STYLISH BEDROOMS IDEAS - to inspire your bedroom refresh
Welcome to the INTERIOR STYLE HOST BLOG
Hi, I’m Sandra,
If you're in awe of stunning interiors and crazy about home decor, you’re in the right place. As an interior writer with a background in styling and photography for leading magazines around the globe, as well as an avid home renovator, I am here to help all you interior enthusiasts to style your home with ease and confidence, like a pro.
On this blog, I’ll be sharing insightful articles packed with advice, tips, and ideas for home styling and decoration, along with inspiring tours of beautifully styled spaces. Having styled countless homes with very different interiors, I know it’s the final touches and thoughtful curating that make a space magazine-worthy, regardless of whether it’s an architectural masterpiece or filled with high-end furniture. And, rather than focus on one particular interior look or style, I aim to open your eyes to a wide variety so you feel inspired, not limited. Ultimately, I’ll show you how a little bit of styling can be transformational and take your home to a whole new level. Check out today’s blog post and immerse yourself in over a dozen stylish bedrooms.
STYLISH BEDROOM IDEAS
Photo: Darlings of Chelsea
Lately, bedroom design has become more of a priority due to many of us spending time working from home and the link between a well-designed space and better sleep. Not forgetting being influenced by all those gorgeous Instagram bedroom images that appear on our feed. So I thought I’d take a look at different bedrooms to help you come up with ideas to style your own, kicking off with this beautiful bedroom from Darlings of Chelsea. With the Crittall-style dark window frames, plaster finish walls, vintage rug, and a stylishly dressed linen bed, this has to be my dream bedroom. Speaking of which, my bedroom is one of my favourite places in my home. As it connects to my study and through to the garden, I spend a lot of time in this area, so it’s important to me that it has the right vibe and feels stylish, yet also serene.
There are so many bedroom styles out there to suit your space, budget, and overall vibe. It could be a rustic headboard you make yourself, or a fancy velvet bed with silk linen you can sink into. And, if you don’t want to change the bed frame or headboard, by styling with cushions, throws, and beautiful bed linen, you can still transform even the simplest bed into something special. If you are planning to start decorating your bedroom from scratch, begin by thinking about the colour scheme. Don’t feel like you have to stick to neutrals, as bold colours can look amazing, especially when balanced with light-toned bed linen. And whether it’s a patterned headboard, geometric cushion, or a striking floral wallpaper behind the bed, pattern can also work in the bedroom.
In this article, I hope to inspire you with quite a few stylish beds, each in very different bedroom settings. I encourage you to think not only about the bed itself, but also to consider the walls, curtains, and how you style it and pull it all together with textiles and accessories. So do dive in and check out the ones I've rounded up with decoration and styling ideas for your bedroom refresh. Even if it’s just one thing you take away from the blog post, it can make a difference. In my own bedroom, I have recently removed a piece of macrame wall art from above my bed, and it now remains empty while I decide whether to go for an oversized dried palm leaf or framed art, both ideas I gleaned when researching this article.
FASHIONABLE FRAMES
A velvet frame or headboard adds a sophisticated touch to any bedroom.
Photo: Naturalmat
I love the look of a luxurious fabric bed, especially with a curved oversized headboard, like the one pictured here by Naturalmat. It pairs beautifully with the rustic elements of the room, such as the rough organic stone used on the walls and floors, creating a look that’s both grounded and effortlessly chic. I chose this bed as I’m also a fan of the warm, earthy tones which, although popular at the moment, are hues that are able to stand the test of time. A fabric bed gives a sense of luxury and elegance to a bedroom. But what really makes this bed stand out for me is the extra-wide headboard. It draws your eye to it and is a real statement piece. And with those curved edges, it’s totally on-trend. These oversized headboards are often wide enough to fit a side table and even wall lights and switches, all within the frame.
