Create a backdrop and paint the walls. Choose light blues and greens for a calming, restful effect or shades of white for a serene and peaceful environment. Neutrals such as cream and lighter shades of brown are equally appropriate in a Zen bedroom, establishing a natural earthy atmosphere.

Extend the theme to the floors by installing natural wood flooring for an authentic Asian flavour. Alternatively use a natural fibre carpet such as seagrass, hemp, jute or sisal. If you are unable to easily change the existing flooring, in a rented property for example, or because of budgetary constraints, lay down natural fibre rugs at the foot and to the side of the bed, to establish the theme.

Resist the temptation to incorporate too much furniture. Effective Zen décor projects rely on the principle of “less is more”, where any furnishings that do not perform a specific purpose should be excluded. Pieces with simple clean lines and a minimalist silhouette are the answer here and anything with elaborate embellishments should find a home elsewhere. So select a bed as a room focal point that is low and futon-style or a low rise wooden bed finished in light oak or teak or darker moodier finishes for earthier room schemes. Metal bed designs should be incorporated with care, but contemporary low head and foot end models with a textured or silvery finish might just look the part in modern minimalist room settings. Whatever your choice, position the bed in the centre of the wall to create a sense of balance, and place low level bedside tables either side for perfect symmetry .

Hang an Asian-style wall tapestry or print above the bed featuring a romantic “couples” scene or a monochromatic enlarged photograph of a partner or family scene that strikes an emotive chord. Dress the bed with simple natural materials such as linen and fine cottons, and complete the romantic Zen mood with the addition of silk or satin cushions and throws for an enticing and comfortable vibe.

Install bamboo blinds at the windows and soften the effect by draping soft sheer fabrics over a curtain pole and allowing it to gently cascade to the floor. Extend the soft sensual mood by displaying artwork featuring such words as “love” and “peace” written in Japanese, or pictures of Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of love, music and the arts. Place this artwork opposite the bed to balance the wall hanging and continue the theme of quiet harmony. A single red orchid displayed in a tall plain vase might just be the perfect finishing touch to add a splash of passionate red romanticism to the room without spoiling the serenity of our calming Zen hideaway…

Experience serenity and comfort with a soothing fengshui bedroom design that incorporates the colour salmon to create a calming and enticing aura, perfectly in tune with contemporary bedroom style. With interior decorating trends that rely heavily on the incorporation of Asian elements, a modern, yet timeless room vibe is easy to achieve with a warming salmon backdrop for lasting visual pleasure.

Use salmon paint schemes as the perfect start point using a soft salmon shade to transform the whole room. Since salmon is not a boisterous or dominant colour, it can be used throughout the room with confidence to create the feeling of warmth and security. For best results, choose a shade of salmon that exhibits just a hint of rust or peach in its composition whilst avoiding shades that are overtly pink. If the bedroom is small, you might prefer to paint just one accent wall a salmon colour leaving the remaining walls white or a vintage white shade. Stick to wall paints that have a matt or eggshell finish and texture, rather than high gloss sheens that are too assertive.

Select bedroom furniture that extends the Asian theme, choosing bed designs and coordinating furniture that have natural brown wood tones that complement peachy hued salmon contrasts. Avoid furniture that has light oak, maple or pine finishes that tend to wash out and decrease salmon colour finishes, and instead look out for low profile wooden bed designs in mahogany, walnut and dark oak. Alternatively for a strong fengshui theme, incorporate black furniture with Asian etchings and hardware, or a simple satin black iron bed to create the feeling of comfort and harmony within the room. Whatever your choice, select pieces with a modern, global appeal.

Add salmon bedding to that simple modern bed design with coordinating decorative accents. Choose window treatments partnered with wrought iron or bamboo curtain rods and salmon coloured silky fabrics, where the luxury of the fengshui design blends traditional Asian style with modern romanticism. The colour salmon can be extended to not only the bed dressings, but throw pillows, wall art, table decorations, lamps and decorative candles. Avoid overkill by using salmon coloured wall to wall carpet in the room design, and instead choose natural coloured carpet, or better still natural sisal floor coverings or natural wooden flooring with accent sisal rugs.

