Archive for the ‘Bedroom Style’ Category

British Colonial room themes…

Saturday, 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

Saturday, 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…

Saturday, 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…

Décor tricks for small dreary bedrooms..

Friday, 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.

Friday, 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…

Intimate bedroom themes…

Friday, January 6th, 2012

When room dimensions dictate, intimate bedrooms may be a necessity in small spaces such as studio apartments, attic bedrooms or compact maisonettes, whilst looking at the concept from a different aspect, intimate room spaces might be a desirable feature in a home of any size, encouraging their inhabitants to feel cocooned, relaxed, and comfortable without feeling cramped or inhibited by lack of space. If this is your desired room theme through necessity or choice bring into play some tricks and techniques to make an intimate bedroom your personal oasis…

Small bedrooms lend themselves so well to intimate spaces that are private and soothing but with so little space with which to play,  every design detail needs to count. With the bed as the centrepiece and focal point, ensure that it is in keeping with the room style as a whole and use it as inspiration for the décor theme. Smaller 4ft or standard double bed sizes are likely to be the order of the day here with minimalist contemporary bed styles having particular relevance within modern room settings or more traditional iron bed or wooden bedstead designs suiting a more cottagey or 20th century environment. Whatever your eventual choice of bed, match it up with the highest quality bedding that you can afford and add a fluffy comforter and a lightweight throw or blanket that you can use for daytime napping. Install tiny shelves on the wall so that you have a place for books and candles to illuminate your miniature bedroom when you need to unwind at the end of the day.

For a touch of the exotic, why not consider enclosing your bedroom in bold colourful curtains suspended tent-like from the ceiling to create a Moroccan-style oasis? Add plenty of throw pillows in hot shades of fuchsia, tangerine, purple, silver, turquoise and gold featuring tassels, embroidery and jewel detailing, with multiple jewel-toned lanterns to extend the theme, suspended from chains to create an enticing and intimate mood.

For bookworms where a good read makes the day feel complete, surround your intimate bedroom with bookshelves that extend from ceiling to floor or to frame a lovely traditional wooden bed or surround a window. Use larger books as side tables too; a stack of books adorned with reading or bedside lamps is a bibliophile’s ideal furnishing solution, with excellent but gentle lighting being an essential ingredient to transform your bedroom into a space full of stories and intrigue that takes you to new places long before you drift off to sleep.

As a final thought and for the minimalist devotee, intimate bedrooms can be particularly elegant when they are conceived to be austere. So design a white room, and incorporate whitewashed flooring and walls and creamy shades of curtains and bedding to make the space feel airy and light. Add a single potted orchid near to the window for additional natural accent and life, and a mirror for  reflective, energetic quality, whilst a shag throw rug in shades of cream and silver will ensure that the room continues to feel warm but open.

Boudoir bedrooms…

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Blend femininity and elegance with sophistication, sensuality and seduction when creating a boudoir style bedroom. Mix traditional characteristics with modern features to create a calming yet enticing space. Incorporate opulent and romantic furniture, a glamorous traditional bedstead, wall hangings, extravagant lighting, silk, satin or muslin drapery, and decorative accent pieces to create the perfect boudoir flavour. In essence, every item within the room should arouse the senses.

Select a theme for the room and decorate accordingly. Step back into Bohemian elegance rich with antique furnishings, sensual fabrics and detailed embellishments. Dress windows withfancy brocades and thick swagging to accentuate scarlet-themed elements and use rich wallpaper on the walls to raise the opulent temperature. Upholster a chaise in a lavish fabric that harmonises with the theme and partner with a pair of over-sized Baroque or French style chairs.Spread satin or silk sheets and a bed throw on a lavish lit bateau style wooden bed or solid brass bed, glamorous and inspired in true Victorian style, and set a plush area rug at the foot of the traditional bed along with a scattering of silk and muslin floor cushions. Replace ordinary lighting with fancy chandeliers and crystal beaded wall sconces, and mount family portraits in wide, deep gold frames, hung strategically on the walls for the finishing touch to the perfect Moulin Rouge themed bed chamber.