STYLISH BEDROOM LIGHTING
Lighting is the unsung hero of a well-designed bedroom, bringing style as well as function to the room.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
I wanted to show you this bedroom in LA that I photographed and styled, for you to check out the stunning brass mid-century modern pendant. From an aesthetic point of view, I prefer the look of pendants, but in reality, I find they are less flexible than wall lights, which I have from Pooky lighting, and are on a moveable arm. They still look stylish and are also ideal for bedtime reading. The bedroom is one of the key rooms for layered lighting, with task lighting, reading lamps, and in more contemporary bedrooms, low-level lighting to guide you around the room at night. Along with pendants and wall fixtures, you also have the choice of placing a table lamp next to the bed, which is an easier option if you don’t have electrics in the ceiling. Besides, with the new portable lamps that are rechargeable or run on batteries, you don’t even need a socket! You can dot them around on different surfaces such as windowsills, shelves, and side tables to create gorgeous ambient lighting. If you still prefer wall sconces, even these come with rechargeable bulbs so you can simply attach them to the wall without needing to be wired in by an electrician!
CUSHIONS AND PILLOWS TO DRESS YOUR BED
Cushions, aka throw pillows, are the key soft furnishing items that make a bedroom stylish and can dress up even the plainest bed.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
The minimalists among you may disagree, but I believe that decorative cushions and pillows instantly elevate the look of a bed by adding colour and texture, transforming even the simplest bed into a focal point. I photographed this bed in my friend’s gorgeous Deck House. She’s super stylish and always knows how to accessorise, dressing the bed with cushions to complement the bed linen, headboard, art, and other decorative items in the bedroom. Cushions can also dictate your interior style. For instance, tufted cushions reflect the boho style, while geometric patterns are more in the design style of Mid-century modern or Scandinavian, and fringe-edged cushions give that look of sophistication. From classic squares and rectangles to rounds and bolsters, there are endless possibilities. Like in the image here, you can mix different sizes and shapes as well as patterned with plain. If you don’t have a headboard, large 65cm by 65cm, aka Euro cushions, help create structure. You can then place your pillow against them followed by your decorative cushion. If you have a headboard, and want to be in keeping with what’s on trend, lay your pillows flat, then lean your decorative cushions upright against the pillows. The question is, then, whether to give them that karate chop or not? I personally prefer my cushions to have a more relaxed appearance, but if you like this look, you could give them a very slight chop ensuring that it doesn’t look too overdone or unnatural.
NATURAL BEAUTY
In this image, the rustic wooden headboard is the perfect backdrop for the bed that has been dressed stylishly with natural linens, combined with earthy-toned throws and cushions.
Photo: The Secret Linen Store
There are two things I like about this bed. One being the rustic wood headboard, as it really sets the tone here with its weathered, natural charm. The second is that this bed is a great example of one of the key styling tricks - layering. The stylist has used a pure linen striped duvet cover and pillowcases in natural tones from The Secret Linen Store to add that calm, earthy vibe, then added layers - two throws and cushions, both in rich clay and terracotta. The entire setup has that relaxed, effortlessly undone look, with throws casually draped, not folded, and cushions just tossed on rather than strategically placed. So altogether, I think it’s a gorgeous mix of organic textures, and to complete the rustic look, there’s even a tree-trunk-style wooden table at the end of the bed. Back to the headboard, which could easily be a do-it-yourself number by using aged timber planks just fixed to the bed frame. And a quick tip: If you’re adding a headboard and want to avoid visible bed legs, go for a bedspread or duvet large enough to skim the floor, like the one pictured here.
HEAVENLY MATCH
Print pairing is on trend. Get it right and it’s breathtaking.
Photo: James McDonald (Casa Branca bedroom at WOW!House at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour)
I visited this bedroom during the summer at WOW!House, London Design Centre’s 22 room staged showhouse, and it truly has the ‘wow’ factor. What I want to highlight isn’t just the beauty of the room, but how you can now take print pairing to a new level. If done well, the effect is breathtaking, like the Casa Branca bedroom pictured here, designed by Alessandra Branca. The walls are decorated in a Paisley wallpaper from Alessandra’s own collection, which is echoed in the delicate floaty curtain panels that envelop the bed. Notice how there are three different sized pillows and cushions, yet they all have the same detail with an intricate motif in subtle shades of toast and rose on a creamy-white luxurious linen.
