Night and day
Updating furniture and swapping dark shades for brighter tones has created a stylish bedroom, perfect for spending time in around the clock.
A bedroom to enjoy around the clock
Debra Davidson-Smith, 53, and husband Duncan, 56, moved into their five-bedroom Edwardian semi in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, 13 years ago, with sons Max, 19, and Olly, 16. They revamped their main bedroom and put in an ensuite 10 years ago and, while the bathroom was holding up well, they felt the bedroom was looking dark and dated.
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS...
‘Without altering the layout, a contemporary new scheme transforms this room.
The mix of sunny yellow and rich blue fabrics creates an uplifting look.’
What did you want to change?
We were happy with the space but regretted our previous choice of decor in the bedroom. We’d gone for a bold wallpaper, which had huge flowers in dark reds and purples, thinking it would feel cosy, but in reality it made the room feel dark and a bit depressing. The soft furnishings and accessories were in purple and cream and it all felt uncoordinated and a bit of a jumble.
So what was the aim?
To lighten up everything and bring a more contemporary look. Also, I wanted it to be somewhere I would be happy to spend time during the day. At that point it was just where we slept – we didn’t linger there as it felt slightly oppressive. I had visions of cosy breakfasts in a relaxing space where we could read and chat.
And did you feel the same about the bathroom?
No – the ensuite is part of an extension and we’d chosen a neutral and white scheme, which still looked great 10 years on. We’d bought good quality sanitaryware and all the plumbing was brand new, so it worked well and there was no need to redo it.
Tell us about your colour palette
We agreed that the new scheme would be in blue, yellow and cream – sunny, optimistic shades that would be pleasant to wake up to. I started researching fabrics in these hues and found ranges at Sanderson that had toning variations that would work well together. We’ve had a picture from Ikea hidden away in a cupboard for about eight years and it has all the right colours in it, so I dragged it out and hung it on the wall above the bed.
You went for wallpaper…
Yes, the design I chose, in gold and cream with dreamy clouds all over it, isn’t too bold – I’d learned my lesson there! I also wanted a carpet that would last, so we ordered one in a pale stone colour to match the wallpaper.
But you kept your bed
It’s incredibly comfortable but we decided to update it by recovering the headboard in striped fabric. I like the mid-century look so we ordered new bedside tables in wood, which I felt added another texture, and a matching desk to use as my dressing table. I picked grey bedlinen from Dunelm but felt there was still something missing. Walking through John Lewis one day I saw a stunning yellow bedspread and knew it would bring the perfect bright contrast.
And you created a new seating area
The space close to the doorway of the ensuite wasn’t being used, so we turned it into a relaxing corner with a chair upholstered in blue and yellow patterned fabric
Is there anything you’d do differently?
Not really, though at the last minute we decided to paint the wall behind the bed in a rich blue. It was cream to match the other walls but it didn’t look quite right. Duncan was worried it would be a bit dark but it brings the scheme together and the headboard stands out beautifully against it. I wanted the room to be uplifting and now it is – I’m happy to spend time here during the day, with my husband for a lazy breakfast, or on my own, reading and chatting on the phone. It’s no longer the odd room out.