Category Archives: Bedroom Design

Bedroom Design: Going with Grasscloth in a Bedroom

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Grasscloth is unlike any other wall covering. With its unique texture and array of colors and patterns, this natural paper can transform any space, including a bedroom. The look of grasscloth is classic, timeless, and elegant.

Most often made from hemp, jute, reed, or arrowroot and adhered to backing, you’ll find that most have a horizontal linear pattern, while others go in both directions. Seams are common and nearly impossible to disguise, so they usually become an important element in the design.

Used in modern spaces and traditional homes, grasscloth happens to be lovely in a bedroom, and can add texture and interest to an otherwise lifeless room. Here are four bedrooms I love with grasscloth.

I adore the mix of muted blues and bright accents in this room. Grasscloth creates a wonderful background for the custom tufted bed and scalloped shams.

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Gray looks sophisticated on the walls of this Chelsea bedroom designed by New York’s Drew McGukin. Powder blue on the bed marries nicely while the black and white photographs keep the room feeling restful. This grasscloth is from Phillip Jeffries.

What an interesting texture combination with grasscloth on the walls and velvet on the headboard. This room feels luxurious. The dotted pillows add a touch of whimsy, and the neutrals introduce calmness into the space.

The low platform bed, botanical print, gold accents and wall covering create an Asian-inspired theme in this bachelor bedroom. Although I’m not usually fond of dark wall colors in a sleep space, the light/dark texture works and contrasts with the creamy yellow curtains and light flooring in this San Francisco home.

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Holiday Décor Inspiration for Your Bedroom

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Do you decorate your bedroom for Christmas? I tend to add a few small embellishments to my bedroom because I like my whole apartment to feel seasonal and in the spirit.

During this most wonderful time of the year when all things seem merrier and brighter, why not try introducing holiday décor into your bedroom? There are plenty of decorating opportunities even in the tiniest quarters, and a little bit of red and green, silver, or gold will go a long way.

Let these four festive spaces inspire you to decorate your bedroom this holiday season.

A suite with seasonal pillows, evergreen wreaths, and poinsettias in the master bath would put anyone in the mood for Christmas. The year-round sage green wall color and ruby red lampshade only add to the holiday feel.

Touches might be subtle in this all-white bedroom, but by the looks of things, Santa is on his way. A simple strand with red stockings in different shapes and sizes hangs from the footboard, while a small red accent pillow enlivens this otherwise neutral room and readies the space for December 25.

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your bedroom, the mantle is the ideal place to start your holiday decorating. I like the combination of grapevine garland, red and silver balls, and greenery here. The wreath, white lights, and candles finish off this fireplace nicely.

Oh, how I want this room to be mine. I adore the chartreuse lampshades, the green accents, and the mostly black and white color scheme. The pinecones and evergreens look like they belong all year long. A modest “joy” accent pillow is all this bed needs to welcome Christmas.

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Chic Chandeliers: Make a Lighting Statement in Your Bedroom

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Bedroom lighting is often an afterthought but should be part of the design plan from the beginning. While ambiance is a key component in a sleep space, task lighting for reading is equally important. That being said, beyond bedside lamps, sconces, and recessed lights, chandeliers portray elegance when chosen for a bedroom, and these are some exquisite examples to inspire.

This serene bedroom contains all of the design elements needed for a tranquil place to rest and relax. The large circular pendant/chandelier draws the eye upward and accentuates the crisp crown moldings.

This room boasts another pendant-type fixture but this one resembles an oversized lampshade. Suspended at just the right height, the style of light is ideal for the room and works well with the sloped ceiling.

Terrific in turquoise, the L-O-V-E-ly bedroom boasts a touch of whimsy, particularly in the accessories. The feminine crystal chandelier is the perfect choice for the theme of this cheery room.

Although I’d like to see a little more color in this super neutral bedroom, I adore the chandelier. I’m sure the designer made a conscious choice to not install shades but rather let the shape of the fixture take center stage. This light is a modern version of a classic.

Far from your ordinary chandelier, this oversized light joins the bed in becoming a focal point in the room. This fixture not only sufficiently lights the space but adds a decorative element that dresses up an otherwise fairly simple mountain house bedroom.

How do you feel about using a chandelier in your bedroom?

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Bedroom Design: 5 Possibilities to Make A Guest Room More Inviting

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Before I went out of town this past weekend, I readied my guest room for our apartment/pet sitter. Mind you, this is a tiny room, and by most standards, the space wouldn’t qualify as a bedroom. (At about 7 by 12, it’s more like a walk-in closet.)

In a New York City apartment, however, where carving bedrooms out of living rooms is the norm, the room is plenty large enough to act as a sleep space. And for us, a modest nook is perfect for the occasional guest quarters.

Bedrooms like this are often ignored or passed over as unimportant or insignificant. But I find that these tiny gems remind us of the importance of a well-edited space –– one that is uncluttered, functional, and cozy. Try adding one or all of these items to make your extra room more enticing for overnight guests.

Fragrance
Scents containing lavender, bergamot, marjoram or citrus notes are a lovely way to enhance the room’s mood as well as the person staying in it.

Greenery
Greenery or fresh flowers add life to any room. Tailor your selection to the guest. Arrange simple ferns for younger guests, and roses with babies’ breath for grandma. Even a small green plant can breathe life into a simply decorated bedroom.

An extra blanket
Chilly nights will warrant an extra bed covering, so drape a blanket over a chair arm or stretch one along the foot of the bed.

A table fan
An oscillating table fan nearby can keep a light breeze and circulate stale air, keeping the space temperate for relaxing and sleeping.

Books
When I don’t feel tired enough to sleep, reading a few pages or an article or two is often enough to make me drowsy and nod off into a deep slumber. Have a selection of good books and a few magazines for late-night reads or a mid-afternoon escape.

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