5 Ways to Design A Dreamy Bedroom

Five Ways to Design A Dreamy Bedroom.

photo by John Ellis for FrenchCountryStyle Magazine, styling by Sunday Hendrickson.

You spend more than 1/3 of your life in your bedroom, sleeping, reading, or simply relaxing, so make sure it's one of your favorite rooms in your house. How? Designing a soothing bedroom is easy. I love my bedroom at home, above. Here are a few of my favorite tips: 1. Be comfortable. Buy the best mattress you can afford. And replace it every 8-10 years. Add a feather bed on top, or buy one of the pillow-top mattresses for heavenly comfort. You should snuggle into bed every evening and say to your self:" My bed is the most comfortable haven." 2. Have a beautiful bed. If you can't find an antique bed you love in the right size {antique beds are often much smaller than the beds we love today} consider one of the lovely reproduction beds. An upholstered headboard is another option, you can even make one yourself from a piece of plywood, cotton batting, and fabric using your trusty staple gun. Soft, beautiful, and quite cost effective! 3. Bedside tables are key. They don't have to match, you can use a small round table on one side and a small desk on the other if you wish. There should be a spot on both sides of the bed to have a few books, a glass of water, and some roses, as well as a reading lamp. A drawer is nice, too! The top of the bedside tables should be about the same level as the top of your mattress. Designer Pam Kelley used two antique pieces next to this bed, an antique commode, and a smaller nightstand. Though different in size, the room is visually balanced. Wouldn't you love to sleep in this gorgeous room? 4. Start with the basics. I love an all white bedroom, and have a White Belgian Linen Duvet Cover on our bed here at home. The white is a perfect canvas for adding different color accents for the changing seasons. I prefer the all white, it's so soothing and peaceful, and really makes our antiques the focus of the room. This white and neutral grey striped bed is a lovely, serene look for your bedroom. It translates to many different interior styles, from antique to contemporary. The knit pillow and open weave throw creates a contemporary look in this room. Another neutral bed, rich with layers of linen, velvet and lace in neutral colors with a pop of aqua and white. 5. Add symmetry for balance. A pair of lamps on your bedside tables add balance, and somehow soothe your eyes and mind. White silk shades let the most light glow, for night time reading. Interior Decorator Eric Ross placed two lamps on matching bedside tables, not only adding symmetry to this beautiful room, but function, too. The soft palette, and careful use of accessories and art makes this a room everyone would love to retire to! I hope that these tips give you a jump start for creating the bedroom of your dreams. Bedrooms are not just for sleeping, it's the place we all love to snuggle up with a good book, a cup of Earl Grey, and listen to music to unwind and relax. I hope you love your bedroom! To see more bedroom inspiration, please FrenchGardenhouse on Pinterest and see what I pin!