DRAMATIC ELEGANCE WITH COLOUR
Walls painted in dark colours look striking paired with light-toned bed linen.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst featured in Elle Decoration Country
This is probably one of the most gorgeous bedrooms I have ever styled and photographed. To pull off this look, the homeowner was thoroughly creative with both the design and styling of the room, choosing a deep damson shade with stunning results. This bold yet elegant colour creates a cocooning effect, contrasting with the blush toned washed bed linen, delicate silk throw, and sheer curtains she accessorised the room with. The lighter-toned bed linen breaks up the intensity of the walls, creating a nice balance, while allowing the deep hue to remain a feature. To create even more impact, the bed frame is in a similar tone. In the bedroom itself, the delicate handmade glass pendant lights add a touch of elegance to the room and look gorgeous against the dark walls, while the rugged tree trunk side table and wooden bench add a little bit of rustic charm. Notice that the rug is also in light complementary tones in a vintage patchwork style, while the original wood floor has been lime-washed for a light, natural look. So now you can see that if you have the courage, and if cleverly executed, dark colours can look stunning!
BATHING INDULGENCE
There’s nothing quite as decadent as a bath within a bedroom.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst for Inside Out magazine
There’s something pretty special about having a bath situated in the bedroom. I placed one in a guest bedroom in my last house as it gave me that feel of hotel luxury, where the boundaries between sleeping and soaking blur into one. Having a bath in a bedroom can make boring everyday routines feel more spa-like and extend the space. Plus, it is undoubtedly a statement piece. Look out for my forthcoming blog on stylish interior elements for more statement pieces. For my bathroom pictured here, I chose a freestanding brushed-steel tub and positioned it in a cosy corner with a decorative art deco-style mirror hung above it. In addition, I also raised the floor level higher to add a sense of division to the room and added plush silk curtains to give a feeling of privacy and luxury. The overall look is opulence with a rustic twist.
UPHOLSTERED HEADBOARDS
Opt for a French-style upholstered bed for elegance and visual interest.
Photo: Button & Sprung
Characterised by its curvaceous shape, a Rococo-style French-inspired headboard upholstered with beautiful printed fabric, like the one pictured here by Button & Sprung, instantly becomes the focal point. I have a bed like this in silver (check out the image above of the silver bed with a bath), but I believe the addition of printed fabrics elevates its charm and visual interest to the next level. Whether painted or upholstered, the design of the headboard itself brings a sense of timeless sophistication, making a room feel like an 18th-century boudoir with a modern twist. If you choose a patterned headboard, my tip would be to opt for plain bed linen, perhaps mixing a different print with one or two of the cushions, like in the image here, so it doesn’t feel too busy.
CREATIVE WALL ART
Artwork or decor on the walls of a bedroom can really complete the look.
Photo: Desenio
I have a framed painting on a console table in my bedroom that is in similar pink tones to the bed linen and cushions, and it’s surprising how such a small amount of colour really makes the room feel more cohesive. Whether it’s part of a gallery wall above the bed, hung solo, or displayed as a matching pair, framed art and photos are such an easy way to elevate your bedroom. You can opt for art prints or canvases, wall decor such as rattan fans, mirrors, or whatever fits your style to create a focal point and make your bedroom feel curated. Just think about what kind of art feels right for your space. Maybe it’s a canvas, or a group of various-sized pieces for that gallery wall feel. In this image with art from Desenio, rather than place the frames predictably above the bed, I like the way they are hung to one side and leant against the headboard.
