BOLD BOUDOIR

Transform your bedroom into a boudoir with these elegant and fashion-forward pieces

Design a glamorous bedroom inspired by boudoir-style spaces. We pick out the key elements of this look, which can include fashion-inspired pieces such as the Back home collection by Fendi Casa pictured on this page

The bedroom is more than just a space for slumber. It is an intimate haven and a refuge. And nothing spells comfort quite like a boudoir-style bedroom. “In the past, ‘boudoir’ was used to describe beautifully decorated ladies’ sleeping quarters or dressing rooms,” says Yanika Gunawan, design director at Sujonohun. “In a modern context, a boudoirstyle bedroom is a heavily decorated interior, usually with a more feminine touch and a lot of ornate patterns and textures.” In order to do this, the right mix of colours, materials, and statement furniture pieces is key to achieving an ornate yet not overembellished look. “Look for a colour or material that speaks to you and use it in different ways to accent the room,” says Elaine Lu, managing director of Hong Kong-based practice Lim+lu. “Infuse it with investment furniture and pieces that are interesting to you.” When it comes to colours, she suggests incorporating dark jewel tones, or even a neutral palette for a more calming atmosphere. Gunawan agrees that “the boudoirstyle bedroom is well-known for its vibrant and bold colours”, but advises homeowners not to overwhelm the room with embellishments. “Deep and bold colours could be introduced in accent pieces,” she says. When it comes to furnishings, elegant drapery is essential. “We often draw design inspiration from an item such as a bag or scarf that our client likes,” says Jeremy Tay, director at Prestige Global Designs. Tay suggests using wallpaper with intricate patterns, a dramatic bedhead, ornate table lamps and luxurious bedlinen, while Lu advises having a statement vanity table and a lounge chair or daybed for downtime. Cabinetry details, cornices, and wall beading are other elements to consider. Lighting should also be understated and dimmable. “Maintaining good light intensity will create an elegant and airy feel in the bedroom,” says Tay. Here, we’ve rounded some of the best furnishings, including cool fashion-forward pieces and accessories to turn your bedroom into a boudoir-esque chamber.

“THE BOUDOIR-STYLE BEDROOM IS WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS VIBRANT AND BOLD COLOURS”

LIGHT IT UP The Venezia dimmable pendant light, designed by Marcel Wanders for Louis Vuitton’s latest Objets Nomades collection, marries the traditional art of Venetian glassblowing with an unconventional shape. The hand-blown lantern is encased in striking red leather with brass studs; its shape references the quatrefoil in the brand’s famed monogram.

LOUNGING AROUND This Gucci Decor high-back armchair boasts a seashelllike shape and is available in textured pink moire fabric, plush teal or black velvet. The motifs on the seat are embroidered and then handapplied in a five-hour process.

SLEEPING BEAUTY The Exige bed from Bolzan Letti is fit for a star with its capitonè quilting on its headboard. Available in three sizes, it can be covered in a variety of leather or fabric options; you can even opt to add Swarovski crystal buttons to up its glamorous appeal. GLORIOUS GRADIENT Created by Milan-based designer Lorenza Bozzoli for Moooi, the Amami pouf provides an elegant touch with ombreeffect fringes in deep blue, black, or light grey. This velvet pouf is available in three different sizes. TRAVEL CHIC Reminiscent of the steamer trunks of yore are the Malles leather-upholstered storage units designed by fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois. Each of the 250 limited-edition pieces are individually numbered. SCREEN SIREN Add a sense of intrigue to your bedroom with a room divider. Opt to have it custom-made with a chic fabric of your choice; such as the Okinawa fabric from the Armani Casa collection by Rubelli, which depicts mist-shrouded forests.

FASHION FORWARD Showcase your enviable wardrobe with the Genesis system from Visionnaire. It features integrated lighting and a variety of customisable details. The drawers and shelves can be clad in marble, leather, fabric, wood or a mirrored surface. CURTAIN CALL A beautiful set of curtains is a must for a stylish boudoir; it also improves the acoustics of your room. Top picks include the Palazzo, an upholstery fabric from the Opus collection by Nobilis, which features palaces surrounded by verdant foliage. WORK OF BEAUTY The brainchild of Simone Alberto Gerbino, the Screen writing desk from Porada works wonderfully as a vanity table, complete with a mirror, tray and drawers. A series of strips in canaletto walnut surround the back of the solid wood table.