Conclude the room scheme by introducing elements of the natural botanical world. Add a peaceful water fountain with salmon coloured or creamy pebbles with several colourful Asian plants and an assortment of bamboo artefacts. Fengshui has a spa-like vibe that thrives on these seducing natural elements, so anything with a floral theme, natural greenery, or woody accents, will all extend the fengshui theme. Use them sparinglyon the “less is more” principle to create a room style that will never fail to please, calming the senses after the rigours of everyday lifestyles…

For many people looking to buy a new home or apartment, small bedrooms can be a deal breaker. But as a buyer or vendor, there are several quick and simple strategies at our disposal to create larger than life bedroom spaces that are not only eminently functional but beautiful too. So whether you are looking to raise the desirability of your home with a view to selling,or simply looking for a space efficient bedroom makeover, options such as easy construction projects to simple storage and design changes are readily accessible to make all the difference.

An easy start point is to prepare the palette. Piles of magazines, souvenirs and the usual bedroom detritus are the bane of a small bedroom. So be headstrong and de-clutter with a vengeance. Purge, donate or recycle whatever you can and bin the remainder or find items another home within the house. This really is the most instantaneous way of creating the illusion of more space even if in actuality the extra room created is not that great. Many bedroom items can be repurposed or relocated, so move that rarely used filing cabinet down into the basement and those spare liens into the bathroom.

It’s a well- known fact that lighter walls and ceiling treatments can open up a room scheme, so unleash any closed-feeling spaces by freshening up the room with a new coat of paint. Even a fresh coat of paint that is the same or similar to one that is existing, will make all the difference, and brighter colours work well for accent walls or a bed head wall, wooden trim, doors and windows and other decorative accents. Extend the theme with light textiles and translucent whites or pale shades for curtain dressings, to make the most of natural light.

The bed is always going to have the biggest footprint in any small bedroom, so choose the design and size wisely. If your bedroom is home to a single bed then there is probably not much that you can do about space intrusion other than to reposition it or replace it with a single contemporary style metal bedstead with a low profile or a no-footend design. Alternatively a metal daybed might fit the bill that offers a handy seating solution when it is not in use as a bed. Double-bedded rooms might be subject to the same solutions or you can downsize from 4.6ft divan sets or a wooden bedstead to a 4ft model to free up more space if the bed is in a guest room and used only occasionally or is to be used by a son or daughter. For those in search of the traditional wooden or iron bedstead look when space is at a premium, there is also always the option of a low foot-end design which offers all the vintage style without compromising available space.

Think vertically, New York style, as limited floor space does not always equate to limited headroom. You can create a loft or small gallery or choose a loft or bunk bed, perhaps with a built in work station to take advantage of vertical space. A skylight is another solution to create a feeling of openness, and stack artwork vertically on the wall, using matching minimalist gallery frames. Wardrobes also are great furniture solutions with a small footprint, yet offering multiple storage options, whilst under-bed storage makes the most of otherwise redundant space. Several bed designs come with built in drawers or you can purchase trundle bins or something as simple as low wicker baskets to store items which slide under a metal bed or simple wooden panelled bed. A wall mounted bookshelf with cabinets offers more hidden storage, while large scatter cushions on the bed introduce a feeling of comfort to the room without sacrificing space, but can be tossed on the floor whenever an impromptu lounging area is required.

For those of us with a passion for sea and its many and varied sporting and leisure associations, it’s truly easy to create an ocean-themed bedroom that evokes fond memories of a favourite beach-side getaway or weekend sailing adventures. The theme is versatile enough for teenager bedroom schemes or more mature master bedroom makeoverswhere accents, textures and colours set the scene. So choose to go loud and bold should you wish with deep navy and red combinations, or incorporate a more neutral colour palette that includes coastal inspired soft blues, vintage whites and sandy tans. For a more literal ocean-themed translation, well suited to teen bedroom themes, an ocean-inspired bedroom can be adorned with accents that tell a watery marine story such as fishing nets, sea creatures, shell and pebble collections, and surfboards.

