12 things everyone should replace in their bedroom, according to interior designers

This article discusses outdated bedroom design trends that interior designers recommend updating to create a fresh and stylish space. The piece identifies four common 'eyesores' and offers contemporary alternatives, drawing insights from seven different interior designers. The first major point of discussion is the matching bedroom set. Historically popular due to convenience offered by big box stores, designers now advocate for a more curated and collected look. Jennifer McKissick, founder of Jennifer McKissick Interiors, suggests combining new, vintage, and antique pieces to achieve a unique aesthetic, also highlighting the environmental benefits of this approach. Leigh Herr from Mackenzie Collier Interiors advises varying collections even when purchasing from the same company, suggesting that a sleek bed frame can be effectively paired with contrasting nightstands to avoid a monotonous appearance. The second outdated trend addressed is the use of wallpapered or painted accent walls. Designers emphasize that if wallpaper is chosen, it should cover all four walls of a room to create a cohesive and enveloping atmosphere. Molly Machmer-Wessels, founder of Woodland Design Studio, refers to single accent walls as a 'design relic,' urging for full commitment to wallpaper. Cami Weinstein, founder of Cami Weinstein Designs, suggests painting the ceiling a complementary color if a contrasting element is desired, rather than relying on a single accent wall. Rashida Banks extends this advice to painted accent walls, recommending that homeowners select a paint color they love enough for all walls, or introduce accent colors through bedding, drapery, or decorative items. She makes an exception for accent paint on the ceiling, deeming it acceptable. Next, the article highlights the move away from heavy or overstyled bedding. Cami Weinstein points out that heavy comforters and bed skirts are out of fashion. Instead, she recommends a simpler approach involving crisp linens, one to two blankets, and a throw at the foot of the bed. Anna Baraness, founder of Studio AK Interiors, advises against a large collection of decorative pillows that need to be removed nightly. Rashida Banks warns against 'bed in a bag' sets, which often appear low quality. For those on a budget, she suggests starting with a quilt and matching shams, then gradually adding accent pillows to build a more tailored look. Finally, the article covers the shift away from low beds. Cece Bowman, founder of Cece Bowman Interiors, states that both low headboards and low four-poster beds are to be avoided, as the bed should be the focal point of the bedroom and command attention. She advises that four-poster beds should nearly reach the ceiling or crown molding, and upholstered headboards should extend past the eye's midline to create a sense of grandeur and presence within the space. These design recommendations aim to help individuals modernize their bedrooms for a more contemporary and stylish appeal. #BedroomDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #ModernHome #Furniture #Bedding #Wallpaper

This article explores key interior design trends and tips for transforming a bedroom into a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. It emphasizes that a bedroom should reflect one's personality and provide a sanctuary for relaxation. The importance of selecting useful, high-quality, sustainable, and affordable products is highlighted, alongside the need to stay updated with evolving interior design trends to ensure a fashionable and appealing living space. The article delves into five major trends for bedroom decor, beginning with "Modern florals." This trend, a long-standing favorite, offers universal appeal through various designs, from full floral print walls for a bold statement to more subtle applications like floral pillowcases, duvet covers, rugs, upholstery, or throw-overs. The versatility of floral patterns ensures they can cater to diverse tastes. Next, the concept of a "Statement headboard" is discussed. Recognizing the bed as the central element of a bedroom, the headboard is presented as an opportunity for personal expression. This can range from colorful horizontal designs with contrasting dark shades to lively patterns or even handmade headboards crafted from materials like rattan, allowing individuals to infuse their unique personality into the space. The third trend, "Storage hiding in plain sight," addresses the practical need for efficient space management. This trend is popular due to its effectiveness in creating a clutter-free, open, and welcoming environment, regardless of room size. It advocates for furniture with built-in storage solutions, such as beds with storage underneath, on the sides, or integrated into walls, to maximize space utilization and maintain a neat appearance. Following this, the article introduces the "Calming colour