SOURCE: Houzz
See why pros prioritize lighting, comfort, visual interest and other elements to balance serenity with style
Many people want their bedroom to be a sanctuary and retreat that rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit. Setting up a bedroom to foster that kind of atmosphere takes more than just placing a bed in a room. So we asked 40 design and remodeling professionals about the features they recommend to homeowners looking to create a functional, stylish and blissful bedroom. Here are the 10 bedroom features that came up again and again.
1. Layers of Lighting
Hands down the bedroom feature pros recommend the most is a layered lighting plan. This approach should ideally include natural lighting, task lighting for reading or doing a crossword puzzle in bed, ambient lighting like lamps and recessed ceiling lights, and statement lighting, such as a chandelier. “Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the ambiance of a bedroom, making it a must-have feature for creating a cozy and inviting retreat,” says designer Barbara Elliott of The Sisters and Co. Decorating Den Interiors.
This Miami bedroom by The Habitat Collective highlights a layered lighting scheme with abundant natural light, recessed ceiling lights, table lamps and a statement light fixture.
Many designers put a strong emphasis on including dimmers for all artificial lighting in a bedroom. “Always install a dimmer for your lighting,” designer Kasey Smith says. “As you wind down for the evening, lowering the lights will not only create a cozy atmosphere but also signal your body it’s time to rest, allowing a much easier transition to sleep.”
If you’re not updating the electrical components during a bedroom refresh, consider dimmer outlet plugs. These relatively inexpensive plugs allow you to connect most floor lamps, table lamps and even string lights to gain the ability to dim the lighting. Some smart models sync with Alexa or Google Home, giving you voice-control capabilities.
2. Bedside Light Switch
Speaking of lighting, many pros can’t speak highly enough about locating a light switch, preferably with dimming capability, next to the bed. A light switch panel that also includes an outlet and USB ports is especially helpful. These let homeowners dim or shut off lights and charge devices without getting up or reaching behind or under a bed or nightstand. “In the bedroom, functionality is key,” says builder Nate Abutbol of NA Design Builders. “Who wants to get up to turn off the lights? Or turn on the light to read? Or reach down to plug in one’s phone?”
3. High-Quality Bedding
This might be obvious, but it’s worth noting that numerous home professionals highly recommend you don’t skimp on bedding. “I always recommend investing in high-quality linens,” says builder Jim Pitcher of CRC Builders. “While linens may seem like a small detail, they play a significant role in enhancing comfort, style and overall sleep quality. Quality linens, such as luxurious sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases made from premium materials like Egyptian cotton, linen or bamboo, not only feel wonderful against the skin but also contribute to a better night’s sleep.These materials are breathable, soft and hypoallergenic, promoting airflow and regulating body temperature for a more comfortable sleeping environment. Moreover, investing in high-quality linens can elevate the aesthetic appeal of the bedroom. Crisp, clean sheets and beautifully designed duvet covers can instantly transform the look and feel of the space, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.”
The more layers of bedding the better. “Layered bedding is a consistent recommendation for bedrooms in my design approach,” designer Missy Stewart says. “The incorporation of varied textures and colors not only enhances the overall comfort but also injects a multitude of design qualities into the space, elevating its aesthetic appeal.”
Designer Kathryn Murphy recommends pairing an upholstered headboard with quality bedding. “These two things make a space feel cozy and luxurious,” she says.
4. Window Treatments
Drapery is also high on the recommendation list. Window treatments help mitigate light and sound and add style. “Full-length drapery elevates almost any bedroom,” designer Lisa Tharp says. “Clients are often surprised at how transformative this one element can be. Drapery adds softness and verticality, at once enhancing a room’s comfort and proportions. The key is to ensure they are well-made, sufficiently full and mounted high and wide to cover wall, not glass.”
You’ll find a good example in this Atlanta bedroom by design firm Elle Du Monde. Curtain rods placed near the ceiling help emphasize the height of the room, making it appear more spacious. The rods are also sized wide enough so the curtains fully cover the window area, preventing light from leaking in.