Use soft tan neutrals and pale blues to create an elegant and understated ocean-themed room with a soft blue paint shade for the walls to serve as the ideal starting point. Incorporate tan neutrals and  sand-coloured bedding to evoke the colours of sand and driftwood and sea grasses. Echo natural aspects of the ocean coastline by selecting natural jute, sea grass or sisal area rugs to soften the floor, and hunt down whitewashed furniture or renovate existing pieces to continue the theme. White painted wicker furniture or distressed whitewashed wooden bed designs are appropriate in this regard, with white or ivory finished traditional iron bed designs for a vintage feel. Antique arcades and second hand stores make good hunting grounds for tracking down furniture to paint yourself for a budget makeover, but keeping the furniture look white or at least a creamy hue will ensure the best harmony. Likewise, choose lampshades and curtain materials that are neutral with small accents of white or blue, and fill clear glass vases with sand into which you can imbed white pillar candles. Include also vases to feature beach glass or seashells, small pieces of driftwood, and pebble collections, for a pleasing ocean inspired feature.

For a more nautical mood use the bold colours of red, navy and yellow to evoke sailing themes with dark mahogany furniture of the kind that would have been common during the 1800s shipped from Indonesia to England. This style of furniture has colonial overtones and a distinctly clubby Victorian flavour which fits in perfectly with this type of nautical bedroom. Panelled head and foot end wooden bedstead creations or even a reproduction Victorian brass bed with deep antiqued patina will be in tune here, perhaps teamed up with a navy quilt with crisp white cotton sheets and pillows with red or blue piping to accent the ocean storyline.

Add framed nautical ocean charts and shipping flags for a nod to the ocean vessels that deploy these features and stick with mahogany or dark oak frame styles to extend the theme. Set against a neutral wall backdrop of sand coloured tan or whiter vintage shades, or a deep navy accent wall for an assertive flavour, the effect is sure to be inspiring. Ensure that all metal accents and accessories are brass wherever possible to mimic the brass detailing so common in nautical circles, to include bedside table lamp bases, brass dresser knobs, and window and door hardware, for consistency.

And finally, items such as surf boards, fishing nets and sea shells are a sure fire way to accessorise a teenager’s room with a theme that is instantly recognisable. Hang the surfboard behind the bed for a headboard with a difference or purchase a boat shaped bed for a younger son for a real touch of ocean verve. Use bright and cheery ocean colours for the bedding and glue seashells, starfish and driftwood to a fishing net to create a charming corner or bedside feature. Frame vintage surfing

Of all the rooms in the home, it’s the bedroom that should pander to your unique style and tastes. As a private personal space it offers a great canvas upon which to stamp an individualistic identity which can be as restrained or outgoing in terms of décor personality as you might desire. Hawaiian themed bedrooms are worth considering as an escape from the mainstream norm because they create the sense of a natural welcoming retreat with an enticingly sunny and upbeat disposition to brighten the dullest winter day. You can achieve a quick Hawaiian style update in the bedroom by simply switching textiles and investing in some thematic wall art, or go a little further, investing a bit more time and money, for a full Hawaiian bedroom makeover…

Choose a theme that you enjoy and get busy researching for ideas. You might like to go all Polynesian style with bright tropical prints and an ocean inspired colour palette, or add some kitschy style with a tiki bar-inspired look. Or how about a beach party and surfing theme recalling Elvis in the movie Blue Hawaii? Establish the mood by painting or re-modelling the walls. It’s easy to create a simple tropical backdrop by using ocean blue, bottle green, mango orange, brilliant red, or a cheerful yellow on an accent or bed head wall. If you prefer to paint all four walls a lemon yellow finish or periwinkle blue finish with lighter accents might work well, whilst for a tiki look you could install rustic wood panelling or hang raffia mats. For surfing themes, a wall mural of breaking waves adds an exciting angle and could be particularly welcome in Hawaii themed teenager bedroom schemes.

Transform your bed and bedding to extend the Hawaiian vibe by keeping the look sleek and sophisticated with a platform style wooden bed with a contemporary twist, or a low-rise metal bed that harmonises with the colours and textures of the room. Simple modern bed designs will be at home here, with perhaps more rustic traditional styles in tiki-type room themes. Leaf green or ocean blue bedding enhances the Hawaiian flavour, or choose to go a step further with zany prints of tropical flowers or jungle vines for that teen bedroom. Extend the jungle theme with mosquito nets or a canvas canopy to hang from the ceiling and tumble over and around your focal-point bedstead.