palette." Light and neutral colors are recommended for their ability to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. These palettes also contribute to making a room appear larger, more open, and cleaner. The article notes the common use of white walls and neutral-toned decor items like coffee tables, bed frames, and shoe racks to achieve a basic yet appealing look that blends seamlessly with the surroundings, resulting in an exquisite and well-designed interior. Finally, "Sustainability" is presented not merely as a trend but as an adaptive lifestyle approach. With increasing environmental consciousness, people are gravitating towards ethically produced products. This involves choosing daily items made from sustainably derived materials, such as bamboo trays, organic cotton upholstery, clay decor pieces, and recycled wood furniture. The article concludes by emphasizing that while trends come and go, the most timeless approach to bedroom decor is the personal embodiment of one's taste within the room's fundamental elements. #BedroomDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FloralPrints #StatementHeadboard #SmartStorage #CalmingColors #Sustainability #HomeFurnishings

This article, updated on March 4, 2024, explores twelve common home decor elements that interior designers recommend removing or updating to enhance a space's aesthetic and functionality. The insights are gathered from several professional interior designers, including Kimberly Rasmussen of Establish Design, Annie Santulli of Annie Santulli Designs, Iantha Carley of Iantha Carley Interiors, Suzan Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs, and Kesha Franklin of Halden Interiors. One significant recommendation involves decorative pillows on sofas. Designers suggest replacing factory-provided or matching couch pillows with ones that introduce diverse textures, colors, and patterns. This approach, according to Kimberly Rasmussen, adds visual interest and helps unify the room's design, moving away from a monochromatic or overly coordinated look. Another lighting-related tip from Rasmussen is to switch out harsh, cool white lightbulbs for soft, warm white alternatives. This change is inexpensive but dramatically improves the room's ambiance by adding a cozy, inviting warmth, akin to candlelight or a fireplace. Window treatments are also a key area for reconsideration. Annie Santulli advises against heavy, dark window coverings that block natural light. Natural light is crucial for making a room appear larger and brighter and for highlighting finishes. Santulli suggests using sheer or translucent metallic drapes to provide coverage without adding visual weight. For those needing privacy or sun blockage, layering different window treatments is recommended to add dimension and flexibility in managing light. Similarly, Santulli notes that heavy fabrics and dark finishes, once popular, now tend to make rooms feel gloomy and overbearing. She advocates for replacing these with lush textures and warm-colored accents to elevate the space. Accent walls, though intended to make a statement, can quickly become dated. Rasmussen suggests replacing them with more flexible focal points such as easily movable art, plants, or mirrors. Iantha Carley points out that chair rails, often found in dining rooms, can awkwardly bisect a room, making it appear smaller. She recommends removing them in favor of plain walls or more substantial wainscoting to create a more expansive feel. Suzan Wemlinger highlights that a predominance of stained wood furniture can make a room look drab. She advises mixing wood species and stain colors, and incorporating painted or non-wood pieces to introduce variety and prevent a monotonous aesthetic. Wemlinger also emphasizes the importance of appropriately sized rugs. A rug that is too small for a room, regardless of its quality, can make the space seem cheap. She specifically cites dining room rugs that are too small to accommodate chairs when pulled out as a common design flaw. Builder-grade tile and backsplashes, especially the basic beige porcelain or ceramic types prevalent in many homes built in the last two decades, are another item designers recommend updating. Wemlinger argues that using the same tile throughout a home lacks personality and suggests incorporating different materials or shapes to modernize the look. Kesha Franklin strongly advises against placing televisions above fireplaces, viewing the fireplace as the room's primary focal point. She suggests removing the TV from this position to allow the fireplace to serve its intended purpose without distraction. Franklin also cautions against artificial plants, which can gather dust and cheapen a home's appearance, and poorly maintained real plants, which can indicate a lack of care and even produce unpleasant odors. Finally, Carley recommends breaking up matching couch sets (e.g., a sofa and loveseat) that can make a room resemble a furniture showroom. She suggests replacing the loveseat with two comfortable upholstered chairs for a more tailored and sophisticated look. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #HomeImprovement #SpacePlanning #FurnitureSelection #LightingDesign #WindowTreatments #AccentWalls #RugPlacement

