Selected Images from the Book
Click here for a larger imageClick here for a larger imageClick here for a larger imageFrom the Author: Twelve Tips for Beautiful Bedroom Design
The bedroom is our sanctuary, the place we can all retreat to at the end of a busy day. But what makes a bedroom into a retreat, rather than just a place to retire? First of all, remember that your furniture should fit your space. Avoid a king sized bed if your space is really more suited to a queen. You should be able to open all the doors in the room without hitting the bed or some other piece of furniture! Likewise, you should be able to navigate through the room easily during those middle of the night trips to the baby's room or the bathroom. Warm, invigorating colours help to energize the morning person, while soothing, cooler colours help the night owl relax and unwind at the end of the day. Always try to keep your desk out of your bedroom, and if you've got a TV in there consider hiding it inside an armoire or cabinet. Following these basic rules of bedroom décor will help turn your sleeping space into a restful retreat!
Out with the old, in with the new! One of the easiest ways to reinvent a bedroom is by changing the bedding. New comforters, decorative pillows, and shams effectively change the whole identity of a space without taking a huge bite out of your bank account. Try shopping at liquidation centres or factory outlets to get the best deals.
Matching bedroom suites are a little outdated, so why not try something that's more eclectic? Change your matching bedside tables to mismatched or remove one of your dressers and you'll be surprised with the results.
Change a flush mounted ceiling fixture or fan in your bedroom to an elegant chandelier. It will cast a softer glow and create a bit of drama.
Paint the wall behind your bed a dramatic colour to create a strong focal point in the room.
If you have the space, why not add a comfy chaise to your bedroom? Not only will it add a little elegance, but they are also perfect for lounging, reading or putting on your socks.
If your bedding is faded, or a little too frilly, then it's time for an update. This is the fastest and most cost effective way to give your room a little facelift.
Children are more comfortable when their environment reflects their tastes and interests. Use your child's personality for inspiration when it comes to decorating their personal space. If they love to read, set up a book nook with a comfy pint-sized chair and accessible bookshelves. If arts and crafts are their thing, a child-sized built in desk with open shelving can become creativity central. Talk to you child and see what they envision for their space - the answers might surprise you!
Children love colour but when it comes to their bedroom, choose your palette wisely. Bright, vibrant hues can be over-stimulating--an effect that will work against you at bedtime! Neutral colours often work very well when complemented by bright and cheerful accessories.
Is your teen sick and tired of her outgrown Disneyland décor scheme? Ditch the cartoons and allow your teen to choose a cool wall colour like chocolate or purple. Then, use a number of eye-catching accents as focal points: a colourful bedspread, shaggy area rugs or trendy artwork. These are all things that can be easily changed down the road when you teen's taste undergoes another transformation!
When designing a child's room, avoid using the traditional colours of pastel pink and blue. Introduce something unexpected and vibrant--such as yellow, green, cobalt blue or fuchsia. It is possible to choose a theme that is youthful but not babyish. Try using striped, checked or polka dotted fabrics, and themes such as galaxies or geometric shapes. If you pick a main fabric that has several colours, you'll be able to keep the fabric while changing the paint scheme down the road.
When decorating a baby's room, think of the old maxim "they grow up so fast." Truer words have never been spoken, so when you're decorating a baby's room remember one thing: those cute little cartoon characters and farmyard animals will likely lose your child's interest within a matter of months. The key is to incorporate babyish things sparingly and only in accessories. Mobiles, picture frames, crib sheets, or even a wallpaper border that can easily be replaced are all good choices.