Complement the décor with coordinating furnishings and accessories, using natural materials and items from nature to evoke Hawaii’s natural beauty. Rustic wooden furniture pieces work well with this look, as do Asian-influenced designs of unadorned simple wooden bedframes and furniture that have low profiles. Bring beach inspired furniture indoors by including a wicker table and chairs placed under the window or beside the bed, or a little metal garden cart covered in blossoming plants to cheer up a dark corner. Line a wall shelf, windowsill or bedside table top with shells, coral, sea glass and pebbles to evoke the ocean, and brighten the whole scheme with cheerful accent lighting.

A pair of wall sconces with flower shaped shades might frame an accent painting or mural here, or would look great flanking the bed. Incorporate torch-style floor lamps to emulate tiki torches, with table lamps featuring stained glass shades displaying bight ocean colours, while for a final flourish of Hawaiian laid-back style, tea lights and candle lamps evoke the mood of a twilight beach party or an open fire barbeque…

French Country style never falls from favour for the simple reason that it is instantly appealing and undeniably timeless. In the home it is a look that exemplifies comfort, easy grace, and a casual, refined elegance as opposed to more formal prim room styles. French country style exudes a persona that is distinctive without being showy that is at home in most traditional surroundings and architectural settings. It is this very flexibility that makes it particularly suited to relaxed bedroom moods, where colour, textures and accents come together with enormously appealing results.

When first pulling together the ideas for your French Country makeover, give the scheme a head start by choosing backdrop colours that are bright and vibrant, such as sunny yellows, clear blues, soft greens, and vintage whites that are creamy and serene. These are all good choices for wall and ceiling colours, which contrast well with the rustic distressed look of wooden or rusted iron furniture pieces, typical of French Country decor. Heavy cotton fabrics and rustic pine furniture adds texture and depth and a feeling of age.Counterbalance these weightier elements with lacy, airy window dressings for a summery flavour. Toile and floral fabrics are good choices for bedroom fabrics, both for the bedding and wallpaper design and elsewhere within the room. Curtains and drapes should reach the floor and fall softly, often with lace curtains enclosed by heavier floral patterned drapes. Include elegant tie-backs and ornate swags to finish the look and incorporate shutters for true French country authenticity.

Furniture choice is of importance here to create the perfect scheme. Wooden pieces that are grounded and solid without excessive detailing are the look that we are striving for. Wooden bed designs in simple panelled style, naturally stained or painted in shades of green, blue, white or faded yellow, will all help to coordinate the room and inject that French Country flavour, whilst a simple iron bed will serve the same purpose, as long as it is a little time-worn, yet retains that elegant persona. More substantial furniture pieces can co-exist happily with more delicate designs here should you wish, helping to strike a good visual balance. In fact an underlying feeling of informal shabby chic-ness is a sure sign that the room mix is right on track.

Just as some of those room elements might exude a rustic, worn and distressed flavour, your choice of bedding and room fabrics can complement the time-worn look for a charming counterpoint. Incorporate throw pillows in luxurious fabrics such as brocade and silk for a touch of country elegance, and throws can be tossed over the backs of chairs or draped over the foot end of that traditional bed for an extra helping of luxury. A soft plush rug laid over whitewashed wooden floors to the side, or at the foot of the bed introduces a comfortable touch, and don’t overlook the importance of those quirky little vintage accents that make all the difference in this essentially traditional room setting. Local antique arcades and flea markets are a great resource in this regard. Old metal lamps, candlesticks, china vases, bowls and more, areall lovely additions to the French Country bedroom, and can be repurposed to perform all sorts of roles if not just purely decorative.

