For many of us – particularly parents with small children – the bedroom isn’t quite the place we always thought it would be. As the kids’ things start to overtake the home, there is often little space for anything else. Meaning, of course, the bedroom becomes more of a storage space rather than a relaxing haven.
Well, today I thought it was time to fix things. We all need somewhere to relax and wind down, and the place where we sleep is the only genuine place that we can call our own. And even that’s pushing things a little! Read on for my ultimate guide to designing your bedroom, and give your life a more relaxing outlook.
Getting started
First of all, it’s time to clear things down completely. It might be a good idea to send the kids off for the weekend – they’re always keen to help, but can often be more of a hindrance. Bless them! Once you are free to get to work, start by having a complete declutter.
Anything that is stored under your bed or takes up much-needed space needs to be removed. Whether you store it in your basement or loft space, or whether it ends up in a charity shop is entirely up to you.
The point is, if you want to make changes to your bedroom, you’re going to have to treat it like one. And, clutter and mess just has to go.
Sketch out a plan
Now it’s time to think carefully about what you want from your new bedroom. Will you need new furniture? Is there any space for extra storage? Could you fit in an en suite bathroom?
You might be surprised at how small a space you need to have a bathroom put in your bedroom. Check here http://www.bellabathrooms.co.uk/bathroom-suites/en-suite-bathrooms.html for some examples. But, bear in mind that the more changes you make, the more money you will spend.
So, the next step is to work out exactly how much your budget will allow – and what you are planning on spending on. Finally, sketch out a scale drawing of your bedroom and consider the sizes of any new furniture that you will need. Perhaps by buying a smaller bed you will free up enough room to have an office space in one of the corners? You’ll need to think a lot about sizing – especially if your bedroom is particularly tiny.
Decor & Flooring
Next, you’ll need to take a look at decor and flooring. Contrast is what you want to aim for here, and it doesn’t matter what kind of colours you use. However, if you are looking for a more relaxing environment, then avoid bright tones and hues, and instead go for something more sedate.
As an illustration, if you want to increase the appeal of your room, you can add a bamboo room divider or a wood slat room divider, which can divide an open floor plan. This can be useful if you want to divide a large space, say living room from dining room, without blocking the view. You may choose a dark tone for a sleek look or a light shade for minimalist styles.
Moreover, adding carpets can hugely impact the aesthetics of your room. They are also popular – and certainly more preferable during the cold winter. However, floorboards with a thick pile rug can give you a luxurious finish.
The bed
The bed is the focal point of your bedroom, so it’s only natural that you should think about it carefully. Where is the optimum place for it? How big a bed can you fit in? Although that deluxe super king size frame looks wonderful, if it’s too large for your room, it might look out of place. And, of course, it will leave little room for anything else.
So plan well – and don’t forget about your mattress and pillows, either. If you want the ultimate in relaxation, it’s the bedding that will give it to you, rather than the frame. In fact, something like a memory foam mattress may even make up for you having a smaller frame.
Storage & Furniture
Storage is vital for any bedroom, and it will help you keep your floors and surfaces clear. Think about using space you have left wisely, and don’t forget about your walls. For example, if you are a keen reader and have lots of books, you could run a set of shelves around the top of your walls.
Then, there’re your clothes. If you don’t have space for a walk-in closet – as most people don’t – then you’ll have to use a wardrobe. These are, of course, one of the biggest pieces of furniture you will need in your room, and they can be tricky to fit in. Alcoves or corners are usually the best places for them, to minimise the impact of their size. Alternatively, say you do have enough room for a walk-in closet, then it may be best to have one tailor-made to fit your room, by companies like New Concept Design, or similar ones.
You’ll need a dresser, too – and perhaps a mirror and chair to go with it. Finally, don’t forget about bedside tables – you will need them for lamps, and they’ll also provide you with a little extra storage.
I hope this has helped you get some ideas for your bedroom makeover. I guess the main thing is to enjoy it – and have some fun! Happy designing, folks!
