheme. Sell or recycle any unwanted items and figure out creative methods for storing the remainder such as closet shelving, cabinets or under bed storage solutions. Establish a routine for processing the daily influx of detritus such as laundry, paperwork and any work related items.

Explore the colour shade and texture options. In these days of designer paint shades and faux finishes, white can mean anything from a glossy blue-based white to a distressed antique whitewash revealing a darker colour underneath. Likewise black might come in the form of the shiny lacquer finish found in Chinese décor or the soft poppy seed hue typical in French country farmhouses.

Reds might have an orange base for a warmer and brassier flavour or an underlying blue base for a moodier, deeper look. You might like to paint all four walls one shade or experiment with an accent wall in red or black, whilst painting the ceiling a moody red or soft black will give the room a cosy feel…perfect for the bedroom.

Track down a focal point piece of furniture. For many people the focal point of bedroom design will be the bed which along with your choice of bedding will set the tone for the room style. An antique traditionally styled iron bed frame with distressed white finish or ivory finish will set the tone, whilst a boxlike bedframe in black wood or metal has contemporary cool. Contemporary or traditional four poster beds will also work well here whilst a panel design wooden bed in dark wood finish will inject a flavour of timelessness. For anyone who enjoys gothic or bohemian style an ornately engraved headboard with red or black accents provides visual pop, and simple white or antique white bedding works well for most of these sleeping options.

Consider accent finishes. Wallpaper in bold black or white graphics or in classic scrolled patterns can add a splash of interest to the wall behind the modern or traditional bed. If you have a narrow wall within the room, dolling it up with wallpaper adds bohemian glam. Black and white wall murals with abstract patterns create a great room focal point, or you might want to take a more subdued approach with wall decals or a trim of painted graphics along the skirting boards.

And finally, accessorise creatively. Red bursts of accessory colour add visual intrigue to a predominately black and white room scheme and stainless steel or chrome lighting and fixtures and furniture hardware work well in this environment. A large mirror can add a modern edge, and frame it with a heavy engraved white or red frame if you want the look to be a little more funky. Stark white bedding gets high contrast with red throw pillows, or doll up a plain white dresser or bedside table with a black lacquer vase to display red roses or gerbera daisies for a modern twist.

Rustic Mediterranean Bed Styles

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Mediterranean style decorating themes takes its cues from Spain, Italy, France and Greece. For true Mediterranean authenticity you’ll need a rustic traditional bedstead to form the room centrepiece. A bed in weathered vintage style created from dark stained wood or a metal bed in black wrought iron sets perfectly the old-world tone for the bedroom setting. Dress your chosen bed design in crisp white linens or earth tones such as bronze, gold, terracotta or olive shades. Accent this colour palette with a splash of verve with vivid blues or wine hues for a true taste of Mediterranean drama.

Whether you choose the straight traditional lines of a wooden panel bed or a traditional wooden four poster, the wood style should be dark with a rustic distressed finish. Dark oak, walnuts and cherry wood are all good finishes in this regard, whilst Mediterranean style headboards and footboards tend to be tall in nature, creating a dramatic focal point within the room. Many Mediterranean styled beds exhibit detailed hand carving and forged metal accents giving them an old European appearance.

Wrought iron is a durable, practical material for beds and traditional iron bed styles come in any number of engaging designs, from the very simple to glamorous and highly ornate, although for true Mediterranean authenticity textured or satin black finishes are the way to go, with antique bronze or antique brass designs as another option rather than lighter finishes such as cream or white.

Many Mediterranean themed bedrooms feature headboards upholstered in either a brocade fabric or in brown, black or burgundy leather. Leather headboards look particularly rustic when edged with nail head trim, whilst other headboard styles feature a combination of wood and padded leather inserts.

For a little extra intrigue and romance opt for a canopy style bed theme in either a wood finish or rustic wrought iron. If you choose to go the wooden route, seek out a design that features carvings on the headboard, footboard and leg posts in true vintage style, and dress the canopy ina material to match or accent the bedding, with luxurious brocade or a light sheer fabric.

Likewise, when it comes to bedding, extend the theme with either simple or more lavish fabrics as either will reflect the Mediterranean style. Start perhaps with solid coloured classic sheet sets, and in the case of simpler bedstead designs, choose a matelassé bedspread in white or cream with antique style lace pillowcases. For more elegant or ornate bed designs, use a brocade or damask bedspread or comforter with a bed valance. Ensure that the fabric has a little sheen and stick with more dramatic jewel or earth tones.

As a finishing touch, add decorative pillows to the mix, with rich trims such as fringe, tassels or beads for an inspired and enchanting  final Mediterranean flourish …

French Provincial intrigue

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

There’s a certain formality about the French Provincial style of decor that suits those looking for a sense of order within the bedroom.

In essence, “ a place for everything and everything in its place”.