And finally, keep your lighting theme ornate if possible with free standing lamps and ornately shaded bedside table illumination. Tiffany style lamps are perfectly at home here for a beautiful bedroom accent, whilst fabric lampshades can be made to match wallpaper or bedding fabrics. This is a particularly charming look when toile fabrics are part of the room theme. French Country style and graceful Gallic elegance personified…

Arran brass bed from Original Bedstead

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Who would deny that, if nowhere else, the bedroom is the one room in the home where we should be able to rest and relax; a retreat from the pressures of life and a space that allows us to be ourselves in surroundings that are comfortable, familiar and above all, welcoming. If your bedroom is lacking in some of those creature comforts that make the difference between humdrum and a room mood that is warmly enticing, then maybe it is time to get to work with a paintbrush and a bit of decorative imagination, that will help to turn your private retreat into the room of your dreams…

Treat yourself and splurge a little. After all the bedroom is the one room in the home that you can personalise with gay abandon without offending anyone else, so stamp your identity with colours, accents and furniture that reflect your personal tastes and aspirations. Fill it with things that you enjoy and textures and accessories that flatter the senses. Treat yourself to decadent comfort without feeling a twinge of guilt. Nothing shouts glamour like deluxe sheets, plump pillows and rich satin comforters. Lush fabrics and scatter cushions in velvet or damask fabrics are what it is all about here with perhaps a faux-fur runner at the foot of a romantic bedstead. Allow the bed to become the room focal point from which the room draws design inspiration, and you will find yourself on the way to a cosy design project that is easier than you might have anticipated. From regal traditional wooden bedstead designs, to Victorian style iron beds in any number of beautiful colour finishes, or perhaps a brass bed fashioned in solid antiqued brass for a splash of unparalleled glamour, the bed should be the one item in the room that is never second best.

In fact the bed should be our best friend…It is after all the place where we spend a third of our lives, and yet so many people put up with poor quality unsupportive mattresses and inferior linens that leave us unrested and in poor shape, unable to tackle effectively the rigours of the day. So treat yourself to the best bedstead and mattress that you can afford and add softness and scent that soothes and flatters the emotions. A plush area rug to cover natural wooden floorboards should lie at the foot or to the side of the bed with a pile of comfy scatter cushions to add an extra dimension of comfort. Scented candles and moody ambient lighting will strike the perfect chord and don’t be afraid to add patterns and textures, even if the Interior Design magazines tell you otherwise. This scheme after all is to be one that you enjoy and that gives great pleasure every time you cross the threshold. So by all means hunt down décor inspiration but don’t be afraid to toss aside the rule book if it doesn’t light your fire. Experiment with patterns and colours until you get a result that is just right. After all, too much of one colour can make a room feel cool and bland, whereas different colours and textures add visual interest and stimulation filling the room with warmth and character in the process.

And finally, get disciplined and banish clutter. In truth even the untidiest person doesn’t like to be surrounded by rubbish and all the usual bedroom detritus, so get rid of, or at least hide items that doesn’t need to be out in the open on display. Tuck that laundry hamper out of sight and put magazines and shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe or in purpose made trundle bins under the bed. If you can live without it, banish the TV and seek out an old steamer trunk or coffer to sit at the end of the bed to swallow up winter blankets or clothes that might otherwise just remain scattered about. Do this and be left with only those things that are easy on the eye and that speak volumes about the person that you are, for a room scheme of which you can be justifiably proud that never fails to offer the warmest  welcome…

Purple enjoys universal appeal. It is a colour that is gender friendly and remarkably versatile in a vast palette of hues to suit just about any room theme. Use deep purple in your bedroom design to create a lush and regal space in which to relax and unwind. The richness of purple can overwhelm a room without a degree of restraint, but with caution and a little colour planning you can indulge in eggplant or merlot hues with ravishing results that feel anything but claustrophobic. Incorporate natural and artificial light along with lighter accents for a room mood that is bright and airy and undeniably inviting…

If a bold and romantic colour vibe is your pleasure then deep purple shades could be the perfect choice. The trick here is to counterpoint the richness of purple with those lighter accents to ensure balance and visual harmony. Rich dark purple bedroom walls look fabulous and when married with silver or vintage white linens, woodwork and accessories, the story really comes to life. Silk bed coverings or window treatments also come into their own here, and help to reflect light around the room creating the illusion of space. Keep the colour palette simple with just one or maybe two shades of white, cream or silver, applying them within the space. Incorporate furniture in the form of lime-washed wooden bedsteads or a traditional metal bed in an ivory finish with brass detailing for a romantic flourish. Team up with matching bedside tables and a creamy upholstered love seat or reading chair to add a cosy flavour to the room, with additional fresh charm courtesy of a large bouquet of white lilies atop a nightstand or bureau.

