Creating cosy comfort

Decorators offer tips for designing a warm bedroom

Decorating a bedroom is about creating a peaceful retreat, and in winter that means making it as cosy and welcoming as possible.

For some people, “cosy” requires the physical warmth of thick flannel sheets and soft quilts, says California- based designer Kathryn Bechen. For others, the golden glow of soft light bulbs can elevate a bedroom from merely comfortable to truly cosy on winter nights.

Here, Bechen and two other interior designers — Maxwell Ryan, founder of the Apartment Therapy website ( apartmenttherapy. com), and New York- based Young Huh — suggest ways to create the warmest, cosiest bedroom possible.

SOUNDSANDS CENTS

A cosy bedroom is quiet, says Ryan. So consider adding an extra throw rug on the floor or heavier draperies on the windows to absorb sound.

Taking that strategy a step further, Huh suggests upholstering one or several walls in your master bedroom. This will absorb sound and also create a sense of warmth.

Along with sounds, consider scents. Cinnamon- scented candles, for instance, can “make you feel cosy instead of gloomy” in winter, Huh says.

COLOURSAND LIGHT

Along with scenting the air, candles give a room a “warm, soft, inviting glow,” Huh says. She recommends lighting them every evening in winter.

If you’re worried about lighting a flame in your bedroom, consider pairing flameless LED candles with a diffuser containing scented oil.

Or swap out your light bulbs for ones that offer warm, yellow or pink- tinged light.

Colours also convey strong messages; for a cosy space, Ryan suggests avoiding over- stimulating colours in favour of calming greens, greys, eggplant, lavender and even some blues. But Bechen points out that bedroom colours are a very personal choice.

WINTER FABRICS AN DRUGS

Huh says winter is the season for layering on extra soft blankets and adding throw rugs on top of your usual floor covering. Consider a faux- sheepskin or faux- fur throw rug, or a fluffy flokati rug.

Ryan suggests choosing sheets in dark, cool colours like deep brown, charcoal grey, even rich eggplant.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Being cosy includes feeling a bit pampered, says Bechen. If you have space, consider setting up a little coffee or tea station in your bedroom. On a Saturday morning, drink your coffee cuddled up under soft blankets rather than at the kitchen table.

Huh suggests splurging on a soft chair for reading in your bedroom. For Ryan, a powerful but silent air purifier is a great finishing touch.