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Mia Horton Interiors @mia.horton_interior_design
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Marble bathroom idea: marble walls
Hyperion Tiles
Create a space that screams luxury by incorporating marble bathroom walls. Opting for a gloss white porcelain marble wall tile will give off a beautifully bright appearance that will stay looking fresh for years to come. For a natural finish, pair with wood effect bathroom flooring and a selection of indoor foliage.
These stunning marble effect tiles are inspired by the luxurious Cappella marble – perfect if you’re looking for a luxe marble appearance without the high price point.
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Marble bathroom idea: marble flooring
Amtico
When designing your bathroom, the flooring you choose will set the scene for the whole room. Having a light floor will create the illusion of space, whilst the gloss aspect will act as a light reflector. If you want to create an opulent bathroom aesthetic with a bright, airy feel, go for gloss marble flooring.
With its solid white background and subtle grey and gold veining, this Carrara marble dupe masters the luxe look. Plus, the easy clean glossy tiles come in at a fraction of the price compared to real Carrara marble.
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Marble bathroom idea: marble accessories
The White Company
You don’t have to splash out on a whole refit to achieve a high-end aesthetic. Adding a few marble accessories can be all it takes to give your bathroom a luxe setting (plus, it won’t break the bank). Create a unified look with the following marble effect bathroom accessories: a toothbrush holder, toilet brush and soap dish.
This marble toothbrush holder is the real deal. Made from natural marble, it’s as luxurious as it is practical. We recommend pairing with H&M’s matching soap dish and soap dispenser.
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Marble bathroom idea: gold accents
Mia Horton Interiors @mia.horton_interior_design
Let’s face it – marble and gold are a perfect pairing. Gold accessories complement marble walls and floors, creating a glamorous and clean aesthetic in bathrooms. There’s no need to hold back when it comes to adding gold to your marble bathroom. Think gold taps, a gold toilet flush and gold cabinet handles.
Image: Mia Horton Interiorsmarble bathroom design, JTP
Spencer Gold Basin Mixer Tap
Spencer Gold Basin Mixer Tap
Credit: Victoria Plum
This gold basin mixer tap is a match made in heaven for designer marble bathrooms. It features an elegant spout and minimalist lever handle to add a dash of class to your bathroom. Coordinate the look with the matching gold shower from the Spencer range.
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Marble bathroom idea: sink details
Vigo Jansons Photography | Aflux Designs
A lesson in colour, texture and contrasting shapes, here deep teal walls complement glossy hexagonal tiles, while the grain pattern of the dark wood calms what is a bold bathroom corner. Yet it is the squared marble sink – with sharp, sleek lines – which commands attention despite being pared-back in appearance. Playing with shape, the squared sink perfectly contrasts with the oval mirror hanging above.
Create an added layer of contrast by incorporating marble sanitaryware in your bathroom. Go contemporary with the sharp, sleek lines of a squared sink, or tap into organic forms with a circular design. This round, distinctive black marble sink is handmade in Indonesia, making every one completely unique. It’s a real eye-catcher!
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Marble bathroom idea: mosaic marble
Hyperion Tiles
For a distinctive take on traditional marble design, consider mosaic marble. Adding a pattern alongside marble will give your bathroom an extra layer of character and visual interest. You could even experiment with marble in other forms, such as geometric or striped patterns.
With its fresh white background and subtle grey highlights, this marble would look timeless in both modern and traditional bathrooms. The 3D cube design gives these tiles a real edge – and they can be installed on walls or floors.
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Marble bathroom idea: marble with green
Terratinta Group
Representing balance, nature and rebirth, green is a powerful colour to include in your bathroom. When blending the natural material of marble with forest green hues, you get a harmonious, revitalising atmosphere that you’ll feel total tranquility in. Add a selection of indoor plants for a botanical setting.
Bring the boutique hotel look home with this gorgeous green soap dispenser. It’s designed with raised diamond edging and a chrome pump to make it look much more expensive than it is! There’s also a matching tumbler and soap dish to complete the look.
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Marble bathroom idea: marble wallpaper
Bobbi Beck
Marble effect tiles aren’t the only way to mimic the real thing on a smaller budget. Marble wallpaper is an inexpensive alternative to real marble that looks just as luxurious (well, almost). Just make sure you pick a wallpaper that’s suitable for bathrooms, as not all designs are suitable for damp conditions.
Create a tranquil ambience in your bathroom with this cream marble wallpaper. It’s washable and easy to hang by simply pasting it to the wall. Plus, it’s an absolute steal.
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Marble bathroom idea: two-tone marble
Mia Horton Interiors @mia.horton_interior_design
Two-tone bathrooms are a popular design choice among interior experts as they amplify a room’s depth and dimension. For a striking effect, play around with different tones of marble: white marble walls paired with anthracite marble flooring make for an ideal colour combo in modern bathrooms. A floral wall mural and gold fixtures amp up the luxury factor.
Image: Mia Horton Interiors marble bathroom design, JTP
Chatsworth Savoy Vintage Gold Traditional Heated Towel Rail Radiator
Chatsworth Savoy Vintage Gold Traditional Heated Towel Rail Radiator
Credit: Victorian Plumbing
Aside from its practical benefits of keeping your towels toasty and warm, this gold towel rail will create a fabulous focal point in your bathroom, perfectly complementing marble wall or floor tiles for a luxe finish.
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Marble bathroom idea: grey marble
Omvivo
When you think of marble, you probably envision white upon white. Although white marble is a popular choice, marble bathrooms can look luxurious and effective in other colours, too. Grey marble offers an almost urban twist on the standard white aesthetic, complementing contemporary bathroom spaces.
Designed with intricate white veins and a high gloss finish, these grey marble effect tiles are luxurious and practical in equal measure. The tiles are finished with a glaze that’s resistant to stains and water damage, making them perfect for busy bathrooms.
A new time is a excellent option to give your dwelling a small update. If you want the inside of of your residence to come to feel fresh and shiny in the summertime to match the cheerful sunshine exterior, some easy but tasteful decor tips can make a enormous variation. Below are 10 decorating ideas to encourage a summer months home makeover.
1) Select a warm color for the walls
Heat shades can fill your rooms with light and make the space search larger sized. You will be pleasantly astonished at how nicely it fills the place. You can include negligible wood home furniture to develop balance. Accent decoration also gives a fantastic contrast.
color
2) A wallpaper mural
A wallpaper full with a scenic mural is a amazing way to makeover any space. Not only does a mural add drama and influence to a place – it really is also the most price tag-helpful way of getting a substantial-scale artwork for your wall.
Take into consideration edging your mural by producing a frame from attractive mouldings these kinds of as photo rails, which are low cost to purchase from hardware outlets and can be painted to mix in with the wall or picked out in a contrasting color.
mural
3) Swap hefty curtains for sheers and layers
Most designers would concur that hefty curtains would be making their way out of our homes this 12 months in favour of lighter and brighter window coverings, and we all know there is nothing like daylight streaming into the residence on a spring morning to elevate the temper. Lighter, sheer fabrics are the vital to building a softer look substantial-excellent possibilities are obtainable in wool and linen. Silk is an additional good option and is somewhat decadent. If you truly need to block out the light, even just through the night, including a black out-blind can aid this when allowing for you to hold your mild and brilliant daytime seem.
4) Insert plants
Adding vegetation to your home is a excellent way to beautify without the need of litter. Indoor vegetation in home corners and cabinets can make your household glimpse fresher. Vegetation will add a traditional touch to your home, increase your home’s air quality, and make you sense shut to nature.
crops
5) Elevate your old home furniture
Old and worn out household furniture hidden away or found in the auction room can be given a new lease of everyday living with a fresh coat of paint to go with your picked out color plan pastels, violet and navy are all building a comeback. If you are interested in anything a little much more fingers-on, you could even check out your hand at reupholstery. Earthy hues and worldwide prints are hot right now if you are a globetrotter, it can be the best time to begin accessorizing on your travels bright Indian prints or traditional Chinese florals are best.
6) Cushions make a big variation
Purchase a several plain cushions in a conventional dimensions, such as 40-by-40 cm, and dress them up with cushion handles to accommodate the year or the latest colour and style tendencies. Select animal prints, chevron styles or big floral styles to set the temper and carry the summer season year in. Swap them as usually as attainable to give your sofa or bed a new look.
cushions
7) Update your artwork
A new year is a wonderful time to update the artwork pieces all-around the dwelling. This can be done by switching the photos in the frames now hanging and picking images with a summer time search. You can also dangle different objects that remind you of travelling.
Switching the artwork, just like transferring your home furniture all around, will give your eyes something new and new to seem at and provide new electricity to the space.
8) Brand-new table location
Placing new, vivid flowers at your dining table’s centre will make a substantial change. You can also get a new established of dishes with a pop of colors as very well as new washable napkins with summer months patterns on them.
table
9) Commit in new rugs
Rugs can deliver a great deal to any place of your dwelling since they can make a area experience extra total, inviting, and totally decorated.
For your summer season household makeover, swap out outdated rugs and provide new rugs into spaces that never have any. You can make a rug work in pretty much any room as extensive as you coordinate the patterns and colours with other decors in the space.
Location a substantial rug in your living home, a comfy rug by your kitchen area sink, a water-resistant rug outdoors your bathtub, and a prolonged runner in your hallway.
