8 Simple Bedroom Refresh Tips
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As an interior designer, I've had the privilege of helping countless clients transform their bedrooms into serene and chic sanctuaries. Your bedroom should be a haven of peace and relaxation, a place where you can unwind and recharge after a long day.
Unfortunately, many people's bedrooms are anything but peaceful. They're often cluttered, outdated, or simply uninspiring. If this sounds like your bedroom, it's time for a refresh.
In this blog post, I'll share my top tips for transforming your bedroom into a tranquil and stylish retreat that you'll never want to leave. (And trust me, that's a very good thing!)
Step 1: Declutter and Organize
The first step in refreshing your bedroom is to declutter and organize. This may seem like a daunting task, but it's essential for creating a calm and peaceful environment. Start by removing any items that don't belong in the bedroom, such as work materials, exercise equipment, or piles of laundry (yes, I know it’s hard to part with the beloved chairdrobe!). These items can create visual clutter and make it difficult to relax.
Next, go through your closet and dresser and take a hard look at your clothing and accessories. Are there items that you haven't worn in years? Are there pieces that no longer fit or that you simply don't love? If so, it's time to let them go. Donate or discard anything that you no longer wear or love. This will free up valuable space in your closet and dresser, making it easier to find the items you do wear and love.
Once you've decluttered, it's time to organize. Invest in storage solutions like baskets, bins, and organizers to keep your remaining belongings neat and tidy. Use drawer dividers to separate your socks, underwear, and other small items. Hang your clothes by category (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses) to make it easy to find what you need. And don't forget about the space under your bed - this is a great place to store out-of-season clothing or extra linens.
Disclaimer: It is typically frowned upon to store anything under the bed in Feng Shui. I feel neutral about this, but if you live in apartments or small spaces, storage is always crucial and I would lean on using this valuable space.
Here are my favorite closet and drawer organizers.
Step 2: Rearrange Your Furniture
One of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh your bedroom is to rearrange your furniture. Start by considering the layout of your room and how you use the space. Is your bed positioned in the most optimal spot for a good night's sleep? Are your dressers and nightstands easily accessible?
Consider moving your bed to a different wall or angle to create a new focal point in the room. If you have the space and a bedframe with a nice back finish or detail, try pulling your bed away from the wall and creating a cozy reading nook behind it with a comfortable chair and a small bookshelf.
If you have a small bedroom, look for ways to maximize your space. Consider using a bed with built-in storage drawers or adding a storage bench at the foot of your bed. To make the most of your vertical space, consider adding floating shelves or wall-mounted storage units, which can provide extra room for displaying decorative items or keeping clutter at bay. Finally, try moving your nightstands closer to your bed to create a more intimate and functional sleeping area that maximizes every inch of your small but mighty bedroom.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different furniture arrangements until you find one that feels right. And remember, even small changes like swapping out your bedside lamps or adding a new piece of artwork can make a big impact.
Step 3: Choose a Color Scheme
Once you've decluttered and rearranged your furniture, it's time to choose a color scheme. The colors you choose can have a big impact on the overall feel of your bedroom. Opt for calming, soothing colors like soft blues, greens, and neutrals. These colors promote relaxation and tranquility, making them perfect for a bedroom.
If you prefer a bolder look, consider adding a pop of color with an accent wall, throw pillows, or artwork. Just be sure to choose colors that complement your main color scheme and don't overwhelm the space. For example, if your walls are a soft blue, you might add a few bright yellow throw pillows for a sunny, cheerful touch.
When choosing your color scheme, don't forget about the ceiling. Many people overlook the ceiling, but it's actually a great place to add a bit of color or pattern. Consider painting the ceiling a soft, complementary color or adding a wallpaper for a touch of visual interest.
COLOR PALETTE: IVORY, WARM WHITE, LINEN, LIGHT BROWN
COLOR PALETTE: IVORY, CREAM, LIGHT BLUES, LIGHT BROWN
COLOR PALETTE: IVORY, LIGHT BROWN, FOREST GREEN
Step 4: Upgrade Your Bedding
Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom, so it's important to invest in high-quality bedding. I really can't emphasize this enough! We spend roughly a third of our lives (or around 8 hours a day) sleeping. To put it into perspective, that adds up to about 26 years of snooze time over the current average lifespan of 79.25 years - as of May 2024. When it comes to allocating your bedroom budget, the mattress and bedding should always take top priority. Believe me when I say - it's an investment you won't regret!
With that said, start with a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows. Depending on the quality or construction of your mattress, if it is more than 8-10 years old or it no longer provides proper support, it may be time for an upgrade. Always consider a mattress that gives the right level of support for your body type and sleeping position.