For a more modern day approach, consider a contemporary black and white themed bedroom with shades of traditional scarlet to create a sensual boudoir flavour. Use a silk or muslin black and white bedspread and red velvet pillows for contrast, atop a traditional iron bedstead or perhaps a sophisticated chrome bed for anArt Deco feel, and feature fabrics on the walls to add to the theme. Spread a faux fur leopard fur or snakeskin carpet in front of the bed, and use Retro styled furniture throughout the room space featuring curves and soft angles with a strategically placed shag pile carpet for good measure with romantic red framed pictures above the bed and around the walls.

A boudoir bedroom should instilrelaxation whilst uplifting the spirit and mood within beautiful surroundings, which is why creating the appropriate ambiance is absolutely vital. Such a bedroom should delight and arouse all the senses so take pains to get the illumination just so, with dimmer switches and lavish lampshades to provide indirect dappled light. Use liberally, silks, muslins and velvets atop the bed, on the walls and for upholstered furniture to strike the right balance of glamour and romance. Sensual portraits illuminated by a subtle gallery light will add further to the mood and use scented candles, fragrant oils, natural flowers or incense sticks to introduce wonderful fragrances to the room, complemented by gentle instrumental music and a zen-like water feature for that perfect finishing touch…

Emo bedroom themes…

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Beds MattressesLinens

For teenager’s rooms with a difference and a style makeover that doesn’t cost a fortune, Emo might be just the theme that keeps everyone happy with a few simple colour and accent changes to set the scene. Emo, an abbreviation of”emotional” originally referred to the angst-filled lyrics of 80s hardcore punk music. Nowadays, an entire genre of newer music is now classified as being Emo, as are the teen fans of the genre. The emo subculture has its own distinct style being not punk or Goth but sharing elements of both. Take some design cues from Emo fashion for a room style that represents the movement and you won’t go far wrong.

Start the scheme by painting just one wall black. Whilst painting everything black might sound like the best approach, it’s actually far more advisable, not to mention cooler, if you settle for just one black accent wall and paint the remainder in a bright colour such as hot pink, purple, crimson, or just about any neon hue, for a dramatic look. Consider also opting for blackboard paint black instead of traditional eggshell or emulsion so that the wall can be decorated with poetry, song lyrics or a few doodles using neon chalks and pens.

Hunt down vintage furnishings and accents for your room. Emo style is all about individuality so retro designs will give the space a more authentic feel. An old wooden bedstead or Victorian inspired iron bed might be just the perfect room focal point teamed up with furniture in either material that complements the theme. Reproduction metal bed styles in moody eggshell black finishes without too much design frippery are a great choice here or perhaps something in chrome for an Art Deco feel. Whatever your selection, include a few 70s retro accessories such as a vintage lamp or old battered bedside table from the car boot sales that you can tidy up and personalise.

Incorporate also one or more key motifs into the room décor. Skulls, either creepy or cutesy arean Emo staple and black and bright coloured stripes or checkered patterns both have a punk feel and would be a great option for bedding. Broken hearts express the sensitive and romantic side of Emo and stars and crosses are both good unisex symbols.

Finally hang plenty of art on the walls. Monochrome black and white fits the mood perfectly with postcards and band posters fitting the brief. Create a collage collection in one corner or on a feature wall of favourite bands, friends, or even self-photos for an intriguing, ever-evolving form of Emo wall décor…

India style bedroom trends.

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Beds MattressesLinens

Bring a splash of exotica into the bedroom with a bold new look with an inspired makeover, Indian style and banish those plain-Jane looks to the history books… Allow brilliant jewel tones, ornate trims and lavish textiles to transform your bedroom into a space worthy of an Indian palace. One of the best aspects of decorating India style is that it is so easy to incorporate flea market finds, heirlooms and handicrafts from world travels into the design scheme for an eclectic glamorous look that has loads of visual interest stimulating the senses on all levels.

Set the bedroom tone with a brilliant colour scheme. Jewel tones such as ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst always work well as do saturated hues of cobalt, burgundy, turquoise and purple. Earth tones tend to be too drab for walls and textiles, but brighter or deeper nature inspired shades such as saffron, tamarind, forest green and terracotta will ensure a dramatic backdrop.

Embellish your paint scheme with Indian inspired detailing. Paisley stencils allow you to apply accents to wall trim, furniture or wall shelves and use gold or copper shades for an extra splash of verve, whilst for a child’s bedroom,glitter paint might add just the right amount of pizazz.

Incorporate artisan furniture pieces within the scheme for an authentic feel which is timeless and welcoming. Dark and medium toned wooden furniture might feature engraved or embossed trim or hand painted scenes on cabinet doors. For a flavour of the British colonies an imposing wooden bedstead in true Victorian spirit is sure to form the perfect room focal point from which the space as a whole draws inspiration. Darker woods are to be favoured here for a moody, inviting presence and you might like to incorporate complementary pieces that feature hammered panels, ornate tilework, chunky metal hardware or mirror insets on cabinets, headboards, dressers, desks and bedside tables.

Soften the look with plush and patterned textiles such as a vintage beaded sari to cover the wooden bed, accent a wall, or serve as a window dressing. Scatter pillows and cushions in contrasting colours and patterns in a quiet corner or under a window will create a casual lounging or reading area whilst a mosquito net or lightweight sheer canopy above the traditional bedstead creates instant mood and a romantic hideaway.

Tie the whole scheme together with a unifying colour theme for all the various elements which will avoid the danger of a mishmash market bazaar flavour, and include plenty of textile trim to turn up the glam temperature. Pompoms, fringing, beading, embroidery, patches, small mirror detailing, or tassels on blankets, throws, upholstery and drapes will all come together to achieve fabulous results in this respect for a room theme that is gregarious and exotic in true Indian style…

Pink Princess bedroom ideas…

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Beds MattressesLinens

Pink remains a great colour choice for fairer sex bedroom themes whatever the age range or room style, but if you’re looking for sweet and charming décor ideas for a young girl’s room look no further than pink in all its many shades, and make her feel like royalty with a princess theme. Infuse the room with a soft pink colour theme accented with other complementary pastel hues and consider her favourite Disney princess character for décor accents for a truly personalised look. When creating such a room theme on a budget, update furniture pieces that you already own using paint, fabrics and interesting textures just adding a few décor and accessory items such as pillows, lampshades, pictures and bed throws, that give maximum impact for minimal outlay.

Gentle pastel pink walls will get the theme going and give the space an ethereal flavour. Bubblegum pink shades are a good choice also for whenevera darker shade of pink is desired. Complement the colour selection with princess-inspired bedding such as a comforter featuring a Disney character like Cinderella or the Little Princess, or for a more subtle approach go for a plain pink bedspread with frothy lace detailing or white embroidery. Enhance the theme with whimsical crown shaped scatter pillows or cushions and some sparkle lights at the head end of the bed.

A pretty iron bed in Victorian style is always an enchanting choice for a young daughter’s bedroom. Picture those childhood stories of lonely damsels and dusty attic bedrooms for inspiration here. Old metal beds with antique brass detailing are part and parcel of the traditional story-tale and are just as emotive and poignant today. Choose a simple but graceful design in ivory or satin white as the perfect counterpoint for the pinkness of the theme and for lovely harmony with the bedding that you have chosen.

For added impact hang a ceiling mounted canopy over the bed to drape around the sides and tumble onto the floor. Pastel pink, lavender, or creamy white are all good colour selections but keep things light and sheer in keeping with the theme.

If you are breathing life into old furniture paint dark furniture white to lighten it or try a liming effect on some tired old pine pieces. Apply the same colour/finish treatment to all pieces of furniture within the room for a coordinated look and use those princess inspired accessories to personalise. Decorate the walls with items such as a carriage shaped or gilt framed mirror above the dresser and make little features of cartoon princess images in opulent gold frames to brighten up and add interest to a dark corner.

Sympathetic lighting solutions will cast a welcoming glow to all aspects of the room style so why not decorate a bedside table with a lamp featuring a pink ceramic base and gemstone encrusted shade, whilst an inexpensive ceiling mounted crystal chandelier adds perhaps the ultimate touch of luxury for the ultimate Pink Princess bedroom makeover…