10) Try out going white
In the course of the summer season, the days are considerably longer and brighter, which signifies we get a lot more normal gentle. This ought to be created the most of when it comes to the inside of your property. Inviting as a great deal all-natural mild into the area as attainable and working with white as a base color can assist this.
Attempt to preserve home furniture and vital items white or gentle stone, and then use wall art and subtle décor objects to increase a pop of color. This permits you to embrace summer’s all-natural brightness and lovely bold colors – the greatest of each worlds.
white
11) Shell out interest to the entrance
Past but not least, acquire a search at your front door. Summer time is commonly when we host far more dinner get-togethers, so welcome your friends starting up at the front door!
Get a new welcome mat, add potted fresh flowers by the entrance, and hang a summer time wreath. And, of class, this isn’t just for your guests! You will certainly be experiencing it each and every day, far too!
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Planning small living room ideas shouldn’t be seen as a hardship, but rather an opportunity to flex your creativity. A tiny living room presents the opportunity to create a bold and cosy space, something that isn’t always easy to do in larger living room ideas.
That being said there is a certain amount of skill involved when crafting a petite living room into a functional space that works for the whole family. In a small space, you have to dedicate time to getting the building blocks of the room right, including how to arrange furniture in a small living room, once you get the right everything else should be gravy.
‘With a small living room, it’s worth taking time to really plan where your furniture is placed. Although the available space may limit your options, the right layout can make a space seem larger than it actually is,’ explains Adam Brown, Director at The Painted Furniture Company (opens in new tab).
‘Avoid the obvious solution of pushing everything back against the walls, instead allow space around key pieces of furniture. This will allow the eye to see more floor space, making your room seem bigger.’
Small living room ideas
We’ve rounded up all the best small living room ideas from design experts to help you realise the potential your micro family room could be hiding. There are tips and design tricks that will create the illusion of space, but also make sure you’re still able to make a style statement.
1. Go big with a rug
(Image credit: Future PLC )
In a small living room, the worst design mistake you can make is going small with your rug choice. If it is floating like an island between your furniture it will only make the space look smaller. This is your opportunity to go big so seize it.
However, you do need to make sure the rug your choose is in proportion to your furniture and space. ‘A good guide to follow is to ensure that your rug is larger than the biggest piece of furniture. For example, the longest side of the rug should always be longer by at least 6 inches than the largest piece of furniture, eg. sofa,’ says Therese Germain, Vice President of Product at Ruggable (opens in new tab), our go-to machine washable rug brand.
‘In a small living room, a 150x215cm rug will fit underneath a coffee table, or in front of a fireplace with two comfy chairs sitting almost completely on the rug.’
2. Go bold with your paint choice
(Image credit: Future PLC )
‘First instinct for a small living room is to keep it light, bright and de-cluttered (the word du jour right now) and while this is a perfectly acceptable decorating thing to do, especially if the room is flooded with natural light, sometimes going bolder can also be a wonderful option,’ says Patrick O’Donnell International Brand Ambassador at farrow and ball.
Patrick recommends trying a mid-tone green living room ideas for an invitation oasis like French Gray or Lichen. Alternatively, consider taking the plunge with a bold and dark colour like Down Pipe. ‘Our perennially favourite grey that never comes across as too chilly- it will just cocoon you in a softly dramatic way!’ adds Patrick.
3. Embrace the colour drenching trend
(Image credit: Future PLC / Veronica Rodriguez)
‘Another good trick is to paint EVERYTHING in one colour- a soft neutral such as Joa’s White or Stirabout will work in all lighting conditions and create a good backdrop to introduce your personal identity through cloth, pictures and furniture,’ says Patrick at Farrow and Ball (opens in new tab).
Embracing the colour-drenching paint trend as Patrick suggests works by distracting the eye from the edges of the room which are usually picked out in another colour. However, don’t feel you need to stick to soft neutrals, bold dark greys and navy can also look great in a small living room.
4. Define space with paint
(Image credit: Future PLC / Rachel Smith)
Even small living room ideas can benefit from the power of zoning a room with colour. If you use the room for dining and unwinding in front of the TV use contrasting paint colours to divide the room.
‘Using contrasting paint colours to create division in a room is an effective way to manage smaller spaces,’ says Paula Taylor, Head Stylist at Graham & Brown (opens in new tab). ‘If you were to split the wall up with contrasting paint colours, such as a deep blue and vibrant yellow, it will create the illusion of separate spaces, without the need to use furniture or physical divisions.’
Alternatively, for a softer look zone spaces with different shades of the same colour.
5. Switch out the sofa for a lounger
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
Can a living room still be a living room without a sofa? The answer is a responding yes! While choosing the best sofa might be the conventional furniture choice if you’re working with tiny living room ideas it could be worth considering a lounger, day bed or cuddle seat, over small living room sofa ideas.
‘Not every living space needs a sofa but often we feel the need to fill a space. When it comes to choosing seating, think about how the space is going to be used, who by and at what times of day. You might find a small chaise or classic mid-century lounger will be perfect,’ says Tom Rutt (opens in new tab), founder of TR Studio
6. Open up the space with shutters
(Image credit: Future PLC )
In a small space, it pays to be clever with your window dressings and consider forgoing the usual living room curtain ideas. Instead, blinds or shutters could be a smart option to open up the space.
‘Changing accessories in your living room can make a huge difference. Although curtains add an element of luxury to your relaxing space, if your living room is small, it might be worth swapping them out blinds or shutters,’ says Lisa Cooper, Head of Product at Thomas Sanderson (opens in new tab).
‘Blinds and shutters both make a room look taller, as they free up space on either side of the window.’
7. Experiment with a coloured ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
‘Paint is your friend in a small space, particularly when it comes to giving the illusion of height,’ says Lick’s Director of Interior Design and Colour Psychologist Tash Bradley. ‘By painting your ceilings in a light blue or light green, such as Lick’s Green 13 (opens in new tab) or Blue 02 (opens in new tab) the room will appear taller.
‘Or, paint your walls, ceiling and skirting all in the same colour so your eye does not get drawn to the corners of the room, which will create the feeling of space.’
8. Pick pink
(Image credit: Future PLC )
Pink living room ideas are perfect for a small space as an alternative to neutral living room ideas, the trick is to keep the shade light and powdery. ‘Lighter neutral colours will help reflect light around a small room, or a lovely soft alternative to a neutral is pink,’ says Lick’s Tash.
‘Lick’s Pink 01 (opens in new tab) and Pink 04 (opens in new tab) are great for small spaces as they make the room feel warm and welcoming, but also help to reflect the light.’ Pair the pink with a vibrant colourful sofa to add character and interest to the space.
9. Focus on one feature wall
(Image credit: Future PLC / Katie Jane Watson)
We know it’s hard, but in a small living room it is important to hone in on just a few key living room wall decor ideas.‘In a small space, it can quickly feel claustrophobic if there’s too much asking for attention as your eye doesn’t know where to rest,’ explains Lucy Henderson, Head Designer at My Bespoke room.
‘Creating a clear focal point to draw you in is essential for rooms of any size but in a small one, try to scale it back. Pick just one wall to be the real show stopper, whether that’s with wallpaper or a gallery wall.’
10. Choose furniture with legs
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Kelly Collins from Swyft Home (opens in new tab) recommends furniture that’s raised off of the ground. ‘Selecting a sofa or armchair that sits on raised legs will help to bring a sense of light and space and make even the smallest living rooms feel airy,’ she says. When more of the floor is visible, the room appears bigger.
This trick lends itself well to any living room, as many of the best sofas and armchairs are finished with beautiful turned wooden legs. Lots of beautiful mid-century pieces are raised on legs, from sideboards and cabinets to sofas, keeping the floor on show.
11. Create a focal point with a gallery wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Centre your lounge space with gallery wall ideas above the sofa. Frame photos, prints, wallpaper samples and pressed flowers to create something that brings personality. The visual interest created by a cluster of prints will distract from the fact the room is small and anchors the space.
12. Enlarge with wide flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC / Jon Day)
Elements of the room with large surface area, like the walls and floors, have a huge impact on how a small space feels. Consider flooring options that will expand the space.
‘Use wide flooring planks or those laid on a diagonal tangent across the room,’ advises interior designer Vanessa Morgan (opens in new tab). Chunky floorboards will work better than slim ones, and a Berber rug with a diamond pattern will also create the impression of a broader area.
13. Break up a neutral palette with boho patterns
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
Like we mentioned earlier, neutral tones will help a small room to feel larger. Light coloured carpets, walls and furniture are a great way to keep a space feeling bright and airy, whatever the size of the room.
We love the little extra touches in this charming living room – the wall-mounted shelving unit provides the perfect space for personal mementos and accessories. If you’re prefer a modern small living room idea like this one, then simplicity is key.
14. Hide corners to enhance the sense of space
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (opens in new tab) explains a simple bit of science around corners, and how to make a room feel larger by drawing the eye away from its edges. ‘Our minds become confused in a room, if our eyes can’t see corners,’ he begins.
‘If our eyes can see corners then our mind knows exactly what size the room is, but if you can find ways of disguising corners, hiding corners, drawing the attention of the eye to the middle of the wall rather than the edge of the wall, that will always help significantly.’ He suggests placing a tall plant or even having a table lamp in the corner of a room to distract the eye from the perimeter.
