Your bedroom is more than just a place to sleep. It’s your sanctuary, your getaway, and
sometimes your office, reading nook and craft room all rolled into one. It’s where you start
your day and where you end it, so it should feel intentional, cosy, and perfectly functional.
But how do you achieve all that without turning it into a beige showroom or a cluttered mess?
Here’s your interior designer-approved 5-step guide to creating a bedroom that works as
hard as you do, while still feeling comfortable and functional for all the ways you use it.
Layout Sets the Tone
Before you pick paint colours or buy the rattan headboard, think about how you actually
use the space. Do you need a dedicated reading corner? A workspace? Extra storage for
clothes or linens? The layout will dictate everything else, from furniture size to lighting.
A simple trick: imagine walking through the room in your mind. You want clear pathways,
easy access to your clothes, and enough space to get out of bed without bumping into your
nightstand. Function first, style second and everything else will flow from there.
Comfort Meets Style
Decorative pillows, rugs, and curtains aren’t just for looks, they’re what makes a bedroom
feel lived-in and cosy. Layer textures in your furnishings to add depth to the space: crisp
cotton sheets, a linen throw, and a wool-blend rug. The right window coverings are
especially important. They not only set the mood and complete the overall feeling of your
room but also play a big role in ensuring quality sleep.
Tip from the pros: don’t overcomplicate it. Stick to a cohesive (this doesn’t mean boring)
colour palette, and repeat similar tones across your furnishings to create a
harmonious, considered look.
Light for Every Mood
A bedroom needs layers of lighting. Overhead lights provide general illumination, bedside
lamps give selective lighting, and a floor or wall lamp can add a cozy glow for reading.
Dimmer lights are a game-changer, they let you adjust the mood depending on the time of
day or your activity.
Think about placement too - bedside lighting should be easy to reach, without glare or
awkward shadows, while accent lights highlight artwork, shelves, or architectural features.
Getting this balance right is key to making your bedroom truly multifunctional, whether
you’re winding down for sleep, or using the space as a quiet work-from-home nook.
Hidden but Handy
Nothing kills the vibe of a bedroom faster than clutter. Integrated storage like under-bed
drawers and built-in wardrobes keeps the space looking clean without compromising style.
Open shelving can also work, but only if you commit to keeping it intentional and tidy. Use
baskets, boxes, or trays to group together smaller items, and store less
frequently used items out of sight.
Think about what you actually reach for day to day, keeping essentials
within easy access while tucking seasonal or bulky pieces away will make the room feel
both thoughtful and functional.
Final Touches
This is where your bedroom really comes to life, and separates it from your average show
room. Artwork, photos, books, and plants all add personality, but remember the golden rule:
less is more. Choose a few key pieces that reflect your style and rotate them seasonally if
your prone to changing things up often.
Even the smallest details, like a sculptural lamp, an art print you love, or a funky bed spread,
can make the room feel considered, welcoming, and uniquely yours without tipping into clutter.
Bringing It All Together
When your bedroom balances function, comfort, and style, it becomes more than a place to
sleep, it becomes a sanctuary. It’s a space where you can rest, recharge, and enjoy time
alone or with a partner, all without feeling cluttered or cold.
If you’re struggling to get the balance right, or just want a bedroom that feels effortlessly
put together, an interior designer can help guide you through furniture layout and lighting to
textiles and décor, so your bedroom feels considered, cohesive, and completely you.
Ready to turn your bedroom into a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful?
Get in touch with Lara Ette Design & Decoration today for expert advice tailored to your
home and lifestyle.