Category Archives: Bedroom Design
Bedroom Design: Decorating with Toiles in a Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Toiles –– also called Toile de Jouy –– got their start in mid-eighteenth century Ireland, and shortly thereafter became increasingly popular in France and Great Britain. The decorative fabric is most often cotton or linen printed with pastoral or colonial scenes.
The factory of Jouy-en-Josas, near Versailles, became famous for toiles. The notably French fabric usually comes in a white or cream-colored background, with the pattern printed in a different color, such as black, red, blue, green, brown, or beige.
Many decorators have a love for toile wallpapers, specifying them in baths, dining rooms, libraries, and just about any room in the house.
You’ve probably noticed toiles grace the pages of magazines, and liven up furnishings, windows, and walls of showhouses. Used mostly in traditional rooms, the classic textile has made a comeback in the past 10-15 years. One of my favorite spaces in which I’m fond of toile is a bedroom. These five sleep spaces look lovely in Toile du Jouy.
What a gorgeous guest room. The toile-upholstered walls, bed, and window seat should almost be overkill, but the amount of pattern works well. Subtle green and white at its best.
Touches of toile make this bedroom feel inviting and distinctly French. Notice how the red and white plates continue the theme.
I can’t help but adore this crisp yellow contrasted with the dark wood furniture. Botanical prints marry well with the not-so-typical “unbusy” theme of this toile room.
Highly traditional and incredibly elegant, black and white toile sweeps through this large bedroom making a design statement.
Blue and white toile dresses up this bright Hamptons garage bedroom. Interior designer Anthony Baratta chose complementary patterns for the area rug, seating and artwork, creating a delightful, happy space.
Bedroom Design: Plaids in a Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Mix It Up: Plaids in a Bedroom
With winter weather upon us, there’s no better time to break out the plaids. I love how these understated geometrics mingle well with checks, stripes, or even florals. A plaid-on-plaid scheme might sound buttoned-up, but a room can appear cheerful, fun, and even whimisical depending on the colors selected. Get inspired by these five fab bedrooms with plaids.
This comfy, cottage-like twin room is a space saver with built-in shelving and beds. The plaid gives a slight grown-up feel to the compact hideaway, which is perfect for boys of any age.
A darling Burberry plaid covers this sweet bed. Plaid-flanged shams coordinate nicely. Notice the ticking on the reverse side of the comforter. The monogrammed Greek key accent pillow completes the look.
Who doesn’t adore a good plaid on the windows? Roman shades, side panels, and pillow shams are done up right in plaid. A botanical rug provides contrast and a touch of femininity. Although not a likely color combination, the blue and brown create a calming space ideal for rest.
I bet you’re oohing and aahing at this clean and elegant bedroom. I am. Brown and white tartan covers the structured headboard, the shams wear a fun pattern, and the accessories are clean and classic.
Here’s an example of mixed plaids in different scales and colors, and they work beautifully. There’s nothing I dislike about this room, but my favorite accessory happens to be asleep on the bed.
Bedroom Design: Covers and Blankets for a Warm Winter
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Get Cozy and Cover Up with Bedding This Winter
Now that cold weather has arrived, it’s time to bundle up in the bedroom. Choosing the appropriate topper will keep you warm on the chilliest nights. Depending on where you live and your preferred bedroom temperature, consider one of these four bedding options to keep you toasty this winter.
Down comforter with duvet cover
The ultimate in warmth, a down comforter will keep you snug and comfy on the coldest nights. Know that it’s best to use a duvet cover to protect the outside of the comforter. Duvets are available in many fabric types and patterns. You can also have a custom cover made with designer fabric.
Coverlet
Most often constructed of matelassé, a coverlet is light to medium in weight and one of the most practical of bed coverings. Sometimes filled with a light batting, coverlets may not be warm enough in a chilly house, so consider adding another layer: perhaps a down comforter on top or a warm blanket underneath.