15. Go oversized with artwork
(Image credit: Future PLC )
A gallery wall will always be a popular way to decorate the wall behind a sofa and display favourite artwork and photos. But in a tight space, one large piece of artwork could stop the space from feeling cluttered and busy. Here, a large abstract print with tones of mustard and pink tie in with the sofa, while the rest of the space is kept bright and minimalist.
16. Hang easy breezy curtains
(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)
‘Try to maximise the use of natural light with floaty window dressing and a statement/group of mirrors,’ suggests Paula Taylor from Graham & Brown. Keep window treatments sheer and light rather than having anything too heavy, and it’ll make the area around the window feel more spacious.
17. Soften with curved edges
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
When decking out your small living room, look for furniture with curved edges to offset all the harsh angles, from the doorframe to the windows. An oval midcentury coffee table in warm wood softens the look in this small, cosy living room, and the glass top prevents it from feeling bulky.
Circular cushions work well too, and we can personally recommend this circular jute rug from La Redoute (opens in new tab), available in a range of sizes (go as big as possible). Curvy furniture, soft furnishings and even the cute rounded leaves of a money plant will make a small living room feel inviting.
18. Prioritise multifunctional designs
(Image credit: Future PLC / James Merrell)
Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill says multifunctionality is the number one rule to making the best of a small living room. ‘Go all in with multi-functional furniture,’ she says. A storage ottoman, at Wayfair (opens in new tab) is a great idea as it can triple up as a coffee table, footstool, and storage box.
‘It’s an aesthetic statement piece of furniture which is also storage savvy,’ Nadia adds. Just add a tray and some coffee table books when using as a table.
19. Go dark
(Image credit: Future PLC )
Ideal Home Editor Heather Young has just painted her living room (opens in new tab) in Railings by Farrow & Ball, and if you’re toying with the idea of a dark makeover, Lucy St George from Rockett St George says go for it. ‘It’s no secret that we’re big fans of a dark and dramatic living room scheme at Rockett St George (opens in new tab) and it’s a common misconception that black will make your room feel smaller,’ she begins.
‘In fact, it has the opposite effect. Painting the walls and ceilings of your living room in black leans into the cosy feel and helps creates an illusion similar to looking up at the night sky.’ Plenty of candles, table lamps and soft throws and you’re all set for optimal cosiness.
20. Choose storage furniture with a small footprint
(Image credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott)
Whilst living room storage ideas are still very much needed, regardless of the size of your space, try to make the most of ceiling height and avoid using too much floor space.
‘More and more customers have embraced ladder-style shelving to store and display, from paperwork and keys to houseplants and prized possessions,’ says Kate Gibson, Home Buying Manager, Habitat (opens in new tab). ‘A versatile storage solution, this style provides valuable shelf space with a minimal footprint.’
21. Create space using mirrors
(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Luscombe-Whyte)
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it really does work. You can instantly create the illusion of space by simply adding more living room mirror ideas. All the better still, like above, opt for an oversized mirror to cover an entire wall. The mirror will create the illusion of space by reflecting light and of course the interior decor – doubling up your small living room ideas.
‘We always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of the reflection and bounce as much light back into the room as possible. Alternatively, create a feature on the wall of your living room with a mix of vintage, foxed or antiqued mirrors for a unique take on the classic gallery wall,’ says Jane Rockett, Co-founder of Rockett St George.
22. Choose a broken plan layout
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
The modern interpretation of open-plan living, broken plan layouts are perfect for small living room ideas. This contemporary look is well-suited to modern living room ideas. You’ll have all the benefits of the sense of space that you get from open-plan. However, what broken plan also does if offer more of a visual separation between your zones without having to block them off with doors.
If a simple wall jutting out doesn’t separate the spaces enough, look to glass doors, instead.
23. Use paint to trick the eye
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
Living room feature wall ideas do much more than just add pretty decoration. Trick the eye into your room appearing taller by carefully considered painting. Coat the bottom half of the wall in your favourite bright shade, which will draw attention.
Then paint the top half and the ceiling in a more neutral colour so it seems to disappear by comparison, and blurs the lines of where the walls end and the ceiling begins.
24. Open up with a serving hatch
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Forget all those 70s connotations of serving hatches. Instead, think of how this addition could bring light and space to your small living room ideas.
A simple rectangle cut in between your living room and kitchen will make both your rooms feel larger without having to commit to an open-plan living room layout. Plus, you can still use the space for its intended purpose, except leave the pineapple hedgehogs behind.
25. Boost light with floor to ceiling windows
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
There’s nothing like natural light to make a space feel bigger. Amp up the sense of space in your lounge by giving your back wall totally over to floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows. If you have a lush garden beyond, this will only enhance the sense of light and space.
26. Open up to the hallway
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
While this might seem a dramatic move, you can increase the sense of space by opening up the wall behind the sofa, revealing the light-filled hallway ideas behind.
This is a clever idea if your front room feels dark and crammed, and won’t impact too much on the structure of your rooms, as you’ll only be opening up part of the wall. Always seek professional advice before grabbing a sledge hammer but keep in mind a ‘hole in the wall’ could be the answer to your small space issue.
27. Choose a neutral sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
‘A neutral sofa can help lighten the space, however it’s worth remembering that neutral doesn’t have to mean selecting a plain design,’ says Suzy McMahon, Buying Director, Sofology (opens in new tab). ‘Opting for styles with beautiful details, such as curves, buttons or fluting, will add character to a small space without overpowering your scheme.’ Bear this in mind when looking for sofa ideas for small living rooms.
‘Additionally, cushions and throws in bolder shades and patterns can keep the look from feeling too pared back. Alternatively, an accent chair is a great way to add a pop of colour and will effortlessly lift a darker space.’
28. Keep it cohesive
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
When working with small living room ideas, try and keep your colours cohesive, when it comes to furniture, accessories and wall colour too. ‘A cohesive colour palette boosts light creating a tranquil, snug oasis,’ says Nadia from Wayfair.
Sticking to two or three key colours will mean everything seamlessly sits together and nothing will jump out too much, making it dominate the room. Use living room paint ideas to zone spaces within the room and add plenty of plants to bring a feeling of life to the room.
29. Opt for built in everything
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If you need a lot of storage space in your living room, why not opt for built in everything!
Built in shelving and cupboards are much better space savers than freestanding. But a built in seating area too, will mean no space is wasted at all, especially if you add under-bench storage too. Choosing a coffee table with an open, wire base will also make the space feel roomier.
30. Save space with wall lights
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
In small spaces, it’s all about saving precious floor space so the room doesn’t seem too cluttered. Bear this in mind when choosing your perfect living room lighting ideas.
‘Opt for wall mounted lighting with a sleek profile to regain valuable floor space that would be lost to floor lamps or lamp topped side tables,’ advises Anna Cross, Home Living Buying Manager, Habitat. ‘We’ve seen high demand for plugin designs, as customers seek to create a cosy glow without the hassle of rewiring.”
31. Paint the skirting boards
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
Breaking with convention, the trick to make a space feel bigger is to paint the skirting boards in the same colour as the wall. No more bold white borders. ‘One little tip, paint the skirting boards,’ advises interior designer Kelly Hoppen (opens in new tab). ‘It will make the whole wall look a lot taller. When you paint them white it’s a bit like wearing a sock and your trouser leg being too high. It kind of looks a bit odd!’
A brilliant analogy for the look of bold white skirting boards standing out from the wall colour, for all the wrong reasons – especially prominent when using a dark living room colour scheme. This trick will prevent the wall from being divided – helping to elongate them, so the room feels taller and therefore bigger.
Kelly Hoppen’s advice for painting skirting boards is a real game-changer in small spaces.
32. Add a feature wall in a warm colour
(Image credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott)
We all want our living rooms to feel cosy and restful. However, in a small space, you may feel apprehensive about introducing too many dark colours for fear of making the room feel cramped.
In that instance, pick a rich warm colour as a backdrop to a part of the room that’s all about relaxation, such as behind the sofa or your favourite armchair. So if you’re after cosy living room ideas, that deep shot of colour is a visual ‘hug’ that relaxes and draws us in, without making the room feel smaller.
33. Seamlessly transition to an outdoor space
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If your small living room has an adjoining outdoor area, embrace the feeling of extra space. Sliding or bifold doors that open out fully will open up the space and create a sense of flow between the indoor and outdoor space. Choose coordinating furniture and furnishings to decorate the two areas to unite them and make the journey from one to the other feel seamless. This will help to make any small living area feel more generous by simply knowing the outdoor area is just beyond the threshold.
Alternatively, you could blur the boundary between indoors and out by painting your window frames the same colour as the walls, suggests Catharina Björkman, Scandi interiors expert at Contura (opens in new tab). ‘This directs your gaze towards the view as opposed to the window, which is now uninterrupted by the shock of a different colour frame and can be incredibly peaceful for the mind. Connecting with nature is vital for wellbeing, so allowing your home to blur into the view from the inside out is a great way to start,’ she says.
34. Use lighting to your advantage
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
In order to make the most out of your space ensure you have at least three working lights in the room. Light should be located at different heights, be indirect and allow your eye to move about the room. More light and more varied light is always good for a compact room.
35. Take storage to new heights
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)
Don’t let vertical space go to waste. Hang pictures, choose tall furniture and think about practical living room shelving ideas. A striking picture or wall hanging will draw the eye up, making a space feel more expansive than it actually is.