Next, choose a comforter or duvet cover in a color and/or pattern that complements your chosen color scheme. Opt for high-quality, natural materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo for a luxurious feel. Layer on coordinating sheets, pillows, and throws for a cozy, inviting look.
Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures for added visual interest. For example, you might pair a solid-colored duvet cover with patterned sheets and throw pillows. Or, you might mix a textured throw blanket with smooth, silky pillowcases.
Finally, don't forget to replace your pillows every 1-2 years to ensure optimal comfort and support. Look for pillows that are specifically designed for your sleeping position (e.g., side sleepers, back sleepers) for the best results.
Step 5: Add Texture and Interest
To add depth and visual interest to your bedroom, incorporate a variety of textures and patterns. Mix and match different fabrics like cotton, linen, velvet, and wool for a tactile experience. Add a plush area rug to warm up cold floors and provide a soft landing spot for your feet in the morning.
Hang curtains or drapes to soften the windows and create a cocoon-like atmosphere. Choose curtains in a complementary color or pattern to tie in with your bedding and color scheme. If you prefer a more minimalist look, opt for simple, sheer curtains that let in plenty of natural light. You can either layer blackout curtains with light-filtering solar shades OR use sheer curtains with blackout roller shades. The layers will give you more flexibility in controlling the amount of light throughout the day.
Don't forget about the walls! Hang artwork, mirrors, or tapestries to add visual interest and personality to your space. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style and complement your color scheme.
Step 6: Have a Focal Point
Every bedroom needs a focal point, whether it's a stunning headboard, a piece of statement artwork, or a beautiful chandelier. Choose a focal point that reflects your personal style and ties the room together.
If you're on a budget, consider creating a DIY headboard using plywood and fabric, or hanging a gallery wall of your favorite photos and prints. You can also create a focal point with a bold piece of furniture, like a vintage armchair or a colorful dresser.
Whatever focal point you choose, be sure to balance it with the rest of the room. Don't let it overwhelm the space or compete with other elements for attention.
Step 7: Create Good Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of your bedroom. A well-lit space can make your bedroom feel warm, inviting, and functional. Start by maximizing natural light by opening up curtains or shades during the day. If your bedroom doesn't get much natural light, consider adding a light therapy lamp or a Himalayan salt lamp to create a warm, inviting glow.
For evening lighting, create a layered lighting scheme with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting, such as a ceiling fixture or chandelier, provides overall illumination for the room. Task lighting, like bedside lamps or reading lights, offers focused light for specific activities. Accent lighting, such as wall sconces or under-the-shelf strip lighting, adds a decorative touch and highlights specific areas of the room.
Consider installing dimmer switches to control the brightness and mood of your lighting. This allows you to create a soft, relaxing ambiance for winding down in the evening or a brighter, more energizing atmosphere for starting your day.
Don't forget about the bulbs themselves! Choose warm, soft white bulbs for a cozy, inviting feel, or cool white bulbs for a crisp, energizing vibe. LED bulbs are a great energy-efficient option that can last for years.
I have a great collection of curated table lamps and floor lamps that you can check out at the Shop page.
Step 8: Incorporate Natural Elements and Personal Touches
Bringing the outdoors in is a great way to create a calming, natural vibe in your bedroom. Add a few potted plants or a vase of fresh flowers to purify the air and add a pop of green. Choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents if you don't have a green thumb.
Select natural materials like wood, stone, and woven fibers for a grounded, earthy feel. Incorporate these materials through furniture, accessories, or decor items like baskets, rugs, or wall hangings.
Adding personal touches to your bedroom makes it feel like your own. Display cherished photos, artwork, or mementos that hold special meaning to you. Add a cozy throw blanket that reminds you of a favorite vacation spot, or a scented candle that evokes happy memories.
Consider creating a reading nook or a meditation corner with a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a few favorite books. This can be a great place to unwind and relax before bed.
And don't forget about the little things! Add a pretty tray to your nightstand to hold your favorite jewelry or a carafe of water. These small touches can make a big difference in how inviting and comfortable your bedroom feels.
Refreshing your bedroom doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these simple steps, you can transform your bedroom into a serene and stylish sanctuary that you'll love coming home to every night.
With a little effort and creativity, you can transform your bedroom into a space that is as visually stunning as it is practical and comfortable. I hope these suggestions are helpful to you in your bedroom refresh journey. I'd be thrilled to see how you've put these tips into action in your own spaces, so please send me some before and after photos showcasing your bedroom transformations!
Lastly, I created a home decorating budget Google spreadsheet for every single space in your home that you should use for your project. It’s completely free and you can get it HERE!