TONE-ON-TONE
For an impressive look, include different shades and tones of one particular colour in your bedroom interior scheme.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst - Lisa Butcher’s bedroom featured in City Life magazine
If you use a mix of the same colour, like the greens in the bedroom pictured here, it creates a really nice layered look. Tone-on-tone design is about blending different shades, from light to dark, of the same colour. This bedroom belongs to, and was designed by, celebrity model Lisa Butcher, and she shows us here a striking way to play with tone-on-tone without overwhelming the room. Lisa has cleverly mixed various shades of green, including the geometric rug and the crushed velvet bedspread. The colour green, albeit in a more subtle shade, is also reflected in the butterfly wallpaper she chose as a feature wall behind her bed. With such a rich choice of colour, the overall result in Lisa’s bedroom is a luxurious, unified scheme, with contrast and depth.
SUBLIME SOPHISTICATION
Simplicity speaks in this elegant bedroom, decorated in neutral tones with a curved accent chair, giving it a contemporary look.
Photo: Caffe Latte
This bedroom stands out to me by embracing the ‘less is more’ feel, which I find so calming. The curved, ergonomic chair from Caffe Latte, which is completely devoid of any cushions, definitely boasts minimalism at its best. A cushion would take away from the design of the chair and the uncluttered feel of the room. Notice that in this bedroom there is no patterned throw or stacks of decorative cushions on the bed. Instead, the bed is dressed in a luxurious bedspread draped elegantly on the floor and a single cushion casually placed on the bed for a sleek and sophisticated look. Indeed, the whole design creates a serene space that invites you to relax rather than giving off that hectic feel that you sometimes get by overdoing the prints and patterns. And finally, check out the two metallic side tables. Their shape adds a contemporary touch and gives the this bedroom a look of understated luxury.
TABLES OF INTEREST
Unusual bedside tables, aka nightstands, can add style and personality to your bedroom.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst featured in Coast and Ariadne at Home magazine
Tables beside the bed are not only functional as a place to put your books and a glass of water, but are an ideal surface for styling. You’ll see from many of the other images in this article that there are different items you can use next to a bed as a more creative idea for a table, such as a wooden tree trunk, a wine crate, or even a pile of two or three vintage hat boxes like in the image here. I actually use a fabric pouf beside my bed and have two lacquered white trays on top for books, a scented candle, and a glass, in a way that looks both attractive and organised. Depending on the bedroom, two different style tables can also look good. In my last house I used a wooden tray on one side of the bed and a small drinks cabinet on the other. I painted them both in the same dark grey to give some sense of cohesion. Items you can use for styling your table include a tray, a scented candle, a pile of books or magazines and, if space allows, a small plant or vase of flowers. Look out for my blog post coming soon which features all different types of tables you can place beside your bed.
SMART STRIPES
Give your bedroom a fresh new look with simple striped bed linen.
Photo: The White Company
Striped bed linen is always a timeless classic to me, and it fits in with so many different interior schemes. Whether it’s in monochrome or soft, muted blues, greens, or pinks, these subtle stripes add a lovely sense of sophistication to a bedroom. Small stripes, like the bed linen pictured here by The White Company, can make a bedroom feel more curated without overwhelming the decor, while bold stripes in bright colours become a feature in their own right. If you are opting for wider, bold stripes, keep your soft furnishings, like throws and decorative cushions, in a single tone to balance things out.
HAND-CRAFTED CREATION
If you are a dab hand at DIY, a custom-made bed like this one at Warborne Farm is truly unique.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst for Seasons Wonen, 25 Beautiful Homes and Modern Farmhouse magazine
I styled and photographed this unusual bedroom for several features that appeared in magazines worldwide. This one-of-a-kind, bespoke bed was actually crafted by the homeowner, George Heathcote, from Silver Birch tree trunks found on his farm - so not only is it organic but also sustainable! The form of the Silver Birch tree trunk, with textured bark left completely raw and untouched, really brings the beauty of the outdoors into this bedroom in a very cool way. This rustic structure contrasts strikingly with the delicate bed linen. I chose the patterned grey and yellow bedspread, as well as the decorative cushions, to soften the look of both the Silver Birch frame and the polished concrete floor. For final touches, lanterns were placed on the side of the frame, while small reading lights were attached to the top of the posts, both of which, give a more lived-in feel. So, if you are creative like George, you can use tree trunks to make your very own custom headboard or bed frame.