This article provides twelve budget-friendly strategies for refreshing a primary bedroom, focusing on maximizing impact without significant financial outlay. Interior designers Kristin Marino and Ann Lowengart offer insights and practical tips for each suggestion. Updating bedding is presented as an affordable and impactful way to change a room's aesthetic. This involves selecting new color palettes for sheets, duvets, and pillows, and incorporating patterned throw pillows, lumbar pillows, and decorative throws to enhance the new look. This approach allows for a significant visual change without replacing major furniture items like bed frames or mattresses. Choosing a paint color for the bedroom walls is another key recommendation, with Lowengart suggesting drawing inspiration from personal wardrobe colors to ensure a soothing and personalized environment. She advises using high-gloss paint for darker shades and an eggshell finish for lighter ones to maintain vibrancy. This personal touch is intended to make the bedroom feel more restful and reflective of the occupant's taste. Rearranging existing accessories is highlighted as a cost-free method to refresh a space. Marino suggests swapping table lamps, vases, trinkets, and picture frames from different areas of the home to create a new arrangement. For a more dramatic effect, repositioning larger items like bedside tables or an area rug is also recommended. This practice not only updates the bedroom but can also refresh other parts of the house. The article emphasizes incorporating texture to add coziness and a high-end feel. Suggestions include using sheepskin pillows or throw blankets. Lowengart also advises placing a furry rug by the bed on hardwood floors to introduce warmth and texture at a reasonable price, noting that such items are readily available in home goods stores. Buying previously-owned furniture is presented as a budget-conscious alternative to purchasing new pieces. Lowengart, a proponent of this method, recommends exploring online platforms like 1st Dibs and Chairish, as well as local options such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, for unique and affordable items that can reenergize the space. Wallpapering a ceiling or an accent wall offers a distinct visual update. Lowengart points out that the ceiling, often overlooked, can serve as a “fifth wall,” and wallpapering it can create a surprising and reasonably priced feature. For accent walls, she suggests the wall behind the bed or any wall with existing depth to enhance its visual impact. Repurposing carpet remnants provides an economical solution for flooring updates. Lowengart advises using remnants over existing wall-to-wall carpets. She notes that remnant stores often sell these at significantly reduced prices and can surge them for a finished look, making it a cost-effective way to refresh floor coverings. Adding a single accent color to the bed is an effective focal point. Lowengart explains that a playfully patterned pillow or a chunky blanket in a favorite hue can introduce contrast and transform the bed's appearance, making a significant impact on the room's overall aesthetic. Using textiles as wall hangings is proposed as an instant art solution. The article suggests tapestries or favorite fabrics can be hung on rods or branches, providing an inexpensive yet visually impactful way to decorate walls with patterns and textures. Shopping designer or showroom warehouse sales is a lesser-known but effective tip for acquiring high-quality items at reduced prices. Lowengart reveals that designers often clear out client cast-offs through these sales, offering an opportunity for individuals to get designer-quality pieces without paying for design services. Adopting mismatched nightstands challenges traditional symmetry and adds character to the bedroom. Lowengart suggests that showrooms often sell single samples, making it feasible to find unique nightstands that don't necessarily match. Doubling small dressers as nightstands also provides additional storage, and rolling multi-tiered carts offer a flexible alternative, with these small changes contributing significantly to the room's updated look. Finally, showcasing personal memories through wall art, such as blowing up family photos or favorite scenic views into poster-sized hangings, creates sentimental and unique decor. This approach allows for personalized art pieces that also evoke cherished memories, contributing to a truly personal and meaningful bedroom environment. #BedroomMakeover #BudgetDecor #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #DIYHome #AffordableLiving #HomeImprovement #DecoratingTips #PersonalSpace