3. Pick dramatic tones for a contemporary look
Don’t be afraid of stronger, deeper tones, such as sage and aubergine, deep turquoise or chocolate brown - either all over or on a single wall as an accent - which look smart teamed with fresh white bedlinen.
4. Neutral shades are easy to add to
Neutral, natural shades work well too, though creams are far more relaxing than wall to wall white, which can appear stark and clinical, and you can always add extra colour with bedlinen, throws and other accessories.
5. Test your colour choices
As your scheme needs to look good day and night, test out the colours first by painting them on to sheets of paper which can be moved round the room, so you can see how changes in light affect them.
6. Introduce pattern
Chosen carefully, pattern will lift a room and bring it to life, but get it wrong and it will look fussy and confusing. To avoid this, stick to the same key shades throughout, and balance patterned areas with expanses of single colours.
7. Play with your room's proportions
If you want to disguise the fact that your bedroom has a small window, but a great fireplace, decorating the fireplace wall with a pattern, then hanging a plain, co-ordinating blind will play to the room’s good points. Equally, pattern can exaggerate the size of a room – for example, vertical stripes – perhaps in floor to ceiling curtains - will give the illusion of extra height.
8. Create a focal wall
The easiest way to introduce pattern is by papering one wall – behind the bed, for example – or by adding curtains in a coordinating printed fabric. If you’re not sure about pattern, and want something less something less permanent, ring the changes with a new set of bedlinen.
9. Pile on the layers
Adding colour in your bedlinen choice is a really easy option – and simple to swap about if you get bored. Once you’ve decided on the bedlinen, add texture by piling on throws and cushions in varying sizes to create a sumptuous, yet cosy effect that will make early nights a top priority.
10. Texture will make the room welcoming
Adding texture with different fabrics and materials is also a great way to enhance your bedroom’s scheme. Quilted or embroidered silks are sophisticated yet romantic, while tactile lace or mohair knitted blankets are warm and inviting. Look out too for faux furs, faux animal skins and thick chenilles, perfect for cuddling up to on a chilly night.
For more advice and how to guides on designing your perfect bedroom visit Channel4 / 4Homes.