5. Statement Bed or Headboard
Many pros think the most important element in the bedroom should receive the most attention. “Create a statement with your bed and build the room from there,” says designer Dana Bender of Pine Street Carpenters. “Go for a higher headboard or a four-poster bed and splurge on great linens.”
In this Nashville, Tennessee, bedroom, designer Stephanie Ervin used a natural seagrass rope-wrapped canopy bed to add dimension, texture and interest to the soothing modern-organic space.
A statement headboard is another way to draw attention. “It serves as a focal point in the bedroom and can significantly impact the overall vibe of the space,” says design-build pro Michael Rezek of Chi Renovation & Design. “Whether it’s through intricate designs, bold colors or unique shapes and patterns, a statement headboard is a feature that can elevate the bedroom’s design, making it more visually stimulating and personalized.”
An upholstered headboard versus a hard, solid material will add function to your room. “I always recommend an upholstered headboard,” says designer Heather Hanley of The Tin Roof. “Not only is it an elegant look and timeless, but it’s functional for those of us that love to read in bed, watch TV or work in bed. I love to lean up against the headboard and spread out a project and work while sitting in bed. It’s cozy and seems somewhat like resting, even if it’s not.”
6. Wallpaper
Perhaps more so than for any other room in a home, designers recommend using wallpaper in a bedroom to add color, texture and visual interest. “Have you ever thought about how many hours you stared at the walls of your room as a teenager?” designer Lilianne Steckel jokes. “We don’t always have that luxury as an adult, but adding a special touch makes the room where you rest feel like an extra relaxation escape.”
Many pros focus on textured wallpaper when it comes to bedrooms. “I absolutely love using a textured grasscloth or linen wallpaper in a primary bedroom and wrapping all the walls, including the ceiling,” designer Deirdre Doherty says. “Even if you choose a color close to the overall home color — let’s say a cream or white — the room immediately feels more cozy and special. It works in both modern and traditional applications, and every time we do it, the clients are so happy they did.”
Designer Harmony Weihs of Design Harmony agrees. “You can only do so much with drywall and paint,” she says. “Wallpaper adds warmth, texture and interest.”
7. Color and Personality
Sometimes, focusing on comfort alone can leave a bedroom lacking in style and character. Many pros recommend that homeowners remember to express their personalities through color, pattern, artwork and decorative items. “We recommend incorporating the client’s favorite color in a bedroom in particular,” says designer Vanessa Smith of Flourish Interiors. “Primary bedrooms should be a very intimate and personal space. As such, they should really renew the mind, body and spirit. We find that starting with the client’s personal favorite color, and especially if it is a soothing color, helps start the design process off in a good direction.”
8. Ceiling Treatment
Often the first thing you see when you wake up is the ceiling. That calls for some special attention. “More than most other spaces, the design of the ceiling is really important in bedrooms,” says designer Jeremy Babel of Jeremy Babel Architecture + Design. “When you are laying in bed, the ceiling becomes a major view, so you want it to be well-designed. This can be an opportunity for specialty finishes like wood paneling and interesting light fixtures that conceal the bulbs and look good from below. But most importantly the layout of fixtures and devices should be carefully planned so the ceiling view feels organized and well-considered.”
9. Rug Under the Bed
You may have noticed that many of the bedroom recommendations focus on things people see and touch most often. That’s why many pros advocate for placing a rug under the bed. “It’s the very first thing your feet will hit to start the day,” says designer Christine Craig of Designology Studio.
10. Great View
Whenever possible, pros suggest highlighting a great view in a bedroom. “Having a view from the bed is always a goal,” says designer Stephanie Tottingham of Kashas Design | Build. If a sweeping landscape isn’t in the cards, consider adding artwork.
“We prefer to have art in the bedroom versus a television,” designer Craig says. “Your bedroom ought to be a place for unwinding and rejuvenation.”
SOURCE: Houzz