COASTAL VIBE
Coastal materials such as rattan, bamboo and jute have become stylish staples in many interior schemes.
Photo: French Bedroom
Living by the sea, I am particularly drawn to coastal materials like bamboo, rattan, cane, and jute, and have several items in each of the materials including jute rugs, rattan mirrors and bamboo outdoor furniture. The interior scheme pictured here has all four in one room, with bamboo and cane weaving through the headboard, a rattan mirror and a chunky jute carpet unifying everything in that beach-house texture. What I also want to highlight in this image is the crinkled bedlinen, which is a gorgeous alternative to crumpled linen. The soft peach tone also pairs well with the natural materials.
LAYERING WITH THROWS
Dress your bed with a throw or two for that layered look.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
Throws are a simple yet effective final styling layer as they add texture, pattern, and colour, and bring a lovely sense of cosiness to the room. To create a stylishly dressed bed, I always add a throw. Whether you artfully drape yours for that undone look or neatly fold it across the bed, a throw can also be used to tie a colour palette together, like the blue one I have used on the bed pictured here, which matches the linen cushion and teams with the aqua duvet cover and pillows. You could also choose a throw in tones that complement your curtains, or even home decor pieces. In my bedroom, I have blush pink crumpled bedlinen and a grey throw which I have teamed with two extra large grey cushions and curtains, while in another bedroom I have combined the mustard colour of the throw with two similar toned vases and cushions on a bench.
QUIRKY HEADBOARDS
Be creative and use your own bespoke headboard, like the French reclaimed shutters featured here.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst featured in Coast and Ariadne at Home magazine
I photographed and styled this bedroom for magazine features along with the homeowner and interior stylist, Clare Southcombe-Homes. Clare had found the reclaimed French shutters in a local vintage yard and fixed them to the wall as a headboard in her daughter’s bedroom. You can use all sorts of things as a headboard, or make your own DIY model. Upholstered panels are available to buy, and you only need to attach them to the wall. I have used a bamboo screen as a headboard, which was stuck to the wall with Velcro. As the screen was wider than the bed, I was able to have two small sections cut out for light switches, so it feels integrated. Other items you could use for a headboard include a vintage screen, a reclaimed decorative door, driftwood, or builder’s pallets that could be stained or painted.
DRESSING THE WINDOWS
Whether blinds, blackout curtains, or sheers, dressing the window is an important element in a bedroom to block out light, add softness, and improve the acoustics.
Photo: Prestigious Textiles
I cannot live without curtains in any room, as not only do they frame the windows, provide privacy, and block the light, they also improve the acoustics of a room, especially where you have tiled or wooden floors. Styling-wise, curtains add a layer of texture and tone, just like the gorgeous sheers pictured here from Prestigious Textiles. What became more apparent to me recently when changing my living room curtains was how you hang your curtains can really make or break the look of your interior. The higher you hang them, the more elegant they will look, and also the type of heading and how many hooks and rings you need also makes a difference. I had a simple curtain panel, but by doubling the amount of curtain hooks and rings, it made a big difference to how they hung and whether they looked cheap and just shoved up, or luxurious. You also want to take length into consideration. I believe that for the most sophisticated look, ideally, your curtains should just touch the floor, not skim above or puddle. A room devoid of any window treatment can feel rather unfinished, but if you don’t think curtains will work with your interior scheme, there is the option of shutters or blinds to suit pretty much every interior style. I will be dedicating a future post to everything to do with curtains and window treatments.
EXQUISITE OPULENCE
If you are keen on maximalist style, an opulent bedroom with gold accents could be for you.
Photo: Covet House
For this bedroom, the interior designer at Covet House used an exquisite combination of gold tones, textures, shapes, and fabrics to layer, curate, and unify the room beautifully. Bedrooms can be designed in different interior styles, such as Scandinavian, boho, contemporary, minimalist, or modern rustic, but the one in the image leans towards a more maximalist vibe where rich, gold, and black patterned bedlinen sets the tone and instantly elevates the bed into a statement piece. While cushions are a single tone, the black and gold throw adds yet another layer of pattern and interest.