Just because your living room is verging on the small side, it doesn’t mean that you should hide away all your favourite belongings in storage.
If you have objects that are worthy of showing off then display them along an open shelf, above the sofa. This idea is great for when floor space is at a premium.
36. Replace curtains with blinds
(Image credit: Future PLC/Alexander James)
Kelly Hoppen’s design advice for small spaces is to ditch the curtains and go for a living room blind idea instead. ‘Often people focus on something which really doesn’t need to be changed,’ explains Kelly. She suggests it can be as simple as changing a few little tiny things to make all the difference – such as the curtains.
If you are wondering how to dress a bay window, particularly one that is small and challenging then steer away from curtains. ‘I would put blinds up rather than curtains,’ advises Kelly. ‘This would actually make the room seem taller.’
What a great insider design tip to help make any small space feel instantly larger. The free space either side of the windows would create the illusion of airy space.
37. Up the storage potential
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
The key in a small space is to make the most of every inch available. When it comes to storage think outside the box and create bespoke storage solutions that use the free vertical space on walls and unused corners and nooks created by living room fireplace ideas as an advantage.
An affordable way to use a recess space for storage is to fit stacked floating shelves. Staggering them allows you to use both sides of the wall. The openness helps to keep the look light and airy, rather than boxed in. Just don’t overwhelm the room with clutter, warns Lisa Cooper from Thomas Sanderson (opens in new tab). ‘It may look like you can fit a lot inside, but in the long run, your room may look messy,’ she says. Use the shelves for displaying your very favourite books and trinkets.
38. Wall-mount and conceal a TV
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)
A wall-mounted TV is always going to be the better option for small living room ideas. Firstly we don’t want it taking up valuable space! Secure your modern flatscreen to the wall to create a streamlined look, freeing up the space beneath where you would otherwise have to accommodate a TV stand. Above a disused fireplace helps to use up otherwise redundant wall space too.
Look for smart ways to disguise your TV to prevent it standing out as point of focus. Cleverly concealing the large black oblong, that looks like a black hole, will help to stop it encroaching on a small space.
39. Make your own media centre
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Free up floor space, from storage units, by creating your own media centre that takes up minimal space. Fix an MDF panel to the wall and mount your TV screen and floating shelves on it, one above and one below if needed.
The space saving shelves will allow for storage without taking up too much needed space. The area underneath the bottom shelf allows for extra storage for items such as slim drawer units or drum storage stools.
40. Utilise awkward architectural spaces
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Cleveland)
Does your living room lack space due to awkward room proportions? Often with period properties the features which we love the most, such as bay windows, present a logistical nightmare for arranging furniture. If you have a compact sofa it should fit neatly into the position, without taking up valuable floor space.
Alternatively use the awkward area to house larger, bulkier furniture pieces such as sideboards and TV units. This prevents the pieces overpowering the rest of the small living room ideas, because the space would be otherwise unused anyway.
41. Hang baskets to provide extra wall storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
If you are faced with small space living the only way really is up! Make the most of any floor space by keeping it as clutter-free as possible. That includes any small bits and bobs you might otherwise have laying around.
Willow baskets are an attractive way to solve the storage problem. Ideal because one they look great and two they are sturdy enough to hold all manner of clutter – a storage idea for a family living room.
Hanging from decorative hooks that can take a lot of weight, these baskets are great for quick end-of-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, iPads and all the other stuff that tends to lay around.
42. Add storage near the ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC/Georgia Burns)
Mount some carefully camouflaged white storage units at the top of the living room walls to stash clutter out of sight. Off-the-shelf kitchen wall cabinets are ideal for this. That said, be very careful about the maximum load that each unit can take when wall-mounted – you don’t want everything crashing down.
43. Avoid a corridor effect with a corner sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If your small living room ideas are based around a long, thin space, then it can be prone to feeling rather corridor-esque. Dark sofas will enhance this, so look for a pale L-shaped design to both open up the space and create a useful and cosy corner.
Choosing the best corner sofa set up means there will also be more room for extra seating by way of large floor cushions or a footstool.
44. Draw attention to the windows
Walls in Cream White and Mustard Jar Easyclean Matt emulsion, £25 for 2.5ltrs, Crown Paint
(Image credit: Crown Paint)
To let as much light in as possible make sure there is nothing obscuring your windows. Painting the window surround can help to draw attention to the source of natural light, which aids the feeling of space.
Also, remember to keep on top of cleaning windows, this will lighten and brighten up the room beyond.
45. Make your coffee table work harder
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When it comes to small living room ideas, hard-working, multi-functional pieces of furniture are key. Coffee tables are often overlooked as items which can double up their use. Look for versions which have integrated storage, allowing you to clear away any clutter at a moment’s notice.
Some options also come with removable trays in addition to the storage, providing an extra surface which can be added as and when needed.
46. Lead the eye away from the door
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Whether a country cottage or a studio flat, it can be tricky to create a relaxing bolt hole when your front door opens straight into your living room. Take the emphasis away from the entrance by creating a focal point with thoughtfully arranged living room seating. Arrange your seating and surfaces facing into the centre of the space, visually blocking the door.
47. Factor in textural pieces
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
Decorating with white on walls, ceiling and floor always wins for small living room ideas, but it can leave it feeling clinical and stark.
Take the chill off a compact nook by mixing and matching fabrics and textures. Think leathers, woods, sisal and raffia to add both a tactile dimension and warmth with the natural tones. This is perfect for a country living room idea.
48. Distract the eye with characterful furnishings
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
While banishing clutter might help small living room ideas feel more open, if you’re a fan of the cosy, lived-in look such a pared back scheme will do little for you. But small doesn’t have to mean bare and characterless. Try the classic combination of dark leather furniture and traditional fireplace – there’s nothing like it for creating a warm, cosy environment.
Add much-loved items and accessories – in an interesting, character-filled scheme, no one will be thinking about how small the room is.
49. Make storage fit in seamlessly
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Use architectural features to incorporate smart storage. Build storage seamlessly into alcoves either side of a fireplace, for example. Give the surrounding original features a modern update with a fresh coat of paint and light retouching to keep things contemporary.
Small living room ideas need to be kept fresh and uncluttered with well-chosen storage. A great way to make a small living room feel larger is to keep it meticulously tidy and in order to do that, everything in the room needs to have its proper place. Bespoke fitted floor-to-ceiling shelves and cupboards that make use of every inch of spare space in alcoves beside a small living room fireplace.
50. Keep it to scale
(Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon)
If you have a little living room, don’t go overboard with a huge L-shaped sofa that’s big enough for the whole family, the dog and the neighbours when they pop round for a cuppa. There are plenty of living room sofa ideas that could be a better fit for your space. ‘Oversized pieces will create a crowded effect which can be unsettling in a relaxing environment,’ agrees Paula Taylor from Graham & Brown.
So keep it simple – a two-seater sofa is often all you need. Especially when paired with other seating solutions such as floor cushions or an ottoman. Ask yourself if you could manage with an equally comfy but far less invasive ‘snuggler’ or ‘loveseat’. Otherwise known as a 1.5 seater, this small living room ideas staple can easily accommodate a parent and child – or a cuddly couple.
How do you make a small living room look bigger?
‘If you are short for space in the living room, adding some height to your key pieces of furniture will help create an airy, open feel to help enlarge the room,’ advises Patricia Gibbons, Designer, Sofa.com (opens in new tab). ‘Not every piece needs to be elevated but adding legs to your sofa would be most effective for bringing in the illusion of space. There is something about being able to see more floor which creates the feel of spaciousness especially when you aren’t spoiled for it.’
And in terms of a flooring choice, David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright (opens in new tab) offers this advice, ‘For small rooms, a light wood finish floor with a single plank design will help create the perception of space within small living room ideas. In a broken plan layout carry the same flooring through from the kitchen to conjoining areas to create a consistent flow between the rooms. Chevron wood flooring can be especially effective running from a narrow kitchen into a separate dining or living space to help these areas feel harmonious. ’
How can I decorate my living room when it is small?
It’s all about making clever choices when buying furniture for small living room ideas. ‘Linear furniture designs with a minimal profile are ideal for smaller rooms,’ explains Rachael Fell, Furniture Buying Manager at Habitat (opens in new tab). ‘The open lines of a wire metal coffee table gives the illusion of more space as the surrounding scene is visible through it. Look out for designs that incorporate shelving into their silhouette to maximise storage capabilities.’
And when it comes to colour, be brave and go for that bold shade you love, regardless of the size of the room. ‘Some fear that adding a deep or bright colour to a small room will make it appear claustrophobic, opting instead for light neutrals to keep the space open,’ says Helen Shaw, UK Director, Benjamin Moore (opens in new tab).
‘However, when working with a small area, dark colours cleverly absorb the light of a space, making the division between walls appear blurred. This ‘blurred edges’ effect adds depth and dimension to a room, making it appear larger.’
Where do you put a TV in a small living room?
If your living room is more of a snug, and you use it generally for cosying up and watching movies, you don’t need to worry too much about where the TV goes, as it’s all about being comfortable. Céline Erlam of Indie & Co (opens in new tab) advises, ‘A TV needs to be at the correct height in relation to your sofa- you shouldn’t need to look up to view, and ideally, place it central to your sofa.’
