READY FOR BED

For a serene sanctuary in a timeless country scheme, team pretty linens with vintage styles and instill a restful sense of calm

Combine well-loved, classic pieces to create a restful sleeping space

DECORATION

Subtle shades such as neutrals, pale blues, dusky pinks and chalky greens tend to work best in a bedroom, as they have a gentle, calming effect. However, when used sparingly, stronger tones can add distinctive character without becoming overbearing – try a yellow lampshade or a side table painted in an emerald green or bright blue. As there are several ways you can introduce pattern – on linen and cushions, a Roman or roll-up blind at a window – the walls can be left relatively

WHERE TO BUY

BLITHFIELD blithfield.co.uk CABBAGES & ROSES 020 3696 1310; cabbagesandroses.com COLEFAX & FOWLER colefax.com FARROW & BALL 01202 876141; farrow-ball.com THE LINEN GARDEN thelinengarden.co.uk plain by painting them in a single colour. Wallpapers in small-scale prints such as a faded floral, sprig motif or fine stripe can also add pretty decoration. Mix and match coordinating patterns elsewhere in the room in a variety of scales, all chiming with the colour of the paper, but stick to a limited number of prints if it has a dominant design. Alternatively, a stencil or collection of paintings and prints will instantly bring visual interest in a simpler way.

RAPTURE & WRIGHT 01608 652442; raptureandwright.co.uk SANDERSON AT THE STYLE LIBRARY stylelibrary.com/sanderson THE STENCIL LIBRARY stencil-library.co.uk ST JUDE’S stjudes.co.uk SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS 0344 980 8185; susiewatsondesigns.co.uk VANESSA ARBUTHNOTT 01285 831437; vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk