Tag Archives: Design

Classic Goes A Long Way: Bedrooms with Animal Prints

Post by Tracy Kaler.

It’s not uncommon to find Leopard, Zebra, and Cheetah prints in traditional and contemporary rooms. In fact, animal prints are often considered classic –– a pair of pillows, a throw, or an area rug can swiftly add punch or personality to any interior.

Animal prints can make a room feel less serious or more luxurious; they’re versatile and adaptable. With the above in mind, it’s easy to understand why these bold, earthy patterns never go out of style. Let’s explore how we can successfully use animal prints in bedrooms.

Ralph Lauren zebra pillows create a soft backing against a wooden headboard in this London home. The elephant art above the bed ties all of the elements together. I like the style of the bedside lamps, but I would’ve selected a different pattern or a plain finish rather than more zebra, allowing the print on the bed to be the star.

Pairing pink with animal prints isn’t the most obvious choice, but the duo creates a dynamic interior in this Connecticut bedroom. Beyond the artwork, the animal print bed and pillows are the only pattern in the space. The Roman shades help soften the windows and allow light to filter in.

Burberry and leopard complement each other nicely in his Little Rock bedroom by Tobi Fairley Interior Design. This room is a fantastic example of how to combine patterns with ease.

A cowhide adds a whim of sophistication to this child’s bedroom. With a few small changes, the space can easily transition to an adult bedroom in the future, if desired.

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Bedroom Design: Beachy Bedrooms

Post by Tracy Kaler.

With summer finally here, many of us will inevitably spend a weekend or two, and possibly more at the beach. I’ve stayed on the Long Island Sound over the past few weeks, and although I love the sun and sand, I can’t help but think about how I’d redecorate the house’s not-so-beachy bedroom.

When I went browsing for bedroom ideas, I found the rooms below, each beachy and summery in their own fashion.

I was attracted to the ship blueprint photos the moment I saw this photo. This compact bedroom boasts the aesthetic of a coastal retreat with its white walls and bedding, not to mention the blue accents. The rope lamps add a nautical touch.

I can’t help but admire the paint color on the bedside table/cabinet in this cute coastal room. Simple white paneling sets the tone for this beach bedroom, while yellow lends punch and complements the aqua and white color scheme.

Although designed as a child’s bedroom, if you remove the toys and stuffed animals, this space could easily convert to a comfy even somewhat sophisticated grownup bedroom. The furniture is simple and modern, as is the bedding with a gray and white awning stripe. The art above the bed is completely coastal, don’t you think?

Traditional with elegance, this graceful bedroom overlooking the sea would make an ideal guest quarters. The chunky, upholstered bed is a good match, but the Alexandria Bed from Charles P. Rogers would do nicely in the room too.

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5 Fantastic Apartment Bedrooms

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Apartment bedrooms can be just as inviting as their suburban peers. Even in the coziest city flats with limited square footage and significant layout challenges, chic sleep spaces are likely. Take a look at these five stylish apartment bedrooms in San Francisco, Paris, Manhattan, Atlanta, and Sydney.

Simple is the story in this mostly white San Francisco bedroom. Designed with a full-size mattress and no headboard, the compact space boasts an uncluttered look. Handmade from 6.5 gauge linen and antique hand-loomed hemp, the bedding marries nicely with flea market finds.

In this Paris bedroom decorated in the Scandinavian style, the niche acts as a headboard. Clever lighting and nightstands complete the bed wall. Notice the tiny sconces for reading in bed.

A suitcase and stool as a bedside table –– who knew? This DIY Harlem apartment bedroom exudes creativity. Not only is the nightstand outside the box, but the headboard can be made at home too. You can find instructions on Killy Scheer’s blog: Studiolo.

You have to appreciate the chance the designer took in this Atlanta apartment. A black accent wall is not easy to pull off, particularly in a bedroom. Mixing various geometrics is no easy task, either. But somehow all of the elements, including the purple accent color, work beautifully.

As a lover of color, I am a fan of this bedroom design in Sydney, Australia. The patterns and hues become the focal point of the bed wall. I don’t miss a headboard in this room one bit. The brights pop against the white walls.

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Bedroom Design: Making Space for a Home Office in a Bedroom

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Some experts believe that the bedroom should only be reserved for sleeping, but it’s not uncommon to make a home office in the same space. A multi-purpose room is often created because the home is short on square footage, and it’s easy enough to place a desk in a corner.

Regardless of the reason, the quiet, tranquil atmosphere of a bedroom can make it an appropriate choice for a home office. Have a look at these five for some at-home workplace ideas.

You have to love the openness of this bedroom, and who wouldn’t want to work and fall asleep with this view? A built-in tabletop provides an ideal surface to work for at least two people. The room gets plenty of natural light, which is always high on my list of essential workspace ingredients.


Modern Home Office
by Asheville Design-Build Firms Carlton Architecture

I have a similar setup in my bedroom –– my desk doubles as a bedside table. Placing a writing desk at a window is a good idea, and, in this case, the height is perfect. A more ergonomic chair might be needed here if someone plans to work at the desk on a regular basis.


Tropical Bedroom
by Jupiter Interior Designers & Decorators JMA INTERIOR DESIGN

This Melbourne bedroom is large enough to introduce a separate space for a home office. Built-in storage and well-organized shelving complete the uncluttered design.


Contemporary Home Office
by Melbourne Building Designers and Drafters Vibe Design Group

This simple modern bedroom provides a work nook in the corner that’s separate from the sleeping space. The owner found the vintage desk on the street in Toronto.


Midcentury Home Office
by Toronto Photographers Andrew Snow Photography

Another contemporary bedroom design, this long, narrow room in a San Francisco home lends itself to a desk that spans the length of the space. I can’t take my eyes off the chandelier, which makes the room feel a little less serious.


Contemporary Bedroom
by San Francisco Kitchen & Bath Designers

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Bedroom Design: Decorating with Murals

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Looking to redecorate your bedroom, and feeling unusually creative? If you’re crafty, you might consider painting a scene, object, or pattern on part or all of a wall. Murals add life and color to the dullest space, and could be a fun project for you and a friend, or you and your family.

Try using stencils if freehand sketching isn’t your strength. Select a design that works well with the age and architecture of your room, have a vision, and draw a few ideas on paper before you lift the brush. If you’re not so arty or adventurous, you can hire a faux painter to take on the task instead.

The sky’s the limit as to what you can paint. Have a look at these four different murals for inspiration in your bedroom.

This room exudes sophistication. The mural adds the right amount of architectural detail to this mostly neutral space. The magenta chairs lend a modern edge and a splash of color to the interior.

Once an ordinary room, there’s nothing ordinary about this bedroom now. It’s amazing what some pattern will do to an otherwise lackluster space. The floral mural on the bed wall makes this room feel happy and almost whimsical. The simple furnishings practically disappear because your eye is on that painted wall.

This mural is an awesome design for an avid traveler’s home. Again, notice the unfussy furnishings that leave space for the colorful mapped wall in this West Village loft.

This One Central Park bedroom in Sydney takes on a Midcentury Modern feel. The leafless tree branch mural sets the tone for the entire space, giving it a calm, relaxing, and luxurious feel.

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