She goes on to say, ‘Before you start work on your snug or small living room ideas, think about the audio systems and TV that you have so you can conceal any cabling’
But if you’re not keen on having your small living room TV idea on show, there are some smart tricks to help blend it in.
‘TV’s are a necessary evil so there’s no sense in trying to pretend they don’t exist! Particularly in a small living room, they can stick out like a sore thumb,’ says Lucy Henderson from My Bespoke Room.
‘You can opt for dark colours on the walls so that the TV isn’t such a stark contrast against it. You can also frame it within a gallery wall which stops it from being such a focal point as your eye is then drawn to the pictures beside it.’
What tricks can help make a living room look bigger?
‘There are lots of clever ways to create an illusion and make a smaller sized room look bigger and more spacious. Whilst it may seem boring to some, choosing an off-white paint colour such as Farrow & Ball’s Strong White will really enhance light refraction and make the room feel light and airy,’ suggests Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t fill your small living room ideas with colour. If you do want to mix it up with dark shades on the wall look to mirrors and clever furniture choices to help your small living room look bigger.
‘Don’t try and fill a small room with furniture. You need to prioritise what is important for you and start there. A large wall mirror will help bounce light and give the impression of more space,’ says Helen Stephens, Creative Director at Stephens + Stephens.
‘Try blinds within the window reveal so they are neatly installed. Large billowing curtains can also overpower a small space.’
What colour furniture goes in a small living room?
‘Any colour furniture will work in a small living room as long as it creates visual harmony with the rest of the space,’ comments Paula Taylor, Head Stylist at Graham & Brown (opens in new tab). ‘A contrasting piece will create boundaries and divide the space so opt for colours that will blend and create a visual colour block.’
Searching for a way to get away without leaving the comfort of your home? You’re not alone! When life’s demands become too much to take, it can be nice to have a space where you can shut the world out and just relax.
Creating a calming environment in your home is easier than you think! All it takes is a few simple ideas and a bit of creativity. Here, we’ll share our tried-and-tested tips on transforming any area into a haven of relaxation. From choosing a suitable color scheme to adding cozy accessories, we’ll cover ideas perfect for your home sanctuary. Let’s get started!
Optimize Furniture Arrangement for Relaxation
When creating a relaxing atmosphere, furniture layout can play an important role. It’s all about finding the balance between comfort and practicality. For example, if you’re trying to make a living room more conducive to relaxation, it’s crucial to consider your furniture arrangement.
Arrange your sofa, loveseat, or chairs in a semi-circle so you can face each other and encourage conversation. Or, consider an ‘L’ or ‘U’ formation for cozy TV viewing. Ensure there’s enough room for people to move around and for traffic to flow throughout the room. Adding floor cushions and low armchairs can also create a sense of comfort and help make the atmosphere more inviting.
In addition, use rugs strategically to define areas within the room or separate spaces like a lounge area from a dining area. If you have hardwood floors, place a large rug under the main seating area—this will add an extra layer of insulation for a cozy atmosphere. Experiment with different layouts until you find one that works best for your space!
Choose a Calming Color Palette
When creating a calming environment at home, the easiest way to make an impact is through color. You don’t need to be a pro interior designer—just pay attention to your chosen colors. For example, go for softer hues like muted blues, greens, grays, or tans rather than vivid primary colors like reds and yellows.
To avoid overstimulating your space with too many colors, stick to two or three shades max from the same family that complement each other. Also, incorporate nature-inspired colors like sky blue, grass green, and peachy pink for an even more organic feel. Different calming accent colors include lavender and baby blue; these help improve relaxation and encourage restful sleep.
Focus on Natural Elements With Plants and Wood Furniture
Bringing natural elements into your home can really help to create a calming and relaxing vibe. Adding plants brings life into the room and naturally purifies the air, making it more pleasant. Plus, you don’t need a green thumb—there are plenty of plants that are relatively easy to maintain!
Wooden furniture can also work wonders when creating a tranquil space. The natural tones of wood will make your room decor feel softer and warmer while adding texture that helps make it feel more inviting. Plus, wood furniture can often easily be moved around or updated—perfect for switching things up or reorganizing your space!
Incorporate Aromatherapy Items
Aromatherapy can be a potent tool to help create a calming at-home environment. Not only do certain aromas produce pleasant feelings, but many of them also have other benefits associated with them. For example, the scent of lavender is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
You can bring aromatherapy into your home with the following:
Essential oils: these are concentrated liquids extracted from plants that contain their natural aroma compounds. A few drops in an oil diffuser or humidifier will fill your entire room with its essence.
Room sprays: These are pre-mixed products using essential oils and other fragrances that can instantly refresh any room with a misty spritz.
Incense sticks: these have been used for centuries for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, but you can light up a few incense sticks to create an atmosphere of relaxation in any space.
Candles: scented candles will effortlessly add ambiance to your home while giving off tranquil aromas that soothe the senses.
Whichever aromatherapy item you choose for your home setup, experiment with different scents until you find the right one that makes you feel the most peaceful and calm in your space!
Conclusion
Creating a calming at-home environment doesn’t have to be complicated – minor changes to your space can make a big difference. Remember to select colors, decor, and furniture that bring peace and joy to you, and ultimately, make sure to add a personal touch of your own to make it truly unique.
There is no right or wrong way to create a calming and relaxing space. Whatever style you choose, choose pieces that make you happy, that you can enjoy and look forward to seeing each day. With these simple ideas, transforming your home into a calming and serene atmosphere can be done in no time.
Designers and trend experts have share with us their favored bedroom trends for 2023, from paint colors en vogue to this year’s most popular furniture silhouettes, wallpaper designs, and more.
An important room in the home where you start and end each day, your bedroom should be a restful sanctuary of calm and comfort, as well as a joyful showcase of your style.
When planning your bedroom ideas, the classics will always remain, such as crisp, quality bedding, good accent lighting and practical clothes storage, but there will always be an array of wonderful new interior design trends to explore that can provide you with some stylish inspiration for your space.
The biggest bedroom trends for 2023
Whether you’re looking into giving your existing bedroom a much needed refresh, or are starting from scratch in a new space, explore our top bedroom trends so you can create the perfect scheme for 2023.
1. Embrace a calming and cocooning color palette
(Image credit: Jon Day Photography)
Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord (opens in new tab) says, ‘going into 2023, your bedroom should be the ultimate sanctuary space. Fully embrace cool and calming colors, particularly soft blues, and deep olive greens. Pairing these shades with warm lighting creates a feeling of calmness and serenity.’
Sleep experts and psychologists are in agreement that light blue is often the color that helps sleep the most, however, many of us are wanting to take bigger risks when it comes to color in our homes, and experiment with more unique color pairings and bedroom paint ideas.
Calming colors do not always have to be light and bright in a bedroom, sometimes these lighter colors can make a space feel a little cold. Dark, moody and earthy palettes can work just as well in creating a warming, comforting and cocooning space that helps us feel more relaxed and snug.
This colorful bedroom above may not be for everyone, but we love the adventurous use of color, and how the union of red and green establishes both a fresh and grounding feel.
2. Establish an eclectic mix of the old and new
(Image credit: James Merrell)
Charu Gandhi founder and director of Elicyon (opens in new tab) says, ‘In 2023, I believe we are going to see an integration of vintage and contemporary design aesthetics to create one cohesive scheme throughout a room or home’.
From paint trends embracing a more heritage feel, to the surging popularity of upcycling second-hand finds and purchasing antique furniture pieces, styling your bedroom with a mix of the old and new will create a more eclectic and unique scheme that celebrates styles of the past with designs of the present.
British Interior Designer, Matthew Williamson (opens in new tab) also supports this and says, ‘as we venture into 2023, I imagine we will see a resurgence of antique sourcing, reclaiming, restoring and upcycling. My favorite interiors to work on are those which don’t necessarily start from scratch or have a huge budget but those which have been designed with all these aspects in play. Considering what you have already and seeing it reworked in a different way can be so rewarding, more personal, and just as effective.’
From a statement antique dresser, to more traditional patterns used across upholstery and wallpaper combined with vibrant, modern paint ideas, exploring more than one style or design influence will make for a more diverse and characterful bedroom space.
3. Prioritize sustainable design
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
More a priority for designers rather than a trend, championing sustainable interior design is more important than ever.
As consumers, we are becoming more aware of a product’s environmental credentials, and are choosing to fill our homes with investment pieces that will last, as well as designs crafted from natural, recyclable and sustainable materials, as a way to help the environment and minimize waste.
Experts from home decor brand The Citizenry (opens in new tab) share with us, ‘according to our data, our top trending materials of 2022 were all natural. High-quality sustainable woods including hinoki cypress from Japan and granadillo or mahogany from Guatemala. Textured, natural materials also had peaked interest including hand-braided palm baskets and rattan and wicker furniture. We see these materials continuing to uptrend into 2023 with an addition of bold marble and unique statement stone that nods to traditional European influences.’
From the timeless use of wood, to locally handmade textiles and pre-loved furniture, there are many steps we can take in our homes to create spaces that are long-lasting and environment-friendly.
4. Pick a statement wallpaper
(Image credit: 1838 Wallcoverings)
Bedroom wallpaper ideas are a popular choice for many; enriching a space with beautiful color, pattern and eye-catching visual interest, and it seems for 2023, the bigger and bolder, the better.