An alternative approach sees deep purple walls paired with rich wooden furniture to create an enveloping sensual bedroom mood. Darker traditional wooden bed designs, from French style sleigh bed creations, to simpler wooden panelled beds in cherrywood, walnut or mahogany, create a luxurious and relaxing space in the company of a rich purple backdrop. Dark oak and ebony wood styles turn up the temperature with a regal aesthetic that can hold their own against the richness of the wall colour, and consider introducing added dimension to the room by seeking out wooden beds and furniture that have ornate carving features. Choose fabrics for the bed that have coordinating purple shades if you wish, but steer of anything that has elaborate patterns that will compete with the furniture and the walls. Instead, add visual interest with interesting textures in the form of bed linens, area rugs and scatter pillows that will complement rather than introduce visual distraction.

For smaller rooms and for those who are set on introducing purple into their bedroom décor without committing to a complete purple makeover, consider a two-shade approach that sees the wall space broken by the inclusion of a dado rail or chair rail as it is also known. Wooden chair rails add detail and dimension as well as a simple way to add a splash of contrasting lighter colour. Paint or wallpaper the wall below the chair rail in the rich deep purple shade of your choice, with the wall space above the rail finished in a neutral hue such as light grey or a vintage white or ivory. This two tone approach is very effective with something of a traditional country house flavour about it that enables us to enjoy the richness of purple without it becoming too oppressive or heavy. Another option is to use the well tried and tested method of finishing just one accent wall in a deep purple shade. This would normally be the bed head wall offering attractive contrast with creamy white traditional bed designs, or as the perfect partner for that romantic and timelessly enticing wooden bedstead…

Blyth brass bed from Original bedstead.

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

We are all fans of vintage home décor. Vintage, retro and old-style shabby chic is all the rage right now and it’s a look, as we know, that translates particularly well within the bedroom with an appealing mix of comfort and good old world nostalgia. The style is so enormously versatile because it encompasses any number of styling options from the time period of choice. So whether you are after a dose of romance from the Victorian era or something with a rather more recent mid-century flavour, there is a look and distinct décor persona to suit all tastes. From the furniture you choose, to the fabrics, colours, textures and accents; all will make a welcoming vintage statement for a timeless room design that you can tweak with the seasons and truly personalise…

Unless you already possess a treasured collection of treasured valuables that you wish to incorporate within your room scheme, your first ports of call may well be your local antique arcade or auction room. Maybe you already have a few vintage or antique pieces which you wish to complement with some new additions, in which case you might have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for. However, keeping an open mind is a good strategy and often the loveliest finds are those that we were not expecting. Don’t discount garage sales, car boot sales or flea markets either as worthwhile hunting grounds, particularly for more recent retro style items. Often diligent hunting can yield surprising and bargain results. Think outside the box and consider repurposing various pieces to fit your needs. For example, a small kitchen table could become a bedroom desk or vanity table, and mix and match display units might make great nightstands. Just keep a unifying theme in mind and make sure that all your items have a common link in terms of time period and underlying style. If you are redecorating in a hurry and don’t have the time or inclination to hunt down old items, seek out reproduction pieces that evoke the look and feel of your chosen period. Ornate chandeliers and beautiful armoires are easily available and will strike the right tone, whilst for a glamorous centrepiece, fall in love with a Victorian inspired iron bed with antique brass detailing. Metal bedsteads and solid brass beds from this era will never date or fall from fashion and are sure to make the definitive room statement. Where space and budgets allow, you might even wish to splash out on a wooden or metal four poster bed for the ultimate romantic style statement.

When it comes to fabrics and linens to breathe life into the room and that enticing traditional bed, it can prove a difficult task to hunt down originals that are still unworn and usable. And anyway, it’s invariably nicer to incorporate lookalike fabrics that are fresh and clean, so purchase new linen that has that distinctive vintage look and feel. If you are a whizz with the sewing machine the possibilities for stunning vintage linen designs are endless, and you might even like to create your own bed quilt for cosy shabby chic cottage décor, or sew pieces of vintage lace to the edge of sheets and pillowcases for a Victoriana flavour. For an eclectic look feel free to mix and match with fabrics and linens that don’t match yet share a pattern or colour in common. Vintage scarves and handkerchiefs that are still in good condition can be called upon to embellish lampshades or curtains, with perhaps an original piece of lace deployed as a charming curtain tie-back.