PURE SILK
There is nothing more luxurious than pure silk bed linen and it has beauty benefits, too.
Photo: Soak and Sleep
Styling your bedroom with pure silk bed linen instantly elevates the space with a sumptuous and luxurious appeal. Beyond the aesthetics, sleeping on the soft texture of silk is beneficial as it’s gentle on skin and smooths the hair, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and pampered in the morning. Silk is known to reduce friction that can cause wrinkles, and as it retains moisture, it helps hydrate your skin overnight. Sleeping in silk bed linen also regulates body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. I have recently swapped my cotton pillowcases to Mulberry silk and noticed the difference. It’s super soft and cool. Mulberry silk, like the bed linen pictured here by Soak and Sleep, is the premium silk that comes from the cocoons of silkworms which are fed nothing but mulberry leaves. Silk bed linen now comes in many different colours and when teamed with decorative cushions and a throw, can look stylish. It’s worth trying a pillowcase first before opting for the entire set, and if you still want the elegance of silk without having to sleep on or in between it, a silk bedspread or throw is the answer.
DYNAMIC PRINTS AND PATTERNS
Evocative wall coverings can dramatically transform a bedroom.
Photo: MINDTHEGAP
Don’t feel limited to plain walls - patterns and prints can dramatically elevate a bedroom. Whether it’s a feature wall or a printed bedspread, introducing pattern adds depth, texture, and personality to a bedroom. In the image here, with wallpaper from MindTheGap, we see ‘pattern mixing,’ which involves combining various patterns, such as geometrics, florals, and animal prints, in a visually appealing way. To successfully mix prints and patterns and avoid a chaotic look, aim for colour harmony. To play it safe, you can introduce prints and patterns subtly with, for example, a patterned cushion, lamp shade or throw, which would be just enough to add interest and break up the monotony of single tones.
WASHED CRUMPLED LINEN
French-style washed linen, also known as creased or crumpled linen, has become a styling staple and is now widely available and ideal to launder as you don’t need to iron it.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
There’s something effortlessly chic about linen that has that crumpled, lived-in look. It’s not only the convenience factor that allows you to easily wash it, pull it out of the dryer, and pop it straight onto the bed; crumpled linen has, for a while now, been a trend in interior styling, bringing undone elegance to the bedroom. Linen naturally creases due to its flax fibres, resulting in a stylish yet unpretentious look. To get the effect, the linen has been pre-washed to soften the fibres, which gives it a creased appearance, enhancing its natural texture. You can find washed linen in many online bed linen and homestores in various shades, from pastels like the soft blue pictured here, to deeper tones and dark grey. I have four sets for different bedrooms in my home. The bedroom pictured here was one of the first houses I photographed with this style of linen.
PAINTED HEADBOARDS
Colour can be subtle or bold, but it is one of the most transformative tools you can use to add interest to the wall behind your bed or by adding colour in a more subtle way to your headboard.
Photo: Annie Sloan
For added charm, you can customise your headboard by painting a motif like the one pictured here, which is painted in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The headboard has been carefully decorated with a fine-detail brush to create the flower and yellow line. To find your own headboard to paint, look out for vintage and pre-loved headboards you can transform. If necessary, start by painting the headboard itself in a neutral colour before you add the detailing. You can also paint an existing wooden headboard or bed frame and give it a totally new look. Pine, for instance, is a wood that has been used for many bed frames and headboards and is easy to prime, then paint over. Aside from the headboard, a fresh coat of paint on the wall behind the bed can instantly elevate a bedroom. You could aim for a bold accent wall or a softer tone to frame the headboard whilst still allowing the bed to be the focal point.