‘We’re going to see wonderfully whimsical and immersive wallpapers transform rooms into escapist sanctuaries filled with mountains, temples, clouds and dense foliage,’ says Ed O’Donnell, co-founder of Angel O’Donnell (opens in new tab).
We are also starting to see the rise of more unique, textured wallpapers in the home, establishing a heightened, tactile effect, ideal for creating an enhanced feeling of comfort and texture in a bedroom.
O’Donnell goes on to say, ‘densely patterned wallpapers and fabrics, nubbly wools, brushed fringes – textures will abound in 2023. Anything that beckons us to reach out and touch it, that feels good against our skin, will be top of our list.’
5. Opt for a luxurious four poster bed
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
Originally crafted from solid wood and featuring thick curtains, four poster beds were often found in more period properties and luxurious hotel suites. However, as designs have adapted and changed over time, it is style that anyone can incorporate into their bedroom, with many now crafted from sleek metal and more affordable wooden materials.
Camilla Clarke from Albion Nord says, ‘the grandeur and allure of the four-poster bed is enduring in 2023. We love to introduce four poster beds into our schemes. They have such an amazing impact in both large and small scale rooms. We also use a lot of half testers above the bed to add that extra layer of softness to a bedroom instead of it being a blank wall behind the bed. Although sometimes seen as traditional, four poster beds can be very contemporary, looking elegant, and making a statement in both new and old spaces.’
For further insight, explore choosing and styling a four poster bed, with expert guidance from interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen (opens in new tab).
6. Use a beautiful blue
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
If you crave a calming atmosphere in your main bedroom in 2023 then blue – in all its variations – could be the solution.
In this bedroom, painted in one of Farrow & Ball’s (opens in new tab) new colors, Wine Dark, the color is described as, ‘inspired by midnight skies, this spiritual color is named after the term Homer used to describe the sea, and is perfect to create an intimate space.’
This deep blue shade is a great choice for blue bedroom ideas, helping to establish a restful and soothing space where you feel instantly relaxed and at ease.
7. Layer your bedroom to perfection
(Image credit: Gunter & Co)
The bedroom of the 2023 is all about layering – whether that’s tonal variations of color on different surfaces, a mix of patterns that playfully explore a particular palette or a dynamic blend of textures. Two or three variations of each is enough to develop a richly pleasing space that is the last thing you see at night and the first thing the next day.
Interior designer Katharine Paravicini (opens in new tab) is adept at adding small points of visual interest to her schemes, ‘interest and lots of subtle detailing are brought to the room with the use of trims on the curtains and also on upholstery. And we bring in other textures such as reeded bedside tables, brass wall lights, ceramic lamps or a rattan ceiling light.’
8. Supersize your headboard
(Image credit: Nicola Harding)
‘Headboards are an inexpensive way of transforming a bedroom. They are essentially alternative forms of artwork,’ advise the experts at Andrew Martin (opens in new tab).
Grand, super-sized headboard ideas have been a thing for a while now but the style is evolving. Colorful matt patterns have replaced glossy monotonal textures and shapes have become more complex. The rectangle has been superseded by curves and free-form asymmetrical pieces that are almost pieces of art in their own right. Find an upholsterer with headboard experience and discuss your ideas for shapes, sizes and fabrics before you make the order.
When it comes to buying your bed and headboard, you should really spend the most your budget will allow as this is a long-term investment. Get the largest size the room can take to give the most impact.
‘With the rise of the boutique hotel and its trending look in residential design, the headboard has become a brilliant focal point in bedroom decor. Look to the Firmdale Hotels (opens in new tab) for inspiration on using brave color and pattern, and have fun coordinating your headboard with a wallpaper or throw. Don’t be afraid to choose a more outlandish style, as this only adds more character,’ says Andrew Martin.
9. Use art as the backbone to your scheme
(Image credit: Kate Guinness)
A bedroom is perhaps the most private and intimate space in the home, somewhere you can truly relax and be yourself. Art, then, is particularly significant here.
A favorite artwork is a classic starting point for a bedroom color scheme. Make this your color cue – experiment with the colors used, select two or three, then take it from there.
‘We designed this vibrant girl’s bedroom to complement the client’s art collection,’ says interior designer Kate Guinness, who sourced the rug in Morocco.
A stunning example of bedroom art ideas, your chosen artworks can be as bold or a subtle as you like – art will always win in helping to make a room feel fully finished and more personal.
10. Have confidence when it comes to color
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
Getting the color right in a room can be a tricky business. Even with all their experience, it can take time for professionals to make a decision. There is a lot to consider – the size and shape of the space, the available natural light and its direction, who it is for, etc. However, many of us are becoming more confident with color trends in our spaces, especially after we spent so much time in our homes during the pandemic.
‘A large space can often handle a blanket of color that works with both north- and south-facing light,’ says Tom Morris of Morrisstudio (opens in new tab). ‘If wall colors are strong, I tone down the colors in the furnishings, or vice versa.’
If you’re the type who likes (or needs) a bit of get-up-and-go in the morning, consider earthy tones of red. While red bedroom ideas are not traditionally thought of as one of the best bedroom colors, these orange-red colors are at once energizing and romantic.
11. Put bedroom lighting at the forefront
(Image credit: Original BTC X Beata Heuman)
In a bedroom, different levels and types of lighting are key to switching the mood from practical – getting ready for work, say – to soothing and relaxing – when reading before going to sleep, for example.
Lighting is also something that needs to be considered when choosing colors – the right lighting can transform a room from cold to warm in an instant.
Sarah Barker from Vanrenen GW Designs (opens in new tab) thinks about functionality as well as aesthetics when selecting the right lighting for a bedroom. ‘Lighting needs to be low and atmospheric but it is important to be able to read. I am not so keen on overhead lights in bedrooms so we often use small wall lights next to the bed for additional attractive light.’
Wall lights are a popular choice for beside the bed no-doubt, but we also love this delicate, low hanging pendant design from a collaboration between Original BTC (opens in new tab) and Beata Heuman (opens in new tab), establishing a warming glow and stylish focal point beside the bed.
12. Introduce colored furniture
(Image credit: Jonathan Bond)
Using colored furniture or embracing painted furniture ideas (opens in new tab) makes it easier to change up an otherwise neutral space. This works particularly well for bedrooms where children may grow out of, or get tired of, particular colors and pieces.
Sydney-based interior designer Tamsin Johnson (opens in new tab) developed this consciously sophisticated scheme with a rich green bookcase taking center stage.
‘This bedroom belongs to a little girl and we wanted to create something calm and feminine but also something that she can grow into,’ explains Tamsin. ‘The green antique French carved oak bookcase with soft yellow highlights anchors the room while the soft mauve linen bedding provides a tranquil element.’
13. Bring the outside in
(Image credit: Polly Wreford/Future PLC)
The natural world will always be a timeless influence on interior design, with green bedroom ideas remaining one of the most popular choices for homes of all ages and styles.
For a beautiful, indoor-outdoor natural bedroom scheme, complement shades of green with warming wood tones, and other natural materials such as wool and stone, or go bold with a bright botanical wallpaper, wall hanging or painting.
We love the palette of greens used in this bedroom across the paint, furniture and accessories, with the soft pink throw, delicate pink flowers and floral notes on the wall hanging establishing an elegant contrast.
14. Clear the clutter with clever storage
(Image credit: Emma Green Design)
Bedroom storage ideas have become an integral part of the bedroom design process, and we anticipate that it will continue to dominate, as we aim to clear the clutter for a calm and restful bedroom, and establish the perfect balance between practical and beautiful.
‘Smart, well-considered bespoke joinery can really improve not only the aesthetics of a room, but create a sense of calm as, if everything has its place and is stored away, so can the working day be stored out of sight and mind,’ says interior designer Emma Green at Emma Green Design (opens in new tab).
Doug Haswell, furniture manager at Caple (opens in new tab) says, ‘fitted furniture is becoming more popular for a neater finish in the bedroom. After all, research suggests that people can spend one-third of their lives in bed so it’s important to make sure your surroundings are comfortable. With everything hidden behind closed doors, this will certainly improve your sleeping conditions.’
‘Choose neutral colors for a more relaxing décor and consider simple door fronts with less detailing. After all, the less busy a bedroom is, the more conducive it will be for a good night’s sleep. In fact, bedroom storage styles have evolved to be sleek for a smarter finish, so flush-fronted doors are popular as are more neutral shades.’
What are the bedroom trends for 2023?
‘The bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary in which to rest and recuperate,’ advises Emma Deterding, Founder and Creative Director of Kelling Designs (opens in new tab) and KD Loves.
‘Where previously muted, neutral tones have been popular, we are now seeing a huge move away from minimalist interior schemes with clients being more daring with design choices. From statement wallpaper and creative wall finishes, such as polished plaster, through to bold and colorful fabrics and bed linen, clients want to inject personality into their homes, and this is no different in the bedroom.’
‘Headboards are once again becoming popular, with big, bold shapes in bright colors and patterned fabrics being a go-to choice. It’s all about creating a focal point and making a real statement and an upholstered headboard will really allow you to show off your personality, whilst being comfortable and practical too.’
‘Key colors include rich reds and oranges, mustard yellows and bold greens, with blues continuing to prove popular for a classic, timeless scheme. Nature-inspired prints are also a must-have, with prints inspired by florals and foliage to bring an element of the outdoors in.’
