An interior designer shares her thoughts on achieving the perfect bedroom

The author, a "boomerang kid" who moved back into her childhood home in Hawaii, sought an interior designer's help to update her bedroom for her late 20s. While her room was not overtly childlike, it lacked a sophisticated and creative feel. Award-winning interior designer Kimberly Horton provided several recommendations to transform the space. One of the primary suggestions involved changing the paint color. Horton noted that the existing light blue walls appeared youthful and vibrant. To achieve a more mature aesthetic, she recommended painting the walls "Snowbound by Sherwin Williams," a soft white that would introduce warmth while complementing the room's ample natural light. This choice aimed to create a neutral base, aligning with the author's preference for light, bright, and airy spaces. Horton also addressed the furniture layout, specifically the bed's placement. The bed was initially positioned against a wall, which made the room feel cramped and hindered the desired relaxing ambiance. The designer advised repositioning the bed to where the dresser was located, making it a central focal point and enhancing visual flow within the room. To further elevate the bed, Horton suggested adding an upholstered headboard and footboard, noting that a low bed profile is typically suited for minimalist or zen designs. Window treatments were another area for improvement. The existing white curtains were deemed less suitable for the high windows. Horton proposed replacing them with grass-weave Roman shades to introduce a different texture and enhance functionality, especially after relocating the bed away from the windows. For storage solutions, Horton encouraged utilizing wall space in addition to floor space, given the room's high ceilings. She recommended installing floating shelves for display items and swapping open storage units for closed ones to maintain an organized appearance, regardless of the contents inside. Nightstands on either side of the bed were also suggested for closed storage. Additionally, a creative storage idea involved displaying hats on the wall above the bed, combining functionality with an aesthetic element, particularly given the limited wall space. Regarding personalization, Horton emphasized leveraging the good natural lighting in the room through creative choices in bedding, wallpaper, area rugs, and furniture. To balance the new neutral wall color, she advised using dark-colored bedding in shades like deep green, purple, or blue, and incorporating layers and accent pillows to prevent the room from appearing flat. A key recommendation was to add an area rug beneath the bed to define the space, clarifying that "carpet on carpet exists." A unique suggestion involved applying wallpaper to the ceiling to add texture, proposing tarot-inspired or witchy designs to complement darker bedding choices and align with the author's interests. Finally, for the author's altar space, Horton recommended a more personality-suited furniture piece, such as a wooden geometric bookshelf or a charcoal one with a curved arch, to make this personal area a more prominent and charactful element of the room. #InteriorDesign #BedroomMakeover #HomeDecor #SpacePlanning #ColorPalette #FurnitureArrangement #Personalization #StorageSolutions #WindowTreatments

This article, written by interior design writer Marisa Suzanne Martin and featuring insights from Blair Britt, owner and lead designer at Bella B Home Designs, outlines nine common design pitfalls that can detract from a bedroom's aesthetic and make it appear less polished or even "cheap." The piece aims to guide readers on how to create a luxurious and inviting bedroom space by avoiding these errors. One significant point addresses "Boring Walls." Matte-painted walls, while economical, can sometimes convey a budget-conscious rather than chic impression. The article suggests enhancing walls with wallpaper, noting that even simple, textured options like grasscloth in a solid color can instantly elevate the room. For those seeking more drama, mural wallpaper on a focal wall, such as behind the bed, is recommended to create an eye-catching element reminiscent of a boutique hotel. Next, the article highlights the issue of "Nothing-Special Nightstands." Even if the bed itself is luxurious, cheap nightstands can undermine the room's overall appeal. The suggestion is to replace particle board nightstands with vintage or secondhand side tables, which can be affordably acquired and reimagined into unique, upscale-feeling alternatives. The concept of a "Matching Bedroom" is also critiqued. While convenient, matching bedroom sets can lead to a flat, uninspired look, akin to a budget hotel room. The advice is to mix textures, colors, and personal touches to bring life into the space. Britt suggests incorporating upholstery or a complementary dresser and blending light and dark pieces, or maintaining an all-light palette, to make the room feel larger and more dynamic. "No Seating" is identified as another common oversight. Unless a bedroom is very small, a lack of additional seating can make the room feel unfinished or stark. Adding chairs or a chaise creates functional lounging and wind-down areas, adding depth and making the bedroom a more desirable space to spend time in. Examples include a settee at the foot of the bed or a modern lounge chair for a reading nook. A "Boring Bed" is also noted as a design flaw. The article advocates for a statement bed rather than just an expensive one. It advises against basic wood or iron beds, which often require extensive styling to look distinctive. Instead, it encourages opting for upholstered headboards in bold patterns or unique shapes, such as arched or scalloped designs, to add instant interest. An "Unimaginative Light Fixture" can also detract from a bedroom's appeal. While contractor-grade flush mounts are not necessarily detrimental, they do little to enhance the space. Installing a chandelier above the bed is proposed as a quick way to make a bedroom more impressive, drawing the eye upward and creating drama. For concerns about excessive brightness, a dimmer switch is recommended to create a suitable mood for nighttime relaxation. Furthermore, "A Lack of Pillows" is discussed. A bed with only two pillows is functional but lacks a luxurious feel. Britt suggests layering multiple pillows of different sizes, textures, and colors to achieve a plush, hotel-inspired look. A recommended formula includes two layered pillows on each side (one firm, one soft) topped with a decorative square or lumbar pillow. "Oversized Furniture" is another pitfall. Large, ill-proportioned pieces can overwhelm a bedroom, blocking light and hindering natural movement. The article emphasizes the importance of appropriately scaled furniture to allow the room to breathe and create a sense of flow. Cramped spaces make furniture appear misplaced, suggesting that the pieces were not chosen deliberately for the room. Finally, a "Ceiling-Sweeping Bed" is highlighted, particularly in smaller rooms or those with low ceilings. Canopy beds in such settings can make a room feel like a cave rather than a sanctuary. As an alternative, the article suggests an upholstered bed with a high headboard to achieve a sense of luxury and elevation without the visual clutter, maintaining a light and open feel essential for smaller bedrooms. #BedroomDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #BedroomEssentials #DesignTips #RoomTransformation #LuxuryBedroom #FurnitureSelection #WallDecor