And yet it is also a style that exudes elegance and romance in true Gallic tradition, and for many it might just be the decorative pathway to a favourite luxury holiday suite, only without the travel and expense!

Recreate those French memories with a timeless look that will snub fad and fashion. For all those budding interior designers out there who crave an inviting and assured bedroom theme, this might just be the style statement that hits the spot…

As always, it’s going to be the colours, accessories, fabrics and furniture that sets the scene, and for those who have always looked for an excuse to splash out on a four poster bedstead, this could be the perfect opportunity. Nothing shouts “French Provincial” quite like one of these.

Original vintage wooden examples with slim columns and intricate detailing are beautiful, yet sadly scarce and invariably pricey.

Scouring France for a nice example won’t make much difference to the purchase price, but an elegant metal bed design in half tester or four poster format, might just be equally appealing and rather more accessible, whilst remaining true to the Provincial theme.

Dressing the bed with elegant fabrics and linens will enhance the look, and this is one room style where rich satins and heavy velvets with tassels and rope trims, will never look out of place. Pile pillows on the bed for extra comfort that looks and feels good, and don’t shy from rich colours. Burgundies, shades of moody dark blue, eggplants, or chocolate brown will all be at home here.

Using them as wall colours in their own right or as accent colours for soft furnishings, upholstery or window dressings will add visual drama.

And what’s more they will work perfectly with the dark cherrywood furniture that is French Provincial style to a tee. Occasionally you might come across ivory French Provincial furniture, but mostly the wood will be dark and well matched in design terms.

Whether it’s an imposing armoire or a simple bedside table, the colour and style characteristics should be uniform. If buying from scratch, a bedroom set is the perfect way to go and takes away the angst of choice and mixing and matching.

To soften the mood, bring in elaborate drapes that will add elegant flair. Fabric curtain pelmets with pretty tassel detailing and heavy valances on the wooden four poster or metal bed counterpart, will al recreate the look. Pick a glamorous damask for great effect which would be the perfect companion for the four poster, or adapt as ceiling hangings to form an elaborate canopy for a great focal point within the room whenever a normal sized wooden or metal bedstead is desired, to impart height and visual intrigue.

Fruity strawberry and melon bedroom schemes…

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Summer may well be on the wane but fruity paint schemes in the bedroom are a delicious colour choice at any time of the year for a teen girls bedroom or a more adult feel. Choosing a bedroom paint colour doesn’t have to limit choice to the more mainstream shades and indeed, within the bedroom it’s possible to experiment with colour combinations that would be inappropriate elsewhere in the home.

Two hues that work particularly well together are a pair that would not immediately come to mind. They are strawberry and melon; eminently suited for a daughter or a guest room, being fruity in nature and bringing a cheerful and vibrant colour mix to brighten the dowdiest of room spaces. Colours have a marvellous way of blending simplicity with elegance, and never was this more true than with this fruity pairing. It shows that you are interested in room design that is fun, fresh and lively and about as far removed from duller options as it is possible to be. In essence, bedroom colours never tasted so good!

Choosing the perfect bedroom paint colour is simple when you search for a colour palette that is refreshing and invigorating. There is nothing quite so pleasant and quintessentially British as a big basket of strawberries on a warm summer day, and strawberry shortcake and strawberry icecream conjure images of a delicious bedroom design. Strawberry is such a cool colour because the icy pink hues are brought to life with a mix of taste and colour. It is more modern and mature than its pastel pink counterpart and thus more suited to adult room settings or to suit the tastes of a discerning teen.

Complement strawberry hues with furniture pieces that offer a pleasing contrast. Wooden contemporary styles and wooden bedsteads in lighter stain or natural wood finishes such as light oak or pine might be the perfect choice here, whilst for a different stance consider a metal bedstead in an ivory or satin white finish and a wonderful counterpoint to those strawberry hues. In essence, strawberry and cream epitomised!

Pull the whole room look together with melon colour contrast. It’s an inspired colour choice and might seem a bold and unusual colour decision and yet there is something beautiful about the warm peachy hues associated with melons. If you were to imagine the perfect colour for a summer dress, a tropical drink, or a favourite swimsuit, wouldn’t melon fall into that picture somewhere? Melon hues are extrovert, friendly and creative. Bedroom design after all isn’t just about creating a place to sleep because you want a bedroom that is perfect for relaxing, reading and dreaming. Peachy melon hues are perfect for the occasion.

In simplest terms, by choosing bedroom paint colours that blend naturally, you will automatically create a colour ensemble that creates a feeling of calm. Strawberry shades and melon hues are a great way to bring a unified presence to bedroom design. Fruity colours blend and harmonise in a way that is pleasing and natural to bring charming conclusion to a bedroom design that is delicious in the extreme!