Bedspread
Pre-filled bed coverings fall under this category. Practical from the standpoint of layering since bedspreads are available in different weights, this type of bed topper could be a good solution if you like the layered look. Also a good idea if you have a range of temperatures, a bedspread offers many design options too, since you can style your layers differently each season.
Quilt
Believe it or not, quilts can successfully be used in a traditional room or a modern one. With a woven (usually cotton) top with at least two colors and sometimes several, expect a layer of batting and a woven back. Quilts are not as heavy as a down comforter, but often heavier than a coverlet.
It’s fairly common to use different types of bed coverings on one bed. There are no rules. Try combining a coverlet with a down comforter at the foot of the bed or with a coordinating quilt folded halfway down the bed. Add an extra blanket and coordinating shams or throw pillows, and your bed will be look and feel pleasant for the winter months.
See the Light: 8 Tips to Brighten a Dark Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
See the Light: 8 Tips to Brighten a Dark Bedroom
You’re short on light because of that single small window in your bedroom. Get clever with your design and you can give the illusion of a lighter, brighter room. Here are 10 tips to illuminate even the darkest sleeping quarters.
1. Paint.
Paint the room yellow or another light shade on the warm spectrum. Lighter walls will influence the overall aesthetic and feel of a dark room.
2. Add a skylight.
If your bedroom is on the top floor and you have access to the roof, cutting in a skylight is a fantastic way to allow light in.
3. Install lighter flooring.
Tear up dark carpeting and replace with light-stained hardwood floors and an ivory, beige, or other light neutral area rug.
4. Hang a mirror.
Mirrors reflect light, so consider leaning a large mirror against a wall, or hanging several on the walls. Bonus: you’ll be able to check your appearance every time you enter and exit your bedroom.
5. Remove light-blocking window treatments and install sheers.
Use sheers to allow the maximum amount of light inside. If you need more privacy, hang shades underneath and keep them raised until nighttime.
6. Use metallics.
Gold and silver reflect light, so select metallic accoutrements that can aid in lightening your space while adding bling at the same time.
7. Think white.
White is light, so don’t be afraid to use it –– on your trim, walls, ceilings, bedding, or wherever you like. An all-white bedroom can be stunning and sophisticated, as well as relaxing and calm.
8. Place accent lamps.
Lamps are probably the most economical and practical solution to brightening a space. Try plug-in sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps. If possible, consider a multi-light overhead fixture like a chandelier, which will create overall light.
Bedroom Design: 5 Converted Attic Spaces
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Attics might not be the first choice when it comes to carving out an extra bedroom, but believe it or not, attic spaces are some of the coziest and coveted sleeping quarters you’ll find. Low and sloped ceilings, dormer windows, eaves, and bays are just a few of the quirky yet charming architectural elements often seen in attics.
Have an attic that’s used for nothing but boxes of photographs and keepsakes? Put your creative thinking cap on because the design possibilities are endless in an attic. Here are five converted bedrooms that are bound to inspire.
This cottage-style bedroom keeps things simple with a platform bed, painted bedside table, and a slipper chair. The whitewash walls and pine floors make the room all the more casual.
A homeowner turned this attic into two kids’ bedrooms on her own. A bold polka dot pattern in two different colors works well in each of the sky-lit spaces. Even an adult would be content to sleep in this bright, happy attic.
The staircase that leads to this attic bedroom is clean and modern. Plaid carpet and a whimsical pendant lamp add color to an otherwise neutral room. What a lovely spot for houseguests.
A sleeping cove is the perfect fit in this ladylike bedroom. Botanical wall covering, a powder blue and white quilt, and sweet, delicate pillows lend a youthful feel to the room. Since there’s no spot for a nightstand, the recessed wall nooks are practical substitutes.
A bedroom in the eaves like this is all I would need. Wall sconces and an original bay window offer ample light. This uncluttered attic space invites and calms.
