The importance of good bedroom design

As with all good interior design, the number one priority when planning and designing a bedroom is, to consider the profile of the home owner, and to determine the main function of the room. The ideal bedroom, (whatever the main function!) is spacious and light, with room for efficient storage and wardrobes. A dressing room has become an ultimate use of space in a room large enough to afford the luxury of this function, and storage solutions will always be at the top of the wish list.

A master bedroom, whether in a family home or professional couple's apartment, needs to feel both welcoming and cosy - a haven from the hustle and bustle of a hectic everyday life. Textured fabrics, sumptuous curtains and luxurious throws in soft, warm colours, plus the best quality bed linen the budget allows, will all add to the desire to relax at the end of a long day, or to luxuriate in, on a lazy Sunday!
Second bedrooms, especially in apartments are often used as home offices or studies, so this factor needs to be taken into account when thinking about the layout, as it will be important to incorporate a working space for a computer, and additional storage.
Guest bedrooms by contrast can be tailored, crisp and uncluttered - remember a small vase of flowers is always welcoming for your visiting friends and family members!
Children's bedrooms are often themed to a child's hobby, interest, or favourite colour. However many older children also do homework, or have a Playstation in the bedroom, and if this is the case, adequate seating, desk area and appropriate lighting need to be considered. Bright colours, easy-care bed linens, beds with a 'roll under' guest bed, or a futon, for sleepovers, are all points to remember when planning the room.

Well designed, and beautiful fitted furniture will always be of benefit in a bedroom, and add value to the home. If a master bedroom cannot accommodate a dressing room then a discreet but ample run of wardrobes is a good alternative. Push catch or sliding doors; reflective coloured opaque glass or simple pale wooden doors will help the wardrobe to become an integral part of the room rather than feel like an imposing piece of furniture. With made to measure sliding wardrobe systems, there is even greater flexibility as these can be arranged to run the width of the room, and act as a false wall behind a centrally positioned bed; thereby acting as a place for all the extra clutter and increasing the storage area.

As with every room in the house, lighting is key to setting the ambience and comfort of the bedroom. Ideally there should be three separate levels of lighting. An overall light, cast by dimmable down lights or a central pendant, which provides a good 'wash' of light around the whole room; mood lighting which can be given by table lights on bedside tables and dressing chests, and tables; and task lighting which concentrates light in an area, for tasks such as reading, putting on makeup, or providing practical internal lighting in a wardrobe. A bedroom creates a great opportunity for using a feature pendant as the main light source, since the light fitting tends to be centralised over the bed, so headroom is not such an issue. With a wide selection of chandelier type fittings, beaded, or delicate capiz shell shades, a central light fitting can set the tone for the whole room!

Bold prints and brighter colour combinations are currently popular, and this has impacted on wallpapers and fabrics. A panel of wallpaper on one wall teamed with matching bed linen creates a dramatic feel, as does mixing florals and geometric designs, from the same colour palette.

Is it time your bedroom had a new look?