Tropical bedroom themes…

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

As a refreshing alternative to more humdrum bedroom décor themes, tropical themes in the bedroom create a fanciful element akin to holidaying in an exotic Balinese resort or getting away from it all in a rustic tree house on a remote desert island! In rooms with low ceilings or little sunlight, tropical themes, because of their backdrop colours and furniture styles, have the ability to open up the space with a versatility that makes it suitable for blending with other decorating moods. Think Mexican hacienda, rustic Asian, bohemian modern, and international styles, and you will be on the right lines…

For a truly unique tropical look we are talking more than just a token gesture with wallpaper that features a giant palm tree. Instead we perhaps need to consider three dimensional wall décor, integrating shelving, exotic plants, or tropical flowers in bloom. Tropical themes might incorporate photographs or landscape scenes of faraway shores, or more abstract tropical inspired designs or Balinese cave painting graphics. For children’s rooms cartoon images are likely to fit the bill with parrot images and other tropical birds of paradise adding a further pleasing dimension.

Use the chosen wall décor to make your bedroom feel like an outdoor hideaway. Pictures of tropical flora and fauna will help to bring the outside, inside giving the room space a breezy open flavour. If the room features a terrace, balcony, or other outdoor area make the most of the opportunity by  extending the look with potted tropical plants such as banana plants and tall palms or succulents tumbling from a wall planter.

Tropical bedroom décor tends to incorporate the natural hues of pine green, grass green, sage, and earth tones with the brighter jewel tones of mango orange, periwinkle blue, sunny yellow and ruby red. Saturated colours rather than pastels prevail, whilst furniture and accessories in dark hardwoods recall tropical rain forests. Carved, embossed, engraved and weathered or painted wood might include wall décor such as masks, headboards, picture frames, totemic figures or Tiki art. Furniture pieces such as a dramatic wooden bed should reflect the naturally rustic quality of the room theme, or consider wrought iron furniture styles for an equally authentic vibe. An old iron bed or modern reproduction metal bedstead in a weathered or textured finish will fit the bill and can be mixed and matched with other dark wood wooden furniture pieces for a pleasing eclectic feel in keeping with the tropical theme.

In smaller rooms just a few tropical features might be all it takes to create the right flavour as wraparound tropical features can be overwhelming. So let that traditional bed do the talking as the room focal point, and simply devote one accent wall to a tropical mural, large scale paining, or printed textile, and echo the theme with smaller accent room features or accessories.

Complete the look with accent lighting that extends the mood. Try flanking a tropical painting scene with candles in dark wooden candlesticks or maybe some sultry Moroccan lanterns. Alternatively a bouquet of  brightly coloured silk or paper lanterns can brighten a wall decorated in dark hardwood featuresor could add interest to the bed head end wall, softening the look of more dramatic carved headboards or hammered wrought iron detailing.

Some more thoughts on yellow décor…

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Bright and sunny shades of yellow are a great choice for bedroom themes and an inspired alternative to the mainstream neutral tones which are so often the default choice for wall and ceiling tones. A backdrop of yellow can be used as the start point for many décor makeovers that reflect individual personalities and accessory preference, but as always it’s important to start with a décor theme in mind if one colour is not to dominate the room. This is particularly relevant with yellow tones but easy to achieve with careful selection of furniture and room accents that tie the look together.

For a touch of chic, decorate with yellow and complement the yellow theme with accents of black and white, such as a black patterned border or a black and white bedspread. Black and white accents against yellow give the room a big-city chic feel which might be further enhanced with the addition of black candle holders and white pillar candles and monochrome photographs and prints in black or silver frames. Add a satin black traditional iron bed to the mix for a fabulous focal point and complement the metal with dark wooden room furniture or matching bedside tables.

For a more mellow country yellow flavour, antique wooden furniture pieces always work well against a sunny backdrop, or consider a reproduction wooden bedstead to inspire the room design as a whole. This room style works well when white and blue accents are incorporated such as white and blue porcelain and a light blue bedspread atop the traditional bed to tie the whole look together. Country homes often feature a faded yellow or derivatives of yellow for a welcoming flavour that always looks good with aged wooden floors and white woodwork. Old oak coffers, bible boxes or an antique nursing chair will all be at home here offering pleasing contrast with storage and comfort practicality.

If you are in the mood for a slightly more tropical flavour give a master bedroom a  tropical vibe by combining yellow with bright colours and floral prints. Use bright greens, oranges, and blues to create a sunny space that will make every day feel like a summer holiday. Oversize floral prints will help to create the mood whilst not overwhelming the theme, but instead tying together bright colour combinations and the base yellow tones. Again, wooden bed designs and matching furniture will enhance the tropical flavour. Heavy wood styles, perhaps with forged metal detailing evoke a flavour of the Mediterranean or the tropics, with metal and brightly coloured porcelain accessories completing the picture.

Romantic Bedroom moods for men

Saturday, 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…

Saturday, 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…

Saturday, 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…