SLEEPING BEAUTY
Make your bedroom a sanctuary with some small tweaks and changes, says
THE bedroom is a dream of a room to design. It’s the one place you really don’t have to worry about what anyone else thinks. It’s a sanctuary, a retreat, somewhere rarely on show to guests. When it comes to renovating it, my advice to my interior design clients is be creative, get experimental and go with your gut.
TILES
TILES might not be the first thing that spring to mind when you think bedroom re-design, but introducing tiles into the living space is becoming increasingly popular.
Feature walls and accent colours have long been popular, and this is the next generation take on the trend.
The principle works just the same – a single wall in a covering different to the other three – but it’s the choice of material that makes this look zing.
Tiles bring a completely different finish to wallpaper and paint, with natural light playing off them beautifully. And if really want to take the look to the next level, threedimensional tiles are perfect.
A lot of tile manufacturers have started to create 3D versions of their most popular shapes, alongside traditional ‘flat’ tiles.
This opens up the many ways you can use tiles to create pattern. You can go all out with just 3D, or create intricate patterns with three-dimensional and flat tiles used side by side.
And don’t forget to carefully consider the grout you’re going to use. The market is packed with grouts in all hues so don’t think you have to go for plain white.
LIGHTING
IT’S not uncommon to have a central light in a bedroom, with a lamp on either side of the bed.
However, rethinking your lighting scheme can have a huge impact on the overall look of your room.
The first thing you need to consider is how you use the lighting in the bedroom. Do you really need a central light?
Perhaps your two bedside lamps could suffice alongside a light above a dresser or an illuminated mirror.
If you want to get really creative you could consider employing an electrician to remove the central ceiling light and get them to install two low slung lights at either side of the bed. Not only will this transform how your room is illuminated but free up space from your bedside cabinets.
This may be too pricey for all budgets; a quick, bank balance friendly alternative would be to revamp your existing light fittings with new shades and stands. And don’t feel you have to stick to matching bedside lamps – mix it up with charity shop finds.
FLOORING
AS WITH walls, tiles are becoming increasingly popular in the bedroom. After all, they are easy to clean which makes them perfect when it comes to mis-applied make up and other spillages.
What’s more, the choice of floor tiles on the market means you can buy tiles made to look like hardwood, concrete and even chipboard – opening up a wealth of décor options for those who want fuss-free flooring.
However, if you prefer putting your feet on something soft when you climb out of bed, you may think carpet is the only option.
Instead, consider putting your bed on a large rug. Buy one large enough so it extends around all sides of the bed by a good 30 centimetres or so. Not only will this give you something soft to place your feet on in the morning but it will completely change the look of your bed, and in turn your bedroom, without breaking the bank.
■ Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling.
■ FOR more information on her work, head to lesleytaylor.co.uk