Welcome September!
In England, September is a month where mellow, golden sunny days often give way to grey skies and cool winds, mixing regularly with rain. After spending the best part of spring and early summer longing for my holidays as THE opportunity to restore my body and mind, I found it interesting that the benefits of my much-anticipated three-week vacation were quite short-lived. In my first week back at work, I was already chasing my tail.
Clearly, I need to find better means of resting throughout the year. Waking rest (distinct from sleep) can be a vital process for the optimal functioning of our bodies and minds. It has even been linked to memory consolidation and improved decision-making.
As we get ready to go back to school and work intensifies with everyone returning from annual leave, this year I intend to carve out as much waking rest time as possible. From establishing a cleaning schedule that works with me and not against me, to running in the beautiful English countryside, to cultivating my hobbies, I am all here for it.
But one of the most impactful ways to ensure consistent, quality rest is by creating a calming environment at home, particularly in the bedroom. In this article, we will share bedroom ideas to help you transform your space into a sanctuary, promoting relaxation and better sleep. We’ll guide you through essential interior design rules to create a well-designed and inviting bedroom on a budget.
Rule 1: Designate a Focal Point
A focal point is the element that draws the eye and captures attention. Without it, a room can appear cluttered and disorganised as the eye doesn’t know where to focus. A well-defined focal point, on the other hand, creates a sense of direction and purpose in the room.
Bedrooms are generally easier to design because the focal point is often the bed itself. Highlighting the bed is a simple strategy to transform and give character to your bedroom. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to achieve this.
Headboards
Adding a headboard can instantly elevate the look of your bed. Consider options like upholstered headboards for a touch of luxury or rattan headboards for a natural, boho vibe.
Accent Walls
Paint one wall in a bold colour to draw attention to the bed. This simple technique can create a striking focal point without overpowering the room. Consider using a deep midnight blue, as shown in the picture below, for a dramatic and elegant effect.
Bedding
I love bedding that complements the season. The bedding linked below has an autumn theme and makes the bedroom feel both stylish and inviting.
Benches
Placing a bench at the foot of the bed not only adds functionality but also enhances the room’s aesthetic. This season, opt for upholstered benches, they are a stylish and timeless choice.
Rule 2: Ensure Each Room Serves its Purpose
I used to store toys in the master bedroom for my girls to play with before bedtime. Over time, I realised that my bedroom is not a playroom; it’s my space to wind down after a day of work and before going to sleep. I should not feel guilty about reclaiming it. And now the toys have left the bedroom, significantly reducing the clutter and transforming the room into a peaceful retreat.
To create a calm, well-organised, and functional bedroom, it’s essential to minimise clutter and maximise storage. Below are few suggestions on how to achieve this.
Multi-Drawer Nightstands
Choose nightstands with multiple drawers to store books, electronics, and other bedside essentials. Nightstands with built-in charging stations can help keep cords organised and your devices charged.
Woven Baskets
Stylish baskets can be used to store blankets, magazines, or other items. They maximise storage and keep your bedroom a restful and clutter-free sanctuary. Instead of throwing extra bed pillows or blankets on the floor every night, toss them into a wicker storage basket to keep your bedroom tidy.
Storage Ottomans
These are a personal favourite of mine. I have a storage ottoman also in my lounge to replace the coffee table, work as a footstool, and off course, provide extra storage. In a bedroom they can offer seating while also providing hidden storage for items like extra linens or books.
Ottoman beds
If you want to go all out on storage, you can’t go wrong with a bed that has built-in storage. These beds can store a lot, including bed linen, off-season clothes and shoes, helping to define and organise the space.
Rule 3: Incorporate Texture and Layers
Texture in interior design is a complete sensory experience where all senses are engaged. It’s not just about the sensation you feel when you touch a surface, it’s also about the visual perception of a space. Texture adds depth, visual interest, and balance to a room, preventing it from feeling bland and monotonous.
Visual texture comes from different materials, colours, patterns, and décor styles. For example, consider the room in the image below with a matte deep olive green wall, a linen lampshade, a glass lamp base, a glazed vase, a chunky cotton rug to soften the floor tiles, and a mix of raw linen and plush velvet cushions. These different textures blend and complement each other, creating a full, satisfying, and comfortable space. This is what truly differentiates a well-designed space.
Curating a space with texture and layers takes skill, but there are simple tricks you can apply to achieve this look. Begin with larger elements like walls and floors. Then, use accessories like cushions, rugs, and curtains for a non-committal way of adding texture without overwhelming the space. Use larger areas of one material and then accent with different textures to add contrast. Focus on the elements highlighted below to create a layered and textured space that feels both cohesive and inviting.
Wall Cladding
Wall cladding has gained popularity recently, and for good reasons. It creates a visually appealing backdrop that adds depth and character to any space. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic, but also allows you to experiment with various styles and finishes, making your bedroom feel more dynamic and personalised. The oak wall cladding in the image below is easy to install and would add an incredible wow factor to your bedroom.
Cushions
Express your personal style with cushions. They allow you to inject your personality in the bedroom décor without a long-term commitment. Love cheetah print cushions? Go for it! If you get bored next year, simply swap the covers.
Rugs
Rugs are my favourite way to add texture to a room because they are versatile and can easily be changed. Jute rugs, for example, go with everything and are a fool proof choice.
In Conclusion
As we welcome the changes that September brings, it’s the perfect time to refresh our homes, and experiment with new bedroom ideas. By designating a focal point, giving each room its specific purpose, and incorporating texture and layers, you can create a serene and inviting sanctuary that helps you decompress and promotes better sleep. Remember, a well-designed bedroom is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that supports your well-being.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to share your comments below.
Alla prossima!
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