‘We are also moving towards increased personalization when it comes to design. Bespoke, fitted bedsides with integrated power points and wireless charging provide storage for the essential items people need within arm’s reach.’
What is the new bedroom color trend for 2023?
Color Expert at Farrow & Ball, Joa Studholme says, ‘we have moved towards the warmer tones of nature, like deep reddish browns and terracotta, which are strong and subdued but achingly fashionable. Incredibly chic by day and cozy by night, they bring a grounded but luxurious atmosphere that is thought-provoking as well as soothing, particularly when paired with other hues found in the natural world.
‘In challenging times, we crave warm tones that will enrich our homes and create cozy sanctuaries away from the outside world. Luxurious colors like red can be added to the most neutral of palettes by using them in the rooms we use at the end of the day, when we most want to relax and be comforted.’
Natasha Bradley, Lick Home (opens in new tab) color and interiors expert also says, ‘we have seen a huge trend in colors that make your bedroom a calm and comforting space that you can come to after the working day. As more people look to finding a balance between work and home life.’
These restful colors which will be popular for bedroom trends in 2023 include both blue and green, again, working a larger palette of colors influenced by the beauty of the natural world.
What is the latest bedroom trend in bedding?
As we look to make more sustainable and long-lasting choices and create comfortable environments that can provide us with a good night’s sleep, more of us are beginning to invest in the best mattress, best mattress topper and quality luxury bedding for our homes.
We spend so much time in our beds – nearly half of are lives – so it is crucial to invest in the right bedding, ensuring that your body is supported and comfortable and you feel fully relaxed and cozy.
‘There’s definitely a move towards relaxed bedding and comfy sheets,’ says Gemma Gordon Duff from Gordon Duff & Linton (opens in new tab). ‘Linen, organic bedding and chunky wool throws are hugely popular right now and add to that feeling of sanctuary.’
Is gray still in style for bedrooms in 2023?
Gray bedroom ideas are still incredibly popular, but as we spend more and more time in our home, we have started experimenting with warmer neutrals, especially in the bedroom.
According to Tiffany Duggan (opens in new tab), gray has very much been and gone, ‘we love color and a fully gray palette has never really been our thing. We do love neutrals too but err towards warmer colors such as soft buttery whites, bones and plaster hued nudes. I think gray based greens and blues are lovely and a perfect foil to brighter more impactful patterns and colors but the cool, commercial greas of the last decade do seem to be fading in popularity.’
On the other hand, gray tones will always be in style because they are easy to work with,’ says Natasha Bradley from Lick. ‘They allow you a base shade that you can then bring other shades such as greens and blues in too.
However, choosing the right grays for your home is really important as you can end up falling into a trap where the gray hue you have chosen ends up making your home feel dull and lifeless. When in reality the right shade of gray can make a space feel warm and sophisticated. Choosing a gray hue with a warm undertone of soft green can bring character and color into your home.’
Sweet dreams are guaranteed when you have a beautiful place to rest your head. Even the most subtle change—from toning down your color palette with calming spa-like colors or adding ultra plush accents like a down duvet and throw pillows—can infuse serenity into your space. If you’re ready for a complete overhaul, we can help you there too. Some transformative ideas include custom statement headboards, installing wall-to-wall seagrass rugs, or even outfitting the entire space with luxe details like oversized light fixtures and antique accent furniture.
When ready for a redo, we’ve furnished you with bedroom decorating ideas to help you create a tranquil retreat. Get decorating and design ideas from some of our best bedrooms.
Wood Wall Treatments
Julie Soefer Photography
Large expanses of wall space can be hard to decorate. Sometimes it’s best to let the shiplap walls speak for themselves. Painting wood walls a simple, clean color automatically increases the serenity of the space.
Antique Furnishing Styles
William Means Real Estate/Keen Eye Marketing
Pair modern fabrics with antique-style furnishings. This room uses an open-back rolled-arm sofa lounge at the foot of the bed and a set of traditional slip-covered chairs to set the scene. Coordinating pale pinks complement the blue wallpaper, which makes the bed skirt.
Construct a Built-In
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
Take advantage of your room’s architectural elements, especially if that includes a charming built-in to display your favorite things. If renovations or new construction are options, try implementing built-ins to your bedroom. This space-saving option not only adds character but also provides the perfect place to showcase florals and books and even add extra storage.
Find Your Vibe
Dane Tashima
The owners of this Mississippi getaway are all about making their space unapologetically their own, but to do that they had to befriend their favorite vendors along the way. Designer and collector Simon Paul Scott of Jardins en Fleur sold them the vintage bamboo tester bed that’s now in the primary bedroom. “It was the last one Scott had, and he did not want to part with it,” says the homeowner. “Then he saw our Instagram, chatted with us, and eventually gave in.” New Orleans artist E. Lee Jahncke Mead (of E. Lee Jahncke Fine Finishes) added the coral stripes to the walls. The resulting bounty reinforces what the couple calls the Palm Beach-meets-Bahamas-meets-Fantasy Island vibe.
Coastal Cozy
ALISON GOOTEE; Styling by Dakota Willimon
In the primary bedroom, these Florida homeowners selected a soothing shade of blue (Sherwin-Williams’ Take Five, SW 6513) to set the tone for the space. The enveloping upholstered bed by Hooker Furniture feels like a cozy hug. A trio of framed hydrangeas from Charleston, South Carolina-based Urban Garden Prints punctuates the look.
Incorporate Unique Tables
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins
Rethink your bedsite table. Repurposing old furniture or discovering an eclectic flea market find can add personality to your room. Antique furnishings become statement pieces when used for something other than their intended purpose.
Modern Drama
Photo: Helen Norman
This homeowner used black for various fabrics and wall decor to add a spark of drama, including on the frames and plates. Bold chevron stripes on the pillows and a classic duvet pattern bring contemporary elements to the mix. Soothing seafoam green paint on the shiplap wall behind the white headboard blends the color palette.
Pretty Floral Bedroom
Photo: Hector Sanchez
The hand-painted floral wallcovering was the starting point behind every other color choice in this bedroom. The flourishing wallpaper makes a statement as the room’s main focal point. The apple green rug, pair of chartreuse gourd lamps, hot pink velvet upholstered bed, and patterned linens are from the homeowner’s store, Biscuit Home.
Handsome Main Bedroom
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
In this bedroom, the homeowner was going for a gentleman-architect vibe with wool blackout curtains, cream walls, a tufted headboard, and a collection of sketches he did while traveling through Italy. Adding antiques to the space continued this old-world aesthetic. Allowing the artwork to be the star of your main bedroom can set the stage for a relaxing retreat.
Antique Elegance
Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman
This welcome getaway feels conveniently detached with its soothing, cream-colored walls and mixture of antique and reproduction furniture. The room contains personal comforts, including an abundance of oversized pillows. Adding custom elements, from the hard pine floors to the antique secretary table, creates a collection of unique furnishings.
Choose a Floral Headboard
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
Choosing a floral or pattern fabric for your headboard creates an eye-catching focal point. Decorate your existing headboard or DIY a fabric sleeve to cover wood or metal posts. Find a material you love, which can be the basis for the rest of the bedroom’s decor.
Classic Blue and Yellow
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A classic palette of blue and yellow gives a punchy modern update to this bedroom makeover. It radiates a sunny disposition stemming from the canary yellow headboard. Various prints and patterns keep your eye moving in this room, filled with fresh ideas for budget decor.
Layer Coastal Decor
Laurey W. Glenn
Mixed materials like the down-filled duvet, grass cloth wallcovering, bamboo bench, and wool Berber carpet add warmth. This sleepy space gets a gentle wake-up from the quiet splashes of celadon green on the bed linens, pillows, and bench cushions. Combining soothing colors with a pop of color creates character without overwhelming the room.
Inspiration from Patterns
Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
The pattern on the upholstered headboard inspired the color scheme in this room. Punctuated with highlights of deep red, the homeowner opted for a more serene space with its muted color palette. Installing a unique chandelier lends an air of casual elegance to the area.
Cottage White
Colleen Duffley
The lilac accents in this primarily white room, keeping with the calming color scheme, are displayed through florals on the bedside table, a throw on the edge of the bed, and tucked at the bottom of the window drapes. White seashell bouquets, used as wall decor, add coastal character to the room without being distracting. Subtle purple hues in the wood tone of the bedside table add cohesiveness to this pretty palette.
Neutral Retreat
Laurey W. Glenn
In the bedroom, a monochromatic tan color theme adds warmth through textures. A crushed velvet armchair, coordinating with the bedding, sits at the bottom of the bed, creating a resting space. Windows flanking the bed and the set of double doors bring light into this subtly-toned room.
Emphasize the Mirrors
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Instead of a traditional headboard, try using a mirror. A distinctive mirror makes a room more visually attractive while providing some function. An overhead mirror is an excellent opportunity to incorporate vintage or antique items you usually wouldn’t use as decor because it can stand on its own as the focal point.
Crisp and Clean
Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery
Keeping the basics white gives a clean, versatile look. Hanging a mirror above the headboard reflects light and creates a focal point. The ombre drapes, armchair, and throw pillows add interest to an otherwise neutral space.