BOLD COLOUR
A vivid, bold colour can brighten up your bedroom and give you the feel-good factor every time you step into the room.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst - Charlie Luxton’s sustainable new build
By incorporating a vibrant colour into your bedroom, even through soft furnishings like the bedspread and pillows on the bed pictured here, you can instantly inject warmth and energy into your bedroom. Dopamine decor is an interior style all about boosting mood through bold colours and uplifting design choices. Adding a splash of colour is also perfect if you have a neutral-toned scheme like the grey hues in the bedroom pictured here.
STYLISH TWIN BEDROOM
When dressed well, twin beds can look as attractive as a double or king.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst Photo: Sandra van Aalst for Seasons Woven, 25 Beautiful Homes and Modern Farmhouse magazine
Twin beds can also look stylish, like the pair pictured here in the rustic setting of a converted barn. The two single beds in the room create charm and symmetry, with natural textures such as the wooden frames and tree trunk side tables echoing the beamed ceilings and rugged beauty of the space. You may have a vacation rental where twin beds work better, or find that they are simply more practical in a guest room. Dress them as you would a double or king-size bed with decorative cushions and throws.
FRAMING THE BED WITH A WINDOW
A bed placed against a window can create a focal point in the room.
Photo: Button & Sprung
A bed against a window can make the most of floor space and create an attractive focal point with the added benefit of a view. The shape of the room often dictates where you place your bed. If you happen to be lucky enough to have a bay window, this offers a natural alcove that can perfectly frame your bed, making the entire space feel more open and inviting, just like the wingback bed by Button & Sprung, pictured here. If your room size is small, placing your bed against a window might be your only option. If this is the case, opt for a low headboard to keep the window visible and allow a gap for air circulation. So, then there’s the question of what window treatment to use. The floor-length blue linen sheers look simply gorgeous in the bedroom pictured here, as they frame the bed, but unless you have a bay window or a window that is wider than the bed, I’d probably opt for blinds or shutters instead.
HOLIDAY STYLING
Transform your bedroom or guest room into a festive feast for the eye by adding a few seasonal touches.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
Include your bedroom in your holiday decorations for a truly festive home. The bed pictured here was in my guest room, and at Christmas time, I would transform it into a stylish winter bedroom to make it more atmospheric for family and friends staying over. Along with a sheepskin throw and a heart-shaped fur cushion, I also added a stylish grey felt stocking. I decorated the posts of the bed with a fake fir garland and dotted winter spice-scented candles around. You don’t need to go over the top like I did, as even a single cushion with a reindeer printed on it can make a difference and impress your guests during the festive season.
SUSTAINABLE & STYLISH
Add something organic to your bedroom scheme. This could be a wood table, linen cushion, or, as in the image, a timber-panelled wall.
Photo: Chaunceys Timber Flooring
We’re all pretty conscious of our homes being sustainable, which is why, in one form or another, most bedrooms have something made from natural materials. Check out the bedroom pictured here: an entire double-height wall has been clad vertically in a honey-toned oak by Chaunceys Timber Flooring. A contemporary metal reading light is integrated into the wall, adding a stylish touch to the timber. You can add sustainable pieces to your bedroom in so many different ways, like many of the bedrooms featured in this article, which have a wood side table or bench, a pure wool throw, a rough timber headboard, or natural linen duvet covers, cushions, and pillows within the interior scheme.
STYLISH GIRL’S BEDROOM
Children’s bedrooms can be just as stylish as grown-ups’.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
This bedroom was designed by another very stylish friend of mine for her daughter’s bedroom in the South of France. She has blended style and charm while keeping it nicely organised. As it was a holiday home, the overall design needed to be timeless so her daughter didn’t tire of the scheme, even as a young adult. A classic bedspread did the trick, with off-white embroidery in a mix of geometric and elephant shapes, accented with an orange background and stitching. The bedspread is paired with accents in the curtains and cushions in similar tones, so the room feels cohesive. Along with pops of orange in the bedspread, a pile of orange-toned boxes double as a surface to display toys and cleverly pulls the whole look together.
STYLISH BOY’S BEDROOM
A boy’s bedroom doesn’t just have to feature cars, trains, or Disney-themed bed linen; you can make it more sophisticated but still fun.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