Hunting down vintage accessories gives opportunity for great fun, and small finds such as knobs, hooks and handles can give instant accent interest. Attach knobs or hooks to the wall from which to hang bathrobes or handbags, and collect a variety of antique porcelain or brass drawer pulls or knobs and use them to transform the personality of a dresser or bedside table. A trip around the average antique centre is sure to unearth pretty collections or vases, cups and plates that can be displayed throughout the room and used to display everything from fresh flowers to jewelry. If you have old family photographs, you may like to frame and hang these as individual larger accent features or in a little collection on a bedside wall. And finally, and just as importantly, don’t overlookthose precious inherited heirlooms that tie in with your unique theme, to personalise the room moodfor a true sense of timeless vintage appeal…

Tain bedstead from Original Bedstead.

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Scandinavian design influences permeate many approaches to home décor within the western world, and whilst most often associated with clean minimalistic design and lighter woods and colours, the Scandinavian aesthetic can include traditional influences and more rustic elements. It is the geography, weather, seasonal peculiarities and cultural traditions that have shaped the Scandinavian approach to home décor and architectural styles that we recognise today. From Denmark through, Sweden, Norway, Finland and the far flung Faroe Islands, regional variables make up the rich décor tapestry of these beautiful countries, steeped in history and dramatic landscapes. As inspiration for room makeovers a little closer to home, there is much to be enjoyed and replicated for home design that is fresh and uplifting.

Throughout many months of the year Scandinavian countries are deprived of light, particularly in the northern extremes, and this in part has shaped a different approach to colour and design. Lack of natural sunlight necessitates the use of sheer fabrics, lighter colours and airy textures to lighten room moods, so emulate the theme with simple window treatments and clever use of ambient and artificial light. A collection of overhead, wall and free standing lighting allows for great flexibility when it comes to adjusting the mood and lighting levels, whatever the requirement or the prevailing weather conditions. Likewise, candles are an integral part of Scandinavian design and add an enchanting element of natural light to dark nights and short winter days.

For more contemporary room designs base your décor on the modern décor and furniture elements of the region that are recognised worldwide. The style is personified by a “form meets function” aesthetic, where needless decoration or frippery gives way to clean lines and a minimalist but stylish ascetic stance. Swedish and Danish furniture styles are particularly associated with this design approach, although the aesthetic is to be found all through Scandinavia. It is this simple, streamlined look, which relies heavily on lighter woods and metal accents that we find so appealing, and permits, should you so wish, to blend more traditional design objects and room elements without creating a cluttered space that would compromise the room persona. Low wooden bed or platform bed designs fit the brief perfectly, as would a simple metal bed or high gloss materials such as chrome or nickel to offer a pleasing counterpoint to more woody organic room elements. Deploy a sophisticated modern bed creation to define the room scheme as the starting point for other room furniture and texture/colour accents.

According to personal taste and architectural influences, include traditional elements within theroom to bring a degree of softness and colour intrigue to the mix. Scandinavian culture is famous for knitted wool designs, so cosy-up the space with some rich wall hangings featuring typical Scandinavian patterns or motifs, and incorporate also in the form of throw pillows and cushions, or perhaps a bed runner. Also look out for Saami designs to bring a touch of authenticity into the mix. These indigenous inhabitants of the northern regions of Norway, Sweden and Finland have their own distinct culture and decorative variants. Seek out these regional accents to complement the bedroom scheme such as brightly painted wooden horses fromDalarna, or Royal Copenhagen china sets from Denmark. Denmark is also famous for its amber which you can find carved into decorative objects or sold in natural form.

Add further visual intrigue by including images of nature. Framed photographs of such landscape wonders as the Norwegian fjords or the wonder of the lava fields and waterfalls of Iceland, are sure to evoke the Scandinavian mood. Include, should you wish, pictures of native animals such as the Norwegian reindeer, or the elegant swans made famous by Hans Christian Andersons enchanting fairy tales. Showcase in rustic style wooden frames to complete the Scandinavian motif or opt for simpler minimalist wall treatments in airy contemporary Scandinavian bedroom settings