Use a Wood Bench
Courtesy of Ruggable
Positioned on top of a statement area rug, a wood bench at the foot of a bench adds a rustic charm to the space. This addition adds function and style and is perfect for sitting while you put on your shoes or even a place to store your extra pillows and blankets while you sleep. A darker wood stain on the bench than the flooring allows the statement piece to stand out.
Tropical Getaway
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
A serene color scheme of yellow-gold and beiges sets a relaxing mood in this island-inspired bedroom. The canopy bed is the main attraction in this room. Matching throw pillows and wallpaper tie it all together.
Casual Coastal Bedroom
Photo: Lucas Allen, Styling: Elizabeth Demos
These homeowners collected antiques from Kansas City and combined them with painted pieces, flea market finds, and antique reproductions for a casual beach look. The one-of-a-kind bedroom repurposes salvaged items into new decor. The burlap pendant light makes an eye-catching focal point.
Rustic Retreat
Laurey W. Glenn
Light-drenched window nooks, exposed timber beams, and mountain cabin-inspired furniture make this bedroom a retreat. Antique prints of regional wildlife and floral-themed drapery also reference the home’s forested location. Keeping a more muted, desaturated color palette helps this room blend into its surroundings.
Try Green Living
Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin
This room, with its traditional mixed furnishings and contemporary details, takes inspiration from a Japanese garden. The furniture comes from several sources. Some pieces are antique, vintage, or made from reclaimed wood. Still, most are from nearby furniture companies committed to manufacturing in environmentally sensitive ways. For flooring, fast-growing yet durable bamboo wood keeps the room from looking too contemporary with a dark stain.
Flea Market Fabulous Bedroom
Photo: Miki Duisterhof
See how Eddie Ross used flea market finds to transform this room into a light-filled, colorful retreat. Coordinating drapery and bed skirt adorn the custom-created canopy rails of the four-poster bed. Abstract artwork over the bed links the red accents, benches, pillows, and window drapes to the room.
Geometric Greyness
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Shannon Gini
This bed’s solid structural lines complement the faded damask-style rug. Bed linens and drapes take a softer approach to styling than the bed frame. The overall simplicity of the space gives a calming effect.
Stylishly Simplified
Photo: Charles Walton IV
Stylishly simplified, the bedroom is as easy on the eyes. A modern four-poster bed bridges the past with the present and gives the otherwise contemporary space a dash of Southern romanticism. Highlighting the bed are navy pillows, a silk quilt duvet in a soft shade of gray, and an antique needlepoint navy lumbar pillow. A fresh coat of white paint freshens the room without making it too bright. Contemporary patterned fabric panels draw the eye to the windows and the view beyond.
Sustainable Space
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Green design doesn’t have to mean mod and sleek. Start by using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint on the walls. The four-poster bed, crafted from rattan, is more sustainable because it is a fast-growing wood. It can be grown in natural forests without disturbing the existing structure and balance. Items such as these are suitable for your home’s environmental footprint.
Classic Elegance
Hector Manuel Sanchez
A four-poster bed has a timeless look. Using a classic color palette like blue and white will hold up well as time passes. Modern accents, like an eclectic lamp, can add new life to a room while retaining the traditional elements.
Fresh Green
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Different shades of green make crisp white bedding and accessories pop. A luxurious area rug and wood flooring ground the space with exaggerated textures. Matching drapes and throw pillows also easily add cohesion to a room.
Relaxing Tones
Atlantic Archives, Inc./Richard Leo Johnson
Calm, restful colors and piles of pillows invite you to relax after a busy day. The overhead artwork, a soothing sky, sets the tone for the barely-there blue paint on the walls. Surrounded by windows, this room is bright from natural light as it is from its decor.
Grand Getaway
Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
This bedroom displays a more-is-more approach. The abundance of textures and patterns keep your eyes busy, so the crisp white bedding gives you a place to rest (literally and figuratively). Accents such as the mesh and tassel canopy cover give the room even more grandeur.
Relax and Reflect
Captured Moments By Buddy Mountcastle
This tranquil space feels larger and lighter thanks to the oversized, standing mirror. Adding a soothing quality to the room, the matching grey-beige drapery and bedding complement one another. The minimalistic space provides a clutter-free retreat.
Cottage Romance
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Stage drama in the bedroom with fancy-feeling details, like a thick duvet at the foot of the bed or window treatments that frame your windows like an opera curtain. Unique decor, like the candelabra and vintage laundry rack, set this room apart from others. A well-positioned painting can add just the right amount of color.
Add Soft Textures
VSI Group/Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
The soft, inviting textures in this room create a cozy escape. From the tufted upholstered bench to the flowing floor-to-ceiling drapes bordering the windows, this bedroom has textures on every inch of its decor. Beach-inspired colors tie the space’s palette of pale blues, creams, and brown highlights.
Accentuate Spring Colors
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Kathleen Varner
For a cheery bedroom, try using spring-inspired colors. Pairing sunny yellow with radiant purple and tieing it together with grassy green combines to create a perfect palette. The additional blue-green headboard and bedding trim anchor the space as a calming space.
Cosmopolitan Decor
Sean Shanahan
The exposed bricks and vintage-inspired painting establish an old-world charm quality to this room. Adding vintage suitcases enriches this thematic decor. Using primarily shades of black and white helps keep this space’s sophisticated tone.
Paint it Black
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
For a true nighttime escape, paint your walls black. This moody paint color option forms a dramatic atmosphere where every additional aspect feeds off its energy. Keep bedding and flooring neutral to allow the walls to be the focal point.
Paint the Trim
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
Sometimes the best way to dress up your bedroom is not to paint the walls but the trim. Using a soft shade to highlight a tray ceiling or set of windows draws your eye up and out, increasing your perception of the room’s size. Detailing a bedroom this way allows for neutral or white bedding colors as the pop of wall color adds contrast.
Add a Daybed
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Add an extra place to rest your head for the ultimate relaxation oasis. A daybed is a great way to fill an awkward space in your room and can be a place to add pops of color with bedding, pillows, or a throw blanket. Use it for reading, dressing, or simply as a decorative furnishing.
Open-Air Loft
Photo: Ralph Anderson
Designer Matthew Bees mounted an Asian-inspired screen from the ceiling in this loft bedroom to create the illusion of a wall. The open-airy feeling of the loft maintains when using a screen to create privacy while also keeping the natural light. Touches of teal and a mix of textures make an inviting space.
Try Warm Colors
Photo: Helen Norman; Stylist: Liz Levin
Bedrooms don’t always need to be blue or neutral colors. Try adding a bright, warm color palette for a unique space that fits your energy. Vibrant red or orange colors can be the thing you need to help you wake up in a cheerful mood every day.
Highlight the Lighting
Laurey Glenn
Brighten your bedroom with a unique light fixture. Show your bedroom in a whole new light by transforming the overhead lighting into a piece of art instead of only a functional accessory. Sconces or bedside tables also are opportunities to exchange plain lighting for something more ornamental.
Let in the Light
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
The three windows over the bed allow for light to fill this space. Natural light extends from the cream-trimmed windows into this room, brightening dark wood floors. In this bright bedroom, wood furnishings contrast the white bedding and pale-blue painted walls.
Go for Oversized Art
Jean Liu
A floor-to-ceiling art print draws your attention. Positioned on a neutrally painted wall, a colorful painting or abstract piece of art can enhance a room’s decorative qualities. Use this statement piece as a jumping-off point to introduce color into other furnishings such as throw pillows or an area rug.
Paint the Ceiling
Courtesy of Behr
Consider decorating from the top down when looking to freshen up a bedroom. Look at the ceiling to determine if you can produce the atmosphere you wish to achieve by adding a coat of paint. Coordinating the ceiling color with the beadboard and doors adds cohesion to this dramatic decor.
Serene Retreat
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Serene neutrals and solid fabrics create a peaceful retreat. Tactile velvets, linens, and bits of fur add the necessary plushness to this bedroom. Adding monogrammed shams brings a sense of Southern charm to this luxe room.
Look to Nature
Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Drawing inspiration from the outdoors is a way to construct a cohesive color palette that works. Nature has a way of supplying soothing scenery, so incorporating this into your bedroom can offer the same effect. Using wood or muted forest shades can be monotonous, so add vibrant colors to highlight specific decor.
Design from Top Down
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Kiera Coffee
The large framed pictures creating a gallery over the bed draw your attention upwards. In addition to this display, the overhead light adds one of the only pops of color with green on the shade’s interior. The bedding complements this green while the furnishings remain neutral.
Add Extra Seating
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
The bed is the lead furnishing in this room, but a unique seating option makes the space feel more inviting. Look for an accent chair or bench to add character to an otherwise blank space. The weathered texture on this bench contrasts the soft, delicate fabrics surrounding the bed.
Create a Reading Nook
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
Build yourself the perfect escape by creating a reading nook in your bedroom. The sconce and drapery allow you to stay up late reading your favorite book without disturbing anyone else in the room. This cozy space is excellent for relaxing or storing things behind the drawn curtain.
Highlight the Views
Secret Bay, Dominica
There is no need for additional decor when you have a view from your room. Center your bed to overlook the exterior wonders that reside outside your home. If you do not have this expansive view, consider creating it with a floor-to-ceiling mural of your favorite place.
Find various shades of the same neutral to create a monochromatic space. A blush-grey bedroom can incorporate hues ranging from cream to barely-there pink but still look like a cohesive space because of the closely related pigments. The pink florals on the bedside table nicely complement the decor.